Suwon (수원) is one of my favourite day trip destinations out of Seoul, mainly because of its breathtaking Joseon-era stone walls. And these walls really do take one’s breath away: not just because they look awesome, but because hiking all the way around them tends to leave unfit couch potatoes like me gasping for air.
Category Archives: Korea
Rail Report: Seoul to Suwon on the O-Train, South Korea (28 January 2017)
Suwon isn’t all that far from Seoul, but I was happy to try one of Korea’s long-haul tourist rail services even on the fairly short commute between these two cities. Today, let’s have a look at KORAIL’s O-Train.
Field Report: Meeting an old friend at Gyeongbokgung, Seoul, South Korea (27 January 2017)
I was feeling quite knackered after my red-eye flight from Manila to Seoul. That said, with the sun high in the sky and the ambient temperature hovering somewhere below freezing (mmm, delicious), I decided that conditions were perfect for a quick visit to an old friend. As one might expect of an anti-social chap likeContinue reading “Field Report: Meeting an old friend at Gyeongbokgung, Seoul, South Korea (27 January 2017)”
Terminal Report: Gimhae International Airport (PUS), Busan, South Korea
Today, let’s take a look at what it’s like to fly from Busan’s Gimhae International Airport (PUS), one of the main gateways to South Korea’s second most populous city.
Flight Report: PUS-MNL on Philippine Airlines Flight PR419
In my previous post, we saw what it’s like to fly from Manila to Seoul with Philippine Airlines. Now let’s have a look at their performance on another Korean route, departing from Busan and heading back to Manila.
Flight Report: MNL-ICN on Philippine Airlines Flight PR466
I tend to give most of my business to budget carriers on regional routes, but I’m happy to upgrade myself to a full-service airline when the prices are right or the schedules suit my preferences. On my latest trip to Korea, I settled on flag carrier Philippine Airlines (IATA Code: PR) and, despite various shortcomings,Continue reading “Flight Report: MNL-ICN on Philippine Airlines Flight PR466”
Food Report: Kalguksu and Mandu at Myeongdong Kyoja (Seoul, South Korea)
Piping-hot kalguksu and freshly steamed mandu, with a limitless supply of spicy kimchi on the side. Nothing better for warding off the winter chill after a long day of sightseeing in Seoul.
Field Report: The Seonjeongneung Royal Tombs, Seoul, South Korea (09 February 2016)
Much has been sacrificed – unwillingly or otherwise – in the name of Seoul’s rapid development, with sacred grounds and historic sites that have survived war or occupation unable to withstand the Korean capital’s virtually unstoppable drive to expand. Yet here and there, one finds pockets of seemingly untouched architectural treasures and natural beauty inContinue reading “Field Report: The Seonjeongneung Royal Tombs, Seoul, South Korea (09 February 2016)”
Field Report: Warming up on a winter day in Seoul, South Korea (08 February 2016)
The experiences I’ve chronicled in this post took place exactly one year ago, but I still remember that day quite vividly. It’s amazing how fine architecture and tasty treats – with a drop of hot soup in between – can work in concert to render a tiny episode in one’s existence almost indelibly memorable.
Field Report: Ancient by day, modern by night in Seoul, South Korea (07 February 2016)
Seoul is one of my favourite cities in the world, not least because it offers such incredible historic and architectural rewards for the minimum of effort. Even a simple walk in the park can turn into an archaeological expedition, as I discovered one chilly winter’s day almost exactly a year ago.
Within striking distance 