Annyeong Korea 2, Lost in Seoul

I woke up in a chilly and breezy morning on my 3rd day in Korea. I don't know exactly the temperature but I guess it ranges from 17-24 C. Coming from a warm place like Oman, my body needs a major adjustment to this sudden decreased in temperature.

We started our day at 8 am and decided to see the famous Seoul Tower. We rode the subway going to Itaewon and again rode a bus going to Namsan. 

My cousin actually forgot the particular bus stop going to the tower, without asking for help, we just alight in a place where there are some Ajussi and Ajummas crowding in the area. 

Then we asked one Ahjumma according to her, we have to walk the trails to climb the mountain 

(Mt. Namsan) to reached the tower...hahahaha..:(

It took us maybe 1 hour to reached the open space in Seoul Tower. 30 minutes walking and 30 minutes to be mesmerize by the view of nature in the Fortress trail.

I really appreciate a country that promotes exercise and well being. These are outdoor exercise equipment made for the public. I have noticed this equipments while roaming around Hongdae, Myeongdong and Hangang Park. I wish Philippines will promote the same thing. For those Beer Bellies and FHHM ladies...no offense ha!!

It was a crowded day at Seoul Tower, we took some snaps in the area and went to the roof terrace where the whole place was filled with Locks.

Here are some of the best couple locks I noticed.

I cant helped to noticed the scribbling in some areas; like this one:

From the rooftop you can see the view of the city by telescopes, but if you want more wide range view from the top then you have to buy a ticket.

We got the tickets for Digital Observatory Tower for 18,000 won each. There are some options and packages to choose from in the tower but we choose the cheapest one!

Whoa, the view from the tower was awesome! It had a huge glass window to view the entire city at 360 degree.

Here is our souvenir photo taken from Seoul Tower! 

   ...oooppss ..where is that??? its missing..haizzzt!!

I haven't had the time to read the History however I got to read this one....Interesting.

If you left Seoul Tower early you might miss this sword performance which started at 3 pm at the plaza. 

Korean Men wearing ancient types Korean combat clothing.

I'm happy to have captured great images of them while performing their martial arts performance.

Korean Traditional Drummers.

A cute Korean guy catches my attention hahaha...

Of course I got a chance to take some photos with the performers, they are so nice and approachable...feeling KPOP lang...

We left Seoul tower at 5pm and headed to Namdaemun Market just to grab Traditional Korean Food. We have come to this place....

and ordered this...

Jajangmyeon (Noodles in black bean sauce)

Tang su yuk (Korean sweet and sour pork)

I honestly didn't like the jajangmyeon that I ordered but I still finished the bowl of noodles out of courtesy. As the Restaurant owner and staff are very nice. And the Tang sayuk was just OK!

At night we headed towards the Banpo bridge along Han River by subway, again following and depending on my cousin who knows the way. But unfortunately, she's having a short term amnesia during that day and for the second time, we were lost! Then we asked some locals in the area to give us directions on how to go to Banpo bridge but they just give us confusing answers. Although we could barely see it, but were unable to reached the bridge and were tired of walking. Luckily, a middle aged man who knows a little English and our last person to ask before we gave up, offers his service to bring us there exactly at the bridge!

We arrived at Banpo Bridge and thanked the man who save us! 

There was a huge park in the area, so we stroll around, set up my camera into night mode setting and took pictures. Then, at exactly 09:00pm, the Light Show starts! Yes, this is what I came here for. The magnificent lights of Banpo bridge dancing on top of Han River...the water dancing with the sound of the music and changing its colors which lasted for 20 minutes was so amazing. Its a dream location for a wannabe photographer like me.

That ended my 2nd day tour in Korea...although I did get lost most of the time during my trip, sooner or later I would get back on track again. So no worries, that is the most exciting part of my travel experience hahaha....and for sure my guardian angel is always guiding me! Heres one quotes I love so much and wanted to share with you... “It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.”  ― Ernest Hemingway. More to come!

For those who who want to come here this is the best direction:

> Take Subway Line 3, Line 7 or Line 9 to Express Bus Terminal Station (Exit 8-1).

    After exiting, continue for 300 meters until you reach an intersection with an elevated road.

    Turn right and continue for about 15 minutes or 800 meters to reach the Banpo Hangang Park and the           bridge.

> Take bus 405 or 8340 to Banpo Hangang Park.

    

Annyeong Korea!

Autumn in my Heart, do you remember that korean drama watch by many Filipinos. Yes, that was my ultimate fave korean drama. And because of that I decided to visit Korea this autumn season (Autumn started from September to November). And Yes again I am right, the weather is nice, the view is breathtaking with the tress changing its color from yellow, red and brown and I don't have to wear to thick or to less clothes during my trip. With these blog I hope I could give you some views about the country based on my travelling experience. Let's start!

I arrived from Incheon Airport, one of the top airports in the world. Its a busy airport but so organized. So before you leaved the airport you can do all your stuff in here like renting a mobile (buying a sim card here is costly), roaming in your phone, exchanging currency, buying a Tmoney (i'll explain later what is tmoney) getting a map etch. This is gate 9 exit, where the Limousine airport bus going to my destination Uijeongbu is parked.

By the way, be very careful in using their ATM's. Foreign cards are not accepted in some ATM and bank machine in korea! they told me, it's because of the magnetic chips..whatever. So I got my ATM blocked for continously inserting my card wondering why it's not dispensing cash. Shocks!Trouble! Thank God I have another savings account hahaha..I went to this bank and one english speaking customer service helped me. He said that I have to used "Global ATM" for foreign card and I can choose any language I prefer..awesome! 

Arriving at Uijeongbu station, I have waited for my cousin who lives in korea to picked me up. Its almost 2 hours and their is no sign of her so I have waited at Hollys Coffee and posted this pics in Facebook. It's past 8 pm. Lastly, I took a cab speaking in korean I learned from Google App and went to Kimchee Guesthouse in Hongdae Area.

The next day I met with my cousin and went to our first trip at the Palaces of Joseon Dynasty. We ride the Seoul Subway, its a fast, cheap and convenient way of transportation and can bring you in any parts of South korea. Here, I have learned some korean etiquette in riding the train.Totally different from the Philippines hahaha..

This is my T money pass, it is also available in card, watches, mp3 player etch. But I choose mine as a cellphone attachment, it is much easier coz I carry my cellphone always on my hand. This money pass is an all in one transportation card, you can used it in taxi, buses, trains even in convenient store.

THE GYEONGBOKGUNG PALACE

So glad to witness the changing of Royal Guards at Gyeongbokgung Palace. The performance starts at 10 am. The videotaped scene can be watched on my You Tube account. You can checked it out. :)

This is Ms Kim Hye Sung, our Tour Guide from Korean Tourism Organization. I used their website a lot before and during my visit. Have you seen my face here..hehehe..Im totally hooked with the history of these palaces, it is same like watching a Korean Drama..very attentive.

These are not just pictures I have taken because it looks good but because their is a philosophy and meaning behind all of these. Every details symbolizes something and that makes it more interesting for me.

KING SEJONG THE GREAT
I think before leaving korea, a visitor must have a souvenir photo of the most popular "Kpop and Kdrama artist" of all time. King Sejong the Great! I need to give credit for this man, if its not for him there would not be a korean language as we know today.

TRADITIONAL KOREAN WEDDING DRESS

I went to try on Hanboks available at Unhyeongung Palace. It really suits me hehehe...love it so much!

Day 2 of my Trip to Korea.

This is at the BUKCHON HANOK VILLAGE. Sadly I went all by myself , my cousin have to go to work that time. These photos are taken by timed setting and a tripod. A hanok is a traditional korean home, it is still preserved till now that is why it is seen as a tourist attraction. Although this is the first time I visited the place but it looks very familiar to me, why? Because it has something to do with korean dramas that are filmed here...hmmm...

MYEONGDONG SHOPPING MARTKET

Wonder where koreans got there high end sense of Fashion, its in here Myeongdong Market. Fashion is what defines these shopping markets. You can find stuff like clothes, shoes, bags and beauty products in almost every corner. But I didn't buy anything from here, too early for me buying gifts for loved ones hehehe, instead I went here:

Do you remember the famous song of my favorite korean actress Song Hye Kyo in Full House, the "papa bear and mama bear" song. Yeah that's right! Cute Bears are very famous in Korea, they are very famous that they exhibited them in a museum wearing clothes like Kpop and Hanboks. Portraying roles of famous people etch. ...so adorable! When you visit this museum in myeongdong area, you can have a free drinks of your choice. Not bad.

ITAEWON

I just happen to come at this place as I have met two Filipinos from subway and both of them are headed to itaewon. They work and lived in itaewon, according to them this place is the foreigner district and that is true, as I pass by the main street I see a lot of different nationality and seen a lot of foreign restaurant in the area too. It's the best destination for nightlife as well, bars are everywhere and open up to 3am. Unfortunately, subways curfew time is up to 11 pm only..or else I need to booked a Hotel for sleepover.

ITAEWON is a Dog Friendly Area...Very cool!

that ends my 2nd day of trip to Korea. More to come!!