While at the Gyeongbokgung Palace
My first trip in South Korea was for the period June 26 to 30, 2023 with three travel buddies, namely:
Teresa Santiago, and
Beng Sia. Our round trip airfare was thru Air Asia where we left NAIA Terminal 3 on June 26, 2023 at 7:15 A.M. boarding Flight No. Z2 884 and arrived at Seoul Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 at 12:10 noon for a total air travel of 3 hours and 55 minutes. While our return flight was on June 30, 2023 boarding Flight Z2 885 at 12:55 Noon from Seoul Incheon Airport Terminal 1 and arrived back at NAIA Terminal 3 at 16:10 P.M. for a total air travel of 4 hours and 15 minutes. We were based in Myeongdong Tourist District of Seoul.
Day 1 June 26, 2023
Still at Incheon Airport with Tess Santiago at 1:16 P.M.
While we arrived at around 12:15 Noon in Seoul Airport, it took our time in the Immigration and claiming of our luggage. There was no hassle at the Immigration point. The queue was very long but it moved fast. No questions asked by the Immigration Officer. But in the Philippines, the immigration office asks so many questions if they are suspicious of the passenger.
Boarding a Airport Railroad Express (AREX) from the Incheon Airport
It took us 72 minutes boarding the Airport Railroad Express (AREX) for 12 train stations starting from Incheon Terminal I Station then to the Airport Cargo Terminal Station, then Unsea Station, Yeongjang Station, Cheongna International City station, Geomam Station, Gyeyang Station, Gimpo International Airport Station, Digital Media City station, Hongik University station, Gongdeak Station and Seoul Station. From the Seoul Station, we have to go out from the station using the stairs with heavy luggage and transfered to another station going to Myeongdong train station, just the next one from Seoul Station and this is a part of Seoul Subway Line 4. This is another 18 minutes since we have to use stairs and wait for the next train just for one station away.
Our reserved accommodation at Oyo Hostel
From Myeong-dong train station was just a walking distance to our hotel for five blocks away. We checked in at Oyo Hostel at 4:30 P.M. located at South Korea, Seoul, Jung District, Myeongdong 21-7, 8-gil. That is they write their address. It was at the very center of the very busy Myeongdong shopping and tourist belt. Jung District is one of the districts of the city of Seoul.
Part of the Myeongdong busy district
One needs to use Google map in locating the address because it is difficult to ask when most of the Koreans don't speak English. Besides, they are not as accommodating as the Japanese in entertaining you to get to the right direction or address.
Early dinner at 4:40 P.M.
Just after check-in, we rushed to the nearby restaurant for an early dinner. Afterall, we have not really eaten a regular lunch meal only snacks at the airport.
The choice of meals
My choice of meal at 9,000 Korean won
I really fought to have rice for my meal where most of the food are spicy. However, most of the meals served does not have rice, they have noodles and 9,000 Korean won is P372 and so I ordered another rice like that of a Chinese rice with mixture of egg and veggies for 7,000 won or P289. So, my early dinner was P661. It is not to mention that I have to buy for a bottled water of 500ml for 1,250 won or P52, making my dinner a total of P713 converted to US Dollars is 12.60.
After dinner, we separated with each other and roamed around the busy district of Myeongdong and had toured as far as the pictures below.
At 8:19 P.M., I went back to the busy street of Myeongdong where delicious street food are being sold. It was flocked by so many tourists. I find their street food really good and one by one, I looked at the food stalls but I only bought three of them.
I bought 3 pieces here
After that, I just had the last stroll to complete my round for the night and returned to the hostel for an overnight rest.
Day 2 June 27, 2023
Free accommodation breakfast
We woke up late and was up for breakfast at 8:19 A.M.
Our accommodation includes a free breakfast like the slice bread, spreads, unlimited coffee, tea, milk and juice. However, I bought rice and pork from the convenience store just at the ground floor of our accommodation. It has a common dining area for the guests.
Tess Santiago at the opposite of my table
For my breakfast, I had bread, juice, fresh milk, peanut butter, pork and rice. The reason why I bought rice for my breakfast is that, in the restaurants, rice are very expensive and can be in a separate order. Convenience stores sell them at 1,500 won and above or P62.
Seoul CityTour Hop-in Hop Off Bus Service (Klook reservation)
Waiting for our booked Seoul city tours
Our Klook booked city hop-in hop off bus tour was at 10:00 A.M. where it costs 15,000 won or P620 While waiting, we stayed in the nearby Starbucks. Surprisingly, they have the best interior design of the coffee shop. We just sat there but we did not order for any drinks.
Beng Sia at my back at the city tour bus
Being the first to occupy the bus, we had the opportunity to get the front seats of the upper deck of the double decker bus. Thus, we really had the best capture of the city tour as shown below.
First Bus Hop-off Destination: Namsangol Hanok Village
At exactly 10:25 A.M. we lifted the bus to have a short walk heading to Namsangol Hanok Village. It was just three blocks away from the bus stop.
Bus stop for Namsangol Hanok Village
The village itself does not offer Hanbok traditional attire but near its gate are some stores for rental. Namsangol Hanok Village was a famous summer vacation spot during Joseon Dynasty and was called Cheonghak-dong, the palace where the gods live due it its beautiful scenery.
My rented hanbok traditional attire
I decided to rent a hanbok traditional attire which costs 21,000 won or P900. The attire is a set of head wear, main outfit, pants and shoes. For ladies, they are more expensive for 25,000 won or P1,034.00. You can leave at the shop your clothes since you have to remove them when wearing this hanbok. Other shop rentals offer hair and make-up, but we opted not to have this.
Enjoying my hanbok attire
Touring around the village
The hanoks reflect different unique characteristics of their owner's background from Carpenter in charge of constructing Gyeongbokgung Palace, Military General, Son-in-law of King Cheoljong (1831-1864), Parents of Empress Sunjeonghyo (wife of Emperor Sunjong, 1874-1926) to Uncle of Empress Sunjeonghyo (1894 - 1966).
The following are a few sections or parts of the village
The main gate
Just next to the registration section
Heading to the inner part (Model: Beng Sia)
Beng Sia and Teresa Santiago
The vast expanse of the village
The inner chambers
The blending of the modern city and the old civilization
Teresa Santiago and yours truly
Second Bus Hop-off Destination: Namsan Seoul Tower and Park Complex
At 12:16 Noon, we boarded again a city tour bus and arrived at the Namsan Seoul Tower bus station at 12:39 Noon, our second tourist destination. Namsan Tower is a communication and observation tower located on the summit of Namsan mountain at 262 MASL or 860 feet. It is officially the YTN Seoul Tower. The 236 meter tall (774 feet) structure marks the second highest point in Seoul and is considered a local landmark. It was built in 1971. Currently, this tower broadcasts signals for Korean media outlets, such as KBS, MBC and SBS.
Overlooking vast expanse of Seoul City at Namsan viewdeck
Tess Santiago at Namsan bus stop viewdeck
While at the Namsan bus stop view deck
The Namsam Seoul Tower
From the summit where the tower is built is a park complex with observation decks, restaurants, and other amenities, is the centerpiece of the complex. It is also where the Teddy Bear Museum is erected and the Haneul Restroom with its unique view is found.
Walking trails for joggers
The park is also endowed with walking trails and scenic views. This road is heading from the bus stop heading to the tower complex. While we were boarding at the bus from its jump off point to the Namsan bus stop, we have seen a number of joggers and trail runners heading up.
The massive and scenic park at the tower base
This tower base complex park will surely give an amazing view during autumn
The famous "love locks" terrace at the tower base
Searching for the entrance of the tower lift ride to the tower observation deck
The round trip entrance ticket for Observation Deck is 21,000 won (or P868 or US$16) for adults. It is 16,000 (or P661 or US$12) for seniors (65+) and children (ages 3-12).
On the other hand, Namsan Seoul Tower park complex offers also services for cable car where it has different fare prices for adulats and children, and for one way or round-trip tickets. For adults a round trip ticket costs 15,000 won (P620) and a one way ticket costs 12,000 won (P496). For children (ages 36 months to 12 years), a round trip ticket costs 11,500 won (P475) and a one way ticket costs 9,000 won (P372).
Passing thru shops and restaurants to the elevator heading to the observation deck
The magical passage heading to the elevator of the Observation view deck
The Observation viewdeck CR offers an amazing panoramic view of Seoul City
Third Bus Hop-off Destination: Art Hall (including street food lunch)
We left Namsan Seoul Tower at 2:00 P.M. and dropped from the tourist bus at Art Hall around 2:30 P.M. From this point, we had a street food lunch only. And my amigas bought some cosmetic items from nearby.
The Highly Modern Art Hall structural design
It was difficult for us locating comfort rooms. Thus upon dropping by at the Art Hall, we entered at Cafe de Fessonia to use a a comfort room.
Crossing the street towards the other side
We need to cross the street, to search for street food which will serve as our lunch. Nearby are hotels and expensive restaurants and so we need just to eat street food.
Our lunch matched with corn dog (Model: Teresa Santiago)
Clean street food and yummy at that
No place to eat. The concrete benches provide
Buying spree of cosmetic items (Tess and Beng)
Fourth Bus Hop-off Destination: a) National Folk Museum of Korea
From Art Hall, we took again the tourist bus at 3:51 P.M. heading to the National Folk Museum of Korea where we arrived there at 4:20 P.M.
Fourth Bus Hop-off Destination: b) The National of Modern and Contemporary Art Seoul
DIY Gwanghwamun Monument Park
At 4:42 P.M, we had a long walk heading to Gwanghwamun Monumen Park coming from the National Folk Museum of Korea. We already had a cut-off time for the Hip-in Hip-off bus tour and we arrived there on foot by 5:32 P.M.
The Gwanghwamun Monument
The backdrop of the Gwanghwamun Monument: The Gyeongbokgung Palace
Still at Gwanghwamun Monument Park complex
From this point, we took a train going back to our accommodation in Myeongdong. Upon arrival in Myeongdong, we had dinner through food packs from the convenience store.
Day 3 June 28, 2023
Day Tour Agoda Package (3 Locations)
Waiting for the Day Tour Coordinator
We had been at Namsan Yejang Bus Transfer Center at early as 8:41 A.M. waiting for our tour coordinator, where she will guide us to our bus assignment. This three-destination day tour package costs 55,000 won or P2,273.00.
1. Italian Village Pinocchio and Da Vinci (Geonggi Province, South Korea)
Our bus arrived at the Italian Village at 10:30 A.M. and our tour coordinator arranged our tickets. It is located at 619-1 Goseongi-ri, Cheongpyeong-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyenonggi-do, South Korea.
It is a theme park that introduces Italian culture under the themes of 'Pinocchio' and Leonardo da Vinci, the representative Italian fairy tales. The Italian scenes in the drama were actually filmed in Italy and at this location. The Italian village is delicately reproduced to the extent that is is difficult to tell if it is not known. The 10.8-meter high statue of Pinocchio standing at the entrance is a photo point. If you go up to the observatory, you can see the back of the statue and the lake in the distance.
The following pictures will tell you about this place.
2. Petite French Village (Geonggi Province, South Korea)
This theme park is just adjacent to Italian Village Pinocchio and is just 2 minutes walk. We set foot on this village at 11:21 A.M. It is located at 1063 Hoban-ro, Cheongpyeong-myeon Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. It is a French-style theme park that was constructed in July 2008. It is like a charming French cultural village set in the Korean countryside which is like a slice of Europe in South Korea.
The pictures below best describe this village.
The main entrance
3. Nami Island (Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, South Korea)
Nami Island is a half-moon shaped island in the middle of the Han River. It has an area of approximately 460,000 square kilometers. This is equivalent to about 0.17 square miles or 114 acres. This island is roughly 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) in diameter. Every day, there is one direct bus from Seoul to Nami Island. This is a cost-effective and convenient way to travel, with a journey time of about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The round trip fare is about 15,000 won or P619.
Lunch at the Nami Port while waiting for our booked ferry ride
We left Petite France Village at 11:55 A.M. and arrived at Nami's port terminal at 12:30 Noon. Our booked ferry ride to cross to the island was at 1:30 P.M. With this, we took our lunch first.
Nami Port Terminal Gate at Gapyeong Wharf
The duration of travel in crossing from Gapyeong Wharf to Nami Island is only 5 minutes. I took the photo below when we were able to disembark from the ferry to capture the totality of unloading passengers.
Ferry boat crossing to Nami Island
The main entrance to Nami Island
Nami Island is so picturesque especially if pictures and videos are not taken on selfies, since my two companion did not accompany me exploring the island. They just rested at the entrance restaurant. The following pictures will you a story of my
We left the island at 4:00 P.M. going back to Gapyeong Wharf . We boarded again in our tour bus going to back to Seoul. It was such a long ride but I captured impressive sceneries from countryside going to the urbanscape of the city of Seoul.
Passing thru the Olympic Village
Bridge connecting to the city of Seoul
Gwangjang Market
We tried to try the local food and delicacies at the Gwangjang Market ar around 7:20 P.M. We immersed along with the locals. I tried to chew their food as much as I could. It was cheaper anyway. But I really valued the experience. It was not the usual tourist belt that we visited and I felt like a local then.
We were so tired when we reached our accommodation in Myeong-dong and we did not resist with our fatigue, we succumbed to a deep and dreamless sleep.
Day 4 June 29, 2023
DIY Day Tour with Beng Sia
My travel buddy, Teresa Santiago, had complained of an aching feet and she decided not to go out. Thus, Beng accompanied me for a DIY Day tour. It was raining hard then.
Arrival at the Station heading to Gyeongbokgung Government Complex Seoul
We alighted from the train at 12:05 Noon and it was such a long walk heading to Gyeongbokgung government complex. Anyway, the long walk is concrete and covered as it is a part of the connecting link from the train station.
The National Palace Museum of Korea
The National Palace Museum of Korea
Gyeongbokgung Palace Complex
Despite the heavy downpour, I insisted to Beng that pictures taken for me should be umbrella-less for its distracts the view.
Heading to the side gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace
I suppose this is an inner gate to the palace
At the backdrop is the third inner gate of the palace
Gyeonghoeru open 2-storey pavilion
Still a part of the Gyeonghoeru Pavilion
The Heungbokjeon Hall
The other side of Gyeonghoeru Pavilion
The Sujeongjeon Hall and Gwolnaegaksa
We left Gyeongbokgung Palace at 2:30 P.M. heading to Gahoe Bukchon Hanok Village and arrived there at there at 3:07 P.M.
Gahoe Bukchon Hanok Village
Our lunch while in Gahoe Bukchon Hanok Village
We were really hungry when arrived at the nearby entry point of Bukchon Hanok Village and so despite the heavy downpour we managed to look for a small local restaurant and ended up a sumptuous lunch.
We left the village at 4:10 P.M. and returned to our accommodation and reunited with Teresa Santiago. At around 7:30 P.M. in a nearby restaurant, Beng treated us with sumptuous dinner. Sky is the limit daw.
Beng's dinner treat for us
Day 5 June 30, 2023
We woke up at 7:00 A.M. since our return flight to Manila is at 12:55 Noon, though checked out at 9:00 A.M. and took a train to Incheon International Airport.
Boarding a train from Myeongdong and change train at Seoul Station
While at Incheon International Airport
While boarding to our flight to Manila
Capturing Manila skyscrapers before our flight touchdown
Arrived at NAIA Terminal 3 at 4:20 P.M. Tired but happy as I passed thru long line of the Immigration checkpoint. What a memorable travel experience. My first time to in South Korea. Thank you to my support system and travel buddies: Teresa Santiago and Beng Sia. Without you two, I will not have the guts to go to South Korea. Beng Sia, was our navigator and she planned well this trip so that we won't be wasting time in impromptu decisions. She was the one who booked for the Klook and Agoda travel packages.
