Korea: land of kimchi

martial art performance in Suwon

 Me and Colleen had made the leap of faith when we booked our ticket to Korea. It was purchased more than a year ago, and the price was rather tempting. It only cost us RM1500 for two, which is a fraction of what people used to pay to travel oversea.

The journey itself took us 6 hours, but given the improvement in Airasia lately, the flight was bearable. However, I still have difficulties in my leg room. Expected.

Nami island

Arriving in Incheon, we took the airport bus to reach Jonggak station, whereby we checked in Ciara 920. The budget hotel resemble more of a dormitory instead. The room was tiny but the location was just right in front of Jonggak metro station. Going around would required a T money card, much alike to most advanced country.

Night 1: After quick dinner, we walked to Gwanghwamun square whereby we checked out few statues and free admission to King Sejong and Admiral YiSun exhibition below the square. Not bad for a free exhibition.Continuing the free night walk, we strolled along Cheonggyecheon, a decorated stream, which by now, one can find lots of locals just sitting here and enjoying each others' company, Walking along the stream brought us to Dongdaemun (bout 2 km+ walk) which supposed to be the place for fashion shopping. Expect more of shopping complex style rather than street stalls (although there is lots). Still prefer wufenpu in Taipei which I guess was more lively.

drawing at Gyeongbukgung

Pungyu performance at Deoksugung

typical chess playing outside Jongmyo

Day 1: The first day was palace hunting day. Starting from Gyeongbokgung, this is the biggest and the most tourist friendly palace. The only palace to visit if one had to pick one. Arriving just in time for guard change, there are more activities here, eg the free trial of traditional costume. At the back is Blue House, Korea's own white house. At the side would be 2 worth to visit museum, Folk Museum and Palace Museum. We then travel to Jongmyo Shrine, in time for the 2.30pm tour. One must join tour in order to enter Jongmyo. Basically tomb for dead king, it was the peace and quiet that attracted me. Travelled to Gyeonghuigong later, although free, it is small compare to the rest. No need to travel here unless have plenty of free time. Night would be Deoksugong, since this is one of the palaces open til night. We managed to catch Pungyu performance there too, for free.

wedding shots in Changgyeonggung

Day 2: DMZ tour by USO, totally worth it. Travelling to JSA, which is the border between south and north, we later visited 3rd infiltration tunnel, Dora observatory and end with Dora station. It helped us a lot since we did bit of reading of Korea history so we could appreciate more of the tour. Since the tour finish early, we still manage to visit Changyeonggung. This palace is special since that much of the area is a garden itself, with lake. Nice for a evening stroll. We end the night with visit to Seoul tower. We did not visit the observatory since the queue was super long, but spend more time in Teddy Bear museum instead.

Day 3: We took the subway to Suwon, started with a brief walk along the fortress, but gave up looking at the uphill climb. We went to the palace instead, Hwaseong Haengung. It was rather a mistake since by now, we were very familiar with palaces. Even the free martial art show did not interest us much. We should have go to Cultural Village earlier. There are few notable performance, especially the farmers' dance. There are so much to do here that we regretted that we arrive late. Spend the night in Insadong, it was fair, though I prefer Ximending in Taipei, since both place boast of modern art and young vibes.

Cheonggyecheon

Day 4: this was suppose to be our reserve day in case we miss anything. We went to Bukchon Hanok Village first thing in the morning. Just walk around, looking at traditional houses which real people actually stay in. Interesting the first hour, but nothing kept us here longer. Walked to Changdeokgung, and joined Secret Garden tour. They also limit the visitors to Secret Garden so had to come earlier to book our place. Afternoon was Hongdae area visit and we managed to catch Nanta show there. We took the night off and stroll along Insadong and area near Ciara.

view in Changgyeonggung

Day 5: sort of our last day, we traveled all the way to Nami island. Took the subway to Gapyeong and taxi to the wharf. Although the scenery is breathtaking, but to me, it was not worth the long journey unless one is a true Winter Sonata fan. Spend the late afternoon in Namdaemun for shopping. Catering more towards tourists, this probably is a better place to shop for souveniors.

Day 6: this was our day to journey back. Went to the airport earlier, there are lots of things to do there too. Look out for cultural centre in the airport itself, and we were impressed with art drawing and traditional costume trial.

Overall, we truly enjoyed our trip, though i hind thoughts, we could have limited the palace hunting. Food is something not exactly awesome, I still do not understand much about the fascination of kimchi, but we truly enjoyed our dakgalbi. The place is totally tourist friendly although most of the Korean can only speak limited English. Recommended!

ratings: 4 poink!
comments: DIY trip is really do-able. Do not miss DMZ trip (look for the tour with JSA in the schedule, it is more expensive but standing in front of North Korea soldiers are worth it)