How are things going in December?
I hope all are well! :)
I've been traveling a lot since mid-November till end-December; traveling from Busan, to Seoul and then to China.
As you may already know from my Instagram, I came back from Seoul in 3 weeks ago.
It's very lucky that I got to travel to Korea twice in this year.
A very special big shoutout to Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) for sending me to Seoul this time.
Yea, if you are with me all this while, you probably know why I'm in love with Korea so much; I love Kimchi and Soju, Korean beauty products are part of my daily routine, I like Korean dramas and I can watch every day and night, I like K-pop songs and I'm learning K-pop choreography now.
I'm really in love with everything about Korea. :p
I felt overwhelmed when I received email from KTO about the collaboration for this time.
Thanks for trusting me as I always have a strong passion sharing my traveling stories and hoping my write up would provide a wider platform for my readers.
So, in this post, I will be sharing an overview of the trip, and will be diving deep into the places by separating the posts according to different places that I've been to this time.
I will try to include as much as information as I could, include the directions since I've received so many messages from you all on my IG and FB. :)
Shall we begin the journey now?!
We visited 6 different provinces during our 6D5N trip, mainly to the undiscovered attraction places at Ganghwado, Songdo, Yeosu, Jeonju, Nonsan, and Seoul.
One of the purpose of this trip is to experience the modernize Korean Wave, where we visited the Korean drama shooting locations, K-pop related attractions and also experience the unique food and traditional culture in Korea.
My happiness and excitement was double as I'm a huge fan of Hallyu! #superexcited
If you are planning a Hallyu trip with stunningly natural beautiful places in Korea, I hope this post would give you additional ideas or information for your trip.
DAY 1 - GANGHWADO ISLAND & SONGDO
Ganghwa's Mega Luge Ride, is one of the activities that I was very looking forward because I never tried the ride before and I heard from people said it's very fun.
It is the largest in Asia with the longest track reaching 1.8km, and also different courses including 360° rotation courses, exciting zones and a drop zone.
Unfortunately, we didn't get to try it because the weather was pretty bad when we arrived there.
The cable cars were still under maintenance, so the staffs suggested we don't take the risk.
The cable cars were still under maintenance, so the staffs suggested we don't take the risk.
If you happened to visit Ganghwado Island, don't forget to give a try on the ride and let me know how fun it is!
Add: 281-1, Seondu-ri San (Mt.), Gilsang-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
Website: https://ganghwa-resort.co.kr/
Add: 281-1, Seondu-ri San (Mt.), Gilsang-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
Website: https://ganghwa-resort.co.kr/
We took a short break at Joyang Bangik cafe before the lunch time in Inncheon.
Joyang Bangik Cafe an old-fashioned textile factory since 1970 that has been turned into an unique industry-look cafe.
It's hard to believe this place can be such an amazing cafe when you first walked though it's front gate.
The complex was divided into few different parts; with numerous textile machines and tools at the first building, and then welcomed by a cool cafe where you can buy coffee or juice.
Seriously, this is one most unique with special themed cafe that I never visited before!
Add: 589-23 Sinmun-ri, Ganghwa-eup, Kanghwa, Incheon, South Korea
Any K-pop fans right here? Raise your hands up!
If you are one of the K-pop fans, you must come to the K-Live Korean Wave Hologram Theater!
It's a renowned K-pop hologram performance hall where you can enjoy the K-pop music with different artists' performances, such as Big Bang, G-Dragon, CNBLUE, PSY, 2PM etc.
I really enjoyed my time there with "Awake" by G-Dragon since I know the songs very well.
The overall effects were made to top class and so real, almost feel like I'm really at G-Dragon's concert! :)
It's a renowned K-pop hologram performance hall where you can enjoy the K-pop music with different artists' performances, such as Big Bang, G-Dragon, CNBLUE, PSY, 2PM etc.
I really enjoyed my time there with "Awake" by G-Dragon since I know the songs very well.
The overall effects were made to top class and so real, almost feel like I'm really at G-Dragon's concert! :)
Right next to the K-Live Korean Wave Hologram Theater, there is also a Songdo Monster VR, where you can try the real power of VR.
It has more than 40 different types of VR experiences, such as Jungle Adventure, VR Theater, VR Gaming, VR Exciting etc.
If you've never tried VR in Korea, you should absolutely do one when you are there because this will be a totally different experience from any previous VR you have tried before.
I played the VR in Malaysia, and that's way too different with the one I tried at this Monster VR!If you've never tried VR in Korea, you should absolutely do one when you are there because this will be a totally different experience from any previous VR you have tried before.
Add: Floor 6, Building D, Triple Street, 1-33, Songdogwahal-ro 16beon-gil, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon.
How to get to K-Live Hologram Theater & Monster VR: take Line 1 of the Incheon Subway → get off at Technopark Station → Exit 2 → walk for 150m
Gyeongwonjae Ambassador Incheon is the largest five-star hotel located in Songdo.
The hotel is built in Central Business District, but with the style of a traditional Korean Noble houses in between Goryeo and Joseon dynasties.
It's a very good place to stay in Songdo, especially for those who want to discover, experience and understand the Korean culture.
Besides, there are also many K-dramas were taking film at here, such as About Time, The Great Seducer, The K2, My ID Is Gangnam Beauty and also the most famous one, Goblin by Gong Yoo and Kim Go-Eun!
Add: 200 Technopark-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, 22004 Korea
How to get to Gyeongwonjae Ambassador Incheon: Central Park Station (Incheon Subway Line 1) → Exit 4 → walk straight (leaving Tri-Bowl - Multiplex Cultural Center behind you)→ pass by the Compact Smart City building → the hotel will be on your left side
Website: http://gyeongwonjae.com/
DAY 2 - YEOSU
It took us 3 hours from Songdo to Yeosu by taking KTX high-speed train.
When we arrived at Yeosu, we first visited the Hanhwa Aqua Planet Yeosu.
It's the second largest aquarium in Korea and also a landmark of the southern province with a record of about 1 million visitors every year.
There are about 34,000 marine organisms of about 280 species including rare animal such as beluga (white wale) and baikal seal.
Another reason for making the Aqua Planet so famous is because it is also one of the filming site of the K-drama "The Legend of the Blue Sea" by Lee Min Ho and Jun Ji Hyun too!
The second photo is where Heo Joon-Jae and Shim Cheong met inside the drama. :)
Oh ya! Don't forget to catch the live performance with the pretty mermaid too ya!
You can spend your whole day at the same complex as Hanhwa Aqua Planet Yeosu because Trick Eye Museum is just located right next to each others.
I've visited Trick Eye Museum in Jeju and Seoul before, so this was actually my third visit.
Yet, this Trick Eye Museum is slightly different with the ones I visited before as it brings a new concept of culture and entertainment space for the visitors where you can explore 3D optical illusion paintings and installations by "becoming one" with the artworks.
You can also download their apps to your smartphone which only applied to Trick Eye Museum where flat paintings look three-dimensional, providing more vivid and amazing experiences so it feels like the entire exhibition comes alive.
Add: 61-11, Odongdo-ro, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do
How to get to Hanhwa Aqua Planet Yeosu & Trick Eye Museum: take a train from Yongsan Station to Yeosu-Expo Station → walk about 10-15 minutes to arrive
Website: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=2375845
Just 10 minutes walk from the Aqua Planet, you can also experience the Yeosu Maritime Cable Car which is the first of its kind in Korea, connecting Dolsan Island and the mainland over the ocean.
I enjoyed the ride more than I had expected; the facilities were new and clean, the panoramic views around the harbour from either cable car or up at the hill were both great!
Absolutely worthwhile!
Add: 3600-1, Dolsan-ro, Dolsan-eup, Yeosu, Jeollanam-do
How to go to Yeosu Maritime Cable Car: from Seoul station → take a train to Yeosu Expo Station → take bus No. 2 → get off at Jinnamgwan → transfer to the bus that goes to Dolsan
Website: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=1997301
DAY 3 - SUNCHEON
I love Suncheon!
No words can describe how beautiful the place is!
Suncheon is a city in South Jeolla Province, South Korea; just an hour drive from South-East of Gwangju.
The scenery is breathtaking and truly jaw-dropping, especially the Suncheonman Bay Wetland Reserved, which is the biggest colony of reeds in Korea.
It's best to travel here in every November when the fields in Suncheonman are fully covered with thick and tall reeds.
It's a very peaceful place to take a walk and enjoy the natural beauty of the landscape in Suncheon.
Other than that, Suncheonman Bay Wetland Reserved is also the filming location of the K-drama "Temperature of Love" by Yang Se-Jong and Seo Hyun-Jin.
I'm really in love with this place! #leftmyheartthere
Add: 513-25, Suncheonman-gil, Suncheon-si, Jeollanam-do
How to get to Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserved: from Suncheon Train Station → walk to the right along Palmaro st. about 100m and cross the street → take bus No. 67 → get off Suncheonman
Website: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=681459
The Open Film Location features about 700 over variety shows such as Running Man; K-dramas of East of Eden, Baking King, Kim Tak-ku; K-movies include Love, Lies, Wolf-Child as well as the latest Gangnam Blue by Lee Min-Ho and Kim Rae-Won.
I was impressed with how advance and surreal the Korean drama scene set ups are.
I had so much fun while exploring the different sets since I've watched so many dramas and movies before.
If you are also one of the K-fans, I believe you will enjoy this place as much as I do!
Add: 24, Biryegol-gil, Suncheon-si, Jeollanam-do
How to get to Suncheon Open Film Location: from Seoul Central Bus Terminal → take an intercity bus to Suncheon → take bus No. 77, 99 or 777 → get off at Suncheon Drama Set bus stop → walk about 10 minutes by following the sign of the open film location
Website: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=681433
Naganeupseong Folk Village is located in Jeollanam-do Province.
If you watched the latest K-drama "Mr Sunshine", one of the scene was taking at here too.
The folk village is one of the well-reserved old villages in Korea, which contains a town castle that is over 18,000 Pyeong (1 Pyeong equal to 3.3 sq m) in size.
All the houses have their unique characters, and there are still about 100 families are staying inside the houses.
It's best to walk on the wall to have a good overview of the mountains and the whole village.
My dad said he wanted to visit these unique houses next time in Korea after he saw my pictures. :)
If you are in Suncheon, I would said this is the place that definitely worth a visit!
Add: 30, Chungmin-gil, Nagan-myeon, Suncheon-si, Jeollanam-do
How to get to Naganeupseong Folk Village: from Suncheon Bus Terminal → cross Suncheon 3 (sam)-gill street → walk along Palmaro st. to the bus stop → take bus no.16, 61, 63 or 68 to Naganeupseong Folk Village
Website: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=1803826
DAY 4 - JEONJU & NONSHAN
Hanbook is Korea's traditional clothing that they worn during special festivals and weddings.
I've seen hanbok in many K-dramas before, and always curious about this traditional garments and wanted to have beautiful pictures with it.
My first impression about Korean hanbook is the colours is very nice, the design is very elegant and the most important thing is it is very comfortable and easy to wear.
We had our hanbok experience at Jeonju Hanok Village, and I really felt like I'm a princess back in olden times in the K-drama. #hehe
Add: 29, Eojin-gil, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do
How to get to Jeonju Hanok Village: from Jeonju Station → take bus No. 12, 60, 79, 109, 119, 142, 508, 513, 536 or 542 → get off Jeondong Cathedral (Hanok Village) bus stop
Website: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=264285
Do you watch the latest K-drama "Mr. Sunshine, starring by Lee Byung-Hun and Kim Tae-Ri?
If you've watched it, this new filming location, Nonsan Sunshine Land will definitely catch your full attention!
The complex is divided into three different parts, which consists of military game experience with screen shooting games, the replica of 1950s street of Seoul to experience the 1950s history and also the Sunshine Studio where the exact shooting of drama Mr. Sunshine was held.
I've watched the "Mr. Sunshine", and seriously no words can describe the excitement within me when I visited the Sunshine Land.
I've watched the "Mr. Sunshine", and seriously no words can describe the excitement within me when I visited the Sunshine Land.
Every locations seem surreal to me, that I felt like I'm walking through the drama again as every scenes rush through my mind.
I'm really deeply impressed with this place!
I'm really deeply impressed with this place!
Add: 102, Bonghwang-ro, Nonsan-si, Chungcheongnam-do
How to get to Nonsan Sunshine Land: from Yeonmudae Express Bus Terminal Bus Stop → take bus no. 201 or 216 to Hwanghwa 4-ri bus stop → walk about 5 mins to Nonsan Sunshine Land
Website: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/AKR/FU_EN_15.jsp?cid=2559657DAY 5 - SEOUL
On the 5th day, time to get back to Seoul and turn into a real Running Man!
Running Man Thematic Experience Center allows you to try out the experiences based on the variety show of Running Man.
The game journey include six different zones, such as maze battle, and various of thrilling games, races and puzzles.
Running Man Thematic Experience Center allows you to try out the experiences based on the variety show of Running Man.
The game journey include six different zones, such as maze battle, and various of thrilling games, races and puzzles.
What you need to do it to collect as many as R coins, earn more than 80 points within 60 minutes in order to get the certificate and gift.
Trust me, all kinds of games are not easy at all, it's challenging and adventures; but it's real fun to go with family and friends to see who can survive at last!
Trust me, all kinds of games are not easy at all, it's challenging and adventures; but it's real fun to go with family and friends to see who can survive at last!
Add: B1, Hana Building, 41, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
How to get to Running Man Thematic Experience Center: from Jonggak Station (Line 1) Exit 3 → turn left at the first corner → walk for about 3 minutes to the complex
Website: http://www.running-man.kr/eng/main.do
Had a very pleasant time at the Tea Therapy Cafe that offers not only home-crewed teas with healthy menu, but also a very relaxing foot bath experience.
This cafe has been aired on KBS's "Muhanjidae Q" due to its interior and unique concept where customers can rejuvenate while enjoying a cup of good tea.
I've never experienced elsewhere with this kind of tea's culture before. :)
If you are looking for arty feel with cozy environment for meditating or rejuvenating, Tea Therapy Cafe could be a great choice in Seoul. :)
Add: 16, Eonju-ro, 173-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
How to get to Tea Therapy: Apgujeong Station (Seoul Subway Line 3) → exit 2 → go 300m to arrive at the first corner → turn left (the cafe is located on the left)
Website: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/FOD/FO_EN_6_4_4.jsp?cid=2020905
Website: http://www.running-man.kr/eng/main.do
Had a very pleasant time at the Tea Therapy Cafe that offers not only home-crewed teas with healthy menu, but also a very relaxing foot bath experience.
This cafe has been aired on KBS's "Muhanjidae Q" due to its interior and unique concept where customers can rejuvenate while enjoying a cup of good tea.
I've never experienced elsewhere with this kind of tea's culture before. :)
If you are looking for arty feel with cozy environment for meditating or rejuvenating, Tea Therapy Cafe could be a great choice in Seoul. :)
Add: 16, Eonju-ro, 173-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
How to get to Tea Therapy: Apgujeong Station (Seoul Subway Line 3) → exit 2 → go 300m to arrive at the first corner → turn left (the cafe is located on the left)
Website: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/FOD/FO_EN_6_4_4.jsp?cid=2020905
If you are a K-pop fan, you must know SM Town at Coex Artium.
It's a huge building that full of SM artists, including EXO, Super Junior, SHINee, Girls' Generations, Red Velvet, Boa, NCT, TVXQ.
Different rooms have set up with different bands, including SM archive, special exhibition, artist gallery such as albums, stage photos, outfits, accessories, and behind scenes stories.
Also, at the end of the museum, it also has a gift & souvenir shop, and also a cafe.
I really enjoyed my time here, though I'm not a truly SM fans, but all the set ups are really awesome and really make you feel like you are just one step closer with your favourite idols. :)
My niece is the super fan of EXO, and I told her that she should really visit SM Town one day to have the amazing experience with her favourite idol. :)
Add: 513, Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
How to get to Coex Artium: Samseong Station (Seoul Subway Line 2) → Exit 5 & 6 → COEX located next to the exit
Website: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=1024886
DAY 6 - SEOUL
Have you ever been to the K-Style Hub?
K-Style Hub is an one-stop tourist information center to provide information for all the tourists' needs.
Other than providing information about Korea, such as travel brochure, guide books and maps, the center also offers hallyu experience, like Korea's traditional clothing Hanbok experience, Korean food exhibition, medical tourism information, as well as classes to learn Korean culture and food.
I really had a lot of fun by taking variety of photos with my favourite K-pop stars, BIGBANG through their advanced technology.
Everything looks very real, and you might feel nervous when G-Dragon tries to kiss you! :)
Located at 4th floor at K-Style Hub, where we can have a cooking experience by making our own Korean food.
There are variety of cooking classes at different pricing, yet we learnt the simple one which is the Korean Steamed Rice Cake.
The recipe is very is simple, and the amount of time spent on preparation and cooking are quick and easy too!
Do you want some steamed rice cake from me? :)
Add: 40, Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
How to get to K-Style Hub: Jonggak Station (Seoul Subway Line 1) → Exit 5 → Euljiro 1 (il)-ga Station (Seoul Subway Line 2) → Exit 2
Website: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=2388770
Chengyecheon Stream is located right opposite K-Style Hub.
This place existed from the past as a hidden overpass, yet it has been restored into a natural attraction place in Seoul since 2005.
This stream is connected with Narae Bridge that representing a butterfly in flight, and Gwangyo Bridge, that symbolizing the harmony of the past and future.
Also, it is close to the major tourist sites such as Deoksugung Palace, Seoul Plaza, the Sejong Center, Insa-dong Street, Changdeokgung Palace, and Chengyeonggung Palace etc.
Worth the walk and make some beautiful pictures at here.
Add: Taepyeong-ro 1-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
Website: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=897540
Korea is a country that content of mixture of old and new world.
To certain people, Korea has always been linked to K-pops, K-dramas, beauty products, fashion, or beautiful cafes.
But, my recent trip to Korea had opened my eyes.
I could never have imagined Korea has such a beauty that really can be so refreshing and I was really overwhelmed with the places I visited.
It really shown me towards a new Korea that I never know about and I have to tell you that Korea has more than the things we know from the media.
I hope you guys enjoy reading my travel post for today, and find this post useful for your trip to Korea.
Do stay tuned for more and I will see you on my next post very soon!
Annyeong! :)
To certain people, Korea has always been linked to K-pops, K-dramas, beauty products, fashion, or beautiful cafes.
But, my recent trip to Korea had opened my eyes.
I could never have imagined Korea has such a beauty that really can be so refreshing and I was really overwhelmed with the places I visited.
It really shown me towards a new Korea that I never know about and I have to tell you that Korea has more than the things we know from the media.
I hope you guys enjoy reading my travel post for today, and find this post useful for your trip to Korea.
Do stay tuned for more and I will see you on my next post very soon!
Annyeong! :)
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