(This is a late post. Travel made on 2015)
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| Gwanghwamun Gate in Gyeongbokgung Palace |
It was the peak of MERS virus in Korea when me and my friends took a journey. I was very reluctant at that time because of fear. My interest going to South Korea subsided day by day because news channels were all talking about MERS. But still, we did go. I have already paid for the airline tickets and the accommodation, and that would cost me a lot. Besides, I'm thinking that it would give a little spice to the trip.
Through the years, South Korea has made itself recognizable and respected in the world. With big brands like Samsung, LG, HYUNDAI and more, the country was able to carve its name to the globe. Not to mention Korean Pop and Dramas which are taking the world by storm.
One would be very curious to know and discover what is South Korea. On June of 2015, me and my friends took a 4-day off from our work to discover the country. Korea offered us a big basket of exiting things to discover and we were only able to get a handful. Probably that's the reason that we should go back.
NAMI ISLAND
This one is famous folks if you have been watching Winter Sonata (a Korean Drama). It is a tiny half-moon-shaped island about 60km from Seoul (1 hour and 30 minutes by train). Because of the proximity to Seoul, Nami island became a favourite destination not only for locals, but tourists as well. Usually, the island is full during weekends, and it is recommended to make a visit during weekdays.
The island has cherry trees, gingko, redwood, tulips, white birch and white pine. Thus, making your visit to the island delighting at any season of the year.
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| Nami Island Entrance Gate |
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| Gingko trees |
How to get there (from Myeong-Dong Station):
a. Myeong-Dong Station (take Line 4 bound to Chungmuro) ---> get off at Dongdaemun History and Cultural Park Station
b. Dongdaemum History and Cultural Park Station (transfer to Line 2 bound to Sindang Station) ---> get off at Wangsimni Station
c. Wangsimni Station (transfer to Jungang Line bound to Cheong-nyong ni Station) ---> get off at Mangu Station
d. Mangu Station (transfer to Kyeongchun Line bound to Galmae Station) ---> get off at Gapyeong Station
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| Gapyeong Station |
Outside the Gapyeong Station, take a taxi (2,500 ~ 3,000 KWN) to Ferry Wharf of Nami Island. You can also take a local bus (which is actually cheaper than the taxi) outside the train station and get off at Nami Island Station. There is a tourism office outside the station, if you get confused which bus to take.
Cost
At the ferry wharf, get your tickets (10,000 KWN) which includes ferry fare and an entrance to the island.
GARDEN OF MORNING CALM
According to morningcalm.co.kr, the garden was founded by professor Song-kyung Han and it opened in May 11, 1996. The name of the garden originated from where Rabindranath Tagore, an Indian poet, called Korea as "The Land of the Morning Calm".
How to get there:
Using the same bus route from Gapyeong Station to Nami Island, get off at the last bus stop, "Garden of Morning Calm".
Cost
The ticket costs 9,000 KWN during weekends and holidays and 8,000 KWN during weekdays.
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| Mango parfait in one of the cafes inside Nami Island |
MYEONG-DONG / MYEONG-DONG CATHEDRAL
Myeong-dong area is one of the famous shopping sites in Korea especially for cosmetics. The shopping street is lined with all those Korean facial wash, cream and whole lot more. This street is really good for souvenirs.
Also, this is where the Myeong-dong Cathedral is located. The Cathedral is where the Roman Catholic Church community in Korea started. It is also known as "Cathedral Church of the Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception".
How to get there:
Get off at "Myeong-dong Station".
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| Myeong-dong Cathedral |
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| Myeong-dong shopping street at night |
GYEONGBUKGUNG PALACE
The Gyeongbukgung Palace was the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty, and was built in 1395.
Aside from the Korean ambiance you will feel in the palace grounds, you have to wait for the "Change of Guard" ceremony. This is one of the highlights of the palace. I am not sure of the schedule but I read that it happens every hour.
Also, you could rent Korean costumes near the gate. Perfect for a good picture, with a Korean palace backdrop.
The palace is closed on Tuesdays.
Cost
The admission fee is 3,000 KWN (which is also valid for National Palace Museum and National FOlk Museum).
There is also an "Integrated Palace Ticket" that costs 10,000 KWN, in which you could have access to the four (4) palaces including the Jongmyo shrine. The Integrated Palace ticket covers the following:
a. Changdeokgung Palace (including Huwon and Secret Garden)
b. Changgyeonggung Palace
c. Deoksugung
d. Gyeongbukgung Palace
e. Jongmyo Shrine
How to get there:
Use Exit # 5 of Gyeongbokgung Station (Subway line no. 3).
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| Change of Guard Ceremony in Gyeongbukgung Palace |
CHANGGYEONGGUNG PALACE
Chaanggyeong Palace is included in the Integrated Palace Ticket.
It was built by King Seongjong in 1483, the ninth king of the Joseon Dynasty. It is also referred as "Donggwol" or the "the East Palace".
The palace is closed on Mondays.
How to get there:
Get off at Hyehwa Station (Exit 4) from Subway Line 4.
JONGMYO
The shrine is the primary palce of worship of the kings during the Joseon dynasty. The main shrine hall, Cheongjeon, houses the tablets for the kings and queens.
This is included in the integrated Palace ticket, but take note that the shrine tour will be offered only at specific times during the day. Schedules are usually posted on the gates of the shrine.
The shrine is closed on Tuesdays.
How to get there:
5-minute walk from the train stations' exits.
a. Jongno 3 (sam) - ga Station (subway line 1, exit 11)
b. Subway line 3, exit 8
c. Subway line 5, exit 8.
EVERLAND
Everland is South Korea's largest theme park, located in Yongin, city of Gyeonggi-do. One of its attractions is the T-Express that opened in 2008. It is the country's hishest, fastest, longest, steepes wooden roller coaster.
How to get there:
From Myenong-dong, Seoul, the trip will approximate take 1.5 hours.
a. Get-off at Giheung Station (Bundang Line)
b. Transfer to Yongin Everline and get-off at Jeondae Everland Station
c. From Jeondae Everland Station, take the free shuttle bus to Everland.
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| Everland gates (RSO photo) |
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| T-Express (RSO photo) |
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| Safari Ride. You get the chance to see a feeding giraffe. This close! |
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| Bears are so adorable. They wave their hands for food. |
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| Garden in Everland. |
ACCOMODATION
We stayed in Namsan Guest House No. 3 during this trip. Check their address here: Namsan Guest House. The place is accessible since it is in the Myeong-dong Area. From our window, we could see the N-Seoul Tower. The place is indeed comfortable. On my trips, I usually check the staff's behavior towards their clients, and this one is a thumbs up! They are good in English and very accommodating.
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Date of Trip: June 26 to 28, 2015
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| Kiko and the gang |
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