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?