Winter in South Korea

We were in South Korea last February 2012, specifically to experience winter. I have not seen a real snow, so I was kinda looking forward to the trip!

Someone told me that the Koreanovela "Winter Sonata" shows how beautiful South Korea is. I am not a fan of Koreanovelas but I watched it anyway. After several weeks of watching all the episodes, I could say it was worth watching. The film setting was and still is romantic! It made me more excited for the trip.

Official Poster

During the preparation for the trip, I knew it was cold in South Korea during winter season. I knew I need to wear thermal clothing and other accessories to keep me warm. Having been living in a tropical country all my life, I just didn't have any idea how -10 degrees and lower really feels like. Well, I experienced  a -5 degree "weather" in Genting, Malaysia's Snow World but that's not the same as the real thing. So yes, it was soooo da*n cold in SK in february - I could hardly walk or move!

Our 3-day stay in South Korea comprises of visit to these places:

NAMI ISLAND (Rank #1)

This is a tiny island about 60 kilometers off Seoul and is open to visitors all year round. The island is clean and very relaxing, especially if you arrive here early when visitors are few. I like it so much, hence, the plan to visit it again in autumn next year with Mom.

How we got to Nami Island from Seoul:

• From MTR starting point, alighted at Sangbong station (Line 7)
• From Sangbong Station, transferred to Kyungchun/Gyeongchun Line (train to Chuncheon), then alighted at Gapyeong Station (this leg took about an hour)
• From Gapyeong Station, took a cab to Ferry Terminal

 From Nami Island back to Seoul:

• From Gapyeong station alighted at Sangbong station to our next subway destination.

Fee: KW8,000 inclusive of round trip ferry ride (as of February 2012)

Time Spent: About 8 hours including travel time

Yes it's that cold (-15 degrees C)! the water was almost frozen, and you could hear the ice crack as the ferry to the island passed by.

Winter Sonata fever

 

BUKCHON HANOK VILLAGE (Rank #2)

Traditional Korean houses, most of which were built some dynasties ago, can be found in this area. This place is best seen early morning on foot, over an uphill/downhill terrain.

How we got here:

Anguk Station Line 3, exit 2.

Fee: Free (You just need to have good legs. LOL!)

Time Spent: About 3 hours

  

*image taken from the internet

ICE GALLERY

This is said to be the world’s first indoor ice sculpture gallery that is open year-round. This is located within Bukchon Hanok Village.

 How we got here:

Anguk Station Line 3, exit 1.

Note: Walk straight until you pass the Twosome Place and Olive Young and turn right.  Keep following that road until you see Art Sonje Center on your left.  At the Art Sonje Center, turn right and the gallery will be on your right, across from the Jeong Dok Public Library.

Fee: KW7,000 (as of February 2012)

Time Spent: About 30 minutes 

Ice bed, anyone?

Frozen Vase

Frozen Post-It Notes

Frozen Cake

 

GYEONGBOKGUNG PALACE

The largest among the 5 palaces is South Korea. The highlight of every visit is the "Royal Guard-Changing Ceremony". The ceremony lets you witness what they use to do ages ago, in full, colorful costumes.

  

How we got here:

Gyeongbokgung Station Line 3, exit 5.

Fee: KW3,000 (as of February 2012) 

Time Spent: About 1.5 hours

I belong! LOL

N SEOUL TOWER/LOCKS OF LOVE (Rank #3)

N Seoul Tower aka Seoul Tower/Namsan Tower is best visited before sunset. The area offers a nice view of Seoul. The "Locks of Love" area is very cute and should not be missed.

How we got here:

Chungmuro Station Line 3, exit 2.

Note:  To the right of Daehan Multiplex entrance after exiting, take yellow bus No. 2.

Fee: KW9,000 including entrance to the Observatory (as of February 2012)

Time Spent: About 3 hours 

 

TRICK EYE MUSEUM - Santorini Seoul (Rank #4)

This is a very nice museum complex that lets you make fun of realistic paintings and other structures.

How we got here:

Hongik University Station Line 2, exit 9.

Fee: KW13,000 (as of February 2012)

Time Spent: About 3 hours 

 

CHANGDEOKGUNG PALACE

This is one of the 5 Grand Palaces is South Korea.

How we got here:

Anguk Station Line 3, exit 3.

Fee: KW3,000 (as of February 2012) 

Time Spent: About 30 minutes

For your shopping needs, these are the places to be:

Namdeamun Market 

Hoehyeon Station Line 4, Exit 5

Insadong 

Anguk Station Line 3, Exit 6

Here's Seoul subway map:

By and large, South Korea is a very beautiful country and Koreans are very nice people. Thanks to the multiple entry visa, I can visit this lovely country anytime for the next 3 years! I shall definitely return!