Summary of My 7D6N South Korea (2014) Travelogues & Travel Expenses

As usual, here is the compilation for all the posts relating to my trip to South Korea back in year 2014 where we covered Seoul and Busan within 7 days and 6 nights. Plus by end of this post, I also share on how much I spent throughout my trip.

Day 1: 20th March 2014
To South Korea with Korean Air and From Seoul to Busan

Travel Between Incheon International Airport (ICN) and Seoul Station
There are two types of trains operate between ICN and Seoul Station:
1) Express Train 

• Non stop train and it takes 43 minutes
• Runs every 30 minutes 
• Fare 8,000 won (6,000 won for group of four people or more)

2) Commuter Train

• Stops at 9 different stations and travel time takes 56 minutes between ICN and Seoul
• Trains run every 23 minutes and times vary throughout the day
• Fare and schedule are vary depending on the arriving station (click here)

Although the commuter train consumed lots of our time with plenty stops, but we chosen this cause it was cheaper at least by half of the express train fare.

In order to get to Busan from Seoul, we took KTX (Korean Train eXpress) by using Korail Pass which I pre-booked in advanced before the trip. Korail Pass is only available to foreign traveller, in other words only for the non-Korean with unlimited access on Standard Class seats within fixed period of time. There are 1, 3, 5 and 7 Days Passes and these passes must be used on consecutive days. As we're spending three days and two nights in Busan, we chosen the 3-Day Passes. If you are travelling in a group of 2 to 5, then you are entitled for the Saver Pass which is slightly cheaper than the standard fare. 

For more info, you can check out the type and fare here as the fare is vary from year to year. 

How To Purchase Korail Pass: 

1) Book online from Korail website - Besides your own details such as full name and passport number, other passengers details are also required. 

2) Print out the voucher and remember to bring along in order to exchange Korail Passes.

3) The voucher can only be redeemed at Seoul Station. All passports and credit card used for booking are required for validation. It's crucial or else, the booking is void. 

Stay: E-Fashion Hotel (Permanently closed down) 

Talking about accommodations in Busan city, two areas I would highly recommend to stay:

• Jung-gu, area closer to Busan Main Station like Toyoko Inn 1, Hotel Gwang Jang; or
• Hauendae-gu, an affluent beach area and home to Korea's most famous beach.

Get Around Busan: 

In order to get around Busan, one can either opt for Busan Hanaro Card or Busan Metro Day Pass. Busan Hanaro Card is a travel card system which similar to Seoul T-Money Card that can be used on subway, light rail and buses. The card itself costs 6,000 won and you need to reload money into the card. We opted the latter one, Busan Metro Day Pass which cost 4,500 won per day.

Haeundae Beach & Market 

How To Get To Haeundae Beach & Market: 

Align at Haeundae Station on Line 2. It takes more an hour from Busan Subway Station.

Day 2: 21st March 2014
Gamcheon Culture Village, Santorini of the East

How To Get To Gamcheon Culture Village:

Get off from Toseong Station (Line 1) Exit 6. Turn right at the corner and walk straight until reach the bus stop in front of the Busan National University Hospital. From there, take Bus 2-2 or 2 and get off at Gamcheon Culture Village.

There is no admission fee charged for entering here but if you are interested to get the map, it cost you 2,000 won (approx. to RM8).

Taejongdae Recreation Area

How To Get To Taejongdae Recreation Area: 

From Busan Subway Station Exit 7, take bus 88 or 101 and get off at Taejongdae Cliff.

In order to get back to Busan Subway Station, take bus 8, 30, 88 or 101.

Admission fee is free of charge but in the case you are too lazy to walk, I would personally recommend you to take the Danubi Train ride which cost 1,500 won for adult and 600 won. It stops at 5 main attractions:

Platform à Taejongsa Temple à Yeongdo Lighthouse à Observatory à Gumyeongsa Temple à Taewon Jagal Madang à Platform

BIFF Square

How To Get To BIFF Square:

Nampo Station - Exit 1 or 3 and walk straight for few minutes and BIFF Square on the right

Day 3: 22nd March 2014

From Busan, we took KTX Train bound to Seoul. We're so wrong when we decided to reserve the train time we preferred on the spot but unfortunately it was fully booked. At the end, we waited for almost two hours in Busan Main Station for the next train ride. Be sure to reserve earlier, at least a day in advance. The journey from Busan to Seoul takes about 2 and half hours. There are food and beverages selling inside the train and the best part, there's a free WiFi internet connection. 

Stay: Namsan Guest House 3

It might be small and cramped, but this guesthouse is perfect place to stay for its unbeatable location. Less than 5 minutes walk from Myeongdong Subway Station, and opposite of the road is where the busy Myeongdong Shopping Street situated. 

Day 4: 23rd March 2014
Changdeokgung Palace

How To Get To Changdeokgung Palace: 
Jongno 3 (sam)-ga Station - Exit 6; or
Anguk Station - Exit 3.
From the station, walk straight about 5 minutes to the palace entrance.

Admission Fee: 3,000 won for Changdeokgung Palace only and 5,000 for Secret Garden Tour. 
However, if you are interested to visit all the Grand Palaces except for Gyeonghuigung Palace , you are advisable to purchase the Integrated Ticket of Palaces which cost 10,000 won only.

Bukchon Hanok Village & Insadong

How To Get To Bukchon Hanok Village:
Anguk Station - Exit 2. Walk straight for about 300m to arrive at Bukchon Hanok Village

Insadong

How To Get To Insadong Street:
1. Anguk Station - Exit 6; or
2. Jonggak Station - Exit 3; or
3. Jongno 3 (sam)-ga Station - Exit 1

Day 5: 24th March 2014
The Day I Wandered Alone In Seoul

Ewha Womans University and surrounding area - another popular shopping districts in Seoul among the young ladies. 

How To Get To Ewha Womans University:

Ewha Womans University Station - Exit 2 or 3. From the station, 5 minutes walk to the university.

Sichon Area


Itaewon

N Seoul Tower

How To Get To N Seoul Tower:

By Public Bus - click here. I took the bus from Myeongdong Station - Exit 3 and board on Namsan Sunhwan Shuttle Bus No. 5 for only 1,200 won (approx. to RM4) for a single trip. 

By Cable Car - Walk about 10-15 minutes following the street of the right side of the Pacific Hotel, after coming out from Exit 3 of Myeongdong Station. A return ticket cost 8,500 won (approx. to RM26) for adult and 5,500 won (approx. to RM17) for children. 

Admission Fee for Observatory: 10,000 won (approx. to RM31) for adult and 8,000 won (approx. to RM25) for children

Day 6: 25th March 2014
Free Traditional Korean Costume Experience

How To Get Experience on Free Traditional Korean Costume: 

Myeong-dong Station - Exit 6. Walk straight until you see M Plaza on right side. Seoul Global Culture & Tourism Center is located on the 5th floor of M Plaza. 

Korean Culture Experience: 10:30 am to 6:00 pm daily 

COEX Aquarium

How To Get To Coex Aquarium: 
Samsung Station - Exit 5 or 6 connected to the Coex Mall. The aquarium is located at the end of the Ocean Walk section. It is next to Megabox Cinema on the Basement 1 arcade.
Admission Fee: 22,000 won for adult and 19,000 won
Opening Hours: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm

Day 7: 26th March 2014
Cat Playground Cafe

How To Get To Cat Playground Cafe in Myeongdong:
Myeongdong Station - Exit 6. Walk straight until spot New Balance shop and turn right. The cafe is located on the 3rd floor.
Opening Hours: 12 pm to 11 pm (Close on Sunday)
Admission Fee: 8,000 won for adult and 7,000 won for children including one drink

Leaving South Korea & My Shopping Loots

There are three options to go to Incheon International Airport from Myeongdong:

1) By bus 

Take Bus 6015 which departs in front of Sejong Hotel (Myeongdong Station - Exit 8). The first bus departs at 4.50 am while the last bus departs at 8.35 pm. One single ride costs 15,000 won and T-money card is accepted inside the bus. 

2) By AREX train 

From Myeongdong Station, it requires change line at Seoul Station before taking AREX train.

3) By taxi/van

We hired a van from Namsan Guesthouse 3 and it cost 65,000 won for four of us. 

As usual to end each of my travelogue, the following are the details of travel expenses breakdown throughout my 7 days 6 nights to South Korea: 

PARTICULARS	NOTE	AMOUNT
		Korean won	RM
Air Fare KK-Seoul-KK via Korean Air Accommodation E-Fashion Hotel Busan – 2 nights Namsan Guest House Seoul – 4 nights Transportation Korail Pass – 3 Day Passes (Pre-booked online) Busan Metro Day Pass (2 days) Taxi around Busan Reload for T-Money card Van to Incheon International Airport Admission Fees Danubi Train - Taejongdae Recreation Area Changdeokgung Palace COEX Aquarium  Food & Beverages Around Busan Around Seoul Others Shopping loots, postcards & stamps	1 2 2 3	- - 130,000 92,400 9,000 3,250 22,600 16,250 1,500 3,000 19,500 27,550 73,275 296,650	2,167 83 404 290 28 10 70 50 5 9 60 85 228 923
		TOTAL:	4,412

Exchange Rate - 1,000 won = RM3.11

Note:

1. It was impromptu trip. It would be slightly cheaper if my family decided to book earlier as Cathay Pacific airfare cost less than RM1,800 with a short transit at Taiwan.

2. For more details about the two accommodations, check out here.
3. Photo as below - I spent lesser comparing to my first trip to South Korea.

Frankly speaking, if I don't take the airfare into the account, the total damages for my trip to South Korea would be only RM2,245 including accommodations, transportation, admission fees, meals and shopping loots. How I wish AirAsia X could start to operate in Kota Kinabalu so flying to South Korea would be much more economical and convenient? Plus, the flight duration from Kota Kinabalu to Seoul Incheon International Airport takes 5 and half hours only, compare from Kuala Lumpur which takes more than 7 hours.

Can't wait to be back to South Korea again!

South Korea (2014): Accommodation in Busan & Seoul

Choosing accommodations in South Korea are practically quite subjective, most of the times depends on the locations and needs of one own preferences. Some might travel in tight budget, whereas some might don't mind splurge themselves in finding better accommodation. For me, I'm in between, depends on which cities and countries I visited. I often received email from blog readers asking where to stay in Busan and Seoul. So, this post I share where I stayed before and which area I personally like. 

Accommodation in Busan: E-Fashion Hotel





Date of Staying: 20 March - 22 March 2014 (2 nights)

Room Rate: RM83 per night for standard double bed room without breakfast. Booked via Agoda.

Location: Conveniently located in the center of popular Haeundae area. Less than 10 minutes walk to the Haeundae Beach and Market. 

Facilities: Air-Conditioning Room attached with Private Bathroom

Advantages: Spacious and very close to metro station (Choryang Station)

Drawback: Weak WiFi within the room and the lights inside the room were too dim. 

Note: I tried to search high and low of this hotel again but I think it has been permanently close down.

For Busan city, two areas I would highly recommend to stay:

• Jung-gu, area closer to Busan Main Station like Toyoko Inn 1
• Hauendae-gu, an affluent beach area and home to Korea's most famous beach.

Accommodation in Seoul: Namsan Guest House 3

I stayed in this guesthouse before during my maiden trip to South Korea and I personally love it so much that I return to stay here again with my family. I found out this guesthouse is popular among the Malaysian and Singaporean cause I met quite number of visitors from these two countries throughout my stays there. 

My Old Post on Namsan Guest House, Seoul

Date of Staying: 22 March - 26 March 2014 (4 nights)

Room Rate: 65,000 won (approx. to RM202) per night for private twin room. No upfront fee and pay upon check-in

Location: Less than 5 minutes walk from the Myeongdong Subway Station. And just opposite of the road, it's where the Myeongdong Shopping Street situated. 

Facilities: Private style room attached with Private Bathroom with free WiFi connection, 

Advantages: Friendly Staff, Excellent and Great Location, Free Breakfast in the common kitchen

Drawback: Small room with limited space and bathroom is significant small. 

Direction: Myeongdong Station - Exit 4. Walk on the right side road of Pacific Hotel and walk up the hill, Namsan Guest House is on the left side. 

For more information about Namsan Guest House, check out their official website:
http://www.namsanguesthouse.com/

No doubt my favourite area to stay in Seoul would be none other than Myeongdong itself. Some travellers prefer to stay in Insadong, Dongdaemun and latest one in Hongdae for more youthful ambiance. 

Disclaimer:

This review is truly based on my own personal experience and is my genuine and honest opinion of this hostel, and that I have no personal or business relationship with this establishment.

Foodie Friday: My Favourite Korean Local Delights

Kimchi - Nay!
Bibimbap - Nay!
Tteokbokki (Spicy Korean rice cakes) - Nay!

Although I dislike the above food which are indeed authentic Korean dishes but thank goodness for their diverse cuisine, Korea has wide array of food to explore ranging from traditional dishes, Korean BBQ to finger licking good street food. So what were my favourite local delights when I was in Korea two years back? 

1) Korean Spicy Chicken 

#1: Street food in Haeundae Market - Korean spicy chicken, my favourite

I'm so addicted to Korean spicy chicken lately. Probably I love the spicy and sweet sauce coated with chicken. One bite and you want more! 

2) Jjim dalk

#2: Jjim dalk, a hidden gem of Korean cuisine

Jjim dalk is a dish originated long ago in the city of Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province. Normally, this dish is served on a huge plate of steamed chicken with sweet and sauce based mix along with potatoes and veggies over a bed of glass noodles. This is the second time I had this after my Korean friend introduced to me. Guess what, even my family enjoyed this meal. 

#3: Something different from the norm - Hot Curry Jjim dalk in Bukchon Hanok Village 

I spotted two restaurants in Myeongdong that serve delicious Jjim dalk: 

#4

#5: Bongchu Jjimdak 봉추찜닭
Address: 33-9, Myeong-dong 2-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul 

3) Yoogane - Marinated Chicken Galbi Fried Rice

#6: There are more than 130 branches in South Korea. Even in Myeongdong alone, I spotted two

More than 130 branches in South Korea, Yoogane is well-known for Galbi, a pan-grilled marinated meat with an unique sweet and spicy sauce as the main dish and served with either Tteokbokki (Korean rice cake), sweet potatoes, fresh vegetables, noodles, rice, cheese, chicken and even together with seafood and stir-fried all together on the pan. Although they are not Halal certified restaurant but I found out plenty of Muslims dine-in here. 

#7: Yoogane is well-known for Galbi, a pan-grilled marinated meat

#8: There even have free flow salad bar serving kimchi, pickles and sliced cabbages and you can take as many as you want

4) Gimbap

Looks like sushi, taste like sushi but somehow there are two significant differences from the authentic Japanese sushi rolls in terms of the rice and the filling. While Japanese sushi rice is seasoned with vinegar, gimbap is cut with sesame oil and sweeter. As for the fillings, most of the time Japanese filled with raw fish such as salmon, tuna whereas Korean filled with the inside layer with cooked or preserved items like canned tuna, kimchi, grilled bulgogi, ham and cheese. Despite the differences, I never missed out to have gimbap whenever I saw selling by the vendor street food. 

5) Budae Jjigae

Budae Jjigae is a thick soup mixed with modern ingredients like instant ramen noodles, sliced sausages, canned ham, sliced of American cheese, garlic, onion, kimchi along with with traditional spicy soup flavoured with red chilli paste. Absolutely suits to my liking as spicy food is what I'm looking forward. Again this is the second time I had when I travelled with my family but we need to reduce the amount of red chilli paste cause my mom unable to bear the level of spiciness. The shop is located in Myeongdong too. 

6) Korean BBQ


Obviously a trip to South Korea is incomplete without having Korean BBQ. The best way to enjoy these meaty goodness is wrapped the marinated pork galbi together with garlic and onion in lettuce leaves. 

7) Garlic Bread by Paris Baguette 


It's hard not to miss out any cafes in Seoul and Busan cause they are like almost everywhere. Among all the cafes, I personally like breads and pastries by Paris Baguette especially their crispy bite of garlic bread.



8) Banana Flavoured Milk


This is one drink that shouldn't miss by anyone when visiting South Korea. Some said it's too sweet but it is one of the best seller drinks in South Korea. Besides the banana flavoured milk, there are even other flavours available such as honeydew and strawberry.

Well, so what's your favourite Korean local delights? By the time writing this post, I'm seriously craving all the food above now and wishing I will be back to South Korea again, for the third time.

[Credit To: Food Republic] 

BIFF Square, Busan

Date Visited: 21st March 2014

Once we got back to the Busan Station from Taejongdae Recreation Area, the day is still shining bright and since it's our last day in Busan before heading back to Seoul, we moved on to visit BIFF Square.

#1: Coffee break at Angel In Us Coffee Cafe

BIFF Square, or in full - Busan International Film Festival Square was a center of attraction dedicated to promote Korea's film industry. This was where the annual film festival held but now has became hustle and bustle of busy shopping street lined with variety of Korean beauty products, cosmetics and fashion.  

#2: Jagalchi Market is nearby to BIFF Square 

#3: Street vendors selling delicious snacks

#4: Artistic statues in BIFF Square

BIFF Square for me is like mixture of both Myeongdong and Hongdae of Seoul where you can find plenty of notable beauty and cosmetic products - Tony Moly, Nature Republic, Holika Holika and more - it's like another paradise for those who love shopping. Price wise, it similar to the one in Seoul and because we are planning head back to Seoul, we refrained ourselves from buying any of those - to avoid lugging heavy luggage from one place to another.  

#5: Korean beauty and cosmetic products everywhere - it almost similar to Myeongdong and Hongdae of Seoul 

#6: Bags, belts and more - another ideal place for shopping

Although the shopping street of BIFF Square is no long as Myeongdong street, but probably this is and ideal place you might be looking for to buy all those cheap beauty and cosmetic products in Busan in the case you are not going to visit Seoul. 

How To Get To BIFF Square
Nampo Station - Exit 1 or 3 and walk for few minutes and BIFF Square on the right

Taejongdae Recreation Area of Busan, South Korea

Date Visited: 21 March 2014

There are plenty of things to do and see in Busan but because we only spent 3 days and 2 nights, it's impossible to cover all with only limited of time given. Right after we spent our wonderful times in Gamcheon Culture Village, we proceeded to Taejongdae which is well-known for its rocky cliff overlooking magnificent deep blue sea.

As Taejongdae Recreation Area is situated at the southern-most tip of Yeongdo-gu island, it took almost an hour bus ride from Busan Subway Station. It might seems long ride but all along the journey, I was pretty fascinating with all the scenery and without we realised, finally we reached - the final and last bus stop. From the bus stop itself, a short walk before reaching Taejongdae and in case worry of getting lost, no worry cause it's easy to spot with many tourists and travellers outside the main entrance.

#1: Danubi Train Ride tickets 

Admission to Taejongdae is free of charge but I personally would recommend to take the Danubi Train ride which cost 1,500 won for adult and 600 won for children, if you are lazy to walk. It stops at 5 main attractions:

Platform à Taejongsa Temple à Yeongdo Lighthouse à Observatory à Gumyeongsa Temple à Taewon Jagal Madang à Platform 

#2: Danubi Train

Unfortunately, the train itself was pretty short with minimum amount of seats and on that particular day, it was relatively crowded making us think twice whether we should hop off or not. Cause if we align the next destination, probably the chances to hop on the next train would be impossible. No choice, I told my family to enjoy the whole train ride without hop off whereas I aligned at the Yeongdo Lighthouse instead. 

#3: The Statue Mother and Children - This statue is to remind those who decide to commit suicide of their mother's unconditional love 

So, I was all alone wandering around the lighthouse but in South Korea, nothing is to worry about. The only thing that bother me was whether I could find anyone to help me taking photo of myself amidst with the popular lighthouse. In order to get down to the lighthouse, one must walk down the flight of staircases. Luckily my mom didn't join me, or else it will be tough for her especially when climbing up to the station. 

#4: Yeongdo Lighthouse 

#5: Rocky cliffs 

#6: The lighthouse amidst with gorgeous deep blue sea 

Like I expected, I didn't manage to find some random strangers to help me taking any photos of myself. Maybe I was too shy, too sheepish to pose in front of someone I don't know - now you know why I hate travelling alone and I basically dislike selfie. So once I done with phototaking, immediately climbed up the staircases back to the station waiting for the next Danubi Train ride. And guess what, it was full house - no empty seats left for me. At the end, I chosen to walk to the next station trying my luck to hop on Danubi Train back to the platform, where my mom and sister waited me patiently. 

#7: Beautiful tree with full blossoms while I was walking to another station 

#8: Eventhough no photo with the lighthouse, but this is fairly acceptable for me - so vain!

How To Get To Taejongdae Recreation Area

From Busan Subway Station Exit 7, take bus 88 or 101 and get off at Taejongdae Cliff.
In order to get back to Busan Subway Station, take bus 8, 30, 88 or 101.

Admission fee is free.


Previous Posts:

• To South Korea with Korean Air and From Seoul to Busan
• Hauendae Beach & Market
• Gamcheon Culture Village of Busan