April 22, 2010 – Gyeongju, Korea

When we went Shilla Millenieum Park, the shooting venue of the drama series Queen Seon Deok, we wore the traditional dress of Korea — the hanbok. The above photo is the Jeogori, the basic upper garment that covers the arms and upper part of the wearer’s body. This one has shoulder pads and is only one of the many designs of hanbok. Koreans has introduced number of designs that combine traditional beauty and modern simplicity.

I believe I wore Princess Cheon Myeong’s pink and blue hanbok, with an embroidered patterns on black belt above my waist and some gold ornaments hanging from it.

April 24, 2010 – Seoul, Korea

As Mame and I walked down the road of Mt. Namsam, we were welcomed by more cherry trees blossoming like a field of cotton. My favorite scene while walking underneath these cherry trees are lovers holding hands but only few words are being exchanged looking like the moment is already enough for more talks.

Another scene is the walk of a father/mother and child. I was first inspired to get a glimpse of cherry blossom when I saw a photo of father and daughter walking and smiling underneath cherry trees. And for some chance, I saw this mother carrying her daughter on her shoulder (because the daughter was wildly running).

April 20, 2010 – Daejeon, Korea

I was totally amazed by how Korea turned into a very modern country after the Korean War took place few decades ago. Alleys of high-end shops and boutiques line up in almost every street corner of South Korea. Along with them are cafes and bread shops where anyone can relax their legs after an hour and so of shopping. They sprout out like mushrooms ready to be tended by shoppers of any nation. Even not-so-well-known brands can offer latest fashion style and best quality. This is where my peso wallet belongs. I can’t afford those high-ends stuffs.

April 21, 2010 – Busan, Korea

Nothing beats my appetite other than Bibimbap, the popular Korean dish, the first meal I ate when we arrived in Busan. Yum. I can live a week with only this as my meal. Yum. Yum. Yum.

The word literally means “mixed rice.” Bibimbap is served as a bowl of warm white rice topped with namul (sautéed and seasoned vegetables) and gochujang (chili pepper paste). A raw or fried egg and sliced meat (usually beef) are common additions. The ingredients are stirred together thoroughly just before eating. But I is a curious and hungry eater. I eat them piece by piece. Yum. I love it when it is hot and spicy. Yum. I can hear ya, tummy!

April 25, 2010 – Seoul, Korea

A Korean lady was about to eat an eggpie. She, among other Koreans who seem to really like our lumpia, happened to walk by the busy and noisy sidewalk of karinderya, tindahan ng mga de lata, kalamay at panligo sa katawan and strings of longganisa.

Hyehwa-dong Rotary is where Filipinos in South Korea come during Sundays to attend a Filipino Mass. Some of them will go here even if it takes 4 hours ride. We happened to know this through 3 Filipinos we met in N Seoul Tower. I was amazed by how my kababayans get through the every day longingness for their family in exchange for few thousands of won.

Pinoy kahit sa banyagang bansa. Salamat po!