This October, I used my vacation days to travel to South Korea, a city that many people dream of visiting. However, there are also many people who avoid it, perhaps because they have heard stories about the strict immigration process. But for me, I was determined to go!

This trip was planned in late 2015, with flight bookings starting in February. The actual travel dates were October 14-18, 2016 (5 days and 4 nights). While waiting for the trip, we gathered travel information from the blog seoulcafe2013 and collected additional information from various Facebook and Twitter pages.

This month, Korea enters the autumn season, or the period of changing leaves. The main purpose of this trip to Korea is to see the changing leaves. This month, the highest temperature is 21 degrees and the lowest is 10 degrees.



The journey commenced on October 14, 2016, departing from Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok, Thailand, via AirAsia X. The flight took off at 01:55 AM (Thailand time) and arrived at Incheon International Airport in South Korea at 09:15 AM (local time), two hours ahead of Thailand time.


  • Upon entering Incheon Airport, we took a train to immigration. While walking to immigration, we maintained a pleasant demeanor and avoided any suspicious behavior. We had prepared all necessary documents, including an English-language work certificate, a confirmed accommodation booking with our names, passport numbers, and dates of stay, a travel map of Korea, a daily itinerary, and an English-language pocket Wi-Fi rental receipt. Fortunately, we were not asked to present any of these documents. We encountered a female immigration officer and greeted her with a "Good Morning" and a warm smile, maintaining eye contact. The officer simply asked how many days we would be staying, who we were traveling with (family or friends), and how many people were in our group. She then asked us to point out our companions, and after verifying our information, she stamped our passports and granted us entry. (Luckily, our friend was next in line.)
  • After clearing immigration, we picked up our pocket Wi-Fi at Gate D and purchased a T-Money card for 4,000₩ (slightly more expensive than usual due to purchasing it at an airport bookstore). We topped up the card with an additional 10,000₩. Throughout our trip, we topped up the card with a total of 30,000₩, and any unused balance remained on the card. We can reuse the card on future trips to Korea as it has no expiration date.



  • Once you have purchased a T-money card and topped it up, it's time to take the train into Seoul. We chose to take the AREX - Airport Railroad Express, which stops at all stations, starting at Incheon International Airport and ending at Seoul Station. The journey takes about 1 hour.
  • Don't forget to download the subway app on your phone, as most travel in Seoul is done by subway.


  • Transfer to the blue line at the station and take one more stop to reach your accommodation. (Please note that there are no escalators at this station, but there is an elevator which can have a long wait time. The platform for the connecting train is also quite a walk.)
  • Finally, you will arrive at Namyeong Station, just one stop from Seoul Station. This is a small station with no elevators or escalators. Once you tap your card to exit, turn right and you will reach your accommodation.

G-Stay Residence Review

This review details a stay at G-Stay Residence, highlighting its advantages and a potential drawback.

Location:

  • Conveniently located near two subway lines: the blue line (Namyeong Station) and the light blue line (Sookmyung Woman's Univ).
  • Surrounded by mini-marts and various cosmetic stores.
  • A Krispy Kreme is located below the building.

Price:

  • 70,000₩ per night (shared with a friend).

Check-in:

  • Check-in starts at 3:00 PM.

Amenities:

  • Clean rooms.
  • Well-equipped with amenities.
  • Note: The bathroom lacks a bidet, which might be inconvenient for some guests.

Overall:

The reviewer found G-Stay Residence to be a convenient and comfortable option, with its proximity to transportation, shops, and amenities. However, the lack of a bidet in the bathroom might be a drawback for some.

  • After checking in at our accommodation, we took a shower, changed clothes, and took out the plan we had made -- and put it away again!!!! So I discussed with my friend who was with me that....we probably wouldn't be able to follow the plan we had made!!!! (According to the plan, we were going to Haneul Park > Gyeongbokgung Night Palace > Hongdae) But in the end....we only went to DDP


    DDP

    Location: Take the blue, green, or purple subway line to Dongdaemun History & Culture Park EXIT.1


    I originally chose to go to DDP because I wanted to take pictures with the LED roses, but the thing is... I couldn't find them no matter how much I looked. So I just took some pictures and walked to another place. Then I saw DOOTA Duty Free across the street, so I took my friend and crossed the street to go there instead.


    DOOTA Duty Free

    Location: Subway lines blue, purple, green, get off at Dongdaemun History & Culture Park EXIT.14

    Upon arrival at the mall's front plaza, a FESTA festival was in full swing. The Korea Sale FESTA is a major Korean shopping and tourism festival held from September 29 to October 31, 2016. The acronym FESTA stands for Festival, Entertainment, Shopping, Tour, and Attraction.



    Cr. Information on the FESTA festival FESTA

    Did you know that in addition to shopping at DOOTA Duty Free, there is a Descendants of The Sun exhibition on the top floor of the mall?

    Descendant of The Sun Exhibition
    At first, when I read the review, it said it was on the 3rd floor. I took my friend there and we walked around the 3rd floor looking for it, but we couldn't find it! We only found pictures of Song Joong Ki looking handsome on the escalators on each floor. But by chance, while we were walking up the escalator looking for the exhibition, we heard a Thai tourist say, "Upstairs, upstairs." Oh, my ears perked up! I quickly told my friend, "Hey, hey, he said upstairs!" It really is upstairs, the very top floor. As soon as we stepped off the last step of the stairs, we saw this picture prominently displayed.

    This exhibit showcases replicas of filming locations from the series "Descendants of the Sun," including the military camp, the Medi Cube, the kitchen area, the female lead's house, and scenic views of the filming locations in Greece. The highlight is the Captain Yoo Si-jin stand-in, which features various poses and gestures.



    Souvenirs from the story are also available for sale.

    After taking photos, I walked out to the front of the mall. I was wondering where to go next when I saw a stall selling tteokbokki. I decided to buy some to try before going anywhere else.



    We ordered a skewer with sundae, sausage, tteokbokki, and fish cake, which is called "modeungkkoji" (meaning "everything on a stick"). It cost 3,000 KRW. The highlight was the dipping sauce. It was rich, sweet, and slightly spicy, similar to the dipping sauce for fried meatballs in Thailand. We ate it standing in front of the shop and threw the skewer away in the trash can that the ajumma hung next to the shop.


    HONGDAE

    Location: Subway Line 2 (green), Hongik University Station, EXIT 8/9; Subway Line 6 (brown), Sangsu Station, EXIT 1/2



    Hongdae is a district that combines fashion, cafes, clubs, restaurants, galleries, and shopping. Every Friday and Saturday, it is especially lively with cover dance performances by students who gather to show off their skills. However, that day, we were tired and exhausted, so we only walked around for about half an hour before returning to our accommodation.



    October 15, 2016
    • Today, we had an appointment with two Korean friends at Gyeongbokgung Station. The plan for the day was entirely made by our Korean friends, so we just put our own plans away!
    • We were going to spend almost the entire day around Gyeongbokgung Palace! Our friends were going to take us to wear hanbok, enter the palace, and take pictures together (it sounds dreamy, doesn't it? Haha).
    • Today's plan: Dongdaemun Market, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Myeongdong Market.

    Dongdaemun Market (동인시장)

    Location: Gyeongbokgung Station, Exit 2
    It is a traditional Korean market where they sell local Korean food. The budget for this place is only 5,000 KRW. There is a coin exchange table at the end of the market where you can exchange your regular won for old Korean coins. They will also give you a black plastic tray each.



    With the tray and coins in hand, I started browsing the stalls, trying to decide what I wanted to eat. Some of the lines were incredibly long, and some of the food looked so delicious. But when I saw the queues, I thought, "Forget it!" Haha. The vendors were very kind, offering me small samples from each stall.



    The ajumma (auntie) at this shop is very kind -- she let us try almost everything and explained in Korean what each item was and how it was made. We understood some things, but not others, and our Korean friend tried to help us translate from Korean to English.

    After finishing at this shop, we went to that shop, then that shop, and continued to walk around looking for something to eat. Personally, I really like the side dishes here, because there are many to choose from and they are truly original in flavor.

    The dining area resembled a school cafeteria, but on that particular Saturday, it was packed with school field trips and families with children. Consequently, finding a seat was a challenge, and we had to eat quickly to make room for others.



    After completing the first meal of the day at Dong-in Market, we will head to a shop to rent hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) before entering the palace. >>>>>

    While walking back to rent the hanbok,



    After a hearty meal, my friend took me to rent a hanbok for a photoshoot. It wouldn't be a trip to Korea without trying on the national dress! I don't remember the name of the shop, but it was a small one on the second floor of a building with an Etude House on the ground floor. The rental fee was 15,000 KRW for 4 hours.

    There are actually many shops in the area that rent hanboks, as it is close to Gyeongbokgung Palace and Insadong, which are like cultural preservation areas for traditional Korean culture.


    Gyeongbokgung Palace

    Location: Gyeongbokgung Station EXIT. 5. When you exit, you will see The National Palace Museum of Korea and the palace will be on your right.
    We walked from the area near EXIT.2, so we had to cross the street to the opposite side, which is EXIT.3. Then we walked straight ahead and came to a traffic light. We crossed the street again and it was the side gate of the palace.




    Upon entering the side gate, walk along the inner wall of the palace, following the path. You will find the National Palace Museum of Korea on your left. Then, look to your right to see the Royal Palace.

    As we walked towards the ticket booth, we passed the front courtyard. At around 1:00 PM, when we arrived, a changing of the guard ceremony was taking place.

    After admiring the view for a while, we walked to the ticket booth to enter the palace.
    The regular entrance fee to the palace is 3,000₩, but for those wearing hanbok, **entry is free**! At the ticket booth, you will need to show that you are wearing hanbok, and they will issue you a ticket.





    Once we have our tickets, we will enter the Gyeongbokgung Palace to take pictures. >>>>

    Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁) is the largest royal palace in Korea, located in northern Seoul, hence its nickname "Northern Palace". It was built in 1395 during the reign of King Taejong, founder of the Joseon Dynasty.

    The gate we are about to enter is called Heungnae Gate.

    As you continue walking, you will encounter the Gyeongnyeongjeon Palace, which served as the sleeping quarters for the king and queen. During our visit, traditional music was being performed in the courtyard in front of the palace.

    The weather was hot and humid that day, perhaps due to the hanbok I was wearing. In front of the Gyeongnyeongjeon Palace, there was a cafe selling drinks and souvenirs from the Joseon Dynasty. It was also a place to rest.




    After we had rested and recovered from our fatigue, my friends and I continued walking further into the palace.

    As you venture deeper into the palace grounds, you will encounter the Gyeonghoeru Pavilion on your right. This pavilion, situated on an island in the center of a pond, served as a venue for royal banquets and significant ceremonies during the Joseon dynasty. Its construction dates back to 1867.

    Venturing deeper into the area, one encounters the scenic vista of the Pukgak Mountain Range.

    Glancing at my watch, I realized that the four hours I had rented the outfit for were almost up. As I prepared to head back, I noticed that the leaves were starting to change color slightly. (The purpose of my trip was to take photos with the changing leaves, but I could only see them in a few scattered areas.)







    The highlight of this place is Geunjeongjeon, or the throne hall, which served as the official office of the king and was used to receive foreign envoys. It was also used as the venue for various coronation ceremonies.




    Myeongdong (명동)

    Location: Myeongdong Station Exit 8

    After spending the day burning energy taking photos, it was time for dinner. For this meal, we entrusted our stomachs to a restaurant in the Myeongdong district called Tteokgalbi.

    Note: The specific name of the restaurant is not provided in the original text. However, detailed instructions on how to find it are given:

    • Enter Myeongdong Market through Exit 8.
    • Walk straight ahead.
    • You will pass a Nature Republic cosmetics store on your right, which is located on the corner of the building.
    • Behind the store, there is an elevator that will take you to the 2nd or 3rd floor.
    • Once you exit the elevator, the restaurant will be directly in front of you.

    The spicy ramen with cheese and kimchi was served with pickled radish slices, lettuce, and sesame leaves. The spiciness gradually increased as we ate, especially in the ramen noodles, but it was incredibly delicious.



    After finishing the meal, we called the waiter over to stir-fry the mixed rice again.

    In total, the meal cost 50,000 KRW.



    After the savory meal, we decided to look for dessert.

    We went to an ice cream shop in Myeongdong Market, near the Euljiro3-ga subway station (near the Starbucks building). The shop sells fresh milk ice cream, so fresh that you can taste the milk itself. Unfortunately, I don't remember the price, but I remember paying around 15,000 KRW.

    Location: 범산목장.






    October 16, 2016
  • Today we have an appointment with another group of Korean friends. We agreed to go on a tour of Nami Island today.
  • Starting at Yongsan Station > Nami Island > Back to accommodation


Yongsan Station

Our journey begins at Yongsan Station, where we will board the ITX train to Gapyeong Station to reach Nami Island.

We met our friend at Yongsan Station around 10:30 AM. Our friend had previously booked train tickets online for the 11:00 AM departure. However, there was a slight mishap. The train arrived at platform 1 about 10 minutes early, but we were so engrossed in conversation that we didn't notice it was the train to Gapyeong.

As the train pulled away, we stood there for almost ten minutes, staring at each other in disbelief. We had to go back to the ticket office.

The staff advised us to get a refund and rebook our tickets. We were able to secure tickets for the 12:00 PM train, which would arrive at Gapyeong Station at 12:57 PM for 5,200 won.

The ticket clearly indicated our carriage number, seat number, departure time, and arrival time.



When the time came, we descended the stairs to platform 1 to board the train. Our destination was Gapyeong, a 57-minute journey with stops only at the first four stations before continuing directly to Gapyeong Station.

As we traveled, we enjoyed the scenery. The weather today seemed overcast, with no sunshine. My friend informed me that they had checked the weather forecast and that rain was expected.








Nami Island (남이섬)

Nami Island, also known as Namiseom, is located in Chuncheon City, Gangwon Province, east of Seoul. The island was formed by the construction of the Cheongpyeong Dam, creating an island in the middle of the Han River.

To reach Nami Island, we took a taxi from Gapyeong Station, where our friend picked us up. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or bus from Gapyeong Station, but you will still need to take a ferry to the island.

Upon arrival at Nami Island, we walked to the ticket office to purchase ferry tickets. The round-trip ferry fare is 10,000 won, but you can get a discount of 8,000 won by showing your passport.

With our tickets in hand, we proceeded to join the queue for the ferry that would take us to Nami Island.






Once the ferry has docked and all passengers have disembarked, we will board the ferry to cross over to Nami Island.

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Upon arriving at Nami Island, we will walk into the island's interior. Here, we can choose to walk or rent bicycles to enjoy the scenery around the island.

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After walking for a while, a spacious square comes into view. Looking around, the trees and leaves have begun to change color in some places, although not yet across the entire island. The most noticeable change is in the maple trees, where the leaves have started to turn yellow and red. However, the pine trees remain their usual lush green.









After taking photos with the colorful leaves for a while, it started to drizzle, so we had to hurry to an area with lots of trees to avoid the rain. Actually, the weather in Seoul has been cooler since this morning than the past two days, so we brought another coat with us. We knew that Nami Island would be a little cooler than Seoul, and when we arrived at Gapyeong Station, the air was quite chilly as soon as we walked out of the station. Now that it's raining, it's even colder.








The bicycle used in the filming of Winter Sonata.









As we walked, the rain began to fall harder. We needed to find a place to shelter from the rain. Coincidentally, we were starting to get hungry, so we looked for a local Korean restaurant. My friend took me to a restaurant that only served dosirak, which we call Korean lunch boxes.

Appearance of the dosirak lunch box -- Before eating, you have to shake it to mix the rice with the sauce and kimchi.

Served with pajeon, or scallion pancakes, which are made with scallions and Korean pancake batter. Kimchi and squid are also included in the dish. It is typically dipped in soy sauce with chili peppers.

While we were having lunch at the restaurant, it started to rain heavily outside. After finishing our meal, we had to walk out in the rain to find raincoats at a nearby minimart.

It's worth mentioning that Nami Island offers a wide variety of restaurants, including cafes and traditional Korean dessert shops. There are also several restrooms and accommodation options, such as villas and bungalows, for those who wish to stay overnight.

With our raincoats on, we continued walking and taking pictures in the rain, as we had already reached the halfway point of the island.



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The island is named after General Nami, who led a successful campaign to quell a rebellion in northern Korea and rose to a high position at a young age. However, he was later executed due to false political accusations.


This is the tomb of General Nami.



That concludes our trip around Nami Island for today. The return journey is the same as before, with a ferry ride back across the water, free of charge.



On our way back to Seoul, we were unable to book tickets for the ITX train, so our friends drove us to Guri Station. The journey from Nami to Guri took almost 3 hours due to the heavy traffic on the roads, as it was a Sunday and it had been raining all day.

October 17, 2016
  • Today was our last day in Seoul and it was a free day, so we decided to take our Thai friends to some of the must-see landmarks in the city.
  • We started at Gwanghwamun Square > Cheonggyecheon Stream > Namsan Tower

Gwanghwamun Square

Location: Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5, Purple), Exit 9

Upon exiting the station, visitors are greeted by the majestic statue of King Sejong the Great, seamlessly blending into the backdrop of Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Bukaksan Mountain range.




King Sejong the Great was the fourth king of the Joseon dynasty and is credited with the invention and development of Hangul, the Korean alphabet widely used today.

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After turning around and walking back to Exit 9, where we exited, you will see a statue of General Yi Sun-sin and a fountain that is always open to the public.

Cheonggyecheon Stream

Location: Gwanghwamun Station (Purple Line), Exit 5 (Upon exiting the subway, you will see a prominent purple clam sculpture near the stream's entrance.)



The Cheonggyecheon Stream, constructed during the reign of King Yeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty, boasts a history spanning over 600 years. Originally a polluted waterway, the stream underwent a remarkable transformation in 2003 when the government embarked on an ambitious revitalization project. The demolition of an elevated highway and the allocation of significant resources resulted in the restoration of the stream's pristine waters, making it a popular destination for both Seoul residents and tourists.

The Cheonggyecheon Stream stretches nearly 6 kilometers, extending to the Dongdaemun district.







N Seoul Tower

The N Seoul Tower, also known as the Namsan Tower, is a prominent landmark in Seoul, South Korea. It has been a popular tourist destination since its opening in 1980 and underwent a major renovation in 2005. Situated atop Namsan Mountain, the tower offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city.

For many visitors, a trip to Seoul is incomplete without a visit to the N Seoul Tower. Its iconic status and stunning views make it a must-see attraction.

Location: Take the blue subway line and get off at Myeongdong Station, Exit 3. Once you exit the station, walk straight into the alleyway of the Pacific Hotel. Continue walking straight ahead, and you will find a small alley with a staircase shaped like a Larua. Walk up the stairs, and you will reach the street above.











After walking up, we continued straight along the path. Along the way, we encountered many tonkatsu restaurants. We and our friends decided to stop for lunch at a nearby restaurant.



The menu we ordered included pork tonkatsu for 10,000 won, seafood pajeon for 10,000 won, and our friend ordered stir-fried squid with sauce for 11,000 won. The total for this meal was 31,000 won (I must say that the food at this restaurant is delicious and the portions are very large).

The atmosphere inside the restaurant ... If anyone happens to be passing by, feel free to stop in and try it out.

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After finishing their meal, they got up to pay at the counter. (In Korea, after finishing a meal, you have to get up and pay at the cash register yourself.)


Then, after leaving the restaurant, they walked to the right. They walked straight ahead and looked to the right, where they found the cable car station.

They then purchased round-trip tickets, which cost 8,500 won per person.

After obtaining your ticket, take the elevator to the top floor to board the cable car that will ascend to the summit of Namsan Mountain.

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As we reached the top, we continued walking along the path, eventually encountering a staircase leading us to the highest point, where the N Seoul Tower stands. The trees and foliage on Namsan Mountain had not yet transformed into their full autumnal hues, only just beginning to change color.



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N Seoul Tower: A New Look

The "N" in N Seoul Tower stands for "new look," signifying the tower's modern design and its role as a symbol of Seoul's transformation into a global city.






Upon reaching the top, you will encounter the unmissable highlight of Seoul Tower, the Love Key Ceremony, also known as the most popular photo spot.

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In addition, there are souvenir shops, cafes, restaurants, and ice cream shops on the upper level.



After descending from Namsan Mountain, we walked back to Myeongdong Station to cross over to the Myeongdong Market side. As it was our last night, we decided to go shopping at Myeongdong Market. To reach the market, we needed to go underground and exit through EXIT 7 or 8.

Line Store, Myeongdong Market Branch

As usual, after a day of walking around, we had to replenish our energy. We returned to our accommodation for dinner at a fried chicken restaurant called Born to Be Chicken in Seoul, which was right next to our hotel.

Garlic fried chicken: 15,000 KRW Draft beer (per glass): 10,000 KRW

After Dinner, Back to the Hotel to Pack

After finishing dinner, we returned to our accommodation to pack our bags, as we had to leave early the next morning.

October 18, 2016

Last Morning and Early Departure

It was our last morning in Seoul, and as expected, we had to leave early again. Our return flight was scheduled for 11:15 AM, and we were flying back with Air-Asia X.

Familiar Journey, Unfamiliar Weight

We followed our usual route to the airport, taking the subway to Seoul Station and transferring to the AREX train back to Incheon International Airport. The only difference this time was the weight of our luggage!

Check-in, Tax Refund, and Duty-Free Browsing

Upon arrival at Incheon Airport, we headed to the Air-Asia X check-in counter, located at counter J. Fortunately, it wasn't crowded when we arrived. After checking in and dropping off our luggage, we completed the departure procedures, processed our tax refund, and spent some time browsing the Duty-Free zone.

Gate 28 to Gate 142

Around 10:30 AM, we made our way to Gate 28 to board the train to Gate 142.


The flight is delayed by approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Around noon, the air hostess called for boarding. After checking our boarding passes, we boarded the plane to return to Thailand.

# South Korea
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