Korea Trip: Part I

Apologize for the over-due post! Here's a simple and fun guide for anyone being in Korea. Fret not and enjoy yourself! As I visited Korea over a span of 14 days, I could have the luxury of taking my own sweet time to travel to almost all the tourist attractions. Please feel free to mix and match based on your own preference. Do let me know if you have any questions! :) 

1.  Cheonggyecheon Stream

Cheonggyecheon is an 11 km long modern stream that runs through downtown Seoul. After a tiring day of shopping and sightseeing, this is the perfect place to unwind by taking a stroll with your loved ones. For those of you wondering about what to expect from this long stream, ... don't be surprised by the amount of art work and historical sightings you are able to experience. I love how Koreans are able to blend their historical culture with their modern society. 


This is the beautiful famous Candlelight Fountain. #canactromantichere

Unfortunately, I was busy sightseeing and shopping in the afternoon. Didn't really had much time to explore this place in the afternoon! 

Lucky me! Whilst I was in Korea, it was 2014 Seoul Lantern Festival Lights up. Part of the stream was being decorated with lantern festival which makes it extremely heart warming. I visited the Lantern Festival with a few friends made during my trip which makes it more unforgettable. 



How to get there: 

Line 1 City Hall Stn. Exit 4. Walk 5 minutes.    Line 2 Euljiro 1(il)-ga Stn. Exit 2 or 3. Walk 10 minutes.    Line 4 Dongdaemun Stn. Exit 6 or 8. Walk 5 minutes.

2. King Sejong Statue (세종대왕 동상)

King Sejong Statue is nearby City Hall station, hence making it a perfect way to explore together with Cheonggyecheon stream. 

Say cheese to the founder of inventor of Hangeul 

Getting there: 

[Subway]
1) City Hall Station (Subway Line 1), Exit 3 or 4.
2) Gwanghwamun Station (Subway Line 5).
3) Gyeongbokgung Station (Subway Line 3), Exit 6.

3. Gwanghwamun Square (광화문광장)

If you are a fan of Kpop Drama, you would sure recognize the first episode of City Hunter where Park Min Young and Lee Min Ho shot their very first scene. 

Getting there: 

[Subway]
1) City Hall Station (Seoul Subway Line 1 & 2), Exit 3.
2) Gyeongbokgung Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 6 & 7.
3) Gwanghwamun Station (Seoul Subway Line 5), Exit 1, 2 & 8.
* Connected to the underground exit.

Cheers to the very first Korea post! :) 

29/11/2015: Twinkle of Gratitude

As the year is coming to an end, human tends to get a little more grateful as we look back upon what has happened during 2015. Today, our family attended a Chow Chow gathering. As I grow up, I tend to appreciate simple gathering like this when most of the family members are present. One thing for sure, my parents are getting old and I might get married off one day(though I doubt it is this fast). Once you start being a working adult, most of your time and energy are being wasted in working and there are simply much lesser times spent with family members(Teddy counts as one too!). Hence, I've decided to dedicate this simple post to express my gratitude to this Sunday where I am able to spend time with my family. I am thankful to all the things happening and to meeting new friends. I am thankful we are able to come this far in life and is enjoying the financial freedom. 

<3 

14/09/2015 Changing Within Youself

Through my months of working with clients of all walks of life, one negative traits I noticed in many people is "helplessness". They come into the system and requests government and people around them to provide and give because in their mind "YOU owe me a living". Hence, it is an obligation for the system to continuously support this helpless behavior. Sometimes, I wonder what could have happened behind the continuously seeking for assistance without even trying. Well, probably is the countless of failed attempts from past experiences that hinders them but there are some that grew up with such "toxic" mentality. Why do I label "toxic"? First of all, our government do not encourage such behaviors. In my opinion, assistance can be of utmost relief to pressure and timely to reduce risks of family. However, this can be only temporary. Once people get on their feet and situation improves, it is time to further explore other alternatives and long-term solution that are feasible and sustainable. Unfortunately, people do not realise this important point that they themselves are the one to pick themselves up. Just as how Michael Jackson has clearly put across this message in his song, Man in the Mirror,

I'm starting with the man in the mirror

I'm asking him to change his ways

And no message could have been any clearer

If you want to make the world a better place

Take a look at yourself, and then make 

a change

Indeed, there is no better way to start changing but through yourself. It happen too often the only real change comes from within self because external forces can influence or break us, but we, ourselves, cannot simply be broken. If we are, then we probably chose for it to be. It comes to the point, I realised how important it is for me as a social worker, to realise that believing in change is a very important philosophy. 

Today, I felt this same "helplessness" in myself. Well meaning messages from friends does not really soothe this overwhelming sense of loss in confidence of myself. Each month, our department are evaluated based on patient's satisfaction written in the form of feedback after their hospital stay. This month was no surprise I was not included in it. Other than being bitter and sour, I was deeply envious of others who was being praised. There and then, the inner insecure monster hit me. I questioned myself over and over again to what could have led to me not receiving any compliments. It doesn't help that this morning, I woke up from a dream of me crying because I was unable to produce good assessment in my work. It strikes me with fear. I was shaking, feeling such a deep sense of inadequacy. For the past 10 months, have I been working in muddy waters? As I ponder, it leads me to think if I am suited for this job. Of course, I couldn't have lurked and waddle my way through without basic assessment and counselling skills. Having said, nothing comes easy. It is much easier to chide myself and work harder to pull my socks to match up to others or even my own personal development. On the other hand, today is the day where I just want to put on my pink-leopard socks, hide behind the sheets in tears after I have gobbled down 3 pints of Ben&Jerry Ice cream. Being vulnerable, all I need today is to acknowledge my own weakness and be sad for this very moment. Please, let me be. 

First Soap Making Class

Few months back, I was watching a television programme hosted by Belinda Chua which features Singapores living abroad. There was this lady who was staying in Dubai?(sorry, I cannot remember well) who was involved in a business providing spa services. Other than this, she was also selling handmade soaps and actually showed Belinda how to make one.

I thought to myself. Wow! This is interesting! Though, to be honest, I am not a big fan of soaps. The process seemed interesting, therapeutic and one is able to express their creativity by layering and different techniques. I decided to sign up for a soap class myself! :) 

I've done my research and found that there isn't much service provider that actually sell this service of teaching one how to make soap. There seemed to be only one service provider which is Soap Ministry. I managed to contact them and signed up for an Basic Upsize Workshop which cost $86/pax for a full session which lasted about 1.5 hours. The great thing about this workshop is there isn't a restriction to the number of people needed to start a class. I was pretty last minute and was the only student there! This leaves me with great time to spend alone to decide what kind of soap I want to create!

Here is the address to learn soap-making:
http://www.soapministry.com/soap/

Orchard Central

181 Orchard Road

Unit #B2-07/08

Singapore 238896

Tel: 9669 5953 / 6634 1920

Operating Hours

Daily: 11am  - 10pm

Earliest workshop timeslot : 11.30am

Last workshop timeslot : 8pm

The purpose of this post is not to document the whole process of soap making to educate people but rather my experience of producing a soap myself. The process is actually quite easy breezy!

Some snapshots of the process:

1. Firstly, you have to cut out the soap base. 

2. Melt the soap base so you can create the ideal shape you want! 

 3. While awaiting for the soap base to melt, you can choose the scent and colours! 

 4. Mix the colours and scent and some other vitamins into the soap base! Pour them into the ideal mold shape and wait for it to dry! 

5. Tada, End product! :) Looks damn cute! I can't bear to use them! 

Verdict:
The whole soap making process is super therapeutic. I might have been too stress from work but just taking time away from work to decide on the colours, mold shape and so many things, helps me to destress. It makes a good distraction from thinking about stuff as you are fully concentrated on it! What's more the products are so cute! I personally feels that it makes a good gift for that special someone or simply gifts for your friends and family! It is personalized and gives a personal touch since you are able to customize it. Honestly, I wouldn't mind going back a second time. :) \\

Reason for starting this "FIRST"

F.I.R.S.T

I've come to a point where I realized life is too short to be spent wallowing in sadness and pity(though I admit I still do that now and then which is pretty much unhealthy). For year 2015, I have decided to head start something new which is ... to fill my life with new experiences each and everyday... or now and then. With work piling in and all, it is definitely not easy but still I believe it's pretty worth it. After all, life is too short to look back and say I didn't try at all. I'd rather give it my all and make full use of all these experiences. Ok, the point is... I am going to document now and then every of my little "FIRST". They may seemed as little as probably as eating a live octopus(ok this sounds a bit crazy) to my first solo trip. 

I was just reminiscing how much I used to document all these small snippets of my life... such as being scolded by discipline mistress because my skirt was too short #thosewerethedays or just hanging out at my best friend's crib because we are cool like that. I missed all the times I had and I'm surely gonna miss all these when I'm 30 and looking bad. It sucks to grow up so fast! It's when you hit 23 that you realized you are definitely not young anymore. Yes... you are only hot, sexy, young, alive when you are 18. Period. 

First Solo Trip to Korea/What to prepare

Yes! This obviously meant I am safely back in Singapore after my first solo trip. I am so excited to share with everyone what has happened to me and things to prepare if you are keen on a solo trip, especially for Asian females. I will split my Korea/Shanghai trip into many segments.

What to prepare before a solo trip (This is assuming you have already booked your air tickets):

1. Learn To Ignore Voices

By voices, I don't mean hallucination! Voices are negative talks ranging from your closest family members to fighting the inner battles within yourself. Having grown up in a traditional society where conservative values are being observed, I have already prepared myself to get bombarded with negative energy from my close family members.

Asian mothers:"Why are you so crazy? Why do you want to travel alone? Are you weird? Faster ask your sister to book a ticket so she can come along with you!".

Asian fathers:"You are always like this...! Doing things so irrationally! Do you know how to navigate? You haven't even been to Korea! What if the people there are bad?".

To be honest, there are no supportive voices. It's as though my courageous act of stepping out of my comfort zone is being seen as a SIN?!? Like I have committed something really wrong? Even I start questioning myself if this was a right decision. I remember that one week when I was worrying so much about my trip that I couldn't sleep and experienced terrible migraine EVERY SINGLE NIGHT. I was so afraid of taking the first step but I'm a very stingy person. I won't allow my air tickets money to go to waste!

If you are still contemplating whether to start on your solo travel trip, please do not hesitate. It would be life-changing. Well, I can't promise on your safety but great surprises do happen and the universe works in such an amazing way you'll never know what happen. Whatever may happens, I promise it is definitely gonna be much more exciting than bumming around in your mini HDB flat, sobbing over Korea romance drama, fan-girling over boy bands, laughing over Running Man in the MRT, or stuck in that mentally and physically draining 9-to-5 job that pays you peanut. 

http://universe-beauty.com/Space-photos/Other/universe-hd-photo95-JPG-13169p.html

2. Be Prepared for Scoldings and more Nagging

For one week, I had to tolerate scoldings for many people. By the way, I'm 22 this year. Twenty-Two! Yet I felt like I was a 14 year old who was rebelling to wear short skirt for my school uniform. Well, but if you are really 14 or anything below 17... please inform and consult your parents about traveling alone. I personally wouldn't let my daughter travel alone unless she is 18. By the time you are 18, you should probably be able to make more informed decision and learn to defense yourself in times of danger (unless you are a pampered and spoilt brat).

http://leahchyma.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Scream-515x386.jpg

3. Insurance Policy/Registering with MFA

The next important thing is for you to purchase an insurance policy. Call up that long distance relatives or friends who is always pestering you to buy this and that insurance! Finally, you can shake them off with something relevant! I personally believe in buying travel insurance in case anything happens. You'll never know if your luggage gets lost or worst, stolen! Whatever happens, it is best to get insured so you don't feel panicky and get some coverage.

Register yourself with MFA ! Wherever I go, I will make sure I have the contacts of MFA Singapore in a foreign country. Keep the address and contacts of the MFA Singapore in a paper (in case your phone gets stolen) or save in your phone. Once you have successfully registered with them, a SMS would be sent to you with the details. It is more comforting to know you have a bomb shelter to run to when you are in danger.

Here's the address:

28th Floor, Seoul Finance Centre,

136, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu

Seoul 100-768

Republic of Korea

Tel:

+82-(0)2-774-2464 ~ 7

Fax:

+82-(0)2-773-2465

Email: 

singemb_seo@sgmfa.gov.sg

4. Exchanging Currency

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/52/Currency_South_Korea.jpg

I have done my research and found that there are a lot of debates about exchanging currency at Myeong Dong where rates are supposed to be higher than those money changer found in Singapore.

In my personal experience, the difference is quite minimal if you are changing only a few hundred dollars. For example, I bought my currency at North Point at a rate of 810 WON=1 SGD. I was quoted 817 WON=1 SGD at Myeong Dong. If I were to change 500 SGD, the difference would only be 3,500 WON which is equivalent to 4.20 SGD. Unless you are that niao(stingy in hokkien) or your hotel is near Myeong Dong, then exchange in Korea. Otherwise, it is not worth the effort and time to travel there!

In Singapore, I heard people recommending Arcade Money Changer in Raffles which offers pretty good exchange rate! I would highly recommend people to go there and exchange on a weekday! If I ain't wrong, exchange rate are much worst off during the weekends.

However, if you insist on going Korea to exchange, the money changer is located somewhere near Overseas Chinese Primary School. Walk along the same streets about 200m and you will find yourself surrounded by a few money changers. They would not put the rate of SGD publicly, so you would have to ask each shop personally. 

5. Directions

This is kind of different. I'm not a really meticulous person but I must visualise and have clear instructions to where I am heading. In particular, directions to hostel from airport, or directions from hostel to closest subway station, or directions to attractions. This is kind of tedious but it's definitely worthwhile to look into all these before planning itinerary. Why? It saves lots of time in researching, stranded in a place while waiting for google to tell you the directions. I am super old-school. I need instructions to be penned down on a paper. It's okay if you prefer to save them in pdf and view from phone.

Below is an example I did for my trip: 

6. SIM Card

Unless you are leaving and never coming back to Singapore, you would need a SIM card to contact your loved ones. I was fortunate as my friend lent me her EG Sim card before leaving. What I needed to do was to activate the card one or two days before the trip and top up the card. If I ain't wrong, the card has different values to top up! I paid for 22,000 Won for extra 500MB of Data Plan and voice calls back to Home Country. However, I am super blur! I only knew how to call back to my family about 5 days before my trip ended. -.- I think you need to press a certain code in order to make an overseas call! I called my best friend and chatted on an hour to use up all my credits before leaving. If I ain't wrong, EG Sim also allows you to connect to Wifi in public. 

http://cfile7.uf.tistory.com/image/2263814B542FA422035B49

Well, an alternative would be to buy a Wifi Egg which is pretty popular among tourist. How it works is that you have to pay and rent for an egg before you travel to Korea. Once you stepped down the plane, remember to collect it at the airport! :) Pretty simple but I do find it quite costly since I'm travelling solo for 2 weeks. Furthermore, I'm not one that must be online 24/7. 

7. Activating Credit/Debit Card

http://s3.hubimg.com/u/497150_f520.jpg

VERY VERY IMPORTANT IF YOU ARE A SHOPAHOLIC. South Korea is a super tech-savvy country. I remember I was running out of money for the last few days but didn't want to exchange more cash as I was not near Myeong Dong and it would be a hassle for me to travel just to exchange & I remembered TADA!!! I have activated my card before going overseas. The whole process is so fast and shopping is so hassle-free. Just a quick sign on the machine and there you go! :) a happier woman with her loots! Forget about not being able to bring home that cute boots you spotted. I think they generally accept cards everywhere except smaller based shops where you can bargain with the ahjumas! 

8. Print & Print

One thing that I spent most of my time doing is to print lots of stuff. Sure, we are able to keep soft copies in our handphone if needed but trust me, hard copies come in handy when your phone runs out of battery!(Do bring portable charger if you are gonna exhaust all the electric juices!) 

The few items that I keep a few copies of are: 

i. Passport (for attractions and backup) 

Do make plenty of copies of passport in case one of them are missing. When purchasing tickets or verification purposes(GST Tax Refund), do use the hard copies of passport if they are agreeable. Flashing out your passport often is dangerous. Even worst if you are absent-minded because you might misplace it. My recommendation is definitely to make copies of it. 

ii. Air tickets

Needless to say, air tickets! Please make 10 copies if you are a muddle-head. You don't want to miss your flight. 

iii.Maps of train tracks and location 

One of the maps I found by googling. However, please take note that some maps are outdated. I would recommend people to take a map when you reached Korea. :) 

iv. Itinerary

I would share my Itinerary later on when there are more posting on it. To me, itinerary is important as it gives me an idea what to do during the day and night. However, if you are a super laid-back person, feel free not to carry an itinerary and go with the flow~!

v. Information of hostel and attractions

Yes! It's important especially on the first day when you are looking for your accommodation. Even if taking taxi, those ahjushi would still require you to provide a map! Also, please have the contact number of your host or hotel in case the driver do not know the way and need to speak to someone. I personally find Official Korea Tourism Organization very helpful! They have the address, contact and opening hours of attractions.

9. Do not put all your eggs in a basket

I'm honestly a super paranoid and kiasu person. First thing first, segment your money into different compartments. I try to keep money in different places such as wallet, closed compartment in my bagpack and in my luggage. Generally, korea is a safe country but I just wanted to be sure and backup in case I lose my wallet? You'll never know. The last thing you want is to be left stranded with no money and passport. Also, try to bring a few credit cards in case you lost any one of them. 

First Job

I'm officially into the first week of my job and successfully survived a crazy week of mundane but important orientation. To be honest, I am still not used to working. The idea of being stuck in a 9 to 5 job with a meager pay is definitely depressing. Very Depressing. However, this is a stepping stone for me to gain experience in the corporate world to find out what it is like!

Updates:
Time flies! I have been working for at least 3 months for now. It is still slightly depressing, especially with regards to taking leave. There is so much difficulties in requesting for holiday! I have to fight with others for my leave. I have to plan well, make sure I snapped cheap air tickets. These few days... I have been leaving work so late and losing track of time. All my energies are so drained, Not just physically and mentally. Let's be more positive here and look forward to holidays being planned. I will ensure I get to enjoy for the second half of the year.