Pages

Friday, January 23, 2015

A Taste of Kimchi


Korea (maybe) is everybody's  travel dream destination. Yes it has been and will always be my dream travel destination next to Europe (hehehe).

I am working with a Korean company, yet not been so fortunate of being able to be sent to our Headquarter. However, I am still grateful having employed by KEPCO KPS Philippines, not only for having this kind of job but for having those ever supportive Korean Managers with regards to our trip to Korea (Honeymoon Trip if I may say).

Our General Manager together with my manager helped me out in securing tourist visa. I have also a friend from Busan, South Korea who sent us invitation as one of the requirement. To make the story short, we have the South Korea Tourist visa approved.

June 12, 2014 was our wedding...and it was  0225AM (I think we're ahead of the schedule departure time) of June 14, 2014 that we departed NAIA terminal 3 and arrived  Incheon airport as early as 0700AM (Korea time: ahead of  Philippine time by an hour).

Our friend (my college friend, classmate working in Korea) is just on time waiting for us at the arrival area. We just had a bit and funny experience during baggage pick-up. We got lost. Our baggage got lost. There were many conveyor belts to look at because the indicated/assigned belt in our boarding pass was not the actual number assigned to it, so we asked for help. Good thing, our baggage is already with one of the airport crew and looking for us already. So, anyway welcome to South Korea!

So, here we go...

at the Airport (From our friend instagram post @iammissjaybee)


on a bus to Bundang

After an hour of bus travel from Incheon Airport, we arrive at  Bundang bus stop station. Our general manager (happened to be in Korea) is waiting for us there. So, we introduce him our friend and that started it all.

Our GM's place (apartment, condo type usually in Korea) is just nearby the bus stop station, and our hotel (sponsored by the company thru my manger and GM) also just a walk away. Passing through a mall (AK Plaza), GM accompanied us to our hotel and settle all bills before leaving.


AK Plaza area (Bundang, Seohyeon Station)


GM is a little bit naughty as I can see in his eyes, he is asking me if I am serious having two girls in the hotel (hehehe) ...and left us at the hotel and arrange a dinner for us.

Dinner with GM and his wife

But before that, we left our hotel to Ansan, our friend's place. We need to know the way to be there because after our 3D 2N stay at SR hotel in Bundang (sorry I don't have any picture of our hotel) we will be transferring to her unit for free. So, that would be for the whole weekdays of free accommodation.

So there you go... her unit is good. We went out for our late lunch and roam around Ansan. By the way, Bellagium Bldg. (my friend place) is just opposite the Ansan City Hall and there were many boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops and all around the city. According to Jahnis (our friend) Ansan, is a province away from Seoul, the capital of South Korea. However, it is just good to live there for all your needs is just a walk away and the popular Lotte Mart is also a few meters away as well as the Bus terminal and the Train station.

Day 2. Everland Tour.

Everland is not far from Disneyland of Hongkong, Tokyo and USA or if I may say from our very own Enchanted Kingdom in the Philippines. It is just big to be roam around in just one whole day. I think one day is not enough if you wanted to see every corner of the place, if you wanted to try all the rides. It is definitely will be a massive workout for your feet because you have to walk and walk and walk all around although you can also try riding on a cable car.

Everland Entrance

Korea with LOVE

with Jahnis (our generous friend)
This RIDE looks scary (Let's Spin It)

on a rride




Lonely Planet

Those were all from our Everland Tour.

Day 3: Checkout from SR Hotel

We have checked out of our paid (sponsored) 3D 2N accomodation and will be heading to Ansan. But before going to our next sponsored accomodation, we drop by Seoul for some tourist spot. From Seohyeon Station via subway ( 1 transfer) we have decided to alight at Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station.


The Torch Tower




That was the Dongdaemun History and Culture Park. According to them (Koreans), this is previously the Dongdaemun Stadium. That is why (maybe) there is a big torch (torch tower) display in the middle of the park as you can see in the picture.


After the Dongdaemun Park, we go straight to Myeongdong via subway (1 transfer). We visit the Myeongdong Catholic Church then roam around the place. Window Shopping, selfie-ing, eating and just enjoying the busy street of Myendong. We also looked for a money changer there to have our dollar converted to Korean Wonn.


Myeongdong Church

Day 4:  Seoul Grand Park

As we read the station as Seoul Grand Park, we decided to alight at the station. So here it goes....


We just enjoyed the cable car since it is so big to walk around.
This way is to the Subway Station

The Landmark


A view from the cable car of Seoul Grand Park

I just love how those trees were perfectly planted creating an amazing landscape.



to be continued...