South Korea has always been a destination that combines rich history, vibrant city life, and breathtaking landscapes. My recent trip in late September 2025 was no exception. Here’s a recap of my 6-day adventure.
Day 1: Arrival and Myeongdong Stroll
I landed at Incheon International Airport early in the morning of September 25, 2025. After settling my luggage at the hostel, I set out to explore the bustling streets of Myeongdong. The neighborhood’s neon lights, street food stalls, and endless shops made it a perfect introduction to Seoul. Wandering around and sampling some local treats instantly immersed me in the city’s energy.
Myeondong's High-rises
Day 2: History and Tradition at Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village
The second day was all about history and culture. I visited Gyeongbokgung Palace, the iconic royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. To make the experience more memorable, I tried the traditional Korean hanbok for men—it felt amazing to walk around the palace dressed like a soldier. Later, I explored Bukchon Hanok Village, a charming neighborhood of traditional Korean houses. The narrow alleys and historic architecture made me feel like I had stepped back in time.
Gwanghwamun Gate
Geunjeongjeon
Bukchon
Day 3: A Glimpse of the DMZ and Korean War History
On day three, I joined a DMZ tour booked via Klook. Visiting the Demilitarized Zone was surreal—the tension and history of the Korean Peninsula were palpable. Later in the day, I visited the War Memorial of Korea, which offered a deeper understanding of Korea’s modern history through its impressive exhibits and displays.
Dora Observatory
War Memorial of Korea
Day 4: Nature Escape to Nami Island
After a few days in the city, I needed some time with nature. I joined a day tour to Nami Island, also booked through Klook. Famous for its scenic tree-lined paths and peaceful surroundings, the island was a perfect escape from the city’s hustle. Walking along the trails and enjoying the crisp September air was a refreshing experience.
Metasequoia Tree Lane
Day 5: Modern Seoul and Panoramic Views
On my penultimate day, I explored Starfield Library, a stunning space filled with towering bookshelves and cozy reading corners. I ended the day with a visit to Namsan Park and N Seoul Tower, where I soaked in panoramic views of the city. Watching the city lights come alive at dusk was a magical way to wrap up my Seoul adventure.
Sunset by Namsan
love locks
Seoul's skyline at night
Starfield library
Day 6: Farewell, Seoul
All too soon, it was time to say goodbye. My early flight back to Manila marked the end of an incredible journey filled with culture, history, nature, and urban excitement.
Reflections:
South Korea offers a perfect blend of past and present—from historic palaces and cultural villages to modern libraries and cityscapes. This trip gave me a deeper appreciation of its rich heritage, scenic beauty, and vibrant lifestyle. I can’t wait to return and explore even more of this fascinating country
Last August 14 to 18, 2025, I had the chance to travel to Japan with my friends Minie and Ib. Though it was just a short trip, each day was filled with exciting sights, food adventures, and unforgettable moments. Japan was on the top of my list of the places to visit. I had high expectation and was not disappointed. Here’s a quick recap of our five-day adventure in Tokyo and beyond.
at Sumida park with the view of Tokyo Skytree
Day 1 – August 14: Arrival in Tokyo
We landed at Narita International Airport in the late afternoon and made our way to our accommodation in the Shinjuku area. By the time we settled in, the night lights of Tokyo were already glowing. It felt surreal to finally be here, and the excitement for the days ahead was hard to contain.
Day 2 – August 15: Exploring Tokyo’s Icons
Our first full day was packed with sightseeing. In the morning, we visited Sensoji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple, and wandered through Sumida Park with views of the Tokyo Skytree nearby. It was tempting to go up the Tokyo Skytree for a panoramic view of the city, but for now we enjoyed it from a distance.
at the Sensoji temple
In the afternoon, we explored Ueno Park, braved the crowds at the famous Shibuya Crossing, took photos at Hachiko Square, and found a moment of calm at the Meiji Shrine. The evening was all about fun—shopping at Don Quijote Shibuya and warming up with a delicious bowl of ramen.
a lotus flower at the Shinobazu Pond
Shibuya crossing
Meiji Shrine
Shinjuku
Day 3 – August 16: Mt. Fuji Day Tour
This day was dedicated to chasing the beauty of Mt. Fuji. Our tour brought us to scenic spots such as Arakurayama Sengen Park, Oishi Park, and even a Lawson convenience store with an iconic Fuji backdrop. We also visited the Hikawa Watch Stone and the charming ponds of Oshino Hakkai.
Oishi Park
Oshino Hakkai
Arakurayama Sengen Park
Unfortunately, Mt. Fuji was a little shy and hid behind the clouds for most of the day—but the journey itself and the views we did catch were still worth it.
a glimpse of Mt. Fuji
Day 4 – August 17: Odaiba & Tokyo Tower
We spent the day exploring Odaiba, enjoying its modern vibe, seaside views, and futuristic attractions. By evening, we capped the day with a visit to the iconic Tokyo Tower, beautifully illuminated against the night sky.
Tokyo's skyline
The Gundam Base Tokyo
Aqua City and Fuji Television Network Inc.'s bldg.
the iconic Tokyo tower
Day 5 – August 18: Last Moments in Tokyo
On our last morning, we couldn’t resist revisiting some favorites. We returned to Shibuya to see Hachiko once again, went back to Sensoji Temple and Sumida Park, and even spotted traditional Japanese rickshaws. Before heading to the airport, we enjoyed a quiet moment over tea and indulged in matcha ice cream—a perfect farewell to Japan.
Sumida Park
Hatchiko Memorial Statue
By afternoon, we were back at Narita Airport for our flight home to the Philippines, carrying with us countless memories of our short but meaningful trip.
Final Thoughts
Though just five days, our Japan trip was a mix of culture, tradition, modern sights, and food discoveries. Traveling with Minie and Ib made it even more special. Tokyo’s energy, the glimpse of Mt. Fuji, and all the little moments in between left us with a promise: this won’t be our last trip to Japan.
