2011 June: South Korea: Leaving Nami & Visiting Namsan Tower

Travel Date: June 22, 2011

Destination: Namsan Tower

We started early, since we know that we will have a lot of stops along Central White Pine Tree Lane due to our heavy bags. First ferry leaving from Nami Wharf is at 8.30am, but we missed it. The boat immediately left without passengers, so we tried to catch the next one.

We met Chae, a Korean painter working in New York for years. He painted 2 rooms (105 and 107) in Nami Hotel. He was is good enough to accommodate our taxi fare going from Family Mart (ferry wharf) going to Gapyeong Station. It took us around less than 2 hours before we reached Seoul Station.

During that long discussion with him, we knew a lot on he’s travelling. He is proud that Korea’s season is so distinct compared to other countries. The 3 month cut between Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall is so clear based on experience. He is also a climber in Himalayas and a frequent visitor in Nepal.

[Read more about Nami Island]

We missed breakfast and had lunch (grilled beef with seaweeds) in a Korean Restaurant, upper level of Seoul Station.

Zaza Backpackers (http://zazabackpackers.com/) in uphill area of Myeongdong is our 3rd guesthouse for this trip. This place does not accept more than 2 months advance reservation. They are attentive in answering my inquiries in mail, but due to some conflicts in their building permit with the Korean government, we had multiple reservation issues with them. It is almost 10-15minutes away from the train station. However, we were not able to find any lift or escalator on that station, thus, it is hard if you have heavy luggage.

The place is clean and the room is well lighted with windows. The bed is soft with clean pillows and sheets. Air-conditioner is working well. The television has no English channel. They also have hair dryer.

Since they will provide the pass code for the digital door lock, it looks like you are not secured from them. One time, we were watching tv and somebody unlock our door, so we requested the owner that we change our pass code, where we are the only ones who know it (even the owner does not know it during the rest of our stay. Then we shared it upon our checkout).

The common room has 2 computer units with internet connection. They have a phone which can be used for international calls, but Philippines is not included. They also provide maps and guides for tourists.

Hangers, adaptor and doormat are available upon request. Too bad that there are no slots for hangers, they do not have cabinet as well. They do not provide toiletries and big towels. There is no elevator, so you have to carry your luggage if you are staying on the upper floor.

Late afternoon, we started walking on the upper area of the street to find the Cable Car Station. We bought the one-way ticket worth 6000 won (240php), and the trip lasted for less than 3 minutes. The combo ticket for Teddy Bear Museum and Viewing Deck is 14000 won (560php). We had a late merienda in Twosome Place.

The Teddy Bear Museum (http://www.teddybearmuseum.com/) has 2 exhibit halls - The Past: Historical Seoul. Closed last Nov 2013.

The Present: Today’s Seoul

The bears used in Goong (Princess Hours) are in this Museum (Although, the actual location shoot of Princess Janelle and the Queen was in Teddy Bear Museum Jeju). There are also several special Joon Bears, inspired by Bae Yong Joon’s drama series: Winter Sonata and The Story of the First King's Four Gods.

Due to bad weather, there is a zero visibility in the Observation Deck. We took photos of the Manila prints. The stamps available in the shop is on package to a postcard that is not related to Namsan Tower, so we did not bother to send one.

We took Yellow Bus 02 going back to Myeongdong.

South Korea: Seoul: Gyeongbokgung Palace

First Visit on 2011 June:

We find our way for the tickets (we though, that we can buy it cheaper with the Seoul City Pass Plus, but we did not get any discount). We were able to attend the English Tour in the palace – it was a good learning experience.

In Summary, the kings live on their own palace separate from his queen. The queen takes good care of all the servants and other wives of the king. The heating system of the palace does not use woods due to the smoke it produce, instead they use charcoal. Most of the buildings and arches found in the place were restored pieces due to the destructive invasion of Japan. The uneven flooring in the courtyard is for it not to be slippery in winter.

If you notice, the roof are already covered with nets.  This is to prevent the birds from building nests in between the roof design.

We were able to watch the exchange of guards in the palace at 1pm, the ceremony lasted for 10 minutes. They use big drums and old flutes before the guards do their marching.

Hours of Operation:
- Changing of the Royal Guard Ceremony: 10:00, 14:00
- Gwanghwamun Gate Guard on Duty Ceremony: 11:00, 13:00
- Royal Guard Costume Experience: Before and after the Changing of the Royal Guard Ceremony
- Gatekeeper Military Training: 9:30, 13:30 (running time 15 min.)


We were also able to visit National Palace Museum of Korea.

Since we are still hungry, and to satisfy our craving – we need to look for McDo or KFC (yeah, nothing beats that type of food), we decided to have a quick visit at Myeongdong – and near Exit 07, we had fish sandwich from KFC.


Breakfast? It was hard looking for an open restaurant or café during early Sunday morning at Namdaenum area. We tried to stop at one station, but every store we saw are still closed. Until we reach Gyeongbokgung Station, we saw this coffee shop near National Museum – we had this cold beef with bean sprouts for 15000won (600php).

Updated with photos taken on our second visit on 2016 November 10 (for your autumn color reference):

We normally take the Orange Line Gyeongbokgung Station Exit 5, when going to the palace.  This time, we took Purple Line Gwanhwamun Station Exit 9, to roam around the square and meet Admiral and King Sejong.  Crossed the street to go to the palace gates.

Upon buying a tikcet, please present senior citizen card to get discount (this is applicable for foreigners).  You can either join the english tour or watch the 10:00 exchange of guards, every after 15 minutes.

I just finished watching my first full length traditional drama, Bogum's Love in the Moonlight, and it made me appreciate seeing the interior of the main hall.  

Good thing, we are still able to chase the ginkgo leaves and able to watch the exchange of guards.

Then we moved to Insadong, it is just so quiet in the morning just like Myeongdong. Don’t go there early, better to visit after 3pm to taste the street food as well.

Drama Location:
Goblin (aka Guardian: The Lonely and Great God; Gong Yoo, Lee Dong-wook) Episode 2 (19:50-20:49th minute, aired December 2016)
The scene when Kim Shin and Eun Tak return from Canada to Seoul.

Last updated: 2017 September

How to Apply for Visa: Guide and Tips for South Korea Trip

Visa Application through Designated Travel Agency from July 1, 2018 [New Policy.  Also, starting Sept 2019, it is encourage to submit your application to designated agencies 2-3 months prior to your flight due to high volume of tourists especially on the upcoming autumn season]

Tips and Guides on Korean Visa Application

How to search the results of your visa application online
Releasing procedure and reasons for denied Korean Visa


Visa Requirements

The office is located in:

South Korea Embassy, Philippines

122 Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Town Center
Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, Philippines 1634
Phone: +63-2-856-9210 

City Collection: Shanghai, China

It is like around 4.5yuan (25php) to send post card from Shanghai to Manila. Postcards below are scenes in The Bund, Shanghai – different building architecture that goes more artistic when lighted at night.

City Collection: Sabah, Malaysia

During primary school days, I used to see Sabah as part of printed Philippine maps, it is in southern part of Tawi-tawi. Who knows I’ll be able to step on that part of the land.
I got this mug from Kota Kinabalu last April 2010. Too bad, there is no Starbucks in Brunei, so I had only 1 pair for that trip.

I must commend the post office of Brunei as they have Stamp Museum in it. While the door signs for KK’s post office are so familiar with “tolak” (which is “tulak” or “push”) and “buka” (which is “bukas” or “open”).

City Collection: Taipei

Upon my visit to Taipei 101, I was looking forward to send out postcards from the Sky! I saw this first time from the series Wish to See You Again. What’s the difference? They have a special stamp and mailbox if you are sending it for a Friend, Love or Family.

I’d say that Taiwan has a good collection of postcards – some were made of wood, transparent plastic [right] and pop-up designed cards. Hotels also offer mail services.

Be aware that Post Office in the Airport closes on Sundays.

As for the Starbucks mug, I bought it from the café in front of my place, City Inn Hotel.

City Collection: Singapore

I got my first set of Singapore mini mugs from my sister’s friend who visited Singapore for a vacation.

Then, was able to buy the 2nd set last year (August 2010) from Bugis area. I also got cheap postcards from the stalls in Arab Street.

Postcards below were from Marina Bay Sands Sky Park. They were sent from Sing Post, IMM Building, Jurong East to my place in Manila. The stamp was designed for Youth Olympics Celebration that time.

City Collection: Hong Kong

Been here in July 2007, July 2008 and February 2009 - able to collect 4 Starbucks mug. I got my first mug with old floral version.

In my next trip, I first sent out a city postcard back to Manila. I got this idea from my sister as she is now part of post-crossing activity. I must commend how modern the HK Airport Post Office is. Aside from the normal counter, there is a separate machine that releases stamps just by inserting coins. This is really helpful as you don’t need to fall in line in the counter section. With this postcard collection I was also able to start a stamp collection on the side.

The Peak mug, this is memorable because I got to the place after getting lost for almost 30 minutes when I was looking for my way from the Central Station.

After 2 years, I got this new version of HK City mini mug together with a new postcard.

City Collection: Kuala Lumpur, MY

Collection: Starbucks Mini Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia Mugs
I must acknowledge that I got this Starbucks Coffee City Mug collection idea from my sister’s friend Alnor when I had a trip with her in Singapore. Although I bought my first official Mug in HK, I’m posting this KL mug first since this is the first city I have visited.
I’m not a total coffee addict but I started to love this collection. The mini mugs costs 350-450php, while the big mug ranges from 450-550php. Aside from the not so cheap price, you also need to be careful in handling this breakable material in your hand-carry luggage, not unless you want to take the risk of placing it in your check-in bag.
I have visited Kuala Lumpur in July 2006 but did not bother to buy a mug. I got this KL and Malaysia mug when I requested my friend Che to buy one pair for me. She used to work in Singapore then, but has a quick trip in Malaysia before visiting Manila. Good thing that I was still able to grab a pair!
Thank you Alnor and Che!

2011 March: Boracay Island, Philippines: Departure at Kalibo

Travel Date: March 18, 2011

Destination: Caticlan, Malay, Aklan

On our last day, we decided to have a massage. Then we had lunch at Traviesa Restaurant (this is the service restaurant of Asia Resort, Station 3). Normally, they require reservation, but good that we were able to walk-in. We had another round of seafood pasta and chicken lollipops.

From the hotel, we were guided by South West Transfer service going to Kalibo. It took us 2hours to reach the Kalibo Airport. Cebu Pacific was delayed for an hour, but good thing that I booked this time for a non-propeller jet.

For my loots, I bought a beach hat (in preparation for Nami Island), sand castle and sunset postcards and of course Starbucks City mug (for my collection!).

Thanks to my sister for planning this Bora Trip!

2011 March: Boracay Island, Philippines: ATV Adventure

Travel Date: March 18, 2011

Destination: Caticlan, Malay, Aklan
Even if it is raining, we decided to make this our beach day. Below is a shot of those boats used for parasailing and paraw sailing, many are still willing to try despite of the weather.



We had lunch at Aria (near D’ Mall) and ordered Marinara pasta plus a very delicious panna cotta.
After taking some rest at the beach front, we look for someone who will help us go to the ATV station, we paid for 500php, but they are charging foreigners at around 1500-2000php. It is almost less than 1 hour ride on a very clear uphill and downhill asphalted road. The stops we had are Mt. Luho (highest viewpoint) and mini zoo (butterfly garden – but more of a bat attraction). I’m unfortunate not to see those huge sand castles because the government does not allow kids anymore in doing this. Luckily, I was still able to watch fire dancing for few minutes. I think, Boracay is interesting place for night photography!

2011 March: Boracay Island, Philippines: Lucky Lunch

Travel Date: March 17, 2011

Destination: Caticlan, Malay, Aklan
We started the day by strolling from Station 2 to Station 1. We had photos with Willy’s Rock (image of Mama Mary at the sea) and Fridays. On our way home, I ordered Banana Choco Vanilla at Jonas Fruit Shake for 120php.
Not yet decided to take the offer of free lunch at Astoria Resort, but we met again Brian along the way – past 11am that we visited the place. Although, I was already warned by my sister that in exchange of the free lunch, we might need to spend some time listening to their offer – it is same as time sharing, but I would not talk about that! The place is really good, nice swimming pool with many traditional but classic swings. The choice of furniture pieces at the lobby, restaurant, and garden are very modern and beautiful.

After that, we walk a little further at the main street to visit a church – Holy Rosary Parish Church. Near the area is the Post Office as well.

We took a tricycle (7php) ride going to D’ Mall. Rows of restaurants, summer clothes, magnets and other market stuff to see. There is also D’ Palengke, where I bought my beach hat at 150php, but this cost 250php at the beach front.

We moved to D’ Talipapa at Zone 7, this is located at the next block of Boracay Holiday Resort. There is also a passage from Station 3 going to this market place. This place offers summer clothes, restaurant, local products – piyaya, butter scotch, peanuts, etc. We had our dinner at Dos Mestizos, located at a street after La Carmela, Station 3. It is a Spanish themed restaurant that offers a very cozy and intimate place at night. We had Chorizo Hecho (Homemade Spanish sausage) and Croquettas de Quezo Azul (Blue cheese and bechamel croquettes). The chorizo is toasted, a little hard and so dark colored. My sister does not like the cheese, but I liked it. I can say that the place is very good for night photography, as it is decorated with candles and low light.

Dos Mestizos Remedios street, Sitio Manggayad, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan http://www.dosmestizos.com/