It’s hard to deny that South Korea holds a great deal of influence in the world today, so much that the term Hallyu Wave must have been something you’ve heard of at one point in recent years. While you may not be into the more-popular, colourful world of Korean Pop or well-written Korean Dramas, there’s a chance that you may be interested in the country’s fashion, skincare routines, makeup brands, or maybe even its cuisine.
The interest in South Korean culture has opened up a lot of opportunities for the country to proudly show the world what they have to offer—and the world wants to see it all, if the increasing number of tourists flying in to the country is any indication.
I’ve been to Korea a couple of times, and for trips, I’ve always flown with Korean Air. Speaking from experience, I found no parts of my voyages dissatisfying. When flying, surely you’d want everything to be in place for the whole voyage, beginning from the moment you book your ticket down to your arrival at your destination.
When you go Korean, there’s attention to every detail. While I typically don’t eat on the plane (as I prefer to take them before or when I get to my destination), I found myself appreciating the flag carrier’s in-flight meals, as they were clearly freshly-prepared and served with careful attention by the staff to suit each passenger’s needs. Comfort is a guarantee, and you get your own blanket should you feel chilly. All these create a memorable in-flight experience, which you can only get from Korean Air.
There are many ways to go, but only one way to go Korean.
]]>Once I arrived, the first destination straight from Incheon airport was Namiseom Island (popularly known as Nami Island), a tiny half-moon shaped island located in Chuncheon, a place that I couldn’t go to on my last visit because it was far from Seoul.
The nearly-five-hour trip from dawn in Cebu to mid-morning in Incheon clearly wore out most of my companions since they fell asleep as soon as we got on the bus. Not one for falling asleep even during long trips, I watched as the scene outside my window changed from the tall urban skyline to the laidback rural residential areas and stretches of plantations.
Two and a half hours later—the traffic jams we encountered along the way added to our estimated travel time (however, I was unfazed, being a resident of Cebu)—we had arrived, but not quite yet. We were in Chuncheon, the city where the island was located, but we had to take a five-minute ferry ride to cross the river between the port and Nami Island.
Upon embarking the ferry, I was already admiring the trees that stretched as far as my eyes could see. The sunlight that streamed past the canopy of leaves overhead as I walked was a muted gold, almost silver in colour as it illuminated the path. The breeze was slightly chilly, even more so because of the many trees that lined up the path and were scattered around the island.
Nami Island is beautiful when visited in autumn (early autumn, in my case), so the volume of visitors arriving and admiring the surroundings was not a surprise. Though tiny, it was filled with sights and sounds. Couples took photos every chance they got, with their clothes color-coordinated and their smiles nearly identical in happiness. Kids ran around with their parents chasing after them to make sure they didn’t fall. Tourists huddled together as their tour guide explained the place’s history.
Those familiar with Nami Island will associate it with the K-drama titled “Winter Sonata”. A statue of the main characters had been erected in the middle of the island, named the “First Kiss Statue” in which the two lovers are locked in an embrace and staring into each other’s eyes.
On Nami Island, the animals are able to roam freely. Squirrels, rabbits, deer, peacocks, ostriches, geese, and many other critters greet you as you go around.
The trees of Metasequoia Road, Gingko Tree Lane and Central Korean Pine Tree Lane are the most popular photo spots, where their heights make it seem like they’re holding up the heavens. In early autumn, the foliage is still verdant and deep while it turns into a mixture of reds, oranges and yellow later in the season. It’s possible to just stand in between the rows of trees and simply lose yourself in the scenery.
Of course, you can’t forget to get a taste of the food. Try the Hotteok at one of the many food stalls available on the island. Best described as pancake with a crisp outer layer and a gooey red bean filling, it’s a popular Korean street food that goes for just KRW1,000. It’s delicious when you take a stroll on the wooden walks around the lake’s edge as you take in the stunning view of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Though the island is small, it does take some time to get around between places. It’s possible to rent a bike or take an electronic car if walking isn’t something you’d like to do, or if you would just like to enjoy the scenery while on a bike.
It’s a wonder how a tiny crescent island could hold so much beauty. The moment I walked off the island and onto the ferry to the city, I knew I would come back for more.
]]>Satisfy your wandering Seoul with Zee Lifestyle’s guide to South Korea.
BASIC INFORMATION
South Korea is a country located in East Asia. Its capital and largest city is Seoul. It is approximately a five-hour flight from the Philippines, and is also one hour ahead in terms of timezone (UTC+9). Their currency is the South Korean won, with a currency exchange of roughly PHP 1 = KRW 23 (as of press time). They have four seasons, with summer running from May to September, autumn from September to November, winter from November to March, and spring from March to May.
Going to South Korea requires a visa for Philippine passport holders, which is easily obtainable from the Korean embassy, located on the 12th floor of the Chinabank Corporate Center in Cebu Business Park. Processing time is five days, and fees are gratis for a stay of 59 days or less.
Philippines AirAsia flies direct to Incheon, South Korea from Mactan, Cebu every day. They also have flights to Incheon from Manila and Kalibo, as well as to Busan from Kalibo. For bookings, visit airasia.com.
THE TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN KOREA DURING SUMMER
1. Explore Incheon International Airport
Bibimbap at Café Bonjuk and Bibimpa, located in Incheon International Airport, is the perfect dinner for right when you land
Okay, so we’d actually rather save this for the last day of the trip while you wait to board your flight, but Incheon International Airport is a destination in itself when you’re in South Korea. It’s one of the world’s best airports for good reason: There’s an abundance of amenities, from duty-free shopping and top-notch dining establishments, to sleeping and shower areas and cultural shows. You’d find you wouldn’t really mind long layovers or delayed flights.
INCHEON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
272 Gonghang-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon, South Korea
2. Don a hanbok and stroll through Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Bukchon Hanok Village
South Korea is a highly urbanized and modern city, yet you can still get glimpses of history and culture here and there. Gyeongbokgung Palace is the largest of Korea’s Five Palaces and was home to the Royal Family back in the Joseon Dynasty, while the Bukchon Hanok Village is a quaint neighborhood of traditional Korean homes known as hanok. Rent a colorful hanbok (traditional costume) to get the most likes on your social media posts. Plus: Entrance to the Palaces is free when you’re in costume.
GYEONGBOKGUNG PALACE
161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
BUKCHON HANOK VILLAGE
Gye-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
3. Dip your toes into the cool waters of the Cheonggyecheon Stream
Cheonggyecheon Stream in downtown Seoul
The Cheonggyecheon Stream, which runs throughout downtown Seoul, is the perfect example of urbanization coordinating with nature. This waterway was neglected for years, until the government pursued efforts to restore it in the early 2000s. Today, it’s one of the most popular public parks where people can sit by the river and even dip their toes into the cool waters pumped from the Han River.
CHEONGGYECHEON STREAM
Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
4. Have samgyetang in Nam Chon Ok
Samgyetang (chicken ginseng soup)
Samgyetang is chicken ginseng soup that’s quite popular during summer. This specialty is basically a whole young chicken stuffed with rice, and is also surrounded with noodles. Pro tip: Make sure you’re REALLY hungry so you can finish off this dish.
NAM CHON OK
20 Gwang-hi-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
5. Get a lot of skincare and makeup freebies at Myeongdong
Myeong-dong Street
Even though you haven’t been bitten by the K-pop craze, even you’d have to admit that Korean skincare is amazing. Myeongdong is a street where you can find popular beauty brands one stall after another, from Etude House to Tony Moly, Innisfree, Missha and Nature Republic. Not only do these stores sell their products at great deals, but they’d throw in a lot (and we mean a lot) of goodies on your way out—or heck, even if you just browse through their selections.
MYEONGDONG STREET
Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
6. Admire the neofuturistic architecture at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza
Dongdaemun Design Plaza
Largely contributing to Korea’s honorific as the World’s Design Capital is the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, a massive and sprawling structure with almost-impossible curves and striking lines designed by Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid in collaboration with Korean studio Samoo. We challenge you to find the perfect angles for your Instagram shots.
DONGDAEMUN DESIGN PLAZA
281 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
7. Get a good night’s rest at the T-Mark Grand Hotel
The view from outside T-Mark Grand Hotel
Of course, you can’t just zoom past all the sights without having decent sleep. But just because you’re off to dreamland doesn’t mean you should stop experiencing the best of what Korea has to offer. The T-Mark Grand Hotel, one of the city’s newest hotels, is highly recommended. Besides offering all the amenities you would ever need, it’s also right across the Nandaemun Market and just a short walking distance to Myeongdong.
T-MARK GRAND HOTEL MYEONGDONG
52 Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea | website
8. Indulge in banana milk in one of Korea’s many convenience stores
Banana milk from CVS for U
If banana milk isn’t Korea’s national drink, then we don’t know what is. The drink, which comes in cute plastic bottles, makes for the perfect refreshment in between all the sightseeing. It’s also filling enough to stave off hunger pangs when necessary. Should you wish to bring some home, we recommend buying them at the airport after checking in.
9. Seal your love at N-Seoul Tower
Love locks at N-Seoul Tower
Following Paris’ lead, several countries now have their own versions of lovelocks, in which couples proclaim your love with a special padlock to signal everlasting togetherness. In South Korea, you can seal your love at the N-Seoul Tower, which also has love benches bent into a curve right in the middle, designed to bring two people together.
N-SEOUL TOWER
105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
10. Shop ‘til you drop at Insadong Antique Alley and Namdaemun Market
Insadong Antique Alley
No trip anywhere is complete without shopping. If you haven’t had your fill from Myeongdong, Insadong Antique Alley has a lot of interesting and unique trinkets to bring back for your loved ones. For even greater sales, especially on bags and shoes, Namdaemun Market is where it’s at.
INSADONG ANTIQUE ALLEY
29 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
NAMDAEMUN MARKET
21 Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
text and photos by Patty Taboada
]]>