Seoul Korea, Day 1

I can't believe I'm in Seoul. The truest koreanovela addict should never pass this chance. It is a must that you visit the shooting locations of the rom-com or drama series that caused you to stay up late at night or in the wee hours of the morning or worst, until the cock crows to try to finish the whole episode.


This is what greeted me on my first day here in Yoo's Guesthouse. It is a hanok, a traditional Korean house. No tables, nor chairs in the room. Just a sunken bed aka mattress.

We booked our flight from September 9 to 14. And, we were kind of surprised to see that there are few people in the subway. Later we found out that it was their Mid-Autumn holiday. None working days from Sat to Tuesday. Bummer!



Tile art at the Anguk station. Koreans value arts and the people's talents.


Information booth at strategic locations around Seoul where you can get maps and ask for directions around the area. Tourist friendly indeed.




We were looking for forex shops and passed along Insadong. This about 5-7min from the guesthouse.

Koreans are kind.


This guy even approached and asked us if we need help.

While hubby is asking for directions.

I'm taking some photo ops. At the far end is a palace which we were not able to visit.

Our plan for the day is to take the Seoul City Tour Bus at Donghwa Duty Free Shop at Gwanghwamun Subway Line 5. 10KWON per pax for the Downtown Tour. This is a hop-off hop-on kind of tour bus. You can drop off to the stops you want and take the next tour bus. This is good specially if you want to take your own time to each spots.

First stop: Gyeongbokgung Palace
We were able to witness the change of gaurds ceremony.



I can't just passby this cute Korean. He said hubby is cute and handsome. Hmmm...


There has to be a jump shot.



Next stop: Namdaemun Market


We had our lunch here. I forgot the name of the place.
Default part of the dish. Kimchi, chili dilis, omelet.


This is really nice but it's sooo spicy.


So i changed it with hubby's bibimbap.


After lunch we headed to National Museum of Korea.
Photo Credit: Travelpod.co.uk

This travel blog photo's source is TravelPod page: 4 (cold) days in Seoul

This travel blog photo's source is TravelPod page: 4 (cold) days in Seoul

I think we should implement this.

Diorama. Depicting the traditions of Korea.


There really has to be a jump shot:



Traditional village of Korea.


By this time I can no longer walk properly. As soon as i stepped out of the bus I felt my right foot hurting. It was really painful every time it hits the floor.
Pero smile pa rin.


Some photo ops:


See how uncomfortable we are?


After this we headed home to rest my foot.


Hoping tomorrow it won't hurt that much. And so I thought because I endured it on the next 4 days we toured Seoul.

Some tips:
1. Take the Seoul City Tour Bus to go around Seoul cheaper and easier.
2. Bring water with you all the time. There are not not much drinking station in Seoul.
3. If you're not into spicy food always ask if your order is spicy or not.
4. Change rates in Insadong are higher than in the airport. Change your money in the airport to pay for the bus/taxi and the rest at Insadong.
5. The strategic location for hotels, hostels or backpackers house is around Jongno-go 3 station. It is an interchange station where there are three lanes.
6. Try to find the Seoul City Pass Card at the Ministop Airport for Metro Train transpo. It is cheaper.
7. Lastly, NEVER EVER do a jump shot on your slippers and on an uneven flooring.

The Fury of Pedring

Yesterday Metro Manila, Philippines was devastated by Typhoon Pedring.



Gusty wind and heavy rainfall scared our friends and families because they were reminded of Typhoon Ondoy that happened two years ago, Sept 26, 2009. If I were there it would scare the hell out of me, too.

It was sad that Sofitel Philippines was not spared. We spent our anniversary there and the first time hubby came back to Philippines from Singapore last March.


Scary!


Inside the buffet area.


From the news there 16 casualties as of this time. It is sad. I hope the government would become more proactive in dealing with the rainy season since every year almost the same month we experience this kind of nasty weather. And the people, generally, would be more prepared and take proper garbage disposal more seriously as it is the main cause of flooding in Metro Manila.

After the storm the next big thing is for the affected people to face the pain that their homes, businesses and worse their loved one/s are gone. I pray that with God's mercy our kababayan would be able to overcome another tragedy.

Where To?

I think I've had enough of the corporate world. I feel like I was traumatized by the pressure and stress of being in a fast-paced company.

I want to do something else now. Something that I love and would enjoy doing despite the inevitable stress.

But, I need to help Kenneth in being able to earn the money we need once we settle in Manila faster. I also feel like it's unfair that he works hard for both of us while me, the only thing that stresses me out is to think of the dishes that I need to prepare for him.

That's why I am looking for online business and at the same time trying to apply for a job, in the office. Note the operative word, 'trying', because it has been 5 days since I came back from Manila and I haven't been really looking out for potential job.

So where does this lead me to? I don't know. I keep on praying that the good Lord would help me out and I would be attentive enough to notice it.

No Nationality Can Be Cheezier Than The Koreans

I think. From movies to TV dramas, to soundtracks, to their tourist spots and the people, you could see how they cheezy they are.

Dried leaves at Nami Island.


The people!
At Nami Island

Han River




Lover's locks at Namsan Tower

Couple's tile message at Namsam Tower


Memorabilia from TV dramas
First Kiss at Nami Island

Winter Sonata at Nami Island


These are just what captured my camera. If you've seen them in public, couples would cuddle, hug and kiss (on the cheeks, that is) as if they're the only ones in the world.

The Kiss by Gustav Klimt

I got enchanted with this art and later found out that it was made by Gustav Klimt.

"Gustav Klimt was the principal Austrian Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) painter, and one of the founders of the Vienna Sezession (1898), although he resigned in 1903. He was essentially a decorator and, from 1883 to 1892, he shared a studio for decorative painting with his brother and another artist: they worked in the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, in 1891. From c.1898, after a barren period of about six years, he was influenced by Japanese art and by contemporary English painters like Burne Jones and Alma-Tadema. A more realist style characterized his ceilings for Vienna University (1900-1903), which were very unpopular. He was perhaps most successful as a designer for the applied arts (e.g. mosaic), but he was also a great influence on Schiele and Kokoschka." - from The Penguin Dictionary of Art and Artists


Lovely isn't it? So passionately romantic.

Sarang Korea!

Ok. I'll try to post everything as much as I can and as soon as I can. I don't want this to back log on me. Hehehe...

We left Philly at 5 in the afternoon via Cebu Pacific budget flight at NAIA 3 and arrived at Incheon Airport past 10pm. South Korea is one hour ahead of us.


The airport is so big. I was amazed. Haha!


Train to the bus terminal. Yes, we lined up. Awesome isn't it?

We are supposed to take the bus 6011 to Seoul but just as we arrived it left so we took the bus going to Jongno3 station instead. Incheon airport to Seoul is a one hour trip. It was already late, we are lost and no map with us even the direction going to the guesthouse is lost.


A very unassuming man helped us out. He even called the owner of the guesthouse to get the direction on how to go to the place.


We are impressed! All taxi cabs here have GPS. But, got surprised by the charge, 4500KWon! Because it's a black taxi. Black and orange cabs are private cabs which charges higher than ordinary cabs.


Our dinner for the night, okoy. We did not anticipate that we'd get to the place at past midnight.

Remember:
1. Try to get an earlier flight going to Korea so you'll be able to catch the bus to Seoul. It just costs a minimum of 10k won. KWon100 = Php40
2. Don't take the black or orange taxi cabs as it is a private cab. Meaning you take the taxi by yourself while other taxis they can let other passengers in as long as it's along the way.
3. Never be afraid to ask to save you from unnecessary walking. Koreans are generally kind and helpful