Korea vs. COVID-19.

We currently have no travel plans to South Korea, and rightly so, with the coronavirus aka COVID-19 outbreak and all. New cases of infections are being reported everyday, and as of this writing, South Korea now has 977 confirmed cases - the most outside of China. Eleven deaths have also been reported, with a Mongolian patent being the latest COVID-19 casualty in South Korea.

Royal Guard at Gyeongbukgong wearing a face mask amidst the snow and virus scare.
Photo credit: Ahn Young Joon

What is a coronavirus?
Coronaviruses, as defined by the World Health Organization, "are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV)".

Coronaviruses are zoonotic, which means they can be transmitted between animals and people. Previous studies showed that SARS-CoV (identified in 2003) was transmitted from civet cats to humans and MERS-CoV (first identified in 2012) from dromedary camels to humans.

What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is the official name for the new corona virus that has not previously been seen in humans. This new disease was first identified in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. The first infections were linked to a live animal market, but the virus is now spreading from person-to-person through close contact or via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

What are the symptoms of the new coronavirus?
Fever, cough, and shortness of breath are some of the symptoms of this disease.
Initial findings revealed that symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure. However, further studies have confirmed that a person can carry and transmit the disease without even showing any symptoms (asymptomatic).

How can we avoid this disease?
They say prevention is better than cure - especially when there's no actual cure for this disease. At present, there is no vaccine that can prevent COVID-19, and it would be best to avoid being exposed to it.

The World Health Organization and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued the following guidelines to prevent the spread of this disease:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• Follow CDC's recommendation for using face masks - only wear them if you have any of the symptoms mentioned above. People who are well and healthy do not need to wear masks. 

Ambulances in Daegu, South Korea.
Photo credit: Kim Hyun Tae.

Because of the COVID-19 outbreak, South Korea is now on the highest alert level which means authorities can order the temporary closure of schools and reduce the operation of public transportation and flights to and from the country. Nearly 500 schools have delayed the start of classes, while visa-free entry to Jeju Island has been temporarily suspended to all foreign nationals.

The following entry restrictions have also been issued by the Korean Ministry of Justice:

• Travelers with passports issued in Hubei, China
• Korean visas to travelers who were issued in Hubei Province, China will be cancelled 
• All foreign nationals who visited Hubei Province, China in the past 14 days will be restricted entry
• Visa-free entry to Chinese nationals and foreign nationals who are traveling from China will be suspended.

Royal Guards at Deoksugung Palace.
Photo credit: Jeon Heon Kyun.

Museums and parks in Seoul are also temporarily closed, and the four royal palaces (Gyeongbokgung, Changgyeonggung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung), the royal tombs, and Jongmyo Shrine have stopped their guided tour services indefinitely. Several festivals such as the Nonsan Strawberry Festival, Snow Crab Festival, and Busan International Buddhism Expo have been cancelled, while the Comic World festivals in Seoul and Busan have been postponed.

The Philippines has not issued any travel ban to South Korea just yet; however, the Department of Foreign Affairs strongly advises Filipinos to forego travel plans amidst the virus scare.

Edit, 26 Feb 2020: The Philippines has imposed a travel ban on Filipino tourists going to South Korea. However, OFWs, Filipinos leaving for study, and permanent residents of South Korea are exempted from the travel ban. In addition, travelers coming from North Gyeongsang Province, where Daegu is located, shall not be permitted entry to the Philippines.

Meanwhile, the Korean government is working hard to contain further infection and is constantly providing reports and updates of suspected and infected cases of COVID-19. Press releases are published twice daily at 9am and 4pm at the Korea CDC website.

Creative Ways To Celebrate the Holidays.

Time-honored traditions are fine in their place. Every once in a while, however, it can be fun to try something new. Who knows, a creative celebration that you try this year may become a new tradition.

You may have several celebrations with different groups of people: family, of course, but also friends and/or co-workers. The celebrations you hold with each group are likely a little different from one another. However, you can find creative ways to celebrate with all three.

Christmas at Lotte World. :)

Anyone Holiday gift baskets are appropriate in almost any context. They can be customized to the occasion. Click here to learn more.

Another great idea that can work with almost any group is to work together to do something charitable during the holidays. There are plenty of ways to spend time together while supporting a worthy cause, such as a toy drive, a bake sale, or serving food to the disadvantaged.

A very Korean Christmas basket.

Co-Workers 
The holidays can be a touchy time at the office, especially if your workplace is particularly diverse. However, you can change this perceived negative into a positive by holding a multicultural festival. Just about every culture has some sort of celebration this time of year. You can ask workers to bring traditional dishes and take the opportunity to learn more about the backgrounds of others.

An ugly sweater party is also a fun way to celebrate without privileging any one culture. The popularity of such parties has given rise to a whole ugly sweater industry, and looking silly together at a gathering puts everyone on the same level.

Lee Dong Wook makes an ugly sweater look good. :)

Friends
In 21st-century America, people tend to associate costume parties with Halloween. Traditionally, however, masquerade balls were held during the winter holiday season. With post-Halloween markdowns, you and your friends should be able to find inexpensive costumes easily, and for a touch of class, you can rent a ballroom and hire a DJ for the occasion.

During the festive time of year, people in communities all across the country decorate their houses with lights to create some stunning displays. It costs very little to find or rent a car for the evening, drive around, and dazzle yourselves.

EXO Christmas!

Family
One great way to spend time together as a family is with a holiday-themed read-aloud. These can be the traditional seasonal stories, but they don't have to be. You can choose new favorites as well. You can stretch this activity out over several days or weeks, allowing each family member to choose a book to read.

Yue loves Christmas in Korea! :)

You do not need to confine the decorations to one or two areas of the house. You can help your kids decorate their own rooms for the holidays and encourage them to get creative.
Creative celebrations are a good way to remind yourself and those around you what is important this holiday season: spending quality time with people you care about.

How to Make Friends When You’re Traveling.

Today’s employee has freedom. Millions of people work from home. Countless others are enmeshed in the gig economy, picking up work where they can. For these workers, going to the “office” is a rare or impossible event.

If you’re in this position, it means you’re free to travel. In fact, the modern workplace is so flexible that you may have this option even if you’re not a remote worker. Unlimited paid time off is becoming more and more common.

Traveling solo can be a ton of fun if you plan correctly. One of the biggest challenges, however, is making friends. When you’re an adult, your social life is most likely formed around your job. If grabbing drinks with your coworkers isn’t an option because you’re not going into the office, you have to ger creative. The fact that you’re traveling adds an extra layer of difficulty.

On board Air Asia for another round of Seoul Searching! :)

Take a Class
In most major cities, you can find a class that meets regularly. It could be a workout group, a cooking class, a bible study. The options are endless. What matters is that you get out of the house (or hotel room) and do something that interests you. Making friends will come naturally. You’ll be engaging in an activity with like-minded people.

Let’s say you’re traveling in Texas and you interested in kickboxing in Kingwood TX. At Elite MMA, their classes “combine techniques from Thai kickboxing and western-style in order to provide a program that will teach you how to defend yourself and will give you a great workout while you are learning. You will learn with your colleagues by sparring at different levels.

Kimchi and bibimbap cooking class in Seoul.

Go Online
You can use the internet to enhance your social life. To start, you can find new friends online. By joining chat groups, commenting on social boards, etc. You can even go online to create a real-life connection. If you know that you’re going to be traveling in a certain soon, you can scout events to go to in advance. You can try to forge a connection with one of the attendees.

If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to find a group of friends and acquaintances across all of the cities where you travel.

Stay in Hostels
One of the easiest ways to meet people when you’re traveling is to stay in a hostel. They're designed to appeal travelers. A lot of hostels cater to a younger clientele, but there are plenty that accept guests of all ages. You will encounter a range of different accommodation options. The bunk bed, dorm-style option is the cheapest option. It’s also an automatic way to meet people. If that doesn’t suit your needs, you might be able to find a private room.

With Kim Jin Ah of Teseum in Seoul.

Go to Bars
Going to a bar is a classic social event for a reason. People go for the atmosphere. If someone simply wants to get drunk, the can do it at home for a fraction of the price. No matter what city you’re in, you can probably find a friend if you head to the bar. Now, these may not be lasting friendships. But who cares? You’re trying to expand your social circle. Having a casual acquaintance can be a blast.

Bar Da in Seoul.

Use Dating Sites
Dating sites and apps are a useful tool to meet people if you’re willing to put yourself out there. You’ll meet a lot of duds. But you may meet some fun people as well. If you’re completely against the idea of dating someone, there are apps geared toward friendships. However, it can take a while to find someone who you actually click with. Expect people to be very flakey.

Go Outside 
This is a simple one. Just go outside. Play Pokemon Go, walk around the park, hang out at the local pool. If you’re cooped up indoors all of the time you’ll never meet anyone new. Another benefit of going outside is that you’ll become more familiar with the area. It may feel strange at first if you’re walking around aimlessly, but it’s actually a good way to meet people in the neighborhood.

Yue playing Pokemon Go. :)

Ask Friends
If you have any friends in the city you’re traveling to, see if they can introduce you to anyone new. It’ll be easier to get invited to events if your friend can vouch for you. Other people will know that at least one person thinks you’re socially acceptable and fun to hang out with. Making friends doesn’t get any easier as you get older.

Seoul Searching | What to Do in Seoul During Chuseok.

Chuseok 추석 is one of the biggest and most-awaited holidays in South Korea. Also known as the mid-autumn / harvest festival, Chuseok is the equivalent of Thanksgiving Day in America and is usually celebrated for three days. However, this year's Chuseok holiday will be observed for four days - from  Thursday (September 12) all the way 'til Sunday (September 15).

Chuseok is one of the few times of the year when Koreans take time off from work, travel to their respective hometowns to spend time with their families, and hold memorial services for their ancestors and deceased loved ones. Many business establishments will close down in observance of the holiday, so expect Seoul to be a bit more tranquil and peaceful during this time. However, there will still be a handful of places to visit and lots of things to do for the expats and tourists who will be coming to Korea during the Chuseok holiday.

Visit a heritage site. 
Korea is world-renowned for their cultural heritage sites, and a great number of them can be found in the Seoul metropolis.

One of the more popular heritage sites is Jongmyo Shrine, the royal shrine which houses the 'spirit tablets' of the deceased kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty. On regular days, visiting Jongmyo Shrine would require a reservation. But on Chuseok, the shrine will be open to the public, with free admission at that.

Ancestral rituals will be held at the shrine during the holiday, and visitors can get the chance to witness these first-hand.

Yue at the entrance to the main hall.

Jeongjeon, the main hall of Jongmyo Shrine.

Tour the Grand Palaces of Seoul.
Like Jongmyo Shrine, the Grand Palaces of Seoul will remain open during the Chuseok holiday, free of charge. However, you have to pay the regular rates should you wish to visit the Huwon (Secret Garden) in Changdeokgung or join the nighttime tour of Gyeongbokgung.

Changing of the guards at Deoksugung Palace.

Plenty of cultural experience programs await visitors during the Chuseok holiday. Musical performances and a tasting of royal tea and snacks will be held at Gyeongbokgung, while traditional mask dances and tightrope walking will be done at Changdeokgung. Musical performances will also take place at Changgyeonggung. Deoksugung, on the other hand, will present a re-creation of the welcoming ceremony for foreign envoys by Emperor Gojong of the Joseon era (1392-1910).

Get a great view of the city.
Standing 555 meters tall with 123 floors is the Lotte World Tower - the tallest building in Korea and the fifth tallest building in the world. This majestic tower houses galleries, cafés, and a luxury hotel, in addition to a skywalk and an observation deck.

Come on up to Seoul Sky!

Lotte World Tower.

The view from above.

Going all the way up to Seoul Sky is one of the best ways to get a clear, breathtaking view of the city. The cityscape becomes even more majestic by sundown, with the glittering city lights and all.

Check out a non-verbal performance.

Spice up your holiday by going to a cultural/musical performance. It doesn't matter if you're well-versed with Hangeul or not as these shows are non-verbal, and will only require tickets, your enthusiasm, and your attention.

The cast of Jump.
Photo credit: Jump official site.

If you're a martial arts enthusiast like me, you'll definitely enjoy 'Jump' an award-winning performance packed with humor, taekwondo, and other forms of martial arts. Since 2003, the show runs everyday at Myeongbo Art Hall in Jung District, Seoul

Another noteworthy non-verbal performance is 'Cooking Nanta', which runs everyday at Myeongdong Nanta Theatre and Hongdae Nanta Theatre. This show incorporates traditional percussion and humor , and has long been a popular staple since 1997.

Enjoy the great outdoors. 
Because most of the locals leave the city to travel to their hometowns during Chuseok, Seoul becomes less crowded and blissfully empty. This makes hiking trips more enjoyable and less stressful, and cycling routes become easier to navigate. Go on a bike ride along Han River, take a stroll at Seoul Forest, or if you're traveling with kids, take them to Seoul Grand Park for the Seoul Zoo Korean Thanksgiving Festival.

Autumn colors at Seoul Forest.

Seoul Grand Park.

Children's Park.

Chuseok jal bo nae sae yo! Have a wonderful Chuseok!
Here's hoping that you'll have many things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. Enjoy the holidays!

Seoul Searching | 7 Must-See Spring Festivals in Korea.

Traveling to Korea but couldn't make it in time for the cherry blossom festivals? Don't fret! Springtime in Korea isn't just about cherry blossoms. In fact, the country hosts a cornucopia of festivals all throughout the months of April and May - some celebrating the (other) flowers in bloom, while others celebrating culture, arts, and even food.

Here is a guide to some of the best festivals that will make your spring trip to Korea even more memorable. If you're visiting the country during these times, do seek them out and enjoy the spirit of rebirth, renewal, and rejuvenation, which is exactly what spring is all about.

Goryeosan Mountain Azalea Festival (April 13 - 21, 2019)

Goryeosan Mountain Azalea Festival.

Goryeosan Mountain in Incheon earned the monicker 'pink mountain' because in the spring, it transforms into a stunning beauty carpeted with vivid pink and magenta azaleas. This mountain is one of the most popular destinations outside of Seoul, attracting more than 400,000 visitors each year.

During the Azalea Festival, several walking/hiking courses are offered to visitors, all between 1 to 2 hours long. You'll walk through a myriad of pink and purple flowers to reach the peak of the mountain, and get to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the West Sea and a glimpse of the North Korean coastline.

To get to Goryeosan, take the subway to Sinchon on Line 2 and leave exit 4. Go straight for about 260m to arrive at the bus stop in front of Arteon. Take bus 3000 for about 2 hours to Ganghwa bus terminal. From the bus terminal take bus 1,23,25,27,30,32 or 35 and get off at Dolmen Square. Follow all the hikers to Goryeosan

Taean International Tulip Festival (April 14 - May 12, 2019)

Colorful tulips at the Taean International Tulip Festival.

Hailed as one of the top five tulip festivals in the world, the Taean International Tulip Festival showcases over 1.5 million tulips from over 300 different species, as well as beautiful displays of spring blooms such as lilies, pansies, daffodils, lupine, and canola.

This festival is recognized by the World Tulip Summit Society and takes place at the Korea Flower Park a 30-acre flower theme park where you can walk among gorgeous spring flowers and enjoy the beautiful glow of the Taean sunset.

To get there, head to Dong Seoul Bus Terminal and take an intercity bus to Taean. From Taean Intercity Bus Terminal, take a village bus bound for Gomseom and get off at Morenon Bus Stop.

Royal Culture Festival (April 27 - May 5, 2019)

Gyeongbokgung Palace at night.

One of my favorite cultural festivals in Seoul, the Royal Culture Festival is the perfect opportunity for tourists to learn more about Korea's royal palaces and delve deeper into Korean culture. During the festival, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, and Jongmyo Shrine are open to the public for free, and host an array of cultural programs, performances, exhibitions, and experience zones. Some of these palaces will be open until night time, though the special evening admissions come with a small fee.

Promotional poster for the 2019 Royal Culture Festival.

This year's Royal Culture Festival promises to be a very exciting one as it aims to present Korea's rich history and culture through state-of-the-art technology. A special augmented reality (AR) game will be available at Changdeokgung Palace during the nine-day event, while Gyeongbokgung Palace will host a performance chronicling the Gyeonghoeru pavilion’s construction process using 3D technology. And for the first time since the festival's inception, Gyeonghuigung Palace will join in the revelry and will host traditional dance performances using robots.

Locations and how to get there: 
Gyeongbokgung Palace - Gyeongbokgung Station (Seoul Subway Line 3) 
Changdeokgung Palace - Take Bus 100, 102, 104, 90S tour bus or 91S tour bus.
Changgyeonggung Palace - Take Bus 100, 102, 104, 90S tour bus or 91S tour bus.
Deoksugung Palace - City Hall Station (Seoul Subway Line 1 or 2)
Jongmyo Shrine - Jongno 3(sam)-ga Station (Seoul Subway Line 1, 3 or 5).


Lotus Lantern Festival (May 3-5, 2019)

Lanterns in Jogyesa Temple.

A prelude to Buddha's birthday, the Lotus Lantern Festival (Yeong Deung Hoe) is one of the most celebrated events in Korea. It's also one of the oldest festivals, with a history spanning over 1200 years. Originally an event with Buddhist significance, this occasion has now become a cultural festival celebrated by everyone in Korea.

Traditional lanterns in various colors, shapes, and sizes are hung all over downtown Seoul, and both Bongeunsa and Jogyesa temples host various cultural performances for locals and tourists to enjoy.

Photo credit: Korea.net.

The highlight of this festival is the Lantern Parade, where thousands of lanterns illuminate the metropolis and create an illusion of stars streaming through the milky way. In the previous years, more than 300,000 Koreans and 50,000 foreigners have participated in this event, and is said to be the biggest of its kind in the world.

To get to Bongeunsa Temple, take Samseong Station (Line 2) Exit 6. Walk straight for approximately 600m, and turn left. Walk straight for approx. 150m to arrive at Bongeunsa Temple 
To get to Jogyesa Temple, take Jonggak Station (Line 1) Exit 2. Walk straight for about 200m to arrive at Jogyesa Temple.


Boseong Green Tea Festival (May 2-6, 2019).

The picturesque hillside of Boseong.

Boseong, an idyllic town in South Jeollanam-do, is said to be the birthplace of the commercial tea industry in Korea. It accounts for 91% of the total green tea production in the country, and is home to the nation's oldest tea plantation.

In the spring, these seemingly endless fields of green welcome visitors from all over the country to the Boseong Green Tea Festival, a celebration of the town's booming green tea industry and rich cultural heritage. Various programs and workshops are scheduled during this five-day event, but the hands-on activities such as picking tea leaves, making tea, and preparing green tea snacks are the real crowd favorites.

How to get to Boseong:
From Seoul Express Bus Terminal, take an intercity bus to Boseong (보성) or to Gwangju (광주). From the Boseong Bus Terminal, take a Boseong-Gunhak (보성-군학) route bus to Daehan Dawon (대한다원). From Gwangju U-Square Bus Terminal, take an intercity bus to Boseong (보성).


Hangang Seoraeseom Canola Festival (May 11-16, 2019)

A sea of yellow at Seoraeseom Island.

The canola flower, also known as yuchae, is one of the spring flowers that represent Jeju. But that doesn't mean these dainty yellow blooms can only be found there. Sure, Jeju Island is home to the longest-running canola festival in the Korea, but you don't need to go that far just to see the canolas.

At Seoraeseom Island, a small (artificial) island located between Dongjakdaegyo Bridge and Banpodaegyo Bridge, you'll find canola flowers blooming in full glory by mid-May. The Hangang Seoraeseom Canola Festival is held around this time, and gives visitors the opportunity to capture beautiful memories of spring. During the festival, visitors can enjoy many photo zones, culture and art performances, and hands-on activities all over the island.

To get there, take Gubanpo Station (Seoul Subway Line 9), Exit 2. Go 370m towards the Olympic-daero Highway. Follow the street signs for Hangang Park to arrive at Banpo Seoraeseom Island.

Seoul Grand Park Rose Festival (May 25 - June 9, 2019)

Roses in full bloom.

Seoul boasts of not one, but two Rose Festivals in the spring - the Seoul Rose Festival held in Jungnang-gu, and the Seoul Grand Park Rose Festival held in Gwacheon. I have attended both festivals during my previous trips to Korea, and although they're both fun, lively, and lovely, I prefer the latter in terms of diversity of species, available facilities, and the size of the area.

The Seoul Grand Park Rose Festival usually kicks off in the last week of May until the first week of June, and is held at the botanic garden of the Seoul Grand Park. Visitors will marvel at the beauty and splendor of more than ten million roses sprawled across the 10-acre garden. Workshops, concerts, and cultural events are some of the highlights of this annual event, and these activities are all free of charge.

At least year's Seoul Grand Park Rose Festival.

To get to the Seoul Grand Park, take exit 2 of the Seoul Grand Park Station (Line 4).

Ready to experience the beauty of spring? Which festivals are included in your itinerary?

Seoul Searching | Seodaemun Prison History Museum.

Today couldn't have been a more perfect time to write about Seodaemun Prison History Museum, and what we saw and experienced during our visit. Because on this day, exactly one hundred years ago, the March 1st Movement (Samiljeol) took place.

One of the earliest public demonstrations of Korean resistance during the Japanese occupation, Samiljeol was initiated by thirty-three core activists who came together at the Taehwa-gwan Restaurant in Seoul and announced the Korean Declaration of Independence.

They then took it to the streets where they were joined by many others, marching and shouting "Manse!" which means "long live Korea". As more and more people joined the procession, the Japanese officials panicked and asked the military forces to intervene. Many of the Korean protesters were arrested, but many more were killed. Apprehended activists were brought to Seodaemun Prison, where they were locked up, tortured, or worse - executed.

The entrance to Seodaemun Prison History Museum.
Ticket prices: 1500 Korean won for adults, 500 Korean won for kids.

Forcibly built during the Japanese occupation, construction of the prison began in 1907 and was completed the year after. The prison was opened on October 21, 1908, under the name of Gyeongsong Gamok. This name eventually went through a few more changes until 1923, when it finally became the name that we know today - Seodaemun Prison.

The Administration Building, used mainly for interrogations.
This now serves as the exhibition hall of Seodaemun Prison History Museum.

Uncovering the horrors of Seodaemun Prison... more secrets revealed after the jump!

Seoul Searching | What To Do in Seoul During Seollal.

Happy Lunar New Year!
Today marks the first day of the Seollal holiday in South Korea - a three-day event to celebrate the Lunar New Year. The Seollal holiday starts on the day before the Lunar New Year, and ends on the day after it. This year, the actual day of Seollal falls on a Tuesday, February 5; and with the weekend before it, Koreans get an extra two days to enjoy the Lunar New Year festivities.

One of the most important holidays in Korea, Seollal not only marks the passage into a new year, but also gives families the time and opportunity to bond, pay respect to their ancestors, and enjoy a bountiful meal. Majority of the business establishments in Korea are closed during this time (it's a national holiday, after all), but tourist attractions and destinations remain open to the public, hosting various events and cultural activities.

If you're in Korea for the Seollal holiday, here's a list of things to do and places to visit to make the most out of your Lunar New Year trip:

Join a Temple Stay Program.
In a Temple Stay Program, participants can experience Korean culture and immerse oneself in daily monastic life. To celebrate Seollal, various temples across the country will host special temple stays and offer Seollal-related activities such as playing traditional Korean games, commemorative rites for ancestors, and New Year's bow to the Buddha after the Buddhist service.

Bongeunsa Temple in Gangnam and Jogyesa Temple in Jongno are some of the temples in Seoul that host Temple Stay Programs.

Customary visit to Bongeunsa Temple whenever we're in Seoul.

Visit a Hanok/Folk Village.

A great way to learn more about Korean culture and experience how Koreans traditionally celebrate Seollal is by visiting a folk village or a hanok village.

The Korean Folk Village in Yongin welcomes the Lunar New Year with traditional activities such as jisinbalgi (praying for abundance through music), daljiptaeugi (sheaf burning/traditional campfire), eating tteokguk (sliced rice cake soup), and fortune-telling. Kids can also experience fun activities such as making kites, playing with tops, and even ice sledding when they visit the Korean Folk Village during this time of the year.

Meanwhile, the Namsangol Hanok Village is all set for the Year of the Pig, with a 6-meter inflatable pig standing tall (more like sitting, actually) in the cultural plaza. Musical performances, cultural plays, traditional games, and food festivals are all part of Namsangol Hanok Village's Seollal celebration.

Photo credit: Namsangol Hanok Village Facebook page

Explore the Grand Palaces of Seoul.

If you're a fan of Korean dramas, no trip to South Korea would be complete without visiting any (or all) of the royal palaces in Seoul. There are five of them in total - Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, and Gyeonghuigung, and all of them are located in central Seoul. 

Exploring the palaces is a great way to get to know the metropolis, learn about Korean history, and appreciate historical architecture. During the Seollal holiday, admission to the royal palaces will be free of charge. Visitors will also have the chance to participate in traditional rituals such as tea ceremonies, bowing before elders, and receiving saebaetdon (New Year's gift). Traditional games such as yutnori (traditional board game) jegichagi (hacky sack), and tuho (darts) are also included in this year's Seollal activities.

From L-R: Unhyeongung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Deoksugung Palace.

Visit a museum.

Seoul is home to a plethora of museums and galleries, which feature everything from South Korea's rich and eventful history to its present status, at the helm of innovation and technology. Some of the note-worthy, must-visit museums are the National Museum of Korea, the Seoul Museum of History, the National Folk Museum of Korea, and the War Memorial of Korea. 

The National Museum of Korea in Yongsan is currently hosting a special exhibition to commemorate the 1100th founding anniversary of Goryeo, the kingdom established by King Taejo. On display are paintings, celadons, sculptures, and craftworks dating back to as early as 918.

National Museum of Korea.

Also located in Yongsan is the War Memorial of Korea, a museum/national monument dedicated to Koreans and non-Koreans who sacrificed their lives during the Korean War. The museum houses more than 30,000 artifacts displayed in the indoor exhibition hall and at the outdoor exhibition area. Admission is free, and the War Memorial will be open throughout the Seollal holiday.

War Memorial of Korea.

On the other hand, the National Folk Museum of Korea will be hosting the 'Seol Grand Festival' for the Year of the Pig. The festival will kick-off on the day after Seollal with special musical performances, fortune-telling sessions, and traditional games. Arts and craft activities, food sampling, and fun activities for the kids are also included in the program. If you're born in the Year of the Pig, you'll even have a chance to receive a bokjumeoni (fortune pouch) as a New Year's gift.

Seoul Museum of History.

If calligraphy is your thing, head over to the Seoul Museum of History in Jongno for a special calligraphy event. Participants will have the opportunity to learn some calligraphy basics and write postcards as souvenirs or gifts for loved ones. Kids will also be treated to an afternoon of fun and games as they learn about Seollal traditions. 

One of the displays at the Seoul Museum of History.

Have fun at amusement parks. 

South Korea also has an impressive selection of theme parks, with Everland, Lotte World, and Seoul Land topping the list. All three theme parks are open all-year-round, and they offer special promos in celebration of the New Year.

Lotte World, for instance, has a special discount exclusive for foreigners. By simply presenting their passport or ARC (alien registration card), foreigners can get as much as 50% discount on passes to Lotte World.

Lotte World Adventure.

Aside from amusement parks, tourist attractions such as the COEX Aquarium, N Seoul Tower, and Seoullo 7017 will be open during the Seollal holiday period.

Sae-hae bok mani badeuseyo! 

May you receive many blessings this year, and hope you enjoy your Seollal holiday in South Korea!

Spotlight | Innisfree Orchid Line.

I usually tweak my skincare routine depending on my skin condition and the current season. For the cold months, I switch to products with thicker and richer formulas as my skin tends to get dry and patchy during this time of the year. And now that the days are blustery and the temperature dips low, my skin gets the extra boost of hydration from Innisfree's Orchid line.

Innisfree Orchid Enriched skincare line.

I discovered this skincare range two year ago, during my second winter trip in Seoul. I was on the hunt for winter-appropriate skincare products back then and chanced upon this limited edition 'Orchid Lucky Box' being sold at 32000 Korean won (around Php 1500 or $28). With every 'Orchid Lucky Box', you get a full-sized jar of the Innisfree Orchid Enriched Cream (50 mL) plus a few other 'mystery items'. You won't know what's inside the box until you open it. Not bad, I thought, considering that the cream already costs 25000 Korean won (around Php 1100 or $22).

The Innisfree 2017 Lucky Box includes the Innisfree Orchid Enriched Cream,
the Innisfree Orchid Enriched Essence, the Innisfree Orchid Lotion, and the Innisfree Orchid Skin.

I think I really got lucky with the box that I bought, because mine contained a full-sized bottle of the Innisfree Orchid Enriched Essence (50 mL), which usually retails for 28000 Korean won (around Php 1300 or $25). I got more than what I have paid for from this product alone. I also got travel-sized bottles (30 mL) of the Innisfree Orchid Lotion and the Innisfree Orchid Skin, 2 packs of Innisfree Premium Cotton Pads which I've already used up, and a 2017 desk calendar which I've thrown away.

Now here's a closer look at Innisfree's Orchid skincare products.

Innisfree Orchid Skin and Innisfree Orchid Lotion.

The Innisfree Orchid Skin is a refreshing toner with fine gel texture that adheres densely to the skin to retain moisture and enhance resilience. Despite its slightly thicker, fluid-like consistency, it does not feel sticky when applied and is easily absorbed by the skin. With just a few drops of this toner, your skin gets instant hydration and quick relief for those dry, flaky patches.

Innisfree Orchid Skin.

On the other hand, the Innisfree Orchid Lotion is a lightweight emulsion formulated with the so-called Orchid Elixir2.0. It's a substance acquired from the Jeju orchid which makes dry skin radiant and strengthens the skin’s defense system. Although its consistency is a wee bit thicker than other lotions/emulsions that I have tried, the Innisfree Orchid Lotion blends easily on the skin thanks to its 'melt-in texture' from coconut oil.

Innisfree Orchid Lotion.

Likewise, the Innisfree Orchid Enriched Essence has a thick, syrupy consistency which kinda took me aback at first. Having been used to essences with light, watery textures, I found this essence a bit too thick and sticky for my liking when I first tried it.

Innisfree Orchid Enriched Essence.

However, when blended properly and once fully absorbed by the skin, the essence no longer feels sticky nor tacky. In the course of time, I have gotten used to its syrupy texture and have learned to appreciate its rich formula. 

Innisfree Orchid Enriched Essence.

The Innisfree Orchid Enriched Essence promises an 'instant firming effect while preventing the breakdown of collagen'. It contains natural lifting ingredients extracted from oatmeal and orchid elixir to make the skin firm and keep it supple with a radiant glow. 

Thick and syrupy.

Although I didn't achieve the aforementioned results in an instant, I appreciate the fact that my skin has become smoother and more supple with continued use of this essence. I also love its mild, floral scent which is quite soothing and relaxing, especially when used before bedtime Aromatherapy, anyone?

Innisfree Orchid Enriched Cream.

Finally, we have the Innisfree Orchid Enriched Cream, a rich and moist essence-like cream with Jeju Orchid Extract, Jeju Green Complex, and green pea extract that provides full nourishment for the skin. Basically, it's an anti-aging cream that tightens skin, reduces wrinkles, and brightens your over-all skin tone.

Product description at the back of the box.

Like the other products from the Orchid line, the Innisfree Orchid Enriched Cream has the same lovely scent, and a rich and thick formula - not surprising since creams are supposed to be like that. It doesn't absorb easily on the skin like gel moisturizers, but it does not feel sticky nor does it have a greasy after-feel. I use this as the last step in my nighttime skincare routine, and I love how this cream seals in moisture and keeps my skin hydrated throughout the night. And we all know how wonderful it is to wake up to clear, glowing skin, right?

Halfway through the tub! :)

I usually get dry, red patches on the nose whenever the cold months kick in, and I love how the Innisfree Orchid Enriched Cream kept the dryness and flaking at bay. By layering all four Innisfree Orchid products on my skin, the unsightly red patches were gone in as little as two days - a feat not achieved by other skincare products that I've tried.

Swatches of the Innisfree Orchid Lotion, Innisfree Orchid Enriched Essence,
and Innisfree Orchid Enriched Cream.

The Innisfree Orchid line is best for dry skin, but can also be used by those with combination skin. If you have winter skin issues like mine, this skincare range will be your best friend and your ally against icy air and chilly temperatures.

Have you tried this line of products before? What's your favorite winter skincare product?