Monday, April 1, 2013

Destination - Annyeonghaseyo Autumn! (Korea - Seoul, Jeju, Nami )

Here is just the highlights and photos. pls refer to http://summerandsomething.blogspot.com/2013/03/detailed-itinerary-and-budget-korea.html for details.

Are you a K-Pop followers or the Korean Drama followers? Korea! One of the hottest tourist location thanks to all the Korean Drama and Singers!

Before the trip, please go to Korea Tourism Organisation Malaysia at Menara Hap Seng http://www.visitkorea.com.my/ to collect discount coupons and check out their freebies! We got the travel card with free shopping money for Lottemart!

As budget travellers, we (a group of 7 pax) travelled from KL to Incheon (Seoul) Airport using Airasia. (Bought it at promo fair!). After checkout from imigresen, please reload or buy your korea travel card (is like Malaysia's Touch N Go).

Our stay in Seoul - Hong-dae Pencil Guesthouse & Hostel-RM93.90/pax/nite. Personally I think the walk from HONGIK UNIVISITY Station is a bit far from me. is like 15mins walk.. (pardon me cos in Malaysia we hardly WALK!)

After unload our luggage, our 1st spot is Myeong-dong - to eat dinner (refer to detail itinerary for eating option at Myeong-dong) and to shop! Dont be shy to ask for Freebies!! when you buy the facial products.

Then - heads up to N-Seoul Tower. You can see the bird-eye view of Seoul when you travel up to the top of N-Seoul Tower. There are some hotspot to take photos at N-Seoul Tower like the 'Love Lock' Place n etc..





Day 2 & 3- The Love Island - Jeju !!

Get your airticket from Seoul to Jeju earlier! Then you will get the promo airticket.

In Jeju, the only public transport is taxi and is expensive. So the ideal transportation is Jeju is Jumbo taxi (driver + taxi) or rent a car and drive yourself.


Our jumbo taxi driver is Han's brother - love-jeju@hanmail.net
He is really good, the 'extra' service he provided is he will take photo for you. You will wonder y is so great if he take photo for u. Ok.. jumbo taxi driver is his part time, he is a full time photographer who own his own photo exhibition in Seoul and he won few prizes as well! So u get a professional photographer to take photos for you without additonal cost!

Here are some of the photos he took for us:

ok. to cut it short. Our Jeju Island trip was fantastic - is very tired cos we climb and walk a lots, y I said so?

1) Hallasan Mountain - we took the shortest route - but it still need 30mins to climb up and 30mins to climb down. The 'fruits' of the climbing - you able to see the breathtaking view of this:


2) Seongsan Sunrise Peak - 城山日出峰 - ok. this is also testing my stamina. you hv to climb the stairs for 1 hr to see the Peak



and then you will see~~~




3) Seopjikoji Coast 涉地岬- a scenic area, not too far from Seongsan. Famous among Koreans as the location, where the local TV Series ‘All In‘ had been filmed.



4) Manjanggul Cave - ok.. i dont really like cave but this is one of the tourist spot. so no photo post here ..hehe


5) Yongduam (dragon Head Rock) 龍頭海岸 - another testing of stamina and your braveness

you have to walk all along the stone near the sea (not the beach k, if you slip, you will fall into the sea and hit the stone) but you get to take all these stunning photos with the perfect view!





6) Jeju Loveland  济州爱情乐园

Dont think is appropriate to post too many photos of the Loveland - and is better for you to explore each and individial items ;)

7) Teddy Bear Museum 泰迪熊博物馆


8) Cheonjiyeon Waterfall天地渊瀑布


pls arrange the destination you want to visit with the taxi driver. He or she will plan the route.

For dining in Jeju, we had these:


Ginseng Chicken + green bean porridge (the restauarant is famous for ginseng chicken but I love the porridge more!)

Seafood steamboat ( with fresh abolone , they still moving in the pot....yeee) But it taste good!

 Black Pork - 黑豚一济州巿老𧗽洞668号 - forgot to take photos


Day 4 - After 2 days in Jeju, we moved back to Seoul - Ehwa Woman's university, Gangnam Underground Shopping area - TO SHOP!!!

Day 5 - Highlights of the day Changdeokgung Palace - Secret Garden (pls book online in advance!) You must visit the Secret Garden during Autumn. Cos....you see:::

Other places we went in Seoul includes - Bukchon Hanok Village (북촌한옥마),Insa-dong Street,Gyeongbokgung Palace (check out the guard changing ceremony),Cheonggyecheon Stream  and Dongdaemun Market.


Day 5 - Winter Sonata! - Nami Island - the island is more for relax. We took the Unesco Train and rent a couple bike to explore the Island.

Have our lunch at the Winter Sonata Restaurant. You need to find this place, is hidden behind the main road. You must go to the back row of the Restaurant street.. Ask someone for direction! show them this photo:

To have this rice box. is SHAKY rice box! you will have to shake the rice box before you eat and It is TASTY and cheap! (compare to other restaurant in the Island)




Day 6- last min shopping and back to KL..Ahn Nyeong Hee Gyea Se Yo!

Highlights/photos of the restuarant and food we eat:

Sinchon - Palsak Samyupsak (8 flavor pork belly) (refer to details itinerary for pricing and direction):



Saram & Namu - Bibimbap and spicy pork - Insadong - get info from tourist centre (not in main street but tuck in the alleys



Refer to  Detailed itinerary and budget - Korea - Seoul, Jeju, Nami -7D6N @ $1K USD! for more dining options and locations.






Thursday, March 21, 2013

Detailed itinerary and budget - Korea - Seoul, Jeju, Nami -7D6N @ $1K USD! (RM3.3K)

Da Time Place Activities Directions WON RM
Mon 4.30pm Reach Korea Check in Hong-dae Pencil Guesthouse & Hostel- Hongik University Station Exit 2 (Airport railroad Line - subway) From Inchon Airport (Korea Aiport Rail Road):
be careful not to take the ' express ' train, as it goes straight to Seoul station.
take the ' commuter (normal)' train from the airport.
' HONGIK UNIVISITY (HONGDAE IPGOO)' station, Line 2 it’s the 7th stop from the airport station. - 46mins
       3,750         13
12/11/2012 5.30-9pm Myeong-dong  Shopping

Reload Korea card for transportation at least 13,500
From Hongik to Dongdaemun change to Line 4 -Exit #6 or 7, Myeong-dong Station 424 (Subway Line 4)
       1,050           4
Dinner either at:-
(1) Yoogane Daggalbi
  - Exit 8-> walk in alley, go straight or Exit 6 at right 66-6, Chungmuro 2-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul 100-710 Seoul
  - Speciality: Yoogane marinated chiken galbi (8,000won) + rice/ramen (1,500won) or udon (2,000 won) 
(2) Myeongdong Gyoja - famous ramen and dumpling 25-2 Myeong-dong 2-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
 - [Main Branch] From Exit 8 of Myeongdong Station proceed between La Bellavita (coffee shop) and Crown Bakery about 150 meters (you'll pass two intersections)- Branch 1. From the Main Branch, walk straight further about 90 meters. It is across from Missha (cosmetics shop).  
Or Walk up the block of the Korea Foreign Exchange Bank, and turn left into the corner of Chungmu Gimbap restaurant. Teumsae restaurant is on the second floor of the building at the far end.
or Take the the main road into Myeong-dong from Lotte Grand Department store area and walk up until you see WHO.A.U clothes store. Turn at the block, and you will see the restaurant. 
 - Speciality:  Kalguksu W5,500, bibim-guksu (noodles with assorted mixtures),  W5,500, kong- guksu (noodles in bean soup) W5,500, mandu W5,500
(3) Jeonju Junganghoegwan (Korean : Bibimbap) 24-11 Chungmuro 1-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
9-10pm  N Seoul Tower Located right in the heart of Seoul is scenic Namsan Mountain. Equipped with various amenities and graced at the top with an observatory, it is a wonderful spot to catch a bird’s-eye view of the sprawling cityscape of Seoul.  Cabel Car
1.Take Subway Line 4 to Myeongdong Station  2.Take exit 3 from the station 3.Take the wide road next to the convenience store. 4.Walk straight to the left of Pacific Hotel 5.Continue walking through the commercial quarter until you reach a small stairway 6.Walk up the stairway 7.Continue walking by the restaurants on your right 8.Keep walking up in the direction of Mt. Namsan 9.There is a vacant lot on your right and you will find the cable car platform 10.Buy a ticket at the booth on the third floor, and take a cable car on the fourth floor




     13,300         46

① If you want to take an entire picture of N Seoul Tower, you have to go to the Roof Terrace at P2 level and lie down on the floor down the stairway. Then, you will have the same angle as the photo on the left with the tower’s logo. 
 ② There are two cable cars in operation. If you want to take a picture of it, take a back seat inside a cable car, and take a picture of the other one going down or up. Your picture will show both cable cars and a view of Seoul. 
 ③ In the evening when the lights are turned on, you can take a romantic photo against the night view of Seoul and fabulous illumination of the terrace on the first floor.
10pm Hotel Hongik University Station Exit 3 - Line 2        1,050           4
Tue 6.45am Jeju Hongik University Station From Hongik Line 2 to Gimpo International Aiport station(Korea Aiport Rail Road)        1,250           4
7.10am From Gimpo to Jeju by Jeju Air (flight 8.10, must reached 40 mins before) Gimpo International Airport -In front of Dunkin Donuts on the left from 2F Exit 5, international terminal
13/11/2012 9.15am Reached Jeju - tell taxi driver - DECEMBER Hotel           -  

10 Cheonjeyeon Falls 正房瀑布
Cheonjiyeon Waterfall天地渊瀑布
       4,000         14
11 Teddy Bear Museum 泰迪熊博物馆
       7,000         24
12 Lunch either at:-
1. Market - 济州民族五日集
2. Seafood - 大盈一西归浦巿东烘洞498一1
2-4 Hallasan Mountain 汉拿山国立公园        1,600           6
Hallasan Mountain (Hallasan National Park) has six different trekking courses. The Seongpanak (성판악) and Gwaneumsa (관음사) trails lead to the summit where Baengnokdam Lake is located. Eorimok (어리목), Yeongsil (영실), and Donnaeko (돈내코) go as far as the Nambyeok Intersection, from which you can get a fine view of Baengnokdam Lake to the south. By taking the Eoseungsaengak Trail, you’ll reach Eoseungsaengak Oreum, a parasitic volcanic cone 1,169m in height. From there, you’ll be able to a view of Hallsan Mountain.
Recommended Trekking Courses
Seongpanak Course Length: 9.6km / Time: 4 hours, 30 minutes
Main route: Seongpanak entrance → Sokbat Shelter → Saraoreum entrance → Jindallaebat → Baengnokdam Lake
Gwaneumsa Course Length: 8.7km / Time: 5 hours
Main route: Gwaneumsa Temple area campsite → Tamna Valley → Gaemideung → Samgakbong Shelter → Baengnokdam Lake
Eorimok Course Length: 6.8km / Time: 3 hours
Main Route: Eorimok Information Center → Sajaebi Hill → Manse Hill → Witseoreum → Nambyeok Intersection
Yeongsil Course Length: 5.8km / Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Main Route: Yeongsil Information Center → Yeongsil Resting Place → Byeongpungbawi Rock → Witse Oreum → Nambyeok Intersection
Donnaeko Course Length: 7km / Time: 3 hours, 30 minutes
Main Route: Donnaeko Information Center → Pyeonggwe Shelter → Nambyeok Intersection 
Eoseungsaengak Course Length: 1.3km / Time: 30 minutes
Main Route: Eorimok Information Center → Summit of Eoseungsaengak
Optional - Jungmun Beach if not going Hallasan 
Dinner either at:-
1. Abalone - 
济州鲍鱼店-济州巿吾罗2洞3103一1号
 Restaurant next door to the hotel serves very local seafood like sea urchin soup etc at reasonable price 
 Restaurant next to Paris Baguette on the small street. It is the best and cheap 
Night market near hotels
Car rent      48,889       170
Wed Jeju Seongsan Sunrise Peak - 城山日出峰
       2,000           7
14/11/2012
11 Seopjikoji Coast 涉地岬

-a scenic area, not too far from Seongsan. Famous among Koreans as the location, where the local TV Series ‘All In‘ had been filmed.
              -            -  
12 Manjanggul Cave         2,000           7
         -  
1-2pm Lunch either at:-
1. Poenix Island http://www.phoenixisland.co.kr/
 - for the view but expensive- RM35 for spagetthi cheapest
2. Shara's Garden -济州巿朝天邑善屹里3976
 3. Chicken Soup - need to order 30mins in advance - refer magazine -参鸡汤一济洲巿朝天邑桥来里 
2.30-4pm Yongduam (dragon Head Rock) 龍頭海岸
 - sea lady performance 3pm
              -            -  
4-6pm Jeju Loveland  济州爱情乐园
       7,000         24
Beach - Gwakji (relax)
Dinner either at:-
1. Black Pork - 黑豚一济州巿老𧗽洞668号 10mins taxi from hotel - MUST TRY!
         -  
Thurs 8.3 Jeju Hang around hotel area          -  
15/11/2012 9.15 Jeju Brunch either at:-          -  
visit the dongmun market that is located just 15 mins away from december hotel. you will be able to buy some souvenirs and taste tasty korean food such as bbq black pig etc.
       4,000         14
12.30pm Jeju Airport Jeju airport - reach airport 45mins before departure (min 30mins) at 1.10
1.10- 2.15 Jeju flight back to Seoul
3pm Seoul Hongik University Station Exit 3 take Commuter, don’t take express  From Line 2 to Hongik Line 2 - 15mins        1,250           4
   
If still hungry:
Lunch either at:-
3-4pm Sinchon lunch or dinner 1. Palsak Samyupsak Sinchon -240-Line 2
1. Get out from 6th gate of Shinchon station on 2nd line Subway 2. Go straight for a while  Address Basement of Mihwa building, 107-11        1,050           4
3. Turn left at the traffic light 4. Go straight to Seokang University. 5. At left 1, Nogosan dong, Mapo gu, Seoul 
http://korinavi.com/en/service/view.php?page=&num=759&code=4
3.30-5.30 Ehwa Woman's university Shopping at Ehwa Ehwa Woman's university- Line 2        1,050           4
TEA either at:-
1. Miss Lee coffee shop Ehwa Woman's university- Line 2 - exit 1. walk straight the road, 2nd junction turn left.
5.30-7.30 Gangnam Gangnam Underground Shopping area Yeoksam 1-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea - nothing special (line 2) underneath the Express Bus Terminal (고속터미널). Subway lines 3, 7 and 9 (opening July 2009) all stop at the Express Bus Terminal Station. Use exit #8 to access the Arcade.

       1,050           4
Cheongdam and Apgujeong street walk - shopping Line 3 Apgujeong station 336
TEA either at:-
1. Flying Pan in Apgujeong's Garosugil 
(there are 3 locations throughout Seoul) or Oasis Cheongdam near Rodeo Street. 
Optional Happy Day Spa (Hongik Univ. branch) B1F, Gyusudang Wedding Hall 371-10, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea         8,000         28
Dinner either at:-
1. Sinchon - Palsak Samyupsak (8 flavor pork belly)- must try Sinchon -240-Line 2
1. Get out from 6th gate of Shinchon station on 2nd line Subway 2. Go straight for a while  Address Basement of Mihwa building, 107-11
3. Turn left at the traffic light 4. Go straight to Seokang University. 5. At left 1, Nogosan dong, Mapo gu, Seoul 
http://korinavi.com/en/service/view.php?page=&num=759&code=4
1. Myeong -dong (refer above)
2. Ehwa - Raw Squid at roadside - night  Ehwa Woman's university- Line 2 - exit 4
3. Gangnam - Korean BBQ - Ma Eul Shik Dang (New Village Restaurant)
8-10pm Myeong-dong  Shopping at Myeong-dong         1,050           4
       1,050           4
Fri
16/11/2012
Breakfast - ISAAC Toast Take Exit No.5 at the Myeoung Dong Station, walk 50 m and you see the red sign of the famous Korean sandwiches chain Isaac toast        1,050           4
9am        1,050           4
9.30-10.30 Bukchon Hanok Village (북촌한옥마) Anguk Station (안국역) – Line 3, exit 2  free 
10.30 am Changdeokgung Palace  Advanced reservations required for Huwon Tour (Secret Garden area).  Anguk Station- 328  (Subway Line 3), Exit 3. Go straight for 5min.        8,000         28
11.30 am Secret Garden  - Please pay before 20 mins -Secret Garden booked -  to go to Entrance , not the Donhwamun gate.  OR
10 mins walk from Main Gate of Changdeok Place to the entrance of secret Garden. Jongno 3(sam)-ga Station (Subway Line 1, 3 or 5), Exit 7.
Insa-dong Street Insa-dong’s Starbucks  Anguk Station Exit 6
1pm Lunch/Dinner Lunch either at:-
Saram & Namu
 - Hotteok ,Injeolmi rice cake
 - Bibimbap and spicy pork (Set lunch: 7000 won, dinner 28900 won for 2)
Insadong - get info from tourist centre (not in main street but tuck in the alleys 
Option 1: Donkatsu
 - Cheese chili egg filled donkatsu
Net to Art Sonje Centre
Option 2: Cheap food & highly recommended (Mog swi don na) - 11.00 am to 8.00 pm
(Seafood cheese tokpoki, fried dumplings and noodles - 11000 won)
 - Mok Schwei Don Na: Anguk Station exit 1. Go straight and make a right at the Korean Travel Bureau Building and walk up along the stone wall. It is in the alley past Café Vangia.723-8089
COFFEE/SNACKS: Bean Bin's coffee (Recommended - crowded)
Other branches:-
a) Hongdae
b) Dongdaemun (Doota building)
c) Myeondong
Signature: Ice cream waffle (11500 won)
Mocha (5200 won)
Address: 62-26, Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea / 62-26 삼청점 서울특별시
Tel: 02-736-7799
Hours: 11:00am~11:00pm
Price: [waffles] 10,000~15,000 won, [drinks] 4,000~5,500 won
Goguma Café (Byol di bang mi se ri) - Above GS 25 Market (MUST)
 -
Take pic (cute pics)
 - Order (sin gyu ju mun- 6500 won)
Anguk station: Exit 6 (Walk straight till see GS 25) - This is at entrace of insadong street (10am to 12am)
Ong Dal Saem (옹달샘) Samcheongdong at Ong Dal Saem (옹달샘). It’s down Samcheongdong Street near the Blue House
733-3356
Patbingsu 팓빙수
Hongik - Piano Café
THE MOST AMAZING WAFFLE. Out of exit 9, go left, then follow the road as it curves right. 
It should open back up to your left and there is a big hill in front of you. Up the hill to the left you can see a place called Piano Cafe. Go up the hill, past the Piano cafe, and it's almost at the bottom of the hill on the left. Across from it on the right is also an amazing bread shop if you are missing some Olive Bread or Sourdough or good scones, etc. 
       1,050           4
2.45 -4pm Gyeongbokgung Palace 3pm free English Tour Subwayline3, Gyeongbokgung Station, Exit 5        3,000         10
4.30-6pm Dinner either at:-
Dinner Gwangjang Market - a lots of food stall - see scan magazine.
* Market hours: 09:00-18:00 / Closed on Sundays
* Food market: 09:00-23:00 (Open year round)

Continue to make your way East towards Jungno 5-ga Station and look for Gwangjang Market (which is a little bit South of the station) exit 8
7-8pm Hongik Chill around Hongik + Party/clubbing at Hongik
Hongik University Station - night market on Saturday        1,050           4
8.30-9.30 Cheonggyecheon Stream   Walking along the banks of Cheonggyecheon Stream is a favorite activity for tourists and locals alike. Flowing along for over 5.8km, the stream cuts right through the middle of Seoul, providing a quiet, scenic escape. Colorful sculptures and eco-friendly landscaping only add to Cheonggyecheon’s quiet beauty Subway Line 1: City Hall Station, Jonggak Station, Jongno 3-ga Station, Jongno 5-ga Station, Dongdaemun Station, Sinseoldong Station
       1,050           4
Following the pathway alongside Cheonggyecheon Stream, it is only 2.4km (40 minutes) from Myeong-dong to Dongdaemun Market.  Line 2: Euljiro 1-ga Station, Euljiro 3-ga Station, Euljiro 4-ga Station, Sindang Station, Sangwangsibni Station
Line 3: Jongno 3-ga Station
Line 4: Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station
Line 5: Gwanghwamun Station
Exit towards Cheonggyecheon Stream
10 Dongdaemun Market

Dongdaemun Market is a shopping place right next to Cheonggyecheon Stream that is well known for its night shopping. Usually open 24-hours, Dongdaemun Market carries fashion items such as clothing, shoes, bags, and accessories for both retail and wholesale purchase. The market gets even busier as the clock strikes midnight. In addition to colorful performance events and a wide variety of merchandise, the market is famous for the delicious Korean snacks sold at its street stalls. International visitors intending to shop in the market after midnight may want to use international call taxis (1644-2255), as public transit services stop running around 11:30pm.    Metro station Dongdaemun History & Culture Park (recommended)
1. Walk along Cheonggyecheon Stream, take the stairs at Ogansugyo Bridge toward Dongdaemun History & Culture Park, and walk for 250m (5-minute walk)
2. Take the subway at Gwanghwamun Station (Subway Line 5), get off at Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station, and exit through Exit #14

       1,050           4
11.30pm Dongdaemun  Dongdaemun-Migliore. -Shopping! Opening hours : 10:30 am ~ 5:30 am (open all night)-Closed : Monday 5:00 am ~ Tuesday 10:30 am Line 2, exit #14 : walk straight out of the exit towards Dongdaemun
Line 4 and Line 5 : take exit #14 of Line 2 (the lines are linked within the station) 
         -  
Sat Nami island Winter Sonata http://www.namisum.com/
17/11/2012 9-11 This morning, we take a ferry to Nami Island to visit the film site of the popular Korean drama serial, “Winter Sonata”. It is a half moon shaped island and famous for its beautiful chestnut and poplar trees lined roads. We then proceed to Everland Theme Park, the best theme park in Korea. This Festival World Park offers thrilling rides, attractions, jungle safari and seasonal flower shows. You will be given a full day unlimited ride pass.  Handae Station, Line 2> Wangshimni Station, Line 2> Sangbong Station (Jungang Line)> Gapyeong Station (Gyeongchun Line) (1hr54mins)        4,000         14
Subway rom the Gapyeong train station, you can take a cab to the ferry wharf. There are a lot of taxis outside the Gapyeong train station. Just tell them ferry station or Namiseoum and they will understand. It cost 3,500 won and is only about 5 minutes ride.        4,000         14
Taxi From the ferry wharf, you need to buy the ferry ticket which includes the Nami Island entry ticket, total is 8,000 won. The ferry ride is another 5-10 minutes.        8,000         28
Ferry and Nami Island Admission Coming back is the same. At the ferry wharf, you need to walk straight ahead to the family mart in from of you and there are a lot of taxis waiting there. Just tell them train station. You will have to buy a train station to Cheongnangyi station to go back to Seoul.          -  
Sangbong subway-Gapyeong station-taxi-Gapyeong Wharf+ Ferry last Ferry 9pm          -  
午餐咖啡廳Drama Cafe Yonga-jiga          -  
Dinner either at:-
Korean BBQ at hongdae - green color sign board. 황토골 숮불소금구이:  02-335-5793 near Hongdae station exit #9. http://seoulfoodyy.wordpress.com/2012/05/04/hongdae-bbq/
         -  
Dongdaemun Last minute shopping again        2,100           7
Sun Fly back to KL at 9.25am Remember to refunt T-Money        3,750         13
18/11/2012 7.30am Incheon Airport          -  
3.20pm KL          -  
         -  
         -  
   150,539 (A)
288
Budget WON RM
Flight to Korea - AirAsia   1,048
Jeju Airticket
Daily Lunch                                                           10,000         35
Daily Dinner                                                          15,000         52
Pocket Money                                                          30,000       104
                                                         55,000
x 6 days    330,000   1,146
Add: (A) budgeted above    150,539       523
Hotel
Hong-dae Pencil Guesthouse & Hostel-RM93.90/pax/nite       438
goodstay december hotel – RM150/nite for 2 pax  - agoda       312

TOTAL   3,466



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