South Korea (SEOUL), an East Asian nation in the southern half of the Korean Peninsula and the other half is in the North Korea. South Korea, with the booming of high rises building in the capital of Seoul, offers travellers a dazzling range of experiences, beautiful mountain and landscapes, and 5000 years of culture and history, not to forget their exquisite cuisine to taste. But before that let me tell you where I came from. I was borned in a Tropical Climate of the Philippines, there is only two seasons of weather in my home town, Summer and Rainy Season. As a first timer traveller in South Korea I'am really excited to experience Winter in South Korea. Not just the winter but the knowledged that I can go and visit South Korea for Real hahaha.., it was a dream come true setting foot at the Land of the Morning Calm, where these places I could only seen on my korean-drama(koreanovela) that i've been watching. But first thing first is to get a Korean Visa.
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| Gyeongbokgung Palace Guard |
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| Gyeonghoeru Pavilion in Gyeongbokgong Palace |
1. Gathered all Basic Requirements in an accomplished application form visit their website Korean Embassy print their Application Form download here make sure to answered all questionnaire do not leave it blank or put N/A if not applicable.
2. 1 passport size colored photo.
3. Passport (must still be valid for at least 6 months)
4. Photo copy of the passport Bio page (Page 2)
5. Photo copy of all your OECD Visas (If you have them) Only if you have them. If you don't, skip this part. If you have visas to any member country of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), you will need to submit the ORIGINAL copy and a photocopy of all of them. (Past Korean visas are not counted) To see all the OECD member countries, visit website.
6. If invited by a Korean, An Invitation letter and a copy of the Inviter's passport. (Ignore if not applicable.)
In addition, you will need to prove that you can support the trip. Here are the additional documents you need to secure according to you employment status.
FOR EMPLOYEES :
1. CERTIFICATE OF EMPLOYMENT (COE). Must be original, and must have the address of the employer, the landline number and email address of employer's HR Department, applicant's position, date hired, and compensation. Mobile number is not allowed.
2. ORIGINAL PERSONAL BANK CERTIFICATE. Must include account type, current balance, account opening date. ADB.
3. ORIGINAL OR CERTIFIED TRUE COPY OF BANK STATEMENT/PASSBOOK covering the last 3 months.
4. ITR (Income Tax Return, Form 2316) and Company Alpha List ( Form 1604 CF with BIR received stamp). Highlight your name on the Alpha List.
5. Copy of PRC Card or IBP Card. (If Applicable Only)
FOR SELF-EMPLOYED
1. Photocopy of Business Registration Form for BIR or SEC2. Photocopy of Business Permit of Mayor's Permit.
3. Photocopy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316 with corresponding payment receipt from BIR authorized bank.
4. Original Personal Bank Certificate Must include account type, current balance, account opening date. ADB.
5. Original or Certified True Copy of Bank Statements/passbook covering the last 3 months.
6. Copy of PRC Card or IBP Card (if applicable only).
FOR HOUSEWIVES
1. Your own or your husband's Original Bank Certificate. Must include account type, current balance, account opening date, ADB.
2. Your own or your husband's Bank Statement. Original or Certified True Copy of Bank Statements/passbook for the last 3 months.
3. If Husband is Employed
- Husband's Original Certificate of Employment, must be original, and must have the address of the employer, the landline number and email address of employer's HR department, applicant's position, date hired, and compensation. Mobile number is not allowed.
- Copy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316 Copy and Company Alphalist (Form 1604 CF with BIR received stamp). Highlight your name on the list.
4. If Husband is Self-Employed.
- Copy of husband's Business Registration from SEC or DTI
- Copy of husband's Business Permit or Mayor's Permit. (Copy)
- Photocopy of husband's ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316 with corresponding payment receipt from BIR authorized bank.
5. Photocopy of NSO Marriage Certificate.
FOR STUDENTS :
1. Original School Certificate
2. Photocopy of School ID
3. Photocopy of PSA Birth Certificate of Applicant
4. If parents are employed
- Parents' Original Certificate of Employment. Must be original; and must have the address of the employer, the landline number and email address of employer's HR department, applicants position, date hired, and compensation. Mobile number is not allowed.
- Copy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316 Copy and Company Alphalist (Form 1604 CF with BIR received stamp). Highlight your name on the list.
5. If Parents are self-employed
- copy of parents Business Registration from SEC or DTI
- copy of patents Business Permit or Mayor's Permit (Copy)
- photocopy of parents ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316 with corresponding payment receipt from BIR authorized bank.
6. Parent's Original Bank Certificate. Must include account type, current balance, account opening date. ADB.
7. Parent's Bank Statement. Original or Certified True Copy of bank statement/passbook for the last 3 months.
8. Copy of Parents Marriage Certificate.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
* UPDATE REGARDING THE ITR (MARCH 2018) The embassy has announced that starting 26 March 2018, first-time travelers who have Not traveled as Tourists to any OECD country within the last 5 years Must Submit the following:- For Employees. ITR with BIR Received or BIR Certified True Copy Stamp, and Copy of Alphalist with BIR received stamp (Form 1604 CF) You must highlight your name on the alphalist.- For Self-Employed, BIR Form with Corresponding Payment Receipt from a BIR authorized bank.- Frequent travelers who have been to OECD member countries within the past 5 years are also exempted from submitting ITR.
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GUENJEONGJONG THE MAIN THRONE HALL |
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HOW TO GET TO SOUTH KOREA:
There's few Airlines that cater a flight in entering SoKor from Manila Philippines, you can book your tickets in advance but this is quite risky I suggest securing a visa first before buying your ticket in advance. Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Jeju Air, Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, Air Asia, etc. choose your airlines that suited your budget or you can wait for airlines promos for cheaper tickets.
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| AREX ( THE AIRPORT RAILROAD EXPRESS) |
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| ALL STOP TRAIN |
There are Two types of Korea Rail Road going to Seoul from Incheon Airport, if your in hurry you can ride AREX Express Line within about 43 mins you will be in Seoul Station its a Non Stop Train a pre-assigned seat system, free wifi, free electric card service, faster than All Stop Train and it has discounts for a group travellers. While you can Ride the All Stop Train 53 mins to 60 mins you will be in Seoul Station it has 10 stops before reaching Seoul Station the convenient of All Stop Train is if you need to stop at Gimpo International Airport or transfer from one station to another. Riding All Stop Train in much cheaper than EXPRESS but EXPRESS LINE will save you some time if you want to be Seoul in due time. Check subway schedules for the first and last trip. AREX Express first train to Seoul Station is 5:23 last train is 22:48 Terminal 1 approx 43 mins
AREX Express first train to Seoul Station is 5:15 last train is 22:40 Terminal 2 approx 51 mins
All Stop Train first train to Seoul Station is 5:25 last train is 23:39 Terminal 1 approx 58 mins
All Stop Train first train to Seoul Station is 5:18 last train is 23:32 Terminal 2 approx 66 mins
All Stop Train : Please refer to the official website for timetable for trains bound for Digital Media City.
Limousine Buses and Taxis are available any time in Incheon International Airport. But same in Hong kong Airport the time varys the fare charges when you arrive during Night Time. The Night time has different fare charges so it best to arrive in South Korea during day time when your in budget. Limousine Buses has standard fare a little bit expensive than riding an All Stop Train but also in a way convenient if your travelling in a group and The All Stop Train only operates until before midnight. So the choices will be the Airport Limousine Bus or take a Taxi which bit expensive.
WHERE TO STAY IN SOUTH KOREA:
You can choose to stay in Seoul, South Korea's Capital or in Busan or Jeju Island. There's direct flight to Busan or Jeju Island. Or from Seoul ride a ITX going to Busan. In Our case we stay in Seoul. Seoul has three major backpacking districts.
HONGDAE-SINCHON - Seoul University District like Hongik University, Enwa Women's University. You can also check coffee and food shops here.
JONGNO - Seoul's Historic District, where Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung and Jogyesa Temples are located. Also near the palace is Bukchon Hanok Village and Gwangjang Market.
Pointers before Going to South Korea:
1. Check the Weather first because South Korea has a 4 Season climate; Winter, Summer, Spring and Autumn. It is best to wear proper clothes in visiting this country.
2. Adaptor : their socket is quite different from what we use.
3. Money Exchange - KEB Currency Money Exchange is located at the Departure Hall Incheon Airport.
4. Pocket Wifi/Flytpack - Rent a pocket wifi/phone online and pick up the unit at the Airport Lobby. It is best to have internet access in roaming SoKor. (KkDay, KLOOK or Trazy apps) for discount/savings.
5. T-MONEY CARD - this is a subway card can be also used in riding a bus, taxi or in convenience store.
6. Download KOREA SUBWAY APPS. This is a big help in taking subways trains.
7. Download Google Maps and MAPS.ME
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| Understanding Korean Subway Map |
WHERE TO STAY IN SEOUL? Hotels, Guest Houses,Hostel, Rent a Condo/homestay..... its your choice there's a lot of accommodation in Seoul, Busan or Jeju Island its only a matter of finding the right one that suited your budget.
In our case we Stay at The An Hostel located at Jongno District. We made reservation using Agoda.com. The location is very convenient because its just a walking distance to the famous palaces like Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace. It is also walking distance at Jogyesa Temple and the Bukchon Hanok Village and a short walk to INSADONG too. We also made sure that our hotel is near subways, bus stop and restaurant. So I guest we made a right decision in choosing The An Hostel.
At Php 1,735.00 per Night Standard Deluxe with Breakfast during Winter is good enough price for 2 person. We reserved two rooms since I was travelling with my brother and his wife with his 6 years old beautiful daughter....Sulet! The guy at the Reception was so accommodating and informative. I forgot to get his named but he is very helpful in assisting us to reserved a seat on a bus ride going to Everland and giving info's on how to go to Dongdaemun and Nami Island. Also the girl receptionist who gave us free cups of Brewed Coffee on our 1st day in Seoul. Our Room and Bathroom was quite clean and the Bed is comfortable. The Heated Floor was heaven for a cold weather outside.
Things to do in Seoul, South Korea
Boarded Cebu Pacific flight on January 2018 at 5:10pm from Manila to South Korea, arrives at 10:40pm at the Incheon Airport. South Korea time is One (1) Hour advance from where we came Manila, Philippines. So the usual protocol of a Tourist, line up at the Immigration, get your luggage at the carousel, exchange dollars into Won money, and get our reserved Pocket wifi at the Airport Lobby.
By the time we go out of the Airport Lobby our bus #6011 which will bring us near our hostel has already left. Thankful for the airport personnel whose 24 hours patrolling the area happily help us and inform us that bus #6011 was their last trip and was already left. He then asked us what is the named of our accommodation then shown us where to line up and boarded a bus going to Seoul Bus Terminal (bus#6001) and from there he advice us to take a cab going to our Hostel.
We knew that we will have a hard time in communicating on reaching one destination so what we do is have our Hostel Address photocopy and shown it to the driver whenever we take a cab.
1. Our 1st Day Itinerary Jogyesa Temple, since our hostel is just a walking distance from the Historical places in South Korea which is Jongno District we then decided to take a stroll along the temple and palaces. Our 1st stop is Jogyesa Temple.
Jogyesa Temple - is the chief temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, becoming so in 1936. It thus play a leading role in the current state of Seon Buddhism in South Korea. Is famous for being located at the city from the busy street of Jongno, follow the road towards Anguk Subway Station.
Temple Grounds are Open 24 hours
Free Entrance
Daeungjeon (Main Dharma Hall) and Geuknakjeon (Paradise Hall) are open 4:00-21:00.
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| MAIN DHARMA HALL THE NAME DERIVES FROM THE SINGLE. HORIZONTAL POST, which symbolizes one mind. It is said that when people walk through, all scattered minds become one. |
Jogyesa Temple - is the chief temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, becoming so in 1936. It thus play a leading role in the current state of Seon Buddhism in South Korea. Is famous for being located at the city from the busy street of Jongno, follow the road towards Anguk Subway Station.
Temple Grounds are Open 24 hours
Free Entrance
Daeungjeon (Main Dharma Hall) and Geuknakjeon (Paradise Hall) are open 4:00-21:00.
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TEN STORY BUDDHA RELIC STUPA The Ten Story Buddha Relic Stupa houses a relic of the Buddha which was brought here by a monk after it was given to him by the royal court of Thailand. |
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| BEOMJONGRU (BRAHMA BELL PAVILION)
BEOMJONGRU (Brahma Bell Pavilion) is a colorful building that houses four temple instruments which are played before morning and evening chanting. The four instruments are the Brahma Bell, Dharma Drum, Cloud Gong and Wooden Fish.
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| rice stick |
2.INSADONG STREET
From Jogyesa Temple we then walk again towards the Street of Insadong to buy some bonnet, scarves and gloves since winter in South Korea is freezing cold the last time I've checked it was -16degrees aha aha!.... INSADONG is a home for crafts and arts, souvenir items like key chains, ref magnets, socks, home display like vases, porcelain, figuring, from scarves, bonnets, to dresses, jackets, etc.......you will find it here everything you've wanted.
3. GYEONGBOKGUNG PALACE
Gyeongbokgung Palace was the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. Built in 1395. It is located in Northern Seoul, South Korea.
The Gates Opens : 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Closed : Tuesday
Entrance Fee : Adults W3000
Child W1200 (7-18 yrs old)
Free Entrance Child (0-6 years old)
Free Entrance Child (0-6 years old)
Note: Wearing Hanbok is Free Entrance
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| GYEONGBOKGUNG PALACE GATE |
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| GYEONGBOKGUNG PALACE |
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| KING HALL |
Having seen this old structure palace of Joseon Dynasty was a bliss. Setting foot and experiencing the surrounding is astounding even into the freezing cold weather it cannot stop us to roam around the Palace surrounding.
The Design and Structure is quite Exquisite from the roof, halls and grounds is awesome.
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| Gyeonghoeru Pavilion (ROYAL BANQUET HALL) |
Note: NATIONAL FOLK MUSEUM OF KOREA IS INSIDE THE GYEONGBOKGUNG PALACE is located at the back of the palace near the Exit to Bukchon Hanok Village.
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NATIONAL FOLK MUSEUM OF KOREA |
AS we are rested for a few hours and we need to go outside even it still cold but it was dinner time already. So we hop on the nearest subway to go Dongdaemun Design Plaza.
4. GARDEN OF LIGHT AT DONGDAEMUN DESIGN PLAZA
Dongdaemun Design Plaza or DDP Led Rose Garden is a permanent exhibition that light up automatically as the sun sets. The exhibition is located next to the Yigansumun Exhibition Hall of Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)The rose garden is first began as a special temporarily exhibition but it became popular that they made it a permanent fixture.
From :Jongno 3 sam ga subway - step on at DDP subway
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| DONGDAEMUN DESIGN PLAZA |
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| BED OF LED ROSES IN DDP |
ON OUR 2ND DAY SOUTH KOREA TOUR
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| BIBIMBAP |
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| DONKKASEU |
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| FISH BALL NOODLE SOUP |
1. EVERLAND
is South Korea's Largest theme park, located at the Everland Resort in Yongin, in city a Gyeonggi-do. We purchased our theme park tickets online using Kkay Apps roughly around P1,503 per person in Peso. That's the advantage on booking online it has discount saving.
Theme Park : Open all year round - Operating hours is from 10:00am till 22:00. Please visit their website for other infos.
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| FAMOUS TREE AT THE ENTRANCE W/ OPPA'S IN THE BACKGROUND |
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| TEMPORARILY SHADED HEATER |
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| QUEUING LINE FOR SLEDGING RIDES |
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| SLEDGING AT EVERLAND IS FUN |
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| HAVING FUN AT THE CABLE CAR |
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| MAKE THE MOST OF THE STAY IN EVERLAND |
Being inside the amusement park I temporarily forgot about my age when I enter Everland, I was indeed happy to be back of being young and free, enjoying various rides. I love the Zootopia, Sledging in the snow all the attractions inside the theme park was enjoyable and fun. My niece was so indeed amazed and glad specially seeing those bears and tigers inside Zootopia.
OUR 3RD DAY SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA
1. BUKCHON HANOK VILLAGE
Bukchon Hanok Village is a traditional village located in Seoul with a long history between Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace and Jongmyo Royal Shrine. A home to hundreds traditional houses called "Hanok" that date back to the Joseon Dynasty. The name Bukchon which literally translates to " Northern Village". Since our hostel is in Jongno ga District, we just walked to reach Bukchon Hanok Village after having our free breakfast at the hostel. More or less 10 to 15 mins walking time we reach the historical village.
ENTRANCE : FREE
NOTE : Bukchon Hanok Village is still a residential area, they advice visitor to be quite in visiting the place.
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| BUKCHON HANOK VILLAGE |
Namsan Seoul Tower was the first tower-type tourism spot in Korea. The top of the tower is at almost 480m above sea level, including Namsan Mountain (243m) and the towers own height (236.7m) making it one of the tallest towers in the Orient.
The N Seoul Tower or Seoul Tower, is a communication and observation tower located on Namsan Mountain in central Seoul, South Korea.
From Bukchon Hanok Village we hailed a taxi going to N Seoul Tower fare is W6,500.
ENTRANCE FEE : OBSERVATORY DECK N TOWER -- WON 10,000
CABLE CAR FARE
CABLE CAR RIDE (ADULT) WON 8,500 (ROUND TRIP)
6,000 (ONE WAY)
3 TO 12 YRS OLD (CHILD) 5,500 (ROUND TRIP)
3,500 (ONE WAY)
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| OBSERVATION DECK KOREA |
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locks of love |
3. Our Third Stop for the Day is the street of NAMDAEMUN MARKET/MYEONGDONG
After viewing in Observatory Deck in N Seoul Tower we move at Namdaemun market, to exchange our dollars at the same time to eat lunch. In going to Namdaemun market there is a bus stop at the far end road of N Seoul Tower, there is designated bus route going to places you want to go.
NAMDAEMUN MARKET
is a large traditional market in Seoul. The market is located to Namdaemun the "Great South Gate" which was the main southern gate to the old city. It is the oldest and largest market in Korea. After we exchange our money to won. We then roam around the market for window shopping hehehe. After a tiring walking and shopping we ended tired and hungry. So, we decided to look for a korean restaurant that feasing to the eye and stomach too.After viewing in Observatory Deck in N Seoul Tower we move at Namdaemun market, to exchange our dollars at the same time to eat lunch. In going to Namdaemun market there is a bus stop at the far end road of N Seoul Tower, there is designated bus route going to places you want to go.
NAMDAEMUN MARKET
FOOD TRIP IN NAMDAEMUN MARKET
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| SAMGYETANG - KOREAN GINGER SOUP |
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| BEEF BULGOGI |
OUR LAST STOP FOR THE DAY
MYEONGDONG STREET
I saw some post and videos about the street of Myeongdong, all those street foods that feasing to the eye. So i was curious what it is in Myeongdong, after walking for 10 mins or so towards Myeongdong from Namdaemun market and reach the corner street of myeongdong, Yeah! i said to myself it's REAL hahaha.... Beauty products and food stalls galore.
Me and my sister in law bought some aloe vera products, more scarves, gloves, and mittens. And every store we pass by has giveaways of face masks, toner, etc. When i went back in my hostel i've counted them all, it's more than 10 pcs of face masks and 4 toners.
Me and my sister in law bought some aloe vera products, more scarves, gloves, and mittens. And every store we pass by has giveaways of face masks, toner, etc. When i went back in my hostel i've counted them all, it's more than 10 pcs of face masks and 4 toners.
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| KOREAN EGG BREAD |
Due to lack of time I need to rush to Incheon Airport to pick up my husband who follow us in SoKor. He was supposed to be flying with us but since his visa was release late I need to re-book his flight for another day. Going down and up in Korea's Subway station transfer from one station to another to reach Incheon Airport. I must say that although at first i thought I will be lost, but I wasn't I was more than an hour early. So i just seated at the arrival waiting area, charging phone and munching my burger for dinner that day.
OUR 4TH DAY IN SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA
1. NAMI ISLAND OR NAMINARA
NAMI ISLAND, is a tiny half-moon shaped island located in Chuncheon, South Korea, formed as it was inundated by the rising water of the North Han River as the result of the construction of Cheongpyeong Dam in 1944. Nami Island is also famous within Korea and Japan because some especially romantic scenes from the Korea drama "Winter Sonata" took place on the island. Travelling time 1-2 hours from Seoul to Gapyeong.
NAMI ISLAND ENTRANCE FEE : WON 10,000
FERRY WHARF : INCLUDED WHEN PURCHASING YOUR VISA (ENTRANCE FEE)NAMI ISLAND, is a tiny half-moon shaped island located in Chuncheon, South Korea, formed as it was inundated by the rising water of the North Han River as the result of the construction of Cheongpyeong Dam in 1944. Nami Island is also famous within Korea and Japan because some especially romantic scenes from the Korea drama "Winter Sonata" took place on the island. Travelling time 1-2 hours from Seoul to Gapyeong.
NAMI ISLAND ENTRANCE FEE : WON 10,000
OPENS : 7:30 AM TO 9:00 PM
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| METASEQUOIA TREE (NAMI ISLAND) |
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| FERRY (NAMI ISLAND) |
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| ilovePhilippines Flag |
KOREAN PINE TREE
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| GINKGO TREE |
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| GAPYEONG STATION |
2. GARDEN OF THE MORNING CALM
Walkways wind through this tranquil flowers and plant-filled place with themed sections, not during winter since the place is located in mountain side of Gyeonggi-do Province covered with snow during December, January and February months.
But during winter the Lighting Festival is being held in the Garden of the Morning Calm its the biggest festival of lights in Korea covering 100 thousand pyeong illuminated by 30,000 lights. The gleaming lights add a festive glow during the winter season. The garden is open all year round.
Entrance Fee is Won9,500 (Adult) Won7,000(Teenagers) ChildrenWon6,000
It is believed to be the oldest private garden in Korea that houses thousands trees, plants, and flowers of different kinds, beautifully landscaped along the scenic walkways. And it is the last and farthest stop of the Gapyeong City Tour. Gapyeong Bus City Tour Unlimited ride is Won6,000
OUR 5TH DAY IS STROLLING ALONG LOTTE MALL AND PACKING OUR THINGS SINCE THAT WAS OUR LAST DAY IN SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA.
NOT TO MISS WEARING HANBOK FREE EXPERIENCE AT THE KOREAN TRADITIONAL CULTURE CENTER, INCHEON AIRPORT
THANKS FOR READING...it's wonderful experience Seoul!!!
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| MY BEAUTIFUL NIECE WEARING HANBOK |
THANKS FOR READING...it's wonderful experience Seoul!!!
