INITIAL THOUGHTS AND IMPRESSIONS IN SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA | LUCKILYLENNY TELL-ALL

Posted on by luckilylenny

South Korea has been one of my top and dream destination when talked about traveling. I assume you probably know how I am deeply attached to the Kdrama industry. As a matter of fact, I have said it countless times in this blog and in my social media platforms how Kpop world greatly affects my emotions, and somehow, my lifestyle. 

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I have grown to be a lady who always sees my life in a Kdrama situations. Funny it may seem, I have lots of imaginations and dreams relating to my Kdrama craziness. I would sometimes (always) imagine my love story falling into the same nature how Kdrama evolves and a lot of stuff and funny things to say so.

If you’re a gal like me, I know you are, and wanting to visit South Korea in the nearest future this post is dedicated to you!

See also: HOW TO APPLY FOR SOUTH KOREA TOURIST VISA FOR FILIPINOS and OTHER EXPATS Residents in Qatar + TIPS FOR GETTING APPROVED

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1. The moment I set my foot on the ground of South Korea, the conversations (Hangul) that I used to hear in the Kdrama scenes were finally in reality. I felt that I was on the television or a minor cast on the set. The feeling seems to be surreal! The way they deliver their melodic sentences gives me a greater feeling of excitement. Small cute kids would call their parents with a sweet voice of “Ommmmaaaaaa” or “Opppppppppaaaa” and couldn’t stop myself to watch them as they pass in front of my face while waiting for our luggage. I can literally watch locals from there!

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2. I don’t want to sound negative about this, but we really had a hard time communicating with the locals. There are a few would understand basic (the most basic) English but the accent was present and strong too. Our target locals when we want to ask for something (directions, most of the time) were mostly college students. Although, older generations are very helpful (I can say so) but we can not understand them. They speak freely their language as if they were expecting that we understand it. What we have to do is to keep vowing our heads as a sign of gratitude and assuming that we understand them too!

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3. Seoul is a shopping destination of all sorts of makeups and skin care that you like. From each subway stations, there is a stall of a makeup brand and a dedicated street (Myeongdong) where a place for makeup brands and fashion clothing is lined up in there. HEAVEN!

4. People mostly are fashionable. They have a good sense of fashion styles relating to the weather. They dress really well, smart and simple. 

5. Coffee shops are everywhere. On the go or cute cafes, name it. From each corner of the street, you’ll have an access to coffee. You’ll see mostly locals would carry iced coffee as well, it’s like a cup of macchiato is part of their outfit. Most of the time I blend with them, given the fact that Mr. Lucky gave me full access to coffee! Lol.

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6. Prepare your feet. A lot of walking is waiting for you. We managed to visit each location through subway hopping from each station to another station. To reach your certain desired spot you may have to walk for about 10 minutes and explore the area by means of walking too. I mean, we are traveling and that means a lot of physical activities surely be required. Some streets are inclined to 20 – 30 degrees up and down, surely you have to be prepared for this.

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7. I’ve seen a lot of extreme public display of affection from the locals. From the stations to the streets, to shopping centers and even inside the train, there are young locals who would deliberately show his/her affection towards to his/her other half. I’ve seen a dozen times of exact scenes of these. The first experience was kinda awkward but as the day goes by I got used to it. What I mean of “extreme public display” is more of a hugging situation when you say goodbye to each other. Do I need to elaborate more?

8. Seoul is a combination of a modern and traditional culture. The country has preserved most of the Palaces where Kings and Queens of Joseon Era lived. Part of their tourism attraction is to experience to wear their traditional hanbok and from there, you can roam around the city as much as you like.

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9. The food is undeniably awesome! Korean meal always consists of varieties of delicious side dishes. Number one on the table is the presence of Kimchi, then followed by different pickled vegetables.

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10. I didn’t see any Oppa (cute guy in my definition) in my sight. Trust me, I widened my eyes on this and fully focuses on each guy’s faces. Lol I don’t know why I didn’t see any.

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I personally enjoyed my dream vacation, I have finally witnessed in reality what I’ve always binge-watched in TV.  I do not generalized my observation but somehow, it has to do with the actual life scenarios in Korea.

If any of you have the same experience or thoughts on your first time visit in Seoul, let’s chat in the comment section below!

Kamsahamnida! ❤

T R O P I C A N A (9)

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39 thoughts on “INITIAL THOUGHTS AND IMPRESSIONS IN SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA | LUCKILYLENNY TELL-ALL”

  1. Pingback: GOT’EM AT AUTUMN | EASY-7 DAYS TRAVEL ITINERARY IN SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA (PART 1) – LUCKILYLENNY

  5. I love this post Lenny! First of all, I can totally relate to how you feel about travelling for the first time to a place that has always held a special place in your heart. For you it might be Korea, for me it was Denmark. To see and feel the place you’ve imagined countless times finally come alive is an emotional rollercoaster. I also love those photos, you almost look Korean! The food and places you’ve shown us are amazing but also incredibly real. Such a shame about the lack of oppas. Unfortunately a lot of them only exist in our TV sets and our imaginations. Or I suggest trying Denmark, plenty of oppas out that way! 😊

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    1. Yes, I do remember your blog post about Denmark and Amsterdam too. I was feeling so nostalgic from that moment while reading it and seeing your photos as well. That Fault in the Stars hit me so hard emotionally, for that I couldn’t forget all the places and scenes in my memory…
      Thank you for appreciating the photos Jolene, it means a lot coming from you – as always! I’d love to visit Denmark for sure! Seeing your travel photos makes me research about the flights going there and travel infos. Haha!

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      1. Well it’s actually so easy to travel to Europe from Qatar! Every time I go I transfer through Doha and it’s just so centrally located (between Australia and Europe at least). Would love to see a post from you called Impressions of Denmark 😉

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  8. Nope Lennie!
    You can’t deny that you met Oppa here.
    And reason you suffered with locals is because you got me just one single night time, unfortunately.
    It was sudden trip for me as well, surveying all Middle East but not Qatar.
    You were unluckily Lennie haha

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    1. Hahaha! You got me there “suffering with locals”! I reaaaaaallly didn’t met any Oppa. If I had it, I might be posting it on my Instagram! lol I was unlucky in finding Oppa, indeed. :p

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  9. OMG. Dream ko rin makapunta sa South Korea at gusto ko na rin marinig ang Hangul live! Kaso feeling ko maloloka ako, mapapasabi nalang ako na, “Wala akong maintindihan walang subtitle!!!” HAHAHA. And totoo pala na clingy ang Koreans even in real life, akala ko sa mga KDrama lang ganun.

    Nakakatuwa naman and nakakaexcite ‘tong post na ‘to! Can’t wait na ako naman soon! 🙂

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  10. I love your pictures, lakas maka K drama ng dating.. I totally agree with number 2.. We downloaded an app, but we didn’t get to use it often din.. We mainly use sign language and whenever we need to ask for direction, we approach the younger generation because they can converse in english.. I don’t want to make you feel envy (haha), but I’ve seen some Oppas when we went last year.. There was an ongoing rally in Seoul that time, and most of those guys on their mandatory military service were everywhere.. As in nakapila sila malapit sa mga tourist attractions.. Hay!! Hoping to go back to Korea soon.. Hope to see you.. 🙂

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  11. I love your pictures, lakas maka K drama ng dating.. I totally agree with number 2.. We downloaded an app, but we didn’t get to use it often din.. We mainly use sign language and whenever we need to ask for direction, we approach the younger generation because they can converse in english plus if they are in doubt, they will search for the direction on their phones.. I don’t want to make you feel envy (haha), but I’ve seen some Oppas when we went last year.. There was an ongoing rally in Seoul that time, and most of those guys on their mandatory military service were everywhere.. As in nakapila sila malapit sa mga tourist attractions.. Haha.. Hay!! Hoping to go back to Korea soon.. Hope to see you.. 🙂

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    1. Thank you, I did not intend it though it seems to appear that way! Hehehe Exactly they are, they often rely on their phones for the direction then they will show exactly the map.They are indeed helpful.

      Reeeeaaally? You are such a lucky girl (luckiest!) Haha! Seoul was so calm during the time of our visit. Typical day scenarios of school days and regular working days. So kasabay namin sa train mostly mga students and employees. Wala talaga besh!

      Well, I hope to bump with you around! Let’s catch up, there’s more stories to tell pa! 😀

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    1. Thank you, thank you. Yes they are kinda helpful naman. I have this folder in my phone which is dedicated for SEOUL SURVIVAL. Hehehe Offline maps, Tourist Infos, and Translator are really helpful talaga. Addition to that English – Korean transaltion, some words do not exist in their everyday life. My boss told me its way too deep and very – very formal, as if you were speaking to a King. haha! They have this kind of everyday use language and the other is formal language. The app that I downloaded is in fomal language tho :p

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  13. Wow finally! So i guess you had a fun time amidst the walking and the lack of oppas around. Depends on the place where you stayed, the “celebrity” looking people arent really highly visible except if you roam around universities and the clubs. But i bet you didnt come for that alone. There were new spots my friends have also discovered lately like the little paris (Petit France) and some popular spots in Namsang Park like the love locks and the cable car. But your photos are always awesome. Kudos to your very supportive husband. Indeed few days isnt enough… maybe time to schedule another one and live like locals… try airbnb or outskirts of seoul…

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    1. I had a great time, really a GREAT and FINE dream vacation. ❤ We visited the places you mentioned and stayed also in Hongdae which is really famous for millenials and close to University. Truth is, I didn't see any talaga. Hehehe Definitely will be back after some time, on a different climate. We tried living like a local though, but communication barrier is really a hard thing. 😦 Though, over-all, how can I compain? Ginusto ko naman ang lahat? Hahaha Thank you for visiting mthe blog today Gov. Love to see you here! Hope to see you again in person! (Lakas maka-artista nung to see you in person!) HAHA 🙂

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