DAY 3
For this trip, our main mode of transportation was the Metro.
From Seoul Station, we took line 1 and arrived at Incheon Station. For your information, this is not the airport station.
From the station, it was a short walk to Seoul Chinatown.
The heart of Seoul Chinatown is centered around the iconic Chinatown Gate, a grand entrance adorned with intricate traditional Chinese architectural elements.
Beyond the gate, visitors can explore a maze of narrow streets and alleyways lined with colorful buildings, bustling markets, and authentic Chinese restaurants serving up a diverse array of regional delicacies.
This staircase resembled the steps officials had to walk up to see the emperor.
From steaming bowls of noodles and dumplings to savory street snacks and traditional desserts, Seoul Chinatown is a paradise for food lovers eager to sample the flavors of China. Visitors can also browse through a variety of shops and boutiques selling Chinese goods, souvenirs, and cultural artifacts, making it the perfect place to find unique gifts and mementos.
A visit to a Chinese restaurant was a must when visiting Chinatown.
This was a set meal for 2 persons. The portion may look small, but it was filling at the end as we were given a bowl of Jajangmyeon each. There was a saying that Jajangmyeon originated here in Chinatown before it became popular in Korea.
After lunch, we went over to the nearby Fairytale Village.
Originally a traditional residential area, Songwol-dong underwent a remarkable transformation in 2009 when local artists and residents came together to beautify the neighborhood with whimsical murals depicting beloved fairy tale characters, scenes, and motifs. Today, the village is a living work of art, with every corner adorned with colorful paintings, intricate details, and playful designs that transport visitors into a world of fantasy and imagination.
As visitors wander through the narrow alleyways and winding streets of Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village, they encounter familiar characters such as Cinderella, Snow White, and Pinocchio, as well as scenes from popular stories like Alice in Wonderland and The Wizard of Oz. The village’s charming cafes, boutique shops, and galleries add to its allure, offering opportunities to relax, explore, and immerse oneself in the whimsical ambiance.
Coex Shopping Mall was our next destination.
Their iconic library.
A short distance away was their popular K-Star Road.
Stretching along the streets of Apgujeong-ro and Cheongdam-dong, K-Star Road is lined with colorful murals, themed cafes, and statues dedicated to some of South Korea’s most famous K-pop idols and entertainment companies.
As visitors explore K-Star Road, they encounter a series of “Gangnamdols,” which are life-sized bear statues adorned with the likenesses of popular K-pop idols. Each Gangnamdol represents a different K-pop group or artist, paying tribute to their contributions to the global phenomenon of K-pop music.
We called it a night after this.
DAY 4
Today we will be heading to Nami Island using the Metro and Train. But first, we had to reload our metro cards using the Automated machine within the station.
It’s quite straightforward as long as you follow the instructions displayed on the screen.
First, you select the preferred language.
Then you select the desired service.
Next, you place your card inside the card slot provided.
Then you select the preferred amount.
Next, you slot the money into the bill slot provided.
The card is then being reloaded.
A summary will be displayed once the operation is completed.
Your card is now reloaded.
While taking the Korean Metro, remember that these red-marked seats are reserved for the needy and elderly. Give up your seat when required.
We took the metro and disembarked at Cheongnyangni Station Square. Follow the signs, walk out of the metro station, and head for Cheongnyangni Station for the ITX train.
Purchase your ITX tickets at the counter. Your metro card cannot be used for these tickets.
Head to the correct platform as indicated on your tickets.
Here comes our train.
Comfy and spacious.
We alighted at Gapyeong Station.
Instead of waiting for the bus, we took a Taxi which cost us 5000 won to the Nami Island Ferry Terminal.
Most would purchase their ferry tickets here.
It’s 16000 won for a return ticket.
There was another option of using the zip line instead.
All aboard!!!
Arriving at Nami Island after a short ferry ride.
A map of the island.
Nami Island, also known as Namiseom, is a picturesque island located in Chuncheon, South Korea, renowned for its stunning natural beauty, serene atmosphere, and cultural attractions.
Nami Island is characterized by its lush forests, tree-lined pathways, and scenic waterfronts, making it an idyllic setting for leisurely walks, picnics, and outdoor activities.
The island gained international fame as the filming location for the popular Korean drama “Winter Sonata,” attracting fans from around the world to explore its charming landscapes and romantic ambiance.
At the end of the trip, do the reverse by taking the ferry back to the mainland and then taking the taxi to the ITX station.
In the evening, we returned to Myeong-dong and visited the HBAF main outlet.
There were so many flavors that we were spoiled for choice.
For dinner, we tried out the Korean BBQ.
After dinner, we returned to the Hotel to prepare for the next day’s flight to Kyushu Japan. Goodbye Seoul.
