Day 4 in Seoul (A Private Tour : Seoul ~ Sanjeong Lake, Pocheon Art Valley and Herb Island)

Our Day 4 in South Korea was in the outskirt of Seoul ~ Pocheon, Gyeonggi-do.  As it was a little difficult to reach I contacted, "This is Korea" Tours to customize a private tour for my family.

Andy, our Tour Specialist (TS) cum driver and photographer picked us up at the Metro Hotel at 11am as agreed.  It was an easy ride on board a 7-seater limousine van for our family of 4. 

Our tour was personalized based on what we wanted so long as the entire trip is all within the 10 hours we've commissioned.  For our trip, we've decided on Sanjeong Lake, Pocheon Art Valley and Herb Island.



SANJEONG LAKE

Sanjeong Lake is situated between Myeongseongsan and Mangbongsan Mountain.  Its name means "as clear as a mountain well". It was built in 1925 as a reservoir to supply to farmlands in Pocheon.

Reached Sanjeong Lake Park early afternoon ~ perfect weather for a cup of hot coffee 

Lots of things to do in the lake park.  We took a paddle boat and walked the lake promenade.

I am the designated photographer, while the big boys paddle

The view of the  Sanjeong Lake is calm and relaxing.  I could kill hours here, just be looking at the lake.  During winter the lake freezes and turns into a huge skating rink (that would be fun).

Every turn ~ is picture perfect.

POCHEON ART VALLEY
The Cheonjuho Lake in Pocheon Art Valley is a one of the filming site for the Korean telenovela Legend of the Blue Sea. 

There are 2 ways to reach the main attractions, walking a steep hill or via the monorail. It was an easy choice for us ~ via the monorail.  

The Pocheon Art Valley used to be a quarry and later transformed into a culture and art gallery.  

#FeelingLikeAMermaid

My once little boy, again fooling around.

Click here if you want to see a video of

Cheonjuho Lake and Art Valley.

THE HERB ISLAND
This attraction is an herbs complex complete with a museum, arts and crafts center and beautiful herbs garden.  We specifically mentioned to our guide, that we wanted to visit this attraction last to see the night garden illumination (which is timed at sunset).

Oh and if you are into Kdramas ~ scenes from Hyde, Jekyll and I; Criminal  Mind, Oh my Venus where shot here.

We had early dinner in one the restaurants located inside the Herb Island complex.

Us with our Tour Specialist (TS).

Upon the recommendation of our TS, we tried Bulgogi and Mushroom Hotpot.

Even the food is "Instagram worthy". Our TS insisted we try bulgogi with flowers ~Yes, we tried it... the meat and spices overpowered the flower so it was okay with me.  However, my hubby doesn't like it with flowers.  He liked the soup though and wont stop talking about how flavorful it is. 

Jalapeno anyone? 

Pictures from the Herbs Island Garden ~

We enjoyed our private tour of Pocheon ~ it was every bit the relaxing and  de-stressing trip we have hoped for.  Our TS genuinely cared for our interests and appeal. 

For customized and hassle free tour of Seoul, we highly recommended "This Is Korea".

For inquiries please check This is Korea webpage at 

This Is Korea Tours

Or contact them via email to:

inquiries@thisiskoreatours.com 

Day 3 in Seoul (Seoul City Tours: Gyeongbokgung Palace, National Folk Museum, Jogyesa Temple and Korean Folk Village)

For our 3rd Day in Seoul, I booked the Seoul Joseon Palaces & Folk History Day Tour/Seoul One Day Tour (which included a visit to Korean Folk Village) via Klook (my trusted international attractions/ tours booking site on line).

Click here for Klook booking discount if you are a first time user: Klook Discount Code

The tour was managed by the Seoul City Tours, one of the Seoul's well known tour operators.  

We were timely picked up at Metro Hotel by a private car to rendezvous with the other tourists in a seat in coach that carries about 10-12 passengers.  As it was just a small number, I was expecting a more personal interaction with our tour guide, however, there was very minimal of that. Although nice and cordial,  our guide was mostly rushing from one site to another, with barely enough time for us to enjoy and appreciate the tour.  

First stop is Jogyesa Buddhist Temple, the center of Korean Buddhism. The temple was decorated with colorful paper lantern as it readies for Buddha's upcoming birthday.

From Jogyesa Temple, we were ushered to our next stop, the National Folk Museum which was located inside the Gyeongbokgung Palace.  

Our guide, gave us a tour of the National Folk Museum, which was again really rushed.  I think there are more to see and learn, but as we were in a tight schedule - all we could do was point and click our cameras.

The Ox met The Dragon :P

We chanced upon a traditional King's parade, unfortunately it was again time for us to move on.

Waiting for the Changing of Guards

Finally the Changing of Guards Ceremony

3rd Stop is the Ginseng Center  

A lady guide toured us around the ginseng facility. She was very knowledgeable of ginseng (wonderful herb ginseng, but very expensive too)

A traditional Korean lunch was part of the tour package.

We had a hearty (or as my youngest says #healthy) and delicious meal at Insadong.  

  

Next stop is 1 1/2 away the Seoul City Center ~ The Korean Folk Village (KFV).  I have read about KFV as a journey to Joseon Dynasty (Korea's last kingdom being republic), reason why its also a favorite location shooting for Korean Historical Dramas.

It is Korean equivalent of Japan's Edo Wonderland, which we've visited a few years back. Edo Wonderland was like a step back in time.  It felt like being transported to the Edo Period

Too bad we took a group tour and ended up with limited time at KFV. I was really disappointed.  KFV is a huge theme park and I think we've barely covered 1/8th its actual size. We've missed a lot. 

Below is a link to KFV website and you'll see what I mean:  Korean Folk Village

Haizz, this experience has reminded me why I have always preferred DIYs over group tours.    

It was good, we still managed to catch some traditional art performances at KFV, such as the Tight Rope Acrobatics and Equestrian Feat.

TIP:  Do a DIY tour if you can. I would not recommend this tour package,  unless you want to cover a lot of ground and yet not be able to bring back a more worthwhile experience.