Cherry Blossoms in full bloom.. our Korea trip ThebSKadventure
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Day 5 – Nami Island, Gangchon Rail Park, Myeongdong & Cat Cafe
Our Day started with the beautiful Nami Island, Nami Island is one of the must see places in Korea. Many scenes from the Kdrama Winter Sonata was filmed here. The Kdrama brought popularity in this island, thus many tourist include the island as part of their Korea tour.
There are lots of ways to go to Nami Island, One is to book via Klook packages to the island (you can also book other tour that comes with it) two via ITX and Three via the normal Train. We decided to take the latter to Gapyeong station, it was tiring! Lol it took us 2 hours to get to Gapyeong station with all the transfers and walking (given another chance I would use the ITX).
From Gapyeong station we rode a cab going to the wharf. From the wharf you will ride a ferry to the Island.
There were a lot of People from group Tours so we took it as an advantage because they flocked together thus, we can beat the crowd.
We went straight to the Popular line of Red Wood Trees for pictorial before the area gets crowded so we can take a better photo.
We roamed around a little as the weather seemed Bipolar, sometimes sunny, sometime drizzling. We just took photos from popular parts of Nami and then we went back to the wharf for lunch.
Different Dakkalbi restaurants lined up near the wharf. We fed Jaffy first a chicken meal because she will not eat authentic Korean food. They have a minimum order of 2 Parts, so we had no choice but to order 2 parts. We didn’t order the spicy one, so the Dakkalbi tasted a little sweet, that my husband didn’t really like. Lol
We then rode the train to Gimyujeong station, a few meters from there is the Rail park.
Gangchon Rail Park is a popular tourist attraction where visitors can pedal along old railroad tracks while taking in the lovely mountains and river sceneries. **When the Gyeongchun Line, a double-tracked railway line connecting Seoul and Chuncheon, opened on December 20, 2010, it replaced the Mugunghwa train that traveled this route for 70 years. Built on the discontinued train line, Gangchon Rail Park is a popular tourist attraction where visitors can pedal along old railroad tracks while taking in the lovely Bukhangang River scenery.
Rental Fee is 30,000KRW for a 2 seater bike and 40,000KRW for the 4 seater. We chose to ride the 4 seater bike. The course is around 90 mins. Around 50 minutes for the rail Bike ride, 20 minutes for break time and another 20 minutes from the train ride that will take you to the old Gangchon station where the free shuttle going back to Gimyujeong station.
You will pass by 4 tunnels, One were with lights, one with bubbles and one with music and lights. The final tunnel is a VR (Virtual Reality) tunnel. You have to wear a VR device and shoot imaginary monsters. The VR experience costs an additional 5,000KRW extra.
It was freezing at 2 degrees, plus the wind blowing made the weather really chilly. Before riding the train to the shuttle bus, we were given a break to heat up via the heaters or enjoy a cup of coffee or hot choco (that you need to buy). From Gangchon station we took the Shuttle bus back to The Gangchon Rail Park entrance that is.
beside Gimyujeong station. GimyujeongStation is a unique station with old design architecture
After a tiring day from the province we went to myeongdong for dinner and shopping. While I did the shopping, my husband and daughter waited for me at the Cat cafe. Entrance is 10000KRW each that comes with a free drink 😬
Went home super tired but full and happy..
** credits to Visit Korea.or.kr
Day 4 – Myeongdong, Namsan Seoul Tower & Shinheung Military Academy Musical
Today’s schedule should be Pocheon Art Valley however; our friends who went there yesterday said it will be hard to get a bus going up the gallery, we didn’t try to risk because, one, I have a child in tow, it will be hard for Jaffy to walk up the gallery and Two, we need to be back early because we are scheduled to watch Shinheung Military Academy Musical.
Since we are not going to Pocheon, We decided to just go to Namsan Seoul Tower, it was originally scheduled on Day 1 but we were so tired (fromthe red eye flight) and slept the whole afternoon. My brother had plans for today too since he was scheduled to meet with his friends from Manila. It was only Me, My husband and daughter who will try to explore Seoul today.
We headed first to Myeongdong to have lunch (you read it right, we woke up really late today). The bus stop going to N Seoul Tower is in Myeongdong so we decided to take our lunch there.
After lunch I (I left my husband and Daughter at Mcdo) went to have our money changed and thought of dropping by Missha so I can get Magic cushions. I hurriedly went back to catch the bus but we missed it at Exit 4 so, Jolly said that we can also ride the Taxi up the N Seoul Tower and so we did. However, Taxi’s were not allowed to go up the tower so we were dropped-off at the Private Cars Parking Lot.
We realized that the place where the cab left us is still far to reach the N Seoul Tower main entrance. While busy asking for directions, Beautiful cherry blossom Trees entertained us. I was able to get a nice photo with cherry blossom and the N Seoul Tower as background.
We were told that its better if we go to the Cable Car Terminal and ride the Cable Car to go up the tower than wait for a bus in the middle of nowhere. We then rode a bus going down again and unfortunately the bus we rode, went on the other direction so we ended up getting lost again. We decided to just get a taxi to the Cable car terminal. And finally reached the Cable car terminal. 
We took the Cable car up and finally reached our destination the Beautiful N Seoul Tower.
The cable car was a fun ride because you’ll be able to see the top view of the mountains where beautiful cherry blossoms were scattered. It was such a pretty sight to see the cherry blossoms from above..
Upon exiting the cable car terminal, you will have to climb the wooden stairs, love locks and stores are already scattered everywhere.
We did not try to go to the observatory, having photos with the locks and taking photos of the amazing view took us in awe. Filipinos also took our pictures so we could have a family photo.
There was also one foreigner couple who took our photo using panorama so it can capture the whole tower.
We wrote our names on the wooden rails and of course, our family’s own lock of love.
We left NSeoul tower by riding the bus down to Myeongdong.
Our next destination is Bukchon Hanok Village where we will have our Hanbok family photo taken but it started to rain so we just decided to skip it and went to BBC theater instead to claim our Shinheung Military Acacdemy tickets. However, the ticket counter will start to release tickets at 6:30PM.
We went back to Seonyudo to have dinner and sent off my Husband and daughter back to the hotel, only me and Tin (my childhood friend who is also in seoul vacationing that time) are watching the Musical. I gave the umbrella I bought at 711 to my husband and daughter because it was drizzling, I couldn’t afford my humans get sick (lol), so I’d rather be the one to brave the rainy cold weather. It was almost 7:00PM so we said our goodbyes as I hurried back to the train station.
I rode the train back to Apujong and waited for Tin outside the station. It was a bit of a walk from exit 4 and it was drizzling, but for the love of Ji Chang Wook, Payting!
It was a breeze to claim the tickets, we got them for KRW 95,000 each, around almost PHP 5000 pesos, we were seated at row K, the nearest to the stage when the online tickets selling open. You couldn’t get that front seat price when you watch it here in the Philippines, that’s pretty cheap, and boy, it was so worth it!
I Braved the cold rainy weather in Seoul tonight just to see Ji Chang Wook in the flesh is so damn worth it! I’m still in awe. To be able to watch Wookie act on the stage, RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME, was a dream come true… I’m so grateful to have had the chance to see this beautiful musical. Not only to see Ji Chang Wook live (we were hoping to score the tickets with Kang Haneul and Sung Gyu though) but also to witness a part of Korean history, charaught!. Well deserved standing ovation 👏👏👏 Sarangheo Wookie, Oppa!❤️
Taking Photos and Videos were not allowed during the musical, so I grabbed some from the internet as a memory of something that I will NEVER forget. Seeing Ji Chang Wook and Jinki of SHINEE right infront of me..LIVE! still feels surreal.. Shinheung Military Academy is ❤️
On our way out, we tried to go to the back parking to check Ji Chang Wook (We wanted to try to wait for him as he ride the bus back to the camp), but it was raining hard and Tin was thinking we might not be able to catch him.
On our way to the train station, we saw a Pojangmacha, we went and ordered food but those we want are unavailable, Halmeoni wouldn’t serve Soju without ordering, so being sawi that we are, we just had our photos taken.
Tin and I were able to catch the last trip of train to our destinations, Hoheoyon and Seonyudo. We arrived home, wet and dripping but with a full heart. Sarangheo Ji Chang Wook!
Day 3 – Yongdap Bridge, Paju Premium Outlets & Jeju Black Pig
We started the day having breakfast at Isaac Toast Seonyudo branch. Isaac Toast is Known to be one of the best sandwich toast place in Korea, it’s simple stuff made super good! (lol I sounded like a commercial tag line) so anyway, what’s good about Isaac toast is that you can also have it grab and go.
Anyhow, our first stop was Sageun Yongdap Bridge aka Goblin Bridge. It is a pedestrian bridge located right out of Yongdap Station. It took us around 1 hour or 51 minutes to be exact as per the Kakao train app to get to Yongdap station from Seonyudo. It was Chilly that Monday morning and upon exiting the station, a beautiful sight surprised us as the Cherry blossom in Yongdap is in full bloom! We were crazy about it and rushed to take beautiful photos!
Beautiful line of Cherry Blossom Trees greeted us at Yongdap
Stone walkway going to the other side of Yongdap station leading to a playground
We climed the bridge and re-enacted the scenes from the Kdrama Goblin. It’s so cool that my husband was so game in doing the scenes of Lee Dong Wook (Grim Reaper) and Yoo In Na (Sunny). Thanks to my brother for directing the scenes and for taking photos too, and to my daughter who was laughing the whole time watching her parents act! Lmao.
Since the cherry blossoms in Yongdap left us in awe, we skipped the next itinerary of going to Lotte world tower where Seokchon park is. We were also told that since it was in full bloom, the area is being flocked by tourists and locals so, getting nice photos from there might be a struggle.
Our next stop was the Paju Premium Outlets, Paju is located near the North Korea and South Korea Boarder. Why Paju? My brother has been to South Korea for 7 times already and it has always been his tradition to go there because he always get great finds.
We arrived at Seoul station when I realized I left the Credit Card in the pocket of my coat that I used yesterday. South Korea is a cashless society so Credit Cards come in handy. Although I have enough Wons and Dollars in my wallet and my brother has his credit card, being the OC that I am, I wanted to go back to the hotel to check because I cannot bear to go anywhere thinking that I might have lost it.
I went back to Seonyudo while My Brother, Husband and Daughter went to Hongik (Hongdae) to have lunch and wait for me there (we were thinking of riding bus 2200 to catch up the lost time of me going back to Seonyudo thus, moved from Seoul Station to Hongik).
After an hour I met with them at Hongik, my brother went to eat Korean food while my husband and daughter went to KFC. As much as we wanted to always try to eat authentic Korean food, it was a struggle because my daughter doesn’t eat spicy food and she doesn’t like the smell of Kimchi lol.
From Hongik Station we went to Geumchon station (Gyeonggui-jungang line) and took the bus 900. It was a blessing that my brother can speak and read Hangeul so it was very easy for us to travel like a local. Should you wish to go to Paju, it is easier to ride the bus 2200 from Hongik to Paju, but the fare is thrice as much. Oh btw, in Korea since the fares are centralized using Tmoney, once the system detects that you jumped from one public transport to another they will charge the whole Travel as one so you get to save a lot.
My husband and daughter at the Geumchon Station bus stop waiting for bus 900
The bus stop shows the bus numbers arriving and the arrival times
We arrived Paju around 3:30PM and it was COLD! It was around 3 or 4 degrees on an afternoon! Then the crazyness began lol!
We were able to score Cortez sneakers at Php 1,500 but retails at Php2,500 in the Philippines. Addidas slip ons were at Php 2,200 but retails at Php 4850 in PH among others. Hubby got Nike slip ons also around Php 1,800, an Underarmour Cap for about Php 700 and a jacket around Php 2000 that retails in the city and in PH for Php 2000 and Php 4000 respectively.
The items in Paju Outlets are the same as the ones being sold in the city. Here in the Philippines, those being sold in the outlets are either old models, broken sizes or damaged or if it’s the latest model it is on regular price.
I was so tired and felt so cold so I just sat and ate churros while waiting for them do their shopping.
We left Paju around 7:30PM, it was freezing waiting for the bus so heat packs have become very handy. Paju is at the northern part hence the very cold weather.
The Bus stop monitor showing that buses 2200 and 900 are 9 bus stops away
It took a while for the bus to arrive so we reached Hwajeong a little late as scheduled. Jolly was waiting for us at Hwajeong station since we are going to have dinner. We first went to the grocery named Savezone to buy Choco Pie’s, it was B1T1 for 5000won so we hoarded around 20 boxes lol. I bought Binch, Maxims coffee and seaweed too.
Maxim Coffee in all flavors and sizes
Oh so good Binch cookies! I regret buying only a few! I was scared our luggage allowance would exceed
Grocery shopping of about 20 boxes of Chocopies, Binch, Maxim Coffee and Seaweeds
From the grocery we went to Jeju Black Pig. I was really intrigued because I’ve been reading good reviews and hearing so much about it through my brother and friends. The Jeju black pig is a breed that is native to the Jeju island. This restaurant isn’t an unlimited Korean barbecue, you buy them per serving and the restaurant uses a charcoal grill. 600grams of the black pig is 68,000 KRW or around 3,200 Php. 600grams, take note, I can buy 18 kilos of Pork in PH with that money already!
The black pork belly was served in thick slices, also a wide selection of side dishes were served with our pork, there’s kimchi, mixed vegetables, salad, tofu, lettuce and leaves for the wrap. The pork was very tender and juicy (it wasn’t even marinated). There was no funky smell or taste and the perfectness of cooking it on charcoal gave the flavour absolute justice. OMG this pig is really worth its price! I am still dreaming about that damn pork as I write this. It melts in your mouth and tastes really really good especially if you dip it in ssamjang! Jongmalyo! I swear don’t miss out on this one! Deabaaaaak!
Look at how the exhaust pipe suck the smoke from the charcoal
We were so into devouring the black pig when we realized it was already 11:00PM, we need to catch the last bus to Dangsan. We can’t ride the train because we have boxes in tow from the grocery and the shopping bags from earlier. We were able to catch the last bus to Dangsan (Thank you, Jolly) and took a cab from Dangsan to Seonyudo which is btw, only 1 station apart so we only paid around KRW 3800. We arrived at the Hotel an hour after we left Hwaejong. we were dead tired but full and happy. That’s about it for day 3.
Day 2 – Kdrama Shooting Locations
We woke up around 7 o’clock in the morning on April 7, 2019, it was 5 degrees and as much as I wanted to stay in bed, I had to get up and go buy breakfast. We did not avail the hotel breakfast because they serve the same food everyday, but we did try to eat there on Day 7, I think. So anyway, CU (Convenience Store) is just in front of the hotel, I went across the street to buy breakfast, my husband and I don’t really eat heavy breakfast so, coffee and sandwich or pastry will do. It was also a chance to try the food I see in kdramas. I bought sausages, corndog (with sausage), donuts, instant iced coffee (I super love these! I tried and bought all the brands I can get, I even brought them home! lol)
We finished around 9AM and we were set to go to Gyeongbokgung Palace, Hubby didn’t come with us because he was feeling a bit under the weather.
Pictorial with the sick hubby, sending us off for the day
We dropped by the Kimbap store, Seongseng Kim (Teacher Kim) a few meters away from Gyeongbokgung station.
I was able to witness myself that Koreans are so kind (trust me there’s no bias here). After buying from the Gimpab store we stayed at the benches outside to eat, a Korean went to us with my brother’s Tmoney card. It fell from my brother’s pocket and the Korean was so kind to get it and bring it to him. We were thirsty after snacking on gimbap so we went to CU (convenience store) in the building, inside we saw harabuhji (grandpa) and he was smiling at Jaffy. When we went out of the convenience store we saw harabuhji waiting for us
Harabuhji : smiling looking at us
Me& Jaffy; Annyeonghaseo (bow)
Harabuhji: You’re from Thailand?
Me& Jaffy: No (polite no)
Harabuhji: (Thinks) Oh, From Philippine
Me& Jaffy: Yes, Philippines
Harabuhji: Makandang Umaka (while handing Jaffy Ferrero Rocher he bought from CU)
It was simple but kind gesture, far different from how we perceive Koreans as loud people when we see them here in the Philippines. That’s another plus why I love them… I could go on and on! Lol
Anyway, after the convenience store, we went to Gyeongbokgung Palace, I was too Lazy to dress up in hanbok so we decided to just enter the Palace and have our photos taken. The Cherry blossom made the sorroundings prettier!
Beautiful Cherry blossom in full bloom with Mt. Bugak as background
Next we went across Gyeongbokgung called the Gwanghwamun square, where the Statue of Admiral Yi Sun Shin is located, and also the King Sejong Museum and King Sejong’s Statue. This area has been part of some Korean dramas.
A few meters on the left is the Cheonggyecheon stream. this is where the Kdrama, Suits, was shot.
It was a bit of a walk but in the middle of the stream you will see Bbq Olive chicken in Insadong where Goblin was shot.
We then went to the streets of Insadong to buy street foods and check out some souvenir items. My brother said it was cheaper in Nandaemun so he told me to just see what I like and we’ll just buy in Nandaemun.
We stopped by a Tonkatsu house where we had late lunch. It was already 2:00 o’clock in the afternoon and boy, we are hungry! But as soon as the Tonkatsu was served, it was so big, it would fit my very empty stomach lol.
Declogen to compare the size of the humongous tonkatsu
After eating, my brother had to leave because he wanted to go to Suwon, while Me and Jaffy stayed a little while because we are waiting for our friends from Manila who were currently on their way back from Pocheon. Jaffy was having a nap so I took the time to edit and post some photos we had earlier and so that Jaffy can nap a little more. It was around 3:30PM when Tin called and told us to meet at City Hall Station so we can go to Deoksugung Palace Stonewall. Jaffy and I searched our way finding the Train station from Insadong, which btw, is Anguk station. We were doing live video chat to our dear ate Honey at home who is also very excited for our Kdrama tour.
Our first stop (with our friends from Manila) is the Deoksugung Palace Stonewall Walkway, where the Kdrama Goblin was shot. As you walk further (make that FARther lol) you will reach the corner where Kim Shin saw Grim Reaper.
From Deoksugung Palace Stonewall Walkway, we rode the train to Hyewa Station and took the cab to Ihwa Mural village where Do Bong-soon’s house is (Park Bo-young). She and her family lived here in the Kdrama Strong Woman Do Bong soon. In the drama you would think there’s a park in front of the house but in reality, it is a cliff! The drama also showed wide angle so in reality, it was a bit cramped in the area .
A few meters from the Do Bong Soon house is the Naksan Park/Fortress where some Iconic Dramas were also filmed, but the one that I remember the most is, Because This Is My First Life (2017).
We rode the bus at Naksan Park and went down the nearest train station and rode to the Yaksu Station, from there we went to Gallery OOOJH also known as Kim Mi So’s house in What’s wrong with secretary Kim. It was really crazy to find that house, it was one hell of an adventure! But for the love of Bujangnim, Vice Chairman, Park Seo Joon, gogogo!
From there we rode the train again and stopped by Heo Joon-jae’s House near the cable car to Namsan Tower.
Oediya Heo Joon Jae Ahjussi?
After taking photos, we rode the elevator up the cale car terminal and walked a few (few in korea – A LOT..lol) Meters to Artmonstay Guesthouse where the rooftop scenes from Legend of the Blue Sea was shot. We were allowed to go to the rooftop only if we buy drinks from the café downstairs. It was freezing at the rooftop but it was worth it.
We were supposed to have dinner at Myeongdong but we just decided to go shopping at Myeongdong underground. I only said I will buy socks but I ended up buying not only socks, but a whole lotta bunch of my Kdrama Oppa memorabilia.
Went home tired and sore but happy! And oh, Hubby is well so he’ll be part of my Day 3 blog.. That’s about it for day 2 Ü
Our Flight and Korea Day 1
We took the Jeju Air flight 7C2306 from Manila to Incheon, it was a red eye flight and we arrived at Incheon around 4:00AM South Korea time.
It was a breeze at the immigration and the Officer was very nice even though the reader couldn’t read my right index finger because for some reasons it was sweaty that time (trust me, I’m not really lol). After Immigration we went to get the Klook wifi and CU to buy Tmoney cards (Train Cards) and then eat breakfast. the train ride from ICN to Seoul is around 1 Hour so we arrived at Citadines Han River Seoul, our hotel, around 7:00AM.
Unfortunately, we cannot do early check-in because the hotel was full, so we left our bags at the hotel and went to Yeuido. We went to Yeuido cultural park hoping for Cherry Blossom full bloom but to no avail.
Then we went to Myeong-dong to have our money changed and stroll a little.
After lunch we went back to the hotel to check-in and sleep. We woke up at 5:00PM to get ready and meet with Jolly for dinner. We went to Ssam Salon for unlimited Samgyeopsal (not all samgyeopsal in Korea is unlimited, there are some you buy per gram) dinner price is 10,900KRW per person (around 550Php) while lunch is 9,900KRW (500Php). After dinner, Frany and Jaffy went back to our room to watch TV and sleep while Me, Jolly and Omar stayed at the convenience store in front to have Soju and Maekju. That’s about it for day 1 Ü
#Korea #thebSKadventure #imSEOULinlovewithKOREA
Three things I wish I knew
A very good read…
Nuebe
Happy 9th to the one I’ll always want, even when I’m too old to remember. I am glad we have made it this far and I am sure we will go far! We walked this journey called life hand in hand and I know we will walk greater miles together. We may not have much but your love has been more than enough for me. I now understand that it is possibble to fall in love with one person over and over again! Although sometimes I want to return you to Mommy LMAO! But in the end I always come home to you. Thank you for being my home and for being all that you are my love! Cheers to more years of togetherness! To infinity and beyoooond! Alabshoo Daddy!😍😊👊❤️
Beatiful Muslim Wedding
The groom was a friend of a friend. They were joined together by their religion’s culture, tradition and ritual. Good for them although their religion had something to say it worked for them..
My brief encounter with Pope Francis
I was 13 when the 1995 World Youth Day happened. My Aunt who lives in Pasig invited us to stay over the week since she’s adopted delegates from the US. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to see Pope John Paul II. Thus, I made sure 20 years later, this time I’ll get to see Pope Francis.
I woke up around 3:30AM on January 18,2015. My husband was on AM shift (6AM-2PM) so I joined him on his way to work, since my Friend’s house in Pilar was on the way, he dropped me off her house. The plan was to drive to Joanne’s condo in Adriatico to have breakfast, then proceed to Luneta for the 3PM Mass. We left Pilar around 5AM, we were thinking that there’s enough time to reach Adriatico before they close Roxas Boulevard to traffic. There were a few build up at Coastal, Airport Road and Edsa so we arrived at Vito Cruz (Roxas Blvd) around 6AM, Lo and behold the Roads were closed earlier than expected!
We got off at Vito Cruz (Taft) and started to walk going to Quirino, since Taft was closed (Apostolic Nunciature is in Quirino Taft) we had to walk via Singalong. When we reached Quirino (It was 7AM) we realized the Roads were closed since the Pope’s Convoy will pass by on his way to UST. We waited until around 9:20AM for the Pope to pass. People were screaming and everyone’s celphone and camera are up in the air trying to get a better record of the Pope until the Pope Mobile passed by without a Pope in it. Unfortunately, he was in the Papal car so we were not able to see him. This left us broken hearted. We continued walking to taft until we reached Faura then Adriatico. We had breakfast at Joanne’s condo while watching the Mass at UST on TV then took a nap. We woke up around 1:30PM to have Lunch. By then it was raining so hard and we were thinking if we are still going to Luneta. I told them, “we’re here already let’s do this!” since we cannot go to Luneta anymore because gates were closed and its too crowded that we didn’t want to risk another stampede, we decided to just wait for the Papal convoy at Roxas boulevard. Around 3PM we went out with improvised Raincoats (Raincoats were sold out!) and got soaked in the rain on the way to Roxas Blvd. there was a huge TV screen so we were able to hear the mass, we found a place just in front of the US Embassy. It was almost 6PM when the Convoy passed. It was a brief encounter. I couldn’t explain the feeling, I felt I saw an angel (the lights coming from the pope mobile was shining) tears started rolling down my face, whenever I look back on that day as I type this right now I can still feel the peace, chills, blessedness and the unexplainable feeling I had that day.
I got home around 10 with a sore body yet with a fresh spirit…
Complicated Perfect Existence 