Seoul, South Korea was my dream trip, and it finally happened! 🇰🇷 I spent 10 amazing days exploring all the cool places to visit in Seoul. From old palaces to busy markets, and a beautiful university to awesome views, Seoul has something for everyone.

I’m excited to share my favorite spots and tips with you, so you can plan your trip to this awesome city!

During our trip, we had the pleasure of staying at the luxurious Novotel Ambassador Seoul Yongsan. The views from our room were incredible, and the service was top-notch – a perfect retreat after days of exploring.  And the best part? It was just a short stroll from Yongsan Station

Palace Life: Stepping Back in Time at Gyeongbokgung Palace

Okay, K-drama fans, buckle up! Visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace was a major highlight of my trip. Seriously, I’ve seen this place in so many dramas, and finally being there in person was like stepping into my own K-drama fantasy! 🤩

Walking through those grand halls and courtyards, it felt like I’d time-traveled back to the Joseon era. I was half-expecting to bump into a handsome king or a feisty queen around every corner! 😂

The Throne Hall, where the king held court, was especially mind-blowing. I could practically hear the whispers of advisors and the rustling of silk robes.

And Sajeongjeon Hall? Oh. My. Goodness. The intricate details and the sheer history in those walls… it gave me goosebumps!

Namsan Seoul Tower: Breathtaking Views and K-Drama Romance

If you’re looking for the most stunning panoramic views of Seoul, Namsan Seoul Tower is a must-visit! Even with my fear of heights, I knew I couldn’t miss this iconic landmark. Braving the Namsan Cable Car was an adventure in itself (eyes squeezed shut most of the way up! 😅). But trust me, the breathtaking views from the top, especially at night with the city lights sparkling below, made it all worthwhile. ✨

No wonder it’s a favorite filming location for romantic K-drama scenes! I’ve spotted it in countless shows, from classics like Boys Over Flowers to more recent hits like My Love from the Star, Legend of the Blue Sea, and Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo.

But Namsan Seoul Tower isn’t just about the views. It’s also a popular spot for couples to leave their mark with “love locks” – just like they do in so many K-dramas! Thousands of colorful padlocks adorn the fences, each symbolizing a promise of eternal love. ❤️ It’s a truly romantic sight and a reminder of love’s enduring power.

I was determined to visit Every Nation Church Mapo-gu on my own. Armed with directions from the hotel staff, I set off confidently. But, plot twist! Seoul’s streets can be a bit tricky. ‍♀️ Even with the directions, I got completely lost!

After wandering around for what felt like hours, I started to doubt my decision to go solo. I even asked a kind stranger for help, but the language barrier proved to be a challenge. Just when I was ready to give up, a lovely woman, who also happened to be a Christian, came to my rescue! She guided me all the way to Every Nation Church. Talk about a divine intervention! 🙏

And guess what? When I finally arrived, I was surprised to see our pastor and his wife, whom I hadn’t seen in years! It was such a heartwarming reunion, and it made the whole adventure even more special. 😊

It all began with an invitation from a dear friend. She introduced me to a remarkable initiative that’s shaping the future of freelancers in the Philippines – FOPSCO, the Filipino Online Professional Service Cooperative.

Who is FOPSCO?

FOPSCO brings together a diverse group of individuals from across our beautiful islands, including:

• Trainers

• Online Professionals

• ESL Tutors

• Agency Owners

• Rural BPO Owners

We share a common bond – our deep admiration for the RISTT program. Witnessing the transformative power of this program and recognizing the need for support within our industry, we’ve joined hands to give back and uplift the very ecosystem that brought us here.

The Vision

FOPSCO’s vision is bold and clear – to be the leading national cooperative that empowers Filipinos to excel in the digital landscape.

The Mission

The mission is powerful – to help our fellow Filipinos achieve sustainable livelihoods in the online workspace through continuous education, mentoring, and empowerment.

Core Values

At FOPSCO, the core values spell out FOPSCOO, representing the unwavering commitment to the mission:

• F: Follower

• O: Objective

• P: Professional

• S: Supportive

• C: Committed

• O: Organized

As a member of this cooperative, I wholeheartedly embrace these values in everything I do.

Member Benefits My journey with FOPSCO has been nothing short of transformative.

Here are some of the member benefits we can see in the future as it is slowly growing

• Dividends
• Work with FOPSCo’s Client
• Training
• Support Group
• Referral Program Incentives:

Personal Success Story

Thanks to FOPSCO, I’ve achieved remarkable growth as a Course Developer and Digital Trainer.

I seized a training opportunity to become a trainer for  Data Annotation for Beginners in  Aroroy, Masbate.

Through the FOPSCO network, I received referrals for SEO projects, and  I had the privilege of being a Resource Person at an event organized by DTI.

I was honored to be selected as a trainer for the training of trainers for South Korea, showcasing our expertise on an international platform.

But I’ve come to realize that as a member, my ACTIVE PARTICIPATION is the KEY. My success is linked to the cooperative’s growth, and together, we rise.

I invite you to join me on this incredible adventure with FOPSCO as Co-owners. Together, let’s shape a brighter, more prosperous future for Filipino freelancers.

Ready to embark on this exciting journey?

Sign up today and be part of something extraordinary!

South Korea Visa Requirements I Submitted 

1. Original passport valid for at least 6 months including previous passport. Remember to check the specific South Korea visa validity for your chosen visa type.

2. Completed South Korea visa application form – typewritten on A4 paper –attached. The font should be Arial with a size of 12 for the form.

3. 2 pcs photos 1.77 x 1.37 inches colored with white background studio taken. Ensure these photos meet the South Korea visa photo requirements.

4. Copy of Passport’s First page (Bio-data page)
5. Original Bank Certificate (must include account type, account number, currency, current balance, opening date, 6 months Average Daily Balance-ADB, issued within 3 months)
6. Bank Statement (original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months).
7. ITR (Income Tax Return). It should include the pages with net income and total revenue.
8. Invitation Letter since I am invited by an organization in Korea.
9. Handwritten letter of explanation since I lack a Business Permit and Certificate of  Employment.

Invitation Letter

Handwritten Explanation Letter of Lack of Documents

How to Fill South Korea Visa Application Form

Be very careful when you fill in the South Korea visa form. Make sure you put the right information in all the boxes and don’t forget to fill in every part that’s needed.

Make sure to check everything again to catch any mistakes. This will help avoid problems that could slow down your application.

Tracking Your  South Korea Visa  Application Status

Visit this link HERE and fill up your name, passport number, and birthday. While filling this up, I noticed I got different results from 2 browsers.

Ready to learn more about my 10 Days South Korea travel in South Korea trip?  Read my travel to Korea experience HERE.

Hey fellow freelancers, have you heard the news? AirAsia, the low-cost airline with the biggest fleet, widest network, and lowest fares has launched a 10 million FREE* Seats Mega Sale across Asia and Asia Pacific.

Tired of scrolling through endless “best places to travel” articles that are either unrealistic or not family-friendly?  As a freelancer nearing 47, I’ve always dreamt of an epic family adventure, but juggling work and budget constraints always seemed to get in the way.

But what if I told you it’s possible to explore the best places to travel with your family, even on a freelancer’s budget? That’s exactly what we’re setting out to do.

This guide isn’t just another travel wishlist. It’s our family’s 3-year plan to explore 13 incredible destinations across the Philippines, South Korea, and Japan.  We’ll share our itinerary, budget-friendly tips, and how we’re making it happen while still managing our freelance careers.

Why These Are the Best Places to Travel 

Each of these countries offers a unique blend of experiences that are perfect for families:

Philippines: Pristine beaches, hidden gems, and affordable adventures.

South Korea: Vibrant cities, ancient temples, and delicious cuisine.

Japan: Modern technology, rich traditions, and iconic landmarks.

Our Journey Begins

It’s a big dream, but we know it’s possible. My recent travel to Seoul South Korea, a gift from God, has shown me that amazing things can happen when we step out in faith.  While it’s our desire to complete this 3-year adventure, we ultimately trust that God’s plan will prevail.

So, if you’re a fellow freelancer with a family and a travel bug, come along for the ride! We hope our journey inspires you to dream big and trust that even the most ambitious plans can unfold with God’s guidance.

Why the Philippines, South Korea, & Japan?

These three countries emerged as the perfect trio for our family travel bucket list:

Philippines:

The allure of white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life is irresistible.

We’re also eager to discover some hidden gem travel destinations that might not be on everyone’s radar.

South Korea

The blend of rich history, modern cities, stunning natural landscapes, and delicious cuisine is a huge draw. It’s a place where ancient traditions meet K-pop culture, offering something for everyone. As a family with kids, we’re particularly excited to visit the best places to travel with family in South Korea.

Japan

A country of contrasts, where ancient temples coexist with futuristic cities. Japan offers a unique cultural experience, with its own distinct cuisine, traditions, and natural beauty. We’re excited to explore family-friendly destinations in Japan like Tokyo Disneyland and immerse ourselves in Japanese culture.

Crafting Our Itinerary: 13  Must-Visit Destinations

Here’s a sneak peek at the destinations we’re most excited about:

Best Places to Travel Philippines

Island Hopping Tour Boracay: Island hopping and beach bumming at this best vacation place in the Philippines.

El Nido Island Hopping : El Nido, Palawan: Exploring hidden lagoons and limestone cliffs.

Puerto Princesa Underground River: A UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-see best vacation destination in the Philippines.

Camayan Beach Resort: A relaxing day trip from Manila with stunning views.

Bohol Countryside Tour: Chocolate Hills, tarsiers, and scenic landscapes.

Best Places to South Korea

Busan and Gyeongju Day Tour: Explore two beautiful cities in one day.

Edelweiss Swiss Theme Park: A taste of Switzerland in South Korea.

Busan Drama Movie Tour: Visit filming locations from popular K-dramas.

Bukchon Hanok Village: Traditional Korean houses and charming streets.

Jeju Island Sunrise Tour: Witness the stunning sunrise over a volcanic island.

Best Places to Visit in Japan

Tokyo Disneyland/DisneySea: A magical experience for the whole family.

Legoland Japan Resort: Fun for kids and adults who love LEGOs.

Osaka Castle: A historic landmark and symbol of Osaka.

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kyoto: A serene bamboo grove with walking trails.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park: A somber but important reminder of history.

Budgeting for Our Adventure

Since we’re both freelancers, we’re creating a budget that balances our income with our travel goals. We’re looking for ways to save on flights and accommodations, researching free activities, and taking advantage of travel deals when we can.

Making it Happen: Our 3-Year Plan

We’re breaking down our travel goals into smaller trips each year, starting with domestic travel in the Philippines and then venturing to South Korea and Japan in the following years. We’re also researching visas and other travel requirements to ensure a smooth journey.

Why We’re Sharing Our Journey

Our hope is that our adventure inspires you to dream big and trust in the possibilities that lie ahead.  We believe that with faith and a willingness to take that first step, incredible things can happen.

Our journey isn’t just about ticking off destinations on a list; it’s about embracing the unexpected and trusting in God’s plan for our family.

We want to show you that financial stability and unforgettable adventures aren’t mutually exclusive, and that even the most ambitious dreams can become a reality when we align our desires with God’s will.