1, 2, 3 - Kimchi! (Part 1)

To say that the world is crazy about Koreans is an understatement. Thanks to PSY and his op-op-op-op-op oppan Gangnam Style. But even before the horseback-riding dance moves became a sensation, and even though we know "we're never going to be 'Gangnam' enough" (borrowed the line from my friend Zaheen), Filipinos had long been gaga over everything Koreano.

(I saw this boy group performing PSY's Gangnam Style upon arriving at Incheon International Airport. Video by Thessa Sandoval)

I became part of the "Korean fandom" when I was in high school. I was addicted to Justin and Jessie (Rain and Song Hye Kyo) of Full House in 3rd year high school. I found their love story very cute and very funny. I also remember going to school channeling Jessie's side ponytail or curly hairdo and go out donning her style: bolero and skirt and all.

the "Jessie" curls and side ponytail

As a matter of fact, I used to know the Tagalog version of the "Three Bears" song by heart--"si Papa Bear, si Mama Bear, at si Baby Bear"--with matching steps pa! I loved performing it in front of all my classmates (too bad, 'di pa uso ang mag-post sa YouTube noon).

(The Three Bears Song. This video brings back memories!
Courtesy: Sara Yahya)

Funny enough, though, travelling to South Korea never really crossed my mind before. It wasn't one of my dream destinations. This was the first time I travelled internationally without any family member or close friend with me, and it was worth the try.

I don't vacation a lot, since in Canada, everyone's really too busy to go on holidays often, so whenever I have the opportunity to go, I really want my travel to be filled with lots of adventure. They say that sometimes the best things in life happen when you don't really plan for it very much -- very true in travelling as well. This trip was a very random decision, truth be told. But it was SO MUCH FUN.

If not PAL, I take Korean Air to the Philippines, so I thought, why not stop over for a few days in Korea and see for myself what the craze is all about? "Ganun din naman ang pamasahe," my sub-conscious said. ("The fare costs the same," my sub-conscious said.)

That I love K-pop, or I am addicted to their dramas wasn't the sole reason why I wanted to visit Korea (though my friend told me that a lot of foreigners travel to, move to, or study in Korea for those reasons and said she's not even kidding).

I went to Korea because I was very interested in their history as well. I learned a lot about its history while doing my post-graduate studies. My classmates, Pam and Kyle, did a documentary about North Korean refugees in Canada, which really piqued my interest (as if makakapasok ako sa N. Korea), and we did discuss the Korean War a lot in our Global Conflict class. I love the fact that Korea is very modern and historical at the same time (and I'm envious of the fact that Koreans can look both cute and sexy at the same time).

I started out my journey in Incheon to meet my mom's friend, Ate Michelle (a Filipina who's happily married to a Korean). She became a good friend of mine too. Who would not become friends after four days of walking together to search high and low, far and wide for the best spots in Seoul and Incheon? Thanks to her and to Imo and Samcheon (Auntie and Uncle -- her in-laws), I stayed faithful to my promise to try my best to experience the local life when travelling. Thank you to my cousin, Kuya Ivan, for treating me out for lunch! (Note: Kuya Ivan works for a telecom company in Korea.) A big Kamsahamnida to all of you!

Here's my journey in photos:
(Photos by Thessa Sandoval)

DAY 1

Bupyeong
Incheon, South Korea

Imo (Auntie) and Ate Michelle preparing
a very Korean dinner for me :)

home-made lemon tea, and rice cakes

the Korean version of pancit

having a sumptuous dinner in front of the TV (which is Samsung, btw)

Don't I look like a Koreana from afar? (say yes, say yes. teehee!)

trying their street food in Bupyeong

DAY 2

very convenient sakyan

Seoul City Tour

Deoksugung Palace

The War Memorial of Korea

Myeongdong

Itaewon

N Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower)

- Teddy Bear Museum

Hello Kitty Cafe

Nanta Cookin' Show

Siloam Sauna and Hot Spring (sleepover)

I was told that behind this gate and these walls is already N. Korea

Deoksugung Palace

old and new

very cute kids also on a tour at the War Memorial Museum

"Gwi Yeo Weo!" (Cute!)

ex-President Ramos led the battalion
Philippines sent to help South Korea during the Korean War

at the War Memorial Museum

the holes marked red were from bullets
fired by the North Korean military

Itaewon

PSY shirts. f'course I bought one. for my dad.

a very romantic place: Namsan Tower

saw this on a Thai movie, Hello Stranger. I didn't expect that I'll see it in person as well! so here's the catch: you and your special someone can put your own lock here and write promises of love, throwing the key away afterwards for "everlasting love" (hopefully I can come back with that special someone one day ;D)