Dongdaemun Plaza by day

When visiting a new place, topping the must-see list are the historic spots of the area. Those usually the landmarks—the age-old castles, historic plazas, soaring obelisks. There are the newer ones, but it has to be exceptional enough to be noticed. Take for example the Burj Al Arab or the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, and the buildings created by lauded architects like Frank Lloyd Wright (Guggenheim NYC) and IM Pei (Louvre Pyramids) and many more. The Louvre is Abu Dhabi is gorgeous as well.

As the millenials would say, “It has to be Instagrammable,” with them on the picture, of course, as proof that they were in the place. 

Seoul in South Korea has lots of IG-worthy landmarks. Perhaps the city has the Korean telenovelas to thank for the meteoric rise of tourist arrivals in the city and its attractions. On top of it are the imperial palaces serving as backdrops for tourists in Hanbok, Korea’s traditional attire. It’s a dream come true for many. 

In this other landmark, in central Dongdaemun, I didn't catch any Hanbok-wearing tourist. Maybe they perceive it as a mismatch. But if you ask me, the contrast of the traditional against the modern is picture perfect. 

I’m referring to the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, the futuristic, shiny giant mushroom-like (or even spaceship) structure clad in aluminum that seem to float above ground. The structure was officially inaugurated in the 2014 and took five years to construct. The year after, it was the most IG-tagged spot in the Korea. Of all the modern landmarks in the city, this one is deemed as the most iconic.

This is the “world’s largest atypical architecture” and was designed by Zaha Hadid, the award-winning architect who also designed the “starfish” aka the Beijing Daxing International Airport, which opened to the public in September 2019. In a design competition, Hadid’s "Metonymic Landscape" concept won her the bid to create a landscape that integrated the historical, cultural, urban, social, and economic aspects of Seoul.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza serves as the main venue for everything related to arts and design. It’s both a showroom and gathering area comprised of five elements strategically arranged in the seven levels of the building, four above ground and three below ground: Art Hall, the key venue for conventions, trade shows, exhibitions, fashion shows, concerts and performances; Museum Hall, which displays Korean design and global trends in five sections; Design Lab, a training ground for rising creative minds; Design Market, a multipurpose space for culture and shopping open 24/7; and the remarkable Dongdaemun History and Culture Park, the newest park in the city that seamlessly connects to the rooftop of DDP. It also offers a glimpse of the area’s past as a military training ground during the Joseon dynasty.

Also published in the SunStar Davao newspaper.

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Globe trotters are excited that another travel sale is coming up. I am pretty sure I will see the same faces that I bump into twice a year. It’s actually becoming like a reunion of travelers.  Yes, we’re out in search for the best deals because the more affordable fares increase the number of bucket-listed destinations to visit.

Where are the travel bug-bitten people off to? What are the travel tips they abode by? Let’s ask them.

Malouchi Gahol. Spain & Portugal are on the calendar. It will bring lovely memories of my trip there with my Mom which I can share with my husband & children this time. Apart from the culture and the food, I am looking forward to going to Montserrat and Fatima. 

Here are a few of my travel tips: 1. Arrange an itinerary but remain flexible. Some of the most memorable things happen when they are unplanned; 2. Organize travel documents (with duplicate copies) and don’t keep all your cash and credit card in one place; 3. Hydrate and use sunblock; 4. Pack smart, pack light; and 5. Be adventurous but always be alert and cautious. Be mindful and be in the moment. The memories you make in travel are priceless.

Malouchi Gahol & Kay Gempesaw are off to Portugal. A favorite among visitors is the Ribera area along Porto's Duoro River is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site (Photo courtesy of Wikipedia)

Kay Gempesaw. We’re travelling to Spain and Portugal for our 20th wedding anniversary and to Tokyo this summer with the kids.

Some travel tips I abide to: 1. Book airline, accommodations, tours, shows, etc. in advance, and travel on off seasons to get the best deals and avoid the crowds; 2. Always get travel insurance; 3. Talk to the locals. They can point you to unique sites; 4. Have a photocopy of your travel documents in two separate bags. 

Brenda Cabang. It’s Taiwan on March, USA in April and London around August. Except for the US, I am excited to see the other two cities for the first time. 

My travel tip? Travel light and bring an extra bag in case you feel the need to shop. 

Brenda Cabang & Erika Mata want to see a new place and is going to London. A view of Londons cityscape (Photo by Wikipedia Commons)

Erika Mata. My husband and I are going to London this March to spend quality time with each other. 

Before traveling, I always make sure that all our outfits for the entire trip are planned; color-coded and appropriate for the weather. This way, we won’t have trouble getting dressed during our vacation, plus our photos will look pretty with our matching colors.

Nina Custodio. I’m eyeing to soak myself in the culture, feast on local cuisine and see the sites of Japan and Taiwan, places I haven’t been to; visit family and shop in the US; and revisit Korea to see more of the place in the different seasons.

Nina Custodio is in love with Korea and experience the different seasons

Research is key, like know the weather conditions, stock up on meds and wear comfy shoes. Travel insurance! Always ask for the hotel card in the local language. It will come in handy if you have to take the taxi to get home. Rent wi-fi and download the apps you need.

Gay Te. We’re heading to Honolulu and spend all our time exploring the place. We’d like to visit the Big Island. They say these spots are very beautiful!

Gay Te wants to explore the Big Ilsnad in Hawaii. This is the Lava tube at Volcanoes National Park (Photo by Wikipedia Commons)

Ina Briones. Osaka in January, Paris in February, July in Bangkok, Singapore in November. Except for Paris, where I’m going to study, the three Asian cities are my favorite cities to eat and shop and visited annually.

Because of its food, Osaka is an annual stop for Ina Briones (Photo by Sanga Park)

Travel tips. Book hotels where airport transfers are near; pack light because you usually shop when you travel; and most importantly, eat in local restaurants where they serve local delicacies.

Mary Anne Tan-Guino-o. I want to see Hanoi. I’m hearing a lot of good things about Hanoi place especially the culture and arts scene. It’s an affordable place to shop and eat. 

Mary Anne Guinoo wants to immerse in the arts, culture & suisine of Hanoi, Vietnam. St Joseph's Cathedral is a 19th-century neo-gothic style church (Photo courtesy of Wikipedia)

When I travel I make sure I bring the right clothes. I don't believe in OTD’s and over-packing. I’m a foodie and I always leave space for food unique to the country I want to take it home.

Also published in the SunStar Davao newspaper.

Follow jeepneyjinggoy on  Instagram  and  Facebook 
For lifestyle features, visit www.ofapplesandlemons.com
Email me at jinggoysalvador@yahoo.com

India. Bangladesh was like a prelude to visiting India. Will the visit to India finally happen this 2020

“Where are you traveling this year?”, was a question I was asked after the customary New Year’s greetings. The favorite Asian destinations popped in mind. Yes, I am heading back to my favorite cities and making my way to new ones. I’m still feeling Asia this year and here are places on my 2020 travel list.

As you may know Bangkok is a regular destination. Because of work I get to enjoy the old and emerging attractions of the city. Food, culture, nightlife and shopping will always be exciting. What I need to do again is to go beyond the capital city’s border and explore new places of the country.

Bangkok. Must-eat at Gaggan Anand Restuarant, No.4 in 2019 World's 50 Best Restaurants list

Because I won a ticket to Taipei I will see the city for the second time. I intended to even without winning a raffle. But who doesn't want to travel for free? Five days wasn’t enough for a first visit. You see I prefer touring a city at my own pace, and I spend more time in on attraction that what packaged tours would one to. I may see less spots but it gives me a reason to return. 

Taipei. Sakura season is inviting. Wuji Tianyuan Temple, New Taipei City (Photo by The Culture Trip)

Spring is a good season to return to Taipei. I love to see the cherry blossoms showing off its beauty in another place other than Japan, which is one of my favorite countries.

But I see another reason to head back to the Land of the Rising Sun. Believe it or not, I haven't been to Osaka yet even if it was a short train ride away from Kyoto, where I spent four nights. There was so much to see in the old capital that I never got the chance to leave the place. If I get the chance, I want to visit the other charming cities like Sapporo and Fukuoka. 

Japan. It's time to see Osaka this time (Photo JNTO)

Honestly, I will make my way back to Tokyo for a “polka dot experience.” The Yayoi Kusama Museum is on my bucket list and If I can score a ticket way in advance, like two months prior to the visit, then that would be a treat.

Because I there is a standing invitation to visit Hanoi for some time now, it’s about time to heed the call. It will be the first time in this part of Vietnam and my host said I need 14 days for this trip. Halong Bay will be base camp and will take trips to several scenic spots daily. If you see my host’s photographs of the different sites, you would want to join me on this trip.

Vietnam. Because I got invited to Hanoi, Vietnam. Hand Bridge in Danang (Photo by Vounextravel)

Bangladesh was a surprise destination in 2019 and it seemed like a prelude to India. Is it time to see India? I’d like the universe to show me the way, the way it did with Seoul, South Korea last year. Most often, things just fall into place and pave a smooth way to a destination. If you ask for it, it will happen. The Universe listens. What I’m telling the Universe is that I am open to traveling and I head to where it wants be to be.

Aging changes a traveler’s preferences, it does for me. I am now hesitant to veer away from my comfort zone. Cozy over roughing it. I did stay in hostels in the past, and that’s now longer an option. 

Europe or USA? Yes, there’s so much more to experience, but just the thought of a 14-hour plane ride is a challenge. Not unless I get upgraded to the front. I can't afford the seat cost on that part of the plane. Grin. 

Also published in the SunStar Davao newspaper.