My last trip for this year happened last October 30 - November 4. It was Pao and I's first time to travel solo to a foreign country and it sure can be said without a doubt, that everytime you travel with someone (in this case, your SO), you learn something new about them. Also, the smallest issues can balloon into full-on clashes and something related to this has been the main goal of this trip (shopping aside) - FOR US NOT TO FIGHT. Ask my close friends cos I'm pretty sure they all know why. *wink wink*



We went nowhere else but to our favorite place, Korea. We fell in love with EVERYTHING Korea has to offer when we first went there springtime of 2015 and we just couldn't wait to go back. Happy to have seen it this year on autumn :)

Last 2015, we've been to the main palace which is Gyeongbokgung so this time, we decided to go to Changdeokgung Palace and its Secret Garden instead. It is also one of the five main palaces during the joseon dynasty. Entrance fee is KRW 8000 (Php 328.90).



What we loved most in this place is the laaarge garden inside. And mind you, it's a lot lovelier because of the foliage.

 

A Japanese guy wanted to take Pao's photo. Naks, sikat! :))

Our next stop is Ewha Women's University. Ewha is known for it's modern design and the hip stores surrounding it. We tried gyeran bbang (egg bread) before heading for a tour inside. Yumm!

Ggyeran bbang

After Ewha, we then proceeded to Hongdae to have lunch. We made it a point to try cheese dakgalbi which is basically spicy chicken topped with lots of cheese. *MAJOR DROOL*

Look at that cheese!!!!

We also did a little shopping while in the area. We then proceeded to Seoul World Cup Stadium and then Haneul Park right after. Haneul Park is my favorite place in Korea right now. We've never been to such a place before and it captured our hearts, big time! We watched the sun set while drinking hot chocolate and it couldn't have been any better.




 






We went to Myeongdong after for a quick shopping and to try all the street food that we could.

On our second day, we went back to Nami Island. It was our second time to visit the place and indeed, it was a lot lovelier this time. We rented a bike and went around the whole island. We also had dosirak for lunch which is basically kimchi rice with egg and cheese placed in a metal lunchbox.

Egdarpoo hanging his wishes

November's favorite colors

 

Small willow basket of Korea

We also had my favorite hotteok! <3

Mandatory photo when in Nami

Couple's bike

We filled our hungry tummies with samgyeopsal later in the evening at a restaurant in Myeongdong. Thanks Edgarpoo for the dinner treat! :)



Seokchon Lake and Lotte World are on our third day itinerary. Lotte World is Seoul's version of Disneyland. Oh, and we also went to Express Bus Terminal in the morning for a major shopping spree :D

Seokchon Lake

Nope, not Disney ;)

For our fourth and last day, we visited Common Ground, Korea's first pop-up store built of  shipping containers. It is a hip place for Korean students and is mostly occupied by trendy mid-sized shops by up-and-coming designers. This place is a go-to if you want to be buy something modern and unique in Seoul.

Defying gravity

We're not in Jeju but I'll use #jejumons on this one HAHA

We spent our remaining time in Myeongdong doing some shopping and Korean cafe hopping.

I don't wanna leave yet!!!! :'(

As always, leaving Korea is heartbreaking! We hope to be back on winter and eeeeat all the spicy Korean food that our stomachs could contain.

Here's a short breakdown of my expenses for your reference:
- Airfare: Php 6277.97
- Travel Tax: Php 1620.00
- Hotel: Php 2251.56
- Food: Php 2800.50
- Transportation: Php 1322.83
- Changdeokgung Palace Entrance Fee: Php 328.90
- Nami Island Entrance Fee: Php 328.90
- Lotte World Entrance Fee: Php 1400.00
- Bike Rental (Nami Island): Php 164.45
- Shopping: Php 5541.68
TOTAL: Php 22036.79

Here's a short compilation of our vids :) Enjoy! x


Korea 2016 from Lean Jess Dela Cruz on Vimeo.