Catch lightning in a bottle once, you’re pretty lucky. Do it twice. You’re off to the Republic of Korea. Allow me to share.
A tale of two tickets
In December 2019 during a thanksgiving event in Cebu, I won a round trip ticket for a destination outside of the Philippines as a major raffle prize. Little did I know that this golden ticket would be stuck under a fridge magnet for three years due to the pandemic.
A few months after tying the knot with my beautiful wife, I once again found myself in another work event which was giving away another round trip ticket to South Korea for its major raffle prize.
Am I lucky or what? My name was called and I walked away with another golden ticket.
Two free round trip tickets later — and thanks to the generosity of the Korea Tourism Organization, Cebu Direct Club Travel & Tours and Cebu Pacific — my wife and I were off to experience the beauty of Seoul!
Ready for Spring
I’ve been to Seoul before thanks to a previous familiarization trip with local tour operators. However, this 2023 trip would be special for three reasons (not ranked in any particular order): I have had a steady diet of K-Drama and K-Pop which would help me relate more; I was with my wife (who’s seeing Korea for the first time) and we had a five-day itinerary that was tailor fit to our preferences; It was the peak of cherry blossom season—just the right amount of sunshine in a very cold environment without any rain.
Myeongdong
We pressed the tourist default button and decided to stay in the bustling and vibrant district of Myeongdong. There’s a lot of shopping and dining here, as the location is known for its numerous food stalls and vendors lining the streets. Upon our arrival, it’s obvious that a foodie will not be short of options here. However, it would take some savvy navigating and some stomach patience to get the most out of your budget. While prices may be a little higher than occasional street food, the bites are as good as advertised.
Gapyeong / Nami Island
The next day, we made our way to Gapyeong County. There are a handful of sites perfect for tourists nearby the area (Garden of Morning Calm, Petit France, among others). Since the sun was out, the air was cool, and we pretty much still have a good set of legs, we opted to try out the Gapyeong Rail Park.
No sort of balancing is required as the carts are attached to the old railroad tracks. And yes, it’s best to pair up with someone who can commit to pedalling 90 percent of the time.
With the perfect weather condition, it truly was an amazing experience. We biked over the Bukhan River, caught sights of the majestic mountains and tranquil waters, and overall enjoyed our enchanting commune with nature. All this took about 1.5 hours.
Up next was Nami Island nearby, another must-see location for its cultural significance, art installations, and natural beauty. The flowers were blooming, the gingko tree-lined paths were ready for some beautiful portraits, and the overall vibe was just a refreshing escape from the concrete jungle.
Hongdae
The nightlife in Hongdae is electric. From the street performers, art galleries and shopping options to the numerous dining establishments, quirky cafes and recreational stops, there’s something for everyone in this neighborhood. “Hongdae” is basically short for Hongik University, one of the leading art schools in Korea. That said, it’s no wonder why the area is rich with arts and culture. The young are in charge.
Myeongdong Cathedral
Myeongdong by day has a different vibe. To kickstart the morning, we headed out to visit the Cathedral Church of the Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception — or more popularly known by its nickname, Myeongdong Cathedral. Built from 1892 to 1898, this place of worship for the Korean Catholic faithful holds great historical and religious significance—it’s deemed a “safe space” for pro-democracy activities, protest or rallies.
A detail for church-goers: There is only one mass in English, which is the 9 a.m. “Foreigners’ Mass” on Sunday. The rest of the masses are done in Korean.
Starfield Library
With over 50,000 titles displayed from floor-to-ceiling, Starfield Library at COEX Mall is a must-visit. Various genres are represented, and there are magazines available for browsing as well. There are a couple of coffee shops nearby, and the library holds events from time to time ranging from author meets and poetry readings to lectures and concerts.
And yes, it’s a fantastic place to take your photos.
Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival
There are several places to catch the cherry blossoms in Seoul but we opted for the one that’s most accessible via the subway, and that is at Yeouido Park. The park is home to more than 1,600 Yoshino cherry trees and about 90,000 flowers including azaleas, forsythias and spireas.
While seeing cherry blossoms in full bloom is an experience in itself, nothing beats an early morning stroll with just you, the flowers, and the cool breeze from the Han River.
Tip: Avoid Sundays. The earlier you get to the park, the better. If my memory serves me right, we were at the park at eight in the morning!
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Truly a sight to behold, the Gyeongbokgung Palace is a must-visit for every tourist in South Korea. It is the largest and most magnificent among the five grand palaces in Seoul, home of royalty in the Joseon dynasty. The palace is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m daily. Feel the beating of a gigantic bass drum and witness the changing of the guard either at 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. except Tuesdays.
Tip: Visitors wearing hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) enter the palace free of admission.
If one can afford to spend more hours here, there is so much to learn most especially when one opts for the guided tours. Plus, the National Palace Museum of Korea is nearby, displaying over 40,000 relics from the Joseon dynasty.
Bukchon Hanok Village
Outside Gyeongbokgung Palace (but would require a whole lot of walking) is the Bukchon Hanok Village. It’s a great place to immerse oneself in a Korean traditional village on the top of a hill. The hanoks (Korean traditional houses) you see are actual homes, so stroll quietly and take your photos with respect to homeowners’ wishes. It truly is an experience to be transported in time, learning more about and experiencing for yourself the juxtaposition of the old and new.
N Seoul Tower
From the cobbled streets of Bukchon Hanok Village to the winding roads on Nam Mountain, another landmark worth checking out is the N Seoul Tower. This iconic tower is instantly recognizable for K-Drama followers, standing 236 meters tall. From its observatory, you get the chance to see a 360-degree view of Seoul in all its glory. For couples, leave memorabilia at its Love Locks Bridge.
You can get to N Seoul Tower by bus. However, check out the 15-minute Namsan Cable Car ride. It’s the first cable car in Korea built in 1962. For over 60 years, it has provided unparalleled views for its passengers from around the world.
Paradise City
Literally just two minutes away from the airport by taxi, dropping by the first resort complex in Northeast Asia was an enjoyable trip. We enjoyed the complex packed with art installations; truly an embodiment of “art-tainment.”
We checked out Wonderbox, which is basically an indoor theme park, and enjoyed the rides and games. The rides are inclusive of the entrance fee, while the games require you to purchase tokens. It’s a great way to pass time when you’re at the airport hours before your flight!
As foodies, we loved Korean fare from the chicken and beer to the grilled beef and pork. The city’s cafe game is also probably one of the best out there. This trip was a turning point in terms of appreciating a diet loaded with vegetables. However, details about the food are in a separate story (visit shorturl.at/dCHW1).
For now, so long, Seoul — ’til we meet again!