KTO Ladies' Special Food Edition

If you ask me what my favorite dish is, my answer will always be Korean!

After a long day of work, I always go to my favorite restaurant Korean Village or eat Ghalbi and Samgyeopsal at Mak Chang.  Ask me about the best Korean restaurants in town, I'll probably give you a list or two.

When I was invited to joan the #LadiesSpecial Tour arranged by Korea Tourism Organization, Cebu Pacific and JG Summit Holdings, I got excited to see Korea again in a different light and dine in restaurants as approved by the KTO!  Seriously, the best person to guide you to the best restaurants in town would be people living there!  Thanks Alice, our Tour Guide, for arranging everything!

I'm sure some of you have plans to visit Seoul anytime soon!  So please check out my short list of "Where to Dine in Seoul"!  Enjoy!

Palsaek Samgyeopsal

Address: 1-65 Dongsung-Dong, Jongno-Gu, Seoul (서울시 종로구 동숭동 1-65번지)

Tel: +82-2-766-8006

Hours: 11:00-23:00

Palsaek Samgyeopsal is a well known Korean BBQ restaurant not only in Korea but they have branches worldwide - USA, Malaysia, Taiwan, etc... (Come to Manila Please!)

This restaurant serves pork belly meat in eight different special sauces.  A perfect way to try out various flavors in ONE order.

My Ladies' Special Experience in Seoul, Korea (Part 2)

So you've read My Ladies' Special Experience in Seoul, Korea Part 1 and I hope you enjoyed my story-telling and will enjoy reading Part 2.

In Seoul, though it is the Capital of South Korea and probably appears like any other cities across the world when you Google photos online.  Seoul has an innate beauty waiting to be explored.  Once you visit the city, you'll long to go back.  The feeling is just unexplainable and definitely beyond K-Dramas and K-Pop artists. 

As promised, here's Part Two of the Ladies' Special arranged by Korea Tourism Organization, JG Summit Holdings, Inc. and Cebu Pacific Air.  I hope I inspired you to want to visit the city too because I'll definitely go back with the family!

6. Grévin Seoul Museum
1 adult pass to enter Grévin Seoul Museum costs 18,000KRW (around Php588.00 local currency) and you can spend half a day inside max.  The Grévin Seoul  is a waxwork museum established recently (year 2015 to be exact). If you think this museum is only found in Korea, you are wrong (okay fine, we are wrong!)  Musee Grévin is France's famous beeswax museum and they have branches in Paris, Montreal, Prague then the first in Asia which is located in Korea.  

What makes Grévin Seoul unique from the ones you're used to seeing?

They added a slew of South Korean hallyu celebrities like Psy, G Dragon, Kim Yuna (figure skating star), plus historical figures such as King Sejong and General Yi Sun-Sin.

Ladies' Special: Tongin Market

I have always been fascinated with Korean Street Food that's why that was the first thing on my "to-do" (or shall I say, to-eat) list when I first visited the country.

It has always been Myeongdong for me for Streetfood but I'm glad I joined in the Korea Tourism Organization Ladies' Tour with fellow media partners and we had our own tour guide to bring us to another unique way to enjoy Korean Street Food - via Lunchbox using Old Korean Currency.

Tongin Market

This market dates back to June 1941.  According to our guide, the market consists of more than 75 stores in which you can try out authentic Korean Food, you can even buy fresh fruits and vegetables and even manufactured goods like shoes and clothing.

Here's what to do if you are a first-time visitor at Tongin Market.
Go straight to the "cashier" section wherein you pay 5,000KRW and you receive 10 brass coins (coins with hole that olden times use) which can be exchanged for various food.  1 coin is equivalent to 500KRW and most food costs around 1,000KRW to 2,000KRW.

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!

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?

Readers' Corner: More Korea Travel Tips

Hi everyone!  You were probably expecting for a weekend food tripping post but today, it'll be for the Korean Trip post readers out there!  I am quite surprised a lot of you have booked a flight to Korea either end of this year or next year and I found overwhelming Korean Trip questions on my mailbox!  So let's put food aside for the day and let me answer queries about my Korean Trip!  Thank goodness to Mr. AMW for taking a LOT of photos that's why some answers to be the queries can be made possible with a photo to match! 

I want to thank my pretty friend Xin of Prettybeautiful for sharing me tips prior to my flight which helps so much!  *Huge Cyber Hugs* going out to you dear!

Question #1

"Do we need to apply for Korean Visas?"

AMW answers:

If you're from the Philippines and you're holding a Philippine Passport, YES, you need to apply for Korean tourist visa.  You can apply for Korean Visa without any fee if you go to the Korean Embassy by yourself. 

Embassy of the Republic of Korea

122 Upper Mckinley Road 

McKinley Town Center

Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City 1634

Tel. no: (632) 856-9210

If you prefer to have a travel agent help you out, you will have to pay travel agent fee which ranges from Php400-Php1,200.

Requirements for Philippine Passport holders:

Korea Report: Myeongdong Catholic Church and Myeongdong Shopping

Last day...we were scheduled for our flight back to Manila at 9:00pm and we have to take the 4:30pm bus!  What to do from morning til afternoon?  Explore nearby sites, final shopping and of course, final food trip!

The Myeong-dong Catholic Cathedral is just a few minutes walk from Hotel Ibis Ambassador Myeong-dong.  It is actually the main Catholic Church in Korea and also considered the symbol of Myeong-dong because of its size!  I can actually see the tip of this church wherever I'm within Myeong-dong area.  

Construction started in 1894 and was completed in 1898.  Churches as old as that is quite magnificent and gave me a sense of pride each time I walk in the building! 

The church was built with bricks and I am not sure if the bricks are in their original color or was it repainted?  There are 3 entrances, the main one in the middle and 2 small ones on left and right!  On that Wednesday morning, the middle door was closed so we have to go through the smaller entrance.

As we walked in, there's a sense of serenity, I gave out a silent prayer thanking the Lord for the wonderful and safe trip me and my husband had!

Korea Food Tripping: Street Food

Let me tell you one thing, prior to leaving for Korea, you know what I've been doing?  *blushes*  Watching Youtube videos on Korean Street Food and drooling as I got excited!  I have my Korean street food to eat in mind the moment I get off the plane!  

As reported, the weather was a bit disappointing on the first night!  Streets are deserted and I thought I won't be able to eat anything on that fateful night!  I nearly shrieked when I saw a stand and I went up to the lovely lady and pointed at what I want right away!  She's actually smiling because I look like a wet and hungry cat begging for leftovers!  *laughs*

Korean French Fry Coated Hotdog

I love fries and I love hotdogs!  Who in the smartest mind would have thought of combining the 2 together and put it on a stick???  Well, the Koreans did!  I have something else in mind when I took a bite on this but it tastes quite different as to what I've expected!  The fries is actually mixed with starch so its not as tasty as I've expected.  Starch is probably used for the fries to stick to the hotdog!  Wonderful experience though!

Ddeok-Boggi (rice cake) On Stick 

and Various Meat and Hotdog On Stick

The weather is a bit cool and the Rice Cake on Stick tastes a bit bland!  I was expecting the rice cake to be tastier but it's a bit hard to bite!  I actually did not finish it and threw out the rest (sorry).  On the other hand, we enjoyed the various meat and hotdog on stick!  Very delicious!

Korea Report: Yongsan Electronics Market and Lotte Mart

I know I've stated in my previous report that Seoul is probably a great place for women especially girls who loves cosmetics!  It's definitely cosmetics and skincare heaven but that does not mean there's nothing for the guys!  This post is to prove that the dear men in our lives can enjoy Korea as much as girls!  

I, the tour agent of this trip!  Did the itinerary weeks before I left the country.  I made sure to insert something for the hubby!  He's been way too sweet to accompany me on my shopping trips to various cosmetic brands and its even sweet how he help me carry the stuffs I purchased!  Being the considerate wife that I am *ahem* hahahaha  I insisted to take him to the electronics market!

Yongsan Electronics Market, is a retail market comprising over 20 buildings housing 5,000 stores that sells anything from computer peripherals to cameras, mobile phones, appliances, etc...  This area is super big and I don't expect to walk all of them in half a day!  We've decided to take a peek and have an idea how "Electronics Market" in Seoul looks like!

The Electronics Market is located on Subway line 1, at Yongsan Station.  Once you come out of the station, you will be walking to another building which is a train station terminal to enter the Terminal Shopping Center.  Most major stores open from 10:00am to 8:00pm and most of the stores are closed on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of every month!  Keep in mind that the department stores and many shops in Seoul closes on a Monday!

A picture to show that you can see an arrow pointing to the Electronics Market...

We were only able to visit one building nearest the train station and we gave up because our feet our dead tired!  Here are some ninja shots!  The place is huge and very clean!  Most of them do not have the price posted on the product which means one thing --- you are expected to bargain!

On a side note, Mr. AMW wanted to purchase the newest Samsung Galaxy S which he thinks will cost cheaper as Samsung is a home grown brand.  Learned that most of the phones there are sold with phone plans and Koreans can get there phones for free.  If sold separately, it'll cost us a millions of Korean Won which is around Php50,000+ (approx $1,100+).  Way more expensive than purchasing it locally!

Korea Report: Deoksugung Palace

I originally planned to go to Gyeongbokgung Palace which is the main and largest palace of the Five Grand Palaces built by the Joseon Dynasty.  Good thing I researched online and learned the palace was close on a Tuesday so I chose to go to the 2nd choice palace instead --- Deoksugung or Deoksu Palace which means the “Palace of Virtue and Longevity”

Deoksugung is a walled compound of palaces in Seoul and housed various Korean Royalties way back until the Japanese came at the turn of 20th century.  Base on research, this is a palace built with Western Style.  Due to the destruction, it was sad to learn that only one third of the structures that were standing before the Japanese  Occupation remains.

The main entrance of Deoksugung Palace called Daehanmun Gate

Adult ticket costs 1,000 Won (approx Php40.00/less than $1.00)
Children (7 to 18 years old) 500 Won (approx Php20.00/less than $.50)

Korea Report: "Winter Sonata" Land (Nami Island)

Nami Island or Namiseom's name was originated from General Nami, he died at the age of 28 after being falsely accused of treason during the reign of King Sejo, the seventh king of tthe Joseon Dynasty of Korea.  Sounds a bit like the times of China Dynasties!  I've studied Chinese History and after my tour in Korea, I am really interested to learn more about the Korean history as well!

To get to the island, we have to go to the Ferry Wharf and buy tickets there!  We pass by Naminara Republic and that's where we line up for our ferry ride.  Ferry ride takes approximately 5-8 minutes and it's the best time to take a breather and enjoy the view of water and mountains!

Once we reached Nami Island, you can see the tomb and tombstone of General Nami.  Although his grave wasn't discovered, you can still see a tiny "hill" built where his body was supposed to be buried.  It started out as a pile of stones then a tour company arranged the grave with soil and developed Namiseom into an amusement park!

We did not walk by the grave, I don't want to step into something else you know! *shudders* hahaha

Korea Report: Adventure On the Way to Nami Island

Good morning everyone!  I'm back home, but as promised, my Korea Report will continue to share my wonderful journey!  I've got loads of requests to write more as it looks like a lot of you are traveling to Korea soon!!!

If you plan to travel Korea, Nami Island is probably one spot you'd like to include in your itinerary.  You're probably a fan of the hit Korean Series "Winter Sonata".  In my case, it's not because of Winter Sonata that I would like to visit this place (it's actually a cherry on top of the whole ice cream).  In my case, I've seen gazillions of photos online and Nami Island consistently looks gorgeous on all 4 seasons!  I'm sure it's definitely a photographer's dream to take shots in this lovely place!

Nami Island or Namiseom is actually a tiny half-moon shaped island located in Chuncheon.  It's actually a couple of hours away from Seoul!  I'll talk more about Nami Island when we get there, I've created this special post to write about our adventure going to Nami Island!  Boy was I glad I'm prepared with directions before we headed to the said island!  It's one travel experience my calves and legs won't forget! :)

Wherever you are staying, try to get online and click on their interactive Seoul  Subway Map on how to get to Cheongnangyi Station on Line 1.  When you get to the Cheongnangyi Station,  exit  4 and follow signs to Cheongnangyi Train Station which is located outside the subway station!  It's actually next to the Lotte Shopping Center.

When you get in the station, purchase a ticket to Gapyeong Train Station for 3,800 Won (approx Php152.00) good for one way.  If you don't know where to purchase the tickets, you can always ask the helpful information!

Korea Report: N Tower

"N Tower", previously known as Namsan Tower or Seoul Tower, it is visible almost everywhere you go when you walk around Seoul.  N Tower is located on top of Mt. Namsan and it offers great panoramic view of the whole city!  I don't have fear of heights so I love seeing bird's eye view of a city that I'm in!  I remember back then when I visited Zhuhai City which is a couple of hours away from Guangzhou and I chose to stay at the tallest Hotel in that location just to checkout the view!  Remember how I enjoyed Macau Tower?  

I promised myself that I'll visit N Tower when I get the chance to visit Korea, and dreams do come true!  I chose Myeongdong because it's near N Tower and traveling by taxi won't be that expensive!  Others may like hiking their way up to N Tower but I've decided to save my energy as I've got a couple of plans ahead!  From Hotel Ibis Ambassador Myeongdong, we hailed a cab for the rate was approximately 3,800 Won (Php152.00/$3.80).  

I think there are free shuttle buses from hotel or public buses that can take you to the cable car entrance!  You can click HERE to check out more information on how to get there.

When you get to the N Tower Entrance, do not expect to see this right away....

Because, you are just about to go up to the cable car ticketing office to purchase your cable car ticket or, if you are one hiker!  You can hike your way UP to the N Tower.  Of course, I love my legs so much I've decided to give it a break from all the walking!  We purchased tickets instead!

Adult rate with Round trip Cable Car ride: 7,000 Won (approx. Php280.00/$6.37)

Long line on the way up to the cable car station!  Weather's quite nice so it's ok.  Though lines are crazy long, the waiting isn't that long and I found myself enjoying the view of couples' PDA (Public Display of Affection) *laughs*

Korea Report: Myeongdong

(Note from Author: I will update this post by posting a clear photo of the Myeongdong Map I got from the hotel when I have the time, kindly wait)

There's so many reasons why I learn to say "Myeongdong" first before "Hello" in Korean!  Wherever you may be in Seoul, Myengdong would definitely come up on top of your head or your travel mate's head!  It's the best place to shop especially if you're ...

1. A girl

2. A girl who loves makeup

3. A girl who loves to eat

4. A boy who loves to eat

5. A boy who has a girl who is nos. 1, 2 and 3!

**Photo is Lotte Young Mall right across Hotel Ibis Ambassador Myeongdong

I did not plan to purchase much Korean cosmetics because I'm not the type who hoard and not being able to  use it!  Most of my cosmetics go straight to my train case so I am very picky when it comes to buying one!  That, enough said  does not mean I won't be buying anything at all!  When  you walk along the streets of Myeongdong, here are several Korean cosmetic brands you may or may be not familiar with!  Whatever the case, you will be enticed to check them out because of the gorgeous displays and ladies trying to give you something just to "window shop"!  

Let's start with brand that are huge back home...

The Face Shop

Korea Report: Dongdaemun Market

Dongdaemun Market or DDM is a large commercial district located at Jongno-gu, Seoul.  I've written it as a must visit place because our arrival to Seoul will be around 10:00pm and I am sure our butt are quite tired from sitting inside the plane!  I'm sure there's a lot of leg energy!  The hubby is game with my evil plan!  As soon as we checked in at the Hotel Ibis Ambassador, we asked directions from the receptionist and went for our first Subway ride!  

It was around 11:30pm when we walked to the nearest subway station from the hotel which is the Euljiro 1(il)-ga Station.   On our way down, the subway station is a bit deserted because operation closes at 12:00am!  Since I'm pressed for time, I asked a lovely man who works there how to get to Nomdaemun Market! He has minimal English but he's very very helpful!  He helped us purchase our Subway ticket and told us to run!  It was the last train I guess! 

This is how deserted the subway station is at 11:50pm (Seoul Time) which is 10:50pm (Manila Time).

You can't go hungry with subways in Korea, they have a lot of vending machines!  24 hours, all you can play! *LOL*

Tip on how to go to Dongdaemun Market from Hotel Ibis Ambassador, Myeongdong :

• As soon as you walk out of the hotel entrance, turn right and walk approximately 5 minutes to the nearest Subway station which is the Eulhiro 1(il)-ga Station.
• As soon as you walk down, there's a lot of machines to purchase your subway ticket, you can ask for help and just tell them your location, if you're adventurous,  look for a ticket booth and purchase a ticket going to Dongdaemun Staadium, same line as the Station where the hotel is which is Line 4 (blue line)

Korea Report: Hotel Ibis Ambassador Myeongdong

Live reporting from Seoul Korea!!!  I've finally arrived!  You know what's so funny?  Inside the plane, I met 2 of my highschool friends and it was like instant reunion!  We  split up after immigration check and I love Incheon Airport by the way!  

Anyways, long story after we got our bags, we stayed at the airport trying to figure out how to call internationally because our mobile phones does not have automatic roaming! :(  Before I go on all our mini adventures...time check 2:54am Manila Time and it's 3:54am Korean Time and I'm wide awake!  

I'll share to you how I love the hotel I booked and I'll go to my zzz's after! 

Research after research, I've finally chose Hotel Ibis Ambassador Myeongdong, reasons:

• location: Myeong Dong is known to be the center for shopping!  Whatever you need, you can find it down here.
• airport bus stops right in front of the hotel!  This is super important because I hate lugging heavy luggages from subway station to another!
• near tourist spots: N Tower, Deoksugong Palace (both can be visited by foot)

Here's the entrance of Hotel Ibis Ambassador MyeongDong at around 11:30pm (Korea Time)

Weird thing is, the reception area is located at the 19th floor!  So better head up to the elevator and press 19 (which is the topmost floor of the hotel).

Rates posted can give anyone who's not used to seeing rates going from hundreds of thousands!  I booked my hotel online via Agoda.  My rate goes approximately $114.00/night.  On off peak season, the rate would be less than $100.00/night!  Sad to say, I've waited for our Korean Visa to be approved and the prices shoot up!  No breakfast included by the way as it's a special internet rate.

I love the safety feature of the hotel.  Only those who have room keys can go to the specific floor number by swiping the "ving" card.  One swipe then press 14, which is our current floor!

Most Tripadvisor or Agoda reviewers gave positive reviews on the said hotel.  Most complain about the size of the room (especially the bath area) and some also complain that the room temperature is too warm!  I'll confirm if their complaints are true!

Standard Double Room

Bed is the right size and seriously soft!  Love how soft the pillow are!  I have nothing against the cleanliness of this room!  Lighting is just right!  Not too dark nor too bright!

The room has the basic amenities!  Flat screen Television, a minibar, water heater, 2 mugs and tea!  Sad to say, no coffee sachets included! 

Free slippers for use!  Love that it's not the usual paper slippers most hotels give!  This is way more comfortable!  Dresser includes hangers and VAULT! :)

The best part?  Free LAN internet each room!  It's not WIFI as compared to some other hotels but it's okay! I brought my laptop along with me and you can feel free to borrow their adaptor! 

Some of the reviewers complain that they don't have enough space to put on their luggage!  Thank goodness, our room does have a bench,  not sure if its meant for sitting but I have a feeling it meant for putting on our luggage so we don't need to stoop down to get our stuff!  The cushioned bench can fit 1 huge luggage and 2 bags!

The bathroom looks really modern and clean!  Amenities include towels, 1 tiny bar of soap, a universal shampoo, conditioner and body wash!  No toothbrush nor toothpaste included as you can purchase them at a vending machine available per floor!

Hi-tech toilet!  Has bidet and the seat can be warmed!  Guess the hotel is equipped for the super cold winter season!

The bathroom also includes a hair dryer!  Thank goodness for it as I need to blowdry my shoes after gotten wet from all the walking!  It's raining by the way!  Such a warm welcome eh?

AMW Flying to Seoul, Korea!

(Note: All photos taken from Google Images, these are not my own, thanks to the owner of these photos for such wonderful shots)

Good Saturday!!!  Sense any happiness in me?  To my dear Twitter friends, you all know why I'm super excited, I've been waiting for this day!  My much awaited vacation to one of my "wish to visit country someday"!  

SEOUL, KOREA!!!

I've always been dreaming of visiting this country because of the countless Korean series I've watched!  I have to admit, it was the FOOD that caught my attention, when they cooked their home made  instant noodles and slurp their way like it was gourmet meal!  Oh, I won't forget those scenes when they're heartbroken and decided to have a drink in one of those public "tents" while keeping themselves warm while the restaurant owner would serve them (what seems like) unlimited Bulgogi!  Yes, I am salivating, I am a PIG and I am proud of it!

I've tried street food in Taiwan and Thailand and I will definitely not give this a miss!  I have a feeling I can skip full course meal jumping from one street food stall to another!  Eeeekkk so excited!  *tummy growls*

The tourist-ry side in me will definitely check out some of the well-known sites!  Most of them I've seen on Korean drama series and photos!  I don't have the luxury of time to visit a lot of sites but I'll definitely would not miss the famous N Tower!  I am excited to leave our "lock" on N Tower's Locks of Love! 

I am embarrassed to admit, but I wasn't able to watch the famous Korean Drama "Winter Sonata" which made this island famous!  Nami Island!  I will actually visit this place not because I will be reminiscing the scenes of the series but the picturesque trees I've seen on photos are breathtaking and I want to see them in real life!  I believe Autumn is the best time to visit as the trees are quite colorful!  *eeeekkk*  Sensing another excitement from my side right?

Korea is also famous for their palaces!  They have several palaces worth visiting and I don't think I'll be able to visit ALL of them!  But I won't come back home without visiting at least one!  I am very much intrigued with any country's rich history!  I'll try to look into some English tours, or what a heck?  I can just read about the palace online and go there and venture the palace ourselves!  That'll be COOL!

Shame on me if I will give Korean Cosmetics a miss!  Why will I be called a Beauty Blogger if I don't give these cute stores a visit?  Thanks to Xin of Prettybeautiful for all the tips on almost everything!!!  She told me I can check out Etude House, Skin Food almost after every 50meters!  Eeeeekkk!!!! Now that's the 3rd eek for this day! 

It's an adventure I've always been dreaming to do and thanks to Mr. AMW for being as excited as I am!  The weather is just perfect by the way!  Mr. AMW is one "walking perspiration" so the cool temperature ranging from 10 degrees celcius to 23 degrees celcius is another PLUS!

And before I end this post, we will be traveling on an adventure, no tour packages or tour guides!  (Maybe, we can book one day tour if we wanted to maximize our time), but hey!  I am getting excited because of the adventure we will be taking!  Just look at the Seoul Metro Map!  I love it!  I am getting confused NOW! hahaha

I will be staying at the "shopping center" of the city, Myeong Dong and the hotel has free internet access, if I get the chance, I'll be updating you guys on my adventure!  I know somewhere down the road, someone's going for a visit and it'll be helpful to see some tips just like what I did reading other people's Seoul Travel Blogs!

I can't help but wonder, will I find guys wearing eyeliner on the streets of Seoul????

I'll report back on all tiny details for sure!
Now...let me say my final "EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!"
I hope you guys will find my Seoul Travel Experience as exciting as how I am feeling right now!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!