People go to Korea for various reasons, and shopping is definitely one of the top 3 reasons why I loves Korea so much!
When it comes to shopping in Seoul, few locations will always pop-up in people's mind:
- Dongdaemun 동대문
- Ewha 이화
- Hongdae 홍대
- Myeongdong 명동
- Express Bus Terminal 고속버스터미널
But there's another shopping place which I recently discovered during my latest trip to Seoul - Yeongdeungpo Station 영등포구청. Yeongdeungpo Station is located on Line 1 of the Seoul Subway.
Eating alone can be a hassle sometimes, especially when you're alone in Seoul. That's why on my first trip to Seoul, which happened to be a solo-trip, I did not eat a lot; even if I do, it's pretty much on the go.
Luckily for us, some restaurants have heard our woe and Ichimen is one of them.
Korea's transportation cards, a.k.a. T-Money, can be bought at any ticket vending machines inside subway station or any convenience store bearing this logo:
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!
I was lucky that the AirBnB (Lovely Lavinia) that I stayed in was near to one of the palaces - Unhyeongung.
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.
I'm a theme/amusement park (or whatever you call it) frantic. It all starts when I started working in Universal Studios, and I realised the hardship and safety that goes behind all those fun and laughters. Call it occupational hazard, but I enjoy seeing how other park operate.
So Lotte World Theme Park is a must-go in my itinerary!
Seoul subway system is one of the most convenient and fastest way to get around Seoul, if not Korea.It looks really complicated but it is actually quite user friendly. However, you will still require the map to travel around, if you're new to it.
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:
Finally took some time off to create a blog to record all the places that I've visited and all the things that I've tried. Well, basically this blog is to record on all the experiences that I have on my 2 trips to South Korea in 2015 and the up coming study trip in 2016.
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! :)
One of the thing that Korea fasinated me most about Korea is the combination of modern and history in its landscape and the vibrant color combination used in their Hanbok and Royal Palaces.
So Korea's Royal Palaces is a must go for me in my itinerary. If you're interested in Korea Royal Palaces like me, then you definitely have to get the Integrated Palace Tickets.
This ticket costs ₩10,000, which costs cheaper than if you purchase the admission tickets separately and the tickets are valid for 1 months (some says 3 months) after purchase. Tickets can be purchased at any of the following Palaces.
