A Week in Seoul during Autumn: Affordable Accommodations + Alternative Things To Do + BTS & Kdrama Locations
October 19-25, 2022
Supposed to be my last week in Korea, but won 3 online contests that I decided to extend my stay for another 9 days! (More blogs to come, hehehe)
In this chill part of the trip, I planned to finally figure out the laundry (since I don't have clean clothes na), see nearby Kdrama locations, and just settle and relax (how I wish, lol) in time for the second part of this adventure.
Pohang to Seoul
We took a looong 4-hour bus ride from Pohang to Seoul. It was seriously a long bus ride, but I was so engrossed with editing my Reels that I did not feel it so much. By this time, kailangan ko na mag delete ng raw video files that were filling up my phone storage (didn't bring a laptop with me).
During the bus ride, there was one rest stop for CR break, and where we also had the chance to buy late lunch I had boiled potatoes and tteokbokki (which was not the best choice while eating it in our bus :p).
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| Allowed to eat inside the bus, but have to be quick |
When we arrived back in Seoul city, we were welcomed by noise and bad traffic --which I did not missed at all. My friends and I parted ways for our own accommodations, but I was with Melai for the last few days of her trip (the friend of my high school friend, and now my new ARMY friend too, hehe). She convinced me to just take the subway instead of waiting for a miracle aka a cab that will take us to our accommodation in Euljiro. It was tiring but a good call, we saved a lot of cash and were the first ones to reach our accommodations (compared to friends stuck in traffic).
Seoul Accommodation 1: A Tiny "E-Room" in Euljiro
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| Originally my final room for this trip, stayed here for a week only paid Php 5251 for a private space! |
PROS:
- Room is VERY affordable. Private na nga, you have your own toilet and bath pa.
- The owners were very helpful and hands-on! Met them when we checked in, and even helped me with my luggage when we checked out and took a cab. My friend even asked if a package can be shipped in the guesthouse, which they allowed!
- Location is also very good, the train exit was super near and wala nang tawid tawid (with elevators for luggages). There's also a police station a few blocks away so I felt safe even though the place isn't touristy
- WiFi and simple meals were provided (wasn't able to avail this, but I saw a cabinet filled with ramen!). There was also a free cold and hot water dispenser in the kitchen, and free sachets of instant coffee (ito inavail ko everyday hehehe)
- Free washing machine and detergent - super nasulit ko to during laundry day! So hard to figure out, but eventually the cleaner helped me with it. They also have a power dryer with a small fee.
- Room is very tiny, but already expected / non-issue for me. Friend we brought there wasn't used to goshiwon and nakaka claustro daw--so pls take note of this in case you have this phobia too.
- Ang dami nag iinuman sa labas, coz the convenience stores across have outdoor dining. Ok lang naman, ingat lang talaga and again may police station din sa area so hindi ako natakot.
- Bring more toiletries, medyo onti yung provided sa room ko so I just bought tissue and conditioner.
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| Generally clean, but tiny |
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| Few space to open huge luggages, so I took out the that I needed for my stay. |
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| It has its own toilet and bath, an essential for me now. |
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| The common kitchen with the laundry area. Small but clean. |
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| Saved a lot by getting hot and cold water and instant coffee sachets here everyday. |
Address: 1-minute walk from Exit 7 of Euljiro 3-ga Station
Aibnb Link: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/708344760976945388
Seoul To-Do
❤ HYBE Insight for PROOF Exhibit in Seoul
I realized I wasn't able to post anything about going to the Proof exhibit on my IG Feed. Aside from bawal mag picture inside, it was also very hectic that day. You have to be there on the dot, and have a copy of your passport with you (na akala ko iniwan ko sa guesthouse!). We met a lot of friends during our timeslot. Honestly it was so hard to focus for me, so I hope I get to visit again alone kahit yung regular exhibition nalang.
Location: B1/B2, HYBE YONGSAN, 42, Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Visit https://hybeinsight.com/ for more information
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| Hello, HYBE! Pakilabas po si Jimin! Lels. |
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| The only area where we were allowed to take photos for PROOF exhibit. |
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| Make sure to also visit the CU across the HYBE building for more BTS merch! |
❤ Silver and Wood Workshops
We visited the workshops from Jimin and Suga’s vlogs. I had no time to take the classes, but was able to buy a wooden MIN keyring souvenir instead for around Php 500. The visit was still fun, knowing the boys were there before (ang kababawan ng isang fan, hehehe).
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| The MIN key ring I got as souvenir; they also have samples of the whale chopping board Suga made but it was not for sale |
𝐒𝐮𝐠𝐚 ~𝗪𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐇𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝗪𝐨𝐨𝐝
𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬: 38 Huam-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
(𝘓𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘬: 𝘉𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘑𝘫𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘵, 𝘉𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘯𝘷𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨)
𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝗪𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩: https://m.hashthewood.com
𝐉𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐧 ~𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐊𝐢𝐭 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞
𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬: 6 Sinheung-ro 36-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
(𝘓𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘬: 𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘴 𝘉𝘢𝘨𝘶𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘵)
𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝗪𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩: Send them a direct message on Instagram @silver_kit_house
❤ BTS Pilgrimage in Seoul
These were mostly featured in the Run BTS episode 𝘛𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘺. Everything’s in same area in Nonhyeong-dong, so we just walked and walked and walked while meeting ARMYs along the way! So in case you're lost, you can easily ask around hihi.
(Sorry not much details here like addresses, I just followed my friends and we asked around while we did this pilgrimage)
💜 𝐘𝐨𝐨𝐣𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐢𝐤𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐠 - Lunch in the boys’ go-to resto when they were trainees/rookies
💜 𝐁𝐓𝐒 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐃𝐨𝐫𝐦
💜 Former 𝐁𝐢𝐠 𝐇𝐢𝐭 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 - this one yun may sulat-sulat from fans
💜 Former 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐦
💜 𝐇𝐚𝐤𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤
💜 𝐎𝐥𝐝 𝐃𝐨𝐫𝐦 recently turned into a coffee shop (𝐇𝐲𝐮𝐠𝐚 𝐂𝐚𝐟𝐞) - perfect last stop to chill before we took the train to...
💜 𝐁𝐓𝐒 𝐆𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐝𝐨𝐥 (bear) in K-Star Road (Apgujeong Rodeo Station)
❤ Mauritius Brown Cafe
During my solo time, I went to a 𝐌𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐮𝐬 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧 cafe branch where they shot scenes for 𝐘𝐮𝐦𝐢’𝐬 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝟏&𝟐 and 𝐓𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰, some of my favorite recent Kdramas! There was also a CSE while I was there, and now regretting not taking my pics inside the cafe, kahit selfie man lang (coz naunahan nanaman ng hiya). 😄
Location: 𝐌𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐮𝐬 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐤-𝐫𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡, Hyehwa Station, Exit 2
❤ Naksan Park & Fortress
While waiting for my friend, and after having coffee in Mauritius Brown, I went on a unexpected hike! As usual nabiktima nanaman ako ng Google Maps where places look near to each other, but pag Korea talaga prepare to walk a lot!
The Naksan Park is a historical site where the Joseon royal family enjoyed the view. While strolling, I saw a marker featuring the Center of Seoul, with magnificent view of the entire city.
The fortress is also a popular night view of Seoul cityscape that we saw in many Kdramas.
𝐊𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐬 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐭 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞: Because this is My First Life, Run-On, 18 Again, Strong Woman Do Bong Soon
❤ Ihwa Mural Village
I'm sure a lot of Korea enthusiasts have been to Ihwa Mural Village already, another popular Kdrama location. Really quaint area "near" the Naksan Park with local shops and cafes. Finally got to visit this area without rushing.
❤ YN Anima
In between my laundry time, I hopped on the train to check out the Prince Comic Shop featured in Cha Eunwoo's Kdrama True Beauty. The store sells takeout coffee, cute bags, and accessories irl. They even sell the friendship bracelet of Suho, Seojun, and Seyeon. 🔑
Location: Anguk Station, Exit 1. Closed on Mondays
❤ Giant Rubber Ducky 🐥
During our trip, we chanced upon the "reappearance" of this giant Rubber Duck installation in Seokchon Lake.
Grabe, locals flocked the area, and with all the tree branches obstructing the view.. ang hirap pala mag photo! I just settled in one of the steps where people gather and eat, after getting myself a pack of Inari and a bottle of water inside the Lotte Mall naki-picnic nako sa kanila while waiting for Paxie. They also sold rubber duck merch sa mall!
Lotte group brought back the giant duck by a Dutch artist after 8 years. It was a symbol of healing and hope, "to warm everyone's hearts amid these trying times".
How To Go: Jamsil Station, Exits 2 & 3
❤ Mullaedong
Finally met our online Korean Language 선생님 for about 2 years! So much to talk about outside Zoom sessions! Had dinner and coffee in Mullaedong (teacher's reco) — a former factory town turned art destination in Seoul. It was a quick but fun dinner and coffee, must go back to this area again next time to explore!
❤ Ikseondong
I realized how I've been going back to this area ever since I learned about it in 2019 through Ate Cris. Ikseondong has alleys of local shops, restos, self photo booths, and cafes--I even tried vintage rental costume here in 2020.
In the photo is a retro arcade, as seen in so many Kdramas like When Camellia Blooms, True Beauty, and Woo Young Woo.
Also in Ikseondong, I met up with Paxie and our Cebu friends Marco and Pirr for dinner, na sobrang good vibes lang. We had fried mandu, kimchi rice, coke, and so much Korea stories. Probably one of my favorite meals for this Korea trip coz of the good food and good laughs.
Location: Chang Hwa Dang (창화당), Ikseondong (Turned out to be a Hotel Del Luna location too (1st ep) but different branch)
❤ BTS SG 2022 Shooting Locations in Euljiro
Stayed in Euljiro for a week while in Korea.. and my goshiwon is just a few walks away from the shooting location of my favorite BTS Seasons Greetings (2021) with the green retro / vintage Seoul concept. We visited them on the day I was about to move out, coz sayang naman! It was fun navigating the old streets of Euljiro, but at the same time, was sad that some of the filming places were already closed / under construction.
Reference for BTS Season's Greetings 2021 Shooting Locations: https://www.creatrip.com/en/blog/9246
❤ Sewoon Cheonggye Shopping Center
Also in Euljiro, Paxie and I spotted the Kdrama Vincenzo's Geumga building near the BTS SG spots, and also along the popular Cheonggyecheon Stream. Since magkakamukha na the structures in the area, there are Vincenzo pictures posted randomly at the side of the correct building. A bit late to the party, but still cool! Paki labas po ginto! Hehehe.
Location: Cheonggye Plaza, Euljiro 4-ga Station Exit 4
❤ Korean Folk Village
A beautiful day-trip around 1.5 hours away from our place in Seoul, Korean Folk Village gave us full blown autumn colors during our visit.
Would have been better if we arrived earlier, there's so much to see and do in this village from performances, traditional crafts workshops, horseback riding, and kdrama filming locations. Parang meron pa nga syang theme park! We were able to see a few spots from the fun Run BTS episodes, too.
Booked our entrance via Klook, but can't seem to find the listing now. Here's a tour via Trazy (inclusive of transpo). I read in the reviews though it's a bit quiet during winter, and shows were cancelled. Make sure, as in any activity, to also take note of the season you're planning to visit before booking.
Bought this bird pipe at the Korean Folk Village coz it reminds me of Alchemy of Souls (my 2022 fave Kdrama).
❤ Silver Jewelry Workshop (Korean Alphabet)
Had fun creating wearable art again with Lettering Jewelry Lab, booked our class via Klook. You can choose your project from 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐭, 𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞, 𝐨𝐫 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐜𝐡 (with free small canvass stand). After finalizing which word you're going to turn into an accessory (the hardest part, hehe), you can pick your Hangul font from simple block or hand writing style.
I truly loved this session as it merged my two passions: Korean Language and Jewelry Making! The teacher was also super nice, and an ARMY too! We made our accessories while she played BTS songs, and even took our pictures for us!
Location: City Star Mall, City Hall Station, Seoul
Fee: Php 2800+
Link: Can't seem to find their Klook listing anymore, but here are some of the booking websites from their Instagram:
https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/358641
https://www.orderect.com/en/products/lettering_jewelry_lab#
Seoul Accommodation 2: Hello Hoegi!
Before the extended part of my trip, I moved out of Euljiro to a vacant room Paxie booked for me in the building she was staying in. It was cheaper than their Airbnb listing, and bigger than my last room too! I got this space for only Php 600+ per night.. but there were some catch.
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| My last room for this trip located in Hoegi |
PROS:
- Super duper affordable, best for budget travelers staying for a month! I only paid around Php 600+ per night for a PRIVATE room with OWN TOILET & BATH!
- Common kitchen also has free water dispenser with hot and cold water, naka tipid ako dito since I drink a lot of water and coffee everyday
- Space is big for a goshiwon, bigger than my E-Room. There are a lot of shelves for my stuff, and sabitan for my towels and clothes.
- I've stayed in several goshiwons (tiny rooms) nadin in Korea, but this one is exceptionally dirty. When I checked in palang, ang dumi ng CR ko. They just left the key on my desk so I think may mga lumalabas pasok dito na old tenants who knew the passcode of the place tapos may nakiligo sa room ko, huhu.
- Location-wise, super long walk sya to the train station (Hoegi Station). Tapos from the station, it takes a long time din to reach usual spots we go to as travellers (usually about an hour away!). So medyo impractical sya lalo for Korea first timers.
- Medyo nadudumihan talaga ako sa kanya, lels. May ref sa room ko but pag open ko medyo kadiri sya (may puddle of water, and alam mong hindi na nilinis) so hindi ko na inattempt gamitin. The kitchen area wasn't clean palagi, I had to boil the utensils and mug that I borrowed for my entire stay.
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| Space wise, my room has lots of shelves and also power outlets |
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| Pretty spacious than my former goshiwons |
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| Looks okay, till I noticed the wet floor and hairs as if someone just used the shower |
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| The ref had this gross vandal so I didn't dare use it, caretaker cleaned my shower on the spot when I told them about the hairs in the shower |
Address: Imun 1(il)-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea (Near Kyunghee University, not the DDP area that we know)
Airbnb Link: https://www.airbnb.com/users/show/431667835
I just spent a night in my new (and final) Seoul accommodation, and had to leave early the next day to join a Trazy content creators tour. I met new international friends while enjoying another side of Korea.
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| Last mirror fit check before heading out for my overnight tours. |
Blogged about these tours here:
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