By Honorary Reporter Andrea Salutin from Philippines

Photos= Andrea Salutin

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is hosting "Special Travel Week" from July 1-19 to promote safe and healthy travel in Korea amid the pandemic and encourage the proper practice of social distancing. "Now is the time for travel and what's most important is traveling safely," Culture Minister Park Yang-woo told Aju Business Daily in a July 2 interview.

This brought back memories of 2017, when I departed for Korea after receiving an official invitation from the Korea Tourism Organization for a three-day "K-pop Familiarization Tour." Several friends told me to extend my stay to experience more of Korea, so with only USD 100 in pocket money along with supportive friends who took me in, I stayed for almost three more weeks.

Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ), Songdo

IFEZ, which is 90 minutes west of Seoul, was built on reclaimed land and is now one of Korea's most globalized cities, hosting international companies, schools and residents. But the zone's most impressive feature is probably its vast and modern infrastructure. While visiting a friend who worked at G-Tower, I fell in love with the area around her office. The building has an observatory overlooking Central Park, Tri-bowl, Incheondaegyo Bridge and more. After lunch, I waited for her to get off work and wrote a few short stories while appreciating the place. Just imagine unwinding stress from work with such a view.

Hangang River

In addition to being the capital's most important physical landmark, the Hangang River offers relaxation. The river has a bit of everything for everyone like picnicking, biking, strolling and busking. I always feel at peace beside the water reflecting the city skyline, and take my time shooting photos.

Seoul Forest

This sprawling greenbelt in the heart of Seoul was once a hunting ground for the royal family during the Joseon Dynasty. It's now a world-class destination comparable to Hyde Park of London and Central Park of New York. I decided to go there on the spur of the moment, and fell in love with the parks and nature in the middle of the city.

Suspension Bridge on Gaudo Island

The stunning coastal scenery in Gangjinman Bay is best enjoyed on Gaudo Island, the only populated island of the eight in the area. I crossed the suspension bridge from the mainland to the island, but could not ride the zip-line due to my asthma. I did enjoy the trail back to the mainland during the sunset, however.

Haeundae Beach in Busan

Famous for its white sand and festivals, Haeundae is arguably Korea's most famous beach. I arrived late at my hotel but woke up super early to catch the sunrise, though the clouds were too low. Still, being by the ocean in the morning was beautiful. It was a great way to start the day, and I slept all the way on the train ride back to Seoul.

Other memorable moments I had while in Korea included exploring the Sinchon district, making unplanned visits to K-drama spots and even seeing my favorite hip-hop artist Epik High. I ate authentic Korean food, especially my favorite sundae (blood pork sausage). The only challenges I experienced during my trip were the cold weather, which gave me migraines, and the many hills and stairs, which occasionally triggered my asthma but also gave me stronger leg muscles.

This short stay was three years ago, but I remember it as if it were yesterday. I look forward to visiting Korea again.

chaey0726@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.