✧ Series Note – South Korea Trip 2023 ✧
First time in South Korea. Solo. Unscripted. Raw. Real.
A short, cold trip filled with long walks, warm meals, and unforgettable moments.
📅 Dec 1–5, 2023

✈️ The Visa That Sparked a Dream

I was beyond thrilled when my tourist visa for South Korea was approved! As a big fan of K-Dramas (and all things K), I couldn’t wait to explore this vibrant country. From mouthwatering street food to centuries-old palaces, everything was calling my name.

The moment things got real, I went full-on planner mode—round-trip tickets booked, accommodation confirmed, SIM card arranged, train tickets ready, and a list of places to go and eat. I researched everything down to the tiniest detail.

🛫 Red-Eye Flight to Kimchi Land

Fast forward to December 2023…

This is it! I found myself at the airport, surrounded mostly by Korean passengers. Being a loyal fan of budget airlines and red-eye flights, I was no stranger to midnight departures. After about four hours in the air, we landed safely at Incheon International Airport. It was 4 AM Korean time. Surreal—I was finally in Kimchi Land.

After clearing immigration and the final security check, I looked for something to drink. Despite the early arrival, Incheon’s efficiency amazed me. I quickly made it through the process, withdrew Korean won, and made my first purchase at CU Convenience Store.

💳 ATM Trouble and a Helping Hand

I noticed several people struggling with the airport ATM. My card didn’t work either. For a moment, I was stuck—but a kind fellow Filipino traveler came to the rescue and pointed me to a working machine nearby. Salamat, kabayan!

🚆 AREX to Seoul: My First Korean Train Ride

With errands done, I boarded the AREX (Airport Express) from Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 to Seoul Station. The nonstop ride took around 55 minutes. Somewhere along the way, I dozed off—only to be gently woken up by a train crew as we arrived. At that point, there were only two other passengers: me and a couple.

From Seoul Station, I hopped on Subway Line 4 to Hoehyeon Station—just one stop away. Even though my T-Money card didn’t work, I made it through. Exiting Hoehyeon Station via Exit 3, I was welcomed by the Seoul winter: -7°C. 🥶

🏠 Dream Guesthouse: My Cozy Base in Seoul

Dream Guesthouse became my home for the next few nights. I booked it through Agoda, and its location was perfect—just a 3-minute walk from Hoehyeon Station Exit 3, and very close to Namdaemun Market and Myeongdong Street.

The guesthouse featured a cozy common area on the first floor with a water dispenser, free brewed coffee and tea, and a vending machine. Security was reliable, with CCTV, an elevator to the third floor, and even laundry service.

The dorm room had private lockers, clean shared bathrooms with hot and cold showers, and basic toiletries. After leaving my luggage behind, I was ready to explore.

⛪️ Myeongdong Cathedral: A Moment of Peace

My first stop: the beautiful Myeongdong Cathedral. Just a short walk from Myeongdong Street, this Gothic-style Catholic church offered a quiet escape from the city buzz. It was serene—a place for prayer, reflection, and even a bit of fangirling, knowing it’s been a filming location for several K-Dramas.

As I stood in its courtyard, surrounded by stained-glass windows and solemn architecture, a calming sense of reverence washed over me.

🏯 Gyeongbokgung Palace: History in Motion

From Myeongdong Station, I took subway Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station, then walked to Exit 5. I had hoped to rent a hanbok for the full palace experience, but the freezing weather won. Instead, I paid the KRW 3,000 entry fee and explored the majestic grounds.

Though I wanted to rent a hanbok (traditional Korean dress) to enter for free and snap those iconic photos, the biting cold made me skip it. Instead, I paid KRW 3,000 and entered warmly dressed.

Gyeongbokgung is one of the Five Grand Palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty. Some parts were royal residences, while others served as venues for state affairs, banquets, and rituals. Many K-dramas and films have also featured its historic grounds—no wonder it felt both majestic and familiar.

🗽 Gwanghwamun Square: In the Heart of History

From the palace, I walked to nearby Gwanghwamun Square, a symbolic and cultural center of Seoul. It’s also the main gate to Gyeongbokgung Palace.

The square is a favorite among tourists and locals, with wide open spaces perfect for photos, cultural events, and people-watching. Its centerpiece: a towering statue of King Sejong, the creator of Hangul, Korea’s alphabet. Nearby stands Admiral Yi Sun-sin, a revered hero in Korean naval history.

And in the background? The majestic Bukhansan Mountain.

🌆 Myeongdong After Dark: Lights, Life, and Late-Night Bites

That evening, I returned to Myeongdong Street. Neon lights. Street food aromas. Skincare shops galore. The energy was infectious. The street lit up with food stalls, fashion boutiques, skincare shops, and bright neon lights.

The buzz was infectious. Whether you’re in the mood for shopping, people-watching, or just indulging in street food, Myeongdong never disappoints.

I grabbed a bite at Burger King (don’t judge!), freshened up at the guesthouse, and tried to settle in. Sleep didn’t come easily—one dorm-mate’s video volume was a little too enthusiastic. The joys of shared spaces, right?

💤 First Night Feels: Guesthouse Life

My first night in Seoul was a mix of excitement and a bit of frustration. I couldn’t sleep right away because someone in the dorm was watching a video—volume on. That’s the guesthouse experience: a mix of shared space and new encounters. Sometimes charming, sometimes not.

*** I wrapped up 2023 with an adventure to the land of K-Pop—a journey that felt like a dream yet came with its own moments of truth. A few unexpected mishaps added some spice to the trip, but in the end, I was beyond grateful to finally tick South Korea off my travel bucket list; a place that once sparked a dream becomes the one that reminds you how far you’ve come.***