I (actually we), spent 8 days in South Korea last November, hoping to see the lovely autumn colors and the first snow. We didn't get to experience both, but still its an experience of a lifetime. I don't know if I'll get to visit South Korea again, but it will not hurt if I will! Darn the thought itself makes me feel giddy. It is rather a sad thought that I'll not be visiting the websites catering to tourist who wished to visit Korea because it will not have a use for me for the moment. Every blog entry that I'll post about my recent trip in Korea will be bittersweet. I'll try not to be nostalgic sniff..sniff.. I hope I'll get to finish all before anyone starts to plan a tour to Korea next fall and I hope that my blog entries will be a little helpful, just like the other blog posts that I relied as I plan our trip to Korea.
The planning stage was not that long compared to our first trip. We are not that excited or maybe its mixed with stress. I didn't get to check thoroughly our itinerary especially the last 2-3 days, thus we got to pay being lost and spending an awful time walking on the streets of Seoul with less than 10 degrees Celsius brrrrrr... its a big deal for a couple of tourists from a tropical country and living in the Middle East for more than 5 years.
We arrived at around 8pm at Incheon International Airport. This time we did not look around the airport, we head straight to the convenience store to reload our T-Money. Ugh! I remember losing my old T-Money on our 7th day with more than 20USD still stored. You know that moment you know that when you put it there it will get lost but you put it there anyway, and then it got really lost and you ended up hating yourself for getting that warning but ignored it. Silly me. As usual, I exceeded my trip budget that's excluding airfare and hotel, which I've already paid in advance. Its funny that on the first few days we are splurging and on our last night counting our won (Korean currency) down to the last coin. hehe!
After the huge success of You From Another Star or Man from the Star in the Kdramaverse and of course in my heart, my Kdramaverse was not occupied with a good drama as YFAS. Although I enjoyed, Marriage not Dating, Bride of the Century and Plus Nine Boys, the fall Kdramas are good!
Let me start with Misaeng. How do I love thee? Wasn't that excited for this drama even if Im Si-wan is here and Kang Ha-neul. I know that Kang So-ra is there as well but I haven't seen her on a drama so... Misaeng is an adaptation of a highly successful webtoon. Which made me remember "reading" Flower Boy Next Door webtoon. All I know about Misaeng is that its from a webtoon and most likely to be an office drama, based on the wacky teaser. By the way this post contains spoilers.
Episode 1 opens to a familiar view of Petra in Jordan and a guy that seems to be finding a way out. Then came a chasing scene. Boy, I really love those kinds of movies where they run from building to building and jumping from one roof top to another. Our hero -- Jang Geu-rae is chasing someone and as he jumps from a roof top to a window to catch the guy and then we were sent back to 2012. That chase is enough to catch my attention.
But as we were sent back to 2012, we'll see way different Geu-rae, a loser so to speak. He was doing different part time jobs to make the ends meet. The scene on how hardworking Geu-rae is and only to be told that his services on the sauna is not anymore needed is heartbreaking. His mom told him that she called someone and got a job for him. I expected Geu-rae to object, but he obliged. I'm not sure whether his mom has been telling him to get that job for a long time and that he just agreed now. Come the next day when we see him on his dad's old suite. Of course its ill-fitting but we don't hear any complaints.
Geu-rae's character was really painted as an underdog loser. Ill-fitting suit, check! Did not even have a college degree, check! Did not have office related experience, check! and not that young? check! The only thing is he has is a computer application certificate and GED. Oh he's done with military service. So what he did with his life? Dong-shik asked, he played baduk. He devoted his life to baduk but he didn't reach pro.
If you've worked in an office all your life, we can easily relate to Geu-rae. That first day when you don't know where to sit or stand and that everybody is busy, even the person that was supposed to train you is busy on his work and that you can't blame them in seeing how annoyed they are with a newbie that knows nothing and probably be a burden to you. Poor Geu-rae. Adding to his no college degree and no experience issues, he got in because of connections. And we all hate that right? Up until episode 6, we still don't know how he is connected with the executive director. I'm guessing that his father used to work with executive director-nim. Right now as he successfully became a full time employee and learning hard.
Misaeng, How do I love thee? I love that our hero did not become a superhero overnight. He is learning bit by bit, episode by episode. I even like the attitude of Geu-rae working hard and not blaming how poor they are, how life isn't fair. He is not stupid but not overly smart. The casts are great especially Siwan. He is so perfect for the role, his looks, his physique. I first saw in Moon that Embraces the Sun and was surprise to learn that he is part of ZE:A, a Kpop boy group that I tried to like but no avail. ZE:A really I tried. Now I have to start with The Equator Man and Triangle. But I wonder where will I get the time.
Lee Sung-min is great as ever. I'm surprise with Kang So-ra, I was so impressed with her English and Russian accent. Though I don't know Russian but to my ears its believable. I love how the top interns were not doing much on their actual jobs now and Bae-ki's character is intriguing. I can't wait for him to join the pack.
I just hope that this show will end or will show how Geu-rae ended up in Jordan chasing a person to death. I'm disappointed with High School Savvy that it failed to continue with what it showed on the first episode when noona was helping him change to his uniform after a successful meeting in Singapore or did I miss it?
As I am watching Korean dramas, I can’t take my eyes off how beautiful the background is! The landscape that comprises of yellow, orange, crimson, brown and green trees that reminds me of how wonderful and great God is. And I can’t wait to see it for myself. I just hope I’ll be not lazy in taking pictures because I am most of the time and I usually regret it when I will write a blog and not to have a picture. Hehe!
Having
been born in a country where there are only 2 seasons, my fascination over snow
and the changing colors of the leaves during fall is always there in fact,
experiencing the two other seasons are on my bucket list. The only thing that I
can relate with countries having 4 seasons is summer so I’ll skip that. Summer
is more fun in the Philippines!
Last
2013, I’ve experienced spring and sakura,
though not in Japan but in Seoul. The cherry blossoms are lovely. I really like that its not that hot and not that cold. Although some trees are still yet to show some life (leaves). And so as we board the plane to Manila, we
vowed to comeback. I can’t remember if we talk about going back during fall,
but I guess we did! In Dubai, I’m not quite sure why they coined the colder months as
winter. But I guess relatively to the months where the temperature gets as high
as 50 degrees Celsius, I’ll take it. I’m grinning right now because I realized
that there are hundreds of stores here in Dubai selling mink coats that I’m
dying to have one and yes with especially the one with a fox’s tail ok, I
actually want the one with the head! Thanks to SHINee’s “Dazzling Girl” promo
pics! But of course it will be downright silly because it doesn’t snow to where
I live.
image credits: dramabeans.com, kjtamusings.wordpress.com and seoulbeats.com
Touchdown Gimpo! I can't believe that we've been to several airports in Korea. Incheon, Gimpo, Gimhae and Jeju yay! I can't also believe that this is our last day in Korea. I thought we will be late for our 1:35 pm flight but thank goodness we were not! From the airport we get a glimpse of Mt. Hallasan. Our itinerary for the day is to 1) get our luggage from our hostel 2) go to Myeongdong and have lunch 3) head to Incheon. Until now I am so happy that we get a cheap flight to Jeju. Its just 65.8 USD for our Busan(PUS)-Jeju (CJU)-Seoul (GMP) via Jeju Air.
clearer view of Mt. Hallasan
We went back to our hostel to get our luggage. Mr. Young is so nice that he let us leave our luggage. It rained that day but that didn't stop us from going to Myeongdong and made last minute shopping. Our flight is at 10pm so we still have time. I bought socks, those kpop socks! I completed all SHINee members. Too bad that only Yonghwa is available for CNBLUE and Hongki for FT Island. Actually the choices were limited and its kinda sad. Those idol printed yangmal are so comfy and sturdy. We shopped at SPAO. I bought a belt and guess what? socks! hahaha! I like how big posters of SM Entertainment artists in SPAO. Honestly we went there simply because of its association with SM, but my friend bought a pair of pastel colored pants and swears that its super comfy and now its her favorite pants.
Rain will not stop us from coming to Myeongdong!
SM Entertainment artists! Siwon!
Yonghwa socks!
Taemina!
I wish train stations here in Dubai would house lockers too! It is so convenient to leave your things or luggage to easily roam around the city. But that time it was difficult to get a big locker for our luggage but we still manage to get one otherwise our Myeongdong shopping will be impossible.
I remember having just a street food for lunch. I was about to stop ajumma in pouring a ketchup like thingy (I am not a fan of ketchup) on my sausage but its too late, but when I tasted it, it was super and I want to go back to her and ask for more! Well I actually glad I didn't because the sauce landed on my wallet, bag and shoes!
Then we head to the airport. I thought we will be running late for our flight so to save time, we opted for the Airport Railroad Express (AREX). Its super comfy and non stop. There were attendees which is super cool. Not to mentioned that 2PM are on the magazine of Lotte Duty Free which we took it with us. What I didn't know about AREX is that it has timings. I thought its like the one in Hong Kong that doesn't have timings meaning you just hop on to the next train that will arrive. After purchasing our tickets, just then we realized that its for 7:30pm , our flight is 10pm-ish so given the 45-minute journey, we will be at Incheon passed 8pm. Still I think we will arrive at Incheon International Airport earlier if we took the regular train that goes to the airport too plus I know its cheaper.
And so as usual, Cebu Pacific is late. After check-in we still managed to see duty free and buy bread and coffee at Paris Baguette. Our feet are heavy as we walk towards the plane. We already promised to be back. At that time we don't know exactly, but now we will comeback this autumn! YAY!
Our Seoul-Busan-Jeju trip is awesome! Nothing beats being in a place for the first time. I thank God for the letting me go to places that I just see on the countless drama that I've watched and been watching. Reading my posts, I wonder where I got all the energy to roam around Korea in 7 days.
I'm super excited and thrilled! My dorama radar almost missed it! I was trying to look for recaps of High School Love On, but instead I stumbled upon the second installment of the super cute love story of Kotoko and Naoki!
I watched the teaser and I can feel my cheeks turning red! I really like this story and I don't care how many versions of this manga-to-TV show there will be but I'm sure I'll still see it and would have the same thrill every time. My favorite is still the Taiwanese version It Started with a Kiss. Who would not want to be married to your big crush or first love? Maybe the one the really pulls me to this drama is the perseverance of Kotoko and thinking that if I had only persevered.... nah!
Check out the teaser below! Its been my silent wish to go to Okinawa one day probably with my man in tow! The Okinawa episode will air tomorrow! I.can't.wait!
Its day 6 of our trip in Korea! Sadly its our last night in Jeju Island. We explored some of the tourist attractions by foot! Yes by foot and that is what I love about Seogwipo. We didn't get lost either because maybe my friend navigates well or its just Seogwipo is tourist friendly! We first tried to find a place to eat for breakfast, and we saw Paris Baguette. Yum yum yum...Those drama PPLs (product placement) are surely effective. I don't know how many times I've seen Paris Baguette in dramas. After breakfast, we just followed the signs pointing to one of the waterfalls in Seogwipo.
great way finding signage
a cloudy day, that's Mt. Hallasan right?
Paris Baguette addicts!
I really want to try all of their breads.
Jeongbang Waterfalls is the first one. Since its spring, walking is so pleasant. The temperature is not that warm, the sun is shining, flowers in full bloom! It tried so hard not to pick a flower but I did. But I assure you that there's no "Don't pick flowers" sign. Jeongbang Waterfalls reminds of a similar falls (though not that high) in my dad's province in which the water well of course falls near the sea. It is so memorable to me because I passed out for a minute because of dehydration. Entrance fee is 2,000 KRW.
The Jeongbang falls. Amazing!
abalone and soju juseyo!
nearly hitting the sea
If only we could get ourselves wet.
In Jeongbang falls, you'll find makeshift restaurant serving I believe abalones. The raw kind that they just dipped it in gochujang or hot pepper paste. Of course the good'ol soju is present the complete the meal. Neither of us is adventurous enough to try it, but thinking about it now makes me regret that I didn't.
harbor or falls?
Next we head to another waterfalls. I can't iterate enough how the weather is so perfect for walking that day. The streets were somewhat like deserted which makes walking (for me) better. Thinking about how far we walk is disbelieving. We passed by Chilsimni Food Street en route to our next destination. We reached the crossroad one pointing to Seogwipo Harbor and the other to Cheonjiyeon Falls. We can see from a far Seogwipo Harbor already so we opted to there first.
is that you Hallasan?
We got a glimpse of Mt. Hallasan, the highest mountain in South Korea and its situated on the center of the island. Its a bit cloudy that day and we almost missed it. We originally planned to go up the mountain but our schedule can't and maybe our feet too!
Coby the Explorer! Exploring Seogwipo by foot!
Seogwipo Harbor houses of course docked boats and yachts, Saeseom Island Saeyeongyo Bridge. We did not go to island at the end of the bridge because the wind was blowing so freaking hard. I was so afraid that the wind will blow us off from the island hehe! Saeyeongyi Bridge's middle portion looks very much the same as the Burj Al Arab here in Dubai. I believe both were inspired by a sail.
Then we walk again to Cheonjiyeon Falls has a park vibe. The walk from the entrance to the falls is a bit far, but the scenery around will let you not mind the long walk. There's more tourists here than Jeongbang falls and it is more tourist friendly but I like the rawness of Jeongbang falls. We bought octopus tentacles on stick, shredded squid and fish (the cooked one, I'll comeback for the live one).
I don't know how many tourists I shoved to get this solo
No we did not eat it all, we saved it later for soju and makgeolli! Good thing I can read hangul a bit we were able to spot the right bottles in 7-11. We didn't get ourselves wasted, just tasted these two Korean liquors. I like makgeolli more because its just like drinking vinegar. While soju is like gin. Yea, I'd rather drink vinegar than gin. hehe! We ate the rest of the shredded squid and spent the rest of the afternoon at the hotel and watched home TV shopping.
Almost raw! Infinite uploaded "Last Romeo" dance practice video. I really like watching dance version and dance practice videos for its rawness! Minus the glamorous outfit, studio lights and different camera angles. I remember practicing for a group dance. I can only memorize till half of the dance, not to mention that I hate dancing. So I am really in awe on how people can memorize dance steps, choreography and dance gracefully. Infinite jjang!
We opted to stay in Seogwipo City, the southern part of Jeju Island. Our room (based on booking.com) promised a view. Indeed it has a little view. A construction in on-going at time so there was a crane obstructing our view. We can see an island from our window. The hotel is not along the coast but was close enough to walk.
"Room with a view"
It's so easy to fall in love with Jeju Island. I like the laid back life there, but at the same time you don't feel any remoteness. That day we went to Jeju Folk Village, Seopjikoji, and Sunrise Peak (Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak). The hotel called a cab that we paid 120 USD (if my memory serves me right) for 8 hours. The driver don't speak English. Our communication was limited only to how long we can spend on that tourist spot. We really want to go see the lava tubes but they said that its very cold at that time. Bummer. We get into the cab, I really wish that I've remember our drivers name and the first guy that helped us in Seoul. But I was to excited to remember things at that time or ever.. haha!
First stop is Jeju Folk Village. Honestly I want to skip this place because I kinda get a glimpse of those houses in Seoul. But since we can't go to the lava tubes, we decided to go there instead. One good thing about going there was there's a few people there. Or perhaps we are early. Again if you've seen a lot of sageuk, it will be fun to see those houses in real life! As you read through the different captions, you'll get educated on how people in Jeju island lived on those days.
One thing I can't forget about Jeju Folk Village is the ostrich. I think its the first time that I saw an ostrich. Souvenirs are pretty cheap there so don't forget to grab a few for your friends. I bought the phallic statue miniatures holding tangerines key chains 10,000 KRW for 5 key chains.
I want you back back back! Yes they are on their backs and they are back!
I just ordered Infinite's Season 2 because I waited for
the ebay seller to have a CD + folded
poster option and it just landed here in Dubai. And Infinite released a
repackage album, Be Back with 2 new songs Back and Diamond!
They dropped the video yesterday and I've watched it a dozen
times. I like the song so much but I'm not a fan MVs with violence. Just
saying. I hope Sunggyu baby will ditch that loop earrings. I dislike guys with
earrings but since they are idols so its kinda ok. But seeing a big loop
earrings that is a no no for me. Dongwoo's wing earrings are cool though (way back
Fly High days). I like their haircuts especially Sungjong!
This is so blog worthy! Its looping all day at my computer! I liked Taeyang's latest album Rise and the single "Eyes, Nose, Lips" had been garnering different versions/covers. AKMU, Tablo and now Eric Nam! Well actually Roy Kim has his version now too! But official singles are the one from AKMU and Tablo. Isn't Eric so lovable?
We need 2,222,222 hits to see the dance practice video! But I want the dance version video! Because all those dancing is so not enough...I want moaaaaaaarrrrrrrr!
I changed my phone's lock screen to Sunggyu's picture 2 days ago. Its been Kris' picture, a screencap from their MV teaser. Little did I know that in a couple of days, I'll read that he wants out of EXO. Last year there's been a rumor about him leaving the group when he suddenly went to Canada.
I've been a fan since they released Growl. The best song of EXO for me. The news is going crazy and it was even tweeted by a Philippines' local newspaper, Inquirer. I've read comments from netizens and for sure we'll read all types of comments. Haters and well wishers. I'll choose the later. This will be my first hand experience of such kind of scandal and I know it will be nasty. So this is how it feels, when your bias have chosen to leave the group or the entertainment industry. I don't know if he plans to go back to China and establish a solo career there, or simply live a less of a swag life.
So Kris, good luck to what you've chosen. I'll miss you.
Yay! Finally after seeing those Last Romeo posters being posted around the world, (Dubai has to do it too) now we have a poster and individual promo pics! Of course even in the midst of workload, I made a banner for Infinite. Loving these boys especially Sunggyu nowadays. I'm a total sucker when it comes to eyes, but Sunggyu has more... voice! I feel bad for not focusing on Sunggyu when they went here last December, because its all Hoya to me back then.
I watched their show (This is Infinite) which I think becoming a trend now. Like before having a comeback or debut, there will be a show about that group. I was able to dig in to their works and found out that This is Infinite was not the first show about them but Ranking King!
Anyways, I'll talk about those shows in the future in a different post! I really hope that we'll get good songs and more tracks! Infinite will have their comeback showcase on the 21st in Korea and they will also have one in Japan and Taiwan! Please comeback to Dubai!
Another PV was dropped by CNBLUE! This time its Still I am thinking of buying this album as a birthday gift to myself. Its available at HMV! Truth mini album tracks includes: Truth, Still, Heart Song, and Still (instrumental).
To tell you the truth, I like more the CNBLUE songs that they release in Japan. Its just that Japanese albums are expensive thus I can't buy every mini-albums that my boys releases in Japan. Its been over a week since the PV was released.. Sorry and I call myself a Boice.
As usual the song is awesome! Again the way Jonghyun's voice comes out after Yonghwa's part in every song of CNBLUE is perfect and can't find a place where it could have come out better!
While waiting for the second mini album to drop, let's listen to the medley that EXO released! Looking good! errr.. Sounds good! I've taken my picks already! yay!
Hooray! Yay! Asa! 대박! My babies are having a comeback! I made a quick banner to commemorate EXO's comeback. I was not a fan till they release Growl! sings ululong ulolong dae! I thought they will be releasing gazillion of teasers but not! So sad... some practice dance video leaked but its so difficult to see one now. I'd rather wait!
I'm, well actually we are sad why last year when we were in Korea that there's nothing much happening comebacks are coming from all directions now. I'll do BEAST next time for their comeback too!
And we rode the train to Busan! That saved us a lot of money for 1) No overnight stay fee on a hostel 2) Cheaper fare (only 27 USD) while KTX costs around 57 USD. I remember some budget travelers do this especially when they are touring Europe. The cons are of course its a bit tiring (not as comfortable as lying in a bed) and you don't get to see view of the countryside. I suggest that you bring something to cover your eyes for they are not turning off the lights. Well that is if you can't sleep with the lights on. Luckily I always bring my buff when I travel because its super functional, and in this instance I used it as a sleep mask.
We arrived at Busan maybe around 5 in the morning and there are no lounge (or we don't know) or even seats with back rest that we can doze while waiting for the city bus tour -- another way to go around Busan in an easier budget friendly way.
