Julie in the Palace - Trip to Korea - Oct 5, 2009

I'm alone today (*sob sob). Cocoy and Nancy have work so they won't be able to accompany me. Cocoy told me last night to go to iPark Mall at the Yongsan Station today coz he's worried that I might get lost if I tour around alone. Given this rare opportunity to go to Korea, do you think I'll just spend my day roaming around the mall? Of course not! So at 10am in the morning, this bitch took off ready to do some Seoul searching!

Last night, I already asked Sam and NK how to use the subway station. Surprisingly, it's pretty easy even for someone with no sense of direction like me! Yee-meng (from Malaysia) also gave me some pointers on how to get to Gyeongbokgung Palace. Thanks to the ever-reliable internet, I equipped myself with proper information on which subway stations and which exits are near the tourist spots. NK gave me a small subway map and it is definitely very helpful.

So off I went to the Sinseol-dong station, ready to do battle with a small subway map, a bottle of water and a couple of tourist printouts and other details as my ammunition (Cocoy, NK and Sam's phone number and Backpackers Korea address in case I get really really lost and have to go to the police station to get my sorry-ass back to the hostel).

FIRST STOP - Cheonggyecheon Stream / Cheonggye Plaza

I went to the subway station nearest Backpackers Korea which is Sinseol-dong station (Line 1). My destination is City Hall station (follow the signs going to Incheon) which is also in Line 1 and I took exit 4 going to Cheonggyecheon Stream and Cheonggye Plaza. I walked for a couple of minutes towards the Korea Press Foundation and I saw the sign leading to Cheonggye Plaza. When I saw the big shell, I wanted to rejoice! I'M ALIVEEEEE, I used the subway and I survivedd!!!!!!!!

Then a thought suddenly struck me, how the hell am I suppose to include myself in the picture with all this marvelous tourist spots as my background? Well, I can always ask strangers, right? And besides, I can also use a timer and do some self-shots.

Bummer, I still wish I have someone with me. The Cheonggyecheon Stream is awesome! It's length is up to ..errr... I don't know how long the stream is and I don't have any plans of walking the whole stretch. But it really is marvelous.

SECOND STOP - Gwanghwamun

Gwanghwamun is just a few minutes away from Cheonggye Plaza. We already went here last night so I just took a couple of pictures again since the ones we took weren't clear.

Just an FYI: I didn't know that Gwanghwamun is 'Main Gate of the Gyeongbokgung Palace'. My next destination is actually Gyeongbokgung Palace but I still have to ride the subway station to get there. Hmmm, confusing confusing...

THIRD STOP - Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gwanghwamun Station is in Line 5 and Gyeongbokgung Station is in Line 3 so I have to go to Jongno-3(sam)-ga Station to transfer to Line 3 (follow the signs going to Macheon or Sangil-dong to get to the train going to Jongno-3(sam)-ga). At Jongno-3(sam)-ga Station, I just followed the orange signs leading to Line 3 (going to Daehwa)and hopped in the train going to Anguk (since Anguk is the next station from Jongno-3(sam)-ga and it's in the same direction as Gyeongbokgung Station).

Intermission - I need to go to the restroom...BUT!!! Lookieeee!!! I peed on this! Look where the flush is! And, there's a hairdryer and brush at the restroom too. Uhm, no thanks.


I grabbed some food (Deli Manjoo - 2000 won for 12 pieces) before continuing my journey, pretty smart huh?

I took exit 5 and ended up in National Palace Museum. After a few steps, you'll be able to see the palace. It was huge and breathtaking (mwahahahaha, did I just use those 2 adjectives in one sentence? They sounded inappropriate together kekekeke!)

I was also able to witness the 'Changing of the Royal Guards' ceremony! Cool! Admission Ticket is 3000 won for adults. I asked some stranger to take a picture of me with the Royal Guard, I can clearly hear his heavy breathing. Poor fellow, standing under the sun with all these foreigners taking a picture of him.

I find it a bit creepy that their eyes are following the tourists even if they're not moving. One guard actually looked directly at me (*shiver). The other guard is about to fall asleep, it must've been really boring to just stand there and not do anything with all these layers of colorful clothes and weapons. I have this strong urge to startle the guard who's about to fall asleep but decided against it. I value my life more than the fun of seeing his suprised face. Besides, his comrade is already giving a very fierce aura. I think he really wants to slaughter me.

After a few turns and a few hours of walking, I'm officially lost! I'm in the middle of nowhere and has no clue on how to get out of this palace! I finally ended up in the National Museum of Korea.



I don't have the energy and the time to look around so I just focused on finding the exit. According to my printouts, Cheongwadae (Blue House) is near the Gyeongbokgung Palace so I asked the lady at the booth by the exit on how to get there.


FOURTH STOP - Cheongwadae (Blue House)

Cheongwadae is the Presidential Residence and it's noticeable characteristic is the blue tiles and smooth roof which blend beautifully with the Mt. Bugaksan at the back.The lady by the exit booth told me that I just have to walk at the left to arrive at Cheongwadae. She did not tell me it will be a very long LONG walk. At the start of my very long LONG walk, I saw 2 young police officers by the sidewalk. I initially thought, 'oooppps, I might be in a forbidden zone'. So I asked the police officer at the right if I can get through. He obviously doesn't speak english and called for a backup - the other police officer immediately went to the rescue and I asked both of them for directions to Cheongwadae. They told me I just have to walk straight. Okay, so that means I can get through. As I walk, I noticed there are a lot of police or guards at every corner which means I'm going on the right direction.

The million dollar question is, when will this long walk end?!!!! I saw a woman guard and decided to ask again. She told me the same thing, just walk straight. I asked her if it's already near. She said I'll be able to see Cheongwadae once I turn at the corner. Yup, I'm seeing it alright. I'm seeing the long stretch of road again!!!! Where the heck is the Blue House!!!

After the agonizing (and did I already mention very VERY long) walk, I was finally able to see the Blue House from a distance. It's quite a sight with the Mt. Bugaksan as its backdrop.

The small guardhouse where the police officer was standing caught my eye, I saw this in Korean Drama 'I really really like you' starring Eugene and Lee Min Ki. It would be nice if they give some to the royal guards from Gyeongbokgung Palace, they can really use some of those.

My next problem is how to get to the nearest subway station. I walked and walked... and walked until I saw a guard by the corner. I asked him where the nearest subway station is and he told me I just have to walk (AGAIN!!!) straight at the left and at the end of the street, just turn right and I will be able to see the subway station.

I decided to sit at the bus stop for a while since my feet is already killing me. It feels like the skin at the sole of my feet already peeled off and are attached to my socks. I haven't called Cocoy yet and he must be really worried coz it's already 2PM but he hasn't heard from me.

After walking for a couple of minutes, I finally arrived at the end of the street and decided to turn left since there is more buzz in there. And tadaaaaaa!!! I arrived at Gwanghwamun!!!! Earlier, I took the subway to go to Gyeongbokgung Palace from Gwanghwamun and now I find myself at Gwanghwamun?!

My goodness, that must've been a really long walk. I feel utterly defeated, I wanted to just stand in the middle of the street and be ran over by a Korean car in a Koren tourist spot. I should've carried on with my plan of surprising the royal guard back at the Gyeongbokgung Palace, at least I will have my share of fun before dying (*sigh).

FIFTH STOP - Han River

From Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5), I need to go to Yeouinaru Station which is also in Line 5 (follow the signs going to Banghwa). I hopped in the train going to Seodaemun Station since Seodaemun Station and Yeouinaru Station are in the same direction. I took exit 3, walked a few steps to the left and was greeted by a great view of the Han River!

There's a lot of couples chilling out by the riverside and I also saw families having picnic at the covered spots. I really wanted to go to Yook-Sam (63) Building but according to the couple sitting by the bench, it's still a long walk from where we were (note, we communicated through sign language and bits of english while the girl was giggling uncontrollably and asked for his boyfriend's help). I decided to just go straight to Itaewon to shop for souvenirs.

SIXTH STOP - Itaewon

From Yeoinaru Station (Line 5), I need to go to Gongdeok Station to transfer to Line going to Itaewon Station. I followed the signs going to Macheon or Sangil-dong and rode the train going to Mapo Station. I got off at Gongdeok Station and followed the signs to transfer to Line 6 (going to Bonghwasan) and hopped in at the train going to Hyochang Park. I finally arrived at Itaewon Station and took exit 4 (Itaewon Market).

There are a lot of foreigners in Itaewon and a lot of foreign shops too.When I entered a small alley, I saw a Philippine Store. After a few minutes of shopping, I decided to call it a day and head home.

From Itaewon Station (Line 6), I purchased a single journey ticket going to Dongmyo Station which intersects Line 1 and Line 6 (follow the signs going to Bonghwasan). As I was waiting for the subway going to Hangangjin, I met two Filipinos (Allan and Arnold) who immediately greeted me 'Kabayan'. After a few chitchats, the train arrived and it turns out they are getting off the same station. They asked me if I wanted to eat and I agreed since I'm really hungry, I only ate the Deli Manjoo from this morning.

After eating kamjatang (which tastes like our native dish nilagang baka) and drinking soju, Allan and Arnold accompanied me to Dongdaemun which happens to be close to my hostel. Pyonghwa Market is lined up with various stores but unfortunately, they're starting to close since it's already late. We scouted for sweater with hoodies. I found a sweater for my brother at the underground market.

We took a cab on our way to my hostel and told the taxi driver that we're getting off at Dongmyo station. We were taken to Dongmyo station but at a different exit that I totally don't recognize! Then we started walking aimlessly and it turns out we're walking on a different direction and ended up in Dongdaemun again! So I told them that we better ride the subway instead of taking chances and go to Dongmyo station exit 2. At last we were able to arrive at the correct spot and I was able to go home. If there's no subway in Seoul, I'll be rotting in the hostel.

I called Cocoy around 9:30pm and he's really worried because I haven't phoned throughout the day. He was surprised to know that I was roaming around the city while hewas wondering if I was able to go to Yongsan Station safely. Even more surprising is that I was able to go to Han River while he hasn't even been there in his 4 years of stay in Korea!

So much adventure in one day. In conclusion, the 'Wandering Julie' got home safe thanks to the subway. Thank you subway!

Seoul Searching! - Trip to Korea - Oct 4, 2009

Evidence 1 - Cocoy and Julie in Korea - Sinseol-dong Station

Cocoy and Nancy arrived earlier than I expected. I thought they're gonna pick me up around 10AM but they were already at my hostel around 9AM and were screaming their lungs out calling for my name hoping that I'll hear them since my unit is by the veranda. I was at the common room at that time surfing the net when Sam told me that my friends are already outside. I didn't hear them calling me, my bad. My bionic ears stopped working since it was so freaking cold last night!

Anywayyyy, I immediately changed my clothes and head out, it was already around 9:30AM. City of Seoul, HERE I COME!!! <*insert Mission Impossible theme song here>

Drinking coffee inside the subway in between the ajummas

We went to Sinseol-dong station and rode the subway going to Yeongsan station. (And yes, prepare yourself for a bunch of odd names. I had a hard time remembering where my station is, and I certainly don't know how to spell the damn thing.)

iPark Mall

Yeongsan station is located inside iPark Mall. It was a little bit early so the stores are still closed. When we tried to enter an electronic store, we were stopped by men in suits and started gunning us with Korean words telling us we can't go inside since it's still not open. Chill out man, we just tried and obviously our presence didn't go unnoticed. I took a step back pretending that I was not part of the whole ruckus. Bleh! Fortunately, Cocoy is in a good mood or else he would've unleashed his ninja moves against those men in suits and they would never see the light of day again.

Foodcourt inside iPark Mall

Julie and Beef Bulgogi (YUMMM!!!)

We ate brunch at the foodcourt. Let me just say, I was impressed. Their foodcourt was clean and.... so yellow. Back at home, the rule of thumb is you order food and pay at the stall where the food is prepared. Here, you order food at the entrance and pay for it. Then your food will magically appear somewhere on the line of stalls and they'll call your number. I ordered beef bulgogi, at last I was able to taste bulgogi in Korea! I can die now - happy, contented and with a full stomach.<*burp>

Korean streets outside iPark Mall

We took pictures here and there. Notice that whenever you're on vacation in a different place, you tend to take pictures just about anywhere. Probably to make your mark, as if saying 'I WAS HERE! IN KOREA! AIN'T IT DOPE?!'

Seoul City Tour Bus station in front of iPark Mall - Yeongsan Station

Afterwards, we went to the Seoul City Tour Bus station situated in front of iPark Mall - Yeongsan Station. As we were waiting, a beggar approached Cocoy and was asking for some spare change. Cocoy didn't give him any and this irritated the beggar telling him he has two bitches with him and he doesn't have any money? I seriously need to learn Korean. Had I known at that moment, I would've punched his face until he stops moving.


Seoul City Tour Bus is a great way to tour around the city. You just have to pay 10 000 won (around 500 pesos) and you can hop in and hop off the bus from 9AM to 8PM. The bus rounds the tourist spots in Seoul.

FIRST STOP - NATIONAL MUSEUM OF KOREA

Evidence 2 - Cocoy and Julie in Korea - National Museum of Korea

We arrived at the National Museum of Korea around 11:30AM. It was big and covers a lot of land area. One look at it and I am absolutely positive we will not be able to see all of it considering we have only a little time to move to our next destination (The bus arrives every 20 minutes or so and I wanted to visit as many tourist spots as I can. Yeah, I'm greedy, bite me!).

Exhibition Hall - National Museum of Korea

We went inside the exhibition hall and I immediately grabbed a map (for better navigation purposes??). I don't know about you but when I'm in a different place or country, I have this weird urge of nabbing all the maps or info cards that I can get especially if the name of the place/country is printed in it.

8 Buddhist Guardians

The first thing that caught my eye is the display of 8 Buddhist Guardians. They're slabs of stone sculpted with images of Buddha.

Potteries, potteries, potteries....hmmmm

There is a section in the museum for historical artifacts which is further subdivided into subsections according to era - Paleolithic, Neolithic, Bronze Age, Early Iron Age, etc. One thing I noticed is that there are a lot of potteries with comb-patterns. I wonder why. I mean, what's up with the comb patterns? It looks like a cat practically scratched the hell out of it.

Oracle Bone!!! <*applause applause, bow bow>

I'm not entirely paying attention to the displays until I saw this. Lo and behold, ORACLE BONE!!! I was so astounded I almost cried (nahhh, kidding). We also saw saw some replicas of Lotus and Yellow Dragon Gangseodemyo (Gangseo Great Tomb). These things really have kewl names!

Ten-Story Pagoda replica

I think we spent most of our time taking pictures in front of the Ten-Story Pagoda. We can't help it, it's so cool! It's tall and beautiful. Oblivious to the stares of the other people touring around the museum, we laid on the floor to get a proper shot of the tall pagoda.

Porcelains - Lee Hong Kun Collection

We then proceed to the second floor, to the Lee Hong Kun Collection. There were a lot of porcelains. As you can see from the photos, I always end up sitting on the floor while Cocoy takes pictures of me. I saw some people smiling while looking at me. They probably think I'm a retard.



We checked out Friends of National Museum of Korea Collection and Kim Chong-hak Collection before heading out.

SECOND STOP - NAMSANGOL TRADITIONAL KOREAN VILLAGE

National Army Museum

Gates of Namsangol Traditional Korean Village

At 12:30PM, we rode the Seoul City Tour Bus again and arrived at Namsangol Traditional Korean Village around 1:15PM. We walked along a narrow road full of people and cars trying to pass the narrow gaps. Amidst the hustle and bustle, we managed to get inside the traditional village.

There were a lot of activities going on. It's like the circus is in town or something. Kids were playing with a steel wheel, standing on a wooden seesaw and on a colorful swing.

Colorful Swing (of death? LOLZ)

Cocoy told me to try out the swing. Instead of sitting, you have to stand on the narrow plank of wood. Then the guy will push you as you hold on to the ropes. Great idea, lemme try! On second thought, that's a horrible idea..I can already picture myself lying facedown on the dirty ground.

Kiddo Hwaiting!! Yah! Yah! Yah!

I'm not sure if that is sticky rice they're pounding with the wooden mallet. Nancy bought the colorful finished product and I tried one, it was good. It tastes like our native 'palitaw'.

The Upper Class Ladies - Julie and Nancy (plus the mysterious guy in blue)

We walk around and saw a stage full of people crowding over various hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) that were lined up at the left side. It turns out you can rent and wear it for 1000 won and take as many pictures of yourself as you like. This I have to try!!! This is the highlight of my vacation in Korea!!!

The Upper Class Ladies - Julie and Nancy (having so much fun wearing Hanbok)

I googled 'hanbok' and this is what I've got:

The top part called a jeogori is blouse-like with long sleeves with the men's version being longer, stretching down to the waist. Women wear skirts (chima) while men wear baggy pants (paji). Commoners wore white, except during festivals and special occassions such as weddings. Clothes for the upper classes were made of bright colors and indicated the wearer's social status. Various accessories such as foot gear, jewelry, and headdresses or hair pins completed the outfit.

(info taken from http://www.lifeinkorea.com/Culture/Clothes/clothes.cfm)

Please take note of this part - Commoners wear white while clothes for the upper classes were made of bright colors indicating the wearer's social status. Uh-huh, move over commoners!! The upper classes are here! Be blinded by our red and yellow hanbok!!! Tremble before our presence!

We strike variety of poses like there's no tomorrow. I just luuuvvv the hanbok!!

Traditional Korean Houses

We also looked around traditional houses. There's a note on each house saying that it's forbidden to go inside (but I saw these two old Korean couple who went in..hmmm....) On each house, there are displays like small dolls and mannequins dressed in traditional clothing. The small dolls actually creeps me out. Imagine going here at night time. I bet it will scare the living daylights out of you.

Cute LITTLE Koreans!!

As we were roaming around, I saw these cute little kids wearing hanbok!! Aren't they the cutest??!! I want one!! No, no, wait, scratch that! That didn't turn out right.

THIRD STOP - NAMSAN-SEOUL TOWER

Namsan-Seoul Tower

Seoul Tower, also called Namsan Tower or, more recently, N Seoul Tower, is located in the centre of Seoul on Mount Namsan. Seoul Tower was opened to the public for the first time on the 15th of October 1980. Namsan Tower is 236.7 metres high and, because it stands on top of Mount Namsan, it rises to about 480 metres above sea level, thus allowing visitors to enjoy a great panoramic view of Seoul.

(info taken from http://www.seoulkoreaasia.com/seoul-tower.htm)

Walking towards Namsan-Seoul Tower while muching squid cooked in hot stones

We arrived at the Namsan Seoul Tower around 2:15PM. We still had to walk for 10 minutes to get to the tower. (This should've been 5 minutes but Cocoy managed to get it longer by directing us to the wrong way). He bought some squid (cooked in hot stones) on our way. The squid was already cold probably because of the weather. It's chewy..It's like a squid-flavored bubblegum.

Namsan-Seoul Tower's 'Locks of Love'

Namsan-Seoul Tower's 'Locks of Love'

We finally got to the tower - hungry and tired than ever. When we went to the viewing deck, I was surprised to see the vast amount of padlocks on the fences surrounding the deck. I saw this in 'We Got Married' (Korean Show)!!! This is the site where put locks on the fence surrounding the tower wishing that they will stay together forever.

Namsan-Seoul Tower's Viewing Deck

Seoul Tower Locked in Everlasting Love - Countless “locks of love” hang on the wall of a terrace attached to Seoul Tower on Mt. Namsan in central Seoul. Young couples hang their locks of love before throwing the key away in the hope for eternal love.

(info taken from http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2009/11/181_34302.html)

REAAaaaaAALLlllLyyyY?? Hmmm.....Locks so that their love will last forever? They actually believe this shit??

Don't mind me, I'm just an envious loser.

And oh, I was right. This was one of the shooting locations for 'We Got Married'.

The idea of hanging locks originated from local tourists a few years ago who saw the same thing at Tokyo Tower. It is now enjoying a renewal after two TV stars, singer Alex and model Sinae, were seen dating there in the MBC reality program 'We’ve Got Married.' N Seoul Tower’s 'Locks of Love' event was chosen as a reunion venue for the celebrities on June 15 and since then has drawn great public attention.

(info taken from http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2009/11/181_34302.html)

Whoever came up with this idea is a pure genius. Why is it people with superior intelligence seldom use it for better purposes? Like, say...WORLD DOMINATION!!!

3 Excited Tourists <*ahem> inside the Cable Car

Cable Car

We rode the cable car (amounting to 6000 won) and got off at the other tower. We then realized it was a bad choice since the Seoul City Tour Bus stops at the N Seoul Tower. We can ride the cable car again to get back but seeing that the line is so long, we opted to walk hoping that there is a Seoul City Tour Bus station somewhere since Cocoy said the bus seems to be heading in this direction. We were so wrong! This is where things escalated out of control.

Is this the stairs at the last episode of 'My Name is Kim Sam Soon'?

Cocoy asked people for directions and these people kept directing us here and there. When he asked again, this time to a bus driver parked on the side of the road, the driver directed us back to where we came from. Cocoy informed us about this and I looked at him with you've-got-to-be-kidding-me expression plastered on my face. We were evidently..how shall I put it....LOST!!! gyahhhh!!

Kimbap saves our nutrition-deprived bodies

We just hailed a cab and get off at Namsangol Traditional Korean Village. We were very hunggrrryy....and tired and irritated... I can feel the shortage of nutrition in my brain. We waited for the Seoul City Tour Bus while eating Kimbap (1000 won). We hopped in at the tour bus and went to Insa-dong since the palaces close at 5PM (Darn it! I so wanted to see the palaces!)

FOURTH STOP - INSA-DONG

The Insa-dong art and antique district has dozens of art galleries and shops selling art supplies, antiques, and handicrafts along one main street (Insadong-gil) and many side alleys. It also contains many traditional tea and coffee shops.

(info taken from http://www.lifeinkorea.com/Travel2/9)

Stuck in the World of Tra-La-La

We strolled at the narrow streets of Insa-dong and we have one sole mission - to look for a restroom. We finally opted to enter what I think is an art gallery and used the building's restroom. Afterwards we went back to where tour bus stop is and bought myself some BB Cream (my other purpose for coming to Korea)!

We crossed the street to where the souveneir shops are and bought some stuffs for me to take home. I saw some Big Bang goodies by the street. Why didn't I buy some??!! Stupid stupid stupid! After shopping around, we ate Samgyupsal, etc at a restaurant by the corner. It's already 7:00PM when we hop at the tour bus and it turns out it's already heading towards the last stop which is Gwanghwamun station

FIFTH STOP - GWANGHWAMUN PLAZA

Statue of Admiral Yi Sun-shi

The statue of Admiral Yi Sun-shin is still there, standing tall in the heart of Sejongno, Gwanghwamun, downtown Seoul. Surrounding him, however, are not the multiple lanes of cars that used to drive past, but a carpet of flowers, a 'Stream of History', a Haechi madang and an impressive fountain. Together they form a new landmark in Seoul - Gwanghwamun Plaza. The plaza was the widest swath of road in Seoul during the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910). It was where all the royal offices were located, and a place where the king, his vassals and his people mingled.

(info taken from http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2009/10/153_49740.html)

City of Seoul at night

Gwanghwamun Station - going home, awwww

From Gwanghwamun Station, we went to Jongno 3(Sam)ga station to transfer to Line 1 going to Sinseol-dong station. It was a fun-filled day.

To Cocoy and Nancy, hats off. Mad props to both of you. Kamsahamnida! <*bow>