May 2017

Saturday, May 06, 2017

Exploring South Korea: Day 1 First Timer in SoKor

The Land of the Morning Calm, South Korea is a haven for Korean pop culture enthusiasts and cosmetics hoarders. Travelling on this foreign land to meet your ‘oppa’ and ‘noona’ or just taste their spicy yet delicious and healthy dishes is truly a dream come true. Last September 2016, I was lucky enough to explore Seoul (although my husband was denied of visa) and tour around the city.

Let me share with you my travel adventure as a first-timer in South Korea.

Day 1

View from the plane using my crappy and old smart phone

Our flight to Incheon was at 7 in the morning via Air Asia. My husband, who got denied of a South Korean visa, accompanied me to the airport to meet with my former leader.

As I was a first-timer, the immigration officer was a bit strict during the interrogation. He only calmed down when I showed him my company identification card.

After a 4-hour flight, we are finally in South Korea. My boss, who travels frequently in this country, seems like a local and confidently walks around Incheon International airport like she knows every corner of the place. On the contrary, I look like a kid excited to receive a box full of candies and chocolates. I was giddy and ecstatic ^_^

Hallyu goal #1: Visit South Korea!!!!

It is a known fact that Incheon International Airport is considered as one of the best in the world. And yes. I couldn’t agree more. I’m really amazed with the structure and how big the airport is.

My manager, who acted as my personal tour guide, chose the limousine bus over riding the subway. Riding the subway is cheaper but she doesn’t want to tire ourselves from transferring on one station to another. It was a good choice though. The ride was comfortable and I got to see the beauty of Incheon.

While waiting for our limousine bus.

Banana Milk is love. And this was my lunch.

Saw these girls in Hanbok and rubber shoes as we head to our guesthouse.

We got K-Guesthouse in Insadong as our guesthouse. We chose this hostel as the landmarks are within the vicinity.

K-Guesthouse's tiny reception area

As we have booked the hotel in a rush, we only got the shared room. We shared the room with a Japanese fashion design student and an ahjumma. It’s a bit small but it is better than none. After the hostel caretaker showed us our room, we just left our luggage and headed to our first itinerary – Ehwa Women’s University.

We got to stroll a bit in Insadong on our way to the subway station. I've finally got to taste authentic street delicacies I've only seen in films and dramas.