Seoul is one of the dream destinations of most Filipinos now. Thanks to all the Korean dramas, K-pop, Korean barbeques, and Korean skincare that have officially taken over not just the Philippines but most of Asia. Personally, Seoul is my second favorite Asian city, next to Tokyo. It is because Seoul is into anything aesthetic and beauty, which is what I’m much into.
Also, Seoul is always in the top ten global destination cities. You can’t blame the tourists from around the world, right? Seoul has everything – world heritage sites, advanced technology, vast underground malls, retail shops, exciting food and side dishes, modern architecture, and the beauty and plastic surgery scene. There’s so much to do and see in this city.
Seoul Facts
During the Joseon dynasty (the longest in Korea), Seoul is called Hanyang or Hanseong, was the capital and largest city of South Korea. After the Joseon Dynasty in 1897, the Japanese invaded Korea for 35 years, destroying their palaces, culture, and economy. Then shortly after freeing themselves from the Japanese invasion, a civil war between North and South Korea began. In 1953, the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), which is now also a tourist destination, was made to separate South and North Korea into two sovereign states officially.
However, there was no peace treaty signed between the two states in 1953, making both South and North still at war, without the warfare and clashes. It was only last April 2018 that both South and North Korean leaders met in the DMZ and agreed to work on a peace treaty that would officially end the Korean war.
How to go to SEOUL
FROM MANILA:
Numerous airlines offer direct flights from Manila to Seoul – Philippine Airlines, Korean Airlines, Asiana Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Jeju Air, and AirAsia every day. Travel time takes 3 hours and 30 minutes, but due to the one-hour time difference between Seoul to Manila, you’ll arrive in Seoul in 4.5 hours.
Regular airfare to Incheon (where the airport serving Seoul is) is almost 12k PHP above. An 8,000 PHP airfare is already a good deal, while it can go down to 3,000 PHP (with taxes) during Piso seat sales.
*All prices here are when booked six months before the travel dates. Seat sales are usually based on promotional posters.
GOING AROUND SEOUL
Getting around Seoul is easy because they have an efficient transportation system such as their trains and buses that connect Seoul and its neighboring regions. You can almost go anywhere with their subway.
If you’re commuting around Seoul, it is better to avail of their T-money to avoid lining up every time for single journey tickets or creating an unnecessary line on the bus entrance while counting money. Fare is also 100 won cheaper when using T-money plus; it can also be used in convenience stores.
It costs 2500KRW (~125PHP), but you can also avail it in Klook to save you the hassle.
As I’ve told in the travel guide above, staying in Seoul, Myeongdong, Dongdaemun, and Hongdae area is better. These areas are very much alive during the night and are the usual pick-up points of the tours. But honestly, you can stay anywhere in Seoul because they have an efficient train system.
*All hotel prices below are in Philippine peso.
DAY TRIPS
Nami Island
One of the famous tourist destinations in South Korea is Nami Island because of its beautifully aligned trees. It turns into a yellow paradise during the autumn and a pure white winter wonderland during winter. It is one hour away drive from Seoul. You can also visit some attractions near Nami like the Garden of Morning Calm, Petite France, and Gangchon Rail Bike.
OPEN HOUR: 7:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Entrance fee: 10,000 KRW (~500 PHP | Book via Klook)
EVERLAND
Everland is the largest theme park in South Korea. It has a zoo, amusement park, a large garden, which is colorful during the spring and summer.
Open Hours: 10 AM – 8 PM
Entrance Fee: 56,000 KRW/day pass (It is cheaper to book in Klook)
VIVALDI SKI PARK
If you’re in South Korea during winter, you should try skiing or snowboarding in Vivaldi Ski Park. It is just 1 hour away from Seoul, and the experience is once in a lifetime. (esp. if you’re from a tropical country like mine)
Open Hours: 24 hours
Entrance Fee: P3,575 (Book via Klook)
SHOPPING
Myeongdong Walking Street
Myeongdong is synonymous with shopping. If you asked most of the people who went to Seoul to shop, they’d tell you to go to Myeongdong Walking Street. It has many Korean beauty stores, boutiques, and souvenirs, and Korean snack shops. The bonus point is the various street foods around. The street is open 24 hours, but most stores are available at noontime until 10 PM. The best time to go is around 6 PM onwards.
Namdaemun Market
Namdaemun Market is a large open-air market (tiangge-like) that sells various goods – from souvenirs to clothes to food. It is cheaper here than in Myeongdong Walking Street, but the quality is not as good. This market is open from 10 AM to 5 AM but still depends on the store owners. You can go here by alighting in Hoehyeon Station Exit 4, 5, or 6.
Hongdae Night Market
Hongdae is very much like the little sister of Myeongdong Walking Street. The street has lots of skincare and make-up stores, food stalls, and fashion stores. What differentiates Hongdae from Myeongdong is the many bars and street performers that you’ll enjoy watching. Thrift stores are also cheaper here than in Myeongdong, maybe because Hongdae is nearer the universities. The night market is at Hongik University Station Exit 9.
Dongdaemun Shopping Complex
If you’re into clothes, Dongdaemun Night Market is the place to be. Just across Dongdaemun Design Plaza are buildings that sell clothes primarily. It is better to buy wholesale here because it is cheaper.
Common Ground
Common Ground is one of the newest modern malls in Seoul. Aside from hipster shops and good food, this mall will also give you some gorgeous Instagram photos. Made of blue shipping containers, this mall is worth a visit. If you’re not into Instagram, then you can skip this.
It is the main and the biggest royale palace of the Joseon dynasty. It will take almost 2 hours to roam the whole area.
It is the second royal palace of the Joseon dynasty and is known as the Eastern Palace since it is east of Gyeongbokgung.
