South Korea (Part 3) - Gyeongbukgong Palace - Lotte World - Namdaemun - Dongdaemun – Stream

Our 3^rd day started in one of South Korea’s priceless gems, Gyeongbukgong Palace. 

When we were in the subway station, I was actually expecting to exit in a much quieter place. But to my surprise, the Palace actually stands in the middle of bustling streets and modern skyscrapers. Yes, it is still in the heart of Seoul.

A little history from Wikipedia, Gyeongbokgung Palace or Gyeongbok Palace -- is a royal palace located in northern Seoul, South Korea. First constructed in 1395, later burned and abandoned for almost three centuries, and then reconstructed in 1867, it was the main and largest palace of the Five Grand Palaces built by the Joseon Dynasty. The name means "Palace" [Gung] "Greatly Blessed by Heaven" [Gyeongbok].

This attraction is very large – about the size of Disneyland I guess. And for the price of 3,000 won, you get to explore the vicinity. But you must be there early to witness the ceremonial changing of guards the palace is famous for at 10 AM (though there are other scheduled times as well).

After around an hour of walking and picture taking..

.. we already felt hungry and decided to have lunch at the nearest restaurant we can find, which we found after a few minutes (we had another bite of authentic Korean dishes). After filling our bodies with the much-needed energies, we headed to Lotte World.

lunch!

When I heard of Lotte World, I didn’t actually expect it to be THAT huge. I thought it would only be a typical theme park. Yes, it has a theme park BUT not just a theme park. It has the world’s largest indoor theme park. It has an outdoor amusement park as well, a mall, hotel, museum, etc. etc. It’s actually considered one of the most world-class theme parks in Asia.

indoor theme park!

illusions at trick eye museum

 I particularly like their trick eye museum. It was not that many but it sure made me love Lotte world more. We actually also went to Magic Island but when we thought there was another entrance, we went out only to find out I lost my ticket! We could not enter anymore. I felt so sorry for my companion. 

magic island at Lotte world

Instead of crying over the lost ticket, we focused ourselves to our next destination instead, Namdaemun! It’s a street market located in one of the 8 gates in the Fortress wall of Seoul. We bought a street food we never really liked (sorry) then strolled along the various vendors. I was able to buy a souvenir shirt though the price was a bit expensive.

Namdaemun

After noting the not-so-affordable prices, we transferred to Dongdaemun. Then after 2 hours, decided to visit the stream. I was taking picture of Iris while waiting in the subway to the stream. We boarded a train and walked to the best part of the stream. We stopped by a coffee shop and was about to take another pic of the cute place when I realized that I LOST MY CAMERA!!!

When Iris’ cup of coffee was served, we immediately went out and hailed a cab to the station where I last used my camera. The station was about to close already and the in-charge did not understand us at first. So, we explained to him the best way we can.

He then led us to the bench where I last took a pic but only to find none. When I asked him to view the CCTV, he said the camera does not capture 360 degrees view. In short, there’s no way we can see if I really left my camera in the bench. And this kinda broke my heart. 

We then went back to the guesthouse. I really regret not posting the pictures in FB real-time. I might have something to see though I would lose it later on. I really had a hard time taking this.

South Korea (Part 1) - NAIA, Philippines - Incheon Airport - Ann Guesthouse - DMZ - Myeongdong

South Korea (Part 2) - Petite France - Nami Island - Dongdaemun 

South Korea (Part 3) - Gyeongbukgong Palace - Lotte World - Namdaenum - Dongdaenum - Stream

South Korea (Part 4) - Bukchon Hanok Village - Palace - Garusogil, Gangnam - N Seoul Tower - Incheon Airport

South Korea (Part 2): Petite France - Nami Island - Dongdaemun

We were up early ‘cause we should be. Haha. Since today, we would be going to Nami Island! We met with the others at Gapyeong Station, the last station of the Seoul line.

while waiting for the train to gapyeong

at gapyeong station waiting for the bus

We waited for a bus that would take us to Nami Island. Much to my delight, that bus would actually stop by Petite France before heading to Nami Island! Since we were going to a farther part of South Korea, I was glad to have a closer experience with Korea’s mountains and rivers.

The bus stopped by Petite France. It’s actually an attraction themed after the Little Prince. It was so cute and so not Korean. Feels like we’re in Europe!!!

We had lunch here.

lunch was served!

And after some time of exploration, waited for a bus (with the same franchise as what we boarded awhile ago) to take us to the Immigration of Namesan Republic!

Namesan Republic or commonly known as Nami Island, is a ferry away from the Immigration.

 If you happen to see the Koreanovela “Winter Sonata”, going to this place would really be a dream come true. Most of the scenes in the famous series were actually shot here.

Since I was still in highschool when this was shown on TV, I only remembered one thing - the line of trees where the couple in the series mostly date and bike. We were so engrossed with the line of trees that we almost take a shot on any line of trees we see. Haha.

 

another one

But after so many tries, we were able to locate the right one.. (from www.lukewrites.com)

the treeeeeees!

Some more pics here!

yeah, it's fall!

where first kiss happened

I come to appreciate Korea's natural beauty in Nami Island. It was so natural and you could really unwind and just wander if you have time. I even have this review in Tripadvisor.

So, after around 2 hours of strolling, we went back to the entrance and boarded the ferry to the mainland then to the station then to Myeongdong where we ate porridge. My gosh, it was not the usual porridge. The serving was big and it has a lot of spices in it.

on the way to Dongdaemun

We could not finish the whole meal as we were really full. So, we decided to start shopping. We went to Dongdaemun, a commercial district consisting of buildings with shops selling various items, mostly clothes. And the shocking part is.. most of these establishments close at 5 AM!!! Just imagine doing shopping in the wee hours of the morning.

one of the shopping malls

Since it was fall, all of the items on display relate to it. There are long sleeves or any thick garments. So, I ended up with nothing in my hands as I cannot use those things back here in the Philippines.

We then parted ways and looked forward to our 3rd day!

South Korea (Part 1) - NAIA, Philippines - Incheon Airport - Ann Guesthouse - DMZ - Myeongdong

South Korea (Part 2) - Petite France - Nami Island - Dongdaemun 

South Korea (Part 3) - Gyeongbukgong Palace - Lotte World - Namdaenum - Dongdaenum - Stream

South Korea (Part 4) - Bukchon Hanok Village - Palace - Garusogil, Gangnam - N Seoul Tower - Incheon Airport