Day 5: Haneul Park

Looking for a picturesque park to visit during autumn? Then, look no further! We highly recommend you to visit Haneul Park (also known as Sky Park) and be prepared to gasp in awe with its scenic views. 😍

It was sunny but chilly when we went here, just a perfect weather to wander into this beautiful park away from the city's hustle and bustle. 🌤

How to go? Take the subway to World Cup Stadium Station on Line 6 and head out at Exit 1. Once you're here look for the East Gate of the stadium, walk upstairs. Keep heading westward until you see the park in the distant.

 

Enjoy the endless views of colorful autumn trees. 🍂🍁

Just keep walking up to this area and go downstairs. You should see a huge open ground for you to walk towards the mountain-looking hill.

Don't let the opportunity pass and strike a pose while crossing the pedestrian lane. 📸🚶🏼‍♀️

Another line of autumn trees! Sit for awhile here to regain energy. 💪🏻 Trust me, you'll need it later! 😉

 

Or you might want to go for a photoshoot again with your chinggu? 📸👯

Follow the maps along your way until you see this overpass decorated with flowers. 🌸 Go straight ahead and you will find yourself at the base of the park.

See that zigzag stairs? 😵 This is what they call the "Stairway to Heaven". You will need to climb 291 steps before you can fully see the paradise. Aja!

Uh oh! Not yet there! Don't worry, there were chairs for you to rest right after climbing. 😓

 

Along our way, we have passed by these cute children who seems to be having their fieldtrip.

Finally! We have reached the park and were welcomed with this vast field of "Eulalia Grass" under the clear blue sky. 🌾 Feels like we're dreaming!

Want a closer look? 👀

It was surreal seeing the hues of yellow and green grass slowly rippling in the wind. 💛💛💛

Of course, we had our photos taken! Most of our time here was spent taking pictures. 😂 We can't help, it was so instagram-worthy. Here are some of them. We found orangy grass that's really perfect for a dramatic pose. HAHAHA! Work it girls! 🤷🏼‍♀️

 

There is also an observation deck in the middle of the field which is called "Bowl Full of Sky". It is where you can have breathtaking views of Seoul. From here you will see Han River, Bukhansan Mountain, Namsan Mountain and the highest building of Seoul, 63 Building. Sorry I forgot to take a picture of how the deck looks like, but here is the view on top. 🔭

 

 

We also walk going back. For those who may get tired from walking, there is a shuttle to take you back down.

Enchanting isn't it? Who would believe it was once a mountain of garbage? Kudos to Seoul Metropolitan Government for transforming it into an ecological park. 👏🏻 It is now a popular spot amongst the locals for photoshoots and picnics.

Absolutely a perfect place to feel the refreshing breeze and immerse into the beauty of nature. 🍃 No wonder this ended up being our most favorite and most photogenic spot in Korea during our trip. 👍🏻 Know other parks worth checking out? Share them with us in the comment section below!

Kdrama Review: Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo

You must have heard of Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo; the online world is buzzing over this drama. I watched it last year but I still can't get over with it. Why? I'll be sharing my personal review of Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo below.

Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo is a series based on the Chinese novel Bu Bu Jing Xin by Tong Hua (according to Wikipedia).

Here are some of the stuff I like about Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo.

1. The story is new.

The story is new, well at least for me who's from a foreign country. I guess that's one of the beauty of historical dramas. 

This kdrama includes time traveling which is not very new. Though this kdrama is mostly historical (which is I'm not very fond of), I was not bored as each episode has something in store for me to anticipate.

2. The Wang princes - a visual feast.

Who would not love these handome princes? 😍 Seeing Lee Joon Gi, Kang Ha Neul, Nam Joo Hyuk, Ji Soo and Baek Hyun in one kdrama is such a visual feast.🙊 I couldn't ask for more.

But putting the visuals aside, I love the mix and variety of each character. Each character was just remarkable and played an important role that made the story interesting. .

Lee Joon Gi as 4th Prince Wang So

Kang Ha Neul as 8th Prince Wang Wook

Nam Joo Hyuk as 13th Prince Baek-ah

Ji Soo as 14th Prince Wang Jung

Byun Baek Hyun as 10th Prince Wang Eun

Yoon Sun Woo as 9th Prince Wang Won

Hong Jong Hyun as 3rd Prince Wang Yo

Each prince had a special relationship with Hae Soo. You'll probably want to be in Hae Soo's place because of these handsome princes. 

The Drinking Buddies - Hae Soo and Baek ah

3. Complicated Wang So and Simple Hae Soo

I didn't see myself loving the So-Soo couple but I did. Wang So and Hae Soo's character is so contrasting; Wang So is complicated, dangerous, cold and serious but Hae Soo is simple, happy virus, bubbly and caring. I guess that contradicting characters made their chemistry adorable and cute. 🙊

 The way Wang So looked Hae Soo is to die for.

4. The puzzle.

Who sides with who.. is the question in my mind while watching the drama. The twists and turns in each character's fate kept the plot moving and kept me from watching.

The greatest mystery to me is Ji Mong's character. He was from the present but he seemed to have childhood memories with the princes.

5. The Tearjerking, Funny and Cute Scenes.

Yes, there are few heartbreaking and dreadful scenes 

in this kdrama that are quite heavy but there are funny and cute scenes too that lighten the mood.

I love it when the princes just play and fool around. Its also cute seeing them learning modern words and expressions. 

6. Lee Joon Gi's superb acting

Each actor from the lead down to the supporting actors portrayed their characters very well however Lee Joon Gi's acting is just commendable. His anger, happiness, sadness, longing, love and all his emotions are realistic and convincing. His eyes say it all.

But of course, there are loopholes in this kdrama; nothing's perfect right?😂 I'm not sure if they explained why Hae Soo was transported back to Goryeo; I know it was because of the eclipse but it was not clearly explained. It was just so ambiguous and random. 😅

The queen's relationship with Wang So was vague too. I just don't understand why she despise Wang So so much! Poor Wang So. 😭

There were insane close ups which I'm not sure if  necessary.

I can't get over this kdrama because of its controversial ending. I won't spoil you. 😂 But the ending is just so heartbreaking that's why everyone's raving for season 2 and I am one of them! 

 My verdict. 8.5/10. I watched it for the second time and I'm still crying. 😭 I highly recommend this drama, so please do watch it and join the craze. Hahahah! This is a must see. I promise!

The throne makes you scared and lonely. ~King Gwangjong

Day 4: Dongdaemun Design Plaza

To cap off our lazy day, we decided to go to the nearest tourist spot from Myeongdong which is the Dongdaemun Design Plaza.

Operating Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10:00AM-7PM

*Every Wednesday, Friday: extended til 9PM

How to get there? By subway, get off at Dongdaemun History & Cultute Park Station (Line 2, 4, 5) and Exit 1.

Looks familiar? Yes! It is one of the filming locations of the famous kdramas like "My Love from the Star", "She Was Pretty", and "The Producer". As soon as we arrived, it felt like we were transported to the future due to its spaceship-like design which makes it the most iconic landmark in Dongdaemun. Daebak!!! 😮 There is so much to explore in this enormous and unique structure - it has art halls, design shops, museums etc. Unfortunately, we came at night so we were not able to wander inside. Instead, we just decided to do these things..

Capture the stunning curves of the building. Instagrammable isn't it? 📸

Visit the most-talked LED rose garden. Trust me it's more beautiful at night! ✨

Eat at the nearby street stalls. It is cheaper than those in Myeongdong. 😋

Shop 'til you drop at the nearby high rise shopping malls and design market. 👗👠🎒

Tips:

• We have seen more choices of socks here than in Myeongdong and Namdaemun.

• If you are planning to visit during daytime, the greyish tone of the building makes a perfect background so be ready to strike a pose. 💃

Dongdaemun is very accessible and a must visit place so make sure to put it on your list! 👍🏻

For those who have been here already, can you suggest other things to do in Dongdaemun? Comment down below!