Who says we can't enjoy HALLYU here in the Philippines? Just search for the right place and right spot... and you'll surely achieve the K-Drama feels you want without leaving the country.
Location: Brgy. Lolomboy Bocaue, Bulacan
Recently, I've watched these HALLYU documentary at ABS-CBN by Marie Lozano. The segment shows, really outstanding places in Korea where K-Dramas like Goblin, Descendant of the Sun, and Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo shot some of their unforgettable scenes. For me, as an avid K-pop fan and K-drama fan at the same time, I'am always amazed and amused to their cultures, beautiful places and what Korean's has to offer with us Filipinos. Fans like me, and I know some of you, really wishes to go and visit South Korea as a fulfillment of their dreams. I always promised to myself that, I will visit these beautiful country one of these days. But for now, let's first discover our own Korean places here in the Philippines that will allow the Kdrama feels to sink in with you in just a minute away or an hour away from you place without leaving the country.
As you know, nowadays there are already some korean places that were already emerging here in the Philippines, like some Korean Restaurants, Korean themed parks and most of all, are the korean temples that were previously built here in our country for several decades now. One place I know is located at Silang, Cavite which is known as Manila Buddhist Meditation Center. Luckily, for me, the other Korean Shrine i know is just a minute away from our house, which is located at Brgy. Lolomboy Bocaue, Bulacan. The shrine was named after St. Andrew Kim Tae Gon which is a korean priest who seeked refuge and studied Dominican convent in Lolomboy Bocaue, Bulacan.
The Korean Shrine, was just a minute away from Guiguinto, Bulacan which where we lived so, we just ride our bikes, to enjoy the travel and get some more exercise as well. But if you're coming from Manila or other places, you can take the route along Mc Arthur Hi-way or from Manila, ride a bus or van and drop off at Tabang Eurobake and ride a jeep going to Bocaue. As for us, since we rode a bike from our place to the Shrine, we just had to ask on its exact location and wait for it to open at 8 o'clock in the morning. Everyone around the Shrine, locals or just a visitors like us, consider the place as a sacred and a secluded area. As always, like any other churches and temples, you should observe silence within the vicinity to pay respect for Saint Andrew and also enjoy the place to its fullest.
Tae-Gon's temple composed of I think five major structures, one is the biggest in front, one is an hexagonal structure near the main entrance and the other three were inside the shrine. The area has an abundant greenery and a nice landscape designs.
As what I told you before, I was always an avid KDrama fan, so the place really gave me the Korean vibe. Architecture wise, every single structure at the area totally displays an outstanding korean designs and characters. Especially from the massive tile roofing of most of the old korean houses, temples, shrines, bath house or tea houses down to their pathwalks and walkways were all designed according their korean hollistic approach. Just like what we really enjoyed watching on some Koreanovela Series and other korean movies that showcase their surreal history. Another factor that gives the place a cold breeze is not just the vegetation around but also because, the place was built near a body of water, that surely serves the area with the cooling effect, which enables you to rove around without getting too much sweaty. My favorite spot there is the walkway that composed of these baby bamboos that act as a shed of the whole walkway, offering the public a good grief of the natural ventilation at area which really add the most of the korean vibe at place.
All structures at the shrine were not open to all. You're not allowed to go inside that big shrine in front and some of the halls. But there are areas, that will let you feel the solemnity of the place, where you can pray or wish for a goodluck and guidance from St. Andrew Kim Taegon.
Some people, couples or photographers also come on these place to shoot their wedding photos, birthday debuts and other photo ops that you want to do in the area. The shrine is really a photo worthy place for some events and a manageable one to take pictures because the good wind breeze & a nice natural lighting definitely will help you capture the best image you want. Surely you'll not be disappointed to have your photo shoots here.
These place truly uncovered the inner Korean Culture fanboying inside me, and indeed I took all the opportunities to stroll around the place and take all the worthy photos and areas that I've really seen similar to what I've watch on some koreanovelas and movies. These is really a place to go for Kdrama lovers and to those who're in a tight budget in achieving their dreams on visiting Korea. Definitely one of the best Korean tourist spots here in the Philippines and a place to visit.
Try to visit these place at sometimes, absolutely worth of your time :).
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