I am Ulyssa Elaine - Travel, Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Sunday, June 26, 2016 No comments

Sunday, June 05, 2016 No comments

Our flight from Manila to Seoul was 7:10 am to 12:30 pm via AirAsia Philippines. I never experienced any problem with them and hopefully we will ride again with them soon. I will post our experience on a separate post. 😊

Our South Korea Day 1 trip was a very short but a memorable one. Yes, because we started our trip as late as 4 pm. Right after we reached our place in Myeong-dong, we met with our high school schoolmate Karla. We miss you Karla! Hope to see you again soon! 😊

We told her what’s our first itinerary: Namsan Tower!!! Wooh! I first saw this when I watched Boys Over Flowers and then the next one was My Love from the Stars. I’m very meticulous when it comes to itinerary and I make sure that I’ll research it first before I go there. I chose this itinerary because I believe that sunset to night time is the best time to go there. (Based on what I saw on the KDramas! Hehe. :)

Courtesy of Dramafever

From our place in Myeong-dong, we walked going to the Namsan Cable Car Station. From Exit #3 of Myeong-dong, walk straight to the left of Pacific Hotel. Just go straight ahead. Warning: You will feel very exhausted when you reached the Namsan Cable Car Station because it’s a long walk uphill. So be ready. 😊

I purchased a group of two roundtrip tickets going to Namsan Tower. It costs KRW 17,000.

After reaching the other station uphill, we roamed around to see the famous, Namsan Tower’s Love of Locks.

Unfortunately, we didn’t put any lock(s) here because I want to put locks with my special someone soon. 😊

We first experienced freezing 0 °C after 20 years!!! Yes, how long was that. We first experienced it when we was very young way back 1996. 😊

After the freezing experience at Namsan Tower, we went back to Myeong-dong and tried our first Traditional Korean dinner experience. I’ll post this on my next article. 😊

How about you? Have you been to Namsan Tower? Share you experience.

Sunday, May 29, 2016 No comments

There are several ways to go from Incheon International Airport to downtown Seoul.

Disclaimer: Since we were just only 2 girls and we were first time in Seoul, we took Airport Limousine Bus for hassle-free travel. We didn’t find any problems when we took a ride with it. Good thing, our hotel is near in Airport Limousine bus stop at Myeong-dong Area. :)

» Airport Railroad Express (AREX) «

Image courtesy: Airport Railroad Co. Ltd,. http://www.arex.or.kr

AREX operates two trains: the Express Train from Internation Airport to Seoul Station and the All Stop Train that services 11 subway stations.

Express Train will take about 43 minutes going to Seoul Station, with a rate of 14,800 won. An All Stop Train will take about 56 minutes, with a rate of 4,250 won for adults, 3,040 won for the youth and 1,900 for children.

» Airport Limousine Bus «

Image courtesy: Incheon International Airport www.arex.or.kr

Airport Bus is located next to Gates 4 and 9 inside the arrival floor (1F) and outside next to Gates 4,6,7,8,11,13 and 9C.

There are two types of airport buses: Deluxe Limousine Bus and Standard Limousine Bus. The first one operates non-stop or shortened routes to major destinations and have comfortable seats with more space. The rate to downtown Seoul is 14,000 - 16,000 won. The other one is more crowded with smaller space and more stops. The rate is 9,000 - 10,000 won.

On our way to Myeong-dong, we rode on Standard Limousine Bus since we are not in a hurry. Going back to Incheon International Airport, we rode a Deluxe Limousine Bus since we we didn’t want to be late on our departure.

» Taxis «

If you find the two above hassle, just take a taxi. Exit the airport through Gates 4 and 8 only of the passenger terminal (arrival area), cross the street and go to the taxi stands (4D-8C). Caution: It is really expensive depending on your destination. :)

How about you? Have you travelled to South Korea? What mode of transportation did you take when you travelled from airport to your hotel? Share your experience.

Saturday, April 30, 2016 No comments

I am one of many people who don’t want to indulge on credit card. My Mom always reminds me that never, ever get a credit card. I’m also scared being in a position with many debts. That’s why when I heard that BPI launched BPI My ePrepaid Card and I’m also going to South Korea, I decided to get my own BPI ePrepaid Card.

I know it’s hassle to go to the bank and load this card but I need to do this in sake of not getting in to many debts. Hehe.

Going back to the topic, here’s the process of how I booked a hotel online.

P.S. I booked my hotel in Seoul through Agoda. :)

» Step 1: Search for hotel «

Type your destination as well as indicate the date and how many guests will stay at the hotel.

» Step 2: Accessibility «

Search for a nice hotels that near in subways, bus stations as well as shopping area.

Take note: it’s good that you check also the rating of the hotel and the reviews. This is also for your safety. Ratings with 8 and above is good already. :)

I chose at Myeong-dong area because I want to stay near in shopping areas. :)

» Step 3: Budget, Free Cancellation and Perks «

Find a hotel with your budget range. Better to have a hotel that offers a free cancellation or pay later option.

I always book with Pay Later option and also Free Cancellation. I booked our hotel in Seoul with Pay Later option because I have time to save money. Hehe.

For me, hotels within Php 5,000 / around $100 range is good already since South Korea is a First World Country and everything seems to be expensive.

» Step 4: Double-check «

Check the price first before paying. Do you think Php 35,000+ is enough for 7 days travel? If you are already sure, sign up or login to your Agoda account.

» Step 5: Pay Now or Pay Later? «

Choose from the two. If you are already have a fund, then go for pay now option. Don’t worry because you booked the hotel with FREE CANCELATION. So anytime you can cancel your hotel booking. Otherwise, go on to Pay Later if you don’t have funds yet.

Since I just have a Prepaid Card, put your Prepaid Card details.

This is just a sample only.

Then hit the BOOK & PAY LATER button! Hooray! You made a transaction! Make sure to pay your hotel before the indicated date. Check also your email for the payment details that Agoda will send to you.

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. I just shared my experience. :)

How about you? How and where do you book your accommodation when travelling abroad. Share your experience.

Saturday, April 30, 2016 No comments

Saturday, March 12, 2016 No comments

Almost all Filipinos dream to visit South Korea because of the vast spread of Korean dramas and Kpop groups. My sister and I wanted to go there, too. Way back in high school years, I promised to her that we will go there soon. It is really unexpected trip for the two of us. Thanks for our supportive parents that our trip will push through. We are going to South Korea in the next 3 days. We’re so excited!!!

I want to share to you how we got our first South Korean tourist visa. Actually, we took 2 weeks in preparing all necessary documents. We applied last February 2, and we got our visa last February 11. How fast right? We finally have our single-entry pass valid for 3 months.

» Step 1: Prepare the Necessary Documents «

A. Here are my requirements (employee):

1. Application Form

2. 1 piece Passport size picture

3. Original Passport (should be valid for more than 6 months)

4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2)

5. Original Certificate of Employment

Ask you HR department to include the following infos:

- position

- date hired

- compensation

- office address

- HR landline number (cellphone number is not allowed)

- HR email address.

6. Original Personal Bank Certificate

-account type

-current balance

-account opening date

-ADB

7. Bank Statement

-original or certified true copy of bank statement for the last 3 months

8. Form 2316 copy with personal TIN number

9. Photocopy of NSO Birth Certificate

B. Here are my sister’s requirements (student):

1. Application Form

2. 1 piece Passport size colored picture

3. Original Passport (should be valid for more than 6 months)

4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2)

5. Original School Certificate

6. Photocopy of School ID

7. Photocopy of NSO Birth Certificate

8. My documents (it can be the parent’s financial support documents)

a. Employment certificate

b. Bank Certificate

c. Bank Statement

d. Form 2316 with personal TIN Number

» Step 2: Submit your application at the South Korean Embassy «

We submitted the above requirements at South Korean Embassy (122 Upper McKinley Road McKinley Town Center, Fort Bonifacio Taguig City, 1634, Philippines). No need for an online appointment. The applications are accepted from Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 12:00 pm. Visa for less than 59 days are FREE of charge! 😀 If you plan on staying of South Korea for more than 59 days to 90 days, the fee is Php 1,800.

First-time travelers will be asked to proceed on either Window 1 or Window 2. Frequent travelers or travelers with valid OECD-member visas will be redirected to Window 3.

The entire process won’t take more than an hour. I think we just spent less than 30 minutes inside the embassy. They will provide you a small piece of paper indicating when will you get your visa. Hopefully, with visa stamped on it. 😀

» Step 3: Pray and Wait for your Visa to get Approved «

The processing time for first-time travelers will take about 5 business days. While frequest travelers and travelers with valid OECD-member visas will only take about 3 days.

Releasing time is only Monday to Friday 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Don’t forget to put your name and contact number at the back of the claiming slip.

Pray. Pray. Pray. As long as your requirements are complete, you don’t need to worry that much. Have a safe travel to us! 😀