Asian Tour: Seoul, South Korea

after snow sliding (taken by Mr.Chung, our guide)

Christmas in the Philippines is a much anticipated festivity. It actually starts in the  month ending in " ber" i.e.,September and ends in the Feast of the Epiphany or the Three Kings, the first Sunday of January.

People especially the kids are looking forward to the celebrations. It's also time for reunions... family, friends, and even class reunions. Family gatherings are the best as we all share our blessings to everyone.

Our family is definitely not an exemption but since 2012, we celebrated our Christmas out of the country. You see, this is the only time that we can spend long vacation from school and office. In 2012 we were in Hong Kong and then last year it was in Korea.

first time with snow 

November to March is winter months in Korea. It was freezing cold outside. We experienced a negative 7. Since we're from a tropical country, a zero temperature is too cold. How much more for a negative? hahaha
But that was part of our plan because we really want to see snow.

If you're coming in autumn and winter, just bring one down jacket. It will be too heavy and bulky if you bring more. You can be warm by layering your clothes. Don't forget to bring beanies, leather gloves, socks, and petroleum jelly in case you'll have cold rashes.

two Asian boys curious with snow

walk in a park

Christmas lunch of Korean food

Travel Tips:

1. Filipinos need visa to enter Korea. For visa requirements go to this link: http://embassy_philippines.mofa.go.kr/english/as/embassy_philippines/visa/requirement
2. Ideal time to visit: Autumn months of September - November and Spring (March -May) for cherry blossoms
3. Bring your maintenance medicines and first aid med. as most products were written in their language and only a few people know how to speak in English.
4. Food : They love spicy food, even McDonalds and KFC are  too hot for my kids (just ask the fastfood crew for a non-spicy entree), but one will love their egg rolls, barbecues, bulgogi, kimchi, bibimbap, etc. Try also their tarts and moon cakes.
5. If you love coffee, you'll be surprised to find all kind of coffee shops in just one street or corner. They're everywhere!
6. Don't forget to visit their beauty shops. So many beauty products and kikay kits to buy!
7. If you're from tropical country and visiting in early winter, forget clothes shopping because the stores are only selling winter clothing...well unless you want to wear those type of clothes in the hottest and driest season back home. hihihi