I am relieved that I managed to survive the first semester in University. Now, I have the time to write again!
Today, I will be sharing the places that you should visit when you are in Korea. I hope this post would be useful for those who are planning to make their own itinerary for their visit! I've realized that it has been months since my last post! And I have always wanted to share
my Korea Trip with anyone who reads this. I am not sure of how many people that would actually
come across my blog. However, I hope that as this blog continues to grow, there will be many that
will read it. I just want to document them as I really miss being in that country! And it was a
meaningful trip as well from planning the trip to physically being in the country that I've dreamt of
visiting since 2010!!
In this chapter, I will share some tips on what to do when in Korea. There are plethora of cafes,
shopping spots and attraction sites that you ought to visit when you are there! I will share with you
the places that I have been to!
Hongdae
I was here on my first day here. According to the itinerary, we were supossed to only visit the place once! However, we went there for about 4 times! There are many stores selling items ranging from hats, tops, socks and korean face products! You should also catch people perform in Hongdae! When I was there, a groups of boys danced to EXID's Up and Down. A guy next to them sang Roy Kim's Bom Bom Bom. There were many sights to see! Not forgetting, along the streets, there were huge murals where you can pose with! Go ahead and take pictures as a memory! In Hongdae, my friends and I grabbed the chance to try churros from Churros 101! The Churros were delicious and cost us about SGD5, it was a reasonable price. Don't forget to visit the socks store in Hongdae! The socks only cost 1000won per pair which is cheapest I could find (grabbed 20 pairs at one go as souvenirs for my family members)! For cat lovers, visit the cat cafe! Admission is only 8000won(it's the cost of the drink). My friend had an enjoyable time there!
Myeongdong
What is the attraction point of Myeongdong? Its huge Nature Republic Store just as you reach the shopping area! I believe that it has the mosf nature republic stores there other than the big one you will see! SPAO Clothing store is located there too (endorsed by exo). If you're planning to shop for products from Laneige, Myeongdong is the place that you should go! Hongdae, Edae and Dongdaemun do not have a Laneige store! However, you should check stores like Aritaum as they carry Laneige and also other brand! Other than Aritaum, you could find Olive Young quite everywhere too. Should I say they are like the Sephora of korea?
Edae
Don't miss a trip here! Get the university vibe! Before reaching the university, you will be greeted by
stores selling things for women. Bags, shoes, facial product. You name it, they have it!
I bought a shoe here which cost me SGD40. I did not regret buying (even after i had to withdraw
extra 100,000 won from the bank).
Palace Tour
While in Korea, do not let go of the opportunity of visiting their palaces! The most popular palace in the Gyeongbokgung Palace located in Gwanghwamun! The entrance fee is Only 3000won and there are timing for guided tour that you can join! Even though the Palace may not be original as most of it was burned down during the Japanese Occupation in Korea, it is still recommended for us to visit so as to learn to better appreciate the country through its history. As a history liver myself, it is a must-visit site for both history and non-history lovers!
Dongdaemun
If Shopping at Hongdae, Edae, Meyongdong is not enough, head to Dongdaemun! Stores are opend in the afternoom until the following morning at around 4am! There are many variety of clothing in Dongdaemun which are made in Korea. Exclusive designs by local artistes can be found in Doota Mall and are sold at relatively higher prices than the ones at Migliore! Trust me, the array of clothings that you would find at Migliore is good enough! You can opt to take the midnight bus (check the time and the route using the bus app) if you're going home past 1.30 am KST. Visit Holly's Cafe when you are there too! Cosmetic products stores are open too!
Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
A history lover (read: geek) like me was amazed when I finally get to visit a site that I got to know from lectures and books. While doing my research prior to the trip, I researched on itinerary by others. Most itinerary did not state going to the DMZ. In my opinion, it is best to go on your first trip to Korea. It taught us on the issues the country face, even till today. Apart of me have learned about how fortunate I am to be living in a safe country like Singapore that has established good ties with its neighbouring countries. Okay, enough of the history talk, let's move on. You can book your tour at Cosmojin where they would arrange a pick up for you! In the van that I was in, I was surprise that almost all the tourists were from Singapore as well! Very recognizable from their accent.
Nami Island
For those Winter Sonata fans, this is a place you should visit! I loved the greens and the scenery, away from the busy city life! Had a enjoyable day here! There is also a Restaurant that serves Halal Dosirak (Fried Rice in metal containers) and a praying room for our muslim visitors.
Namsan Tower
Come here at night to see the night lights in Seoul! We took the bus and climb up to the entrance of the Namsan Tower. It takes time as the cable car queue was kind of long as we have been noted by a malaysian tourist that we met at Nami Island.
Lotte World
If you're patient enough to wait 60 minutes for a ride, go ahead! I Spent half a day here! Not much fun. I think I am growing old! I had an enjoyable time exploring the Korean amusement park.
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