Friday, November 10, 2017

My Ladies' Special Experience in Seoul, Korea (Part 1)



Ever wonder what a #LadiesSpecial tour is?
In the first place, I didn't know such tour can exist and how fun it can be!  But truth is, this tour can be called a Ladies' Special but if you give it a little tweak, this can be a tour for everyone! 

When Cebu Pacific, JG Summit Holdings Inc and Korea Tourism Organization invited me together with 8 other Media, Blogger and Vlogger friends, I knew I had to say yes because this is the chance of a lifetime for me to go back to Seoul! The last time I visited the city was five years ago and I vouched to ho back! Thank God it finally happened!

a photo of Nikki TIu Korea Tourist Organization Ladies' Tour_Cebu Pacific Air_JG Summit Holdings_Seoul Korea Travel _Everland

So what can you expect when you travel with Ladies?  It's a mixture of Fun, Girl-themed tours with loads of "Oppa talks"! I'm glad they inserted Cultural Tours which is very important for me whenever I travel.

Shall we start?


1. Everland
 I personally did not see Everland as a stop for ladies but PEOPLE of all ages!  Who wouldn't go crazy taking photos in such picturesque view wherever you go? 



a photo of bloggers vloggerse and media at Everland with Korea Tourist Organization Ladies' Tour_Cebu Pacific Air_JG Summit Holdings_Seoul Korea Travel

Everland is South Korea's largest theme park!  Located in Yongin, a city in Gyeonggi-do, you may need a whole day to really appreciate all five zones: Global Fair, Zoo-Topia, European Adventure, Magic Land and American Adventure. (My Personal faborite is European Adventure)

We may not know all of the characters inside, I'm glad they follow theme per season!  November was not only a perfect time to travel just because of the weather (Autumn is love!), it is also the time to appreciate Everland's Halloween Theme!

a photo of Korea Tourist Organization Ladies' Tour_Cebu Pacific Air_JG Summit Holdings_Seoul Korea Travel _Everland

Look up and you'll see colorful and cute ghosts everywhere!

a photo of Korea Tourist Organization Ladies' Tour_Cebu Pacific Air_JG Summit Holdings_Seoul Korea Travel  Everland

Of course there are crazy rides for the adventurous!  T-Express - a wooden roller coaster that uses three trains.  The world's fourth steepest wooden roller coaster which I plan to ride but it takes 100 minutes to queue and we don't have enough time!  Someday...someday!  My lungs and intestines will coincide!

There are other fun rides to see so plot your schedule well!

a photo of Korea Tourist Organization Ladies' Tour_Cebu Pacific Air_JG Summit Holdings_Seoul Korea Travel  Everland

If you are not the type who loves crazy rides, just sit back and relax and enjoy the scenery of Everland.

a photo of Korea Tourist Organization Ladies' Tour_Cebu Pacific Air_JG Summit Holdings_Seoul Korea Travel  Everland

Minature Garden

a photo of Korea Tourist Organization Ladies' Tour_Cebu Pacific Air_JG Summit Holdings_Seoul Korea Travel  Everland

and a lot more!  The scene is just breathtaking you may really spend more than enough time just to sit and absorb the beauty of nature.
a photo of Korea Tourist Organization Ladies' Tour_Cebu Pacific Air_JG Summit Holdings_Seoul Korea Travel  Everland

2. Suwon Hwaseong Fortress
Suwon Hwaseong Fortress is located at Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do.  Around an hour ride from Everland.  This is UNESCO site perfect for everyone, men or women alike!  

a photo of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress

This structure appears from the latter part of the Joseon Dynasty and was built as a display of the King's piety towards his father Jangheonseja.

a photo of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress

If you roam around the fortress, you'll see holes between the bricks big enough to fire guns, arrows or long spears in case of attach.  This area reminds me so much of China's Great Wall of China.


a photo of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress

The Suwon Hwaseong Fortress is BIG!  With less than an hour to spare, I just looked into the huge map and plotted the specific area I would like to stay and relax.  This place is open all-year round!

a photo of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress


We were told by the guide that the Fortress went through damage so most of the area has been restored! 

This may not be the original from the olden times but still breathtaking enough to say, this place is worth the visit!


a photo of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress

3. Aromind and Bukchon Hanok Village
After theme park and heavy cultural tour.  It is time to sit down, relax and create your own scent!

a photo of Aromind and Bukchon Hanok Village

Located at the famous Bukchon Hanok Village.
a photo of Aromind and Bukchon Hanok Village

A Perfumer welcomed us and explained to us how creating one scent works!

a photo of Aromind and Bukchon Hanok Village

Priced at 60,000KRW (approx less than $60) per head, you get to sit down, relax and smell 30 top, middle and base notes and create your unique scent that you call your own.

a photo of Aromind and Bukchon Hanok Village

After sniffing 30 perfume bases which took almost on hour.  You can finally choose your favorite 1 base, 1 middle and 1 top note.

a photo of Aromind and Bukchon Hanok Village

The perfumer will help you with the ratio of all 3 notes and it can be altered even after mixing!  

a photo of Aromind and Bukchon Hanok Village

Sniff, sniff and more sniffing.

a photo of Nikki Tiu at Aromind and Bukchon Hanok Village

Once you are happy with the result, you pick your bottle of choice and fill it in and bring it home!


a photo of Aromind and Bukchon Hanok Village


4. Dashing Diva at Gangnam Du
One cannot get into Gangnam District without humming or even dancing to the tune of "Oppa Gangnam Style" from Psy.

Gangnam Du is where most wealthy South Koreans reside.  I can easily tell the difference by walking a couple of blocks, seeing all the luxury cars parked and expensive stores.

But as any lady, a quick stop at a Nail Salon is definitely welcoming.  I personally wished I tried the other Nail Salon that isn't available in the Philippines at first but this came in a wonderful surprise.

The Dashing Diva Nail Salon itself at Gangnam Du is a tourist spot by itself.  A two-storey nail salon that offers various nail related services.

a photo of Dashing Diva at Gangnam Du

The interiors look luxurious and I was put to ease immediately.

a photo of Dashing Diva at Gangnam Du

I immediately tried their gel service and had a simple French Tip using Purple Violet shade as tip and clear polish as base.

a photo of Dashing Diva at Gangnam Du

Most staffs speak basic English so you''ll definitely get away explaining to them what you want!  They also have a lot of sample works for you to just choose and enjoy the moment.

a photo of askmewhats nikki tiu at Dashing Diva at Gangnam Du

5. Innisfree Flagship Store and Innisfree Cafe
Now, the makeup/skincare lover in me was tickled upon entering Innisfee Flagship Store.  Several years ago, I fell in love with the brand when I first stepped in their store in Myeongdong, it was just a small shop and I hoarded so many items from skincare to makeup!

Fast forward to today, a visit at the Flagship store is even better.

a photo of Innisfree Flagship Store Myeongdong_Innisfree Garden Cafe

You can immediately check out "What's New" displayed.  For this season, it is the "My Palette" area which you can easily create your own palette.  I like it that the eyeshadows were displayed so clearly I can easily swatch til my heart's desire.

Side note: Did you know that the Innisfree eyeshadows are extremely silky, smooth and pigmented?

a photo of Innisfree Flagship Store Myeongdong_Innisfree Garden Cafe

Then you can see the area of Volcanic Pore 

a photo of Innisfree Flagship Store Myeongdong_Innisfree Garden Cafe


Capsule Recipe Pack for the mask lovers in you.
a photo of Innisfree Flagship Store Myeongdong_Innisfree Garden Cafe


And what made my heart THUD so fast?  The create-your-own BB Cushion!  You get to pick the Design you want!!!

Found any favorite?

a photo of Innisfree Flagship Store Myeongdong_Innisfree Garden Cafe

Just when you thought the store is enough Dessert for you, you can actually go upstairs and enjoy some sweets after hours of shopping at Innisfree Green Cafe

a photo of Innisfree Flagship Store Myeongdong_Innisfree Garden Cafe

You get a healthy selection of healthy food and drinks like Juice, Jeju Green Tea beverages,

a photo of Innisfree Flagship Store Myeongdong_Innisfree Garden Cafe

 or a bit unhealthy like Cloud Tiramisu, Cappuccino and Latte.

a photo of Innisfree Flagship Store Myeongdong_Innisfree Garden Cafe

Nevertheless, tried most of the ones on photo and they are WORTH the calories!  

I have a couple more sites and things to do especially for the ladies.  Find this interested?  Give me a nudge to write Part 2 ASAP!  I am so happy reminiscing the fun times and the wonderful friends I made during the trip!
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Keep smilin'
Stay happy!
 

2 comments :

I'd love to hear from you! Feel free to comment your questions, suggestions and just anything you may want to say! Keep smiling and stay happy!