HOW TO APPLY FOR A TOURIST VISA FOR FILIPINO EMPLOYEES
- Application form (http://embassy_philippines.
mofa.go.kr/english/as/embassy_ philippines/image/cont/res/ Visa_Philippines.docx) - 1 piece of Passport size colored picture
- Original Passport (should be valid for more than 6 months)
- Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2)
- Original & Photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years (if applicable, and Korean Visas will not be counted)
- Original Certificate of Employment (must include applicant's position, date hired, compensation, office address, HR landline number (cellphone number is not allowed), HR e-mail address)
- Original Personal Bank Certificate (must include account type, current balance, account opening date, ADB)
- Bank Statement (original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months)
- Photocopy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316
Processing Time:
*3 working days (for those who have been to OECD member countries within 5 years as tourist)
*5 working days (for those who have not been to OECD member countries within 5 years)
Visa Fee:
*59 days (or less) stay in Korea --GRATIS (FREE)
*60-90 days stay in Korea-- PHP 1,800.00
Korean Embassy
McKinley Town Center, 122 Upper McKinley Road, Taguig, 1634 Metro Manila
Contact Number: (632) 856-9210
Important Reminders!
Schedule of Application: Monday-Friday 8:30am-11am
Release of Visa: Monday-Friday 1:00pm-4:00pm
Cebu Pacific and Air Asia offer promos to Incheon (ICN) and Busan. I booked in AirAsia since it offered a cheaper rate compared to Cebupac. You can sometimes get promo fares for as low as 5000PHP roundtrip. So make sure to watch out for promos to save a lot! When booking a flight, try to get the earliest flight on your first day and the latest on your last day to maximize your time. I told my friend that this trip should only cost PHP 10,000. What a challenge, right? Korea for 10,000PHP? IMPOSSIBLE! But guess what, it did! Don't believe me? Then keep reading! ^_^
South Korea is known for their Koreanovelas like Winter Sonata, Full House, Coffee Prince and more. But what really attracted me is their weather. Korea has four distinct seasons. Spring which is from March to May, Summer - June to August, Autumn- September to November (which would also be a great time to visit), and Winter from December to February wherein temperature reaches 0 to -10 degrees. During our stay from Jan9-12 the coldest temperature we experienced was -5 which was really cold.
Before traveling to Korea, you can have your peso exchanged to Korean Won already so it would be less hassle for you :) As soon as we arrived at ICN airport, we rented a wifi router so that we can have internet even outside our hotel. It was a great help esp in times when we felt we were getting lost. So tip #1, rent a wifi router, it's worth it! :) We checked in at 24 Guesthouse Namsan. From the airport we rode the AREX train. In Korea, their mode of transportation is the subway, taxi and bus but most of their locals use the subway. In order to use this transportation you need to have T-Money. You can also use cash but T-money is a little bit cheaper. T- money is a transportation card same like our Beep card. It is reloadable and you can use it everytime you use their subways and buses. At the airport you can buy T-money at 711. We loaded 25,000 KRW (986PHP) for our 4days trip here and more or less 1,250 KRW was left.
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| Airport |
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| T-Money 4000 krw for the card |
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| Load your T-money |
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| AREX on a Saturday |
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| Must-try! 1000 krw/each |
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| Intimidating! but you'll get used to it! :) |
WHERE TO STAY
There are lots of accommodations available in Seoul, but what you really have to consider when getting a place is the location. Location is very important. These are some No-No's when considering a hotel-- getting a very cheap place but very far from the tourist spots that would entail more time and money or a place that is near the tourist spots but very pricey. So tip #3 get a place that is convenient- cheap and near the subways or even near the tourist spost like 24guesthouse Namsan.
24guesthouse Namsan is located at 36-6, namsan-dong 2-ga, Jung-gu, Myeong-dong, Seoul. This hotel has a lot of branches but since Namsan is near N Seoul Tower, this is what we got. It is a 4-min walk from Myeong-dong Subway and about 15mins walk to N Seoul Tower (depending on how fast you walk). Rooms good for two cost only 47,500 KRW (1,875PHP) for 3 nights with free breakfast (unlimited egg, bread, butter & coffee) from 8am-10am. Not bad, right? :)
PLACES TO VISIT:
(itineraries are flexible. They can change depending on the destination you are going. Make sure to check schedules of places to visit so you won't get disappointed. :))
Day 1 (half day)
Cable Car to N Seoul Tower
N Seoul Tower
Love locks at Namsan Tower
Stroll at Myeong-dong
Tip # 4, if you plan to ride the cable car at night, expect long lines. It would take an hour before you can get a ride. But if you don't want to fall in line for so long, you can do this in the morning where the queue isn't long. Operating hours is from 10am to 11am daily.
Seoul Tower was renamed to 'N' Seoul Tower meaning 'New' look when it was remodeled in 2005. It is an observatory which offers a panoramic view of Seoul and the surrounding areas.
Myeong-dong is one of the primary shopping destination in Seoul. It is located at Myeong-dong Subway Station (Seoul Subway Line No. 4). There are lots of designer brands available here unlike in Dongdaemun. You can buy cheap pasalubong and there are restaurants and street food along the streets and alleys.
Day 2
Nami Island
Changdeokgung Palace
Bukchon Hanok Village
Namiseom Island is known for its beautiful tree lined roads. A great feature of Nami Island is that there are no electric wires in this place seen hanging because it is built underground to keep the natural feeling of the landscape. And oh yeah, one creepy trivia, here lies the grave of General Nami, who led a great victory against their rebels in Joseon Dynasty, King Sejo. (Nice to know) :)
HOW TO GO TO NAMI ISLAND
Via Subway
Myeongdong Station to Gapyeong Station
Travel Time: 1 hour and 42 minutes
Route:
~Head to any subway station in Myeongdong and take the blue line (line 4) and head towards Chungmoro or Dongdaemun History & Culture Park.
~Get off ate Dongdaemun History & Culture Park station. Take the green line (Line 2) headed towards Sindang or Wangsimni stations. Then get off at Wangsimni station.
~Transfer to Jungang line and head towards Cheongyangni or Mangu.
~At this point you can either get off at Sabong or Mangu Station and transfer to the Gyeongchun line and head towards Gapyeong station.
~Gapyeong will be your final stop. Then from Gapyeong Station, take a cab to Nami Island.
Changedeokgung Palace is known as the resting place of kings, and for its gigantic trees (that look like giant bonsai trees) that is over 300 years old.
HOW TO GO TO CHANGDEOKGUNG PALACE
Route:
Via Subway:
Jongno 3-ga Station (Line 1, 3, or 5, Exit 6)
Anguk Station (Line 3, Exit 3)
Operationg Hours: Closed on Mondays
Feb-March, Sept-Oct 09:00-18:00
Jun-Aug 09:00-18:30
Nov-Jan 09:00-17:30
Bukchon Hanok Village is a village that lies in the Northern part of two significant Seoul landmarks with hundreds of traditional houses called 'Hanok' and Bukchon which literally means Northern Village. Visiting this place will let you experience their Korean culture.
HOW TO GO TO BUKCHON HANOK VILLAGE
Via Subway:
Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3) Exit 2
-Go straight for about 300m to arrive at Bukchon Hanok Village
DAY 3
Everland
Dinner at Gangnam
Everland is a theme park located at Yongin, a city in Gyeonggi-do province. It is the largest theme park in South Korea operated by Samsung CT Corporation, which is a subsidiary of Samsung group. One of the highlights in this theme park is their T Express which is Korea's highest, fastest, longest and steepest wooden roller coaster. Too bad I wasn't able to try it, so better try this one or you will miss half of your life. Just kidding! If you plan to go here, make sure to allot the whole day for it. Imagine strolling around twice or even trice as big as Enchanted Kingdom for half a day. And I don't think you wanna waste your 48,000 KRW (38,000 KRW for foreigners) without trying half of their rides. :)
HOW TO GO TO EVERLAND
Via Subway
-Go to Gangnam Station, Line 2, Exit 6 or 7. Walked to the Bus stop and wait for 5002 bus to everland.
Time: Approximately 40-50 minutes
Operating Hours:
Sunday-Thurs: 10:00-20:00
Friday-Sat: 10:00-21:00
Gangnam is known to be a rich city. It is like the counterpart of Makati here in the Philippines. According to a Korean guy we met, most of the people here in Gangnam are wealthy and most of the people here love to undergo cosmetic surgery. Seoul is the capital of South Korea, and Gangnam is the capital of Seoul. To live in Gangnam, one should be really rich because the cost of living is very high.
DAY 4
Originally, we were supposed to go Ice Fishing in Hwacheon which is near the border of South Korea and North Korea, but since there was a false alarm, we ought not to go instead. Besides, it's better to be safe than sorry. :)
Since we had some change of plans, we decided to go back to N Seoul Tower early in the morning so that we can appreciate the view more and take more photos! Then afterwards we went to see National Folk Museum of Korea but sadly google gave a wrong info and it is closed during Tuesdays.
HOW TO GO TO NATIONAL FOLK MUSEUM OF KOREA
Via Subway
Gyeongbokgung Palace Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 5.
Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 1.
Gwanghwamun Station (Seoul Subway Line 5), Exit 2.
Operating Hours:
March - May, September - October: 09:00 - 18:00
June - August: 09:00 - 18:30
November - February: 09:00 - 17:00
Saturdays & Sundays, holidays : 09:00 - 19:00
※Last admission is 1hr before closing
Admission is FREE
After this, we went back to Myeong-dong to buy pasalubong. And checked-out from our hotel then back to the airport via subway again. Bought at Lotte Mart for more pasalubong. Lotte Mart located in Seoul station also.
HOW TO GO TO INCHEON AIRPORT
Via Subway
From Myeong-dong Station (Line 4), after 2 stations, get off at Seoul Station and transfer to AREX train to Incheon International Airport
HOW TO GO TO LOTTE MART
Seoul Station (Seoul Subway Line 1, 4), Exit 1.
Lotte Mart Seoul Station Branch is connected to the subway station.
Operating Hours
09:00–24:00
Closed
Every 2nd and 4th Sunday
OTHER PLACES TO VISIT:
-Gyeongbokgung Palace
161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Operating Hours:
January-February 09:00-17:00
March-May 09:00-18:00
June-Aug 09:00-18:00/ Sept-Oct 09:00-18:00
Nov-Dec 09:00-17:00
Closed: Tuesdays
Via Subway
Gyeongbokgung Palace Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 5
OR,
Gwanghwamun Station (Seoul Subway Line 5), Exit 2
-Hwacheon Sancheoneo (Mountain Trout) Ice Festival
Period: 01.09.2016 ~ 01.31.2016
Via Bus
From Dong Seoul Bus Terminal, take an intercity bus to Hwacheon.
The Hwacheon Stream is about 10-min walk from the Hwacheon Bus Terminal.
TRAVEL EXPENSES:
Day 1
Travel Tax- 1,620PHP
WIFI 5500/day x 4days= 22,000KRW/3= 7,333 KRW/ea
T-Money Card 4,000
Load- 25,000
Room 47,500
Cable Car- 8,500 (Two-way)
Dinner 48,000/3= 16,000
Day 2
Train to Nami- 6,000
Taxi Fare 7,000/4pax= 1,750 (Two-way)
Nami Island Entrance 8,000
Palace 3,000 (if with Secret Garden 8,000)
Dinner 11,000
Day 3
Everland- 38,000
Lunch 11,300
Dinner 42,000/4= 10,500
Day 4
Cable Car- 8,500
Lunch 32,000/3= 10,666
TOTAL= 217,049 KRW (8,650PHP + 1,620PHP)= 10,270PHP
Unstoppbalewanderers, do you believe me now? :) It's possible! :D
Ps.
Thanks to Alex for being our tour guide & Nelson for making the 10k budget possible! :D
(itineraries are flexible. They can change depending on the destination you are going. Make sure to check schedules of places to visit so you won't get disappointed. :))
Day 1 (half day)
Cable Car to N Seoul Tower
N Seoul Tower
Love locks at Namsan Tower
Stroll at Myeong-dong
 |
| 15 mins walk to N Seoul Tower from our hotel |
 |
| view from cable care @ night |
 |
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| N Seoul Tower |
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| Streets of Myeong-dong (Seoul's premier shopping destination) |
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| foodtrip |
 |
| look for restos along the alleys of Myeong-dong |
Day 2
Nami Island
Changdeokgung Palace
Bukchon Hanok Village
Namiseom Island is known for its beautiful tree lined roads. A great feature of Nami Island is that there are no electric wires in this place seen hanging because it is built underground to keep the natural feeling of the landscape. And oh yeah, one creepy trivia, here lies the grave of General Nami, who led a great victory against their rebels in Joseon Dynasty, King Sejo. (Nice to know) :)
HOW TO GO TO NAMI ISLAND
Via Subway
Myeongdong Station to Gapyeong Station
Travel Time: 1 hour and 42 minutes
Route:
~Head to any subway station in Myeongdong and take the blue line (line 4) and head towards Chungmoro or Dongdaemun History & Culture Park.
~Get off ate Dongdaemun History & Culture Park station. Take the green line (Line 2) headed towards Sindang or Wangsimni stations. Then get off at Wangsimni station.
~Transfer to Jungang line and head towards Cheongyangni or Mangu.
~At this point you can either get off at Sabong or Mangu Station and transfer to the Gyeongchun line and head towards Gapyeong station.
~Gapyeong will be your final stop. Then from Gapyeong Station, take a cab to Nami Island.
 |
| Ferry to Nami Island |
 |
| Hello, 2016! |
 |
| Hello, trees! |
Changedeokgung Palace is known as the resting place of kings, and for its gigantic trees (that look like giant bonsai trees) that is over 300 years old.
HOW TO GO TO CHANGDEOKGUNG PALACE
Route:
Via Subway:
Jongno 3-ga Station (Line 1, 3, or 5, Exit 6)
Anguk Station (Line 3, Exit 3)
Operationg Hours: Closed on Mondays
Feb-March, Sept-Oct 09:00-18:00
Jun-Aug 09:00-18:30
Nov-Jan 09:00-17:30
 |
| (c) Alex A. |
HOW TO GO TO BUKCHON HANOK VILLAGE
Via Subway:
Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3) Exit 2
-Go straight for about 300m to arrive at Bukchon Hanok Village
 |
| anyong hae sa yo! |
DAY 3
Everland
Dinner at Gangnam
Everland is a theme park located at Yongin, a city in Gyeonggi-do province. It is the largest theme park in South Korea operated by Samsung CT Corporation, which is a subsidiary of Samsung group. One of the highlights in this theme park is their T Express which is Korea's highest, fastest, longest and steepest wooden roller coaster. Too bad I wasn't able to try it, so better try this one or you will miss half of your life. Just kidding! If you plan to go here, make sure to allot the whole day for it. Imagine strolling around twice or even trice as big as Enchanted Kingdom for half a day. And I don't think you wanna waste your 48,000 KRW (38,000 KRW for foreigners) without trying half of their rides. :)
HOW TO GO TO EVERLAND
Via Subway
-Go to Gangnam Station, Line 2, Exit 6 or 7. Walked to the Bus stop and wait for 5002 bus to everland.
Time: Approximately 40-50 minutes
Operating Hours:
Sunday-Thurs: 10:00-20:00
Friday-Sat: 10:00-21:00
Gangnam is known to be a rich city. It is like the counterpart of Makati here in the Philippines. According to a Korean guy we met, most of the people here in Gangnam are wealthy and most of the people here love to undergo cosmetic surgery. Seoul is the capital of South Korea, and Gangnam is the capital of Seoul. To live in Gangnam, one should be really rich because the cost of living is very high.
 |
| # of animals in Everland Zoo |
 |
| the best! |
 |
| Can't believe I have snow on my hand! hahaha #pabebe |
 |
| dinner @ gangnam- solb! |
DAY 4
Originally, we were supposed to go Ice Fishing in Hwacheon which is near the border of South Korea and North Korea, but since there was a false alarm, we ought not to go instead. Besides, it's better to be safe than sorry. :)
Since we had some change of plans, we decided to go back to N Seoul Tower early in the morning so that we can appreciate the view more and take more photos! Then afterwards we went to see National Folk Museum of Korea but sadly google gave a wrong info and it is closed during Tuesdays.
 |
| Mornings @ N Seoul Tower :) |
 |
| (c) Nelson A. |
 |
| Tip: you can bring your own padlock so you won't have to buy. :p |
HOW TO GO TO NATIONAL FOLK MUSEUM OF KOREA
Via Subway
Gyeongbokgung Palace Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 5.
Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 1.
Gwanghwamun Station (Seoul Subway Line 5), Exit 2.
Operating Hours:
March - May, September - October: 09:00 - 18:00
June - August: 09:00 - 18:30
November - February: 09:00 - 17:00
Saturdays & Sundays, holidays : 09:00 - 19:00
※Last admission is 1hr before closing
Admission is FREE
After this, we went back to Myeong-dong to buy pasalubong. And checked-out from our hotel then back to the airport via subway again. Bought at Lotte Mart for more pasalubong. Lotte Mart located in Seoul station also.
HOW TO GO TO INCHEON AIRPORT
Via Subway
From Myeong-dong Station (Line 4), after 2 stations, get off at Seoul Station and transfer to AREX train to Incheon International Airport
HOW TO GO TO LOTTE MART
Seoul Station (Seoul Subway Line 1, 4), Exit 1.
Lotte Mart Seoul Station Branch is connected to the subway station.
Operating Hours
09:00–24:00
Closed
Every 2nd and 4th Sunday
OTHER PLACES TO VISIT:
-Gyeongbokgung Palace
161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Operating Hours:
January-February 09:00-17:00
March-May 09:00-18:00
June-Aug 09:00-18:00/ Sept-Oct 09:00-18:00
Nov-Dec 09:00-17:00
Closed: Tuesdays
Via Subway
Gyeongbokgung Palace Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 5
OR,
Gwanghwamun Station (Seoul Subway Line 5), Exit 2
-Hwacheon Sancheoneo (Mountain Trout) Ice Festival
Period: 01.09.2016 ~ 01.31.2016
Via Bus
From Dong Seoul Bus Terminal, take an intercity bus to Hwacheon.
The Hwacheon Stream is about 10-min walk from the Hwacheon Bus Terminal.
TRAVEL EXPENSES:
Day 1
Travel Tax- 1,620PHP
WIFI 5500/day x 4days= 22,000KRW/3= 7,333 KRW/ea
T-Money Card 4,000
Load- 25,000
Room 47,500
Cable Car- 8,500 (Two-way)
Dinner 48,000/3= 16,000
Day 2
Train to Nami- 6,000
Taxi Fare 7,000/4pax= 1,750 (Two-way)
Nami Island Entrance 8,000
Palace 3,000 (if with Secret Garden 8,000)
Dinner 11,000
Day 3
Everland- 38,000
Lunch 11,300
Dinner 42,000/4= 10,500
Day 4
Cable Car- 8,500
Lunch 32,000/3= 10,666
TOTAL= 217,049 KRW (8,650PHP + 1,620PHP)= 10,270PHP
Unstoppbalewanderers, do you believe me now? :) It's possible! :D
"Traveling need not be expensive, all you have to do is budget your trip, spend and plan wisely." :)
HAPPY TRAVELING, UNSTOPPABLEWANDERERS!!! :D
Ps.
Thanks to Alex for being our tour guide & Nelson for making the 10k budget possible! :D
