Tag : South Korea
Whether the question pops from my Facebook inbox or during a small talk in a meetup, I like to answer these curiosities about travel because it’s my favorite topic. And there are questions that are repeatedly asked by different people. I know my fellow travelers get this a lot too. Here are some of the […]
There were times as I wandered in other parts of Asia, I could also find the Philippines fitting in the picture. And vice versa – the countries, where I have been, were also remembered in some of our own spots. The following captures from my lens are either in contrast or complementary. I am presenting […]
Time and time again, we have confirmed through blog posts we read that true love can be found while traveling. It is not a fairy tale anymore even in modern times. Surely you’re not the damsel in distress waiting to be saved because you’re the type who conquers the world instead through travels. So why […]
It was that another Sunday where I haven’t decided yet where to go. Feeling lucky that I’ll find one near from home, I searched through the provincial tourism site of Bulacan. Under religious sites category, I found Shrine of St. Andrew Kim interesting. Because the place and even the patron saint is personally unheard of, […]
When I came to Seoul, South Korea, I made sure that Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain be crossed from my must-visit and must-photographed list. It would be challenging to capture its colors and beauty at night. But at the same time it would be a reward for all the walks that happened within the day.
Banpo-Jamsu Bridge is a two-decker bridge that connects Seocho and Yongsan districts. Also known as the Moonlight Rainbow Fountain, it is the world’s longest bridge fountain. The water is released from more than 300 nozzles and is pumped directly from the Han River river itself and continuously recycled. Meanwhile, there are more than 200 lights that illuminate the water projectiles and are synchronized with music.
The fountain show starts every hour starting 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM on weekdays, and every 30 minutes from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM on weekends.
You can also see the N Seoul Tower from afar.
How To Get There
Take the train and alight from Dongjak Station along the Seoul Subway Line 4, Exit 1 or 2. Follow the Dongjak Bridge and it will take you to Han River. Walk along the Olympic Park as you reach the Banpo Bridge.
How Did I Get There
I took the subway and alighted from Banpo Station because it’s Banpo! Unfortunately, I got lost in a village with no exit near the Han River so I wasn’t able to see the light and sound show on that night. Even though I missed the last show, I was able to start a conversation with four International Student Exchange Programs (ISEP) students who are having a picnic in the park grounds. Two of them are from Taiwan, one is from Bhutan and the other is from Malaysia. It began with a question on the schedule of the Banpo Bridge fountain show, climaxed when they shared their true Korean fried chicken and ended up as we’re running to and catching the last train. We were like classmates of the same year. Because of my Facebook security settings and my iPhone was already drained, they were not able to add or even to look my account up. It would be exciting to see them in Taiwan, after 6 months, in my birthday. Yes, I already booked that flight that early.
My second attempt was successful the next day even I came all the way from Everland. And it was sweeter because I was able to catch two shows that night. There were several photographers and spectators who bring their bikes and friends waiting for the light and sound show. On that night, only one side was pumping waters of Han River. I stayed longer and planned to catch the last train again. Because it was my last night in Seoul. Because separation anxiety.
This is the proof of an ambitious concept of traveling 52 consecutive weekends. It started as a one big dream to make the most out of life out of the office. Without missing any weekend or a repeat of a destination or an event, Project 52 Weekends has covered more than 30 provinces in the Philippines and 6 other countries and territories in Asia. 2013 has been a year of climbing mountains, trekking rivers, dancing in the rain, and meeting new friends and outdoor junkies, a year of an endless summer.
More than I have found myself in this amazing journey, I also have created myself to be the true-blood wandering weekend warrior.
Music by Avicii, “Levels”
For some reasons, we want to test our own limits beyond what our sober mind thinks. We take the chances. Because YOLO. Because opportunities missed are things we regret the most later. I have my own share of craziness in choosing exciting adventures too. Because greater stories don’t start with a “Once upon a time, […]
Universe has its playful conspiracy to remind me that I’m still freakin’ single. When I went to Malaysia as part of my first solo backpacking trip, there were couples in Melaka posing for their pre-nuptial photoshoot. And I was like, ‘Why am I doing this trip alone again?’ I encountered such reminders from time to […]
Do you travel too much? Do you travel across the land? Do you search far and wide, each culture to understand life lesson that’s inside? Good! Your quest to travel around the world comes with these accomplishment badges a.k.a. the insignia to tell that you’re someone who travels a lot. So if you can relate […]
My recent trip to South Korea restored my faith in humanity. I’ve met good Samaritans along the unfamiliar way I traveled alone. It changed how I see South Koreans without all the dancing and festive lens flare in the background. They are far more beautiful beyond their smooth porcelain skin. While I feared of my […]