Brilliant Seoul

My friends have been joking about my yearly visit to South Korea as a pilgrimage. Last December was my 4th visit to Seoul in the Republic of Korea (ROK-South Korea). I don't think I will every get tired of visiting Seoul but nevertheless it would probably high time to visit other cities when i go back. I just couldn't help but be amazed of how improvements keeps happening in ROK. Incheon airport is getting more tourist friendly each year. Despite of their weakness in speaking the English language or maybe lack of preference, they have made the navigation in the airport as easy as possible for foreigners. The airport is comparable with that of Singapore and Hong Kong. It was freezing at -3 degrees Celsius when we arrived and my jacket is poorly helping me fight the cold. As usual taking a bus from Incheon going to city center of Seoul is never a problem even on a late arrival. A booth is set-up right before going outside the airport to help you with the easiest transport means to use. This is something new, aside from the information booth they have something like this that specifically addresses transport needs. Since I knew what bus to take just needed to wait for its arrival and because it is past 10pm bus fare has to be paid through the bus already and no longer via ticket selling booth.

I have always been curious how it feels to snow. Last 2010, it was cold at 3 degrees Celsius yet there was no snow. This year was a perfect timing. Now I know that dreamy feeling of snowing. Just that, if it isn't snowing constantly, it later on melts so the roads can be slippery. Since I found Doulos Hotel, this has become my hotel choice in Seoul. It's located near Jongno 3-ga MTR station and its right at the center of Seoul City. The hotel is just 3-star but its service is definitely value for money. The hotel comes with a free breakfast, toiletries and complimentary bottled water (take note its Evian).

This was a short visit, only spent 2 full days in the city out of the 4 days stay. Making the most out of Seoul visit with my better half is definitely full packed. Since Cheonggye stream is just walking distance from the hotel, It was an automatic spot to go to but this is the first time I saw the stream on ice. Typically this is a favorite place for family, friends and couples to hang out. But on a winter, there are just few people walking along. This stream came a long way to become like this, its past is a testament to a successful transformation of Seoul. I remember reading from the gallery posted along the Cheonggye that this place used to be a shanty. People having squatting from this place and the water flowing from the stream is just as dirty as the one in Pasig river. But with will to beautify Seoul, the Korean has turned it into a wonderful place where people can enjoy walking along the stream stretch.

Even if i have seen most of the Palaces located in Seoul. It's still amazing to see one at the heart of a modern city. It takes a lot of effort to preserve cultural structures such as this. Walking inside the palace gives you an idea of how the royalties of Korea lived their life. The palace is truly grand in size and in details. It must have took blood and sweat to build one. In one of the programs I have watched in National Geography, South Korean government actually hired artisans who are skilled to rebuild and maintain these cultural heritage. These craftsmen are valued by the government since their skills are rare like those who are knowledgeable in traditional Korean carpentry and painting.

Entry to Changdeokgung (Changdeok Palace) costs 7000KRW (that's about 7USD or 140PHP). Located within the palace is also the Secret Garden or Biwon in Korean) which is believed to be a pleasure garden for the royalties. Entry to this garden is 5000KRW but if you but the 2 in 1 pass you just pay for 11,000KRW.

The reason why I also wanted to stay in Jongno is because of Insadong. I love walking in this street. It is filled with shops that sells native Korean stuff such as Hanbok and other traditional clothes, accessories, antiques, etc. Good restaurants and street food are also in abundance from rice cakes, ice creams to different breads.

I am fascinated with accessories of Korean royalty. One thing that catches my attention most are the rings of the royalties. Last time I was able to buy a jade ring but my husband accidentally broke it so this time around i bought another one. Though the old store i bought my jade ring does not have stock, good thing i found another one.

I also got to have a taste of their fried chicken. Bonchon has been a craze in Metro Manila, BBQ Chicken is also a favorite take out restaurant in the office. Unfortunately I have not found this chicken restaurant in Seoul. BBQ Chicken delivers but I have not seen actual restaurant. We dined in two restaurants that serves chicken Obokyongtang and Chickenmania.  Their serving are generous considering the price. They are both good but Chickenmania offers more variation.

It's been two weeks since I came back but thoughts of the bright city of Seoul still lingers in my head. I wonder if I could be back to South Korea again next year.

Note:  If you are considering going to South Korea and is mindful of  budget you may want to consider staying at Doulos and reading my other post on visiting Korea.