Korea, Sparkling!

Korea- the land of the morning calm. The symbol of sustained progress and harmony between ancient tradition and technological innovation. Since the boom of hallyu, it became evident that the eyes of the world turned to Korea. Suddenly, every single tourist on the planet wanted to take the next flight to this country to experience the authentic culture and bask on the diversity of its people. I am definitely one of them.

Perhaps, I can claim that I am one of the millions of Filipinos who fell in love with the Korean culture even before the Hallyu wave has hit my country. In 2006, I was already listening to the songs of Super Junior, my favorite band. I even had the crazy illusion of becoming a Super Junior myself. I was already wiping tears to Cho Eun’s heartbreaking rendition of Ahn Dwe Get Ni. I even fell in love with Korean Dramas like Full House, Autumn Fairytale, Jumong, Daejanggeum and What Happened in Bali, where the lead actor, Jo Insung, became my idol. Ah! The Korean Culture has truly captivated me. But I felt that it will not be complete without an actual tour in this marvelous place I only get to see on film and television.

Since Korea is one of the world’s premiere tourist destinations, I have expected that the price of its Tour Package to cost me half a year’s salary. The sky-high ticket sales, the luxurious destinations, and the sumptuous feasts. Korean Culture is calling me to flock to its historic shores, but facing the fact that I do not have enough means yet is making me all the more excited and passionate about Korea. 

Missed Chances

According to Feng Shui, the Year of the Water Dragon will bring me some travelling luck. Of course, when I heard this, the first thing that popped in my mind is the fulfillment of a long-standing wish, a trip to Korea.

In May, a friend of mine planned a trip to Korea with us. But unfortunately, it didn’t pursue due to our hectic schedules. Chance number one, down.

This year, I won a Special Citation at the 3^rd Dokdo International Essay Writing Competition. I was really excited because I thought I can finally fulfill my ultimate tourist dream. Unfortunately, my delusions have been cut short when I was informed that only the upper 6 of the Top 12 will be given free round trip tickets to Korea for the awarding ceremony. Chance number two, down again.

But nevertheless, I fervently hope and believe that the time will come when I will be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of South Korea. And if I were given the chance to have a three-day trip, I would love to visit some of the most popular tourist destinations there.

Day One: Tranquility and Fun Rolled into One

I have fallen in love with Song Hye Gyo the first time I laid eyes on her in Autumn Fairytale. It may sound silly, but my interest in Korea sprung from two major reasons: It’s either I marry Song Hye Gyo, or I become a Super Junior. I can say that Song Hye Gyo is definitely the most beautiful woman I have ever seen in my entire life.

And for that reason, I think it would be fitting if my first destination would be the filming location of the hit Korean Drama Full House, which became the highest rating Korean Drama in my country, with over 50% of viewership every single night. Practically speaking, Full House is in Shi Island, right behind the Incheon International Airport. I want to have a taste of the laid back, rural setting ambiance of the island and walk at the shore of a semi-placid beach. I also want to see how beautiful the interiors of the house are, so that when I get married one day, I would construct a similar home. 

 

When I get to the buzzling Seoul, I would love to begin my tour by visiting the Haeinsa Temple, one of the three jewel temples in Korea. I want to make my journey meaningful by spiritually connecting to the heart of Korea. I want to discover and experience first hand why the Koreans have very indomitable spirits, and how they are able to cope with the challenges of the global era and maintain the tradition that has become a sturdy pillar of their development. I also want to explore my inner persona through the Chamseon, or Zen Meditation, so that I can lament on my thoughts and allow my spirit to soar and receive the dynamic energy of Korea in the coming days.

Afterwards, I would love to pig out at the Byeokjae Galbi, one of the finest Korean restaurants in Seoul, which offers the best Korean barbeques in town. I would love to sink my teeth on the tender meat offered by this quality restaurant, which develops its products from Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province, maintained by the restaurant owner itself. As a certified carnivore, I would definitely eat my heart out here.      

I also want to tour around the Naju Samhanji, the filming location of the Korean epic drama Jumong. I have always been captivated by the Monarchy system of Ancient Korea. I have always admired historical characters like Janggeum, Dongyi, and most of all, Jumong, whose contributions have changed the landscape of Korean culture and history to what it is today.

The sets look grand and illustrious on television. It looks like a different world out there, a world where kings, queens, princes and princesses, and their dignified servants walk around in silk robes. I know that I will definitely get chills walking on the same ground where popular actors like Song Il-Gook relieved Korean dramas of epic proportions, seen by the whole world.

My first day in Seoul would culminate with my visit to the Korean Folk Village. I want to see how the early Koreans who lived during the Joseon Dynasty and how they differ from the Koreans today. During this golden era, the Koreans were able to develop their potentials to survive the challenges of their time.

Afterwards, after a sumptuous dinner, I want to visit the Dragonhill Spa and try the invigorating and rejuvenating spa treatment that can only be experienced in Korea. I want to try the inviting charcoal sauna with traditional heating techniques. I want to sweat out my exhaustion from a fun and memorable day in the jjimjilbang. I want to ease my tensed muscles in a seawater bath and dive into a bathtub with rose petals.

  

Hurray on the Second day

Fun! Fun! Fun!

After a meaningful first day, I would love to spend my second day having fun in various destinations. I would love to visit the Lotte World in Seoul, one of the most illustrious places in the world, housing the planet’s largest indoor theme park.       

I remember a scene from Full House, where Rain was convincing Song Hye Gyo to come to Magic Island. I want to experience real fun in this artificial island inside a lake linked by a monorail, shopping malls, and a grand hotel. I also want to visit the Korean Folk Museum and increase my knowledge of Korea. Who knows, I might even catch a movie in its first-class theater.

I also would like to visit Everland, Korea’s biggest theme park, where the T Express is located. Even though my acrophobia won’t allow me to try it, I still want to see Korea’s first and largest wooden rollercoaster of its kind. I want to hear those who dare to wear their hearts on their sleeves snap their body parts screaming while taking the ride of their lives to this 5,838 feet long which is also the steepest at an angle of 77 degrees, an altitude of 56 meters and a drop of 57 meters.

Then, I would spend the rest of my day in the Dongdaemun Market. I want to immerse myself in the thriving groups of shoppers and absorb the warm and lively energy of the place. I want to experience how to bargain, and perhaps, I can have a makeover ala Super Junior!!! After an exciting experience in Dongdaemun, I want to witness how the busy streets of Seoul transform into a vibrant feast of colors that paint the city’s empty sky canvass come night time. I want to pop out my retina with the infinite display of neon lights exploding in strong and cheerful colors. I also want to visit downtown Seoul, and take souvenir photos in Jongro tower, Jongmyo Shrine, East Gate Market complex, Gwanghwamun Plaza, the Bosingak belfry, Pagoda Park, and Namsan Tower, where I can enjoy a bird’s eye view of Seoul.

Until we meet again, Korea!

On my final day of my first visit in Korea (because this definitely won’t be the last), I wish to go the Korean Global Village Center, where foreigners, especially my fellow Filipinos, are taught how to cope with the Korean culture and live harmoniously with other expats and locals. For many years, Korea has practiced its ethnocentricity, but after it has overcome poverty, it has widely opened its portals to the world. Many foreigners heeded to the call of living a new life in Korea, but then again, a harmonious relationship between expats and Koreans cannot be forced down their throats like a piece of cake. With the establishment of global villages, Koreans and expats are able to break the barriers of indifferences and learn to work hand-in-hand in developing a better society where all races can live harmoniously.

Afterwards, my last stop would be the Dokdo Islands. Perhaps, more than Seoul, Dokdo is one of the most important trigger points of my life because my interest in the said island gave me my very first international essay writing award. Dokdo, a group of Islets composed of Dongdo and Seodo, lies equidistant between Korea and Japan. It was designated by the Korean Government as Natural Monument No. 336 because of its strong historic, economical, ecological, and geographical significance.  I want to see a real Methane Hydrate, commonly known as Burning Ice, which is said to have the ability to suffice Korea’s power supply for more than a quarter of a century. I also want to appreciate the bountiful resources of fish and aquatic creatures like abalone, neon damselfish, and yellowtail, and perhaps taste Chinese Asparagus and New Zealand Spinach that grows in its soils.

I Choose My Choice

My chosen travel destinations are not merely focused on entertainment and leisure alone. I have also chosen some historically-significant places that reflect Korea’s colorful past and their journey towards overcoming poverty, which is one of 21^st century’s most inspiring stories of progress and development. As a lover and admirer of Korean culture, I want to see their past hardships through their folk villages and temples; their present progress in their state-of-the-art facililities, parks and infrastructures; and what looms in the horizon of their country in the future.

As they say, all good things must come to an end. How I wish that my tour in Korea would be extended, but the time has come for me to return to my home country. But nevertheless, I will leave a piece of my heart in Korea. I will return to the Philippines with a soaring spirit, filled with beautiful memories and compelling stories of an affair to remember that I will treasure even beyond my lifetime.