HOME in Seoul

“HOME AWAY FROM HOME” – one of the first few things me and my friends sought for in preparation for our vacation trip in Seoul, South Korea. We were six in the group; one guy (me!) and five girls. Our criteria for choosing were simple;

Anyeong! from me and my friends! We used Gopro to take this cool shot! - JGGSoria

ü BUDGET FRIENDLY – the place should be budget conscious; we wanted to stay in a place where we can have access to the basic amenities of living comfortably in a foreign land but without hurting our pockets too much.

ü AWESOME LOCATION – the place should be easily accessible to major roads and public transportation (in this case the bus stop/s, subway and taxi bays). The surrounding area should be vibrant, friendly to tourists and safe to walk around even at night. It should also be near convenient stores (i.e. 7 Eleven, Mini Stop, etc.), food establishments and coffee shops.

ü SPACIOUS AND COMFORTABLE – the place should be able to accommodate at least six people (since we were six in the group) without having to shout “This is Sparta!!!” because of the lack of space to move around and facilities to indulge on. We had to take into considerations our things as well (we have a LOT of baggage and will incur more due to shopping for clothes, foods and souvenirs).

ü PRIVATE BATHROOM (w/ Blower) – well the blower is more of a “personal choice” (I have an unruly hair and would need such electronic assistance so forgive me with the extra eyebrow-raising criteria) but seriously, this should be a major consideration when it comes to picking a place to stay in. It would be quite a hassle to have the bathroom shared with anonymous people knowing full well that your group has its plans on its own (and thus you know how to budget the time you will use the bathroom to meet your itinerary). More so you and your friends have to setup your bathroom products and all inside, and that taking a bath is a scared ritual to have yourself refreshed after beating yourself up with all the walking, running, shopping and eating. Though I guess for some it’s okay, but for me and my friends, a shared bathroom is not an option.

Voila! “Ann Guest House” came popping out of Google and Tripadvisor. After reading tons and tons of comments, feedback, reviews, blogs, and a personal recommendation from our friend’s friend who stayed there, we have decided to give it a shot. We decided to collate the questions we have on our minds (even those items we have already read and understood but want a personal concurrence from the owner - better to be sure) and communicate it via email. It was a relief when we found out that the owner of the guesthouse, Ann, was good in speaking English (though I think there are still times where we wanted to perform an interpretative dance or do charades just to express our thoughts - kidding!). Overall all our inquiries and requests have been attended to and addressed properly by her, how awesome is that?

We were originally arranging for a reservation for five people, but then one of our friends decided to join us with the trip so we had to reserve a room for six. Ann offered the “Dormitory” type which could accommodate six people. She even provided us pictures as to how the room looks like. We were like, “OMG YES! YES! YES! This is ABSOLUTELY PERFECT!”

NOTE: a RESERVATION IS A MUST with this guesthouse as it is always accommodating a lot of people – so as just to be sure that you can have the room you’re dreaming of during the duration of your stay in South Korea, better have a reservation.

How we dealt with the reservation? Simply speaking, we deposited an initial amount of PHP 3,318.30 (approximately $71.60) via PayPal to secure the place on the said dates. We paid the remaining balance upon settling in the dormitory. There were six of us which would entail a total amount of PHP 32,400 (approximately $742); so each person costs PHP 5,400 (approximately $124). We stayed there for six days and five nights from April 30, 2014 until May 05, 2014. You can cancel your reservation if ever you’ve decided to not push through on staying there but I am not familiar with the how-to and refund system since we felt that the place is already perfect.

NOTE: for the matters of payment, it would be best to email Ann and communicate with her clearly as to how many you are, how long will you plan to stay and other items which you may want to clarify – from there she will answer all your inquiries and guide you as to how to do the payment.

NOTE: the prices I’ve provided may change depending on the exchange rates of the currencies involved and if ever the management of Ann Guest House decided to do a promo, discount, or increase with their rates in the future.

HERE COMES April 30, 2014 - HELLO SEOUL! (Pinch me! Toto, I’ve feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore!) So before passing out due to “heavy breathing" and too much excitement, we need to take on the FIRST CHALLENGE – How to get to Ann Guest House from Incheon Airport. I think there are three ways to go to the guesthouse; either via airport limousine bus (No. 6002), via subway, or via taxi. We’ve opted to go there via airport limousine bus (No. 6002). I think it’s the easiest way to reach our destination point – considering five of me and my friends were first-timers in South Korea, besides we were not familiar then on how to navigate through their labyrinth subway and the taxi is quite expensive. Both the airport limousine bus and subway would take about one hour from the Incheon Airport to Ann Guest House.

Ø Via Airport Limousine Bus

§  Cost: 10,000 Won per person

§  Travel Period: approximately 1 Hour

§  Get off at the Hongik University Station Stop (Not at the Seokyo Hotel Stop)

§  ADVICE!

ü It would be best to equip yourself with a T-Money Card as early as arriving at the Incheon Airport so that you can just tap your way to freedom. Incheon Airport has a GS25 (convenience store located at the 1^st Floor near Exits 10 and 14) where you can buy a T-Money Card (just ask them to have it loaded already w/ at least 10,000 Won – you’ll need it to pay for your ride if via airport limousine bus or via subway). Though I think you can pay the bus using cash (you just have to drop the exact amount in the fiber glass container upon entering the bus). Check out this link for further reference on GS25:

http://www.airport.kr/airport/facility/efalicityOpen.iia?carId=11

ü Ask around as to where the No. 6002 Airport Limousine Bus picks up people (from what I remembered we were at 12A Bus Pickup Spot – Incheon going to Seoul); there will be a waiting post there where you can see the schedule of the bus. You may check this link out for e-Guidebooks of the Incheon International Airport – here you can save a copy of the Airport Guide in your smartphones, tablets, etc. (the maps are quite useful!):

http://www.airport.kr/airport/brochure/brochureList.iia?langGubun=E

ü Tell the driver to drop you off at Hongik University Station Stop. Don’t worry the driver will assist you with your baggage and will definitely remind you (once you’re near) that you need to get off at that station.

ü Enjoy the city lights (if ever you arrive at night just like us) or enjoy your first view of the streets of South Korea (if you arrive there around broad daylight).

Ø Via Subway

§  Cost: 4,000 Won per person

§  Travel Period: approximately 1 Hour

§  Get off the Hongik University Station Stop

Upon getting off at the Hongik University Station Stop (via airport limousine bus no. 6002); just across the bus stop you'll be able to see Dunkin Donuts (which is the landmark so often given by Ann to her guests as is is co-located in the building) and at the other side there is a KFC. Get inside the building (heavy glass doors), take the elevator (5th Floor) and proceed to room number 514 to check-in.

We arrived at the guesthouse around 12:41 A.M. (May 01, 2014) which according to the guidelines we should’ve checked in before 11:00 P.M. (so technically if all went smoothly, we should've been at the guesthouse around 10:00 P.M. of April 30, 2014) but due to having our flight delayed, ignorance with the public transportation (mind you we’ve researched ahead but still there are inevitable challenges), and getting the Olleh Pocket Wi-Fi in the airport, we checked in way past 11:00 P.M. but to our hearts delight, Ann was still awake and greeted us warmly (I even called her Auntie Ann – wherein my friends suddenly laughed all at once; they said “Auntie Ann? Seriously? That’s a pretzel shop! – well I’m sorry hahahahaha!). She assisted us in our room (Room # 505), showed us the basic amenities (showed the blower and private bathroom! Haha Yes!), explained the basic house rules and perks inclusive of our stay (free breakfast - 1 loaf of Paris Baguette bread each day w/ a lot of cute strawberry jam and butter fillings, tea and coffee, super fast WiFi - believe me IT IS REALLY FAST, desktop - we've actually used this to watch 'Miracle in Cell No. 7', etc.). As we’ve expected and looked forward to, we were “WOW! Now this is value for money! We’ve made the right choice”. It met my personal expectations as to how I tried to picture it in my mind based on the photos she sent us and on the reviews provided by the previous guests who’ve stayed there.

Matching it all up with our criteria:

ü BUDGET FRIENDLY – definitely YES! The six days five nights stay there costs PHP 5,400 (approximately $124) per person. The amenities, look of the apartment, location of the guesthouse, and having access to LIFE, yes LIFE! – this is really affordable and thus  VALUE FOR MONEY indeed.

ü AWESOME LOCATION – a BIG FAT YES to that! It is near the subway station (Hongik University Station) wherein the building has a connection to the subway (aside from the public entrance/exit). Just across the building is the Hongik University Bus Stop and there are Taxi Bays around. The area is a university area, you’ll be able to see a lot of fashionable students roaming around which you can ask for help (they're friendly and would really try their best to assist you), lots of convenience stores (GS25 and 7-Eleven), a variety of choices for food indulgence (restaurants, bars, street-food stalls, coffee shops, etc.) and it is a good place to do your shopping (there are a lot of cute boutiques around Hongdae area which houses a variety of high-quality “Made in Korea” fashionable garments both for men and women – this area is my personal favorite for shopping).

ü SPACIOUS AND COMFORTABLE – the space of the dormitory is quite generous (you may do a cartwheel yes!) and the ambiance is really homey (feels like you’ve been living there for the past few years) plus the couches and beds are quite nice - good for resting those tired muscles. A lot of cabinets to hold your clothes, shoes, towels, accessories etc. are present. The room has both an air-conditioning unit and heater. We also had two tables where we would eat snacks or breakfast or even huddle to decide on which places to go and so on and so forth - matched with a big dark sofa and four round seats. There was a mini kitchen where you can toast bread, prepare coffee, and do light cooking. Oh and I almost forgot, there are slippers you may use located on the cabinet near the doorway – here you can put your shoes, sandals and boots for safe keeping and not having them unceremoniously piled in the doorway.

ü PRIVATE BATHROOM (w/ Blower) – generally good and clean bathroom. The hot and cold functionality of the sink and shower are working perfectly. Towels were also provided (replaced daily). We also have a washing machine in case we need to do a bit of laundry (though for a 6D-5N stay – this wouldn’t be feasible and practical to do). Lastly and personally, the presence of the blower was PERFECT.

Overall stay there at Ann Guest House? I’ll give 10/10 stars with moons on the side. All of the criteria we’ve set were met and all our inquiries were properly attended by her. She was always eager to help us with a bright smiling face.

I've provided below some pictures from the dormitory we stayed in. This is to help future goers visualize and decide if they want to stay here or not.

Doorway, Slippers/Shoes Cabinet (right side just before the doorway), Mini Kitchen (right), Mini Refrigerator (left) - JGGSoria

So spacious, clean and comfortable! - JGGSoria

The Private Bathroom - JGGSoria

Cute and Comfy Dormitory Style Beds - JGGSoria

Awesome wooden stairs going to the 2nd Floor! - JGGSoria

Hello Cute Space! - JGGSoria

View from the 2nd Floor - JGGSoria

Please note that on your last day (for check-out), you need to be ready by 11:30 A.M. and if you still have time to spend around South Korea before heading back to your country then you can ask Ann to leave for the time being your luggage in her room (Room 514) and then just get it once you’re ready to go to the airport. We were able to do a last minute shopping of clothes (I swear they have an awesome selection at reasonable prices! Try to look for those shops run by students I guess and those clothes with “Made in Korea” tag - it is of good quality and freaking fashionable taste indeed) and souvenirs around Hongdae Area. We even got to visit the Coffee Prince Coffee Shop for a quick breakfast and the Ramen House (which I forgot the name - boo!) – probably one of the best Ramen House I’ve ever visited for the purpose of lunch.

Last Minute Shopping Before Heading Back To Manila; bought that one I'm holding! - JGGSoria

Love The Clothes Here - HEAVEN - Adore Classic - JGGSoria

My friend scouting for a shirt - JGGSoria

More awesome selections - taken at a different shop - JGGSoria

Wall writings at the Coffee Prince - JGGSoria

Instax Picture of me and my friends at the Coffee Prince Coffee Shop (this is not edited or created through any app - just a matter of focusing and creative thinking) - JGGSoria

The Awesome Ramen House - JGGSoria

Watching them prepare our food! So Cool! - JGGSoria

The In-Ramen which is a must try here! DELICIOUS - JGGSoria

Upon arriving back to Ann Guest House to pick up our baggage and stuff, we gave her the famous dried mangoes from the Philippines (bought it before heading off to Seoul from Manila). It is our little way of saying a BIG FAT AND WARM THANK YOU to her for contributing to the awesomeness of our experience in South Korea!

To future South Korea travelers, I wish you the best and I hope you will have an awesome stay (just like me and my friends had in Seoul). We will DEFINITELY GO BACK, that’s for sure. Thanks to Ann Guest House, we were able to have a LOVELY HOME in Seoul.

For more information you can visit Ann Guest House's website by clicking the link below:

http://www.annguesthouse.co.kr/

Here’s Ann’s email if ever you want to inquire further on staying in her guesthouse:

annguesthouse@yahoo.co.kr

Fighting!

Park Jun's Beauty Lab - FIXING ME AND MY HAIR

April 20, 2011 ~ 3:54 P.M.

For approximately 1 year (as of now), I had chosen "Park Jun's" to take care as well as style my hair. Within that range of time, I can say that I made the right choice in doing so, I guess I can refer to their salon service and everything to be cost-effective.

From the day I was born until my third grade in elementary school, I had straight hair. As I remembered, it was in the shape of half a coconut husk (bunot), a typical look for a school boy I guess. But as soon as I started my fourth grade, it became curly. Since then I had curly hair, it wasn't wavy or a bit curly but rather in it's most dreadful (LOL) form, curly like the natives, I could compete with Medusa from Greek Mythology. It's not that I totally resent my previous hair or look, its just that I had bad (hurtful I guess) encounters regarding my look (as others would tease me; even people I don't know look upon me as something odd) but I sucked it all up and still continue on. Also for the reason that it was heavy when it grows long, prone to damages (particularly dandruff), and the likes. Other salon's that I had tried would all say "there's nothing we can do about this.." or "you're only limited to this style.." whenever I decided to style my hair to make it look better. Through these things, I almost lost confidence in believing that my hair and overall look would experience salvation.

One day, I just realized that it is enough, I had to do something, and I will make all other people who look down on me eat their words. At this point in time, I was drastic to look for a salon that could help me. I searched the internet, dozens of magazines, blogs, reviews, and other references that might help me. While I was watching "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho" (a TV program here in the Philippines that tackles a wide range of topics; from lifestyles, food, fashion, recreation, destination, social issues, and many more ~ aired on Saturday's before Imbestigador), one of their topics really had a high appeal on me, it was about hair styles, particularly on the comparison of Korean and Pinoy stylists and their services rendered. They had surveys on which hair looks better, without letting people know who is the one behind the look, and as I suspected, they chose "Pinoy" as the winner (it wasn't a shock for me, since if you do a simple logic; Philippine based TV show comparing Korean and Philippine style of doing haircut > winner: it's obvious). Though I'm not saying I am against Philippine stylists, it's just that based on my experience on various salons that I had really not so good experiences but of course I also had good experiences (but few), plus I am a Filipino so I'm just saying what is my opinion regarding that matter. They featured Park Jun's which I have remembered to pass by once as I was going home from shopping with my friend Ekha.

After that TV show, I decided to search Park Jun's on the internet, I came across few reading materials that covers them, but amongst all of those things that I  have read, one page really helped me a lot, it was http://heart-2-heart-online.com/2009/07/13/park-juns-beauty-lab/ (this is the link to the page I am referring to). It revealed to me the prices, the interior of the salon, the stylists, a bit of background on them, and reviews that were all POSITIVE. But I have to be honest, I had doubts since it was really really and I mean really expensive as compared to the previous salon services I had availed. But my mom totally supported me on this one, she insisted since it was worth the try and that I had positive reviews, plus the idea that this will be a major transformation and a major salon is needed. So that was it, during the fourth term in school, I decided to not cut my hair (approximately 5 to 6 months) and make it long so that a lot of style can be made from it. I wore headbands so that it won't cover my entire face and it I would lessen the sweat the heat causes on me.

Here are some of my pictures when I still had curly hair...

Mind you (if ever somebody is reading this), these pictures are the ones I looked acceptable having this kind of hair and look. I had hard time finding and sorting them out (LOL XD). At least you (reader) know how I looked like back then.

On July 7, 2010, I asked my friend Steffi to come with me, and she immediately said yes. She was very supportive of what I am going to do, she even kept on asking "ready ka na ba?". I would always say yes, but I am really worried and nervous. A lot of things and visualization was coming into my mind like what if it wouldn't turn out well as I expected, what would others say about it after seeing my new look, will they be able to do it, will I not have a "broomstick" like hair, and many more. I just had faith I guess, and I came there without setting an appointment since it was my first time and I didn't know for volume rebonding and services that takes time, I need to set an appointment so I could be sure that I will be accomodated (though this isn't necessary for haircut or small services but just to be sure you might as well set an appointment). Luckily, Miss Jinny Kim was available that time and as soon as she saw me, she immediately smiled and greeted me warmly, and then I asked if what service could I avail in order to fix the disaster going on in my head (LOL), she then spoke in Korean with the other Korean lady in the front desk, and then she recommended what I should be getting. I said to her that I leave everything up to her, whatever the outcome will be, I will wholeheartedly accept it. She's really friendly and nice, she's absolutely pretty, very good fashion sense, and she can speak English really well so her guest wouldn't have a hard time establishing rapport. As I was walking down the hallway, I was looking all over the place and I was surprised that the work place was located below or underground (cool in my opinion). There I saw the assistants (who were friendly but not totally fake in being so) and the other stylists.

They were friendly also to my companion, they offered us drinks of our choice and magazines so it wouldn't be boring, and they let my friend sit next to me or in particular near me. During that time Ate Aida was the assistant, she explained to me vividly each step, product, and other necessary information, on what she is currently doing, the purpose of the product, effects of it, what not to do, and the likes. Miss Jinny was also like that, she explained everything she does so her client would be informed well on what's is happening. I came across new styles on treating my hair, new products I have never encountered, and interesting machines that is only present there in Park Jun. I was totally wowed by the things I am experiencing though I am still nervous on the outcome. To make my hair straight and look far far from it's disastrous state is a miracle.

It took me 4 to 5 hours inside the salon after everything was finished, from the treatment (damaged hair), revitalizing it, having it volume rebonded, and finally the haircut, I was really surprised and confusingly happy since I didn't expect that it would be possible and it would turn out better (really better) as I expect it to be. I was really happy and said to myself that I didn't know it was still possible. I sensed that Miss Jinny was tired but relieved on her creation. From that moment, I can confirm that she was really a professional and extremely talented on what she does. I then knew that people working for that salon was extremely talented and friendly. They will not recommend something for you that you don't really need (like products and services), also if you have something in mind to do for your hair having in mind that it could relieve your woe but it would actually make it worse, they would suggest something different. The are really professionals there, dedicated to their work and doing their job well enough to be recognized, providing the best possible service and output for every guest they have.

Here some of the pictures I had during my first time in Park Jun's Salon...

And here are the other pictures I had with the salon... from volume rebonds, treatments, and haircuts...

In my opinion, I have come a long way when it comes to taking care of my hair, and this was possible because of Park Jun's Beauty lab and my favorite stylist Miss Jinny, though I haven't tried any other stylist since I have a loyal attitude when it comes to these kinds of things, however I know all of them are as talented as she is.

If you have plans on fixing your hair, new fresh look, something you can be proud of to wear then I suggest you go to Park Jun's. Your money won't be a waste but keep in mind the things you want to do so that it would be a two way communication between you and the stylist. Bringing a picture of the kind of haircut you want could help, they also have this  book of haircut reference so that they can show you what you like, and you can try what I usually do, leaving the fate of my hair into their hands and say "something that would suit me well :)". If you have doubts on the stylist then I suggest to have Jinny Kim to accommodate you, but all other stylist are good so I guess you just have to choose whoever you feel comfortable with. They're all really nice and would take care of you the moment you walk inside their shop until you leave. :)

Thank you for reading. If you have inquiries about the price of their services then go to the link that I included here earlier, their services and prices are updated, the stylist are the only one's who aren't as there are new stylist on the shop. Mr. James Lee isn't there anymore (he seemed really nice) but Mr. Kino Lee is back :) Miss Jinny Kim is there, Miss Kim (don't know her full name sorry :|) and Miss Maia Noh also.

I almost forgot, they have really good products there. It is the only shop I know that sells Bedhead brand of products, but there are other stuff too that can help you in taking good care of your hair. :)

Park Jun’s Beauty Lab is located at the G/F Glorietta 3, Ayala Center Makati City. You can contact them on  819-3001 to 02. To know more about them visit www.parkjun.com.