Selfie in Seoul Series (Part 1)

There's something about the cold weather that makes me feel so alive at the same time happy and light. I just love the cool breeze swiftly kissing my cheeks as I wander around places where I'm a complete stranger. I can laugh on my own, be crazy and do silly stuff yet still feel safe, comfortable and yes, SELFIE ready too!!! 

Winter in South Korea was a dream come true for me. First, because it was a gift to self for finally losing some weight and second, it was an opportunity to immerse and understand different culture. I'll always be a CCUP advocate (Cross Cultural Understanding Promotions). But you know, just like any of my trips, my documentation and album won't be complete without taking selfies! So here are the first 8 of many selfie during my Sole Searching Soul in Seoul South Korea Winter Adventure. 

Selfie #3: I'm a very visual person and I can remember things easily through photos and graphics so here; I took this pic so that I can remember the look and the number of my bus. 

From Incheon Airport, I opted to take their Limousine Bus service to Myeongdong. Aside from being budget friendly, I also got to see the surroundings as if I'm taking a bus tour already. 

TRAVEL TIP

Selfie #1: What's the better way to start this Selfie in Seoul series than to have a South Korean on it!

I thought my four hour flight to South Korea will be boring and was originally planning to sleep but I ended up sitting next to a fellow traveler who was also in backpacking and was interested to know more about the Philippines so before I knew it, I've landed in Korea with bonus --- a new Korean friend. Thanks to Bob, I got some valuable tips and info about Seoul and Chuncheon. 

Selfie #2: Special Apple wrapped with assorted scarf, winter clothes and topped with bonet! Ohh my, It was really REALLY cold! The moment I step out of the airport, I can't stop shivering and taking selfies too! :-) 
When I arrived at Incheon Airport, the weather report on my phone said that the temperature was something in between -10 to -2 so imagine how I feel... Remembering it now, I can still sing the song from Frozen --- The cold never bothered me anyway!!! 

If you are not in a hurry, I highly recommend that you take the bus instead of the train. Never mind the traffic and bus stops, consider it as your way of getting familiar with the place and enjoy the ride! 

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SELFIE IN PANORAMA?! Oh well, I wish I knew this trick even before so that I could have taken many! haha. I think I only "discovered" I can do this trick during my trip in South Korea last January and it took me many takes, move here and there just to take this almost perfect selfie in panorama. HAVE YOU TRIED THIS SELFIE TRICK TOO?

Can you guess where is this in South Korea?

Selfie #6: The weather was so cold that it can freeze you, your friends and this lake!!! hahaha :-p

Imagine how cold it must have been during visit when it was just the early weeks of winter yet it already freeze this lake inside the compound of Gyeongbokgung Palace.  

The promo ladies will tell you, "just looking? no problem. Go inside. Look. Look. and hand you a sample!" You might end up shopping, not just window shopping!!! hahaha :-p 

Selfie #4: I love interactive museums so expect me to try stuff whenever possible. This young Korean lady was kind enough to let me wore one of the traditional Korean headdress at the National Folk Museum of Korea. 

Selfie #5:  I was about to leave the museum when I saw thisCute little girl in her traditional attire. I thought there was a contest or an event only to find out that her mom wants her to know more about the traditional culture and lifestyle, one ofwhich is by going to the museum while wearing this clothes. Amazing right? Korean parents preserves their identity amidst western influence by educating their children in a fun way. Start them young! 

Selfie #7: Selfie after shopping and before checking-in? why not! As much as possible, visit South Korea during the Korea Grand Sale and expect lots of goodies and beauty products at amazing promo  prize. I was able to buy a lot of facial masks and personal care products from the famous Korean brands at a super discounted prize. They also like giving away samples even when you are just walking around especially if you explore every streets of the famous Myeongdong Shopping District. 

SELFIE #8:  I discovered the media poles along South Korea's most fashionable and hip district --- Gangnam! With photobooths installed all 22 (yes, twenty two!!!) 12-meter integrated media poles along the 760 meters of Gangnam road, for sure you'll enjoy taking your selfie as much as I do. Imagine having a paparazzi shots whenever you like along the streets and let other people turn their heads just to see what's up with you! haha
What better way to end your day at Gangnam than to have your selfies in all 22 media poles! ;-) Can you spot my selfies in this photo. HOW MANY APPLES CAN YOU SEE? 

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SPOTTED! Me and my friends were shopping around Dongdaemun when the Arirang Crew approached me and asked if they can interview us... Who would say no, right?! :-)

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SNOW TASTING: DID I or DID I NOT?!
What did I do after taking this selfie? Hmmm...that is for you to guess! :-)

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