SEOUL: 2013-2015
10:55:00 PMEdit 01.03.2015: Updated the post to include more room reviews/new places to visit!
Edit: So... after 6 trips to Seoul over 1.5 years, I'm ready to share with you guys what I've been up to on my trips. It is not the best guide around, neither does it explore the nooks and crannies of Seoul but hey, this is what I did on my trips!
Flight Information
(The flights I take usually depart SIN in the evening after 8pm and arrive at ICN in the morning around 6-7am. Google the flight number for exact flight/departure/arrival time.)
e.g. Airlines // FF points accumulation network // Travel Month
e.g. Airlines // FF points accumulation network // Travel Month
• Asiana Airlines // Star Alliance // October 2014
- OZ752 / OZ751
- Direct flight, no transit. 20kg checked baggage, 10kg carry-on.
- Boarding gate is at the main terminal 10mins walk after immigration.
• Cathay Pacific Airlines // Oneworld // May 2013
- CX736-CX416 / CX417-CX735
- Transit at HKG, +/- 2hrs. 20kg checked baggage, 7kg carry-on.
• Peach Airlines // NA // June 2014, January 2015
- MM006 / MM001
- Direct regional flight from KIX to ICN (2hrs), no transit.
- Low Cost Carrier, boarding gate is at ICN Terminal 2 (20mins).
• Malaysia Airlines // Oneworld // January 2015
- MH610-MH066 / MH067-MH607
- Transit at KUL, 1hr - 2hrs. 30kg checked baggage, 10kg carry-on.
- Boarding gate is at ICN Terminal 2 (20mins).
• Vietnam Airlines // Skyteam // February 2014, June 2014, April 2015
-VN658-VN406 / VN409-VN659
- Transit at SGN, +/- 2.5hrs. 20kg checked baggage, 7kg carry-on.
- Boarding gate is at ICN Terminal 2 (20mins).
The highest I have paid ex-SIN is S$750 on CX (the irony) and lowest S$510 on VN.
I paid S$270-370 incl. 25kg checked baggage on MM.
Pre-requisites
(Some things to get the trip started...)
• Internet // Rent a wifi 'egg' for data on-the-go.
I need to stay connected 24/7 wherever I am so I will rent a wifi 'egg' device from Olleh KT that enables up to 8 people to share the wifi connection at any one time. At approx W8,800 a day (incl. tax), it's not too expensive if you have friends to share it with! Local telcos charge ~S$15 per day for unlimited data. Battery life is ~8hrs, bring a portable charger.
Alternatively you can rent an iPhone5 with data plan and a calling number (of course) for the same price. Great if you need to make calls back home on the go, as there is a certain amount of free international call perks. Battery life is ~5hrs with frequent GPS usage. I do not recommend this option because it is not cost-effective or battery-life-effective.
Click here for details on how to get to the rental counter at Incheon airport. Don't forget to return it before leaving, counters are available both in and outside of the transit terminals.
* If you are travelling out of Seoul (another city - Jeju? Busan? Gyeonggi?), do let the counter staff know so they can set the data coverage across South Korea for you.
• T-Money // Like ez-link, but better.
Just like the Octopus card in HK or the Easycard in Taiwan, the T-Money is basically a portable purse - you can use the money stored inside to pay for coffee, food and needless to say, transport.
Can be purchased from any convenience stores or at the vending machine at selected (main?) train stations. Comes in a phone charm format as well, got mine from a vending machine at Myeongdong station.
* T-pass cannot be used on the ITX-Cheongchun line. A seperate ticket has to be purchased for Korail or inter-city trains, if I'm not wrong.
* T-pass cannot be used on the ITX-Cheongchun line. A seperate ticket has to be purchased for Korail or inter-city trains, if I'm not wrong.
Accommodation
• Residence EO, Myeong-dong // 18-6, Namsandong 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
(May 2013, Feb 2014)
(May 2013, Feb 2014)
Location is not too bad if you're looking to stay around Myeong-dong, just a stone's throw from the train Station/main shopping strip. Rooms are comfortably sized, albeit a little small but enough for two with winter luggages. I visited in Spring/Summer and Winter where air condition isn't required at night (just open the windows - gauzed, double windows so minimal mosquitoes). Tried the traditional Ondol room in winter and the heated flooring made cold winter nights a little more bearable.
The residence is situated uphill, about 5 minutes walk from Myeongdong Station exit 2/3. You'll pass by a 7-11 upon exiting the station, go straight up and see Prince Hotel on your right, go straight further and see Myeong-dong Cathedral/C-U store on your right and destination is on your left beside Chinese Restaurant '满江红' (?).
Walk another 15 minutes up and you'll find yourself at the foot of the famous Namsan/N-Seoul Tower.
Walk another 15 minutes up and you'll find yourself at the foot of the famous Namsan/N-Seoul Tower.
This guesthouse is adjacent to Residence Eo, a minute's walk. There is an elevator within the building. Rooms are really tiny (not enough space for two winter luggages) but they have everything else you need. Amentites (Crabtree's!) are provided and I like the concept of the toilet - bath area is seperate from the sink/toilet bowl so you and your travel partner can use the toilet at the same time.
As with the above, the guesthouse is situated uphill, about 5-7 minutes walk from Myeongdong Station exit 2/3.
As with the above, the guesthouse is situated uphill, about 5-7 minutes walk from Myeongdong Station exit 2/3.
A really pleasant place to stay in Seoul, think of it as a self-service apartment where you get to cook, do laundry, watch TV and even do yoga - all under one roof. Fits up to four. Just a little dusty here and there but nothing can't be whisked away with a lint roller from the convenience stores.
Lifts in building, stable wifi, cable tv, fridge, aircon, stove, washing machine, microwave, etc everything provided. Just 1 minute walk from Hongik Uni Stn Exit 5.
Lifts in building, stable wifi, cable tv, fridge, aircon, stove, washing machine, microwave, etc everything provided. Just 1 minute walk from Hongik Uni Stn Exit 5.
Stayed in different units each time but each and every one of them had the same, high standards. You see, I just can't stop going back! Check Jay's (apartment owner) listing on Airbnb for other units in the same building.
Had wanted to stay in this apartment for our Oct trip but went back to Ninehouse. This apartment is comfortable, accessible and convenient. Being just 50 steps away from Ninehouse, it also enjoys the close proximity to the train station - 2 minutes walk from Exit 6!
Stable wifi, fridge, aircon, stove, washing machine, microwave, etc provided as well. Floor heated, no worries for travel in winter. No TV though, may have to find your own source of entertainment if you're staying in.
Apartment is at level 2 and no lifts, but the owner lives at the unit opposite and he will help you carry down if he is at home. Overall, a really comfortable and homely stay!
Stable wifi, fridge, aircon, stove, washing machine, microwave, etc provided as well. Floor heated, no worries for travel in winter. No TV though, may have to find your own source of entertainment if you're staying in.
Apartment is at level 2 and no lifts, but the owner lives at the unit opposite and he will help you carry down if he is at home. Overall, a really comfortable and homely stay!
Located just a turn away from Stylenanda's Flagship Store in Hongdae, this unit is great if you're constantly going back for 3CE or KKXX. Stayed here alone for 4 nights and neighbourhood was rather safe as there are many cafes and shops along the street leading to the building. Room was alright, furnishing was a little old but bed was really soft and I had a great sleep.
Stable wifi, fridge, aircon, stove, washing machine, microwave and boiler provided. There were no TV as well, so staying in might be a little boring.
Apartment is at level 4 and there are no lifts. On the bright side, it forces you to do a little exercise after all the eating and shopping in Seoul, haha! Be careful when taking the luggage down so as not to damage the marble steps.
Take the Hongik Univ Stn Exit 6/7, about 7-10mins walk. Overall, an okay stay. I prefer having a lift (30kg luggage all the time!) in the building so unless I'm travelling light... You know...
• Dolce Vita, Pocheon // 2-25 Gisan-ri Ildong-myeon, Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province
Ahh, how can I pass a stay at Dolce Vita? Managed by G-Dragon's father, Mr. Kwon Young Hwan, this luxurious villa is 1.5hrs away from bustling Seoul and tucked away in a little corner in Pocheon, Gyeonggi.
This place is perfect if you're looking for a quiet day away from town and to relax in the countryside. BBQ seems to be a must-do for the people staying here and oh, give the personal outdoor pool/indoor jacuzzi a try! Clean, tasteful and quality furniture, state-of-the-art floor heating system, bath tub, showering facilities and just about everything.
Expect quality service from G-Daddy: fetching you to the villa, buying BBQ ingredients with you at the market, doing and possibly joining you for BBQ, making breakfast at the cafe in the morning etc. Fan service at its best!
Check here on how to book a stay at Dolce Vita.
This place is perfect if you're looking for a quiet day away from town and to relax in the countryside. BBQ seems to be a must-do for the people staying here and oh, give the personal outdoor pool/indoor jacuzzi a try! Clean, tasteful and quality furniture, state-of-the-art floor heating system, bath tub, showering facilities and just about everything.
Expect quality service from G-Daddy: fetching you to the villa, buying BBQ ingredients with you at the market, doing and possibly joining you for BBQ, making breakfast at the cafe in the morning etc. Fan service at its best!
Check here on how to book a stay at Dolce Vita.
Places of Interest
Psst: I'm trying to link as many bullet points below as I can to my instagram posts where I actually tag locations of the places that I'm at - as accurately as possible. If you have wifi access in Seoul, please open the links on your device and then open the location in Maps - route and viola!
Some links open in the official website where you can get directions right to where it is located at.
• Hongdae, Ewha // Bustling with young energy all day, all night.
This is officially my favourite place to stay at. It has most of the K-Cos brands you need (innisfree, olive young, etude house etc), fashion you want (Aland, Stylenanda, independent boutiques etc) and cafes you love.
♡ Sim Seun Tang Budae-jjigae (Just beside Trick Eye Museum) // x
♡ Yeolbong Jjimdak (Chicken stew) // x
♡ Sang Sang Madang (Art hub)
• Dongdaemun // Shopping and a huge Spaceship
When I visited in May, I remember dashing to Migliore right after we settling in at our place to shop - it was already 11pm and the fashion stores were still open. Ah, the excitement of finally being somewhere after a long, long wait.
Chanced upon the KLive theatre in February'14 and it was fantastic for Kpop fans - watch your idols come alive with the Holographic concert and awesome performances by the talented dance crew. The last I checked in Jan 2015 the performances are still the same. Hmm.....
Many exhibitions are held regularly at DDP, you may wish to check the schedule out before heading over. Caught 'You Who Came From the Stars' and 'Seoul Fashion Week' at DDP!
Many exhibitions are held regularly at DDP, you may wish to check the schedule out before heading over. Caught 'You Who Came From the Stars' and 'Seoul Fashion Week' at DDP!
♡ Lotte Fitin - KLive (Holographic Concert at W15,000) // x x
♡ Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) // x x
♡ Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) // x x
• Gangnam, Apgujeong, Sinsa // More than just PSY.
We were pretty psy-ched (HAHA) but intimidated when we first went to Gangnam because all we heard of this place was that it's loaded with... Luxury boutiques and it's where the upper class people shop but NOT TRUE AT ALL. The underground shopping street is a gem where I found many affordable clothes and bought a few outerwear!
Garosu-gil is another place that I enjoy visiting. Shopping, shopping and more shopping!
Garosu-gil is another place that I enjoy visiting. Shopping, shopping and more shopping!
One thing's true - a certain stretch of Gangnam is populated with truckloads of aesthetic clinics. Looking to get work done? Look no further!
♡ Gangnam Underground Shopping Street
♡ Apgujeong-rodeo (High-end luxury)
♡ RAREMARKET
♡ Cafe Monday to Sunday // x
♡ 10 Corso Como
♡ Garosu-gil //
♡ Indibrand // x
♡ SM Entertainment // x
♡ CUBE Entertaiment //
♡ FNC Entertainment //
(Check out Euphoria's super useful and easy-to-find guide to the 3 agencies above! Click here.)
♡ Apgujeong-rodeo (High-end luxury)
♡ RAREMARKET
♡ Cafe Monday to Sunday // x
♡ 10 Corso Como
♡ Garosu-gil //
♡ Indibrand // x
♡ SM Entertainment // x
♡ CUBE Entertaiment //
♡ FNC Entertainment //
(Check out Euphoria's super useful and easy-to-find guide to the 3 agencies above! Click here.)
• Anguk // A piece of history and culture alongside many, many coffee houses.
I've always liked Insadong area/this place for it's laid-back vibe and artsy/indie-esque appeal. This is the only place you'll see Kiehl's beside a Hanok (traditional korean house) I guess?
The palaces are also within walking distance from Samcheong-dong, so you can spend a day exploring in the vicinity!
♡ Tosokchon Samgyetang // x
• Myeongdong // As touristy as it gets!
Click here for more famous food places in Myeongdong! Needs no further introduction, eh?
♡ Myeongdong Gyoza // x
♡ Yoogane Chicken Galbi // x
♡ Two two fried chicken // x
• Hapjeong // Did someone say YG Entertainment?
Really, all I remember of Hapjeong is that it is of walking distance (about 20-30minutes) from Hongdae train station exit 8 and that this is where you should really keep your eyes wide open if you want to *chance* upon YG trainees or even the stars themselves.
Also I strolled along Han River in short sleeves at 3 degrees. Meep.
Also I strolled along Han River in short sleeves at 3 degrees. Meep.
• Others in Seoul // Here, there, everywhere.
♡ Lotte Mart // x
Seoul Station. This is where we bought fresh abalones to cook at our apartment. Load up on your Korean groceries here too and get tax refund. They also offer free luggage safekeeping service so you can shop without having to lug your belongings around.
Seoul Station. This is where we bought fresh abalones to cook at our apartment. Load up on your Korean groceries here too and get tax refund. They also offer free luggage safekeeping service so you can shop without having to lug your belongings around.
♡ Kyobo Bookstore
I went to the Jongno branch, alight at City Hall Station, exit 4.
♡ Cheongyecheon Stream
City Hall Station, exit 4.
There was a 'pasar malam' (LOL) when I went in January. Delicious local delights (odeng, toppoki, bungeoppang...) and affordable prices at the open plaza right above Cheongyecheon. Or stroll along the stream and take a breather?
♡ AND.here cafe // x x x x
BIGBANG Seungri's Mom's cafe, Take train to Hyehwa Stn, exit 1. Fantastic waffles.
BIGBANG Seungri's Mom's cafe, Take train to Hyehwa Stn, exit 1. Fantastic waffles.
• Outside Seoul // Gangwon-do (Chuncheon)
To go to Chuncheon, you would have to pre-book ITX-CheongChun tickets at your preferred timeslot here, in case there are no more tickets when you buy on the spot. I have purchased tickets in advance on both occasions just to be 100% sure. More on booking the tickets below.
Take the metro/train to Yongsan Station (Line 1) and exit the gantry. Exit towards Yongsan I'Park Mall and to your right you should see a really big ticketing counter for ITX, KTX and Korail. Bring your printed payment/confirmation slip and present it to the staff at counter together with your passport. No need to pay again as you would've paid by credit card upon booking.
You will be issued the tickets that you have purchased. Please be there (at least) 15 minutes ahead of scheduled departure time as queue to redeem tickets could take a while.
Going there // From: Yongsan Station -> To: Gapyeong Station
Weekday train time table below for reference.
TAKE NOTE: Weekend train service differs.
Once you have found the timeslot that you are comfortable with, click on the magnifying glass icon under 'FARE' and the table above will pop up to indicate ticket price. Click select to make the purchase. Print confirmation page after payment!
When you have arrived at Gapyeong Station, exit the station and walk straight up to the tourist information centre. There is a taxi stand across the road and queues are usually really long (20~30mins wait). Take the Gapyeong Shuttle Bus for unlimited commute from Nami Island to Petite France to Morning Calm Arboretum (never had the time to visit this place) for a flat rate of W4,000.
Shuttle bus time table below for reference.
Returning // To: Cheongpyeong Station -> To: Yongsan Station
Weekday train time table below for reference.
TAKE NOTE: Weekend train service differs.
Have fun in Nami Island!
• Outside Seoul // Gyeonggi-do (Seongnam, Yongin)
♡ Ohneul Hanjeom BBQ // x x
Jeongja Station, exit 3.
Delicious and popular among the locals. BBQ is fantastic here and the atmosphere is great. Interesting egg-in-onion after grilling the meat. Yum!
♡ Jeongja Cafe Street //
Jeongja Station, exit 5.
Adapted from site:
"From the subway exit, turn around and cross the road.
Turn left onto Neuti-ro Street (느티로), and go straight for 60m.
Turn right before the Paragon Apartment Building 101, and go straight for 160m.
Cross the road at Paragon Apartment Building 104 to arrive at Budang Jeongja-dong Café Street."
Something like Cheongdam in Seoul... Except that this is in Gyeonggi. A nice area to chill if you happen to be around the area!
Take metro/train to Gangnam Station, exit 10. Walk straight till you see a bus stop with long, long queues for bus #5002 and you're on the right track. If you have wifi, you can route it to Kumkang Shoe Store (red signboard, white wording), 1305-1 Seocho-dong, Seocho-gu. Bus stop is directly in front of this store.
Buses operate on a 15 minutes interval and ride is 90 minutes. Average waiting time is about 45mins to 1 hr due to the strict no standing policy on buses.
Alternatively, for shuttle below, book here. The downside is that you have to go at 9am and leave the park at 6pm. If you are planning to cover 2 places in a day, it may not be the most suitable. However, the long hours allow you to explore the entire Everland!
• Outside Seoul // Jeollabuk-do (Jeonju)
♡ Jeonju Hanok Village //
(will update directions to Jeonju later)
• Useful diagrams to save in your phone // Click to enlarge!
In case I missed out any, check this hashtag (#STXE가자) or #xegoessolo on instagram for all the pictures + tagged location of the places I've been to in Seoul! xx
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