My recommendation is to get hold of one T-money from any of the convenience store at the Airport or from the top-up machine in the Sunway the moment you alight, you never know when you will need it! :)

So how the transport card works is it will automatically deduct 1,250 won the moment you enter the gantry. It will deduct the necessary amount when you exit out from the station, starting from 100won. If your stop is within the 1,250 won range then no money will be deducted from your card.

If let's say you've reached your destination but your card does not have enough amount to exit, don't worry! There's always a top-up machine available inside the gantry.


Can't find it? The just just press the help button! But be prepared to speak to the staff! 

History

Unhyeongung is the home of Emperor Gojong, 26th king of Joseon Dynasty. The earlier buildings were either destroyed or damaged, but some of the construction remains. The remaining structure includes: Norakdang Hall, Noandang Hall, Irodang Hall and Sujiksa.

So Lotte World Theme Park is a must-go in my itinerary! 

Nami Island is a must-go in our itinerary. What's winter in Korea without Nami Island, right? After all, Korea was made famous by Winter Sonata, which was filmed at Nami Island.

There's a few ways to go to Nami Island from Seoul - public transport, shuttle bus or tour package. Being the explorer kind of traveller, I chose public transport method. It's cheaper and I have better control of my time.

I think the number 1 concern of most travellers are their accommodation. A good room can make or break your trip. Safety, bed, space, bathroom, noise level and of course, convenience to travel around.

These are the hotels and airBNB that I have stayed before:

To start off, I shall start off with the itinerary on my first ever solo trip in April 2015 (Spring).

Yes, many told me that I must be crazy for a girl to do a solo trip to a country where I've never set foot before. But I see it as an adventure and a challenge. So I booked the plane ticket and started my planning and (really thorough) research.

Day 1 (Wednesday)

My flight will only arrive at Incheon Airport around 2230H. My plan was to stay at Spa on Air (it's like a spa place a.k.a. 찜질방 in Korea) for a rest till the next morning before I set off. Sadly, there was no more slots available and I had to spend my night sleeping on the chairs in the Airport. T_T

Day 2 (Thursday)

Check-in!

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Myeongdong

N Seoul Tower

Day 3 (Friday)

Breakfasts at Butter Finger followed by Lotte World.

Clubbing! (but it never happened as I was too tired)

Day 4 (Saturday)

Seodaemun Prison

Gyeonghuigung Palace

Deoksugung Palace

Hongdae

Itaewon

Day 5 (Sunday)

Changdeokgung Palace

Samcheong-dong

Bukchon Hanok

Changgyeonggung Palace

Dongdaemun

Day 6 (Monday)

Jongmyo Shrine

Insadong

Seoul Folk Flea Market

Gwangjang Market

Day 7 (Tuesday)

Check-out

Myeongdong (again!)

Incheon Airport

That was my plan but it got a little mixed up from all the tiredness from walking (which I never expect at all!!) and my lack of research, which ended up going to the wrong places and making wrong judgment.

Overall, it was a good experience, had my ups and down (literally! Almost break down in the street). I won't mind making another solo trip or another Korea trip (which I did in the later part of 2015). 

Till next time! I shall explain more on the places that I have visited! :)