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 Globe, Again

The Globe, yet, again, in the late afternoon. This is around 630pm.



This time it's a different experience. We were laughing through out the time because it was sooo windy!





We are literally being blown away.



Kapiiitt!!!



I'm floating!



Thank you, Nay, Tay!

At The Kingdom

I am only able to go out in my parents flat when I'm with my parents because women here are not aloud to go out alone. Although, there are some women who are bold enough to do so because Saudi have gone a long way to leniency. There are times also, when women are able to walk around without tarha.

But, one time when we were having dinner in a mall, an Indian maintenance kept calling me to cover my hair. I was glad that I was able to hear it and able to cover my hair fast enough before the mutawa walked through our table. Huh! That was close!

Last night, we went to the Kingdom Mall to go to the Sky Bridge. Since it was still Sala, prayer time, the store and all establishmnents are closed. To pass some time, I asked for a jump shot. This is the only shot that is worth calling a jump shot aftet countless of tries. This is mu cousin, Craig. A cute and smart boy.


He loves his uncle and aunt.


We had our dinner at Chili's.


The tables have heavy curtains which looks like a big photo booth. LOL.


The serving is big. I had Grilled Salmon with Herbs. The salmon was grilled tenderly but it's a bit salty especially the veggies. Looks like it was sprinkled with some pinch of salt.


This is where we are headed. Gwapo ng tatay ko, no?


The view from the sky bridge.


The entrance fee is quite expensive. 25SR for just a view of the Riyadh! Not worth it.


But, the experience and company of my parents and tatay's cousin and his family is what made the night worth doing again, minus the Sky Bridge.