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My Short trip in Busan and Future Travel Plans

Lifestyle October 10, 2020

Busan is my second favorite place in South Korea, next to Seoul. Ever since I became interested with South Korea as a whole, I have been doing a lot of research on where to visit or what to do. Last 2019, I was able to visit Busan for 3-days and I can say that 3 days isn't enough for me.

In this blog, I'll be sharing to you the places I have visited in Busan and the places I want to visit if given the chance.

Places I Have Visited in Busan

ASEAN Culture House

Address: 162, Jwadong-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan, 48108, Korea

The ASEAN Culture House is the "hall of culture" wherein the culture and history of the 10 ASEAN countries are introduced to Korea. The building consists of exhibition halls, VR rooms, seminar rooms, and concert hall.

ACH was actually the reason why I got to visit South Korea again last 2019. They invited us for a 9-day trip in South Korea along with other ASEAN countries. During my visit here in ACH, I was able to attend a cooking class!

Haeundae Beach

Address: 264, Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan

I wanted to visit Haeundae Beach ever since I have watched it on a variety show (not quite sure if it was Return of Superman or 2 Days 1 Night). And when I got to visit it, I can't help but just be amazed on how beautiful it is. In fact, I barely had photos here because I was busy smiling and appreciating the surroundings.

We went here during Autumn, so it's a bit chilly. I wonder how it feels if it is summer.

Haeundae Dongbaekseom Island

Address: 67, Dongbaek-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan

My photo here looks bright but it's not hot. Look, I even wore a jacket. We were supposed to visit the APEC House but it was closed because they are preparing for an event. We walked even more and saw this place. I love how quiet and peaceful this place is.

Gamcheon Culture Village

Address: 203, Gamnae 2-ro, Saha-gu, Busan

I am a fan of The Little Prince that is why I really want to visit Gamcheon Culture Village just to take a photo with the little prince. And I really fell in love with the place. "I want to stay here forever. It feels like home." Those were the words that is going on in my mind.

If given the chance, I would like to go back to Gamcheon to take more photos and buy more souvenirs! I love the bag that I bought here.

Soon to Visit in Busan

Oryukdo Skywalk

Photo from Visit Korea website

Address: 137, Oryukdo-ro, Nam-gu, Busan

Just look at how beautiful this place is. I'm already imaging a lot of photos I will take once I get to see this skywalk. I am afraid of heights but I am willing to take risk if this is the view I'll be seeing.

BIFF Square

Address: 4, Nampo-gil, Jung-gu, Busan

I want to see the celebrity hand prints at the street of BIFF Square. Not only that, I also want to taste the popular street food, ssiat hotteok (sugar-filled seeded griddlecake), dak kkochi (chicken skewers), tteokbokki, and croquettes.

To be honest, I would love to spend a week just in Busan. Three days for me wasn't enough. I need more time on each place to take photos, videos, and appreciate the surrounding. Once this pandemic ends, I hope I can visit Busan again!

How about you? Have you visited Busan too?

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Reasons Why I Love Hongdae and Why You Will Love It Too

PERSONAL September 26, 2020

When I was planning on my first Korea trip, I remember asking some friends on where to stay in Korea. A lot of them answered Hongdae. I was a bit intrigued why most of them answered Hongdae. But when I finally got to stay there, I now know the reasons. And today, I'll be sharing to you the reasons why I love Hongdae.

Convenient Transportation

When my friends and I have arrived at the Incheon International Airport, we immediately looked for the train to go to Hongik University. There are actually two types of train in the airport, the Express Train and the All Stop Train. The Express Train runs from the airport to Seoul Station while the All Stop Train stops at all the subway station.

Since we'll be staying in Hongdae, we used the All Stop Train and alight at Hongik University. And from there, we just walked to our chosen hotel/place.

Shopping and Food

When it comes to fashion, I really love how Koreans dress up. Through Hongdae's Shopping Area, I was able to buy cheap yet quality and beautiful clothes. Not only that, I also got to buy a bag worth 10,000 won. If only I have unlimited baggage, I would have bought a lot. Hongdae also have a lot of make-up stores. I don't usually wear make-up but my friends do so I got to check out those stores too.

There are also a lot of good restaurants and cafes in Hongdae. One of my favorite is the Hong Chun Cheon Cheese Dakgalbi. The staff there were really accommodating and they offer a large amount of food per order. You should definitely check it out once you visit Hongdae.

ALSO READ: Record of Youth Filming Locations That I Have Visited

Live Performances

At night, there are a lot of performers in the street of Hongdae. It's either they sing, dance, or some have their own comedy shows. I am so happy to see this live. I only got to see this in KDramas. One of the reasons why I became interested with the Korean culture is because of KPOP. The artists are very talented. As a wannabe-artist, it's fun to watch these people showcasing their talents and having fun while doing it.

Murals on the streets

While walking to our place, I can see a lot of beautiful murals where you can actually take a picture with it and post it on Instagram. And look at my photo, they really put some light so that even at night, people can take a photo with it. Actually, not only the murals, but Hongdae is really an IG-worthy place.

During my stays in Korea, I make sure that I will always stay in Hongdae. In fact, I call Hongdae as my home in Korea. I feel safe in Hongdae (well, I feel safe anywhere in Korea). Once this pandemic is over, I will make sure to go back to Hongdae. Make sure to visit Hongdae if you go to South Korea soon!

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Record Of Youth Filming Locations That I Have Visited

PERSONAL September 17, 2020

Record of Youth is one of the KDramas that I am currently watching. I have been waiting for this drama because it's the last drama of Park Bogum as he enlisted in the military last August. I am also excited for this drama because it will not only talk about love, but also about life in general.

While watching the drama, there were familiar places that's why I loved it even more. In today's blog, I'll share to you the filming locations of Record of Youth that I have visited.

Starfield Library

Starfield Library is located at the COEX Mall. It is a public library that consists of more than 50,000 books and magazines. Around 600 foreign and local magazines are available for reading. For me, the attractive part in this place is the 13 meter tall bookshelf with a very beautiful painting.

Here's how you can go to Starfield Library:

Address: 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

1. Take the Line 2 (Green) subway to Samseong Station

2. Use Exit 6 and just follow the signs to Starfield Coex Mall

3. The library is located in the main atrium.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) is an events place. A lot of international events, exhibits, and even fashion shows are held at this place. In an episode of Record of Youth, it is where the characters of Park Bo Gum and Park So Dam first met. I was screaming when I watched this episode because I literally walked at that place too.

I visited DDP last 2019 during the ACH Invitation Program. Together with PH representatives and other ASEAN participants, we attended the Public Diplomacy Week.

How to go to DDP:

Address: 281, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

1. You can use Line 2, 4, 5 subway to Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station and use Exit 1.

2. Another option, you can use Line 1 subway to Dongdaemun Station and use Exit 7. Then you'll walk to DDP.

Hongdae (Hongik University Street)

Hongdae is one of my favorite places in South Korea. To be very honest, it is the place where we always stay. Main reason? It has an easy access to the subway (especially from the airport). Also, Hongdae is so alive every time I visit it.

On my next blog, I'll be writing a more detailed blog why I love Hongdae and why you should visit it too.

How to go to Hongdae:

Address: 20, Hongik-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul

1. Take the subway Line 2 (Green) and stop at Hongik University Station and use Exit 9.

Record of Youth is still an on-going drama (as of writing) and who knows? I might be familiar with other filming locations! I will be updating this blog if I found some familiar filming locations.

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Following It's Okay to Not be Okay Footsteps - 4D/3N Itinerary

Entertainment August 31, 2020

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My Dream 'Itaewon Class' South Korea Itinerary

Entertainment August 25, 2020

With just the start of 2020, it already gave us a lot of beautiful KDramas. One of the most memorable and most talked about is Park Seo Joon's Itaewon Class. I have visited a part of Itaewon, once, when I went to Swing Entertainment. But after watching Itaewon Class, I wanted to explore Itaewon and also other places seen in this drama. If I were to go back in South Korea soon, these are the places I would love to visit, to stay, and food I want to eat.

To Visit

Seoul Fortress Wall

The Seoul Fortress Wall is a 18.6 km wall that runs around the center of Seoul. It is one of the best places to walk or hike. In Itaewon Class, this wall was seen at the last part where Jo Yi Seo and Park Saero-yi are enjoying their mini date.

Noksapyeong Bridge

The bridge or overpass is just outside the Noksapyeong Station, Seoul Subway Line 6, Exit 2. This is also a good spot to view the N Seoul Tower. We have seen this bridge a lot of times at Itaewon Class. One example is when Park Saeroyi or Jo Yi Seo talked about life.

Undukjib (언덕집 양곱창)

Undukjib is a gopchang restaurant which opened in 2018. This is the place where Park Saeroyi first built Danbam. It is where Soo Ah and Saeoryi also met after seven years. Upon checking this restaurant, a lot of people say that the owner plans to renovate and change the name.

Address: 57 Noksapyeong-daero 40-gil, Itaewon 1(il)-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Maruku Kitchen

Maruku Kitchen appeared in Episode 9 of Itaewon Class. It is the restaurant that Park Saeroyi helped in repairing some stuff there so that the street will be lively again. This restaurant is famous for their Creamy Kimchi Fettucine and Omurice.

Address: 27 Noksapyeong-daero 46-gil, Itaewon 2(i)-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Oriole

Oriole is a brunch café and rooftop bar. It was seen in the drama as the new Danbam or named as Honey Night. When they were forced to leave their first place, Park Saeroyi decided to buy this building.

Address: 43 Sinheung-ro 20-gil, Huam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Manmankokoro - Hongdae Branch

Manmankokoro - Hongdae Branch appears as the Jangga Pub in Itaewon Class. It is a famous dakgalbi restaurant which opened in 2018.

Address: 34 Yanghwa-ro 16-gil, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Queen's Park

Queen's Park appeared at the last episode of Itaewon Class. This is the restaurant that Soo Ah rus after leaving Jangga Pub. This is the place where Park Bo Gum had his cameo.

Address: 22 Apgujeong-ro 60-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Kkulbam Pocha

Photo from Creatrip

Kkulbam Pocha is the inspiration of Danbam. It is a bar that is managed by the webtoon writer. It is open everyday. One of the most loved dishes here is the Soondubu Jjigae (Soft Tofu Stew).

Address: 2nd floor, 126-16, Itaewon-dong

Banpo Bridge

Banpo Bridge connects the districts Yongsan and Seocho. This location appeared in Itaewon Class when Jo Yi Seo and Jang Geun Soo were talking about their lives. The casts also passed by this bridge whenever they are driving.

Geuzy Cozy

Since most of the places I mentioned above are just near with each other, I believe that 2 days will be enough to visit those places. So the remaining two days (assuming that I will travel for 4D/3N) will still be Itaewon Class filming location, but it will no longer be in Seoul but in Jeju.

Remember when Jo Yi Seo went to Jeju to unwind? The memorable poem that she told Ma Hyun Yi? It is here at the Geuzy Cozy.

Address: 177 Bomokpo-ro, Hyodon-dong, Seogwipo, Jeju-do, South Korea

To Eat

이태원클라쓰 문어순두부찌개 by 단밤포차

이태원클라쓰 오징어간짬뽕 by단밤포차

Creamy Kimchi Fettucine and Omurice at Maruku Kitchen

Soondubu Jjigae (Soft Tofu Stew) at Kkulbam pocha

To Stay

Of course, to complete the Itaewon Class itinerary, I need a place to stay. There are actually a lot of good accommodations in Itaewon but this one place was featured in Itaewon Class.

G Guesthouse

G Guesthouse was seen in the memorable Jo Yi Seo slapping her classmate's mom. This place also has a rooftop where you can cook barbecue and eat food with your friends.

Address: 14-38 Bogwang-ro 60-gil, Itaewon 1(il)-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Summary of my 4D/3N "Itaewon Class" Itinerary

DAY 1:

1. Arrive at the Incheon International Airport

2. Check-in at the G Guesthouse (or any hotel near Itaewon)

3. Noksapyeong Bridge

4. Undukjib

5. Maruku Kitchen

DAY 2:

1. Seoul Fortress Wall

2. Oriole

3. Queen's Park

4. Manmankokor - Hongdae Branch

5. Hongdae Street

DAY 3:

1. Banpo Bridge

2. Kkulbam Pocha

2. Go to the airport for the Jeju Island flight

3. Check-in at the hotel

4. Visit some iconic place in Jeju (example Iho Taewoo beach)

DAY 4:

1. Visit some iconic place in Jeju Island (example Hallim Park and Jeju Loveland)

2. IC Filming location - Geuzy Cozy

3. Airport going back to the Philippines

Aside from the fact that it is Itaewon Class' filming location, these places are also aesthetically pleasing. I would really love to have a mini photoshoot on these places while wearing my autumn outfits. Of course, aside from the locations of Itaewon Class, I love to visit some other iconic places in South Korea, especially in Jeju.

I'm really hoping to visit these places once everything goes back to normal. It's really a dream come true to visit these places because you can really feel like you are with the Itaewon Class on their journey. #VisitKorea #SamaKaSaKorea #SamaSamaTayo

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Pages

My Short trip in Busan and Future Travel Plans

Places I Have Visited in Busan

ASEAN Culture House

Haeundae Beach

Haeundae Dongbaekseom Island

Gamcheon Culture Village

Soon to Visit in Busan

Oryukdo Skywalk

BIFF Square

Reasons Why I Love Hongdae and Why You Will Love It Too

Convenient Transportation

Shopping and Food

Live Performances

Murals on the streets

Record Of Youth Filming Locations That I Have Visited

Starfield Library

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

Hongdae (Hongik University Street)

Following It's Okay to Not be Okay Footsteps - 4D/3N Itinerary

DAY 1

Triple Street Shopping Mall

IK Lighthouse

Wolmido Culture Street

Han River Bridge

DAY 2

Pizza Alvolo

Forest of Wisdom Library

Nam Juri's House

Seorak Hanok Guesthouse Pension

DAY 3

Cafe Sanida

Secret Blue Bakery Cafe

Seorak Beach

Jucheon Seopdali Bridge

DAY 4

Sogeumsan Suspension Bridge

Summary of my 4D/3N It's Okay to Not be Okay Itinerary

My Dream 'Itaewon Class' South Korea Itinerary

To Visit

Seoul Fortress Wall

Noksapyeong Bridge

Undukjib (언덕집 양곱창)

Maruku Kitchen

Oriole

Manmankokoro - Hongdae Branch

Queen's Park

Kkulbam Pocha

Banpo Bridge

Geuzy Cozy

To Eat

이태원클라쓰 문어순두부찌개 by 단밤포차

이태원클라쓰 오징어간짬뽕 by단밤포차

Creamy Kimchi Fettucine and Omurice at Maruku Kitchen

Soondubu Jjigae (Soft Tofu Stew) at Kkulbam pocha

To Stay

G Guesthouse

Summary of my 4D/3N "Itaewon Class" Itinerary

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