Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Everland by subway or bus

People often tell you that it is impossible to go to Everland by public transportation. Or they'll say 'ah you'll have to take a tour package' but they are wrong.

Everland is easily accessible by subway or bus.

By subway, there is a new line called Yongin LRT, stop at Everland station and catch a free shuttle bus. It is a little fuss to transfer subway at least twice.

Therefore I'll still recommend to catch a bus.

From Gangnam Station (Seoul Subway Line 2 or Sinbundang Line), get out at Exit 5 or 10 and take bus 5002 to Everland. (Travel time: 50 min)

From Gangbyeon Station (Seoul Subway Line 2), get out at Exit 1 and take bus 5800 to Everland. (Travel time: 50 min)

From Sadang Station (Seoul Subway Lines 2, 4), get out at Exit 2 or 3 and take bus 1500-2 to Everland. (Travel time: 80 min).

Do not forget to print this discount voucher with you too.

http://www.everland.com/web/multi/english/everland/everland_guide/ticket/Tickets_and_Coupons.html

Explore Seoul on feet

Instead of hoping on the subway every time, try walking around Seoul.

Begin your day by reaching Gyeongbokgung at 10a.m.  for the first session of changing of the guards.

Then walk to Bukchon Hanok Village to have a look at the traditional houses. There are 8 suggested points for photo shooting. Do not miss those points.

Walk across to Insadong, the traditional street, to get some souvenir. There are usually some events on weekends too.

Walk to Gwangjang market, located just next to Jongno 5-ga station. Here you could find plenty of delicious Korean food sold by the older generation. Price are cheap too.

 After eating, walk towards Dongdaemun then cross the stream to Dongdaemun History and Culture Park. If you want to walk along the stream, get out in between Jonggak and jongno 3-ga station on Samillo road and walk to Myongdong Cathedral.

Then walk through Myeongdong shopping street, famous for cheap cosmetics, and walk to Namdaemun market. A market where you can buy almost everything.

Eat dinner in one of the roadside store, Pojangmacha. Get some snacks and beer after dinner and walk up to Namsan tower (Seoul tower). Sit and chill there after the long walk.

*Last metro runs till midnight on weekdays and 11ish on weekends.

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Recommended place to stay in Insadong, Seoul

1) Bukchonmaru Hanok Guesthouse 152 Changdeokgung-gil, Insadong,  Seoul

Do experience sleeping in Korean traditional houses "Hanok"

Being in Korea and not sleeping the traditional way will not be as fun. Check out this Hanok house located 10-15 minutes away from Anguk station. You'll be sleeping on the floor instead of bed and will be served Korean style breakfast too. The owner and grandchild are very warm hearted.

Email for reservation : bukchonmaru@gmail.com
Website : www.bukchonmaru.com

2) Insa Hostel 48 Insadong 14-gil, Jongno, Seoul

Newly opened this year in August and located between Korean traditional restaurants, is one of the best in Insadong. Rooms are very clean and owner and staff is awesome too. They provide continental breakfast and only 1 minute away from Anguk station and Insadong culture street.

Email for reservation : insahostel@gmail.com
Website : insahostel.co.kr




 


Saturday, September 7, 2013

Travelling in Korea

First time in Korea? Looking for a place to stay? Do not know which area?

First of all, what kind of place do you want to stay in.

Beware of Hotels. Especially cheap hotels. Most cheap hotels are actually motels. It is okay if you do not mind staying in a place where people just walk in for a few hours. Furthermore, staff speaks limited English and are less friendly.

For travelers with kids I highly recommend higher class hotels or if you have limited budget, stay in hostels or guest house.

Second, what kind of area do you want to stay in.

If you like to see traditional stuff, I would say Insadong. You may reach most attraction by foot if you stay at Insadong.

If you enjoy shopping, I would recommend Myeongdong for cosmetics, Dongdaemun for middle range shopping, and Ewha women's university area for cheap clothings. For luxury shopping, stay around Apgujeong.

As for nightlife, stay at Hongdae for reasonable entrance fee and alcohol prices. Gangnam is also a nightlife area but entrance and drinks are more pricey.

Third, if you are coming alone do not bother to take a private room. Dormitory with less people are normally very clean.

Forth, if you are just here for a transit with a small backpack, try out the Jjimjilbang. Its a place with hot bath and sauna.You could just sleep at the common area on the floor. It normally have a room with bunk bed (separate gender) too.