It's not just about the snow! 5 Reasons why I love Winter in South Korea

Sometimes I also wonder why I have a strong penchant for winter. At first I thought maybe because I live in a tropical country that's why I long to experience snow but looking at my winter photos makes me realize that it's more than that... As memories flash back, the feelings rushed like gust which made me shiver and left a big smile on my face. 

Here are 5 reasons why I love Winter 
beyond the snow and bitter cold.  
I hope you enjoy them as well as my travel photos and some information too.  

"My HEART is where my SOLE / SOUL is." - Dulce Manzana

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1. The biting cold air of winter makes me numb to entertain any negative emotion. I just feel light, fresh and happy. 

Ice-kissed cheeks and cheeky, 
I don't mind unleashing different sides of me! 

If you were an avid fan of the original The Coffee Prince you will remember these scenes. I went to the outskirts of Seoul to find the original filming location of the series. 
The place is a real coffee shop on top of a hill and it's called House of Han-sung Choi.  

I LOVE BEING A FAN! 

I met fellow Filipino tourist who is an avid fan of anything Korean. Aiza, who is working in UAE, gladly joined me in my quest to find this location. I hope it added great memories to her South Korea dream vacation. 

If you are into arts and crafts like me, visit the nearest Korea Tourism Organization office from your hotel for you to try different traditional Korean craft workshops and other interesting activities for FREE. For sure you will love what they're offering!
In case you have ample waiting time at the Incheon international airport before boarding, I highly recommend for you to dropby at the Korean Traditional Cultural Experience Center. 

LIKE the Facebook Page of Korean Tourism Organization Manila Office and OFFICIAL KTO PAGE for latest updates, events,contests and other exciting activities especially for us Filipinos.  

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2. Playing with snow makes me feel like a child… 
one who doesn't mind getting dirty 
and easily hurt by what other people say...

a child who feeds her curiosity without hesitation 

 Just like what they always say when you travel, do what the locals do 
and eat what they eat! 
Ohh yes, don't forget to say Gun Bae!

Who would have thought that I'll be able to find an interactive museum beneath the Gwanghwamun Square? I thought it was just a vast open space infront of Gyeongbokgung Palace but lo and behold, there's an underground museum that features the Story of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-Shin. 

Most palaces offer visitors the chance to try traditional attires for FREE but make sure to check their schedule in advance so that you can include it in your itinerary. Usually 15 minutes is allotted for you to take your photos and selfie while in costume!

Traditional Korean snacks and street food stalls are still in demand.I saw many locals flock to mobile tents like this to grab some bite. You'll see it in almost every corner even in downtown Seoul. 

I became addicted to this yummy and affordable street snack, egg cake/bread as they call it. Usual price ranges from 4,000 to 5,000 won per piece but sometimes other stalls give it at 10,000 for 3 pcs. 

Be your own paparazzi! The media poles at Gangnam lets you take unlimited selfies for free! Aside from providing information about nearby point of interests and list of shops, the towering media poles also serves as photo and video booths. 

It also lets you send the files to your email while simultaneously displaying it to other media poles so you can have a proof of your craziness in the famous avenue in Gangnam. 

Depending on available materials and featured exhibitions, you can try traditional stuffs at the National Folk Museum of Korea.  

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I explored Namdaemun Night Market in Seoul and saw this tent covered alley

Only to realize that it's a food alley where everything is in Korean and nobody speaks English

I just pick the first item on the menu board and got all these. The stall owner even gave me samples to eat!

a little girl who's not afraid to break the ice 
and make friends regardless of language barrier. 

Let your smile be your language and the rest will be perfectly fine. These amazing Ajumma served me my first Korean local food and KIMCHI too! I don't speak Korean, they can't speak English so smile was our universal language. 

Bob treated me and my friends to a Korean dinner before my flight back home. 
READ Selfie in Seoul for background story how this stranger became a friend. 

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3.   The cold preserves my heart... it protects my heart from melting until the day the right man for me comes along. 

The ice prepares my heart to be strong as it nurtures the garden and wait for the right love to bloom. 

If you want to be cheesy and hunt for as many hearts as you can, visit Nami Island. You'll see hearts everywhere! 


No wonder this moon-shaped island is the favorite place of lovers and families. An hour away away from Seoul, this place makes it an ideal getaway and worth the day trip. 

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4. Seeing couples holding hands while walking or traveling together during winter warms my heart. 

More than being envy or anything, it makes me believe in the magic of love and how it can reawaken even the frozen soul. For some weird reason, 
winter gives me warmth and comfort. 

Winter makes me hope and believe in 
the promise of forever.  

The sidewalks and walls of some buildings in Namsan Hill is covered with graffiti which you will surely enjoy as you leisurely walk towards the top where N Seoul tower and Love Padlock Garden are located.  

Post by Sole Searching Soul.

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5. At the end of the day, even though I enjoyed my winter trip alone, it also make realize that even strong independent woman needs someone to share the bicycle with 
in order to keep the balance.

Winter in South Korea inspired me 
to believe in the kind of love that endures all things and 
be in-love like those character in romantic series! 

WINTER SONATA is a famous Korean series filmed at Nami Island in ChunCheon, South Korea.

It makes me want 
to hug someone and enjoy the bicycle ride with him. 

Just like what Olaf said in the blockbuster Disney 
animated movie Frozen, 
"Someone is worth melting for!" and I believe him.

How about you, do you like Winter like I do?
Tell me about it and feel free to leave a comment below 
or connect with me on my social media accounts. Let's exchange stories!

FLY TO SOUTH KOREA 
AND HAVE YOUR OWN 
WINTER WANDER MOMENTS THIS 2015! 
I was able to book a promo fare offered by Philippine's top budget airline that's why I was able to tick-off winter in my travel bucket list this 2014. I suggest you regularly check the website or Facebook page of Cebu Pacific Air 
for their latest offers and promo.
 Cebu Pacific Air flies to Seoul (Incheon) 
and Busan, South Korea. 

I guess my winter trip in South Korea #SoleSearchingSoulinSeoul is one of the 100 Million stories made by Juans who chose to fly with Cebu Pacific. This is not a sponsored post by the way. :-) 

CONGRATULATIONS to the official Facebook page of Korea Tourism Organization for reaching 400K likes and counting! 
For that, I dedicate this blog post to you. :-) #VisitKorea