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)