How to get around Seoul (Part 2)...

Of course the cheapest way to get around Korea is on foot but that would rather be impractical.

The best way? Public transportation. 

Korea has a very efficient network of buses and MRT that goes throughout Seoul. I didn't experience any traffic problems when I was travelling. 

You would have to get a travel card to get around. 

Photo credit: KTO

You can buy this card at convenience stores like GS25. 

These tickets cost 2,500 won and you have to load it up with credits before you can use it. 

If I remember correctly, I just loaded this up with about 20,000 won and used that for the entirety of my stay. 

The buses in Korea have two openings--one near the bus driver and the second one in the middle. Board the bus using the entrance near the bus driver, and exit using the middle opening. 

When using the Tmoney card on buses, tap it once when you board the bus and tap it again as you exit.  

Where to stay in Korea?

Hi! It has been quite some time since I updated this site and I really should. I should finish up writing about Korea since I already came back from Singapore and I have to write about that as well. Oh well. 


You have a lot of options actually. You can stay in the various hotels in the city. You can also consider a Backpackers Lodge for those who want to save up on money. I actually booked my stay using....


 Airbnb. 

I originally had to look at accommodations for 5 people since my parents and my cousins were supposed to go with me. 

There were a lot of things to consider, mainly location. I didn't want to rent something so far out that my parent would have a hard time walking. I also didn't want somewhere with rolling terrain. 

I finally ended up renting somewhere in Jong-no. And wow! is the operative word for the place. 

Photo credit goes to Sui, the owner of the place. 

Yes! It is Hello Kitty themed! Fulfills every girls dream of pink. ^_^

I believe I rented this out for about $100/night. Pretty nice if you ask me. The owner even loaned me her wifi egg. So I didn't have to shell out additional money just to rent it at the airport. If you are also interested in booking this place, just search for it in Airbnb. 

Busan Airport and Busan Train Station

We arrived at Busan International Airport at around 9pm. 

Image credit to KAC (Korea Airport Corporation)

Getting our baggages was a breeze, however we had to quickly go to Busan train station to catch the Mugunghwa to Seoul. 

You have to first change your money at the forex located inside the airport. Be sure to get smaller bills. 

The usual rate is 1,000KRW to 1USD. Give or take a few. 

Travel to Busan Train Station

We were lucky enough to catch the last limousine bus headed for Busan Train Station. The fee was 10,000 KRW per person. 

You can ask the Tourist guide desk for information. 

There are also a place to keep luggage in the bus. but try to pack light so you won't have to lug so many bags, which will come in handy when you tackle the stairs from hell.

Yep, Korea has a lot of stairs in their subway. So, unless you can carry all those bags with you on their stairs, be prepared.

Busan Train Station.

Images courtesy of Wikipedia

When you go up those stairs, you'll see the ticket counters at your immediate right. 
We already have prior reservations, so it was just a case of exchanging your printed out reservations with actual tickets. 

There are 3 trains that go to Seoul

1. KTX =53,300 KRW
2. Mugunghwa=27,300 KRW
3. Saemaeul=40.700KRW

Since we arrived at the station at pretty much 11pm. We opted to go with the cheapest fare-  Mugunghwa and sleep through the 5 hour journey. 

Departure in NAIA Terminal 3 and what to do

I just came back guys! 

I was set to depart from NAIA Terminal 3. 

Here's a shot of terminal 3 from wikipedia. 

What do you need to do after you get yourself inside the terminal. 

1. For International flights, there is a Terminal fee charge of php1620 that you can pay on the counter located on the right side of the terminal. 

2. Go to your counter. Cebu Pacific International flights are on the left. Present the following:
           a. Passport
           b. Ticket
           c. Receipt from Terminal Fee Counter
    
     Now, you can have your baggage checked-in. Cebu Pacific says that if you are travelling as        a group, you can pool in your baggage allowance. 

     Also remember that you can have carry-on baggages. So, travel light! 
     Don't forget to get your boarding pass!

3. Go to Immigration. 


Immigration Hall (Picture taken from NAIA's Website)

Before you even think about queuing, remember to fill out the immigration forms located at the sides. 

Sometimes they do have those red guide lines set up but when I was there, you simply have to fall in line. They also ask you to pay an additional Php750. 

Final baggage check

Yes, they still check your carry-ons for liquids, creams and all those prohibited stuff that they confiscate in the airport. So, yeah, you probably shouldn't hand-carry your perfume. 

They also ask you to remove your shoes and belt.

Boarding area (Picture taken from NAIA's Website)

Now, the exciting part is waiting for your flight. So, sit tight and eat the munchies that you've somehow sneaked passed security. 

For more information regarding the NAIA terminals, here's their website. 

NAIA Terminal website

Final checks

I am bringing along my bag that has wheels, a backpack and a small pouch that goes around my neck. 


trolley bag
-clothes
-toiletries
-slippers
-chargers
-adaptor

backpack
-food during flight
-jacket
-medicine
-camera
-makeup
-notebook

small pouch
-ballpen
-passport
-tickets
-money

Korean Cosmetics and Skin Care!

One of the reasons I want to go to Korea is because of the cosmetics. 

I've already tallied up everything I wanted to buy and here's the list. 

I am justifying the cost by saying to myself that I'll probably be using this for the next 3 years. Yes, that's three years of supposedly not buying anything. 

One week to go and I'm off to Korea!!! 

Korean Visa

Finally, the visa here. Took me quite a while to get it. 

The funny thing is, all my requirements were complete and they still wanted you to show 3 months worth of electricity bill receipts. 

Oh well, at least I got it. 

D-day is T-8 days. 

So excited.