South Korea 2012 Budget

"How much did you spend on your travel?" I always get this question after I traveled ^^ I politely says that I am not yet done computing my expenses, but more or less *amount* ^^ Yes,  it is very important for travelers to know how much he/she will spend on his/her travel (IMO ^^). I always have my draft expenses on every travel, so it wouldn't be hard for me to budget my money. For this South Korea trip, I almost spend less than 20,000php, that includes everything from the travel tax, terminal fee, cab, food, shopping, etc.

Computed South Korea expenses:

** I did not include the food and shopping budget here, it really depends on you.

** Coffee Prince - the 7,000won is price for 1 coffee, you need to order first to take pictures inside ^^

McDonald's Myeong-dong cheeseburger meal only cost 3,000won. (try Bulgogi Burger ^^)

KFC Meal is around 4,600won - up.

We did not try to dine in any Korean restaurant, my tolerance for spicy foods is low ^^ 

For Super Junior fans, dining at Handel & Gretel would cost around 7,000won. Coffees/Lattes 3,000won - up. Kona Beans coffees/lattes price range is just the same with H & D.

If your guesthouse/hotel has a free breakfast that would also saves on your budget ^^, just like in Namsan Guesthouse 3. (they have free breakfast) ^^ 

For your shopping expenses, well it really depends on you ^^ Bring a lot of WON ^^

You can always use your credit card anyways, the exchange rate is just fine.

You can also withdraw from ATMs around South Korea (if you have International ATM).

Enjoy your travel to the Land of Morning Calm ^^

South Korea Day 4

Annyeong haseyo!

Sad to say that this is our last day in Korea, so sad :( I don't want to leave yet :(

Anyways, what can I do, time flies so fast. I will just be enjoying our last day! Aja Aja AJA!!! ^^

We start to packed our things before we sleep last night, so after breakfast we also check out and leave our luggage at the basement. The receptionist of Namsan Guesthouse 3 was so kind to even help us took our luggage inside the room.

I saw "SHINEE" poster on the board of the basement area that if you want that poster just ask the receptionist (and I did ^^), he handed me 2 SHINEE poster! I'm not a big fan of SHINEE but it's free, better grab it ~kekekeke~ MinHo is cute anyways ^^ and it's SHINEE ^^

SHINEE posters

Busy day again, we need to manage our time so that we wouldn't miss our flight ^^

We start our day on buying some pasalubongs and a bit of shopping at Myeong-dong and Namdaemun. Very convenient to us because these places were so near in our place.

NAMDAEMUN MARKET

We went here already on our first day, this place is like "Quiapo" for me, they sell bags, luggage, clothes, accessories, shoes (boots), food, etc. For the ladies, there are lots of accessories here, and it's really cheap. Clothes are more on winter thing, yeah because it is winter ^^ Trench coat here is around 10,000won - up. 

I bought a souvenir t-shirt here. The T-shit cost: three(3) pieces for 10,000won for grey or white t-shirt, two(2) pieces for black t-shirt for 10,000won. 

MYEONG-DONG

I LOVE Myeong-dong! There are lots of shops here!!! Time for shopping ^^

morning in Myeong-dong

Jang Geun Suk on Nature Republic ^^

Lee Seung Gi on Saem^^

for Kpop Lovers ^^

While roaming around I saw this # Coffee and saw the pictures of JoKwon and Gain couple of MBC We Got Married.

Adam couple^^

More shops...

Sandara of 2ne1 and MinHo of Shinee at Etude House

SPAO (EverySing)

Warning: This is another fan girling ^^ ~kekeke~

SPAO clothing was endorsed by SMent artist SUPER JUNIOR and SNSD (Girls Generation). A must visit for ELFs and SONEs ^^ This is LOVE for us ^^ 

HAE so handsome ^^

sexy hyukkie ^^

teukkie

gorgeous HAE ^^

Kyu & Hyuk

Yay~ I spam so much photos ^^

ELFs and SONEs do visit the 4th floor - EverySing, where you can buy SMent products ^^

SJ chocololates

this is HEAVEN ^_^

I love SPAO! ^^ I enjoyed touring the whole place ^^ happiness overload ^^ Oh I bought a jacket *cute*

Now back to reality, I almost forgot that we are here to shop some ^^ Hoard your cosmetics needs here at Myeong-dong , so cheap and there are lots of freebies.

We took our lunch here at McDonald's and then we go back to the guesthouse to leave some of our things, and go to our next destination. 

It is already past 2pm, where are we going?? Our flight is 9:30pm, we need to be at the airport at least 2 or 3 hours before our flight, but what are we doing, still touring?? Yeah right! ^^

KEYEAST ENTERTAINMENT

My travel buddy "Janet" really likes Kim Hyun Joong, she told me to put his agency in our itinerary. We were suppose to go here in the morning but we change plan and switch the schedule ^^ I only have the complete address of KeyEast that I found in the internet, so what I did was asked the receptionist of Namsan 3 (he's cute though ^^) on the directions. 

Directions: From Myeong-dong Station to Samseong Station

6F American Standard Bldg 110-1

Samseong-dong, Gangnam-go, Seoul 135-090

Popular actor Bae Yong Jun (Winter Sonata) and Kim Soo Hyun (Dream High 1 & The Moon That Embraces the Sun) is also under KeyEast Entertainment and Lee Na Young (Wild Romance)

KHJ

At around 3:30pm we were done touring KeyEast.When we were about to leave the building we met a Japanese fan of Kim Hyun Joong, she took this picture. ^^

We still have a little time, I really want to go at KONA BEANS, actually we were supposed to go at Lee MinHo's agency, but my love for SuJu is much stronger ^^ So I decided to go at KONA BEANS! ^^

KONA BEANS

So excited to see the place and I'm also nervous of the time, it runs so fast, can somebody stop it for a while? please ^^ 

Thanks again to my fellow ELFs who posted directions to KONA BEANS, it was such a big big BIG help ^^

Directions: From Samseong Station we get off at Seoul Nat'l Univ of Educ Station then transfer to line 3 (orange line) and get off to Apgujeong Station and exit #2 ^^ 

Now we walk along the main road, and as per direction we must see Hana Bank & Papa John's, and walk again up to cross junction, the we cross the road and walk past S-Oil Gas Station, then walk until we see Shinhan Bank, then turn right at the small junction and we see this billboard below at this small junction. Did you guys get it? ^^

billboard near Kona Beans

KONA BEANS is a coffee shop owned by the mothers of Super Junior "Leeteuk, Sungmin & Kyuhyun". We don't have much time so we only took some pictures and leave ^^ Another reason for me to go back to Korea, to dine here at Kona Beans, and maybe on my next visit I would be seeing my 3 dorky boys here ~kekekeke~ SMent building is also located here at Apgujeong, but we don't have time to go there, too bad, anyways I'll see you again Land of the Morning Calm ^^

Teuk, Minnie & Kyu

yipee I saw Sungmin Omma ^^

Best vacation ever!!! I'm so happy that I've been here, so much of fan girling, so happy!!! ^^ Even for a short moment that I've spent here at Kona Beans, I'm really so so so happy! seriously happy ^^

And so we were rushing back to the Guesthouse, and we think were going to be late on our flight^^

We arrived back to the guesthouse around 6pm, re-arranging/packing again our things, weighing it and my luggage is .80kgs overweight ^^

Now this is the ultimate challenge, our luggage going down the subway, it was so heavy and there is no escalor nor elevator. If you have a lot of time, better take the airport bus if you have a heavy luggage (like our luggage because it was winter).

From Myeong-dong Station we got to Seoul Station and transfer to AREX to go to Incheon Airport. We arrived around 8pm, do the check in, buy some foods, do the immigration and yes we made it just in time, after some minutes we were ready to board the plane.We were already sitting at the back, we came very late I guess ^^

What a day!!! It was a stressful yet an amazing day for me! I super love Korea! I wanna go back soon ^^

Now back to Manila at around 12am, another stressful day for us we went straight to the office, our shift is around 3am. I'm saving my vacation leave ^^ So many places to go ^^

WRAP UP

To wrap things up, SOUTH KOREA is my favorite country so far ^^ I love everything here! The people were so nice, I adore them for their kindness ^^ I want to live here ~kekekekeke~ seriously ^^

The weather is tolerable, if you're going to visit Korea during winter, be ready for some warming stuffs. Though it was so cold, I still enjoyed the weather, you wouldn't experience that kind of weather here in the Philippines, will never experience that winter fashion thingy ^^

About the food, that we did not explore much, another reason to go back in Korea, to experience their food. ^^ I'm kinda picky on foods, but will surely try next time I visit.

For me their subway is much more complicated, but you'll get use to it, always look at the signage. How I wish Philippines would have that kind of subway someday (that is impossible, tsk). And you can eat inside the subway, so different from Singapore huh ^^ and there is a roaming vendor inside too, it was something new for me.

Do they have "no horn blowing policy" too? Which is nice, I never heard any horn from vehicles in Korea, such a peaceful and quite place, love it ^^

Overall I really LOVE LOVE LOVE this country, of course the fan girling would be the number ONE reason ^^ I LOVE KOREA ^^ Hwaiting ^^

South Korea Day 3

Annyeong Haseyo!

Today is V-day! Spending V-day in Korea ^^ If I would see my dorky boys today, this would be my happiest V-day ever ^^

Following our itinerary of the day, first destination  is NAMI ISLAND, this place became famous because of the Korean Drama "Winter Sonata". After breakfast, we go to Myeong-dong Station and take the green line to go at Dongdaemun, then transfer to blue line to go at Cheongnyangni Station.

Reaching Cheongyangni Station you need to transfer again to go at Gapyeong Station, according to my research there should be a direct train to Gapyeong, but at that time it was under maintenance. So we asked a local how can we reach Gapyeong Station, he told us to get off at Sanbong Station and then transfer again to go at Gapyeong Station.

Gapyeong Station

At Gapyeong Station we ride a cab that took us to the ferry terminal, just tell the driver "Namiseon". The total fare is 2,800won. 

When you reach the ferry terminal you'll see lots of tour bus, it also means that there are lots of tourist going to Nami Island, the fact that it is also V-day, and so yeah I'm seeing lots of couple!!! ^^

Also near the dock is a 55-meter Jumping Tower for bunjee jumping and Nami Skyline Zip Wire Ziprider, you might want to try it ^^

wanna try??

zipline

Ferry to Nami Island

The ferry ticket/entrance to Nami Island cost 8,000won for a round trip that takes 10minutes ride.

Welcome to NAMINARA REPUBLIC

This ice berg will welcome you to NAMISEON ^^

ice berg? ^^

Now touring Namiseon.

It is much colder here, we can't barely walk and complaining about the cold weather ^^ But we still manage to take pictures :)

As I said earlier we came here because we both love Korean Drama, "Winter Sonata" was shot here. Second part of the "ENDLESS LOVE" installment, it stars Choi Ji-Woo and Bae Yong-Joon. I'm so happy to see this place, of course reminiscing the drama again, one of the saddest drama :(

Winter Sonata Photo Gallery

More of Winter Sonata memories ^^ "A Place of First Kiss"

the couple make mini snowman here ^^ (a fake snowman)

*sweet*

 the first kiss ^^

The Winter Sonata Lane

Nami Island random pics!

iceberg again ^^

snow ^^

warmer

We enjoyed touring Nami Island, a nice place to hang out, a bit crowded though. This place has a lot to offer, it has a playground, a place for picnic, gardens, scenic view, rent a bike to explore the island and the random Winter Sonata memories for Korean Drama addicts ^^ (just like me)

Now back to the wharf and waited for the ferry, sooooo COLD!!! I'm freezing!!!

Another 10 minutes ride at the ferry, we took again a cab to Gapyeong station that cost only 2,400won. At the station we waited for the train to go at Sanbong Station, then transfer again to go at Cheongyangni Station and another transfer to go at Jonggak Station for our next destination. So many transfer right? ^^ Korea's subway is easy to manage and has a lot of signage, and it is cheaper ^^



KOREA TOURISM ORGANIZATION

Address: Seoul-si Jung-gu Cheonggyecheon-ro 40
B1 of Korea Tourism Organization Building
Opens from: 9am-8pm

Directions: From Jonggak Station (subway line1), exit #5, go straight for 3 minutes and cross over Cheonggyeocheon Stream.

Cheonggyeocheon Stream

After you cross the stream, turn right down the street. KTO Building is the second building on your left. 

Korea Be Inspired

Going down (B1) to KTO office,  if you want to experience wearing hanbok for free, learn to write your in name in hangul, visit the Hallyu wave gallery, then you must visit this place. 

you'll see this when you enter the B1^^

lovely hanboks ^^

Our hanboks experience ^^

K STAR GALLERY

I love Kpop, I LOVE SUPER JUNIOR!!! When we entered the building I already saw Donghae's standee, again my excitement rises!!!! picture galore!!! Fan girling in Korea!!! Love it ^^

my LEE DONGHAE ♥

2ne1

Taecyon ( this is from Dream High Koream Drama)

Had fun visiting the KTO! Their staff was very friendly and speaks English well ^^ Wearing hanbok is

a great experience for me, I love it! I highly recommend to visit this place, there is also KTO located at Incheon Aiport ^^

Going back now to Jonggak station, crossing again at Cheonggyeocheon Stream, they says it is best seen at night. Another reason for me to go back to Korea, to visit this Stream at night ^^

 Cheonggyeocheon Stream

We were supposed to visit Handel & Gretel first, but my friend is already hungry so we go to Hongdae instead and dine at the nearest KFC. 

HONGDAE

Directions: Jonggak Station to City Hall Station (blue line), then transfer to green line and get off to Hongkik University Station.

Compared to Myeong-dong, Hongdae has a lot of diners and cafe. Both have shopping area, I still prefer Myeong-dong, I love Myeong-dong ^^

The First Coffee Prince shop is located here in Hongdae, that would be our next destination.

We asked again some locals for the directions, it is quite a long walk to reach the cafe. 

FIRST SHOP OF COFFEE PRINCE

Finally after a long walk, we arrived at the cafe. Yes this is the actual coffee shop that was used in the Korean drama "The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince", one of my all-time favorite KDrama ^^

The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince

Excitement rises again, well this always happen when we reach a place like this that we've only seen on television before ^^ (crazy huh?! ~kekeke)  and so we took pictures outside this shop ^^

Go Eun Chan (Yoon Eun Hye)

Coffee Prince

Yoon Eun Hye is one of my favorite actress in Korea (next to Song Hye Kyo), she is one of the prettiest actress in Korea, I think her face is so natural (no plastic surgery) like Hye Kyo, and she's really a good actress ^^ I've seen many of her dramas.

So what's inside this coffee shop??

At first we were hesitant to go inside, but what's the sense of coming here if we wouldn't ^^

"Annyeong Haseyo" says the staff ^^ ,it is just a small shop and at that time there were only few customers. 

7,000won for espresso & 7,000won for the cake

What an expensive coffee and a slice of cake ^^ Well for the sake of being here at the actual location of  "First Shop of Coffee Prince" and for the love of Korean Dramas, we need to at least dine to take pictures inside and reminisce again ^^ so much of a fan girling again ^^ LOL

Let's take a peek what's inside this shop

More of the dramas memories...

me at The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince

Again for the Korean Drama addicts like me, you should also visit this place and prepare at least 7,000won for the coffee/latte, a little bit pricey right? just think that it was an entrance fee to this place ^^

Now leaving the coffee shop, annyeong! ^^

Another long walk going back to Hongkik Univ Station, now our next destination is another coffee shop! I'm so so so excited!!! as in!!! wanna know why??? well.... it's because our next destination is HANDEL and GRETEL!!! yeah right my ultimate fan girling starts this moment! 

HANDEL and GRETEL

From Hongkik Univ Station line 2 we get off to Chungjeongno Station then transfer to line 5 and get off at Yeouido Station.

Thanks to many ELFs who posted directions on how to go at HANDEL and GRETEL, but on our way there are some people on this particular shop and we learned that it was JESSICA of SNSD filming something, well lucky us to see SICA's back ^^

But lucky me to met a KOREAN ELF, I actually asked her if we were almost near at Handel and Gretel, and she says yes (we just need to turn left at the end of street) and then she ask me if I'm also ELF, and I excitedly says YES! And I know she was too, I saw her phone with Leeteuk's name ^^ She was so happy too meeting a foreign ELF. Actually she came there, she told me that Yesung's appa, omma and Jungjin was there, oh I'm so happy too ^^ This is really fan girling in KOREA ^^ We chit chat a bit ^^

me w/ Korean ELF ^^

HANDEL and GRETEL is a family owned coffee shop of SUPER JUNIOR "YESUNG"

Yesung

When we came at the coffee shop, there are lots of customer and no doubt that these girls were all ELF or SUPER JUNIOR fans! They were chilling here and waiting for SUKIRA(Super Junior Kiss the Radio), which is just a walking distance from H&D. 

We ordered our coffee (again coffee, seriously??) 

We were sitting outside, as I says the coffee shop is already full of customer! Full of ELF ^^ But I still manage to take a pic inside, I couldn't miss this opportunity, I must take a picture inside ~kekeke~ thanks to my fellow ELFs sitting on this side, they let me take a picture ^^

me at Handel & Gretel ^^

I was too shy to take pictures of Yesung's family, and I've seen in the counter that no taking of pictures, so I respect that ^ I'm so happy to see them, well this is a life of fan girl ^^

SUKIRA (Super Junior Kiss The Radio) at KBS

Now another fan girling after sipping coffee we head to KBS building to watch SUKIRA!!! I don't really know the schedule of SUKIRA, well lucky me I saw Sungmin and Ryewook!!! Now this is really ultimate fan girling!!! before 10pm I already saw Sungmin talking to the staff!

 Sungmin ^^

And then finally Ryewook

Two of my dorky boys! Finally seeing them here in Korea, I'm so happy!!! 

I also took a video to complete this fan girling ^^

What a day!!! On our third day, I had a very successful fan girling! That really made me so happy! I couldn't sleep at all, I really miss them (kekeke~close??), As I always says this is a life of a fan girl, my adrenaline was rising the moment I saw them, I couldn't breathe at all ~kekekeke~ I want to see them all, if only I could spend more time in Korea, I would but I couldn't ~ but at least I saw them ^^ 

Happiest V-day ever!!! I LOVE KOREA!!! ^^

annyeong!