Location : Seoul, Korea
Season: End of Spring
We all arrived at Incheon Airport around midnight from 5 hours fly with Air AsiaX. Waahhh..the cold air make our breath come out like a smoke during inhalation..We are so excited!
Its takes about 40 minutes from the airport to our homestay called BackPackers located in Hyewa. We rent a dorm for 9 people with cost of RM350/pax for 5 nights stay. Its quite cheap and also comfortable. The dorm also located nearby Hyewa Station with walking distance. The public transport in Seoul is very convenient as you can go to anywhere and everywhere via subway at cost 1,500 won for every stops.
Its' our first experience ride with train and walk! So to make it more convenience we all will used a T-Money with the same function as"Touch n Go" card. I guess with 25,000 won should be enough (20,000 money value + 5,000 card).
So, how we move around by this train? Haa, here some advise, go grab all necessary flyers about stunning place upon arrival at the airport terminal plus the route of the subway!
What a big surprised when I found out the station for most of the places are so convenient and close by wherever you go. Which is more way better than our public train transport in KL (sorry, no offence!). However, I'm so tired climbing up the steep stairs in and out of the subway (well, this is the challenge right!).
1st Trip : Nami Island (Winter Sonata Place)
We will start from Hyewa station we should head to Cheongnyangni Station (Blue Line). Then, upon reach, you will see a big building (Green Glass Windows). It is ok to ask anybody or person in charge at the station for you to buy the train tickets to Gapyeong Station (~45 min;outside of Seoul City). Then, grab a cab to the Naminara Immigration (Nami Islands is a private republic island) to get a entrance (8,000 won) and boat tickets to the island. It takes about 30 min to reach the island. So, for those who watch the Korean Drama of Winter Sonata, you'll definitely enjoy the view and spots in the island!
We are having our lunch at one of the restaurant here which supplying HALAL Food..There are variety of meals served with rice and of course "The Kimchi" (Luckily!)
We will start from Hyewa station we should head to Cheongnyangni Station (Blue Line). Then, upon reach, you will see a big building (Green Glass Windows). It is ok to ask anybody or person in charge at the station for you to buy the train tickets to Gapyeong Station (~45 min;outside of Seoul City). Then, grab a cab to the Naminara Immigration (Nami Islands is a private republic island) to get a entrance (8,000 won) and boat tickets to the island. It takes about 30 min to reach the island. So, for those who watch the Korean Drama of Winter Sonata, you'll definitely enjoy the view and spots in the island!
There is a hotel nearby the lake here for those who loves to spend more time at this island and to capture the natural environment with some recreational activities.
The weather at this time is very good (3pm)..its not much hot! The air felt so fresh!
2nd Trip : Shopping @ MyeongDong
Korea is well known country for varieties of cosmetic product just name it; Etude House, Natural Republic, The Face Shop, Skin Food, Missha, Tony Molly, etc. (too many to mention!). For me of course I will not missed out this opportunity to get myself some product..the price for all these cosmetics is cheaper than in Malaysia Markets.
However, in Korea, for any cosmetic product especially that exceeded 100,000 won should have that free duty passes or else you will entitle to pay the custom duty at the airport later. Thus, make sure to buy the cosmetic product at the free duty shops or any shops that can provided you a release duty receipt.
Along these shoplots, there also a variety of korean cool design clothes and dress. Most dress cost as low as 10,000 won each will make you going crazy!! I love it!!
3rd Trip: Gyeong Buk Gong (Traditional Korean Palace)
We've been told that the castle is the largest in Seoul. There are guards wearing their traditional customs marching at the castle. So, take the chances to take the photo with them as they will never make any single movement or motions.
For the entrance it will cost you around 1,500 Won (for student passes)
History:
In 1395, three years after the founding of the Joseon Dynasty by Yi Seong--gye, the new main palace, Gyeongbokgung, was completed and the capital of the new dynasty was moved from Gaegyong to Seoul. The palace was destrroyed by fire during the Japanese invasions of 1592 and was no reconstructed until 1868, the fifth year of King Gojong.
During the Japanese occupation, most of the palace was torn down; only a few buildings including Gyeonghoeru Pavilion and Geunjeongjeon Hall were left standing. An effort to fully restore the Geongbokgung to its former glory has been ongoing since 1990. The colonial Government-General building was removed, making way for the full restoration of Heungryemun Gate to its original state.
2nd Trip : Shopping @ MyeongDong
Korea is well known country for varieties of cosmetic product just name it; Etude House, Natural Republic, The Face Shop, Skin Food, Missha, Tony Molly, etc. (too many to mention!). For me of course I will not missed out this opportunity to get myself some product..the price for all these cosmetics is cheaper than in Malaysia Markets.
However, in Korea, for any cosmetic product especially that exceeded 100,000 won should have that free duty passes or else you will entitle to pay the custom duty at the airport later. Thus, make sure to buy the cosmetic product at the free duty shops or any shops that can provided you a release duty receipt.
Along these shoplots, there also a variety of korean cool design clothes and dress. Most dress cost as low as 10,000 won each will make you going crazy!! I love it!!
3rd Trip: Gyeong Buk Gong (Traditional Korean Palace)
We've been told that the castle is the largest in Seoul. There are guards wearing their traditional customs marching at the castle. So, take the chances to take the photo with them as they will never make any single movement or motions.
For the entrance it will cost you around 1,500 Won (for student passes)
History:
In 1395, three years after the founding of the Joseon Dynasty by Yi Seong--gye, the new main palace, Gyeongbokgung, was completed and the capital of the new dynasty was moved from Gaegyong to Seoul. The palace was destrroyed by fire during the Japanese invasions of 1592 and was no reconstructed until 1868, the fifth year of King Gojong.
During the Japanese occupation, most of the palace was torn down; only a few buildings including Gyeonghoeru Pavilion and Geunjeongjeon Hall were left standing. An effort to fully restore the Geongbokgung to its former glory has been ongoing since 1990. The colonial Government-General building was removed, making way for the full restoration of Heungryemun Gate to its original state.
