My first hopefully not the last trip to South Korea

Tourism has been a good way to promote a country. This millions have been spent in promoting a country to tourist local or international in various media.

In the same way, many have sought visa to seek the scenery or the unique thrill a country offers.Many as well have their heart broken when their visa get disapproved.

As I am writing this I am trying my best to be objective about my recent travel abroad to South Korea. Getting a visa to this first class.country famous for its Korean telenovela and K pop was a dream for me. I know they had stringent screening when it comes to visa approval. So when I had mine approved it was so surreal.

Don't get me wrong. I had the best of time in South Korea except for one incident which I wish the airport would have handled differently. Because I was too exhausted from all those running about and I had the habit of forgetting things I unfortunately checked in my luggage my new never been used handy and a pwerbank which had sentimental value. I understand rules apply but at this particular moment I wish they had been more considerate.

When I mean considerate instead of just notifying us during boarding time about this they could have done so during check in and while we waited for at least an hour for the flight.Knowing what gate we will be in they could have sent the items there than just simply inform us it has been confiscated and will be disposed of accordingly. How all those happy memories become bleak all of the sudden. This is one moment I wish rules don't apply to be honest. But then again, maybe it was too much to ask. I can only blame myself for being forgetful as always.Hard lesson learned there.

So,if you ask me what was my South Korean experience?First, I saw many interesting places. I have been to one of their five palaces, their National Museum,parks ,subways, restaurant ,market and airport .I saw how they differ from Phillippines. Nowhere had I been in a street that celebrates their own animated character like the Comic Alley. Nowhere had I seen national costumes being don in a massive scale in places of cultural interest be it locals or foreigners or be in a village named after it and specializes in it as well. Talk about national pride Korea is a good example for that .Rather than having a Disneyland for its amusement park it opted to make its version the Everland which is a complete package with zoo,fun rides, theatre plays .

Two, having all those Korean foods to delight your senses is another thing. Thanks to an American friend Mirna we found the must try night street food market. Boy how happy I was to have them all in one place at a cheaper rate anywhere else .

Though we got lost in the subway too many times I must admit that it's a far cry than what we have in my country. For one, it felt safer with CCTV everywhere. Also, one can find many vending machines for everything you can imagine. Unfortunately though the maps are in Korean so having the online subway application was most helpful.

It's strange to be in country so huge but not have the same traffic as in my locality. Expensive transportation cost but definitely worth it as one has various options to choose from .I would have wanted to avail of the hop in and hop off double deck bus our 48 hours #Seoul Discovery Pass offers but due to time constraint we didnt. Lesson learned there only pay for what you can avail for. Just the same I would recommend this if you have no qualms. about running against time.As for me, I realize I really want to linger and capture the moment than just collect pictures.Stay in touch as I will take time to write about my experiences in each of these spots I have been to
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Overall it was an awesome experience. I made new friends and discover more about others and myself. I was able to assess my skills with regards to time and people management .Above all I realized happiness is found within. One can be in super convenient and efficient place but not find joy.Love makes all the difference. People follow rules as they love the security it gives, and people spend time and money for travel for their joys travelling gives that devoid of safety and health threat ana even if it means saving every penny for years just to have an experience to last a lifetime

Keep posted. I'll post here all the adventure and misadventures of the land of Oppa,kimchi etc.

Till next post,
Ayn