Introduction 

“Can’t get enough of South Korean culture!” 

Hello everyone, Say here! Let me share my second trip to South Korea. This time, let me demonstrate the changes I’ve experienced before and during the pandemic. 

Almost everyone we know is crazy about Seoul and South Korea. Some are interested in cosmetics. Many people are addicted to music and television series. And practically everyone, including ourselves, is crazy about the meal. This time around, I went to South Korea with my family for three (3) days and celebrated Valentine’s Day with them.

Korea Visa Requirements 

During my 2020 trip, there was an announcement that Philippine passport holders will be granted VISA-FREE travel to places such as Seoul, Busan, and Nami Island, putting South Korea on your bucket list one step closer! But for the sake of this blog let me share with you how I initially got a Korean Visa last 2018.  

As an update, the  Korean embassy released an announcement last April 2021, The Korean Embassy in the Philippines exclusively accepts applications for ESSENTIAL travel – including long-term and short-term visas. Please see this website for further information on these types of visas.

Pre-travel Essentials for Korea

Before you go to South Korea, here are a few items you should book ahead of time, including everything from a visa to transportation passes. Seoul travel requirements appear to refine on a daily basis as a result of the present worldwide scenario.

Here’s a quick checklist prepared for you: 

• Check if you have a valid K-ETA, Visa or APEC Card
• Check if you are eligible for quarantine exemption
• Download app prior to departure to Korea
• Mandatory travel insurance
• Undergo a COVID-19 PCR test before departure

You may read more about the checklist provided above here. 

Korea during the pandemic 

South Korea has four degrees of Social Distancing in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Keep an eye on local media because levels and limitations might change quickly.

•  In enclosed public spaces or on public transportation, you must wear a mask. 
• You must also wear a mask in outdoor locations if you are unable to keep a 2m distance from others.
  • There are certain exceptions.
    • Exceptions for mask-wearing are made for children under 24 months or people with disabilities or those who may have difficulty wearing a face mask for medical reasons.

4 Degrees of Social Distancing in Korea

If you must travel to South Korea, make sure you are vaccinated and up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines before traveling. Visit this website to determine the pre-existing COVID regulations implemented in Korea. 

Getting Around Seoul 

Seoul is a city that is quite walkable. When possible, take a walk. Most historic sights are within walking distance of one other if you stay in Jongno. Otherwise, there’s always the metro, which makes finding your way about Seoul a breeze.

I recommend that you download the FREE Subway Korea app prior to your trip. It is accessible for both iOS and Android devices. 

I outlined a guide specifically for this, you may check out the information here. 

3-Day Tour Itinerary 

Day 1 in Korea

Vivaldi Park Snowy Land and Ski 

Vivaldi Park is Korea’s most popular snow park. Snowy Land, one of the park’s amenities, has recently become the most popular winter destination, especially for families with children! When we visited Vivaldi park, we stayed there for almost the whole day! 

Let me share with you the rates and operating hours of the park. 

Operating hours is from: 10:00am – 21:00pm

Myeongdong

To end the night right, we did a bit of shopping at Myeongdong. If you’re not much familiar with the Myeongdong area, maybe a few clips from famous K-drama scenes will help you remember. 

I took a photo of this apartment last 2018 and did the same with this trip for 2020.

If you’re familiar with the hit Korean drama series “Legend of the Blue Sea” led by your very own Lee Min Ho then you most likely remember his luxurious house located in Myeongdong Station 3.

Day 2

Nami Island Day Tour 

Like most of us, I first heard about Nami Island when it was utilized as the scene for Winter Sonata. Nami Island is 430,000 square meters in size. This half-moon-shaped island in the middle of the Han River was practically deserted, with only a few chestnut trees. 

If you’re planning on having a day tour experience in Nami Island here are a few activities you could be doing. 

Petite France 

After enjoying the beauty of Nami Island we decided to visit Petite France.  Petite France is a charming French-themed cultural town in Gapyeong County, adjacent to Cheongpyeong Lake.

It is a 20-minute ride from Nami Island. From the natural picturesque vibes that Nami Island brings we transitioned to a pastel-colored French-style building set against gorgeous mountains and a lake. Very instagrammable views! 

While we were at Petite France, we had an opportunity to try out Chicken Dakgalbi. It is a famous Korean meal that involves stir-frying seasoned chopped chicken in a gochujang-based sauce.

I have been personally waiting to try out an authentic dakgalbi, truly it is different from what is served normally in the Philippines. 

Day 3

Gangnam

Seoul is separated into two halves by the Han River (Hangang), which divides the city into two halves, with Gangbuk in the north and Gangnam in the south. While Gangbuk is more of a historic city, encompassing Seoul’s heart, 

Gangnam is home to the city’s contemporary attractions, including the Lotte World Tower, COEX Mall, and skyscrapers in the Gangnam neighborhood.

Lotte World

Lotte World is one of the city’s two major theme parks. There are a few lesser ones, but only two are truly worthwhile. While Everland is located in Gyeonggi-do rather than the city center, Lotte World is located directly across the street from Jamsil Station. 

Unfortunately, I was not able to take photos during this part of our trip. We were honestly very excited and thrilled to be trying out the rides in the amusement park. It honestly felt like I was back to being a 5-year old girl!

Lotte World Information 

Operating Hours: 9:30 am – 10:00 pm

Check this page to see if certain attractions are closed.

Tickets to Lotte World 

DMZ 

The demilitarized zone (DMZ) is a no-land zone that serves as a barrier between North and South Korea. Other similar barriers exist and have existed in the past to separate unstable countries or territories. It makes sense: if two regions are at odds, they are more likely to battle and invade one another if they are in close proximity.

We initially decided to travel to DMZ but unfortunately due to African Swine Flu we weren’t permitted to visit. 

Helpful tips for you

• Don’t forget to check Philippine Embassy and save their numbers in case of emergencies you may face during the trip 
• Another tip for security purposes, I would suggest that you rent a WiFi in Dongle Airport instead of connecting to free WiFis.

I hope you found my Korean Adventure fun and helpful! If you have any questions feel free to comment here or reach me through my social media for questions and clarifications! I’d be more than happy to help!

For more blog updates you can check out my website @ www.lakwatsanisay.com or follow me through my social media platforms!