Winterea (Winter in Korea): A love affair

MANILA, Philippines - Being in Korea is like meeting someone who makes you feel brand new. It makes you wonder in awe as you look through the surface and see the beauty within. It makes you feel special when the warmth of the people seems to convince you that this is where you belong. And somehow, you will feel a distinct connection especially when you know you shared something special in the past.

It was a beautiful winter morning — the landscape was covered in a white blanket that makes for a picturesque background. It was a perfect day to enjoy the outdoors with a group of 36 people that instantly became my family. I was lucky enough to be with them as their tour escort while seeing parts of Korea. We visited quite a few attractions in different districts: Gangwon-do (do means province), Gyeonggi-do, Seoul, and Gangnam. Upon arrival in the multi-awarded Incheon Airport from a pleasant flight from Manila via Jeju Air, we took our breakfast and headed straight to Gangwon-do. We dropped by first in Nami Island — a man-made island that became a lovers’ paradise when the hit drama series “Winter Sonata” was shot here. Even without my special someone, I could feel the love in the air and it was strong enough to make me happy just thinking about him. After a while, we left for Seoraksan National Park which offers a magnificent view of the famous Mountain Seorak in this well-preserved natural treasure. You can’t help but fall in love again with the landscape that seems to surround you with all its glory. We stayed for a night in Gangwon-do and the next morning, we went to Korea’s largest indoor themepark — Lotte World. I was speechless at the grand decorations. This place brought out the child in me with the engaging parade and the international performers and rides. While snow was falling outside, we managed to enjoy a number of rides indoors and took unforgettable snowy pictures outdoors with magical backdrops. When we got to central Seoul, it was simply awesome. Like a typical tourist, I absorbed it all like a sponge and enjoyed every single minute of it, not minding how touristy I looked. We walked with the affluent in the celebrated Gangnam district and marveled at the beauty of the men and women dressed as if the whole district was a catwalk. We stayed two nights in this city, where we had unforgettable cultural experiences when we were taught how to make kimchi — the National Food and got to wear hanbok — the traditional clothing. We also had the pleasure to engage with the locals when we shopped in Myeongdong and Gwangjang markets in Seoul. Everyone got his share of hospitality from the warm, Korean people. My favorite part of the experience is also the most essential — food! While our cuisine is far from Korean’s, most of the guests appreciated the food and the experience that comes with it. I love the unique tastes and varying textures of different Korean dishes that we tried, and from time to time, I still crave for them.

In many ways, Korea gave me a fresh perspective and made me feel new again. The beauty of this country is a result of the people’s collective efforts, a really inspiring attribute of a nation. And the fact that both our countries shared a page in history is evident enough that we are, in one way or another, connected. Ultimately, this led to my love affair with Korea. And when it was time to go back home, I couldn’t help but leave a part of my heart in Seoul.

You can fall in love with Winterea, too. Call Jeju Air at 708-2000, telefax 708-9373 or e-mail rsvn@jejuairph.com. Like jejuairphilippines on Facebook.