I fell in love with Samcheong-dong the first time I laid eyes on it in 2012.
Why is it the best street for me? Because it offers a lot of quirky things. Cute shops
Feast your eyes with the beauty that is Samcheong-dong!
Friday, June 12, 2020
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
South Korea Travel Tips
It's not a secret that I fell in love with South Korea the first time I set foot on it. You can't blame me. This country is very charming and full of wonderful surprises. The people are friendly, food is flavorful and there are a lot of sights to behold. After a couple of trips to South Korea, here are very note worthy tips based on my experience.
Getting Informed
Korea Tourism Organization is the only website I truly trust when I plan my itinerary. You'll find all you need to know about Korea tourism here. Find a landmark you want to go to, and this website will show you the most accurate and best way to get there. They also have the friendliest staff. Whenever I have a question about visa, immigration, etc., I just send them a message on their facebook page and I always get the most helpful answers from them.
The internet is also full of wonderful people who share their experiences through their blogs. Traveler reviews from different platforms are also helpful tools in gathering information.
Getting Informed
Korea Tourism Organization is the only website I truly trust when I plan my itinerary. You'll find all you need to know about Korea tourism here. Find a landmark you want to go to, and this website will show you the most accurate and best way to get there. They also have the friendliest staff. Whenever I have a question about visa, immigration, etc., I just send them a message on their facebook page and I always get the most helpful answers from them.
The internet is also full of wonderful people who share their experiences through their blogs. Traveler reviews from different platforms are also helpful tools in gathering information.
Going About
To/From the Airport
From the airport, take the transportation that you're most comfortable with going to Seoul (or anywhere else). There are many options - airport limousine bus, cab, airport express (AREX) and Seoul Metropolitan Subway.
For my first visit, my sister familiarized herself with Seoul Subway, so that's what brought us to Seoul. It was a long way, with the transfer and baggage in tow, but we got to know their subway system more which helped us throughout our trip. Plus it's cheaper (only less than 5,000KRW) than the airport bus, cab and AREX. Taking the subway is definitely not the best option especially because of the transfers and if you have heavy luggage.
The airport bus is the most convenient choice. It's a bit pricier than using the subway (one way trip is 10,000KRW), but it is hassle-free. The one hour trip from the airport to Seoul (and vice versa) is comfortable. Just make sure you get on the right bus that will take you to your destination.
Seoul Subway
Going to places in and around Seoul is one reason why I love this city. No hours wasted seated in a vehicle while trapped in traffic, but lots of exercise walking underground. This Android app, Metroid, will help you with the subway. KakaoMap which I used and found very useful when I switched from Android to Apple. Just type in your station of origin and destination and it will show you which line you should take. The Seoul Subway trains are oh so clean and spacious. Rush hour? NO PROBLEM! There are trains after trains after trains! Waiting period doesn't take more than 15 minutes. Oh and be aware that the subway goes way, way, way underground, which will never cease to amaze me.
Seoul Bus
I've tried riding the bus (really cheap fare, less than 1,000KRW!) a few times only and those times were not the most chill I've been while in Korea. I think bus drivers aren't used to foreign passengers. Asking them questions while they are driving can be stressful to them. So if you decide on riding the bus, make sure you know where exactly you are going, because unlike here, they will only really load/unload passengers at designated bus stops.
Cabs
I've only tried taking a cab a few times and those were always pleasant trips. On my first ever cab ride, the driver was friendly and even taught me a few Korean phrases that would be helpful when taking a cab (I've absolutely forgotten those phrases! :)). The trip was from Itaewon to Myeongdong, and the cab fare only cost 5,000KRW, including the late night surcharge. Take caution when taking a cab because flag down rates differ, and surcharge are applied on weekends or holidays.
To/From the Airport
From the airport, take the transportation that you're most comfortable with going to Seoul (or anywhere else). There are many options - airport limousine bus, cab, airport express (AREX) and Seoul Metropolitan Subway.
For my first visit, my sister familiarized herself with Seoul Subway, so that's what brought us to Seoul. It was a long way, with the transfer and baggage in tow, but we got to know their subway system more which helped us throughout our trip. Plus it's cheaper (only less than 5,000KRW) than the airport bus, cab and AREX. Taking the subway is definitely not the best option especially because of the transfers and if you have heavy luggage.
The airport bus is the most convenient choice. It's a bit pricier than using the subway (one way trip is 10,000KRW), but it is hassle-free. The one hour trip from the airport to Seoul (and vice versa) is comfortable. Just make sure you get on the right bus that will take you to your destination.
 |
| Single journey ticket to Seoul. |
Seoul Subway
Going to places in and around Seoul is one reason why I love this city. No hours wasted seated in a vehicle while trapped in traffic, but lots of exercise walking underground. This Android app, Metroid, will help you with the subway. KakaoMap which I used and found very useful when I switched from Android to Apple. Just type in your station of origin and destination and it will show you which line you should take. The Seoul Subway trains are oh so clean and spacious. Rush hour? NO PROBLEM! There are trains after trains after trains! Waiting period doesn't take more than 15 minutes. Oh and be aware that the subway goes way, way, way underground, which will never cease to amaze me.
Seoul Bus
I've tried riding the bus (really cheap fare, less than 1,000KRW!) a few times only and those times were not the most chill I've been while in Korea. I think bus drivers aren't used to foreign passengers. Asking them questions while they are driving can be stressful to them. So if you decide on riding the bus, make sure you know where exactly you are going, because unlike here, they will only really load/unload passengers at designated bus stops.
Cabs
I've only tried taking a cab a few times and those were always pleasant trips. On my first ever cab ride, the driver was friendly and even taught me a few Korean phrases that would be helpful when taking a cab (I've absolutely forgotten those phrases! :)). The trip was from Itaewon to Myeongdong, and the cab fare only cost 5,000KRW, including the late night surcharge. Take caution when taking a cab because flag down rates differ, and surcharge are applied on weekends or holidays.
Asking Around
Do not be afraid to ask.
My first time with my sisters, on our first day, while looking for Beewon Guesthouse, we came across 2 policemen and asked for directions. One of them knew exactly where it was and he even escorted us to the guesthouse. If we didn't ask, we would've wasted a lot of precious time trying to locate it. The policeman even made small talk in Korean. A year teaching Koreans and learning their language through all the Koreanovelas and movies I have watched paid off, because I was able to tell him how thankful we were for his assistance.
Find the nearest Tourist Information Center.
There are also a lot of Tourist Information Centers where English speaking tour guides can help you with anything. Throughout the city, specially on weekends, local volunteers who speak English, Chinese (and maybe Japanese too?) can be spotted with their red hat and vest. They have maps and pens ready for all your direction needs. Most Koreans understand English and will try their best to answer in English. But if you happen to know a little Hangul, it will come in handy too.
 |
| Tourist Information Lady to the rescue! |
Using Your T-card
T-card isn't just for the subway, it can be used for all modes of public transportation. According to KTO, using the T-card on public transportation makes the fare 100KRW cheaper than paying cash. Load it up because you can even use your T-money to purchase from GS convenience stores and other establishments. Use it and get discounts. We used ours to avail of this buy 2 get 1 on yogurt drinks and ice cream that has become our favorite.
T-card isn't just for the subway, it can be used for all modes of public transportation. According to KTO, using the T-card on public transportation makes the fare 100KRW cheaper than paying cash. Load it up because you can even use your T-money to purchase from GS convenience stores and other establishments. Use it and get discounts. We used ours to avail of this buy 2 get 1 on yogurt drinks and ice cream that has become our favorite.
 |
| Keep your T-card! It will never expire. |
Eating Out
Eat where the locals eat.
You will never run out of places to eat at in Seoul. It is true that long lines equal good food.
Try Local Fastfood
These are the local fastfood that I've tried:
Lotteria - not a fan. The Korean burger I had was just not to my liking at all. But I loved their mozzarella sticks.
Bekseju-
Try Street Food
We ate street food only once. It was really clean and tasty. All street food carts that I saw there were spotless. I wish we were able to try the ones near Beewon.
Getting Connected
South Korea is an awesomely wired country. There is free wifi in subway stations, tourist spots and convenience stores. But renting your own pocket wifi is easy and unbelievably affordable too. Whenever I go to Seoul, I make sure I rent Mifi from sk telecoms. They charge less than 10,000KRW per day. But they usually give special discounts. Last time I rented one, they only charged 5,500KRW per day. Not bad at all especially if you are traveling in groups.
Eat where the locals eat.
You will never run out of places to eat at in Seoul. It is true that long lines equal good food.
Try Local Fastfood
These are the local fastfood that I've tried:
 |
| Lotteria burger, fries and mozzarella sticks. |
Bekseju-
 |
| Haemul pajeon (seafood pancake), maekjeok gui (grilled pork with garlic and chives) |
Try Street Food
We ate street food only once. It was really clean and tasty. All street food carts that I saw there were spotless. I wish we were able to try the ones near Beewon.
Getting Connected
South Korea is an awesomely wired country. There is free wifi in subway stations, tourist spots and convenience stores. But renting your own pocket wifi is easy and unbelievably affordable too. Whenever I go to Seoul, I make sure I rent Mifi from sk telecoms. They charge less than 10,000KRW per day. But they usually give special discounts. Last time I rented one, they only charged 5,500KRW per day. Not bad at all especially if you are traveling in groups.
I will keep updating this particular post, because there is always something changing in South Korea.
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Bantayan Island: Day 2 - Santa Fe, Bantayan, Madridejos
If you're in Santa Fe, you'd see bikes and motorcycles for rent (300/day for the motorcycles, cheaper for the bikes). If you are adventurous enough and could ride a bike or motorcycle, then you could go road tripping around the island. This is very possible since Bantayan Island is a small island of only 3 municipalities (Santa Fe, Bantayan and Madridejos).
If you want the best tasting dried fish, Bantayan market is the place to be. Dried fish products coming from Bantayan are considered high quality in the city. They offer a wide range of dried fish, not just danggit and dried squid, at a very affordable price.
Since my sister and I don't drive, we used the island's main modes of transportation to visit the most touristy spots of the 3 municipalities. Here's how you can go about the island:
- tricycle - fare is Php20/person, for trips within a municipality. These can take you from one municipality to another. Php25/person for long rides (Santa Fe - Bantayan and back).
- trisikad - fare is Php15/person. This is what we call pedicab or padyak here in Manila. Trisikads can only take you to places within a municipality.
- jeepney - fare is Php25 (Bantayan - Madridejos and back). There are no "direct" jeepneys from Santa Fe to Madridejos (or vice versa), only "connecting" rides from Santa Fe to Bantayan, then Bantayan to Madridejos and back.
From Abaniko, we rode a tricycle(Php25/person) bound to Bantayan. It was a good 15-20 minute trip. When traveling, it is a must to know information about the place from the locals. So during the tricycle ride, I made small talk with another passenger and the driver and asked about fares and directions so we won't have the lost look once we've reached our destination.
Bantayan is a very compact town. Getting lost won't be easy here since most landmarks are properly marked. From townhall to birthing place.
 |
| Paved road to Bantayan town proper. |
 |
| Moi and Ate enjoying the tryk ride. |
The Bantayan Public Market is one of the cleanest markets I've been to in the Philippines. Unlike public markets in Manila, this one is as spotless as it can get. It wasn't fly free but it didn't reek. Wet and dry goods are separated.
I would have been saddened if I didn't find this lechon place in Bantayan. Cebu offers the most savory lechon ever and you won't get to eat it only in the city. Bantayan Island has Jela's Lechon! 1/4 kilo for only Php100! Way cheaper than the ones in the city. Jela's offer a wide range of other viands too. Early lunch only cost us Php170.
 |
| Lechon for lunch! |
If you want the best tasting dried fish, Bantayan market is the place to be. Dried fish products coming from Bantayan are considered high quality in the city. They offer a wide range of dried fish, not just danggit and dried squid, at a very affordable price.
 |
| Dried squid: 1/4 kilo for only Php150 |
 |
| Unsalted danggit: 1/4 kilo for only Php90 |
We also visited one of the oldest churches in the country: The Sts. Peter and Paul Parish Church.
Obviously, fishing is the main source of income here.
After an eventful early morning in Bantayan proper, we decided to move along and head to Madridejos.
The 30 minute jeepney ride brought us to Kota Park where you'll find the old Spanish fort and Bontay Baywalk.
 |
| Infinity pool, anyone? ;) |
Php1,000,000 was spent for the construction of this baywalk. And it was quickly built in 40 days and 40 nights. This is how taxpayers' money was spent. Fishy.
The old Spanish fortress is also home to the Municipal Museum.
After all the walking ang picture taking, we went back to Santa Fe via tricycle. Checked out the other side: Sugar Beach. It didn't disappoint me at all. Both sides of Bantayan has great, relaxing beach!
We then went to Batobalonos St. where most of the restaurants are. Early dinner was at Cou Cou Bar and Restaurant.
 |
| Calamari with thousand island dip. |
 |
| Chopsuey. |
 |
| Grilled tanigue. |
Because we were too full from the food from Cou Cou Bar, we decided to walk from the resto to Abaniko. Half way to Abaniko, something came up so we ended up taking a trisikad instead.
Exploring all 3 towns in 1 day: CHECK! ;)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)