Welcome to the country of K-drama, K-pop, and kimchi, where seasons are four and skincare regimens are to die for. Myeongdong, one of the primary shopping districts in Seoul, has a long stretch of beauty shops. Our male companion — looking through stacks of creams and beauty products for pasalubong — had to stress every time to the staff that he’s buying not for himself.
You see, it’s pretty natural for male Koreans to invest in their skin and appearance, and we’re not talking about aftershave and lotions. There’s a demand in anti-aging products, masks and mists, BB creams and the like.
It’s a trend among Korean men that’s widely observed and accepted, and which we all know clashes with Western ideas on masculinity.
It’s safe to say that Koreans love skincare products more than their partners, our tour guide humorously remarked.
It’s evident on the seemingly porcelain skins of K-pop stars and Korean actors we go gaga over on TV, even those we run into on the streets. But visiting South Korea goes further than taking snapshots of the filmed places. The country holds fascinating stories of warriors and kings, of downfalls and dynasties, of kimchi and ginseng and its massive productions.
Air You Go Travels’ “Seoulful Korea” four-day tour is a walk-through in their cultural heritage, tradition, history, and beauty secrets. By walk through, that could literally mean a walk around the tourist spots, so put on the most comfortable sneakers or running shoes. Wear them with skirts or dresses as most of them do.
And with a bit of rehearsed Korean conversational starters that’s easy to learn, voila! You’ll blend in perfectly well.
Petite France
It is where Do Min-joon (Kim Soo-hyun) finally revealed his supernatural powers to Cheon Song-yi (Jun Ji-hyun) by turning all the lights and summoning her to him in mid-air. The two actors from “My Love from the Star” had this scene fronting the statue of
The Little Prince.
Fall in love with this French village of colorful exotic houses and souvenir shops that appear to be cut straight from children story books! Filled with flowers and surrounded by mountains outside, visitors can stay overnight and experience French food and culture at Petite France. Every turn and nook is Instagram-worthy.
The cute cultural village has a memorial hall dedicated to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the author of the celebrated French novel “Le Petit Prince”
or “The Little Prince.”
It is also called the Little Prince theme park. It also has a gallery of wood sculptures and marionettes, paintings, and fancy teacups. A live play of accordion can be heard echoing in the village. We helped ourselves to some ice cream and waffles.
A French cultural village nestled in Korean countryside. How cool is that?
Nami Island
Familiar with the famous old-time Korean drama, “Winter Sonata”? Then you must know where this romantic destination is.
It’s an oasis of open grassy fields and of trees reaching up to the sky that makes a picturesque footpath. Nami Island is a perfect day trip from Seoul any time of the year as it displays different yet equally scenic, Instagram-worthy experience each season. The trees are emerald green in summer that come alive with bright shades of red and orange paint in autumn, and turn all white in winter like a snow globe making it unrecognizably beautiful. Campfires are set up to warm the hands (and hearts).
Bike rentals are available, too. We’ve wandered around and came across with cute animal friends like chipmunks, squirrels, rabbits, and ostriches that roam freely around the island. Cherry blossoms are said to last only a few weeks, so best check out the bloom forecast so as not to miss out the place colored in ravishing pink like a fairyland. Whichever time of the year you visit South Korea, a detour to Nami Island will surely not disappoint.
Seorak Mountain
“Seol” means snow and “ak” means big mountain. A hike to Seorak Mountain is rewarded with breathtaking views of peaks touching the clouds, but if
you aren’t prepared to sweat out, a cable car is located ahead about three-minute walk from the entrance.
The hike is made pretty much easy that would take about 5 to 10 minutes to reach a wide rocky summit where a castle once stood. Just standing there taking in the crisp air and that slight sinking feel in the guts looking down to the drop is magnificent and surreal knowing people of the old days also once stood at the same spot. It’s best to make most of the six-minute descent in the cable car back to the receiving area. It’s a great deal of sight of lush green tress and waterfalls and cliffs along the way.
Heading to the exit of Seoraksan National Park, we passed by Sinheungsa where a gigantic bronze Buddha sits atop a pedestal. The entrance to Sinheungsa Temple is guarded on the sides by, what the guide called, Deva kings of the past.
Donning the Hanbok
A trip to Korea won’t be complete without experiencing the traditional Korean clothing called Hanbok. Characterized by vivid colors, geometric structure comprised of an upper garment and a voluminous skirt that falls to the ground, Hanbok continues to charm foreign visitors who will never miss out a photo opportunity. Couldn’t be avoided.
Who wouldn’t want to feel like you’re in the series “Love in the Moonlight” or simply embrace the queenly feel even for a moment? Men get to try the king’s robes. Hanbok has long been a treasured tradition in Korean society for over 1,600 years and is now receiving international attention.
There’s more to Air You Go Travels’ “Seoulful Korea” tour. A taste of street food, some late night shopping, our side trip through the subways, and
a few must-see places in Seoul — more of this from us next weekend.
