I decided to create a post just for itineraries so it will be easier for me to remember everything if ever I want to blog about it.
October 3:
Departed from NAIA Terminal 3 bound to Beijing
October 4:
Waited for Poppy to arrive from Jakarta.
Spent 3 hours looking for our creepy hotel
Left the hotel around 6am bound to Summer Palace
Went back to the hotel to rest
Went to China Open (watched Serena Williams, Li Na, Kvitova, and Wozniacki in action)
WangFuJing
October 5:
Mutianyu Great Wall
Beijing Olympic Park
October 6:
Beijing Zoo
Beijing Olympic Park
Forbidden City (Outside)
Sanlitun (Meet up with Stef and Ms. Leng)
Drum Tower
October 7:
Tianamen Square
Forbidden City
Train to Shanghai
October 8:
Arrived in Shanghai
East Nanjing Road
Yuyuan Garden
The Bund
West Nanjing Road
October 9
BEST DAY EVER
SHANGHAI ROLEX MASTERS....
Xinzhuang Mall
October 10
Orient Pearl Tower
Peace Hotel
SG Mall
East Nanjing Road
Old Hutong
Pudong Airport :(
I'm David Ramos. Born and Raised in the Philippines. Currently based in Manila. Lived in Singapore, Malaysia and United States (Texas). I'm currently living a life of travel. I live by the quote from Anthony Bourdain - If you’re twenty-two, physically fit, hungry to learn and be better, I urge you to travel – as far and as widely as possible. Sleep on floors if you have to. Find out how other people live and eat and cook. Learn from them – wherever you go.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Friday, November 8, 2013
Seoul-Searching in South Korea
Finally, I am traveling alone on my 3rd attempt. My first attempt was when I booked a ticket to Taipei but my Dad decided to come with me which is good. My second attempt was when I booked a ticket to Beijing and Shanghai because I wanna see Serena Williams and Novak Djokovic. Thankfully, my friends Johan and Poppy decided to join me. It's a good thing they joined me because they were my photographer during the Shanghai Rolex Masters and Beijing China Open.
Since my last out of the country trip was just last month (October 2013), I'm actually planing to skip the Seoul trip because I still don't have a visa, hotel bookings and so on. However, 2 weeks before my trip I realized that this is a good time to visit and getting a South Korean Visa is not that hard since I have a US, Japan, and Australian stamps and visas. So I decided to push through with the trip.
Believe it or not I am a budget traveler . You wouldn't believe me when I say I spent less than 20,000 pesos for my 5 day trip to Seoul. My budget includes everything from airline tickets, taxes, shopping, DMZ Tour, accommodation and so on. I mastered the art of budget traveling. This is actually the first trip that was funded by me. I didn't ask anything from my Dad except for the travel tax ahahah. I don't know how I did it but I did. BTW this is my 2nd time in Seoul so I didn't go to Nami Island.
Day 1 - Arrival
My flight arrived around 8pm but because of the number of flights arriving at the same time, I was able to get out of the airport around 9pm. Incheon Airport is very far from the city you can either take a cab, bus or train. Among all the alternatives, the commuter train is the best alternative which cost around 3850KRW compared to the 10000 KRW bus. However, it might be hard to go and transfer between train stations if you have a lot of bags with you. BTW Seoul is not Manila. Seoul's subway is much better than our train system here in the Philippines. The only thing that makes going around Seoul subway hard is the lack of escalators in some station but you can use the elevator but it might take time. Anyway, I arrived in my hotel around 10:30pm
My hotel is located near Gwanghwamun station. It's a few steps away from the nearest subway exit. There are many good restaurants around and there's a grocery beside it. When I arrived, I decided not to sleep yet and went out since it's not yet that late and I'm craving for my favorite Korean Corn Dog.
I learned that they have a festival in Cheonggyecheon Stream. Too bad I went there late and almost all the food stalls are closing already except for one. I decided to buy whatever is in there and went back home to sleep.
Day 2: Everland Day
Everyday I usually walk 2 or more stations before going to my final destination. As I've said a while ago, my hotel is a few steps away from Gwanghwamun Station but then I only used it 2-4 times during my entire stay. I usually use Anguk Station from my hotel. Anguk is 2 or more stations away from my hotel but I usually go there because I want to walk and enjoy the surrounding. I really enjoyed walking but not early morning when the temperature is below 10 degrees and my hands are freezing to the point that I go inside a public restroom and wash it with warm water. Going back, I usually go to Gangnam Station first to catch the bus to Everland. Gangnam is a popular place because of Psy's Song. It's actually similar to Ginza of Tokyo. Nothing much to see for me. Moving on, Bus 5002 which will take you to Everland stops in Gangnam station in front of Krispy Kreme. It's actually the easiest way to go to Everland since it's somewhere outside Seoul. Everland has discounts for for foreigners. Instead of paying the normal 44000 KRW entrance fee you will just pay 35000 KRW. How? Google it.
I decided to leave around 4pm because I was really craving for my favorite Corn Dog in Myeongdong. However, I decided to pass by Namdaemun first before going to Myeongdong. This is actually my usual ending route for 5 days: Namdaemun to Myeongdong to Cheonggyecheon Stream to Home.
Namdaemun Market is comparable to Divisoria or Baclaran. I believe they sell the cheapest souvenirs. I bought some keychains and Korean Flag before leaving the area on my way to Myeongdong.
Myeongdong is a shopping district! Definitely heaven for shoppers. They have H&M, Zara, Uniqlo, Forever21, Guess, SPAO, Nike, Adidas, Face Shop, and so on. FREE WIFI ALL OVER MYEONGDONG! I even faced time my aunt while walking around. I usually roam Myeongdong for an hour before heading to Cheonggyecheon Stream on my way home.
Bukchon Hanok Village is in between Gyeongbokgung and Chakblablah Palace. You can use the map provided to go there haha. It's actually a tiring walk going here because the roads are uphill. Nevertheless, it's worth the trecking.
This palace is included in the UNESCO list so why not give it a try. I decided to go there instead of Gyeongbokgung because I haven't been there and I already visited Gyeongbokgung before. If you're a first timer I highly suggest to visit Gyeongbokgung and watch the changing of the guard. BTW entrance to this palace is 3000KRW. However, if you're game for palace tour and you want to visit all the palaces in Seoul you just need to pay 10000KRW for all palaces ;)
National Museum of Korea is located near Ichon Station. It's actually worth a visit. It's free. It's really nice inside. Free Wifi inside! hahaha. Not really interested in going around so I decided to leave after exploring the 1st floor. I'm more interested in knowing more about the North and South Korean War so I decided to go to War Memorial Museum after an hour.
Omw to War Memorial I came across IP Park Mall. I decided to stop by and eat my lunch and buy the No-Sleep Gum. It's a very useful gum that will keep you awake if needed. You can buy it in E-Mart Supermarket around Seoul.
This museum is free but for me I believe it's worth more than that. This is the first free museum I saw that houses a 4D Theatre, 3D Theatre, Cinema, Tour Guides, Shooting Games, and so on all for free. You will really learn a lot from this Museum. You can see that North Korea is really a powerful country when it comes to war. They outnumbered South Korea when it comes to the number of tanks, guns, airplanes, and so on. Good thing there are a lot of South Korean supporters. Philippines is actually one of the countries who sent SK some aide.
Destination 5: N Seoul Tower
TBA
Since my last out of the country trip was just last month (October 2013), I'm actually planing to skip the Seoul trip because I still don't have a visa, hotel bookings and so on. However, 2 weeks before my trip I realized that this is a good time to visit and getting a South Korean Visa is not that hard since I have a US, Japan, and Australian stamps and visas. So I decided to push through with the trip.
Believe it or not I am a budget traveler . You wouldn't believe me when I say I spent less than 20,000 pesos for my 5 day trip to Seoul. My budget includes everything from airline tickets, taxes, shopping, DMZ Tour, accommodation and so on. I mastered the art of budget traveling. This is actually the first trip that was funded by me. I didn't ask anything from my Dad except for the travel tax ahahah. I don't know how I did it but I did. BTW this is my 2nd time in Seoul so I didn't go to Nami Island.
Day 1 - Arrival
 |
| My first Photo in Seoul this year |
My flight arrived around 8pm but because of the number of flights arriving at the same time, I was able to get out of the airport around 9pm. Incheon Airport is very far from the city you can either take a cab, bus or train. Among all the alternatives, the commuter train is the best alternative which cost around 3850KRW compared to the 10000 KRW bus. However, it might be hard to go and transfer between train stations if you have a lot of bags with you. BTW Seoul is not Manila. Seoul's subway is much better than our train system here in the Philippines. The only thing that makes going around Seoul subway hard is the lack of escalators in some station but you can use the elevator but it might take time. Anyway, I arrived in my hotel around 10:30pm
My hotel is located near Gwanghwamun station. It's a few steps away from the nearest subway exit. There are many good restaurants around and there's a grocery beside it. When I arrived, I decided not to sleep yet and went out since it's not yet that late and I'm craving for my favorite Korean Corn Dog.
I learned that they have a festival in Cheonggyecheon Stream. Too bad I went there late and almost all the food stalls are closing already except for one. I decided to buy whatever is in there and went back home to sleep.
Day 2: Everland Day
 |
| Admiral Yi Sun-Sin's Statue |
Everyday I usually walk 2 or more stations before going to my final destination. As I've said a while ago, my hotel is a few steps away from Gwanghwamun Station but then I only used it 2-4 times during my entire stay. I usually use Anguk Station from my hotel. Anguk is 2 or more stations away from my hotel but I usually go there because I want to walk and enjoy the surrounding. I really enjoyed walking but not early morning when the temperature is below 10 degrees and my hands are freezing to the point that I go inside a public restroom and wash it with warm water. Going back, I usually go to Gangnam Station first to catch the bus to Everland. Gangnam is a popular place because of Psy's Song. It's actually similar to Ginza of Tokyo. Nothing much to see for me. Moving on, Bus 5002 which will take you to Everland stops in Gangnam station in front of Krispy Kreme. It's actually the easiest way to go to Everland since it's somewhere outside Seoul. Everland has discounts for for foreigners. Instead of paying the normal 44000 KRW entrance fee you will just pay 35000 KRW. How? Google it.
Why is Everland my favorite Asian Theme Park? Why not HK Disneyland or Universal Studios Singapore? I don't like Disneylands but the one in Anaheim is really good. USS is okay lah. I only go there for the Battle Star Gallatica Roller Coaster and the Mummy. I'm a huge fan of extreme rides this is the reason why I love Everland in South Korea, Dreamworld and Movieworld in Australia, Six Flags and Knotts Berry Farm in the US, and Ocean Park in Hong Kong. Everland, Dreamworld and Ocean Park has a lot of things in common. They have it all. They have extreme thrilling rides, zoos and so on. These theme parks are really worth it. Seoul's Lotte World is crap.
Below are the attractions you shouldn't miss in Everland. (Not in photo: Double Rock Spin)
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| K-Pop Hologram Concert (Forget 2NE1. Psy's Concert is better) |
 |
| Safari World |
 |
| European Park |
 |
| T-Express. Formerly the world's steepest wooden roller coaster. |
I decided to leave around 4pm because I was really craving for my favorite Corn Dog in Myeongdong. However, I decided to pass by Namdaemun first before going to Myeongdong. This is actually my usual ending route for 5 days: Namdaemun to Myeongdong to Cheonggyecheon Stream to Home.
 |
| Namdaemun Market |
 |
| Myeongdong at Night |
 |
| Couples in Cheonggyecheon Stream |
Walking in Cheonggyecheon Stream made me realized that there are many couples in Korea. I feel like it's really normal to show affection everywhere. It's not really that bad. It actually sets a mood that this city is full of love. I can feel it all over. I enjoyed watching how they show affection to each other ahahaha.
Day 3: Roaming around Seoul (Bukchon Village, Palace, National Museum of Korea, IP Park Mall, War Memorial Museum, N Seoul Tower)
 |
| If it's 5 degrees WEAR SOME GLOVES! |
This is the most tiring day ever. I went to a lot of places but I only used the train twice. Imagine how many kilometers I walked just to go from point A to point B.
Destination 1: Bukchon Village
 |
| My very first photo taken by someone in Seoul |
Destination 2: Cha.... Palace
 |
| a photo near the secret garden |
Destination 3: National Museum of Korea
 |
| National Museum of Korea |
National Museum of Korea is located near Ichon Station. It's actually worth a visit. It's free. It's really nice inside. Free Wifi inside! hahaha. Not really interested in going around so I decided to leave after exploring the 1st floor. I'm more interested in knowing more about the North and South Korean War so I decided to go to War Memorial Museum after an hour.
Destination 3: IP Park Mall
 |
| This is how I order. Take a photo of the display and show it to the cashier. (GENIUS) |
Omw to War Memorial I came across IP Park Mall. I decided to stop by and eat my lunch and buy the No-Sleep Gum. It's a very useful gum that will keep you awake if needed. You can buy it in E-Mart Supermarket around Seoul.
Destination 4: War Memorial Museum
 |
| Outdoor Museum |
 |
| List of Filipino Soldiers who died during the Korean War |
 |
| Locks of Love in N Seoul Tower |
To go to N Seoul tower simply go to Chungmuro Station Exit 2 and wait for the yellow bus in the nearest bus stop. I heard there's also a yellow bus stopping in Myeongdong Exit 3. Up to you where you want to ride the bus as long as you get there.
N Seoul tower is a must for couples. There are lovers everywhere. It's really a romantic place to visit. You can go up the tower for a fee. Go to Teddy Bear Museum and so on. There are a lot of things you can do in N Seoul tower.
Destination 6-8: Namdaemun, Myeongdong, Cheonggyecheon Stream, Home
The final leg for the day was my usual route. The only difference is that I stopped by H&M and bought 2 pants. hahahaha
Day 4: DMZ Tour, Itaewon, Seoul Station, Namdaemun, Myeongdong, Cheonggyecheon Stream, Insadong, Home
 |
| DMZ Tour |
 |
| My beautiful tour guide. |
TBA
Day 5: Lotte World, Olympic Park, Namdaemun, Myeongdong, Cheonggyecheon Stream, Home, Airport
TBA
Lessons:
Traveling alone in a city full of love isn't that bad at all. I was able to relax throughout the duration of my trip. I talk to myself sometimes but it gave me a better perspective. I did everything I want to do in Seoul. I met new people and gained new friends. It's really an unforgettable experience. It gave me more confidence now. I'm really very happy and I'm looking forward my next trip alone and my next trip to Seoul hahahaahah.
After this trip, Seoul, South Korea is my favorite city besides Singapore of course. I love almost everything about this city.
Tips:
Seoul is not really a very expensive city. Learn how to budget and you can enjoy the city for less. I enjoyed it despite spending less than 20000. I was able to eat what I want, buy what I want, and go to places I want to go. Do some research and plan everything ahead. You can ask me for suggestions if you want. ;)
I highly recommend Seoul for couples who are looking for a good place to go on a vacation. As i've said it's a very romantic city. In Seoul, you can go to palaces, theme parks, shopping, and so on. You can really do everything here!
Seoul is way better than Tokyo not only because Seoul is cheaper but also because of the environment Tokyo has. I feel stressed in Tokyo. I feel like no one would even bother to stop and look around. Not a good place for Solo Traveler. Also, Seoul's subway station is really nice and efficient. I actually have an app that will tell you exactly what time the next train will arrive without using data.
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