The Many Facets of Korea

Not every Filipino gets a chance to visit countries that require visa such as South Korea. I didn’t expect either that I’ll be granted with one before I applied, but fortunately it wasn’t a hassle for me, of course via my travel agency! And plus Korea is first-world so it is expected that making a visit would cost a little fortune. However, I am very happy that once in my life, although not the number 1 in my bucketlist, I got a chance to explore several of its attractions – from nature to historic, to modern.

Now, follow me as I take you to another virtual tour … who knows you will be buying your plane tickets tomorrow!

First Stop: Nami Island
Nami Island aka the lovers’ island is famous of its vast canopy of mega sequoia trees. This is also one of the most popular film venues of the renowned Korean soap, Winter Sonata.

Second Stop: Everland
Everland is Korea’s Disneyland version, and the largest theme park in the country. It features five attractions namely Global Fair, American Avenue, Magic Land, European Adventure, and Zootopia. If you are a big fan of extreme rides more than the roller coaster, this park is for you. Flower persons would also enjoy the Holland village-touch at the Four Seasons Garden where a wide variety of vivid-colored flowers make a perfect carpet. You can fit in if you are an animal lover too while taking snaps at giraffes and other tamed animals of the wild at the Lost Valley. Oh well, it’s a theme park that’s all.

Third Stop: Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung is the largest palace in Korea, situated in Seoul, and was built by the Joseon Dynasty. With its restored chambers, the country boasts of this historical site as the royal palace amidst modern world, featuring Mount Bugak as its backdrop.

Fourth Stop: N Seoul Tower
N Seoul Tower, also known as the Namsan Tower is amongst Korea’s tourist destinations, and it marks the highest point in Seoul atop the Namsan Mountain. Aside from its observatory deck, French-inspired fences and trees that are thickly covered with colorful love locks are its main attractions.

Fifth Stop: Cheonggyecheon Stream
Cheonggyecheon Stream is located at downtown Seoul, originally a local stream that flows through Jungnangcheon, which in turn connects to the Han River. After its completion in 2005, it has became popular among city residents and tourists. On the other side of the stream is the Gwanghwamun square which is also of historical significant as the location of royal administrative buildings, known as Yukjo-geori or Street of Six Ministries.

Sixth Stop: Myeongdong
Myeongdong is listed as one of the most expensive shopping streets in the world. International and local brands decorate both sides of the street, and it is populated mainly by commercial buildings.

If you love what you’ve just seen and would want to see all these attractions yourself, book a flight to Seoul and call it a lifetime experience.

Annyeong haseyo!

To view my exclusive travel gallery, check out my Instagram account.

Incheon International Airport: CHECK.

So this is it. Exactly twelve days ago, I set foot on the 2^nd World’s Best Airport – you guessed it – the Incheon International Airport (ICN), based on Skytrax 2014 rating.  Incheon International Airport also maintains its rank on Airport’s Council International as the 1^st Best Airport Worldwide since 2005 up to 2013.

On board Korean Air chartered flight KE9636, me and the rest of the tourists were all excited as our aircraft touched down the runway. I couldn’t help myself but to keep snapping my camera – the scene was worth capturing! Despite having a not-so-great flight due to turbulent reoccurrence, and plus flying four hours from 2a.m. to 6a.m., I had sufficient energy once I stepped on Korean soil.

At the airport, we were greeted with amazing series of LCD walls that display different highlights of South Korea along with several dynasty exhibits. It didn’t take us long to reach and clear the Immigration. At the arrival area were food chains and restaurants and cafés and kiosks of orchid gardens at the middle. The area was huge but I wasn’t able to roam around like I did at Changi Airport, as I was there in a group and wasn’t supposed to cast myself away. But I’ve heard there are other amenities inside the airport such as SPA and skating rink, and it is the fastest airport in the world when it comes to customs processing.


I want to explore Incheon International Airport – may be next time, who knows?

Top 10 World's Best Airports by Skytrax
I checked the ones I've set foot.



It spells INCHEON!



Sunrise and Korean Air



This way to the Immigration and Baggage Claim



Are those cherry blossoms?



Korea and Philippine Friendship flags :)



Have you crushed out ICN on your bucketlist? - I already did!