Seoul – Page 2 – The Wknd Travel

Rediscovering SEOUL After 9 Years: Exploring Bukchon Hanok Village, Changdeokgung Palace Secret Garden & Insa-dong [November 2024]

In November 2024, I traveled to Seoul, South Korea, for the first time in nine years. I had visited Seoul previously in 2014 and 2015, both times with my work colleagues. This time, I spent 9 days and 8 nights with my high school friends. While I had to work on some days due to previously scheduled important meetings, I made sure that the workdays did not spoil my Seoul holiday.

My friends and I explored many places during this trip, but today I will focus on our adventures at Bukchon Hanok Village, Changdeokgung Palace Secret Garden, and Insa-dong. Read on to discover what you can see and expect at these locations, especially during the beautiful autumn season.

In case you missed it, I wrote about the step-by-step process I followed to get my multiple entry South Korean tourist visa. You can check it out here.

Plane Ticket

I was lucky enough to score a ₱1 base fare ticket to Seoul during Cebu Pacific Air’s anniversary sale in March 2024. My ticket originally cost ₱4,329.30 for a round trip. This included a guaranteed seat on both flights and a 7-kilogram carry-on luggage allowance. Cebu Pacific Air allows you to add checked baggage based on your needs. In my case, I added a 20-kilogram allowance for the flight to Seoul and 2 x 20 kilograms (a total of 40 kilograms) for the return flight to Manila.

With the added checked baggage allowance, my return ticket cost only ₱7,409.30. This is an incredible deal, considering it includes baggage allowance for both flights, including a generous 40 kilograms on the way back. A massive thank you to Cebu Pacific Air for making these types of international fares possible. The airline truly provides an opportunity for every Juan to fly.

Accommodation

I stayed for 9 days and 8 nights, which overlapped with my friends’ time in Seoul. During those 8 nights, my friends and I decided to stay in a single accommodation, and we chose Bunk Guesthouse Hostel. It is a highly-rated place located in the vibrant and bustling Hongdae District.

For the first 4 nights, we stayed in a family room (with 1 full bed and 2 single beds) with a balcony. After some friends left for Manila, we transferred to a twin room with bunk beds for the last 4 nights. My share for the 8-night stay amounted to ₱13,243.97. I personally think it was a good deal, especially considering we stayed in private rooms for the entire stay and enjoyed free breakfast every morning.

I also wrote about Bunk Guesthouse Hostel in one of my recent Hostel of the Day features. I hope you can check it out here.

Going Around Seoul

My friends and I used a T-money rechargeable card for all our public transportation needs during this trip. We initially considered getting the Climate Card, but we decided it would not be worth it, given the differences in our schedules and plans.

We received a free T-money card when we picked up our passports at KVAC in October 2024. Our companions who did not have a T-money card bought theirs at the Airport Station.

Bukchon Hanok Village

Bukchon Hanok Village is a residential area of restored traditional Korean houses dating back to the early 20th century. The village is home to hundreds of traditional hanoks, which have become a popular tourist destination due to their beautiful and intricate architecture. There is no entry fee to visit the village.

Nearest train station: Anguk Station of Seoul Subway Line 3 (Exits 1, 2 or 3)

Changdeokgung Palace & Secret Garden

Changdeokgung Palace is one of the ‘Five Grand Palaces’ built by the kings of the Joseon Dynasty. It is located to the east of Gyeongbokgung Palace. The palace was once the site of state affairs and served as the residence of the royal family during the Joseon era.

Changdeokgung Palace is also famous for its Secret Garden, which can only be visited through a guided walking tour. Tickets for the palace and the timed walking tour can be purchased at the entrance. Adult tickets cost ￦3,000 for entry to the general palace grounds and ￦5,000 for the timed walking tour. The Secret Garden is located within the palace grounds, and visitors wishing to explore it are required to purchase both tickets.

My friends and I joined the 2:30 p.m. Secret Garden English tour. We bought our tickets a few hours in advance and spent the time exploring Bukchon Hanok Village while waiting for our scheduled tour.

Nearest train stations: Anguk Station of Seoul Subway Line 3 (Exit 3) or Jongno 3-ga Station of Seoul Subway Lines 1, 3 and 5 (Exit 6)

Insa-dong

Insa-dong is a cultural neighborhood located near Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village. It was once Seoul’s antique and art market, but today it is renowned for its modern galleries and tea shops. The area is also home to many artisan shops and cafes, making it the perfect place for a relaxing afternoon stroll.

Nearest train stations: Anguk Station of Seoul Subway Line 3 (Exit 6) or Jonggak Station of Seoul Subway Line 1 (Exit 3-1)

My friends and I did try to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, but unfortunately, we arrived after it had already closed.

Thank you for joining me in today’s post about Bukchon Hanok Village, Changdeokgung Palace and its Secret Garden, and Insa-dong. I hope you enjoyed reading about these incredible spots in Seoul. Whether you are planning your own trip or simply exploring from afar, these places are worth a visit especially during autumn.

Have you been to these places before? What do you think of them? Are you considering visiting them in the future? If you have any questions or would like to know more, feel free to post them in the comments section below or send them via email to contact@thewkndtravel.com. I would be happy to respond! Stay tuned for more upcoming posts about Seoul and South Korea. You can also check out other posts about this Seoul trip under the Seoul 2024 category.

Before you go, I hope you can like, follow and share my social media pages – Facebook and Instagram. This will help me increase my reach; it will also keep you up-to-date with the latest blog posts, itineraries, hostel of the day features, and flight reports on this website. Thank you and see you next time!

PS. Photos were taken using my Google Pixel 8 Pro.

Hostel of the Day: BUNK GUESTHOUSE HOSTEL – Highly Rated and Welcoming Accommodation in Seoul’s Vibrant Hongdae District

In November 2024, I flew to Seoul, South Korea, with my friends to rediscover the city I had visited 8-9 years ago. I stayed for 9 days and 8 nights, overlapping with my friends’ time in Seoul. During those 8 nights, my friends and I stayed at Bunk Guesthouse Hostel in Hongdae.

Join me in today’s Hostel of the Day feature as I share why this welcoming hostel is highly rated by all its guests.

Bunk Guesthouse Hostel

Bunk Guesthouse Hostel is a highly-rated guesthouse/hostel in Hongdae. The property consists of two multi-story buildings, offering both shared dormitory rooms for budget travelers and private rooms for those who prefer their own space.

Brian, the property host, along with his staff, runs Bunk Guesthouse Hostel, ensuring that all guests have an unforgettable trip to Seoul. The property provides a wide range of facilities and amenities that guests can enjoy throughout their stay.

Location & Access

Bunk Guesthouse Hostel is located at 19-1, Wausan-ro 29ra-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul 04053, South Korea. It is in a quiet yet pleasant part of Hongdae, just a 4-minute walk from Exit 6 or Exit 7 of the Hongik University Station on the Airport Railroad (light blue line), and an 8-minute walk from Exit 8 of the same station on the Metro Subway Line 2 (green line).

The hostel is surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and shops. The nearest convenience store is about a 2–3-minute walk away, while the closest supermarket is around 10 minutes on foot. The bustling main area of Hongdae is about an 8–10-minute walk away.

The property is approximately 25 to 30 minutes by subway from Gimpo International Airport, 52 to 60 minutes from Incheon International Airport, and just 13 minutes from Seoul Station, the main station for KTX.

Bunk Guesthouse Hostel’s location is a solid 10 out of 10. It is on the quieter side of the lively Hongdae area but still close to hundreds of commercial establishments. It is also easily accessible by public transportation, with convenient access to both the Airport Railroad and Metro Subway Line 2.

Room Options & Cost

Bunk Guesthouse Hostel offers a wide range of room options to suit both budget travelers and those traveling in pairs or groups. The hostel provides both shared dormitory rooms and private ensuite rooms.

The shared dormitory rooms come in the following configurations: a 6-bed mixed dormitory room, a 4-bed mixed dormitory room, and a 4-bed female-only dormitory room. Each dormitory room is equipped with bunk beds, each featuring privacy curtains. Every bed includes a shelf, an individual reading light, a locker, and a power socket. The dormitory rooms also have air conditioning, and the shower areas are shared or ensuite, depending on the room.

The private rooms include several types: economy double room, standard double room, deluxe double room with kitchenette, double room with balcony, twin room with bunk bed, standard twin room, deluxe twin room, and family room. All private rooms come with a private toilet and bath, and some even feature private balconies.

My friends and I stayed at Bunk Guesthouse Hostel for 8 nights. We booked the family room (with 1 full bed and 2 single beds) with balcony for the first 4 nights, paying ₩476,928 (after discounts) for 4 people. For the last 4 nights, we stayed in a twin room with bunk beds, paying ₩309,365 (after discounts), not including the booking website’s mark-up. We booked the first 4 nights through Booking.com and the last 4 nights via Agoda.

My share for the 8-night stay at Bunk Guesthouse, which covered both room types, was ₱13,243.97, averaging roughly ₱1,655.50 per night. This is a very affordable price, considering the property’s prime location, complimentary breakfast, and the amenities and facilities available during my stay.

Guest Facilities & Amenities

Free & Fast Wi-Fi – All guests have access to complimentary, high-speed Wi-Fi, which is perfect for those working remotely.

Complimentary Breakfast – Bunk Guesthouse Hostel offers a simple, free breakfast. Guests can make their own sandwiches or fried eggs, and enjoy a hot cup of coffee or tea, or a cold glass of fruit juice. On weekends, the property adds cup noodles to the breakfast options.

Communal Lounge Spaces – The property features communal lounge areas where guests can relax, unwind, or socialize with others.

Patio – Bunk Guesthouse Hostel has an outdoor patio where guests can chill or pass the time. The patio is open until 2:00 a.m., as long as guests are mindful of noise after midnight.

Rooftop Area – The hostel has a communal rooftop offering an additional space to relax. Guests can use the rooftop until 11:00 p.m.

Shared Kitchen & Dining Area – Guests are welcome to buy groceries and cook their own meals in the shared kitchen, and enjoy their meals in the common dining area.

Unlimited Drinking Water Refills – Bunk Guesthouse Hostel provides unlimited drinking water refills to all its guests. The water dispenser is located near the refrigerator. Be sure to bring your own water container.

Air Conditioning & Heating Systems – All rooms are equipped with both air conditioning and heating systems, ensuring comfort throughout the year.

Complimentary Bath & Face Towels – The hostel provides complimentary bath and face towels, which can be replaced daily.

Guest-only Tours & Seasonal Activities – Bunk Guesthouse Hostel offers exclusive tours and seasonal activities, such as DMZ tours and weekly BBQs with other guests. Brian, the host, shares these details upon booking confirmation.

Hostel Drink Shop – The hostel offers beers and bottles of soju for those who wish to enjoy a drink. Please ask the reception for updated prices and availability.

Laundry Facilities – A laundry room is available from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with a minimal fee for guests who wish to wash their clothes during their stay.

Luggage Storage – Bunk Guesthouse Hostel provides free luggage storage before check-in and after check-out. Guests can leave their bags near the reception while waiting for check-in or their departure.

Multi-Lingual, Friendly & Welcoming Host and Staff – Brian and his team are incredibly friendly and welcoming. They ensure everything runs smoothly during your stay and are always ready to help. They also speak fluent English.

Secured Room Access – Rooms are only accessible via a pin code provided to guests upon check-in. Each room has a unique code, ensuring that only the designated guests can enter their rooms.

Secured Hostel Premises – The premises are equipped with 24/7 CCTV surveillance for added security. The property can only be accessed by guests, with doors always locked and secured by pin codes, provided only to guests upon check-in.

Hostel Experience

My friends and I had a wonderful stay at Bunk Guesthouse Hostel in Hongdae, South Korea. It is one of those places you will want to return to time and time again.

Several factors contributed to our fantastic experience. First, the hostel’s location is excellent. It is situated on a quiet street in the lively, bustling Hongdae area, surrounded by restaurants, cafes, shops, bars, and barbecue spots. It is also just a few minutes’ walk from both Metro Subway Line 2 (Green Line) and the Airport Railroad.

Second, Bunk Guesthouse Hostel has cozy common areas in both the main building, the second building, and even the patio. These areas are clean, quiet, and relaxing—perfect for unwinding. They are also ideal for those who need to get some work done during their stay, as the property offers fast and reliable Wi-Fi.

Third, the property provides a simple but decent breakfast. They even include cup noodles as a breakfast option on weekends.

Lastly, Brian, the host, and his team are truly fantastic. They are friendly, welcoming, and service-oriented. They helped us carry our large luggage to our rooms and made sure we had everything we needed. They go above and beyond to ensure guests have a great experience from check-in to check-out. Brian even invited us to join the Saturday BBQ with other guests—too bad we had other plans that night!

However, we did encounter a few minor inconveniences during our stay. These did not ruin our overall experience but did leave a small dent in our otherwise wonderful time. First, the complimentary towels were a bit small. While I did not mind using them, some guests may find them inconvenient.

Second, the twin bunk room was a bit small, though it did offer a private toilet and shower. The only time we found this to be inconvenient was when packing the night before check-out, as we could only open one medium/large suitcase at a time.

Despite these minor setbacks, we still had an amazing stay at Bunk Guesthouse Hostel. Would I book again for my next visit to Seoul? Definitely. Would I recommend it to my friends and readers? Absolutely. Make sure to check out the property and consider it for your next trip to Seoul—you are sure to have a fantastic time!

If you have any questions about Bunk Guesthouse Hostel or an upcoming stay, feel free to reach out to them through the following channels:

Bunk Guesthouse Hostel
Address: 19-1, Wausan-ro 29ra-gil, Mapo-gu, Mapo-Gu, 04053 Seoul, South Korea
Phone Number: +82 70 8703 0045
Email Address: bunk.seoul@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +82 10 9180 6905
Line: bunk2015
WeChat: bunk2015
KakaoTalk: bunk2015
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/bunk2015

That concludes my post about Bunk Guesthouse Hostel. What are your thoughts on the hostel? If you have any questions regarding anything mentioned above, do not hesitate to leave a comment below or reach out to me via email at contact@thewkndtravel.com.

Thanks for joining me in today’s Hostel of the Day feature. Please also take time to check out my previous HOTD features by clicking this. You will find my other hostel reviews about Le Village Montmartre in Paris, The Bed Bukit Bintang in Kuala Lumpur, The RomeHello in Rome, Yesinn Youth Hostel in Hong Kong, Yeah Hostel in Barcelona, Imano Tokyo Ginza Hostel in Tokyo, The Stay Osaka Shinsaibashi in Osaka, and Z Hostel here in the Philippines.

PS. Photos were taken using my Google Pixel 8 Pro.

2024 in a Nutshell: Back to Where It All Started

It is now 2025. Happy New Year!

The last three months of 2024 were so busy that I got sick during the holidays. Our relatives from overseas also came home for the New Year. Apologies, I did not have the time to write and post my 2024 recap during the break. Well, it may be a little bit late, but here it is.

Despite being very busy with work, I continued to travel in 2024. I visited different cities, stayed in various hostels, flew with new airlines, and continued to travel on a budget. I did not post much about my trips last year, but I will give you a preview of where I went. After the “revenge travel” year of 2023, I basically returned to the places I first visited about a decade ago.

Kansai, Japan

I flew to Japan with my relatives in February 2024. I toured them around Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara for five full days.

We visited the usual sights like Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, Umeda Sky Building, Universal Studios Japan, Shinsaibashi, Nara Deer Park (in Nara), Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kinkaku-ji, and Fushimi Inari Taisha (in Kyoto). We also spent some time shopping around Shinsaibashi and Namba.

Japan Sakura Trip

I, along with two friends, flew back to Japan a month later to experience the Sakura season for the first time. This was also my 10th trip to Japan in 9 years. Our journey began in the cold and snowy Takayama and Shirakawa-go, followed by a few workdays in Osaka, and some relaxing yet educational days in Hiroshima. The full bloom of the Sakura was delayed by one to two weeks due to extreme cold weather.

We caught the start of the full bloom during our few days in Kyoto and finally experienced it in its full glory during our final days in Nagoya. We traveled around Japan for 20 days, chasing the cherry blossoms, and we were thrilled to catch the best views during our last days.

Cebu, Philippines

In April, my sister and I took our house “ate” of 10+ years on a free weekend vacation trip to Cebu. We enjoyed the beautiful views from the Sirao Flower Farm, the Temple of Leah, and the Taoist Temple. We also had the famous Cebu lechon for lunch, strolled around Magellan’s Cross and the Sto. Niño Basilica, and bought goodies from Tabo-an Market.

The following day, my sister took her to Cebu Ocean Park. I joined them afterward for dessert, arcades, and dinner. We flew back to Legazpi on our third day. Cebu was the first-ever domestic destination I visited as a solo traveler back in February 2012.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Last May, I flew to Kuala Lumpur with my colleagues for a weekend getaway. During our trip, I took them to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, such as Bukit Bintang, the Petronas Towers, Chinatown, and Genting Highlands.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, was the first city I visited outside the Philippines when I traveled there in April 2013. It holds a special place in my memories as my first international adventure.

Hong Kong SAR

I joined my aunt and her family in Hong Kong last July for her birthday trip. We spent a day at Hong Kong Disneyland, where we enjoyed as many rides as we could due to the shorter-than-usual queues (only 40 minutes max, compared to 125 minutes in December 2023).

We also visited The Peak, Lantau Island, Ngong Ping, and Citygate Outlets. Looking back, Hong Kong was the third destination I visited with my Philippine passport back in October 2013.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam

In August, my friend and I flew to Saigon to rediscover the city. We stayed and explored for five full days. We went on day tours to the Mekong Delta and Cu Chi Tunnels. We also walked around the city and checked out the War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market, Bui Vien Walking Street, Saigon Opera House, the Coffee Apartment, and many more.

The last time I explored the city was back in May 2014, during my fourth international trip out of the Philippines.

Sydney, Australia

I flew to Sydney, Australia, in September for business. After the work portion of the trip, my colleagues and I decided to extend our stay by two days and explore the city. We visited the usual sights, including the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and The University of Sydney. We also made our usual stops at Coles and Chemist Warehouse for some shopping hauls.

Sydney holds a special place for me, as it was my first-ever trip outside of Asia back in August 2018.

Jakarta, Indonesia

I flew to Jakarta for work last November. I visited our local office and attended a trade show. Unfortunately, I did not have the chance to go out and explore the city, as I was there for a full 48 hours and focused solely on work.

It was during this trip that I had the opportunity to fly with our flag carrier, Philippine Airlines, internationally for the first time. I will post about this flight in the coming weeks.

Seoul, South Korea

I flew to Seoul, South Korea, the same day I returned from my Jakarta work trip. I stayed and re-explored the city for a little over a week with my high school friends.

We visited the usual spots like Hongdae, Myeongdong, Nami Island, N Seoul Tower, Bukchon Hanok Village, Insadong, and Hangang Park. We also checked out areas we had not visited during our previous trips—Seonsu-dong, Seoul Forest Park, Starfield Suwon, COEX Starfield, and Dong-myo Flea Market.

South Korea issued my first-ever tourist visa back in 2014. I visited the country twice—once in November 2014 and again in November 2015—but had not been back since. It was great to see Seoul again after 9 years.

Looking back on these trips, it is amazing to see how much travel has shaped my experiences and memories over the years. From rediscovering familiar places like Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur to exploring new districts in Seoul and Saigon, each journey has brought something special.

Whether it was business or leisure, solo adventures or trips with friends and family, I am grateful for the opportunity to see the world and create unforgettable memories. I look forward to more discoveries, new and renewed friendships, and the joy of exploring even more of the world this year.

Wishing everyone a travel-filled 2025! May all your dream trips come true.

Tuesday Tips for Filipinos / Philippine Passport Holders: Do-It-Yourself SOUTH KOREAN TOURIST VISA Application [40-Minute Visa Center Application Submission]

Getting a tourist visa can be a paperwork-heavy, task-filled process. It involves completing forms, gathering financial records, taking photos, and printing all required documents. By the end of the application, every traveler hopes for a positive outcome to fulfill their travel goals.

Recently, I applied for a South Korean Tourist Visa and was granted a 5-year multiple-entry visa, valid until October 2029. This visa allows me to enter South Korea multiple times, with stays of up to 30 days per visit. For today’s Tuesday Tips, I will walk you through how I secured this visa easily and outline the steps I followed from preparation to picking up my passport.

If you haven’t seen it yet, I’ve shared my do-it-yourself visa applications for Japan, Australia, the Netherlands, Italy, and the United States of America. I handled all the tourist visa applications on my own and received approval for each one.

Disclaimer: Everything written below is true and correct as of October 2024. Please note that application requirements and processes may change at any time. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the official websites of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Republic of the Philippines and the Korea Visa Application Center in Manila.

South Korean Tourist Visa

Philippine passport holders must obtain a visa to enter the Republic of South Korea for tourism or leisure. Depending on the consul’s evaluation of the applicant’s profile, the visa issued may be either single-entry or multiple-entry.

Like many other countries, the Embassy of the Republic of South Korea in the Philippines has centralized all visa applications through a dedicated visa application center. The Korean Visa Application Center (KVAC), located on the 9th and 10th floors of the Brittany Hotel, Block 2 & 4, Mini Park, McKinley Parkway, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, handles all visa submissions to the Korean Embassy. If you are applying for a South Korean visa in the Philippines, this is where you or your agency will need to submit your application documents.

How to Apply for a South Korean Tourist Visa (c-3) For Employed Individuals

Getting a South Korean tourist visa (C-3) is easy as these steps:

Step 1 – Set A Submission Appointment (Optional)

The first step to getting a tourist visa is booking a submission appointment through the visa application center’s website. Appointment slots are available up to 60 days in advance, with options for both morning and afternoon times.

Be sure to enter the correct applicant and travel details. After submitting, you will receive a confirmation email and text message for your appointment—print and bring this on the day of your visit. Travelers who set an appointment online have a separate queue on submission day.

Note: The Korean Visa Application Center also accepts a limited number of walk-in applicants daily. Applications are received from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekdays. The center is closed on weekends, Philippine holidays, and Korean consulate holidays.

Step 2 – Preparation

The next step is to prepare all required documents. Start by downloading the visa application form from the provided website. Once downloaded, fill out the form electronically, as the embassy prefers typed answers (except for the signature). There is no specific requirement for font style or size. For items that do not apply, simply enter “N/A.” If you need extra space for your answers, add them on a separate sheet of A4 paper. Once completed, print the application form on A4 paper and sign where indicated.

Here are also the other required documents for the visa application:

• 1 passport-sized colored photo (with white background) taken in the last 6 months
• Original passport (with a validity of more than 6 months from the intended trip)
• Photocopy of the passport bio page
• Original and photocopy of the valid visas and arrival stamps to OECD countries in the last 5 years
• Copy of PRC or IBP card (if applicable)
• Original certificate of employment (must include the applicant’s position, hiring date, compensation, office address, and HR landline)
• Original personal bank certificate (must include account name, account number, account type, current balance, account opening date, and 6 months average daily balance)
• Bank statement (original or certified true copy of bank / passbook for the last 3 months)
• Photocopy of income tax return (form 2316)
• Visa application center privacy consent form

Eligible credit card holders from local banks like Banco de Oro (BDO), Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), Metrobank, and Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) can apply for a visa without needing to submit financial documents (bank certificate and bank statement). Instead, they only need to provide a photocopy of their qualified credit card and the most recent three months of credit card statements. This offer is valid for applications until December 31, 2025.

Additionally, you may include extra documents like a confirmed plane ticket, hotel booking, or travel agency itinerary with your application. While these documents are not required by the embassy, they can be added if desired.

For the full and updated list of all visa application requirements for the C-3 visa, please visit the MOFA website.

Step 3 – Submit Your Documents

On the day of your appointment, arrive at the Korean Visa Application Center at least 15 minutes early. The reception staff will review your appointment and documents before assigning you a submission queue number.

After receiving your queue number, please wait in the designated area. When your number is called, proceed upstairs to the 10th floor, where the visa center staff will be ready to assist with your application. Provide your queue number, passport, and all required documents to the staff for assessment and submission.

Step 4 – Pay The Visa Application Handling Fee

After your documents are accepted, the staff will provide you with a charge slip for the visa handling fee. Take this slip to window 24 or 25 to pay the ₱900 fee. Once payment is completed, return to the staff who received your application.

The staff will inform you of the estimated passport release date (typically 10 to 14 working days, depending on the season) and give you a passport claim slip along with your receipt. They will also remind you to wait for a text notification from KVAC before coming to claim your passport. After this, you are free to leave the visa application center.

Step 5 – Wait For or Check Online Visa Application Result

You will receive text messages from KVAC confirming your visa application registration and submission. Alternatively, you can occasionally check your application status on the Korea Visa Portal website under the “Check Application Status & Print” section.

Simply enter your passport number, application number, full name (in the format: last name, first name in English), and date of birth.

Once the embassy has decided, KVAC will send you a text message notifying you that your passport is ready for pick-up.

Step 6 – Claim Your Passport

Passports are claimed at the same visa application center. As with the visa application, you will need to get a claim queue number from reception. When your number is called, proceed to the 10th floor and go to windows 2 or 3.

To claim your passport, present your passport claim stub, application receipt, and the applicant’s birthdate. You will be asked to sign the release papers before receiving your passport—hopefully with the visa you applied for. After this, you are free to leave the visa application center.

Please note that passport pick-up is available only from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays. The center is closed on weekends, Philippine holidays, and Korean consulate holidays.

My Tourist Visa Application Process

5 August 2024 – I booked an application slot for 1 October 2024 at 2:00 p.m.

1 October 2024 – I arrived at the Korean Visa Application Center at 1:20 p.m. I went directly to the 9th floor for my application documents to be checked. I received queue number F007 at 1:28 p.m. and waited about 20 minutes for my number to be called.

At 1:52 p.m., my queue number was announced. I proceeded to the 10th floor and went to Window 11, where I submitted my application form, passport, and supporting documents. After my documents were accepted, I paid the visa handling fee at Window 25. I then returned to Window 11 to collect my passport claim stub.

By 1:58 p.m., I had received my passport claim stub and the receipt for the visa handling fee, completing the application submission process.

18 October 2024 – I received a text message notifying me that my passport was ready for pick-up at the visa application center. I checked the online visa portal and found that I had been granted a 5-year multiple-entry visa valid until October 2029.

25 October 2024 – I arrived at the Korean Visa Application Center at 12:49 p.m. and was assigned queue number E037. My number was called at 1:05 p.m., and I headed to Window 2 on the 10th floor. After presenting my passport claim stub and receipt, I received my passport at 1:06 p.m.

I then lined up for a free T-money card and a tourist map, picking up my freebies by 1:14 p.m. Finally, I left the visa application center and headed back home.

That is how I obtained my South Korean tourist visa last month. If you have any questions about anything I’ve shared, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below! You may also send these questions to me via email to contact@thewkndtravel.com.

Thank you for reading this post about getting a South Korean tourist visa! I wish you all the best in your upcoming application. I hope you can also check out the other Tuesday Tip posts I have on this website. Also, before you go, can you visit my social media pages –Facebook & Instagram – and like or follow them? Thank you & see you in the next one!

Tuesday Tip: 8 GO-TO PLACES in SEOUL during AUTUMN

South Korea 🇰🇷 is one of the best countries to experience autumn here in Asia. From crimson leaves falling from park trees to yellow leaves found in ordinary streets, autumn transforms South Korea into a colorful & jaw-dropping tourist destination.

A random street in Seoul 😍

It’s been years since Korean drama & pop music introduced the beauty of South Korea to the Filipinos. Since then, the country, particularly Seoul, became one of the favorite travel / vacation destinations of Filipinos. According to the Korean Tourism Organization website, in 2016 alone, there were 556,745 Filipinos who flew to South Korea. That was a 37.9% increase from arrivals recorded in 2015 (403,622 arrivals). Filipinos take up 3.2% of the visitors who entered South Korea last year.

Came across this place on our way to Namsan Park 😃

I may not be one of the 556,745 Filipinos who visited South Korea last year, I can say I was one of the 403,622 Filipinos who visited South Korea in 2015. In 2014 & 2015, I went to Seoul, South Korea for my annual November trip. Yes, I visited Seoul for 2 consecutive years. I fell in love with autumn & Seoul’s autumn spots the first time I went there up to the point I flew back the following year. (Separate 2014 & 2015 Seoul blogs to follow)

Lovely autumn colors in Insa-dong 🍂

I know for a fact that some of you have plans of visiting Seoul in the coming weeks & months. Let me share to you 8 must-visit places in Seoul during autumn.

Hangang Park

Hangang Park is a long & wide park built beside the Hangang River. Running through 12 districts, the Citizen’s Park is the go-to place of locals & visitors for various sports & relaxation activities. This park is characterized by walking & biking trails, seating areas, exercise facilities every few meters & shops where you can grab a snack / drink whilst there. Many people visit this park everyday. Admission to the park is free. It is also open 24/7.

Banpo Hangang Park’s walking trail & biking lane 🚴

We went there to see the famous Banpo bridge (one of the famous parts of the park because of the fountain show); we went biking around the park & also tried the free exercise facilities. Unfortunately there was no scheduled rainbow fountain show during our visit. I also went to Yeouido Hangang Park (another part of Hangang Park) to relax & watch the sunset, also to cure my hangover. *wink*

Subway Access: Banpo Hangang Park – Express Bus Terminal Station – Exit 8-1 / 8-2 then follow the directions to the park | Yeouido Hangang Park – Yeouinaru Station – Exit 2 or 3

North Korea & South Korea Border (DMZ Tour)

Autumn plus some frost in Imjingak 🌨️

The visit to North Korea & South Korea border was one of the reasons why I went to Seoul in 2014. Visitors are required to take an organized tour if you want to visit this area of South Korea. There are 3 tours offered – the half day Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) Tour, the half day Joint Security Area (JSA) Tour & the whole day Demilitarized Zone & Joint Security Area (DMZ / JSA) Tour.

A glimpse of the Kaesong, North Korea 🇰🇵

My friend & I took the DMZ Tour with Cosmojin. The tour company picked us up from our guesthouse & brought us to the bus meet-up place. It took us around an hour to the DMZ area. We went to Imginjak Resort, the Third Infiltration Tunnel (a long tiring walk down to the tunnel), Dora Observatory (you’ll see a glimpse of the nearby North Korean city from here) & Dorasan Station.

To Pyeongyang, anyone? 🚉

If you want to see Panmunjeom (Joint Security Area), the place where officials from both countries had peace talks in the past, & the Bridge of No Return, you need to further take the JSA tour.

Tip: Make sure to book with a credible tour agency (I highly recommend Cosmojin – head over to their website for rates) at least a week before the tour. Please don’t forget to bring your passport during the tour – the military checks everyone’s passport upon entry to DMZ.

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Outside the main Gyeongbokgung Palace Hall

Built during the last dynasty of Korea in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace served as the royal palace during the Joseon Dynasty. It served as the home of the officials as well as the seat of government that time. It is also the biggest among the 5 palaces built by the Joseon Dynasty. The other 4 palaces are Changdeokgung Palace, Gyeonghuigung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace & Deoksugung Palace. (Thank God I still have the palace flyer / information sheet! 😂)

During the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony 💂🏻

Admission Fee: 3,000 won per person

Tip: Don’t miss the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony happening every 9:30 am & 1:30 pm. The palace is closed every Tuesday.

Subway Access: Gyeongbokgung Station – Exit 5 or Anguk Station – Exit 1

Bukchon Hanok Village

A random house near Gyeongbokgung Palace 🍂

Located between the palaces, the Bukchon Hanok Village is a traditional Korean village composed of hundreds of wooden & brick houses located in different alleys. This village shows the ‘old urban’ vibe during the Joseon Dynasty. These structures used to house high-ranking government officials & prominent people during that time. Locals converted these houses to cultural centers, restaurants & tea houses to give visitors a taste & glimpse of traditional Korean culture.

Subway Access: Anguk Station – Exit 1 or Exit 2

Insa-dong

Insadong-gil – Insa-dong’s main street 🍂

Insa-dong is a neighborhood in Jongno-gu district famous for modern galleries, traditional shops & restaurants, tea houses & cafes. The area’s main street, Insadong-gil, connects to smaller streets & alleys that showcases various establishments.

Tip: You can visit Insa-dong, Bukchon Hanok Village & Gyeongbokgung Palace in one day. They are located a few meters walk from each other.

Subway Access: Anguk Station – Exit 3

Namsan Park & N Seoul Tower

Namsan Park

Namsam Park is a famous park located on top of Namsam Mountain. This park is famous for its autumn sightings & walking trails. You can also find Palgakjeong (octagon hall), Namsan Library, restaurants, shops & the N Seoul Tower on top of the mountain. Entrance to the park is free.

A cloudy morning in N Seoul Tower grounds

N Seoul Tower is Seoul’s iconic observatory located in Namsan Mountain. The observatory offers a 360-degree view of Seoul. Make sure to go there in the morning or afternoon to avoid the crowd; it gets really busy at night. Entrance fee to the observatory is 10,000 won per person.

View from N Seoul Tower Observatory; Manila is 2,625.7 kms away

Subway Access: Myeong-dong Station – Exit 2 & 3, then walk up to the park. Alternatively, you can walk to the Namsan Cable Car Station & ride up to the park. A round-trip ticket costs 8,500 won.

Myeong-dong Shopping Street (+street food)

Myeong-dong Shopping Street is one of my favorite places in Seoul. It may not be the cheapest place to buy all sorts of stuff, but the place offers a wide variety of shops & brands to choose from. If you are a fan of skin care products, this is the place to be. Name the Korean cosmetic brand you’re looking for it’s here. There are also shops for clothing, shoes & souvenirs. The area also boasts hundreds of restaurants & cafes. The Myeong-dong Cathedral & Nanta Theater (which houses the famous Nanta Cooking Show) is also located in this part of the city.

The very busy Myeong-dong Shopping Street 🛍️

Aside from shopping, Myeong-dong Shopping Street is also a good place to have Korean street food. You can find pop-up food stalls in the main street at night. If you’re going there in the morning or early afternoon, make sure to head to the left-most street facing the main street & look for the stalls that sell Korean food.

The kinds of Korean street food you’ll find in Myeong-dong

My favorite street food is the Korean egg bread, locally known as gyeran-bbang. It’s basically made of batter & egg (cracked on top of the batter while being cooked). Make sure to try this when you go to Seoul & let me know what you think.

My favorite gyeran-bbang!!! 😋

Tip 1: The best time to go shopping is early afternoon to early evening. The shopping street gets super duper busy during dinnertime. If you are looking for cheaper buys, you can go to the nearby Nandaemun Market. It’s a short walk (or 1 train station away) from Myeong-dong area.

Tip 2: If you are into artsy & hippie stuff, head over to Hongdae (Hongik University Street – Hongik University Station – Exit 8 or Exit 9). This area is known for the young ones – those in college & early days of adulthood. It’s also the place to see street performances (only happens during night time) & local festivals. It’s also the best place to drink & party. *wink*

Subway Access: Myeong-dong Station – Exit 2 or Exit 8

Nami Island

Nami Island is probably the most beautiful place to experience autumn in Seoul. This island became famous because it was where parts of the hit Korean drama ‘Winter Sonata’ were shot. The island is near Chunchoen City, the capital of Gang-won Province about 1-1.5 hour away from Seoul.

Somewhere in Nami Island 😍

The island has the best autumn view one can image. You can see crimson leaves to yellow autumn leaves all in one place. The place hosts various activities & festivals from time to time. The best way to explore the island is by foot. Make sure to go around the island because you might just miss a stunning view.

Entrance fee to the island is 10,000 won per person. It includes a round-trip ferry transfer (10 minute per trip) from the mainland.

That’s me posing for a photo in Nami 😍

Tip 1: Prepare your autumn / winter outfit when visiting Nami Island. It’s a good place to have a ‘mini-photoshoot’ with friends. Also, if it’s already cold in Seoul, it’s colder in Nami. Prepare your winter jackets & coats.

Tip 2: You can go to Petit France & Garden of Morning Calm after visiting Nami Island. These 2 places are just a bus ride away from Nami. I visited Petit France in 2015 & I personally believe it was just okay – perhaps another place to take good photos. I missed out going to the Garden of Morning Calm due to time constraints.

Subway Access: Gapyeong Station – You can either go there from Sangbong Station (Jungang Line) or Yongsan Station (ITX-Chuncheon Train). From Gapyeong Station, you can either take the Gapyeong Tour Bus (& get off at Nami Island bus stop) or take a taxi (around 2,000 won) per way.

Nami Island is at its best during autum 😍 Definitely a must-visit! 🍂

There you go! I hope I gave you an idea on the best places to visit in Seoul during autumn season. Do you have any questions regarding these destinations? Is there a beautiful autumn place I missed? Let me know by posting a comment below. You can also send an email to contact@thewkndtravel.com. Drop me a message on Facebook, drop a comment on Instagram or send me a tweet on Twitter.

Gamsahabnida, joh-eun halu doeseyo! 감사합니다, 좋은 하루 되세요. 🇰🇷

PS. All photos above were shot using my HTC One M8.