chronicles of a happy traveler

Seoul Train

2015-03-05T19:42:00.000-08:00

Traveling around and to and from the major cities of South Korea is very easy. Seoul and Busan both have fast and efficient subway systems that brings you to most major tourist destinations.

In addition the country has high speed trains to travel to out of town places. For shorter distances, there is the ITX (intercity express train) that travels at a speed of 180 kms. per hour. This was the train I took to go to the famous Nami Island.

For longer distances, like Seoul to Busan, you can go via the KTX trains which has an even faster maximum speed of 350 kms per hour. Travel time between Seoul and Busan which has a distance of more than 300 kms. is 2 hours and 40 minutes and cost US45 for economy class and US$ 63 for first class.

These trains, makes South Korea a real "first world" country blessed with modern conveniences!

Market! Market!

2015-02-28T22:53:00.000-08:00

Seogwipo's Olle Market is popular among locals and tourists alike. The market is clean ad has been designed in such a way that visitors can easily navigate through the shops and vendors. Available are fresh fruits, kimchi, seaweed, salted fish, and local delicacies including the famous tangerine chocolates.

In the front of the Olle Market is the street market where various handicrafts and souvenir items are for sale. There are also street performers to entertain the shoppers. This street also has a number of restaurants and bars where you can go for a meal or drinks.

I enjoyed one lazy afternoon in Seogpwipo's markets.

Jeju's Most Famous Falls

2015-02-21T23:03:00.001-08:00

If you have seen waterfalls in other Asian countries, there is really nothing great about Cheonjiyeon Waterfall. Nonetheless, it is Jeju's most famous waterfall. This is also where you will find and have the opportunity to walk thru Jeju's pink bridge.

There are trails that will bring you to the three levels of Cheonjiyeon Waterfalls. These trails provide for a safe and pleasant walk up and down the hills to get to the waterfalls.

Jusangjeolli: : Ocean Views with Lava Columns

2015-02-17T19:24:00.003-08:00

Since Jeju is a volcanic island, another one of its main attractions is Jusangjeolli Lava Columns. This is located in a cove featuring spectacular lava columns which appear to be melting into the sea.

There are breathtaking ocean sceneries from the viewing platforms and the place reminds me of the ocean views (minus the lava columns) of Monterey in Califronia in the United States.

The place is a short walk from the International Convention Center in Seogwipo.

Seongsan Ilchubong: Jeju's Famous Almost Island

2015-02-12T19:11:00.001-08:00

An imposing presence from a distance is Seongsan Ilchubong, Jeju's famous round almost island. This is a 180 meter high volcano where you can climb to the top by walking over 600 steps. However I opted not to do the climb but instead to just savor the view of this famous landmark and the scenic ocean views in the area.

This is also where you can catch regular performances of Jeju Women Diver's Group which unfortunately I was not able to see because i arrived after the 330pm last scheduled performance for the day.

Seongsan Ilchubong is a Unesco World Heritage site and is on the same route going to Manjanggul Lava Cave. So you can actually go to these two famous natural wonders in one afternoon.

Manjanggul Lava Cave: A True Natural Wonder

2015-02-08T19:31:00.001-08:00

Majannggul Lava Cave was the reason why I decided to go on a holiday to South Korea and it did not disappoint!

Located in Jeju Island, this awe inspiring lave tube is 7 km long but only 1 km can be accessed by the public. The tube was created by lava streams running through it. The cave is lighted in way that makes the walk through the cave a more awesome experience.

There was bit of controversy on how it got voted as one of new 7 wonders of the world alongside the Underground River of the Philippines. As far as I am concerned, it deserves to be on the list! It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Gamcheon: Santorini of South Korea

2015-01-31T03:42:00.001-08:00

Gamcheon used to be a poor community but has now been transformed into an arts and culture village.There are a number of art and souvenir shops, and restaurants in Gamcheon. Houses are painted in eye catching colors and built along mountain slopes similar to Santorini in Greece. Dwellings are constructed following a strict code of not blocking adjacent housings.

Best to take a leisurely stroll through the village to enjoy the scenic views and to savor the art vibe of the community.

Fresh Fish in the City

2015-01-25T19:03:00.000-08:00

Not to be missed in Busan, is the experience of dining in its fresh seafood market in Jagalchi. The place is clean and there are many women vendors who will entice you to eat in their assigned stalls.

This where I ate my best sashimi meal. In the Philippines, sashimi is a side dish so I was surprised that in Korea it is considered a main course that serves as a complete meal. The woman vendor will ask you to pick live fish that you like from their aquarium and then proceed to clean and cut it into thiny slices, sashimi style. The sashimi is served with a generous amount of vegetable leaves and assorted condiments.

Sashimi meal cost US $ 20 and may actually cost more depending on the kind of fish that you pick.

Busan's Beaches

2015-01-20T20:01:00.000-08:00

Just like in Sydney, Rio de Jainero and Miami, Busan's popular beaches are in the heart of the city which why is it is dotted with tall buildings housing mostly restaurants, hotels, bars, and souvenir shops.

I went to Gwangali Beach at night to see the famous Gwangan bridge. This is colorfully lighted with 16,000 Led lights accompanied by wonderful music sound which comes together at landscape lighting. It is Busan's tourism icon. Unfortunately during the night I was there, the bridge was lighted but without the light and sound show.

At daytime I visited Haeundae Beach, Busan's No. 1 beach. This is also where you will find Korea's largest aquarium. The sand is clean and water calm, and is good for a cool and relaxing swim.

Temple by the Sea

2015-01-12T18:54:00.000-08:00

Perched on rocks and stones and by the sea is the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. It is the most visited temple in Busan. The place provides spectacular views of the oceans and a visit is made refreshing with breeze coming from sea.

It is also famous for its glorious sunrise and is crowded early in the morning with people waiting to enjoy the beautiful sight.

Beomeosa: Temple in the Mountains

2015-01-05T19:05:00.001-08:00

Tucked away in the mountains is the Beomeosa Temple of Busan. This is refreshing sight with cool mountain air and the trees surrounding the temple. There are various cultural properties and relics such as the Three Storied Stone Pagoda and the Hall of Shakyamuni. The temple accepts home stay with the monks.

Beomeosa Temple is accessible by bus from Busan City.

Gyeongju at Night

2014-12-28T19:04:00.001-08:00

It is a delight to go around Gyeongju at night with its beautifully illuminated tourist attractions. Wolseong Fortress, the royal tombs, Gyerim forest, and Cheomseondae Observatory are pretty during the day but acquires a more dramatic effect at night with its tasteful lighting.

Don't miss out on a tour of the Gyeongju city at night!

Flowers of Wolseong Fortress

2014-12-21T19:42:00.001-08:00

One of pretty places to see in Gyeongju is the Wolseong Fortress where you will be treated to wide open fields planted with colorful flowers. Specially beautiful are the yellow rape flowers.

The fortress provides a pretty rest stop where you can relax to enjoy the vast landscape of flowers in bloom.

Anapji Pond: On Golden Pond

2014-12-14T20:17:00.002-08:00

One of the highlights of my trip to Gyeongju was my visit to Anapji Pond. This is an awesome sight at night where the reflection of illuninated palace on the pond glistens like gold. As the Eastern palace, Anapji was the place of celebrations for joyous national occasions.

This pretty sight really took my breath away and I lingered at the palace for a few hours to truly enjoy this spectacular place.

Seokguram Grotto: Gyeongju's Gem

2014-12-07T19:21:00.002-08:00

A beautiful Buddha made of harsh granite is the gem on display at the Seokguram Grotto. The time that I went the shrine was undergoing restoration work. Nevertheless the Buddha was still on display but picture taking was strictly prohibited. The place is on the Unesco World Heritage list together with Bulguksa Temple.

To get here you can either do a 1 hour hike or take a 15 minute bus from Bulguksa Temple. Once you get to the entrance of the Grotto, you have to do a 20 minute walk through a forest trail. The area offers gorgeous views of Gyeongju.

Historical Bulguksa Temple

2014-11-30T00:06:00.003-08:00

I was looking for good place to see because I had extra days in South Korea. Good thing I decided to go to Gyeongju which is about 3 hours by KTX express train from Seoul and 30 minutes from Busan. Gyeongju has many varied historical, religious and scenic sights and makes for wonderful few days stay.

Among its many attractions is the Bulguksa Temple. This was constructed in 751 and served as the center of Stilla Buddhism and of prayer for protection against foreign invasion. The temple was destroyed by Japanese invaders. But was completely restored in the early 70s.

Its is a must see for anyone going to Gyeongju together with the nearby Seokgram Grotto. The temple is accessible by commuter bus from the city centre.

Nami Island: Refreshing Day Trip from Seoul

2014-11-23T19:26:00.000-08:00

Nami Island is a very popular shooting location for Korean telenovelas. This is not surprising because it is scenic and a good place to relax being surrounded by water and trees. There are a number of options to get here: by shuttle bus and by regular or express train.

I took the ITX express train and the trip from Central Seoul to Nami Island train station is only 45 minutes. The place is good for a day trip out of Seoul but if you truly like the place there are accommodations available for people who want to sleep on the island.

Seoraksan National Park: Into the Woods

2014-11-16T19:34:00.002-08:00

A pleasant two hour bus ride from Seoul is the Seoraksan National Park. This is a Unesco designated Biosphere Reserve. The place has rocky landscape, jagged peaks, pine forests, and crystal clear streams and pools. I came at the start of autumn and the leaves were just beginning to change colors. I guess the best time to come is mid autumn when the color of all the leaves have changed.

You can opt to stay a few days as there are lodging places in the area. I decided to do a day trip and took the shortest easiest 2 hour mountain trail. The park is a good place to go to relax after a few days spent going around urban modern Seoul.

Sungnyemum and Heunginjimun Gates: A Tale of Two Gates

2014-11-04T07:27:00.003-08:00

Heunginjimun Gate

Heunginjeimun Gate

Sungnyemun Gate


Sungnyemun Gate

Seoul has eight gates but it is the Heunginjimun Gate and the Sungnyemum Gate which stands out. The former is the eastern gate and the latter the southern gate. Both were destroyed many years ago but have been faithfully restored.

I went out of my way to see the Sungnyemum Gate at night and it did not disappoint. It was magnificently illuminated and was one of most picture pretty sights I saw in Seoul.

The Lights of Banpo

2014-10-28T19:44:00.000-07:00

A spectacular sight at night in the Gangnam district is the light and sound show at Banpo Moonlight Rainbow Fountain. The water in different colors dances and flows to the tune of music. This is a short 10 minute walk from the Express Bus Terminal. The rainbow colored fountain is created by 200 lights which can be seen from both sides of the bridge. The fountain is recognized by the Guinness book of World Records as the world's longest bridge fountain.

The night I was there, a fireworks display was on going which made the scene even more awesome!

Cheonggyecheon: Clean Stream in the City

2014-10-19T20:44:00.004-07:00

Cheonggyecheon Stream is an 11 km long stream that flows from Gwanghwamun Gate to Dongdaemamun. For a time it was covered with asphalt and used as roads until 2005. It took 3 years to restore is as an ecological stream. The place provides for a refreshing pedestrian walk through the streets of Seoul.

At night the area with its 22 bridges is supposed to be have fantastic lighting. However there were no beautiful lights the night I was there. And that was a huge disappointment as I waited from late afternoon to around 730 pm to see this pretty sight described in Seoul's official tourist brochure.

Charming Bukchon Hanok Village

2014-10-13T21:21:00.000-07:00

Between Gyeonbokgung Palace and Chandeokgoung Palace is the Bukchon Hankok Village. This is an area with more than 900 Korean traditional houses where people still actually live. There is also an area in this place where Korean street food and various arts and crafts are being sold.

But be prepared for a tiring walk as you have to go up and down its steep streets which is worth the effort as the place is quaint and charming. It is a favorite filming location for Korean movies and TV dramas.

Jongmyo Shrine: Memorial Fit for Royalty

2014-10-09T20:26:00.000-07:00

Kings and Queens of the Joseon Dynastry are honored in Jongmyo Shrine where their memorial tablets are kept and memorial services offered. It is a quiet tranquil place and you can only visit thru a guided tour except Saturdays when visitors can tour on their own.

Jongmyo Shrine is a Unesco World Cultural Heritage site and is the world's largest remaning wooden structure built in the 14th century.

Changdeokgung Palace and its Secret!

2014-10-03T18:54:00.001-07:00

Changdeokgung Palace was originally built as a detached villa within the Gyeonbokgung Palace. It is therefore not as grand as the Gyeongbokgung Palace. But it has a secret which makes it a must see place in Seoul, its sprawling and serene Secret Garden. Within the Palace grounds is this garden which is actually a forest within the city and provides a peaceful and quiet sanctuary to royalty. You need to make advance reservations to be able to access this Secret Garden as they limit the number of guests per day.

A visit to Changdeokgung Palace which is a Unesco World Heritage Site is worthwhile because of its secret.

The Grand Gyeongbokgung Palace

2014-09-26T19:12:00.000-07:00

Gyeongbokgung Palace is not only grandest of the many palaces in Seoul but was also the first palace built during the Joseon Period. The palace and its extensive grounds are very well maintained just like all the historical landmarks of South Korea.

Its gate is beautifully illuminated at night!