After packing our things, we checked out of the hostel. But they allowed us to leave our luggage first and then come back at around 2pm to pick it up.
First and final stop: Bukchon Hanok Village
To wrap up our trip, we headed to Bukchon Hanok Village wherein traditional and modern architecture meets.
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| Anguk station |
We tried our best to search for that perfect spot in Bukchon (Bukchon 6th view) but we ended up walking endlessly. According to my research, it’s just about 300 meters straight walk from Anguk station Exit 2. Though we were not able to get to it, the long walk is still worth it.
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| 돼지빵(Pig Shaped Bread) |
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| Near the entrance of the Constitutional Court of Korea, you can take a picture with this machine wherein you can choose from various scenarios like being inside the court room. The picture will be sent to your email address. |
Even though we’re super tired, we still looked for Moon Guesthouse where Kai and Sehun had their calligraphy lesson during Showtime. My head is really aching and Google maps is not working on our side but we carried on.
Finally, we’re here! We took pictures at the signage only and we are actually afraid of getting caught since we are not their guests.
On our way, we are also able to get a glimpse of Changdeokgung at a distance.
Then, we head back to our hostel to get our things. I must say we will really miss this hostel.
We boarded the train to Seoul and I start to check in and add baggage online but it won’t get through. I was so busy with it when I heard the announcement that the next stop is Wangsimi. “Wangsimi? Why does it sound so familiar? But it doesn’t sound like we’re heading to Seoul!” So I mouthed to my sister (since she’s sitting in front of me) “We’re in the wrong train”. Then I opened the Subway app and checked for the next transfer. Actually, that line we boarded was the same line we took when we got lost in Paju province.
It’s a good thing that we’re almost five hours early for our flight.
When we arrived at Incheon, we tried to look for the check-in counter of Cebu Pacific first but we cannot seem to find it. Maybe because it’s too early and the airlines assigned to the counters are not yet changing. But we can see some boards that shows the next airline to occupy that counter.
So we continue searching from the left wing to the right wing of Incheon airport and had no luck. Incheon is really big so this is not advisable. We decided to approach the volunteer man near us. He is kind and accommodating. He asked us what airline and flight we’re boarding. And to both our surprise, it says that we have no flight scheduled today. There is even no Cebu Pacific flight to Manila tonight! All thoughts suddenly rushed to our minds and we’re already thinking “Oh, God. How are we going to go home? Where do we sleep?” He searched again but there’s none. He advised us to go over the Customer Service for further checking.
We went there anxiously and asked the lady stationed there. We gave her our itinerary and she checked in her computer. You can only imagine the panic and dread we felt when she said there’s no flight to Manila in that aircraft and time. We’re almost in the verge of tears. She picked up her phone and talked to probably her superior or someone who could help us. Then she told us to go back after an hour.
To gain some energy, we had dinner first at Burger King and went back after an hour. She asked us to go to the Customer Service desk (just near the check-in counter) of Cebu Pacific at line K.
Finally, the girl showed up and like the other staffs there, she is also kind and helpful. And she’s pretty too. She explained to us that our flight was actually cancelled and was set for the next day. It made us angry because they didn’t properly informed us. I only got an email yesterday saying “Are you ready for your flight back on December 13?” It’s just that and nothing more! Since our flight will originally arrive at Manila around 5am on December 13, I thought that’s why it says December 13. It could be misleading right?
Anyway, we no longer argue about it because all our energy was drained already. They tried to get us on the PAL’s flight to Manila but unfortunately it’s already full. So she gave us two options instead: one is to get on the earliest flight in the morning and the other is to board the plane bound for Cebu and transfer from there to Manila. We only want to go home now so we chose option two. But we made sure first that we’re not going to pay anything.
Upon agreeing, she arranged our booking and told us to wait for the boarding gate to open and get on our flight. She also asked for our check-in luggage. They only accept cash payment so I have to withdraw from the ATM. It’s a relief that it’s just near us and I already used it once.
After paying and checking-in, we still have two hours left before the opening of the boarding gates. We thought going to Emart will not take much time so we went there to buy “pasalubong”. Another wrong move, guys. Red light.
We took on the free shuttle ride to Emart and spent 30 minutes shopping for laver, ramyeon, candies and other stuffs. But it took us a lot of time to pack our things in a box since it is self-service. I’ve been packing groceries before when my aunt still have her store but what’s frustrating is I cannot figure out how to use their tape dispenser! I even watched the two guys who used it first before me. Guess what, I ended up using my pen to cut it. So it’s finally sealed. Then, I realized I’m supposed to put the posters we bought in there too. Ugh!
We head out and wait for the shuttle back to the airport. Couple of minutes passed and there’s no bus. We were already debating if we are on the right place. There is a U-turn some meters away and we thought the shuttle will turn there. But I kept on thinking that there are two loops the shuttle take. And I am seeing a circle sign (the one you see on a bus stop) at the other side of the road and a waiting shed.
So I told my sister that could be the right stop. We were about to cross the road when we saw that there’s a pedestrian lane few blocks away. In spite of the big box I’m carrying, our own bags, and hand-carry luggage, we still chose to abide the law. At this situation we are facing, yes, we still do. When we arrived there, we confirmed that it is indeed a bus stop.
I checked on the map but I have to know that we’re right this time. Luckily, a group of middle aged men were walking towards us and we approached them. A guy checked on the map and told us that it is the correct stop and the numbers there indicates the arrival time of the shuttle. Though we’ve got a lot of things wrong, we were just lucky there are always good people there to help us.
After ten minutes of waiting, there is still no shuttle coming but there’s a taxi parked near us. My sister and I agreed that we will ride that taxi if there’s no shuttle after ten minutes. To lighten up the situation, we just joked we looked like we’re kicked out of our house, waiting in a bus stop with nowhere to go to.
After a few minutes, the shuttle arrived!
We only had thirty minutes left before the boarding gates open. We got a cart to put our stuffs and head to “All Gates” section. But the lady guard told us “That is not allowed”. We thought she’s referring to the cart so we get our things and left it somewhere. But she told us again that it is not allowed. And then we realized that she’s talking of the box. I’m already holding my bag and one ecobag so that’s two hand-carry bags already.
We went back to check-in the freaking box. The counter is already close and the girl who assisted us a while ago is about to leave already. But she saw us so she opened her laptop again and helped us check-in the box. She’s actually more worried than us. I went to withdraw again for the payment. The fee is even higher than the cost of stuffs in there!
We lined up again for the “All Gates” and this time, she let us through. There was quite a long queue and we are just praying that it will not take much time. Finally, we’re done and is now at Immigration. We’re a little nervous not only because we might miss our flight but also because of the “scene” we witnessed when we arrived here. But hey, we’re already leaving. Fortunately, that went on smoothly and we run, really run for the boarding gates.
I can no longer remember if we run up two or three stairs, our attention is only focused to the arrows leading to the train terminal. The train just departed when we got there but we’re not that worried since we only have to wait for two minutes for the next train. It’s totally like the scenes you’ll see in K-dramas and movies!
We are still catching our breath when we arrived at the boarding gate. And we are just on time! They just opened the gate and are now asking for the passengers seated at the first 15 rows to line up.
We boarded the plane to Cebu, got cup noodles and bread (they weren’t able to bring our pre-ordered meal) and arrived at Mactan airport in full winter gear. Lol. In spite of it all, we are still thankful they facilitated our smooth transfer and checked in all our luggage (including the hand-carry one). Back at the plane, we were even able to help a flight attendant translate how much a beer cost to a group of three men (probably in their late 40s) ordering. We waited for an hour or our transfer flight to Manila. And for humor’s sake, we bought Cebu souvenir shirts.
But when we got our baggage, I heard a girl whispered to her boyfriend “Ah, transfer pala sila” (Oh, they’ve transferred flight). Thank you to the transfer sticker attached to our baggage or else they’ll think we’re weird.
So that’s it guys! In spite of all the hassle and stress of getting lost and almost missing our flight back, this first trip is indeed memorable and worth it. See you again, Seoul!
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| In Korea, I collect flyers, guides, and admission tickets. Haha. |
