So we've reached the end of the road! This is the last installment of my Autumn in Korea posts. Sorry if it took me so long to finish it, got busy with other work stuff huhu. Anyway, on our last 2 days in Seoul, my family and I visited the historic Gyeongbokgung Palace, explored the streets of Bukchon Hanok Village and also spent our last few hours in the city shopping at Myengdong (where our hotel is located). Here are photos and stories from our adventure...
From Hoehyeon station near our hotel, we took a train headed to Gyeongbokgung Station and took Exit 5. Once outside, we already found ourselves inside the palace. We got there around 10am and we were just in time for the "Changing of the Guards" ceremony! Yey! It's included in my When in Korea to-do list.
"After some extensive historical research, this splendid and elegant traditional Korean royal court cultural ceremony was first re-enacted in 1996 and has been a must-see among Seoul's tourist attractions ever since. This ceremony is a great opportunity to experience a rare traditional scene in Korea, as the ceremony is reenacted exactly as it used to be held, with guards wearing royal uniforms, carrying traditional weapons and playing traditional instruments."
"In the early period of the Joseon Dynasty, the Changing of the Guard ceremony was conducted at Gyeongbokgung Palace as at that time it was the primary royal palace and the king resided there. The royal palace guards, who were known as the "Wanggung Sumunjang", had the very important duty of protecting the king by guarding the entrance gates. They were in charge of opening and closing the palace gates, inspecting all visitors, and maintaining a close surveillance of the palace. They were divided into day and night shifts, and the Changing of the Guard ceremony took place whenever the shifts changed over."
After the ceremony we decided to eat brunch first and agreed to go back after. We crossed the street and looked for someplace to eat. Mejo malayo! We had to walk a few blocks before we finally settled inside the first restaurant we saw-- KFC! Thank God. Was so hangry. I was not able able to take photos of our meal but we ate a lot. Haha!
Gyeongbokgung Palace was the first and largest of the royal palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty. Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace was located at the heart of newly appointed capital of Seoul (then known as Hanyang) and represented the sovereignty of the Joseon Dynasty. The largest of the Five Grand Palaces (the others being Gyeonghuigung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace), Gyeongbokgung served as the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty. WOOOW.
So this ends my Autumn in Korea posts!!! It was fun looking at all our photos and reliving all those wonderful moments from our amazing trip I last year. It was my first time to travel alone in a place I've never been and it was truly one for the books. Andaming realizations na naganap! I've been through so much last year and this trip helped me heal and find myself again. HUHU ang drama ko ba. Oppa nalang from a K-drama scene ang kulang haha. I can't wait to go back, with Nico naman sana! Spring trip naman maybe? I still have lots of videos from K-drama locations I visited during this trip and I will upload a video on my Youtube channel soon! Nuod kayo ha? Love you all! Saranghae & Kansahamnida! :)
Hot choco - 3,500
Convenience store dinner - 6,000
Brunch at Pomato - 3,500
Roundtrip Namsan cable car - 8,500
Ice cream & churros - 3,000
Convenience store dinner - 4,000
_________________________________
TOTAL = 47,500 krw or P2,319
Airport Van - 10,500 (each)
____________________________
GRAND TOTAL = P33,727 for 15 days all-in!!!
From Hoehyeon station near our hotel, we took a train headed to Gyeongbokgung Station and took Exit 5. Once outside, we already found ourselves inside the palace. We got there around 10am and we were just in time for the "Changing of the Guards" ceremony! Yey! It's included in my When in Korea to-do list.
Outside the train station...
We're in the palace na!
FIRST STOP: GYEONGBOKGUNG PALACE
Ang exciting guyzz
Changing of the Guard Royal Ceremony Schedule: 10am and 2pm!
"After some extensive historical research, this splendid and elegant traditional Korean royal court cultural ceremony was first re-enacted in 1996 and has been a must-see among Seoul's tourist attractions ever since. This ceremony is a great opportunity to experience a rare traditional scene in Korea, as the ceremony is reenacted exactly as it used to be held, with guards wearing royal uniforms, carrying traditional weapons and playing traditional instruments."
"In the early period of the Joseon Dynasty, the Changing of the Guard ceremony was conducted at Gyeongbokgung Palace as at that time it was the primary royal palace and the king resided there. The royal palace guards, who were known as the "Wanggung Sumunjang", had the very important duty of protecting the king by guarding the entrance gates. They were in charge of opening and closing the palace gates, inspecting all visitors, and maintaining a close surveillance of the palace. They were divided into day and night shifts, and the Changing of the Guard ceremony took place whenever the shifts changed over."
I loved it! Para akong nasa Joseon era talaga. The costumes, sound of the drums, the whole ceremony was amazing.
I will upload the video on my Youtube Channel!!! Just search for Life of Panix or Aisa Ipac on YT.
Crushie ko yung Kuya in red, cutie sha!
The ceremony lasted for 20-25 minutes
Once the guards are outside, pwede na magpicture!
In character sila guys. Pano kaya nila nagagawa d magsmile and mag flinch. hahaha
After the ceremony we decided to eat brunch first and agreed to go back after. We crossed the street and looked for someplace to eat. Mejo malayo! We had to walk a few blocks before we finally settled inside the first restaurant we saw-- KFC! Thank God. Was so hangry. I was not able able to take photos of our meal but we ate a lot. Haha!
Strolling.. looking for someplace to eat
Lettuce ba to!! NOM NOM haha
Such a cute bear. I am that bear. Haha
saw this cute, colorful stairs along the way!
After eating, we walked back to the palace...
We were supposed to rent and wear hanboks or traditional Korean outfits but it was freezing cold! So we all backed out. Haha. Next time!
We only paid 3,000 admission fee for Gyeongbokgung Palace. If you want to visit all 4 palaces + the Jongnyo shrine, ticket price is 10,000 won. It's cheaper for children.
OMG K-drama feels! Mga Scarlet Heart or Moonlight Drawn by Clouds!
Emote emote din
Dami tao but pwede na
Main pavilion inside the palace
I think this was the King's Hall
Alam nio pag sa K-drama yung place where the King always hold meetings or events or whatever? Parang this is it.
Shempre picture everywhere
So much beauty and history.
Old and new
Grabe the details!!!
So easy to get lost inside! So many secret corners, alleys, etc. Actually, we did get lost. Haha. Had to find my mom and bro coz we got separated.
Another pavilion and garden inside but closed to the public
From the palace, we saw this gate and went inside
It's a huge garden!!! WOWW
Mejo nagiimagine ako how it was hundreds of years ago
Best part? Fiery red maple trees all over!!! My autumn loving heart was so happy. HUHU.
After hours of exploring the palace grounds-- yaw q na, pagod na si acoe.
Pillars of history!
Time to explore other areas nearby! I love the old and modern charm of Seoul.
2nd Stop: Deoksugung Stone Wall Road / Duksung Women's University (again, for me hehe)
I'm back! This time with my family!:)
Fall in love. :)
This is it guys! The famous wall from the K-drama GOBLIN (starring Gong Yoo)! Yung first meeting ni Kim Shin and Eun Tak. Remember?
And then again, Coffee Mill from the K-drama Goblin where Sunny & The Grim Reaper kissed.
so many cute and quirky local boutiques
Super cool na you can see a mountain at the end of the street
Got intrigued by this gallery so I took a peek inside...
..looks interesting! Next time, I will check you out!
Vintage brooches and earrings
OOTD! Uniqlo sweater, Mango jeans, Nico's Forever 21 jacket, Primadonna shoes
Sunset
Went to Ewha University market for dinner and some late night shopping with my sister!
Bought lots of socks for P40 per pair! (I converted it haha)
I even ran into my loves Rhea & Jeff! Also Jeff's parents!:)
Bought some midnight snacks from this convenience store near our hotel and saw my soulmate. Cheret. Pogeee
On our last day, we just had lunch and shopped some more at Myeongdong...
Ate at this local resto
SO GOOD!!!
Also visited the famous store, STYLE NANDA!
This is where you could buy 3CE products!
Haven't tried it! Is it good???
Ola
Ladies who shop
I super love the store's interiors!
So fasyown their clothes
IG worthy all nooks and corners!
Mirrorfie with the sis
The most photographed display inside the store
Had to order so I could take this spot hehe. Mejo mahalia the coffee
Aesthetic on point! haha
And then it was time to go home, check out, wait for our service to the airport and fly home. And just like that, my 15 days in Seoul is over! HUHU.
Meanwhile at the airport, saw my love Park Hae Jin in a chocolate store. hehehe
BUDGET (Airfare, Accommodations, Others in PHP)
Airfare - 5,700
Airport Tax - 1,620 (mine was c/o KTO but will include for total)
Accommodation (family, 5 nights) - 3,825
Accommodation (solo, 7 nights) - 3,780
Portable WiFi - 2.050
________________________________
TOTAL = P16,975
Budget for Solo Travel Day 1& 2 (KRW/Won)
T-Money load - 10,000
Convenience store purchases - 10,000
KFC dinner - 7,000
Socks - 4,400
Black coat (same as my brown one haha)- 30,000
_____________________________
TOTAL = 61,400 won or P2,941
Budget for Solo Travel Day 3 (KRW/Won)
Lunch at Hungry Tiger - 6,000
Coffee at Coffee Prince - 8,000
Street food at Myeongdong - 7,000
Coffee at Coffee Prince - 8,000
Street food at Myeongdong - 7,000
Convenience Store buys - 6,000
_______________________________
TOTAL = 27,000 or P1296
Budget for Solo Travel Day 4 & 5 (KRW/Won)
Lunch at Vietnamese Restaurant - 4,000
Coffee at Dobong Walnut - 3,000
Coffee at Dobong Walnut - 3,000
Card re-load - 5,000
Dinner - 6,500
Clothes shopping at Tomato Library - 17,000
Lunch at Popeyes - 8,000
Flower Garden Cafe admission - 3,000
Olive Garden PeriPera lip tint - 6,500
_______________________________
TOTAL = 53000 krw to P2,600
Budget for Solo Travel Day 6 & 7 (KRW/Won)
Lunch at noodle shop - 6,500
Train card reload - 3,000
Dondaemun dinner - 8,000
Omurice lunch - 6,000
Waffle and hot choco snack - 5,500
Miscellaneous like water - 5,000
________________________________
TOTAL = 34,000 krw or P1,650
Budget for Solo Travel Day 8 & Family Day 1 & 2
Streetfood as dinner - 10,000
Shake shack lunch - 9,000Hot choco - 3,500
Convenience store dinner - 6,000
Brunch at Pomato - 3,500
Roundtrip Namsan cable car - 8,500
Ice cream & churros - 3,000
Convenience store dinner - 4,000
_________________________________
TOTAL = 47,500 krw or P2,319
Budget for Family Day 3
Brunch at Pomato - 3,500
Taxi from Gapyeong train station to Nami Ferry Dock - 4,000 / 4 - 1,000
Nami Island Ferry ticket - 8,000
Heat packs - 2,000
Gapyeong City Bus ticket - 6,000
Petite France admission - 8,000
Garden of Morning Calm admission - 9,500
Snacks and drinks - 5,000
____________________________________
TOTAL = 43,000 krw or P2,065
Budget for Family Day 4 & 5
KFC brunch - 6,000 (approximate)
Gyeongbokgung admission - 3,000
Hotdog & ice cream snack - 4,500
Streetfood dinner at Ewha Univ - 3,000
Shopping -30,000
Lunch at Myeongsong - 8,000
Coffee at Style Nanda - 6,000
Grocery for pasalubong - 10000Airport Van - 10,500 (each)
____________________________
TOTAL = 81,000 krw or P3,881
*budget depends on shopping habits and food preferences
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