Korea D4 & 5 - Seoul Chill

Hi Blog,

I decided to combine Days 4 and 5; I wondered if I should post Day 1 through Day 5 as a single post. This was not a wise decision. Because I like to divide my content into meaningful sections with titles.

Anyway, what were we going to do on Day 4?

HD wanted to bring me to experience the beautiful city side of Korea. Thanks, HD, for bringing me around.

Oh well... One thing that irritated me was how most people thought it was funny to see two guys from overseas... Comments (so-called jokes to them): make sure HD locks his door, you two do not play together and do not show Jeff the soap... To be honest, I feel insulted or hurt. Is this how others perceive me? I understand it was a joke, and it will not bother them because they were married or attached, whereas we are single, especially since most people believe I am homosexual. I understand that people will make comments like, "Do not wear this or behave that, do not give others that impression, do not show any signs..." So I just pretend and conform like a 150% straight guy? Or be corrected? When I am not with them, I imagine myself as a part of their jokes... This has far-reaching consequences.

Anyway, HD knows me, so he takes them lightly and reminds me that that is how others make jokes when they see you as brothers, so we should not take it personally. He took me to a place that serves a bibimbap buffet at a reasonable price.

I suppose why not? I just chose vegetables and eggs! 😂

(Credit HD) I grabbed whatever I could and was careful with it. It resembled a hotel breakfast buffet.

Thanks, HD for introducing such a place.

(Credit HD) I see this as a business opportunity in Singapore because we do not have any.

For me, a simple dish is the best.

The next stop on the itinerary was to visit Korea's famous bridges, which brought us to i-Park Mall Yongsan.

(Credit HD) There is a gigantic halo, which I adore... I wish there was a way for me to float in the centre of the halo and feel its power!

Seoul, Korea, is a massive city with many buildings and attractions, but we do not have enough time to see everything.

HD stated that this is the famous Han River in South Korea, a valuable transportation river that has flowed through the centre of the country since ancient times.

Take a look at the vast urban landscape. So big, and we are so small and fragile...

I mean, why am I so narrow? So what if that person looks like a demi-god, with a great look and body... In this view, it has no bearing on the larger world.

What truly made a difference was one's vision of the world and its ability to take on larger forms.

(Credit HD) Oops... Sorry for thinking too deeply; it is time to get back to reality and put my vision into practice.

Next, HD wanted to show me the main train station in Seoul, Seoul Station.

What a great itinerary to follow, especially for my first trip to Korea.

Seoul Station is a major train station for high-speed and other trains to Korea's most popular cities.

Seoul Station Square

Despite this modern and wealthy location, many homeless people are living here in makeshift tents... What happened to them? I checked online, and I got this reason: One of the causes of Korean homelessness is the 2008 economic crisis, which resulted in thousands of job losses and forced many unemployed people to live on the streets. Furthermore, the high cost and scarcity of affordable housing are significant contributing factors. Read more on Reddit and YouTube. 

Beautiful city with a different side of the story... Time is attempting to erase that period of history, but only because people do not look at time...

So far... the government has not done much to assist them as they look for progress... Korean youth do not take care of their elderly... They are interested in progress... A city that I will not like...

On top of Seoullo7017, the network of train tracks is clearly visible.

Two korail trains intersected.

Planning and organising train timing is a blessing to passengers that few people acknowledge, but I have a lot of respect for those in charge of it.

Hmm... Flowers engraved on the ground of Seoullo7017.

Ah! It is about the flowers that grow on Seoullo7017.

Delimanjoo, a popular Korean dessert snack with a soft cornbread-like exterior filled with sweet custard cream, was introduced by HD and I really enjoy it.

Yummy 😋

HD also suggested that I visit a unique location - Seoul Tower.

To reach the top of the tower, we could take a cable car.

Namsan Cable Car

Just I thought it would be easy...

However, there was a lengthy queue, and we waited for a good hour due to the availability of only one cable car for everyone! Nightmare fuel!

Nevertheless, the panoramic view of the urban landscape is indeed rewarding.

At last, we arrived at the cable car platform, where we were instructed to squeeze into a small cabin, packed tightly like sardines, and barely had any room to move.

I did my best to extend my arm past the other passenger's shoulder with my phone to take a picture of the sunset from the cable car window.

Hmm... Couple Lock.

Countless locks decorate the edge of the platform, representing the storied tradition of Love Locks.

This particular one resembled the Love Lock at Singapore's Mount Faber Station.

Here, you can purchase a lock to seal your love with a significant other. Even if you or your partner may be hesitant to spend the money, the fear of missing out might persuade you to buy a lock and join in the tradition of decorating the bridge. What a marketing strategy.

Shall we go closer to the tower?

Ironically, we didn't make it up here on our first day, and now here I am. It must be fate, I suppose. :)

Seoul Tower

(Credit HD) It seems like Seoul Tower was calling my name, and now I'm here, answering the call.

Credit HD for bringing me to you.

Nice pagoda shelter.

(Credit HD) HD wanted to experiment with a different angle to capture a better shot.

Hmm... I wondered what are these...

The panoramic view from the platform was stunning. I imagine if we go up to the top of the tower would offer an even more breathtaking perspective!

(Credit HD) Me and Seoul City, smile!

Some information about Seoul Tower

Another location beside the tower to flex your relationship achievement.

It is beautiful, yet the traffic flow, resembling the bloodstream of an urban city, does not appeal to me. I believe I am a nature lover; I would prefer the flow of a river stream over this.

I saw a beautiful girl securing her love lock in this place.

(Credit HD) I simply stood there and pretended to act cool about the whole thing.

The illuminated Pagoda shelter is beautifully lit up.

Okay! We had to squeeze back into the cable car for the return trip.

(Credit HD) And I just sat on the illuminated bench, lighting up beneath me.

We went back to Hongdae for a last minute shopping.

I opted for a pair of loose jeans for myself. The style on the left is how all Korean guys wear them, extremely loose to the point where you can't see their legs, which isn't flattering for shorter guys like me. The right side shows my preferred and comfortable wear, although some have commented that it's too tight for me. Honestly, their remarks were annoying and upsetting... Many guys wear it and receive compliments... Sigh... So, I settled for a pair that's somewhere in between.

I guess it's time to pack my luggage.

My Stash from Korea.

I ventured out in shorts, drawing curious glances from onlookers, searching for the perfect egg sandwich, but alas, I couldn't find one that met my expectations...

Day 5, our final day. We extend our thanks to this AirBnB. Despite some reservations, we've enjoyed our stay, and the reasonable price means fewer complaints.

We enjoyed brunch before heading to the airport and had a satisfying vegetarian meal at the Vegan Cafe.

Yes, Burger is my favourite! It's important to be cautious of garlic and onion, especially in Vegan food.

HD and I just sat up and chilled.

(Credit HD) We were not in a hurry and flexed it to the two ladies during the meal.

On the train ride back, I took the opportunity to settle my mind and reflect on the entire trip.

Got our tickets without a hassle.

Thank you once more, HD :) Your affection for Korea is real.

(Credit HD) One of my favourite Korean mascots is so adorable.

I enjoyed two delicious sandwiches at the airport! Oh my, I would love to have more of them!

A bigger plane came.

I GOT A WINDOW SEAT!

Yippee! However, since it was a night flight, the view from the window was obscured by darkness...

It's delightful to encounter a charming flight attendant on this journey.

At least, I managed to snap a moon from the window.

Overall, I've truly enjoyed this trip to Korea. At first, I was worried about the impact on our relationships since travel can test and fortify connections. Fortunately, everything went smoothly. If my mother expresses a desire to visit Korea, I'd be happy to bring her along. For the moment, I'll keep it brief and proceed with drafting my upcoming lengthy post.

Jeff