Searching my Seoul in Korea (II)

27 Nov 2011

Nami Island

Enough with the city, now heading to Nami Island as early as 7.30 am. I bought day tour package at the hotel which a bit costly - 100k won (i know) but i may lost some valuable time finding my own way there. I did goggled prior to the trip, and it will took about more than one hour journey by bus (not including the subway).

The island become famous due to the Korean drama series - Winter Sonata back in 2002. I do admit that i was also gaga over this drama. There were only three Korean drama that i watched - Autumn in my Heart and Full House. Now no more, even the K-PoP back into the scene.. ya. Wonder Girl and Rain.

Our guide - James looks really like those korean boy on TV. The hair cut, the eyes, the glasses which makes him looks nerd and the t-shirt. His English is good and pleasant to ears. He represent the younger generation of Korean - always melekat with gadget. Hardly seen these young people with small mobile phones. Its either iPhone or Samsung or tablet. The bus pick up six more people at the other hotel and off we go.

There are two options to enter Nami Island. Take ferry for seven minutes or ZipWire. Since its windy and cold, I don't think I want to be left out hanging on the wire :)

To get on the ferry and enter Nami Island or Naminara Republic, we need to have Visa  or actually ticket (8 k Won) at the Immigration Office. According to James, Naminara Republic is an imaginary country, but has invented its own visa, currency and stamp. The island is named after a brave General Nami, died at the age of 26 after being falsely accused of betrayal. Since its still early, everything was smooth. No long queue. 

The infamous Winter Sonata lane - remember?

There's nothing much to explained about the island. I did very much enjoy the walk even in the cold weather and a bit of rain. If you ask me, its worth to come here even you are not Winter Sonata fan. So enjoy the photos - Autumn in Nami Island.

 

The pancake is good

Accommodation for short stay is enough

 

Squirel

Enough la with the scenary kan :) Lunch at vegetarian Korean restaurant. If you realised, I hardly eat when I'm traveling. Me not that adventurous when it comes into food.

The Little Prince - Petite France

All of us decided not to go to all the Winter Sonata filming places so we decided to visit France settlement. I have yet to read the book. Ni ala-ala Bukit Tinggi but smaller scale.

The Writer

We had a quick stop at this place to see Seoul city. Unfortunately, battery flat. So this is the only acceptable photo that i can captured from my phone. Moral of story - don't be lazy, bring charger even for a short trip.

Final stop was at super expensive ginseng shop (compulsory tour - like China, government enforcement) before headed to the hotel. The good news was that, the tour cost me 70k won. James honestly returned the money :)

Nanta Show

I was looking forward to watch this show. The reception counter at the hotel had arranged for VIP seat since the normal seat sold out. Mengagahkan kaki menaiki subway to MyeongDong Theatre. Have to change line and station. I exit into wrong direction and ended up to walk a bit more. MyeongDong is a shopping area. Opens day and night, selling all sort of stuff. Apparently i just realised i didn't took any photos as i was rushing for the show.

The performance was good but not great, a bit of disappointment. Since this was my last night at Seoul, I walk and layan nite life at Itaewon street. I come across people of various races, various restaurant from Korean to Turkish, Indian, Italian and Vietnamese. But no more photo :) 

28 Nov 2011

Flight back to home at 8.35 am. I was damn tired and sleepy but i didn't slept even a bit. Had interesting conversation for more than five hours with elderly well educated and wise human being. Unlimited topic of conversation from family to politic to education to hijab and life. 

Home sweet Home :) Thank you Seoul. You have been Good.

Searching my Seoul in Korea (I)

25 Nov 2011

Depart from LCCT after work, catching flight at 11.00 pm. I was extremely tired. As usual, cleaning up the desk before travel was like never ending. Lucky this last minute trip was on weekend and public holiday. I bought empty seat option purposely for sleeep. It cost me about RM 18 to get two extra seat beside me empty. I think it was a good deal and wise decision. I rather sleep than eat :) 

Flight was full. Ya la.. ingat i seorang je ke nak travel eh? I slept all the way. I heard children crying, people talking and even they switch on the light early. But all that does not stop me from sleeping. I anticipated two full days of extensive place to visit will be tiresome. Better catch my sleep before too late.

Safely landed at Incheon airport earlier than schedule - almost 6 am, about 6 hours journey.

26 Nov 2011

Done with custom, straight away look for bus number 6060 heading to the hotel. Impressive and busy airport (klia is much more quiet). Signs are everywhere so for someone like me that easily get lost, it was helpful.  One hour bus ride cost 15,000 won = RM 45. 

Unable to check in early, proceed with walking and figuring out where to start. I have concluded that coffee is the only thing i need to somehow light up my day :). Gloomy weather. Its end of autumn, beginning of winter. Cold cold cold. Layaaaan je lah.

Near to the hotel was Samsung Museum of Art. Despite Samsung is my mobile, I do not really eager to explore what in the inside. Plus I was early, its only open at 10.30 am 

Next, heading to the Itaewon subway which is about 5 minutes walk from hotel. I was impressed on how their subway works. It interconnected, efficient and fast. At first I was so confused to figure out my way. Serious. I need to know my exit point, the end station, the colour and line number. 

Below - subway map that I kept in my pocket all the time. See.. I told you :) It can takes you almost everywhere.

Next - National Museum of Korea. It was huge. Children and teacher everywhere, which is good kan.

But to be honest - they can do better - in terms the layout of the museum - how they tell their story. Reason being when I was at Delhi - visited Gandhi Memorial which was small but the way they navigate us inside the place and how they presented the life of Gandhi was good :)


Nevertheless, i managed to snap this photo of N Seoul Tower. But the weather like i said -  gloomy.

At Anguk subway station, I saw this interesting cafe - Bread is ready, Coffee is done. I think if ever i have my own, this name would be perfect :)

Next - Traditional Korea House 'Hanok Village' at Bukchon.

There are people live inside the houses. A lot of cute cafe's along the way.  Me getting tired as I have yet to freshen up. Since I cant go inside these houses either - move on. 

Further down the road I saw these Palace but cant really remember the name or perhaps i did not saw any in  English. Then, mencari jalan pulang ke hotel utk check in.

Berehat sebentar di hotel and before getting lazy with the comfort of bed, next destination Coex Mall - Asia's largest underground Shopping Mall. Yep, its true the mall is huge but nothing much. Its like a normal mall eg - mid valley style not paragon bangkok.

Having a thought to watch movie at their 16 screen multi-cinema complex but only to find out that mainly are korean movies plus the movie display in korean. Hang out for a while enjoying ice cream in winter before heading back to hotel. Letih.


The end for now. Continue in part II :)