Our flight was scheduled in the afternoon and we're expected to arrive to South Korea at 8:00 PM so we were able to watch the sun set up above the clouds. It was breathtaking.
We were quite excited to look around because the weather was really cold, the kind when you'd be able to see your breath while talking. We knew that it already snowed in Seoul before we arrived but we then continued our trip. First stop: Gyeongbokgung Palace. Please excuse my inside out pocket appearance, lol.
We didn't went inside the palace but ventured towards the statues outside at Gwanghwamun Square. These statues are the great heroes of Korea.
King Sejong the Great, fourth king of Joseon.
Admiral Yi Sun Sin, a famous Korean naval commander.
Pretty veggies! If only I could eat raw food #digestiveproblems.
We walked around central Seoul to find something to eat and found this traditional dining for some authentic Korean food. For the meantime, say hello to my (legit) Korean boyfriend, check out the hair. <3
First authentic meal was Beef Bulgogi. It's sweet and it reminded us of Japanese cuisine's Sukiyaki.
Our next agenda was supposed to be Bukchon Hanok Villages. Unfortunately, it was too cold to go and the wind was a bit strong as well as the snow. SNOW. We took the opportunity to take some photos from this mini park on our way back to Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Went to Myeongdong station and stopped by DeliManjoo. You can't miss it cause you'll smell it on your way out to tap your train card. If you're visiting Seoul you should try this! It's a sweet treat which I likened to custard cake. We already have it here in Manila but my friend says it has less filling.
We took a stroll at Myeongdong during the night but my hands were freezing which is the reason why I didn't have street pictures, sigh.
I did have a picture of our dinner though. First Korean BBQ dinner, nom.
The next day we headed out to Hongdae.
We visited Trick Eye Museum which was so much fun and VERY exhausting. We had a lot of pictures but of course I thought of sharing only a few trick-eye-worthy ones.
The ticket was a package for the entrance inside Ice Museum too and honestly, it was much colder here than outside. Brrr. I don't look like I'm THAT cold, right?
Second Korean BBQ meal for lunch! It was so filling I think we ate for almost 3 hours here.
We visited N Seoul Tower that night. Other people hike up here following the Fortress Wall trail although I'm not sure how they do it in the freezing temperature.
N Seoul Tower illuminated at night.
Locks of love. <3
Ended the evening here and then went back to the hostel for a good night's rest.
Third day was all for Nami Island and we *tried* to leave early to get there early. Unfortunately, my steaming hot noodles for breakfast decided to take a landing on my thighs. Good thing it was winter and the burn actually healed fast and was less painful when I stepped outside the cold morning. That didn't stop me from doing this pose with the boyfriend.
Waiting for the train to Gapyeong station, our last transfer.
Finally arrived and headed straight to Mr. Dakgalbi to eat Dak galbi (of course) for lunch. It's grilled chicken (and I love chicken) with lots of veggies and rice cake.
Finally, Namiseom Island! This Island is popular because of the hit Korean drama Winter Sonata. Honestly I didn't watch it by Nami Island was beautiful especially with the snow. Would love to go back here during Autumn.
Tall Gingko trees lined up.
Hello, Katy Perry wants to see you.
We literally were exhausted after the whole day trip to Nami Island and decided to try McDonald's. Serving sizes are big and they have Bulgogi Burger which was nom nom nom.
For our last day, we were able to visit the Bukchon Hanok Village. But saw this center along the way.
The hanok villages were lovely. Feels like I'm in one of those Korean dramas during the Joseon Dynasty. :p
Had budae jjigae for lunch. It was an army based stew that became popular after the Korean war because of food scarcity. It was made through food surplus from the US Forces Korea and was made Korean through their spices. It has instant noodles, fish cakes and rice cakes here. You can even add dumplings and others.
After finishing the meal, local usually order rice and have the cook toss it into the budae jjigae pan and add nori and corn. Dessert is a bit heavy but everything you ate will be burned when you get out in the cold weather anyway. :p
We decided to walk our way back to Myeongdong. Passed by Insadong to see South Korea's place for antique shops and arts. We passed by a guy a who play violin in the streets.
These men were convincing us to buy taffy ta-rae. It's an old dessert served to royalties before and it looks like a woven spider web but is actually honey and malt. It wraps either ground peanuts, almond or chocolate.
Also passed by Nandaemun for some souvenir shopping. This would be the Divisoria of Manila where prices are cheap especially if you buy in bulk.
Walked again to Myeongdong.
And that's were our trip ended. Wow 51 pictures. Hope I was able to give you a great glimpse of South Korea. I'm so happy to cross this out of my bucket list but I would love to go back there. :)
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