Many were asking for our Korea Trip itinerary (9th Sept - 18th Sept 2016)... which is why I decided to write it out in detail instead. I did my own research (by of course reading lotsa people's blogs and reviews) and planned the trip on my own. In my opinion, travelling with tour group will hinder you from getting to know/see/taste the real food/places in that particular country. BUT.... if you can't travel on your own to some places, then it's better to travel with a tour guide. However, since travelling in Korea is not hard, why not travel on your own?
If you are a first time traveler or need more information on Korea trip, this post will helps you a lot. I know how it feels to search all of the information on your own.. Feel free to share with your friends. =) but remember to check on the relevant websites for updates.
If you are a first time traveler or need more information on Korea trip, this post will helps you a lot. I know how it feels to search all of the information on your own.. Feel free to share with your friends. =) but remember to check on the relevant websites for updates.
I'm quite a detail person.. so I jot down every information in my little book and printed out my itinerary. Hmmm... I think i'll just write down what you need to do first then continue on with my full itinerary. Beware of super long post... (^.^)
What you need before the trip?
1. Flight details
2. Accommodation details
3. Simple phrases for communication
4. Things to do before the trip.
5. Things to buy (do your own research before you end up buying everything including those you don't need).
6. List of food to try
7. Complete itinerary
8. Things to do upon arrival.
Accommodation
So let's start with the accommodation. If you intent to only travel around Seoul for food and shopping, you are highly recommended to stay in these few places but please refer to your map and don't blindly reserve the room/hotel: Myeongdong, Hongdae, Gangnam, Itaewon, Namdaemun, Yongsan-gu, Insadong, Dongdaemun.
You can always book from Airbnb using this link and we'll both get RM90 travel credit which you can use it to pay for your reservation: Airbnb
You can always book from Airbnb using this link and we'll both get RM90 travel credit which you can use it to pay for your reservation: Airbnb
Once reserved, write down the addresses and contact numbers in your little book. You will need this information when you fill up the arrival card for immigration clearance or for emergency purposes.
Simple Korean Phrases
In my opinion, the more the better... but.. nowadays you can speak Mandarin (chinese) and Japanese language in the tourist spot since the salesperson can speak in both languages well enough that you can understand, what it is and how much it is. They can't really speak well in English unfortunately, maybe a word or two but not more than that. So, geared up yourself with little Korean phrases like:
Greetings: Hi/How are you = An-nyeong-ha-se-yo
Goodbye - there are 2 types:
- Goodbye (the host saying it to you) = An-nyeong-hi-ga-se-yo
- Goodbye (you say it to the host) = An-nyeong-hi-ge-se-yo
Thank you - there are 3 types:
- Formal way to say thank you = Gam-sa-ham-ni-da
- Formal way to say thank you = Go-map-sum-ni-da
- Casual way to say thank you = Go-ma-wo
I'm sorry = Jue-song-ham-ni-da
How much is this? = E go, eul ma ye yo
How much is that? = Jo go, eul ma ye yo?
or u can simply ask a simple question like.. how much? = eul ma ye yo?
Where? = Oo-di-ae-yo?
Where is the toilet/washroom? = Hwa-jang-shil-ee-oo-di-ae-yo?
It's good = Jo-ah-yo
No = A-ni-yo
It's nothing/It's okay/You are welcome = A-ni-e-yo
Yes = Ne
Excuse me = Shi-le-ham-ni-da
A little bit= Jo-Geum
You can always search the youtube to learn Korean language.
Things to do before the trip
T-money/Coupon:
If you are Malaysian, you can always get some coupons or free T-money passes from Korea Tourism Organization at Menara Hap Seng. Just remember to bring along your flight itinerary and passport to redeem it. T-money is used for your transportation in Korea e.g. metro (their subway), buses, KTX, and even taxi.
International Driving License:
If you plan to drive in Seoul/Jeju, you may apply for the International Driving permit in JPJ for Malaysian. There are a few things you need to prepare:
- Fill up the form.
- A valid domestic driving license for at least 1 year
- Original Identity Card
- 2 passport size photographs (with white background).
- Cash of RM150.00 (for 1 year International Driving Permit)
**Please check the JPJ website for any updates**
For self drive in Seoul/Jeju, please check their car rental website for more information. As for the Lotte-rent-a-car (formerly known as KT Kumho), they required the driver to be at least 21 years old and above, with valid International Driving License, at least 1 year driving experience, and has a credit card for the car rental transaction.
So, for our trip, we rented a car through https://www.lotterentacar.net/eng/short/short_main.do for our self drive trip in Jeju. We rented a small car, Chevrolet Spark, just enough for the two of us. It's equipped with GPS (only available in Korean language. So, you need to prepare the list of places you wanted to visit and their location in phone number). By the way, you'll get discount if you register yourself in their website. Save more for your trip!
Sim card/Pocket wifi
If you prefer pocket wifi and would like to get it from Malaysia, you can rent it from here:
However, you can always get it in Korea as well. They have a few options here but please remember to think what you need more, internet/calls/sharing data?
I got a simcard instead since I need to make some calls and I need internet. I reserved mine online (to get discount) via http://krsim.net/ or you can always buy from their convenient store.
Full itinerary & things to do upon arrival
Day 1 Incheon Airport to Jeju
Upon arrival pick up the mobile sim card, activate it (since it needs time to activate). You can refer to the details on how to activate it via their website (as listed above if you happen to reserve from the same website as mine).
Upon arrival pick up the mobile sim card, activate it (since it needs time to activate). You can refer to the details on how to activate it via their website (as listed above if you happen to reserve from the same website as mine).
It's just in front of Exit 7, Milennium Hall, of the Incheon Airport.
Give them your Order No and they will need your passport for verification. I ordered the 1GB for 15 days activation and it's just nice for my 10 days trip. FYI, I used up my data on the 10th day! haha~~
I recharged (reloaded) my T-money here as well with no extra charge. Yeay! (if you wanted to know how much I recharge, KRW40,000 per card and I have balance of KRW7,000++. Don't worry, it doesn't expire. Meaning I can still use it for my next trip).
In order for you to go to the Gimpo International Airport from Incheon International Airport, there are a few choices: Bus or Airport Railway. For us, we chose Airport Railway (AREX) and below is how to:
Give them your Order No and they will need your passport for verification. I ordered the 1GB for 15 days activation and it's just nice for my 10 days trip. FYI, I used up my data on the 10th day! haha~~
I recharged (reloaded) my T-money here as well with no extra charge. Yeay! (if you wanted to know how much I recharge, KRW40,000 per card and I have balance of KRW7,000++. Don't worry, it doesn't expire. Meaning I can still use it for my next trip).
In order for you to go to the Gimpo International Airport from Incheon International Airport, there are a few choices: Bus or Airport Railway. For us, we chose Airport Railway (AREX) and below is how to:
- Go through the gantry.
- Get to commuter that stops at all stations. (Take note: NOT the Express train to Seoul). It took about 39 minutes to arrive Gimpo International Airport station which cost approximately KRW3,750.
- Once you arrives at Gimpo Station, follow the sign to "Domestic Terminal" (10 minutes walk).
We're lucky that we arrived early and we got seats for earlier flight. The counter staff helped us to board the earlier plane. (We reserved 1305 flight to Jeju via Eastar jet, but they allow us to board the 1150 flight. I don't know if it's because we're early or our flight is cancelled. Somehow, the friendly lady helped us to check in for the earlier flight and settle everything for us with her minimal English).
Once you arrives in Jeju International Aiport and if you reserved your car with lotte-rent-a-car company, they do provide free Shuttle Bus to their Autohouse (the place where you'll pick up your reserved car). You may ask from Lotte-rent-a-car desk on where to get on the Shuttle Bus.
(They designed the bus as Tayo bus... so cute. I don't dare to take a full picture since all the staff and driver were staring at me)
After picking up our Chevrolet Spark, we went straight for lunch at Black Pork Street (Heuk-dwaeji), GPS: 7217869. We went for the grilled black pork at Hwaro Hyang since it's the nearest and it happens to be in my "food to try" list. We ordered mixed black pork for 2 at KRW51,000. Do bear in mind that the parking in this area is super duper limited and you are not allowed to park anywhere you like since there are cctv everywhere and you might get summon or your car tow away. That's what the local told us if we didn't get it wrongly. hahaha..
(Photo credit to cavinteo.blogspot.com)
(Our first lunch in Jeju. Korea)
(Mixed black pork & abalone bbq)
Initially, we planned to go to Dongmun Market and Hamdeok Beach but we're too tired and the GPS is giving us hard time. We can't find Hamdeok beach and the GPS: 7283394 doesn't lead us to anywhere near the beach but some buildings. So, in the end, we gave up and head straight down to South of Jeju to check-in to our hotel.
To go to Ramada Encore Seogwipo Hotel, you may key in the GPS: 7352000. It takes about an hour to reach the south side of Jeju. Do take note that there are a lot of cctv or speed trap police booth along the road. The speed limit is 50km/hour for school zone and 70km/hr or 80km/hr depending on where you are in Jeju. The speed trap are normally place downhill of the road but don't worry cos the GPS in your car will be beeping nonstop telling you to slow down.
(Ramada Encore Seogwipo Hotel)
After checking in and resting, we wanted to check out the Teddy Bear Museum (GPS:7387600) but it was closed although we have double checked via their official website. It was all dark and no notice both on their entrance or website.
In the end, we went for our dinner at local diners in Arang Joeul Food Street. We actually accidentally found this place after driving around and get a proper parking. Since we're not too hungry, we walked around the street and chose a restaurant (Arang Gol) that serve soups instead. So, we ordered the hangover soup (which is actually a dried pollack soup that taste like fish maw) and a spicy beef ribs stew. These cost us only KRW17,000.
Day 2 in Jeju
We woke up and departed from our Hotel at 4.30am to Sunrise Peak (Seongsan Ilchulbong, GPS:7830959). We were crazily tired but we dragged our feet to get up. Remember to pack yourself some breakfast on the go... we bought cheesecake and some milk from the CU convenient store near our hotel.
(Yummy Ryan Cheesecake as breakfast!)
Seongsan Ilchulbong open an hour before sunrise and the entrance fee cost KRW2,000 per person but we're lucky that we don't need to pay anything that morning. No one was there in the booth. So, i'm not sure if there's no need to pay any fee or what. Please remember to check it out before you climb up.
Give yourself some time to climb up to the top (approximately 20-30 minutes). Don't give up..since you are there, just push yourself up to the top. The view was nice and it was windy... hehehe~ n now, you'll be able to tell the others that you've set foot at one of the UNESCO world heritage. Lol~
We planned to have our breakfast in the 100 pot a day Spicy Seafood stew (GPS: 7821666) but they were closed that day (it was sunday that day). It's really super near to Sunrise peak. Don't let your GPS fool you like how it did to us... by making us going for a one big round back to the restaurant. Sigh.... we went for the opposite restaurant on the right which looks better. Lol~ We had Spicy Seafood Stew (Haemultang) and Sea Urchin Seaweed Soup (miyeokguk) for KRW28,000. They serve free coffee which you can get it on your own after your meal.
(Our haemultang and miyeokguk)
After filling our stomach, we went off to Manjanggul Cave, GPS: 7834818 (13km in length but only 1km is open to visitor). It is one of the best place to visit in Jeju. It's cold and it's dark but it's exciting to walk around inside the cave. If you are afraid of cold, it is advisable for you to wear long pants, sportshoe and a jacket. There will be water dropping around, so, it's wet and it's dark. You'll have to be careful when you walk. Don't trip. The entrance fee is KRW2,000 per person and parking is free here.
(The largest Lava Column in the world, 7.6m in height)
(Manjanggul Cave)
After the natural aircond provided by the cave, we went to South side of Jeju again from North. It took approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to arrive at Yongmeori Coast (GPS:7942940). There are two parking lots here. The one near to the temple is with charges but the one below I believe is free of charge and it's nearer to the Yongmeori Coast entrance. The entrance fee to the coast is KRW2,000. By the way, be prepared that there are some creatures that look like a mixture of prawn and bug. They move very fast, skip, and fly.. O.O don't say I didn't warn you...
Jusangjeolli Cliff a.ka. Jungmun Daepo Coast's GPS coordinate that I found was 7381521 but it brought me to a hotel which is few minutes away from the cliff. So, by the time you nearly reach the hotel, you may use Waze to search for Jusangjeolli Cliff at Jungmun. By doing this, it won't drain out your phone data. The entrance fee is KRW2,000 and it's a paid parking. If i'm not mistaken, it is only KRW500 for a parking.
Jusangjeolli Cliff a.ka. Jungmun Daepo Coast's GPS coordinate that I found was 7381521 but it brought me to a hotel which is few minutes away from the cliff. So, by the time you nearly reach the hotel, you may use Waze to search for Jusangjeolli Cliff at Jungmun. By doing this, it won't drain out your phone data. The entrance fee is KRW2,000 and it's a paid parking. If i'm not mistaken, it is only KRW500 for a parking.
After taking pictures, we decided to go for lunch near Cheonjiyeon Waterfall (GPS:7331528). The restaurant (GPS:7331966) is located 200m away from the entrance of the waterfall. We ordered the famous Abalone Porridge (Jeonbokjuk) and Grilled Saba Fish (since my hubby doesn't like the fishy smell of mackerel). It cost us KRW38,000 but the side dishes were super yummy... we like the potato so much that we can keep asking for refill. Hahaha~ They were very friendly and very kind.. although the potato finished but they cook it again and refilled it for us. We're so grateful for their kind gestures. If you wanted to try out this restaurant and not sure which one is it, just look for their phone number (which is actually the GPS number) on their restaurant name signboard. We were too satisfied with our lunch that I forgot to take a picture of the shop name.. but thanks to passportchop.com that at least have a picture of the restaurant here. hahahah...
(Photo credit to PassportChop.com)
Cheonjiyeon waterfall is open until 10pm and the entrance fee is KRW2,000 per person with free of charge parking.
Since Cheonjiyeon waterfall is very near to Jeongbang waterfall (the only waterfall that flows directly into the sea), you can just drive over to Jeongbang waterfall at GPS: 7331530 but do bear in mind that they close at 6pm. Same as the previous tourist spot, there will be an entrance fee for Jeongbang waterfalls too. The fee is KRW2,000 with free parking as well.
(Cheonjiyeon Waterfall...i think night shot is more beautiful)
Since Cheonjiyeon waterfall is very near to Jeongbang waterfall (the only waterfall that flows directly into the sea), you can just drive over to Jeongbang waterfall at GPS: 7331530 but do bear in mind that they close at 6pm. Same as the previous tourist spot, there will be an entrance fee for Jeongbang waterfalls too. The fee is KRW2,000 with free parking as well.
Day 3 Jeju to Seoul
Our flight is scheduled at 12.50pm. So, we checked out at 9am and drove back to (Jeju Autohouse) at north of Jeju. It is one of the requirement to pump the gasoline back to full tank before you return the car. But worry not, there are a lot of petrol stations that you'll pass by before you reach your destination.
Upon arrival in Gimpo International Airport, we took the AREX commuter train (All stop train) to go to Seoul Station (we reserved a studio apartment in Twincity Residence via Airbnb). It only took 5 stops to arrive our destination at approximately 22 minutes for KRW1,450. If you are wondering how to find out the duration, fee, and when to transfer, you can always refer to Seoul Metro Website (just select your departure station and arrival station) OR you can download the Subway app from itune or google play store (but you'll need internet to get the information).
**To be continue with part 2 - Seoul**
No comments:
Post a Comment