A place I must see before I die

Everyone has their own dream of wanting to go to a place they want to step foot in before they die and that place for most of us is Seoul. We are one of those people who feels certain and absolute that someday somehow we will achieve that dream even if the odds are low or high. To be very honest with you, I consider it as my death wish, that’s how important that place to me even if we are 2,620 kilometers away from each other, even if there is a minimal chance of having a visa and a cheap round trip fare with a good accommodation. A commoner like us will never get the chance right away, We must earn it with blood, sweat and tears.

What makes Seoul different from other destination? Talking about going to places means mentioning also about the type of the transportation places they have so let’s discuss about their famous and ever-convenient airport known as Incheon International airport, if I’m going to be asked what airport I should go to, I’ll definitely go with this one since it is known to be one of the best airports in the world, on which they offer free Korea transit tour, offers world-class shopping experience, bountiful choice of meals and of course a hassle-free travel.

Seoul is a place that is rich in culture, fashion style, good weather and of course they have a variety of recreational activities, food hunting would be my favorite part of the trip if I have the opportunity. Take note, they have stay-in hotels which are very accommodating but they offer it with a low price, this place is indeed a tourist friendly city.

Who doesn’t get irritated with slow internet connection? NO ONE. Here in the Philippines, the fastest mobile data that we can have is the 3G or 4G but it is already considered as the lowest signal in Seoul because it is the world’s wired city. They have a high-end type of technology. Mind blowing right?

Seoul is the paradise of Korean pop (Kpop) fans. Imagine a place on which you can hear and see everywhere your favorite OSTs and Kpop songs, the very thought is already magical. “BTS” Bangtan Sonyeondan a.k.a. the world’s biggest boyband, is now the most influential kpop boyband group that released their new album called “LOVE YOURSELF: SELF” which outsold every album. I love how artists put a lot of hardwork and compassion in their jobs, truly I say to you, once you go kpop there’s no turning back, their fanservice is superb plus their album covers are unique which comes with photocards and posters if you’re lucky enough to join the first press release. In short, people here are talented and wise. “I SEOUL U” is a new advertisement ad of South Korea on which they are promoting Seoul for tourism purposes and guess what? BTS is their promoters, the ad song is really catchy and I’m recommending that song to the lucky one who’s reading this right now. One more thing is that Seoul is a place for k-drama lovers because most of the scenes are located in here so fans can have the opportunity to re-enact their favorite scenes and even take photos making an exact pose.

It is said that in Seoul, sleeping is for losers, places like Cafes, PC bangs, restaurants, spas, shopping centers and fast food chains are open any hour of any night. The streets of Gangnam, Hongdae or Dongdaemun offer countless anytime venues for drinking, eating and all kinds of play. Imagine spending the night in that nocturnal city, it would be awesome and unforgettable. Speaking of Hongdae, there are a lot of good stuffs in here like dancers would dance in the street then many people will gather to watch it, most of their performances are kpop related.

Education system in Seoul is what intrigues us the most. As a student, we are curious about their school and study pattern so we often search on YouTube on how they take up their class and even breaks in their school and surprisingly, WE WERE IN AWE because they have 24-hour study rooms. In a country where education is one of the most sensitive topics (15% of the average household income is spent on after-school tutoring), 24-hour study rooms provide an intense and quiet atmosphere. Rooms are divided into rows of cubicles that can be rented for as little as $6 (₩7,000) a day. IT IS DAEBAK (amazing) because even though they also spent a day in class like us here in the Philippines, some of the students still wants to study until midnight, which for us is very tiring. They also have this test that they have to take in order for them to be able to reach college.

Seoul has traditional palaces on which one can tour while wearing a hanbok. I, myself, would want to experience their Chuseok holiday that has something to do with spending time with your family and eat rice cakes together. They also have Lotte, their own Disneyland. Seoul is also famous in having street foods on which you can partner it with soju (rice wine), it is said that soju is cheaper than water and in Korea, even if you are underage, you can already drink.
“N-SEOUL TOWER AT NANSAM PARK FOR THE BEST VIEW OF SEOUL” I will put love locks on it indicating “Let’s fly with our beautiful wings” (for family and friends) I wish to also have a luxurious dining experience in Namsan tower where I can experience an eat-all-you-can buffet. Korean cosmetics haul is a must because it is cheap there compared here in our country where it is already imported with a higher value.

We really admire Seoul and its people, I hope that someday…at least before I die, I can step foot to that magical city. YOU NAME IT, SEOUL HAS IT. I don’t know what happened to me but I’m positive that Seoul has already took a part in my heart and in my life.

네가 힘이 들고 지칠 때 찾게 되는 그 곳, 나 그 곳이 될게
(I’ll be the place where you can lay down your weary head)

그래 나 이 곳에서 모든 걸 준비해 너는 기대해 행복해질 테니까
(I’m always here, ready to make you happy, just wait and see)