Hello.

Returning to create a review post again, with our first time in Korea. We have been a Korean fan for a long time, but not a die-hard fan. We are interested in many things about Korea, so we took a Korean course while studying at university. We listen to music, watch movies, watch variety shows, watch series, and follow the news.

Despite having never had the opportunity to visit Korea, this time I will be going for as long as possible. Ideally, I would like to travel for a month, but my friends are unable to take that much time off work without resigning.

This trip was planned a year in advance. We booked our tickets, saved money, and waited for the year to pass. We waited so long that we forgot how excited we were. We chose to go during the fall because we love this season. It also happened to be the same time as Seoul Fashion Week, which we wanted to see, so it was perfect.

"Let me preface by saying that we traveled at a very leisurely pace. We took breaks whenever we felt tired, as we are no longer young! We didn't pack our itinerary too tightly. We started our days late, took things slow, and focused on taking photos. We prioritized our own comfort and that of our friends. However, we do regret not being able to visit more places. We'll have to save those for next time!"

We will not go into detail about the travel route, but rather focus on the specific locations visited and the daily activities.

This post is a bit long, but I will try to keep it as concise as possible!


Our flight tickets were booked through AirAsia's 0 baht promotion last year, with a round-trip price of 10,115 baht per person. We purchased checked baggage and seat selection. The travel period was from October 14 to 27, 2016, with a 10-day trip to Seoul and a 4-day trip to Busan.

Approximately two months before our trip, we began searching for accommodations. We opted for four different lodgings during this trip to experience a variety of options, seeking diversity, excitement, and amusement.

The accommodation review is in a separate thread. https://th.readme.me/p/6395

We are really excited because we were dumped by our accommodation!! Follow us to read more.


Day 1: Don Mueang, YG Entertainment, Hongdae

This itinerary outlines a packed first day in Bangkok, starting at Don Mueang Airport and encompassing visits to YG Entertainment and the vibrant Hongdae district.

Ready to fly at 2 am.


After passing through immigration, I wonder how the green-haired guy got through. Follow the link to read more. http://pantip.com/topic/35759573

We need to take the Shuttle Train to the Terminal to collect our luggage.


After receiving the bag, I went to pick up the SIM card that I had booked. We booked it through this website http://www.egsimcard.co.kr/ about 2 weeks before the trip. There are internet packages to choose from + 5,000 won for the nano SIM card.

Note: The original text is empty, so the translation is also empty.


Upon arrival, we attempted to top up our SIM card at the counter, but were unsuccessful. We then sought assistance from a mobile phone store at the airport, where we added 50,000 won to our account. This enabled us to purchase a 5 GB data package, providing us with a variety of options for internet access. With this package, we were able to comfortably use the internet and conveniently contact friends in Korea, eliminating any concerns about getting lost.

**A friend of our friend who followed us on the second week booked a free SIM card as well. However, when she went to pick up the SIM card, it turned out that they were out of stock! She couldn't get one. Is this even possible?**

SIM cards are available at the airport, but they are scattered around. Please refer to the website for details.

As for the T-Money card, due to its affordability, I borrowed a friend's card and topped it up. Hehe.

During our 14-day trip, we topped up our T-money card twice: 50,000 won for the first top-up and 30,000 won for the second. We mainly used it for transportation and made a few small purchases. Since we primarily used cash, we still had some money left on the card at the end of the trip, although it was less than 10,000 won.

Alright, let's head out of the airport. Our accommodation is located near Hongik Univ. Station, Exit 3. We can take a direct train there.



After settling accommodation and meeting up with the junior who arrived earlier, we spontaneously walked into a grilled pork restaurant, which was incredibly delicious. The salt at this restaurant was also delicious... wait, what? Haha.

GUWOOSO Restaurant, located near Exit 2 of Hongik Univ. Station (Line No.2).


Due to the uncertain schedule, we followed our friend to an errand near Hapjeong. I can't remember what's in Hapjeong, so I searched and found out that there's a YG building there! ... I'm a YG fan, so let's go! Let's take pictures in front of the building, smell the air, and send telepathic messages to the people inside. Anything goes!

YG Building Coordinates: Hapjeong Station (Line No.2) Exit 8


Unable to find the essence of YG Building, we spent the rest of the day shopping and dining in Hongdae.


This is the essence.


The restaurant Chicken and Curry is a popular choice for dinner, but the food was not to my taste. The portions were very large, and we were not able to finish everything. We ended up taking some of the food home with us. If you are planning to eat at this restaurant, I recommend that you order a smaller portion.


**Day 2:** Ehwa Woman's University, Bigbang10 The Exhibition A to Z, Myeongdong

The hostel provides bread, water, milk, and coffee for breakfast. We brought our own Yakult.


Our trip started around 10 am, embracing a slow-paced lifestyle.

Our first stop today is Ewha Womans University. Take Exit 2 of Ehwa Womans Univ. Station (Line No. 2) and enjoy a short stroll while taking photos of the landmarks.

And then go to another place…


We took the train to Seongsu Station (Line No. 2), Exit 3, to visit the Bigbang10 The Exhibition A to Z, which was conveniently held during our trip.


The entrance fee is 12,000 won per person. Video recording and photography are prohibited inside. Mobile phone cameras are allowed.


This is the zone where my friend's assets are melted away. I spent a lot of money buying things for my friend, and I didn't even get a thank you!


On the way back, I walked past Ajumma's grilled pork shop in the neighborhood. It looked very local, and I liked it. I like the local feel.


We stopped by our room to drop off our belongings before heading out to Myeongdong. (Myeongdong Station (Line No. 4), Exit 6)

I only took a few photos because I was too busy shopping. The atmosphere was so tempting that I almost spent all my money.


Late at night, I returned to the guesthouse to cook instant noodles. We should eat both cheap and expensive food to maintain a balanced budget. Haha.


[[DAY 3]] Myeongdong Cathedral, Hongdae

In the morning, I stopped by the large church in Myeongdong. Location: Myeongdong Station (Line No. 4) Exit 8.


Myeongdong Cathedral: A Historical Landmark in Seoul

Myeongdong Cathedral, the seat of the Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul, stands as a testament to the city's rich cultural heritage. Constructed in the late 19th century, it was the first Western-style brick building in Korea, showcasing a stunning Renaissance Revival architectural style. The cathedral's construction involved over 20 different types of red and gray burnt bricks, meticulously arranged to create a visually captivating masterpiece.


Today, my friends and I had planned to meet our Korean friends at Haneul Park and Seoul Forest. However, when we arrived at World Cup Stadium Station, it started to rain. So, we decided to grab some food and head back to Hongdae. We ended up changing our plans and went to Noraebang (karaoke room) instead.


The weather is cold and rainy. I recommend a hot cocoa. It's delicious! The cocoa at this shop is very good, but I don't remember the location.



The young lady, Noona Rabeebang, is on the top floor of this building. Outside, there are many young girls waiting.


There are also Thai songs, a whole page of them! Haha.


After finishing singing, I walked around Hongdae. Then I met this oppa. My Korean friend told me that the man in the blue suit was a comedian named Yung Hyung Bin. He was handing out flyers for his show. I didn't know him anyway, haha.



Dinner was street food near Exit 9. There are many food carts in this area.


**[[DAY 4]] Royal Thai Embassy, Ihwa Mural Village**

As we arrived on the evening of October 13th, we had some free time today, so we stopped by the Thai Embassy in Korea to pay our respects to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. For those who are planning to visit the embassy, regardless of the purpose, please follow this map. It is a map from the embassy's website.

Coordinates of the Royal Thai Embassy in Seoul: Itaewon Station (Line No. 6) Exit 3

Translation:

This is an empty paragraph tag. It does not contain any text or formatting instructions.

Translation:


After that, I went to find food near Itaewon. I really wanted to eat bingsu in the morning, but the machine wasn't ready yet. I had to wait for an hour... I couldn't eat it. I just ate whatever was available.



In the afternoon, we moved on to Ihwa Mural Village, which features murals and the opportunity to rent traditional Korean school uniforms.

Location of Ihwa Mural Village: Hyehwa Station (Line No. 4), Exit 2


As you ascend the mountain, you will encounter this breathtaking view.


Translation:

The provided text is empty. There is nothing to translate.



This is where the flower staircase used to be.




This shop is located on the way up the mountain, and we had our eyes on it from the start.


[[DAY 5]] Seoul Fashion Week, Garosu-gil

Seoul Fashion Week is held twice a year, each for one week, in March (autumn/winter) and October (spring/summer). If you're interested in attending or checking out the men's fashion, plan your trip during these periods.

We were originally scheduled to attend two brand shows, but one of them suddenly cancelled on us without any explanation. We are very confused and disappointed.

As ordinary citizens without any connections, we were able to attend the show through the "Ticket Event" activity. In simpler terms, the brand gave away free tickets, and we followed their rules. Whether we got the tickets or not depended entirely on luck.

You can check the show schedule on the website http://www.seoulfashionweek.org/

The method of distributing cards for almost every brand is similar, which is:

1. Follow the brand's Instagram page.

  1. Repost the event ticket image with various hashtags as instructed.

Translation:

"3. Comment why you want the ticket and tag the friend you will go with, as most brands give out 2 tickets."

This is our first time and we got the card right away. We are so happy!

**
**


The atmosphere was pleasant, but there weren't many models present when we visited.


The brand we visited was Big Park by Park Yoon Su.


I'm proud to be wearing a self-made traditional Thai silk skirt and blouse today. :-)


After watching the show, I was very hungry. My junior who studies here took me to eat a very delicious spicy stir-fried squid restaurant in Hongdae. Hongdae again? Is this your base camp?

Location of Hong's Jjukkumi: Hongik Univ. Station (Line No. 2), Exit 8

Translation:

As a devoted octopus enthusiast, I was thrilled to order the octopus and pork belly dish. However, I was perplexed by the accompanying rice, which was served in plain water. It lacked any flavor or resemblance to broth. Unsure of how to proceed, I ended up adding the rice to the pan and mixing it with the octopus. As we neared the end of the meal, my companion informed me that I should have requested fried rice. Apparently, it's not offered unless explicitly requested. So, I said, "Please bring fried rice."

They removed all the ingredients from the pan, added more sauce, then put in rice, shrimp eggs, and seaweed. They stir-fried it all together. It looked like this: Oh my goodness! It was incredibly delicious... We highly recommend this restaurant. We'd give it the number one spot on our trip... We were so busy eating that we didn't take many pictures.


Now that I'm free, where should I go? So I went for a walk on Garosu-gil. I just walked around, had some cheesecake, did a little shopping, and walked a lot. This area is full of brand-name stores and high-quality, expensive clothes. It's also very large, so I couldn't walk around the whole thing.


**[[DAY 6]] Haneul Park, Insadong**

The weather is good today. We are going to Hanuel Park. We left late and got off at World Cup Stadium.

The moment we stepped out of the stadium, we were greeted by a vibrant tapestry of trees adorned with hues of green, yellow, orange, and red. We couldn't resist jumping into this colorful embrace, reveling in its beauty. We spent a considerable amount of time immersed in this enchanting spectacle.


It's time to go find Hanuel Park. We know there are many ways to get there, but we chose to walk along the stadium and climb the stairs in front of it. Then turn left and walk until you see the bridge over the road and the 293 steps in the distance. Just walk there, haha.

We stopped again at the tree in the parking lot! Green, yellow, orange, red.


The majority of my fellow travelers were elderly aunts and uncles, who were remarkably energetic. Meanwhile, I was constantly complaining about when we would finally arrive.


The journey is punctuated by photo stops, stretching throughout the day. Don't be fooled into thinking that the 293 steps lead directly to Hanuel Park. Not quite! The journey continues. For those unfamiliar with the terrain, the distance remains a mystery. We follow the crowd, GPS turned off for an added thrill.


We have finally arrived! It's going to be a long journey, so make sure you have plenty of supplies. We'll be walking for a long time.



After spending the afternoon at Hanuel Park, we hurried out as we had to factor in the time it would take to walk back the way we came. We saw that there was a shuttle service available, but the queue was extremely long, and we weren't sure where the shuttle went. So, we decided to walk. Let's go!

Translation:

Insadong Location: Anguk Station (Line No. 3), Exit 6


Day 7: KTX to Busan, Nampodong Street

This sentence describes the seventh day of a trip, where the traveler takes the KTX (Korean high-speed train) to Busan and explores Nampodong Street.

We opted for the Flexible 2-Day Pass (Saver) for groups of 2-5 people, which best suited our trip and group size. With the addition of three more friends, the total cost came to 91,000 won per person for a round-trip journey within 10 days, allowing us to visit any attractions we desired.

You must print the voucher and exchange it for a ticket at the counter. Travel time is 13.50-16.29.


Busan is just a 2.5-hour drive away.


We really enjoyed Busan. The men are handsome, haha. The people here are kind, friendly, and very helpful, especially the older women and men.

Translation:

The original text describes a personal experience of arriving at a new location and receiving unexpected help from strangers.

Here's the translated version:

We got off the train, confused about where to go next. A kind lady approached us and informed us that the elevator was located in the opposite direction, saving us from carrying our luggage up the stairs. As we were about to exit the station, we inquired about directions to our accommodation from the locals. The same lady who had helped us earlier offered to walk us there herself. This incredibly helpful gesture left a strong first impression on us.


Let's explore and find food at Nampodong Street, which is within walking distance from our accommodation. As we stroll along, we notice that this area is a shopping district, much like Seoul, with a large number of young people.


[[DAY 8]] Jagalchi Fish Market, Gamcheon Culture Village, Busan Modern History Museum, Yongdusan Park

We stayed at Hotel MU, which is located near Nampo Station. We took the subway one stop to Jagalchi Station (Line No. 1), exiting at Exit 10.

I'm going to try some seafood... the oysters in Busan are huge!


Walking to the end of the alley, we found a multi-story building. We went up to the second floor to eat, choosing a restaurant at random as we had no prior information.



This is a seafood dish that lacks any spice. I miss the seafood dipping sauce. I especially like the live squid.


The view of the sea from behind the building is amazing. The wind is strong and very cool.




This place is incredibly good for our hearts. We love it so much! The air is fresh and we can walk around endlessly without getting bored, although it does get tiring. We definitely need to come back again!


I came across a grilled squid stall. It was sooooooo delicious! I wish there was a stall like this near my house. 😭😭😭


Free time, no plans, and evening approaching. Looking for nearby attractions, I discovered the Busan Modern History Museum, offering free admission.

Take the bus back to Toseong Station and transfer to Jungang Station (Line No. 1), Exit 5.

Translation:


After wandering around, I found my way to Yongdusan Park, where I enjoyed panoramic views of Busan and the Busan Tower.


We walked until we reached Nampodong Street and looked for dinner. Let me tell you, the 32-cent ice cream that looked so delicious was incredibly disappointing. It wasn't even remotely tasty, not even the ice cream cone. I thought it would taste like McDonald's ice cream, but no way, it wasn't even close.



The bus only stops at the main road leading to the temple. We have to walk up the hill for a long time.



Today is a holiday, and the temple is crowded with visitors, including many Chinese tour groups.

It took a long journey to reach this sight, but it was worth it.

Translation:


This sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

On the way back, take bus number 9 and get off at Haeundae Station as before. Walk straight to exits 3 and 5, and continue walking until you reach Haeundae Market and Haeundae Beach.


This area is highly urbanized, with numerous tall buildings.


Feeling strange wearing a modest outfit to the beach. Haha.


Translation:

There is no text to translate. Please provide the text you want me to translate.

This evening, I met up with a Korean friend of a friend. They told me that today is the annual flower fireworks festival, which only happens once a year. It's a huge event! What a coincidence and stroke of luck that I get to see it.

The event was held at Gwangan Beach, accessible from Kwangan Station (Line No. 2) Exit 3 or 5. Following the massive crowd was the easiest way to navigate. The sheer number of people was overwhelming, and there seemed to be an equally large police presence, possibly representing the entire province. Amusingly, the police officers were surprisingly attractive and stood guard in neat rows, offering a delightful sight.

The journey back from the fireworks display was brutal. Due to the overwhelming number of people, the authorities had to temporarily close the nearest subway station, stating that it could no longer accommodate passengers. We had to walk back two stations to board the train at the beginning of the line. Empty trains were running to pick up passengers at that station, making it seem like a national event.


Day 10: Busan Station, Seoul Station, Gayang Station, Hongdae

This sentence appears to be a list of locations, possibly stops on a journey or a schedule of some sort.

Here is a possible translation:

Day 10:

  • Busan Station
  • Seoul Station
  • Gayang Station
  • Hongdae

This translation is simple and short, as requested. It also maintains the original structure of the sentence.

Please note that without further context, it is difficult to determine the exact meaning of this sentence.

We planned to take the KTX back to Seoul around noon to avoid arriving late at night. When we arrived at Busan Station, we exchanged our reservation for tickets. The staff member said, "We only have standing tickets." Wait, wait, did I hear that right? Standing tickets? If we wanted a seat, the next train was at 9 pm! It was Sunday, so there were a lot of people returning to Seoul. And because it was a flexible ticket, it didn't specify a seat or time.

Standing for two and a half hours is a waste of time.


We had to give in to the tickets for our wives and children. We could choose to stand between which carriages. Haha. //There were tears in the laughter.//


We opted for booth 17 because we had already visited it on our way here. Upon closer inspection, the living conditions exceeded our expectations. It boasts two foldable chairs, allowing for cozy seating, a bathroom, luggage storage, a trash can, a water dispenser, and phone charging stations. The amenities are plentiful.

Notably, the relaxed atmosphere allowed for uninhibited conversation, fostering a sense of camaraderie. Occasionally, fellow audience members would stand up, seemingly in solidarity with the standing ticket holders. As the crowd began to disperse, staff permitted us to take seats, although we opted to remain in our comfortable standing positions.


After arriving in Seoul, we went our separate ways to our accommodations. My friend and I stayed with our host at Gayang Station, and then we met up with our friends in Hongdae. Hongdae again, huh? Well, our friends had never been there before, haha.

For dinner, I tried the famous cheese ribs. Location: Hongik Univ. Station (Line No.2) Exit 8. As for the fried chicken restaurant, I just walked in... It wasn't delicious at all. Bonchon is much better.

[[DAY 11]] Insadong, Gyeongbokgung Palace

Today at noon, we plan to rent a hanbok and take some cool photos. We started at Insadong because we had our eye on a rental shop there. Location: Insadong: Anguk Station (Line No. 3) Exit 6


This shop is located at the entrance of Insadong Street, on the right-hand side. Go up to the second floor, where you will find a wide selection of hanbok at various prices. The hanbok we chose cost 17,600 won. We added a hat and a bag, and brought our own fan. We rented the hanbok for 4 hours.


It was time to enter the palace, so I wandered around looking for a way in until I found it. Then I walked in beautifully, wearing a hanbok that was free to enter.


Let me tell you something... our group members are so popular that tourists can't stop asking for photos. And it's like our faces are just the right type for foreigners, you know, their type. Even when we were wearing hanboks in a country full of oppas, it was still only foreigners who asked for photos! The craziest thing was when a Polish guy just asked for my Facebook out of the blue... I was so confused, haha!

Translation:


This sentence is already in English and does not require translation.


** **


"She was free, so she suggested to her friends that they go to the MMCA. She wanted to go. She had walked past it the day before, but it was closed."

The MMCA, or National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, is a museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art. It is closed on Mondays.

We took the train to Insadong, just like yesterday. The museum entrance fee was 4,000 won. Let's go in and enjoy some art.

** **


Our favorite angle. The holographic plastic (or is it?) reflects sunlight, creating a holographic effect with vibrant colors.

Translation:


This sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

This part looks out and looks from the outside.

After leaving the museum, I walked to Samcheongdong Street. I originally planned to visit the Hanok Village, but I was too tired and it was too far away. I ended up going to Cafe Breezin and then Lotte Mart.


Oh my goodness! Taking in the breathtaking views from this high vantage point during this season is simply incredible. It's so good that I'm tempted to move here permanently.



[[DAY 13]] Nami Island

Today, we went outside of Seoul to Nami Island. To be honest, I was indifferent to Nami Island, feeling that there was nothing to see there. But my friend wanted to go, so I agreed. When we arrived, I screamed with excitement because the island was full of maple and ginkgo trees. I loved it so much! I'm so glad I came.

To reach Nami Island, take the Gyeongchun Line to Gapyeong Station.

It was a long journey. Upon arriving at the station, I joined the queue for taxis and told the driver to take me to Nami Island. He then drove me to the pier.

Note: We were five people, and the taxi driver initially agreed to take us. However, he later informed us that the taxi could only accommodate four passengers due to regulations.



The boat fare is 8,000 won per person.


Immerse yourself in the beauty of the island's trees and savor the delectable "tak kalbi," a local specialty renowned for its exquisite flavor.



Please translate:

Translation:

**
**

The sentence is incomplete. Please provide the full sentence you want translated from Thai to English.

I am ready to translate it for you once you provide the complete sentence.


Please translate:


It is highly recommended to visit Nami Island this season.


**Day 14: Arrival at Incheon International Airport**

I'm finally back! I'm so excited to be home and eat some delicious Thai food. I'm so tired of Korean food, which is always so red and spicy.

Translation:

Our flight was at 11 am. Luckily, our accommodation was only half an hour from the airport, so we didn't have to rush too much.


The 14-day Korean trip has come to an end. Thank you for reading until the end. ^^

We set a budget of 10,000 baht for each item, resulting in a total of 50,000 baht. We will average the cost across all items, ensuring that the total does not exceed this amount.

Stay tuned for our next review, "South Vietnam: A Local's Guide to Travel." I'll be back soon with more details.

Thank you.

..Viyaya

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