5 Things I Learned About South Korea and Its People

Korean Women Preparing their Harvest for Selling (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

My jaunt to the Land of the Morning Calm introduced me to the country and its people. Brief as it may seem, but this memorable experience taught me five things about South Korea and its people.  

1. Koreans are Extremely Accommodating

Honestly, prior to my trip to South Korea, I had the impression that South Koreans  were not so friendly. However, this notion absolutely vanished when I had the chance to mingle with these accommodating people in their homeland.

Korean Family Who Took the Blogger Around. (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

Koreans are more than just friendly. They are very accommodating and they will take the extra mile to assist you in whatever concern you have. For example, I asked a Korean lady to send a text message to my friend that I would rendezvous at the bus terminal. She did without hesitation. While waiting at the bus station, I asked a Korean man to call my friend and tell her that I have arrived.  First, he was confused, then he asked me if it’s a Korean number. When I told him that it is a Korean number, he called that number and gave me his phone so I could communicate with my friend. Just awesome!

This Restaurant Owner (Middle) Happily Posed with Us after Dining. (Photo by: Gregg Manalo)

2. Korean Food is One of the Best

Kimchi and Shabu-shabu are the most popular Korean food that I know. During my stay in Korea, I savoured each Korean dish that I could try which brought me to realise how deliciously healthy their food is. 

Typical Food Serving in a Korean Restaurant (Photo by: Gregg Manalo) 

Korean food is also not boring because there are so many flavors that tickle your taste bud. Honestly, I am salivating while writing this part. What’s also special about dining in Korea is that you get so many side dishes that complete your dining experience. And more importantly, I have noticed that Korean food does not produce this bloated feeling in your tummy even if you eat a bit more than your usual portion.

Typical Setting in a Traditional Korean Restaurant. (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

3. Korea Blasts in Different Hues in Autumn

When we talk of picture-perfect autumn, we usually hear about North America, but Korea is also as colourful and as beautiful as other countries in North America. It's just like hand-made painting by Nature. I have the evidence here.

Cheongnamdae Photo by: Gregg Manalo

4. It’s Very Safe to Walk Alone

I love going out at night when in another country because I want to capture the beauty of the city when darkness envelopes it and the evening spectacle when nighttime falls. In Korea, I never had the  slight feeling that I was in danger. I have never seen any drunken men on the streets, unscrupulous vendors chasing tourists, and untrustworthy people offering goods.

Walking Alone at Night Time is No Problem. (Photo by: Gregg Manalo)

5. Taxi Drivers are Very Honest, Dependable, and Responsible

This is something I really, really appreciate in Korea. Taxi drivers are very honest and professional people. They will not say “No” to a customer, unlike most taxi drivers in Manila. When they do not know how to get to the destination, they will ask for a contact number and call the person or establishment you’re meeting or going to and ask for directions. When he knows he has committed a mistake in driving which prolonged your journey, he would give you discount.

A Local Taxi Driver with the Blogger and his Friends (Photo by Gregg Manalo) 

There are more positive things to say about Korea and its people. These are just five which I realized in my short stint in this awesome country. It’s your turn to explore and get to know them and contribute something to this list.  

Cheongnamdae (Photo by: Gregg Manalo)

11 Places in Seoul that You can See by Foot

Namsangol Hanok Park. (Photo by: Gregg Manalo)

Travellers sometimes visit a city because of studies, conference, or business meetings. This type of visit is usually short and time-constraint, but this should not be a hindrance to explore and enjoy what the city has to offer.

Typical Korean Food (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

For example, my 3-day educational tour in Seoul just allowed me a mere whole day to explore this scenic and friendly city. Given the number of attractions, World Heritage Sites, parks, cultural sites, and other points of interest, exploring the city and enjoying its sumptuous food in just one day seemed impossible. Being in this situation, I planned of ways on how to maximize my free time in order to see as many sites possible and satiate my cravings for the authentic Korean dishes.

Street Food in Myeongdong (Photo by: Gregg Manalo)

So, what could be reached by foot if you’re staying around Jung-Gu area (specifically in Chungmuro-Ga Area where Hyundai Residences Seoul is located)?

1.  Myeongdong Shopping Area

This shopping district is a must-visit for visitors who included shopping in their itinerary. This vast area has all types of boutiques, shops, stalls, and street food that will definitely satiate your hungry eyes and your tummy. Who knows, you might rub elbows with Korean Pop stars here?

Myeongdong District at Night (Photo by: Gregg Manalo)

2.  Myeongdong Cathedral

Situated in Myeongdong Area, this Cathedral is the oldest in South Korea. Korea might be more known for temples and shrines, but visiting Catholics will surely find respite in this holy place.

Myeongdong Cathedral at Night (Photo by: Gregg Manalo)

3.  Jongmyo Shrine and Changdeokgung Palace

This UNESCO World Heritage site is located in a vast park. Guided tours in English are available on site from Mondays thru Fridays. Non-guided tours are available on Saturdays.

Garden inside Jongmyo Park (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

Entrance to Jongmyo (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

4. Dongdaemum Design Plaza

If you’re into modern design, you will definitely appreciate this area. Going there from Hyundai Residences will take you through the colorful and lively Dongdaemun History and Culture Park where you get to see native restaurants, Lotte shopping mall, and other attractions that will surely captivate your heart.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza

Restaurants Around Dongdaemun History and Culture Park (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

5. Dongdaemun Arcade

Looking for shoes? This is the place to be! It’s a huge arcade selling all kinds of shoes. So if you wanna be trendy while walking through Seoul, get your pair of boots here.

Dongdaemun Arcade (Photo by: Gregg Manalo)

6. Cheonggyecheon Stream

So far, this stream is the cleanest stream I have ever seen that is located in a big city. It is so clear and possibly clean that you could see its bottom and the fish that swim in it.

Cheonggyecheon Stream (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

7. Dongdaemun

This is a colossal gate to the city of Seoul. It has a twin which is located at Namdaemun.

Heunginjinum (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

8.  Dongdaemun Seonggwak Park

From Dongdaemun, this park will possibly catch your interest. It’s carved on the side of a hill. From here, you will have a wonderful of Dongdamun and its neighboring areas.

 Dongdaemun Seonggwak Park (Photo by; Gregg Manalo)

9. Pyeonghwa Market

If you’re buying wholesale items, say shirts at bargain prices, visit this shopping area. Located just across Dongdaemun, you will find this building right beside Cheonggyecheon Stream.

Pyeonghwa Market (Photo by: Gregg Manalo)

10. Jungbu Market

This is a public market which sells native delicacies mostly dried goods – nuts (all you could think of), mushroom, ginseng, fish, and other sea foods. More importantly, the vendors are very accommodating, friendly, and the prices are really very affordable. Make sure you have extra luggage and weight for those nuts and mushroom. This market is just across Hyundai Residences. 

Dried Goods in Jungbu Market (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

11. Namsangol Hanok Park and Village

Seoul is a modern city, so if you are searching for traditional houses, you need to visit this Park. If you’re traversing Toegyero, a major avenue in this area, it is around 15 minutes away by foot from Hyundai Residences. 

One of the Sections at Namsangol Hanok Park (Photo by: Gregg Manalo)

Lichtenstein Castle

View of Lichtenstein Castle. Photo by: Gregg Manalo

This beautiful gothic revival castle is located in Honau in the southern state of Baden-Wuerttemberg. We decided to include this in our list of places to visit on our way to Munich. And why not, it is a short 40-minute drive away from the location of the Hohenzollern castle.

View of the Castle from the parking area. (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

Unlike Hohenzollern castle, Lichtenstein was built on a cliff overlooking a river and a valley. This castle is also very accessible to cars, bikers, commuters, and hikers. From the parking space, we only had to cross the street and we were on the castle grounds. Parking could be difficult if you arrive towards lunchtime, so make sure to manage your schedule very well. We arrived towards lunchtime so we had to search for an available parking space to park our car. In addition, the courtyard was also already crowded which was a challenge especially that I wanted to have a solo picture of myself in front of the castle.  

View of the Castle Tower from the Garden. (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

The entrance to the castle ground was 2 euros (student price), but if you want to see its collection of weapons and armors, you need to pay more.  

Entrance Fee Matrix. (Photo by: Gregg Manalo)

Three of the amazing characteristics of this castles are: the wooden bridge connecting the main tower (where the collections are maintained) to the courtyard, the tower which is a reminiscent of the fairy tale Rapunzel, and fact the castle was built right on a rock by the edge of a ravine. 

View of the castle Tower and Wooden Bridge from Courtyard. (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

Actually, from the observatory areas, we had a great view of the deep valley below and the tower on the other side of the cliff. This fantastic view is enough for me.

View of the Valley from the Castle ground. (Photo by Gregg Manalo)