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Where to go and what to do in South Korea: Sandara Park plays tour guide
Dongdaemun gate
It’s undeniable that the Philippines has left a deep impression on 2ne1’s Sandara Park. As she said herself, “Walang Sandara Park kung walang Pilipinas.”
Every now and then, she even returns to the country for some R&R with friends at some of the country’s best beaches.
She also knows that with the rise of Hallyuwave, many Filipinos also dream of visiting the “Land of the Morning Calm.”
To this, the quirky popstar says, “Ako po ang magiging tour guide ninyo.”
Here are some of the places she picked as a must-see places in South Korea at the Korea Night, K-Beauty & Fun event held last month by the Korean Tourism Organization in Manila during her most recent visit to the Philippines.
Various “kilig” scenes from our favorite dramas are filmed at many tourist spots in South Korea. For instance, the scene where Mateo and Steffi placed a love locket in “My Love from the Stars” was filmed at the locket terrace of Seoul's famed N Seoul Tower.
Every now and then, she even returns to the country for some R&R with friends at some of the country’s best beaches.
She also knows that with the rise of Hallyuwave, many Filipinos also dream of visiting the “Land of the Morning Calm.”
To this, the quirky popstar says, “Ako po ang magiging tour guide ninyo.”
Here are some of the places she picked as a must-see places in South Korea at the Korea Night, K-Beauty & Fun event held last month by the Korean Tourism Organization in Manila during her most recent visit to the Philippines.
Various “kilig” scenes from our favorite dramas are filmed at many tourist spots in South Korea. For instance, the scene where Mateo and Steffi placed a love locket in “My Love from the Stars” was filmed at the locket terrace of Seoul's famed N Seoul Tower.
The locket terrace at the base of N Seoul Tower
There are two ways to reach the locket terrace; either by hiking the mountain park (serious leg muscle power and endurance required), or by riding the Namsan cable car. You can check the fare prices and entrance fee to the tower from the official website.
South Korea's shopping places range from traditional flea markets to luxury malls in Gangnam. But Sandara's pick is Dongdaemun, one of Seoul's biggest shopping districts and a place that sells affordable wholesale goods, perfect for Filipinos who have to bring pasalubong for their family—including KPop merchandise for the Hallyu fan.
South Korea's shopping places range from traditional flea markets to luxury malls in Gangnam. But Sandara's pick is Dongdaemun, one of Seoul's biggest shopping districts and a place that sells affordable wholesale goods, perfect for Filipinos who have to bring pasalubong for their family—including KPop merchandise for the Hallyu fan.
Dongdaemun gate
And speaking of Pinoy Hallyu fans, you might be lucky to get a glimpse of Sandara shopping around the area: “Nakakatuwa, marami pa rin ang Pinoy doon... kaya kahit na naka-shades ako, SANDARA!!!”
To arrive at Dongdaemun, ride the subway and alight at Dongdaemun station or at Dongdaemun stadium station. The size of the district can be daunting; here is a more detailed description.
Almost any street in Seoul is teeming with street food stalls and tents, and some even have food themes. Sandara's choice is Shindang-dong, a strip known for its "Tteokbokki Town." Tteokbokki is a stir-fried rice tube cake in spicy red pepper sauce, topped with anything from fish cakes, vegetables, and seaweed.
Once you get pass the spiciness, tteokbokki can be highly addictive. Just be careful not to eat too much.
To go to Shindang-dong's Tteokbokki Town, ride the subway and arrive at Shindang (Sindang) station or Cheonggu station. Here are more detailed instructions.
Of course, South Korea is not just about Seoul. It is a peninsula with other gems outside the metropolis. Sandara recommends two of the more well-known places:
The Philippines is her Sandara's second home, but Busan is her original home. She was born in Busan and lived there until her family moved to the Philippines when she was ten years old.
To arrive at Dongdaemun, ride the subway and alight at Dongdaemun station or at Dongdaemun stadium station. The size of the district can be daunting; here is a more detailed description.
Almost any street in Seoul is teeming with street food stalls and tents, and some even have food themes. Sandara's choice is Shindang-dong, a strip known for its "Tteokbokki Town." Tteokbokki is a stir-fried rice tube cake in spicy red pepper sauce, topped with anything from fish cakes, vegetables, and seaweed.
Once you get pass the spiciness, tteokbokki can be highly addictive. Just be careful not to eat too much.
To go to Shindang-dong's Tteokbokki Town, ride the subway and arrive at Shindang (Sindang) station or Cheonggu station. Here are more detailed instructions.
Of course, South Korea is not just about Seoul. It is a peninsula with other gems outside the metropolis. Sandara recommends two of the more well-known places:
The Philippines is her Sandara's second home, but Busan is her original home. She was born in Busan and lived there until her family moved to the Philippines when she was ten years old.
Busan
Busan is South Korea's second largest city and the number one trading port.
It is also becoming known for its yearly festivals, such as the Busan International Film Festival and the Busan International Rock Festival.
It seems that living in the Philippines has gotten Sandara used to the hot weather, and when she’s back in Korea, she likes to visit Jeju Island, the country's southernmost province. The island is generally warmer than Seoul, and because of its autonomous status, Pinoys can visit Jeju without a visa.
It is also becoming known for its yearly festivals, such as the Busan International Film Festival and the Busan International Rock Festival.
It seems that living in the Philippines has gotten Sandara used to the hot weather, and when she’s back in Korea, she likes to visit Jeju Island, the country's southernmost province. The island is generally warmer than Seoul, and because of its autonomous status, Pinoys can visit Jeju without a visa.
Jeju Island
Jeju is on UNESCO's World Heritage List for its lava tube system of caves. It is also known for the “Haenyo”—the famous women divers of Jeju, also known as the “Mermaids of Jeju.”
Sandara gets there through a direct flight to the island, and she says that you can rent a car when you get there.
But you can also take a bike ride to tour the island as the sun sets.
Sandara gets there through a direct flight to the island, and she says that you can rent a car when you get there.
But you can also take a bike ride to tour the island as the sun sets.
Jeju black pig
One of the dishes that Sandara never fails to eat every time she goes to ths island is the Jeju black pig: “niluluto siya ng parang Samgyeopsal [grilled pork belly].”
And speaking of food, Sandara confesses that she actually has a large appetite—something you would never guess because of her slim figure. Aside from Jeju’s black pig, she likes to munch on everything from noodles to meat dishes.
Instant noodles are nothing special in themselves, but in South Korea, there are many delicious and varied dishes that use them.
And speaking of food, Sandara confesses that she actually has a large appetite—something you would never guess because of her slim figure. Aside from Jeju’s black pig, she likes to munch on everything from noodles to meat dishes.
Instant noodles are nothing special in themselves, but in South Korea, there are many delicious and varied dishes that use them.
Korean noodles
The ubiquitous Shin Ramyun instant noodles are added to Korean dishes such as budae jjigae (army base stew), tteokbokki ramyeon, and cheese ramyeon.
If you prefer handmade noodles, you can try dishes like mul naengmyeon (water broth cold noodles), bibim myeon (spicy mixed noodles), and jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles—the dish favored by the heartbroken during Black Day.)
Restaurants and fast food chains in the Philippines already offer bulgogi, but wouldn't you want to try the real thing? In Korea, bulgogi is infused with other dishes like kimbap or even hamburgers.
If you prefer handmade noodles, you can try dishes like mul naengmyeon (water broth cold noodles), bibim myeon (spicy mixed noodles), and jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles—the dish favored by the heartbroken during Black Day.)
Restaurants and fast food chains in the Philippines already offer bulgogi, but wouldn't you want to try the real thing? In Korea, bulgogi is infused with other dishes like kimbap or even hamburgers.
Bulgogi
Eating the traditional bulgogi is more special since the real thing uses high quality Korean beef.
Sandara adds, she likes everything that has gochujang in it. The spicy pepper paste is added to almost every Korean dish out there.
“Gagawin nila kahit ano!”
Haejuseyo, according to Sandara, is a famous errand delivery service in South Korea. The word directly translates to “please do this,” and the name suggests exactly that. They can deliver your favorite Korean food right to your doorstep at 2 a.m.!
But they are not exclusive to food delivery: they can even do odd chores for you. “Walang impossible,” said Sandara, no matter how menial or odd the request is.
Unfortunately, it cannot deliver you the man (or woman) of your dreams.
Sandara's most recent visit to the Philippines last month was to urge Pinoy travelers to explore more of her home country, even though, she confessed, she herself can't visit most of these places due to her packed schedule.
Still, if you follow her tips, there's a chance you might catch a glimpse of Sandara in South Korea, wearing shades. — BM/JST, GMA News
Sandara adds, she likes everything that has gochujang in it. The spicy pepper paste is added to almost every Korean dish out there.
“Gagawin nila kahit ano!”
Haejuseyo, according to Sandara, is a famous errand delivery service in South Korea. The word directly translates to “please do this,” and the name suggests exactly that. They can deliver your favorite Korean food right to your doorstep at 2 a.m.!
But they are not exclusive to food delivery: they can even do odd chores for you. “Walang impossible,” said Sandara, no matter how menial or odd the request is.
Unfortunately, it cannot deliver you the man (or woman) of your dreams.
Sandara's most recent visit to the Philippines last month was to urge Pinoy travelers to explore more of her home country, even though, she confessed, she herself can't visit most of these places due to her packed schedule.
Still, if you follow her tips, there's a chance you might catch a glimpse of Sandara in South Korea, wearing shades. — BM/JST, GMA News
