South Korea 2014: Day 4 - N Seoul Tower and Cafe J Holic

June 9, 2014
Day 4

This is our fourth day in Seoul, itinerary for the day is N Seoul Tower and Cafe-J-Holic. Then in the afternoon, we're off to Gimpo International Airport to see the beautiful island of Jeju.

N SEOUL TOWER

One of the famous landmark in South Korea, which also marks the highest pointc in Seoul.It measures 236.7 m (777 ft) in height from the base and tops out at 479.7 m (1,574 ft) above sea level. It changed its name to N Seoul Tower in 2005. The "N" stands for 'new,' 'Namsan,' and 'nature.'

How to get here:(by Cable Car)

Myeong-dong Station (Seoul Subway Line 4), Exit, walk for about 15 minutes to reach the street laying next to Pacific Hotel. The boarding place should be seen.

Operating hours: 10:00 - 23:00

Cable Car fare is 8,500 KRW (round trip)

If you are staying at any Namsan Guesthouse, just follow the map below.

N Seoul Tower is open 365 days a year! Observatory tower is located at the third floor of N Tower that display 360° panoramic view of Seoul. You can also enjoy the view while having lunch or dinner at some restaurant here. 

Entrance fee: 9000 KRW

Breathtaking view of the cityscape!

What to see inside the observatory tower?

I've been here at N Seoul Tower during winter of February and November 2012, early autumn of September 2013 and late Spring/early Summer of June 2014.

• N Seoul Tower February 2012
• N Seoul Tower November 2012
• N Seoul Tower September 2013

Haechi Seoul

♥♥LOVE LOCKS♥♥

Hundreds of locks are hanging in the fences, showing their everlasting love! ♥

Remember when Cheon Song Yi and Do Min Joon lock their love ♥ ^_^

Now that there are so many locks hanging at N Seoul Tower fences, tower staff members are worried about maintaining them. From the weight of the locks, the fences are starting to bend. However, they don't have to increase space. Just this year Paris Pont des Arts with thousands of locks cause the fence to collapsed.

Teddy Bear Museum in N Seoul Tower was already closed (November 2013), it was moved to Del Pino Resort at Mt Seorak and replaced by Alive Museum which is similar to "Trickeye Museum".

Entrance fee: 12,000 KRW

 Most Korean Dramas was filmed here, like My Love From The Star, Boys Over Flower, Rooftop Prince, My Lovely Kim Sam Soon, Protect The Boss, Can't Lose, My Girl, Iris, Beautiful Days, etc.

N Seoul Tower is one of the crowded tourist spot, like you've never been in Seoul if you missed to visit this place.

And even if you don't go inside the observatory tower, you can still have good view of Seoul!

Next stop is Cafe J Holic, this coffee shop is located in Myeongdong. I personally want to visit this cafe because of Jaejoong of JYJ, he is talented singer and actor!

CAFE J HOLIC

Address: 54-6 Myeongdong 2-ga, Chung-gu, Seoul – 3rd and 4th floor.
Operation hours: 11:00AM – 10:00PM

Cafe JHolic is located at the 3rd and 4th floor of 54-6 Myeongdong 2-ga. The third floor consists of the counter, pick-up area and a paradise lounge while the fourth has a smoking room, meeting room, JJ Room and JH Room.

Cafe J Holic is a coffee shop owned by popular singer/actor "Kim Jaejoong" of JYJ (Jaejoong, Yoochun, Junsu). He is South Korean singer, songwriter, actor and director. His latest Kdrama is "Triangle" and he also starred in Korean Drama "Protect The Boss" and "Dr. Jin". He is also one of the original member of Korean pop group "TVXQ".

                                                                                                                      

Enjoying my coffee latte

Cafe J Holic Items

Tumblers, mugs, designed aprons, blankets, pillows, key chains, etc. can be bought here.

They also sell cakes and bottled drinks.

Counter section

The interior of this cafe is consist of yellow, black and white colors, it's so cozy and relaxing.

The restroom: JONNY for men, JENNY for women

  This place is perfect to enjoy a sip of coffee and just think that Jaejoong were once here ^_^ This fangirling of mine here Seoul would never end >.<  

Loving South Korea - For the Fourth Time! ^^

After 9 months, I'm back to "The Land of the Morning Calm"! I hadn't had enough of South Korea! My favorite country in Asia. But this time Jeju Island is part of this 1 week vacation, but only for two days, I'm really excited for this trip! Aja~Aja~ ^_^

Seongsan Ilchulbong 

TICKET

Seoul
This time I'm flying via Air Asia Zest, total cost of our round trip ticket is P14,512.00 for two person. With total of 25 kilos check in baggage from Manila to Incheon and total of 40 kilos check in baggage from Incheon to Manila. 

Without the check in baggage round trip ticket is P 5,906.00 (1 pax)

Jeju Island
Our round trip ticket for Jeju Island via Jeju Air cost 173,400 KRW or 7,534.58 PHP. I had a hard time booking my flight in Jeju Air, because of some security features using credit card. I did some research and found out that I can send an email to their customer care and they will booked your flight, you just have to give them some information, and wait for their response.

MONEY MATTERS

I usually exchange my PHP in Czarina Forex Exchange, but this time I switched to "Naila's Money Changer". They have better rate but the place is kinda far, I think they always have the currency you need. The buying rate of 1 PHP is 0.0443 KRW, Czarina's buying rate is 0.048.

Korean Won

ACCOMMODATION

Seoul
Still rules my heart "Namsan Guesthouse 3"! We just love staying here, for so many reasons! Location is one of the major reason - MYEONGDONG! Few minutes walk to Namdaemun Market, near to subway, near to N Seoul Tower, etc etc etc! The room rate is 65,000 KRW for two people per night. They have free breakfast and you can also use their kitchen for cooking. Free use of computer, washing machine, iron. You can also leave your luggage for days!

Jeju Island
We stayed in "You and I Guesthouse"  located in Jeju City. Room rate is 50,000 KRW for two people per night. Location is good, near to bus terminal, near to some fast food chain (Lotteria, Han's Deli, 7-11, etc.). They provide free breakfast, free use of computer and washing machine. The only cons is they don't have lift/elevator, our room was located on the fourth floor, good thing we only have our backpack and only have light clothing. Overall, I still suggest this guest house because the room is spacious (even the rest room) and the staff were so nice too, very helpful to our Jeju Island tour!

WEATHER AND CLOTHING

Our travel date is June 6 to 13 and yes summer is approaching! For this trip we have some light clothing like dresses, shorts, blouses. The weather in South Korea is also changing, so we also bring light jacket.

VISA

Just like before I've submitted all necessary requirements and our visa was approved, we both got multiple visa! Yey~

My sister's requirements:

• Birth Certificate
• School Certificate
• Photo Copy of School ID
• Passport
• Photocopy of Passport
• Notarized Affidavit of Support
• Application Visa form with picture
• Photocopy of VISA (Korean Visa)
• Travel History: Hongkong, Macau, Singapore, South Korea (twice)

My requirements:

• Birth Certificate
• ITR
• Certificate of Employment
• Bank Certificate
• Passport
• Photocopy of Passport
• Application Visa form with picture
• Photocopy of VISA (Korean Visa) 
• Travel History: Taiwan, Singapore (twice), Malaysia, Hongkong, Macau, Thailand (twice), Cambodia, Vietnam, South Korea (thrice)

for more information about applying Korean Visa: click here

ITINERARY

Day 1 (June 6)
Namsangol Hanok Village
Myeongdong
Express Bus Terminal Undeground Shopping Mall
Viva Polo (EXO Chanyeol's Mother Restaurant)

Day 2 (June 7)

Aiins World

Seoul Rose Garden

Day 3 (June 8)

                                Seoul Land                                                                             Seoul Zoo

Day 4 (June 9)
Namsan Tower
Cafe J Holic
Flight to Jeju Island
Night at Jeju Island

N Seoul Tower

Cafe J Holic

Day 5 (June 10)
Jeju Island

                   Jusangjeolli Cliff                                                    Cheonjeyeon Waterfalls 

      Teddy Bear Museum                                                          Chocolate Land

Day 6 (June 11)
Jeju Island

Seongsan Ilchulbong

           Seopjikoji                                                                   Sangumburi Crater  

Day 7 (June 12)
Flight back to Seoul

"You Who Came From The Star" Exhibit at Dongdaemun Design Plaza

Do Min Joon's Library

Insadong

"The Heirs" filming location in Anguk Station

Unhyeongung Palace

Day 8 (June 13)
Flight to Manila


TRAVELER'S ESSENTIALS

Electricity and Voltage
The power outlet in Korea is type C & F same as type used in France, Germany, Austria, Greece, Turkey, and many other countries.You can bring your own multi-voltage travel adapter, I'm not sure if Namsan Guesthouse provide adapter, you can also buy from the convenience store in Korea. I always bring universal adapter and extension cord.

Banking/ATM
Cards with the Plus and Cirrus logos are the easiest to use and most widely accepted in Korea. Some places even accept international cards like China UnionPay, Maestro, Electron, and JCB cards. I have tried using my BPI International Card withdrawing at some ATM in Myeongdong, Seoul Station and Gimpo International Airport.