The year 2020 made us stop traveling for safety reasons. Good thing we were able to go to Japan for our prenup, and safely went back to Taiwan before the COVID-19 got worse. So, during this quarantine period, what do we do? Well, for most Filipinos, they ended up watching a lot of KDRAMAS! These Korean dramas certainly are our life savers to keep us sane! With these series you’ve been binge-watching right now, traveling to South Korea surely comes up to mind! We fell in love with the country, the culture, and the people more and more each day, as we indulge ourselves with Hyun Bin, Son Ye-jin, Park Seo-joon, Gong Yoo, Lee Dong-Wook, Yoo In-na and a lot more! We might not have a definite answer as to when, but we can certainly visit this country soon!
For us, that was last year, April 2019, when our family visited this amazing country. It was a short trip but everything just went by smoothly as planned, and no moments were wasted. We departed from Cebu via Cebu Pacific and booked an airport transfer via Klook. If you decided to go around early April like us, it is still winter in South Korea so bring enough jackets or coats to keep you warm for the whole duration of your stay. To help our fellow travelers, we’re sharing our itinerary below as your reference for your future travel in the land of Kdramas, South Korea!
To make the most out of our trip due to our limited time, we opted to book a private tour car via Klook. We also purchased a 4G Pocket Wifi ahead and claimed it at the airport during our arrival in South Korea.
DAY 1: Gyeongbokgung Palace, National Folk Museum, Bukchon Village, Seoul Tower
GYEONGBOKGUNG PALACE
Gyeongbokgung Palace is the main Royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty that was built in 1935. It served as the home of Kings, their households and the government officials of the Joseon Dynasty. “Gyeongbokgung” which means “Greatly Blessed by Heaven” was built in the heart of Seoul surrounded by Mount Bugaksan and Mount Namsan.
- FREE Admission for those who are wearing Hanboks. There are a lot of Hanbok Rental Shops just outside the palace.
- Admissions: 3,000 Won for Adults; 1,500 Won for Kids
- Free guided tours in English: 11:00, 13:00, and 15:30
- Changing of Guards Schedule: 10:00 and 14:00
- Closed every Tuesdays.
NATIONAL FOLK MUSEUM OF KOREA
National Folk Museum of Korea is a national museum of South Korea which is located within the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace.
- FREE Admission for those who are wearing Hanboks. There are a lot of Hanbok Rental Shops just outside the palace.
- FREE Admission with Gyeongbokgung Palace ticket
- Closed every Tuesdays.
BUKCHON HANOK VILLAGE
Bukchon Hanok Village It is a home to over a hundred traditional Korean houses dated back to Joseon Dynasty. This is used to be a residential area for high-ranking officials and nobles serving in the palace and their families. Today, this cultural village is a collection of restaurants, tea houses, souvenir shops showing a Joseon Dynasty experience to a lot of tourists.
- Village is a residential neighborhood thus, it’s considered FREE Admission when you go there.
- Be respectful to the residents and be quiet while walking on the alleys.
- As it’s a neighborhood, don’t just walk into doors unless it says that it allows visitors inside.
SEOUL TOWER AND LOVE LOCK
Seoul Tower and Love Lock are two of the iconic landmarks in Seoul and popular spots for couples and families. Aside from the overlooking Seoul City view from the tower itself, most couples also visit this place to declare their eternal love for each other. Couples buy a padlock, write their names and message for each other and attach the lock to the railings or designated area to seal their love.
- Admissions: 11,000 Won for Adults; 9,000 Won for Kids and Seniors
- You can buy your tickets ahead via Klook as well.
DAY 2: Nami Island, Petite France, Garden of Morning Calm
NAMI ISLAND
Nami Island lies in Han River, north of Seoul where the only way to get there is through taking a ferry from Gapyeong Ferry Wharf, or by zip line (but do note that zip line is only one-way, so you might need to take the ferry back). Nami Island is a globally renowned attraction which is popularized by the KDrama, Winer Sonata. Since then, tourists from all over the world come to visit this picturesque island. Each season, the island showcases different kinds of scenic experience, may it be Winter, Spring, Summer, or Autumn.
- Entrance Fee + Ferry Fare Roundtrip: 13,000 Won
PETITE FRANCE
Petite France is an Instagram-worthy French-style theme park which most KDramas were shot. As you enter the park, you will be mesmerized by colorful and vintage vibes buildings where it will surely stand out against the monotone mountains surrounding it. There are museums, workshops, restaurants, cafes and guest house. There are also different halls which showcases different subjects. For example, one hall exhibits the KDramas where Petite France is shown, a memorial hall dedicated to the famous Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s novel The Little Prince, and a lot more!
- Admissions: 8,000 Won for Adults; 5,000 Won for Kids
GARDEN OF MORNING CALM
Garden of Morning Calm is considered as one of the most beautiful and largest gardens in Korea, the Garden of Morning Calm was originally a private garden founded by a professor, then later on was opened to public with the intention of spreading the Korean expression of beauty – artistic space based on concepts of asymmetry and balance. The garden is surrounded by mountains, tall trees, well-trimmed grass along with the beautifully arranged plants and flowers. For each season, the garden offers its tourist different theme and festivals.
- Admissions: 9,500 Won for Adults, 6,000 Won for Kids
DAY 3: Everland, Myeongdong Night Market
EVERLAND
Everland is named as South Korea’s largest theme park and is a perfect amusement park for all ages! The park is divided into five zones: Global Fair, Zoo-Topia, European Adventure, Magic Land and American Adventure that will surely bring out the kid in you! Aside from the thrilling rides and safari adventure, you can also stroll around the Four Season Garden and witness their classical and lively parades in the afternoon and at night. Be sure to check the Everland’s website for the exact schedules.
- One Day Pass: 56,000 Won for Adults; 44,000 Won for Kids and Seniors
- Two Day Pass: 87,000 Won for Adults; 69,000 Won for Kids and Seniors
- Night Pass: 46,000 Won for Adults; 37,000 Won for Kids and Seniors (Begins from 17:00)
- You can also buy your passes with roundtrip transfers in Klook
MYEONGDONG NIGHT MARKET
Discover the best and authentic Korean street foods in the streets of Myeongdong! Myeongdong Night Market was used to be a residential area but during the Japanese occupation, it was quickly changed to a shopping district filled with hotels, restaurants, cafes and skin care shops. Staying within the area is really a good choice as you can stroll the night market every night after your daily itinerary.
And that was it! Our short yet fun-filled Korea trip is over and we didn’t regret any single itinerary we’ve been to. Here’s a summary of our itinerary and costs good for 5 people.
We’d love to know your So-Kor experience, let us know in the comments!
