Jess Roams Around South Korea

Annyeong… Any plans to go to South Korea or is South Korea also your dream place? Then, you are on the right page!

During spring and autumn season, a lot of tourists visit this beautiful place. Seeing Kdramas and Kpop idols origin was surreal, and a dream come true for Kpop fans. But even none Kpop fans like me will be mesmerized by beauty of the place.

Korea is my 2^nd dream place to visit this 2019 and one of my bucket lists to go after Japan. I am not a Kpop fan but the beauty of the place, their historical places, cultures and even their hi-tech technologies captured my curious heart. We traveled at this place last November during Autumn. Raised in a tropical country like me really wanted to try this type of season. Seeing the golden yellow leaves slowly detached themselves to the branches of the tree. It was quite an experience. I have saved up for this trip and planned the places to go and at first, I thought exploring this place was difficult. Seeing the complicated subways I checked in the google makes me nervous and questioned myself, “Can I really navigate this place? Will my father and aunts be able to cope up with me? Will they not be tired exploring the place in my wrong decisions on the directions and considering also the weather, Can they really manage that?” But when I visited the place, I find it accessible and very easy. How do I explore South Korea along with my family and me as their navigator? Check the below and download the necessary apps and tips to have a smooth DIY voyage.

GUIDE CONTENTS

•   Visa Processing
•   Transportation
•   Things Needed
•   Places We Visited
•   Food Trip
•   Accommodation
•   Sample Itinerary

VISA APPLICATION

You can’t visit South Korea without visa unless, Jeju area is your point of exit. If not, below are the requirements in getting Korean Visa. Good news is, getting Korean visa in Cebu is FREE if you plan to visit the place not more than 59 days! Passed all the requirements listed below considering you are a tourist and no relatives at the place. You will be provided a claiming slip after you passed your requirements on the given date.

Please also note that the result of your visa will now take 40 working days so make sure to secure your visa as early as possible especially those who already booked their flights. We applied for our visa 2 months before our flight and we were really scared on the outcome. We cancelled our hotel bookings and didn’t avail the Klook activities so we won’t be worried in case bad result will happen. But luckily, we got our visas 1 week before our flight! If not, then I won’t be here telling stories of what we experienced at this wonderland.

• Location: Consulate of the Republic of Korea in Cebu
• Address: 12F Chinabank Corporate Center, Samar Loop, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu (make sure to bring an ID as the security requires before you can go to the 12^th floor)
• Time (Open from Mondays to Friday):

- For application: Morning only from 9 AM to 12 NN

- For claiming: 2PM to 4PM

• Processing fee: FREE
• Telephone Number: 231 1516
• Duration of the result: 40 working days or more
• Requirements 👇

      ADULT

1. Valid Passport with at least 6 months validity
2. Photocopy of Passport Bio Page (page 2)
3. Original and Photocopy of visa/arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years (if applicable only)
4. Bank Certificate issued within the last 3 months
5. Bank Statement (certified true copy of the bank statement/passbook for the last 3 months
6. ITR photocopy of your current income tax return
7. Photo ID (Korea Visa size) Photo must be taken within 6 months
8. Certificate of Employment issued within the last 3 months
9. PRC ID/IBP card (if applicable)
10. Application Form which you can download or get a form and fill up at the location area

     SENIOR CITIZEN

1. Valid Passport with at least 6 months validity
2. Photocopy of Passport Bio Page (page 2) 
3. Original and Photocopy of visa/arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years (if applicable only)
4. Bank Certificate issued within the last 3 months
5. Bank Statement (certified true copy of the bank statement/passbook for the last 3 months
6. Senior Citizen ID photocopy
7. Photo ID (Korea Visa size) Photo must be taken within 6 months
8. Application Form which you can download or get a form and fill up at the location area

TRANSPORTATION

Flight

We booked our flight at Cebu Pacific during their seat sale. Fare for each passenger was PHP 4,646. It was quite pricey considering during their seat sale but I can’t wait another year to wait on a cheaper price plus, it was during autumn which was my dream season to experience.

Airport to Seoul and Vice Versa

Via Bus

Via bus was the more convenient way to go to the heart of Seoul. The price was OK plus it’s easier. You can buy your tickets at the airport or swipe your T Money. We checked the map and was given an estimated cost of 10,000 KRW to 15,000 KRW. Last bus is at 10:30 PM

Bus 6002 for Hongik University

Bus 6015 for Myeongdong station (located at Gate 5B or 11B)

Total Cost: 10,000 KRW to 15,000 KRW

Via Subway

At first, we planned to take a bus going to Seoul but taking a subway was way too cheaper than bus! Total cost we paid for subway thru T Money (electronic money card) was only 4,150 KRW, which we saved more than half of the bus ride price. We thought at first that taking a subway was confusing but just follow the direction and signage at the airport, it was not that challenging. Just make sure to take the Airport Railroad subway with light blue one signage.

Directions:

•    Located at the ground floor and you just must follow the light blue sign, “Airport  Railroad” lane.
•    Board from Airport Railroad lane and transfer to Line 5 from Gongdeok station
•      Arrive at Euljiro 4 (sa) station which is the nearest station of our hostel

Total Cost: 4,150 KRW from airport to our hostel which is located at Euljiro 4 (sa) station

THINGS NEEDED

T Money Card

Just like at other countries, Korea has also their own rechargeable smart card which is a convenient way in paying for public transits such as buses, subways and taxis. You can also use this card in their convenient stores. T money doesn’t have any expiry dates and unused balance will remain on your card.

You can recharge your T money in any convenience store or in any subway stations. You can also get a refund of your card if the balance is over 20,000 KRW. Just go to the Customer Card Service Center located in almost all subway stations.

Card Cost (without any balance yet): 4,000 KRW

Bought at CU Convenience store inside the airport

Wifi

We rented a pocket Wifi via Klook for 6 days. Not having a Wifi while exploring this huge place will make your life difficult. I suggest to either rent a pocket Wifi or buy a sim card.

Cost: 104 PHP/day (624 PHP for 6 days)

Apps to Download

Google Maps? It's OK to use Google Maps but I prefer the Naver Map since they show you the accurate cost and the best route or the shortest/fastest route. A friend recommended this app to download and I am grateful I downloaded these apps. My life in Korea got easier and convenient! As for the Kakao Map, I haven’t used this app, but I still downloaded this as recommended in other blogs. You can get the Subway app to match it in the Naver Map’s recommendations on the subways especially what line or which direction you should go.

·       Naver Map

·       Kakao Map

·       Subway

PLACES WE VISITED

Namsan Seoul Tower and Love Locks

The 2^nd highest point in Seoul. This observation tower located in the Namsan Mountain in Central Seoul is one of the most visited tourist spot in South Korea.

The Love Locks is also located at this place. You can buy some love locks and write anything you want. This popular dating spot is very popular specially for couples. Couples usually head to the tower to lock their padlock of love on the railing as believed that their love will last forever.

Entrance Free: FREE

Observatory: 11,000 KRW for adults | 9,000 KRW for Senior Citizens (aged 65 up)

Changdeokgung Palace

This palace is one of the Five Grand Palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty. A lot had happened at this historical palace but despite with all the damages the place encountered, the palace was repaired to its original design.

This palace was also added in the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1997 because of its outstanding example of Far Easter palace architecture and garden design. This place was also used to film the popular K drama, Dae Jang Geum.


Entrance Fee: 3,000 KRW for adults | Senior Citizen are free admission (aged 65 up)

The Secret Garden is a MUST Visit! It was the highlight of our trip at this place. You will be mesmerized at the place and how peaceful and beautiful the garden is. You will be accompanied by a tour guide while she explains the historical events of the place. There will be a scheduled time for exploration. The garden was huge, and we almost explored the place for 1 hour. Packed with yellow and orange leaves, the palace is a mix of great architecture and nature and I can’t wait to visit this place again.

Secret Garden Entrance Fee: 5,000 KRW for adults | no discount for senior citizens (aged 65 up)

Bukchon Hanok Village

The village was packed with lots of tourists and can you imagine if you are living in this area? A lot of tourists every single day. That is why there are people in the vicinity who I think works in securing to inform the visitors to keep their voice low to also pay respect to the people living in this area.

The village is beautiful and makes you feel like you are walking in the old times. At first, I thought that we won’t be able to visit this place as we were glued at the Changdeokgung Palace. I am glad we were able to make it though it was just a short walk.

Entrance Fee: FREE

Baek In-Je (Historic House Museums)

Just near the Bukchon Hanok Village, we passed by at the beautiful historic house. It was a cozy place and looking at the stunning artifacts and structure of the place, I’m in complete awe.

Admission FREE

Operation Hours: 9 AM to 6 PM (entrance is allowed until 5:30 PM only)

 

Gyeongbokgung Palace
The palace serves as the main residence of the Kings of the Joseon dynasty as well as the government and the King's households during the era. The largest of the Five Grand Palaces built by the Joseon dynasty. And yes, it's really huge that we strolled this place for one whole afternoon. It felt like I was backed at the Joseon era, strolling and wandering the palace while making sure the guards won't find me trespassing 😂. I like how Korea preserves their history and culture despite being one of the most advanced technology in the world.

Entrance Fee: 3,000 KRW

The pagoda

Gwanghwamun Square

Few distance walk from Gyeongbokgung Palace, we paid tribute to this public square. The 4th king of the Joseon dynasty, King Sejong instantly caught my eyes as we strolled the street on a rainy day. There are actually 2 statues at the landmark. The other one is Admiral Yi Sun-sin, who was a Korean naval commander famed for his victories against the Japanese navy during the Imjin war in the Joseon Dynasty.

Entrance Fee: FREE

Nami Island
The famous and most visited place of South Korea. Nami Island or also known as Namiseom is also well known because this is where the popular Kdrama filmed, Endless Love Winter Sonata. 

Why is it named as Nami Island? To give you a historical background, the name was derived from a Korean general, General Nami, who was falsely accused of treason during the reign of King Sejo. His grave was not discovered but there were pile of stones where his body was supposed to be buried. It was believed that if someone took even a single stone from there, it would bring misfortune to their house. [wikipedia]

You can't skipped Nami Island in your itinerary because Nami Island will surely capture your heart because of its beauty. We stayed at this place almost half day because the island is too big to explore in just 3 hours. We didn't booked at Klook for this trip and I am glad we didn't because it would have been a short visit. We strolled and relax at this place, playing with the golden leaves, strolling at the nearby lake while inhaling the calmness of the place. The place also has restaurants but are expensive. They have souvenir shops also with their famous cute snowman.

This is the main attraction and a lot of tourists took photographs here

This site is loaded with yellow leaves and like us, people gathered here to take a video for some falling leaves effect

How we got here

2 hours ride from our Hostel which is located at Euljiro to Nami Island. Make sure to wake up early so you can enjoy the whole day trip not just to this place, but to other 2 places which we will tackle later. We woke up early and leave our hostel at 7 AM so we can catch the first trip of the bus which is at 9 AM.

1. From Euljiro, we took the subway to arrive at Cheongnyangni Station transfer center. Then board to this station going to Gapyeong Station.
2. Just outside the Gapyeong station, we rode the red shuttle bus (A Course) for Gapyeong tourist resort. You can easily locate it as tourists huddled at this area. You can also ask at the nearby bus station so they can instruct you what time will the bus arrives or what time is the next bus to arrive. The brochure that they will give you is very handy as there is a time guide there. Note that this tour bus is convenient if you are visiting 2 to 3 places not just Nami island as the bus will cost you 6,000 KRW. 
3. Pay to the bus driver
4. If you want to avoid the crowd at Nami Island or you wanted to start the tour early, taxi is the very option. The taxi was not that expensive if you are in a group of  4 to share the expenses. Other blogs suggest to walk to the port but I think it is very far.
5. When the bus stopped and the guide announced that you arrived to the nearest bus stop going to the port to Nami island, alight and walk a few meters to the port going to Nami Island.
6. Board the ferry going to Nami Island. The ferry leaves every 10 minutes

Entrance Fee + ferry ride: 13,000 KRW | No Discount for Elderly
Bus for Gapyeong Tourist Resort: 6,000 KRW | 4,000 KRW for Elderly (aged 65 up)

Gapyeong station

Get inside here to ask for brochure

In front of the bus stop, you can see the taxi stand

Buy tickets here

Petite France
Remember The Little Prince book? Or the story of it? It is a children's book and a very interesting kind of book. I think it is best read during adult stage so we can also be reminded that we were also once kids. But anyways, this place is packed with The Little Prince characters. Honestly, I am not that thrilled at this place but a friend of mine told me that this place is amazing during mornings or afternoons due to the shows they have.
We arrived almost 5 PM and there was only 1 show that we saw. We hurriedly explore this place and as the sun sets, we wanted to catch a glimpse to the 3rd destination, the Garden of Morning Calm. Sadly, we finished touring the place at 6:30 PM and we were freaking scared because we forgot about the bus! The last bus is at 6:50 PM and we were the 2nd to the last family to leave the place. The last family had a van and my dad thought if we can hitch to their van since it was already so dark and no cars were passing at the road. We asked the staff at a certain convenience store which side should we wait for the tour bus and he said that it was at that side. So from the gate of Petite France, cross the road and wait at the bus stop. Luckily we caught the last bus trip. I don't want to imagine if we weren't able to catch it.

Entrance Fee: 10,000 KRW for adults | 8,000 KRW for senior citizens (aged 65 up)

Garden of Morning Calm

The 3-hectare garden located at Gapyeong of Seoul. Sadly, we weren't able to visit the place as we don’t have enough time exploring the 3 places in one day. But there will always be a next time and will surely pay a visit soon.

Entrance Fee: 9,500 KRW

Everland
I have 2 options for theme park, Lotte World or Everland. I chose the latter since it was more popular and I have been reading blogs that Lotte World are mostly indoor rides and best for children. We booked our ticket at Klook for a cheaper price and when we got to the place, I then knew why the price was discounted. Most of the rides were closed and their food stations were mostly closed. There were a few people at the place which was a good side so the lines were not that long. It was very cold for a ride and we just tried 3 rides. Unlike other amusement parks where you can't bring in food from outside, Everland allows to bring your own food.

Opening Hours: 10 AM
Price: 1,343 PHP

Gangnam

The famous city because of the hit song by Psy, Gangnam style. Gangnam is a place where you can shop for luxury goods. 

Coex Mall
The main reason why we went to Gangnam is because of the library inside the Coex Mall. The library is huge and like us, a lot of tourists took pictures of the place. We actually just took a snap at this place and hurriedly get back to Ewha University to do some shopping.

EWHA University
An all women's university but we didn't get inside the school, we were just there to do some shopping. The prices of the goods at the place are cheaper because their target consumers are mostly students. They have a lot of cute stuffs and count the make up shops that can be spotted in every corner.

Daiso
You can't also miss to shop at Daiso. The largest Daiso in South Korea is at Myeongdong which has 8 floors. In PH, most prices starts at 88 PHP but in South Korea, the price starts at 1,000 KRW which is equivalent to 46 to 50 PHP only.

Night Markets

Myeongdong
When we say Korea, Myeongdong will always be on top of the places to go. Food tripping, shopping are surely present in the list of our things to do. Most tourists prefer to stay near Myeongdong so they can just stroll here after their day tour at other places. We actually booked here at Myeongdong twice but I cancelled our Agoda bookings since we were not sure if our visa will get approved. Our visa got approved 1 week before our trip so we do not have a choice. When I checked the Agoda site again, there were no hostels near Myeongdong already. Visited this place twice at 10 PM and most of the stores were already closed. We didn't get a chance to explore this place thoroughly due to lack of time but we surely enjoyed our quick stroll here.

Bangsan Market

The market is just near our hostel. Their goods were a bit expensive compare to other markets but there are a lot of delicious looking food at the place. I think this is the best place I have eaten korean food and add the ambiance of the place. It makes you feel like a true local.

Hongdae
Most of my friends recommended this place to buy some cheap goods. We visited this place on our last day at Korea and I regretted not buying any stuffs to other markets because we do not have enough time already. The stuffs at the place are similar to Myeongdong and the prices are quite the same.

Namdaemun Market

Most of the stores were closed when we went here but when we searched it in Google, it says that it will be open at 11:30 PM. But I think they are closing early during the cold days.

Insadong
Looking for traditional items like tea, pottery or any ceramic items, handmade hanji paper, then Insadong is the right place for you. They are not just selling traditional items but some fashionable goods too. There were snack shops at the streets but what really caught my eye were the cute cotton candy shops. The place was cheerful when we went there because of street performers who played their instruments professionally.

Gwangjang Market

Also known as Dongdaemun Market, this market is the oldest and largest in South Korea. The market usually opens at 8:30 AM and closes at 6 PM but some still opens at this hour. You can find some korean street foods here. They also sell some traditional goods like silk which I think is common in South Korea, some souvenirs, and a lot more.

FOOD TRIP

South Korea trip won't be complete without trying some korean steet food or any korean delicacies. Frankly speaking, I usually see some korean food as something that comes with color orange. Watching Kdramas eating at their tent stores are also popular but we didn't tried that. Here are some foodstuffs we tried though, they are only a few and very limited same as our budget 😂

Bangsan Market

As mentioned in my write up above, this market is just walking distance from where we stayed. However, we only tried once here since the market closes early and we usually arrived at our hostel late at night. This is one of the main market that we tried the authentic korean street food and the vibes...very korean 💕 Below are the list of varieties we tried!

Korean Fish Cake

The famous food in South Korea is probably the Korean fish cake. In every corner of the market, there will always be fishcakes. My brother said that it tasted like tempura in the Philippines just minus the special sauce. My dad really loves this plus the soup which will be given as free.

Price: 1,000 KRW/46 PHP per stick

Bindae-tteok

Also known as Mung bean pancake. I thought I would be able to eat this but I saw that this is made with mung beans, vegetables and pork. My dad and brother also like this pancake.

Price: 2,000 KRW/92 PHP

Gimbap

This seaweed roll is made of seasoned rice, carrots, pickled radish, some green onions and massaged with some sesame oil and to top it off, sprinkle of sesame seeds. The sauce at the side was made of wasabi and some vinegar.

Price: 1,500 KRW/69 PHP

Fresh Fruit Shake

After the meal, we wanted to drink something and ended up trying their fruit shake. Considering the very cold weather, we still wanted to drink something cold. We ordered the Kiwi shake made up of 3 fresh kiwis because its the cheapest one and kiwis are expensive in PH 😋.

Price: 3,000 KRW/138 PHP

Street Food

Korean Sausage

After a long day tour on our 2nd day, we were hungry and passed by at a random street near Baek In Je. My dad saw a signage saying, Korean sausage and wanted to try it. It was a small stall and there were stools and a mini table at the side of the street. And me, I looked for something to eat also and ended up buying some gimbap at a nearby store. The korean sausage however is made of some internal organs and made my dad dizzy after eating it 😢 He turned red and we were worried of him since after we strolled at Daiso, he said his heart ached a little. That was the time we convinced him to not eat something meat for a while and eat more vegetables. I think the day also made him tired and add the lack of sleep. But on the next day, he is alright after taking some good rest.

Price: 

• Korean Sausage - 2,500 KRW
• Gimbap               - 3.500 KRW

Bungeo-ppang

After exploring Changdeokgung palace, we passed by a street stall selling korean fish bread. I usually see this in korean movies and wanted to try it. A fish shaped bread and filled with sweetened red beans paste. It actually tasted like Oishi Manju.

Price: 3,000 KRW/138 PHP

Mozarella Hotdog

There are 2 types of product in this store, the real hotdog and the mozarella cheese only. We chose the mozarella cheese and this is probably my purchase regrets in Korea. Though I know that I should knew it from the flavor itself but it just tasted like bread and cheese plus the ketchup which is kinda weird. I bought it though because I saw this in Japan, the corn dog ones but its in real hotdogs.

Price: 3,000 KRW

Namdaemun Market

The nights are getting colder as the days passed by. We were strolling at Namdaemun Market after our Everland trip. Since most of the stores are closed and after a very long journey just to get here, we strolled at the innermost of the market and devoured some satisfying meal.

Gimbap

We bought first at an old lady for 4,000 KRW but just 2 stalls away from her store, the gimbap only cost 2,000 KRW! The worst part is I saw her getting handful of gimbaps from the store beside her to replenish. We bought 2 sets of gimbap at her stall and another one at the cheaper one.

Price: 4,000 KRW/2,000 KRW

Bought this at the cheaper stall and ate it in front of the old lady who scammed us 😏

Tornado Potatoes

We knew that the gimbap we first bought was a scam when we bought this tornado potatoes at the cheaper store due to the signage. I know that we have also this kind of potatoes in PH but seeing tourists buying this makes me drool.

Price: 3,000 KRW

Convenience Store

The budget life saver and where we eat most of the time. We usually buy microwavable rice here to fill our growling stomach and noodles just to make us feel hot during the cold nights.

Banana Milk

I thought this was a yakult but when I drank this, it tasted like milk. I just knew this is a milk after a month when I saw in youtube - Learn Hangul 😅. This is the first item I wanna buy since I saw this drink in the Goblin Kdrama before.

Price: 1,400 KRW

Other Items

Here are some of the items we bought at the convenience stores. I know it sounds funny eating our meals at convenience store during abroad but we can't help it. We also wanted to try and eat some Korean Authentic food at a restaurant but most of their meals have pork or seafood.

Vegan varieties at CU and 7 Eleven

ACCOMMODATION

Travelers A Hostel

Situated at Eulji-ro, this hostel wasn't that bad. Though we wanted to stay near Myeongdong but wasn't able to book due to no vacancy and mostly, expensive ones are left at the Agoda site.

The hostel was cozy and spacious enough. The caretakers and owner were very accommodating and caring enough to inform us that weather was so cold and we need to take extra jackets to put on. You can leave your things at the hostel before check in and out time. There was a pantry, living room, water dispenser,  own bathroom and TV inside the room and FREE breakfast! The free breakfast was a bread with some jam. You can also get some tea and heat your food at the microwave. You can also cook your own food, heat your water at the stove, borrow plates, cups, has a washing machine but for a fee of course. It was like Airbnb style just plus other guests. Overall, the whole stay was very good!

Price:

• Good for 3 - 3,019.63 PHP
• Good for 2 - 2,386.16 PHP

Good for 2 persons room

SAMPLE ITINERARY

SAMPLE BUDGET AND EXPENSES

I am sharing my total expenses during our trip at South Korea so you can also estimate your budget and start saving 😀. This is for our 7 days trip but only 4 nights accommodation since we spent our night at the airport on our arrival date. On our last day, we checked out early and just leave our things at the hostel. Saved 2 nights cost of accommodation!

💡 Cost below is individual and in peso

For more pics on our travel, you may check #JessRoamsAround #JessRoamsAroundKorea on Instagram