Thursday, April 1, 2010

My Unforgettable Trip to South Korea

My friend and I booked a flight to Incheon almost 5 months ago. It was an impulse purchase. We didn't have any guardians - not that we're not legally considered as adults, but because we felt we were going to a strange place, just me and her. I was ecstatic, and counted the days til our trip. I started wanting to travel to Korea since the Boys Over Flowers phenomenon began. I loved the drama so much to the point that I wanna go and see where it happened - not the exact places they filmed at, but the country itself. I wanted to see for myself how it was like in their divided country. Koreans are genuinely nice. I do not see why they would clash with each other, hence the division of North and South. I haven't gotten into the history but taking into consideration their warmth and hospitality, I cannot understand why they would go against one another. Anyway, enough about that. I'll probably research on that later on. We got there at night and it was freezing cold at 1 degree. I was stunned. I didn't expect it was that cold even though I checked the weather forecast for our travel period. We immediately changed clothes right after getting off the plane then took a long bus ride to our hotel. It seemed like the longest walk on earth from the bus stop to our hotel because the temperature made it such a burden. Coming from the Philippines, one isn't used to this kind of cold. The most we could get is a 16 degree airconditioning system which doesn't compare to a 1 degree enviroment. I also came from Singapore before coming to Korea and it was even hotter in SG than in Manila. What a way to torture my body.

(Incheon Airport)

On our first day, we went on a mapless journey on foot. We walked and walked, shopped here and there and decided to have lunch and some rest only after 6 hours. I felt like I lost so much weight counting all the steps I must have taken for that 6 hours. We were exhausted but it was too cold therefore we didn't sweat at all. We had lunch and did some more shopping then decided to take a cab back to the hotel because we think we've lost our way and we were too tired to walk back.

(On our way to Namdaemun Market)

On day 2, we went to the Gyeongbokgung Palace, which, if I remember correctly, is the biggest one. It was tiring to try to walk around the entire place but it was beautiful. We went to see what they had in the museum for a few minutes and headed to the N Seoul Tower. It was frustrating that the cable cars didn't work that time. I so wanted to ride the cable car because of BOF - where Jan Di and Jun Pyo spent their first night together. They probably cancelled the cable car rides during that time because of safety reasons - due to the cold weather.

(Gyeongbokgung Palace)

(N Seoul Tower)

On day 3, we went to Lotte World. It was a weekend so we had to wait in long lines just to experience each ride. I would have tried everything if we went on a weekday.

(Lotte World - Magic Island)

On day 4, we went to Everland Resort. I wanted to go to this place because of We Got Married, another Korean show. My crush, Kim Hyun Joong, took the T Express with Hwang Bo so I wanted to try it myself - and I did. It was the first thing I searched for. It was awesome and I met cool friends while waiting in line. I remember the guy's name. It's Lee Sol Jae, if I spelled it right. They were very nice - he and his girlfriend. I wish I have gotten their Facebook details so we could keep in touch. Too bad I didn't.

(Everland)

(New Friends)

On day 5 which was our last day, we did some last minute shopping and my friend bought a camera. I wanted to buy too but I wanted a real camera. It was like this polaroid camera but it's Fuji. It's pink and it's cute. I could have bought one but decided not to. I felt sad leaving Seoul. I loved it so much and I wanna go back soon. And yes, just this afternoon, I booked another ticket. But it's not until next year. So I guess I'll have to wait a little longer. But surely, it's gonna be worth the wait because I'm coming with my mom and Ryan.

(On our way home... sad...)


Will try to write more about my experience in Korea soon. Tata!