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Posts Tagged ‘hostel’

Traveling to Seoul, Korea: Finding Accommodation

Monday, 23 January 2012 14:45 Written by Audrey 0 Comments

Traveling to Seoul, Korea: Finding Accommodation

Finding accommodation when going on a holiday is always amongst the Top 3 things to consider. So I decided to write this little piece on some of the practical things to think about when you are choosing your accommodation when planning your trip to Korea.

Many people have asked why choose a hostel over a hotel when considering accommodation. Here are some reasons:

1. FREE WiFi and/or Internet access

With all the new gadgets available in the market and network advances, we have become reliant on staying connected and rely heavily on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with what is happening and also to update friends and family.

Compared to hotels, it is more common to find hostels providing FREE WiFi and Internet access. We understand the need  to provides free WiFi on top of a few computers for people to check their mails/make contact on Facebook (That’s like the FIRST site everyone goes to the moment they sit down). So you don’t have to pay extra for accessing the Internet. And for people with smart phones, it’s an added bonus since they can log onto the WiFi network and use their phones to communicate via the various applications available (whatsapp, Kakao, Skype, etc)

2. Laundry Service

This might not be free or provided everywhere but if you intend to be in Korea for more than a week, try to look out for a hostel that provides laundry service. If you can do laundry every few days, this means that you don’t have to bring as much clothes in your luggage (which translates to “more space for shopping”, at least for the girls).

3. Location

Now, when you go about choosing accommodation, LOCATION is VERY IMPORTANT especially if you are traveling on your own and not with a tour group. While Seoul is not too far away from Incheon, it is still a 45-minute ride which can cost you up to 70,000KRW (from Incheon Airport to Hongdae by taxi). Other than taking a taxi, you have the options of taking the AREX or the limousine buses. What this means is you should choose places where the locations are either accessible by AREX or the limousine buses.

Below is the AREX line that goes from Incheon International Airport to Seoul Station

As you can see, the train will pass by a few stations. The notables ones would be:

1. Gimpo Airport station (so if you are flying in from Gimpo Airport, you will get on at that station)

You can choose to get onto Line 5 or Line 9 at Gimpo Airport station or take the AREX line to the other stations.

2. Digital Media City (Line 6)
3. Hongik University [aka Hongdae] (Line 2)
4. Seoul Station
You can transfer to Line 1 or Line 4 at Seoul Station.

The advantages of taking the AREX (3,600KRW) would be that it’s cheaper than the limousine buses (10,000won). However, as you can see, it travels to fewer destinations. The buses have a wider choices of locations. The other not-so-good thing about the Korea subway system in general is there are a lot of staircases. So that should be factored in when you are choosing the mode of transport from airport to accommodation (i.e. weight/mobility of your luggage).

The other thing to look out for is whether the accommodation you choose can be accessed by both the subway and the limousine buses. You really want to have that choice to be honest. While the AREX seems more convenient but the limousine bus is the better choice if you have multiple and heavy luggages. Always make sure that the accommodation provide CLEAR instructions on how to get to the place.

In all honesty, our location in Hongdae is very convenient. As Line 2 of the Seoul Subway is a loop/ circle line, this means that it actually goes to most places in Seoul or will pass by stations that you can do a transfer to other lines. And since the limousine bus  (Bus no. 6002) stops at HongIk University Station, both the AREX and the limousine bus option is available to you and you do not have to remember different sets of instructions for both.

For a full list of the facilities at Kimchi Hongdae Hostel, please visit our website (facilities)!

Mimine – Korean Snack Bar

Thursday, 28 April 2011 06:09 Written by seansul 0 Comments

Mimine hongdae

mimine

Mimine-Korean Snack Bar

Mimine is famous Korean snack bar in Hong Ik University. You can eat the Tteokbokki which is a rice cakes in hot sauce and the fried shrimp. Actually, the fried shrimp is the best in this restaurant. Price is so reasonable. 1 fried shrimp is a 2000 won and 5 fried shrimp is a 5000 won and Tteokkbokki is a 3000 won per 1 person. Also, take-out service is possible. The Mimine is always people waiting in line. The location is 서울 마포구 서교동 372-6. You copy and paste ‘서울 마포구 서교동 372-6′ on Google Map and find you way!

Nam san Tower

Wednesday, 27 April 2011 07:55 Written by seansul 0 Comments

Namsan Seoul Tower

It is the best observatory space of Seoul, where you can appreciate all the panoramic scenery of Seoul with cutting edge media display with various culture.

□ Transportation

- Available Transportation when visiting N Seoul Tower

Ø  Namsan yellow bus No. 2 Namsan yellow bus No. 3

Ø  When drving a private car. Please park at near parking area and then ride a yellow bus/ or walk

Ø  Group visitor bus

Ø  Seoul City Tour bus

Ø  Deluxe taxi for foreign visitors

O Yellow bus ride (Yellow Namsan circulation bus No. 2)

l  Subway connection

No.2 exit (Daehan Theater) of Chungmuro Station (Line No. 3 and No. 4). No. 6 exit of Dongguk Univ. Station (Line No. 3)

l  Arrivals : every 5~8 Minutes.

l  Operation Hours : 08:00 ~ 24:00

l  Fare : 800 won in cash. 700 won with transportation card (free transfer)

O Yellow bus ride (Yellow Namsan circulation bus No.3)

l  Subway connection

No. 4 exit of Itaewon Station (Line No. 6). No. 2 exit of Hangangjin Station (Line No. 6)

l  Arrivals : every 8 ~ 10 minutes

l  Operation Hours : 08:00 ~ 23:00

l  Fare : 800 won in cash. 700 won with transportation card (free transfer)

O Private carSeoul N Tower

l  All visitors, Please park private cars at near parking area in accordance with the government regulation to not permit to enter Namsan Park since May 1, 2005.

- Yellow bus near parking lots

Ø  Korea Freedom League parking lot : frre for 30 minutes. 500 won per 10 minutes after initial 30 minutes

(please show your N Seoul Tower observatory ticket at window at payment.)

Ø  National Theater parking lot : 1,000 won for initial 30 minutes. 500 won per 10 minutes after initial 30 minutes

(may not be available during performance at National. Theater on weekends)

Ø  Baekbeom Memorial hall square parking lot : 300 won per 10 minutes Namsan Cable car parking lot : Free for 30 minutes(only for cable car user). 500 won per 10 minutes after initial 30 minutes.

The Top Shopping Districts You Must Visit in Korea

Friday, 21 January 2011 09:03 Written by seansul 0 Comments

BARGAIN SHOPPING IN GANGBUK AREA

Namdaemun Market, which has been around for over 600 years, is a place for people to purchase various types of products at bargain prices. Within walking distance of the market is Myeong-dong, the busiest shopping district in Seoul. Because of its convenient location and popularity among international travelers, the Namdaemun Market and Myeongdong district have together become an international center for shopping. The Dongdaemun Market offers a totally different scene from Namdaemun: open from evening till dawn, the market offers a unique shopping experience unfound anywhere else. Here, visitors will find both local markets and large shopping malls where they can buy anything from fabric and lace to ready-made clothing and accessories.

Namdaemun Market

The largest market in Korea, with 600 years of history

Opened in 1964, the Namdaemun Market is the largest traditional market in Korea with various goods in store. All products are sold at affordable prices and the stores in this area also function as a wholesale market.

Most of the goods are made directly by the storeowners. Namdaemun Market opens from 11:00pm to 3:00am, and is crowded with retailers from all over the country. When day breaks, the site of busy Koreans bustling around th market, creates a unique scene that attracts tourists worldwide. The Namdaemun Market sells a variety of clothes, glasses, kitchenware, toys, mountain gear, fishing equipment, stationary, fine arts, accessories, hats, carpets, flowers, ginseng and imported goods.

Myeong-dong

Myeong-dong is a massive shopping district. Myeong-dong Street is around 1km long and extends from Myeong-dong Subway Station (Seoul Subway Line No. 4) to Lotte Department Store at Euljiro. All kinds of brand name shops and department stores are clustered along the streets and alleyways. You can purchase various products such as clothes, shoes, and accessories. Compared to Namdaemun or Dongdaemun, many good-quality brands are sold in Myeong-dong. Such stores include Lotte Department Store, Shinsegae Department Store, Myeong-dong Migliore, Noon Square and M Plaza. You can purchase good-quality products at the department stores or other fashionable products at reasonable prices at Migliore or Myeong-dong Clothes.. Moreover, all kinds of brand shops are densely located along the main street and lanes.

Myeong-dong also has family restaurants, fast food, and Korean, Western and Japanese food. Many restaurants in Myeong-dong specialize in pork cutlet and kalguksu (noodles). Other than restaurants, there are many convenient facilities such as hair salons, banks and theaters. Myeong-dong Catholic Church is also a famous tourist attraction. It is the first and main church ofCatholicism in Korea and was built in the Gothic style. Behind the church is a space where you can relax from long hours of touring.

Dongdaemun Market

The Dongdaemun Shopping Complex is one of Korea’s most representative markets and was founded on December 23, 1970 as the largest of its kind in Asia. In December in 1985, the Dongdaemun Shopping Town was established, and now the area encompasses five buildings in total (A, B, C, D and the Shopping Town). There are over 5,000 shops located in this district, selling various fabrics, materials, accessories, wedding products, and more. The fabric and clothing here are of the latest fashion trends in the world. Inventory is imported and exported in real time, making Dongdaemun a must-visit fashion market for everyone.

HIGH-END SHOPPING IN GANGNAM AREA

The Gangnam area is usually associated with high-end shopping. The districts of Sinsa-dong, Apgujeong-dong, and Cheongdam-dong are lined with designer brand fashion stores catering to the rich and famous. Garosugil in Sinsa-dong has a distinct, trendy ambience and is lined with charming cafés, restaurants, stores, and galleries. It is a great place to shop or just take a walk and look around. The fashion streets in Rodeo, Apgujeong-dong cater to those who are very serious about fashion and beauty. The area is lined with department stores featuring luxury designer brands and famous local and international designer shops. With luck, visitors can even spot Korean celebrities shopping in the area.

Sinsa-dong Garosugil Street

As the Korean name implies (Garosugil means “tree-lined street”), this street is famous for the trees, which line both sides of the 700m-long promenade. In summer, the trees’ luscious green leaves provide welcome shade for shoppers, and in autumn these ginkgo trees turn golden. This sophisticated, up-and-coming street is flanked with all sorts of trendy shops and European-style cafes. You can stroll along shopping at your own leisurely pace and then relax on café terraces with coffee and a tasty desert.

Apgujeong Rodeo Street

The center for the latest fashion trends, luxury designer brands, and hair shops

Apgujeong Rodeo Street is the leading fashion mecca, formed as a cultural zone with a high propensity for consumption. It creates leading fashion trends, customer friendly shops, foreign brand name shops with high-quality goods, reasonably priced hip hop fashion shops, and accessory shops. There are many cafes with unique interior designs, as well as many Korean, Thai and Japanese restaurants. Beauty clinics are clustered on the streets and due to this atmosphere, Rodeo Street attracts many youngsters.

Recently, many theaters have moved from Chungmuro to the vicinity of “Rodeo Street,” which is emerging as a new theater space as well. Along with the opening of Multi-Plex Cine-City, more theaters such as Cinehouse, Cineplus, and Nanta Theater (non-speaking performances) have moved into the area, and it is now a full-blown cultural zone for youngsters. If you get lucky, you may meet famous Korean celebrities as they make frequent visits to the area.

COEX Mall

COEX Mall is the largest underground shopping center in Asia. It is located in the basement of the Korea World Trade Center, located in Samseong-dong in the Gangnam-gu area of Seoul. The colossal shopping center stretches from Samseong station (subway line 2) in the south all the way to Bongeunsa temple in the north, and is considered to be the best shopping and entertainment complex in the area.

The complex’s entertaining design takes the theme of Water Journey, and its main route is divided into the Summit Walk, Forest Walk, Lake Walk, Waterfall Walk, Canyon Walk, Riverside Walk, Tropic Walk and Ocean Walk. Despite the complex’s huge size, visitors need not worry about getting lost. By simply following the main route you will reach most parts of the complex, and there are also signs in English.

Along the main route, visitors will find the Lake food court with 16 restaurants (Korean, Chinese, Japanese and Western-style), the event court (where concerts and performances are staged), the Bandi & Luni’s bookstore (where you can find English books on Korean culture and history), and plenty of brand name stores. Visitors can find major international brands of leisure and sports clothing in a section of COEX mall that is operated by Hyundai Department Store.

There are also plenty of attractions for those visitors looking for a break from shopping. The Game Champ video arcade has 100 of the latest game devices, while the Megabox Cineplex has 16 theaters screening a wide selection of movies. Other popular attractions include the COEX Aquarium, with its water tunnel, and the Kimchi Museum, where visitors can learn everything they need to know about Korea’s favorite food, and even try some of it.

Korea’s Top 10 Tourist Destinations

Friday, 21 January 2011 08:57 Written by seansul 0 Comments

No.1 Traditional Market Tour (Namdaemun Market, Dongdaemun Market, Myeong-dong and Insa-dong)

As a time-honored traditional haven, Namdaemun Market makes for an ideal place to soak in the shopping scene with its unlimited street-vendors, and myriad restaurants. If it’s the latest fashion trends you’re after, Dongdaemun Market never sleeps, greeting shoppers from 10am to as late as 5am the following morning. The area is bustling with energetic Koreans even at dawn. Myeong-dong, which was rated the number-one destination visited by foreign tourists, is crowded with people all year round.

It has a longstanding reputation for attracting the young and fashionable aficionados. The cozy, narrow streets of Insa-dong are lined with antique shops selling old-fashioned books, paintings and ceramics. The many elusive alleyways boast a variety of teahouses serving traditional teas and eateries selling bindaeddeok (Korean-style pancakes) and makgeolli (rice wine).

No.2 Gyeongju Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto Tour

Regarded as a “roofless museum,” Gyeongju has numerous relics and remains dating all the way back to the Silla Kingdom (BC 57 -AD 935).

In particular, Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto, which have both been designated World Cultural Heritage Sites by UNESCO, are must-see destinations.

Dabotap and Seokgatap, granite pagodas engraved with bamboo and lotus flower patterns, are popular spots for photo opportunities. Seokguram Grotto is a dome-shaped stone cave made from some 360 granite plates. The marveling construction of Seokguram Grotto, built with unprecedented precision, features a gem on the forehead of the beautiful and magnificent Buddha statue and is an incredible sight to behold at sunrise.

No.3 DMZ-Tour

The DMZ is a place where you can see the truce line that separates Korea into south and north, making it the only divided country in the world. As public access to the DMZ is strictly restricted and the area is guarded by both South and North Korean soldiers, the DMZ remains a virtually undisturbed zone. Therefore, rare plants and animals are often spotted there. You can also see stern guards defending their respective territories at the Panmunjeom security posts. You may even get a glimpse of North Korean residents through a telescope at any number of observatories.

No.4 Busan’s Haeundae Beach and Jagalchi Market Tour

Busan, a beautiful port city on the Korean Peninsula surrounded on three sides by ocean, features perfect harmony between vast sandy beaches and coastline. Haeundae Beach is considered a landmark in Busan as it is frequented by international and Korean tourists alike, particularly during the summer vacation season. Jagalchi Market, located near Haeundae, is Korea’s largest fish market. It sells a variety of fish caught off of Haeundae’s coast. Jagalchi offers the delight of sampling fresh sushi as merchants prepare it on the spot.

No.5 Jeju UNESCO Natural Heritage Tour

Jeju Island, Korea’s southernmost island, was formed as a direct result of volcanic activity. Its natural beauty is globally recognized as it was designated a World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO in June 2007.

The Jeju tour offers a number of places to appreciate the mystery and beauty of nature. There is a legend about Baekrokdam Lake at Hallasan Mountain where wizards are said to have frolicked here. And though the Geomun Oreum lava caves were created a long time ago, their inner structures are well preserved and lava pillars show traces of where lava onced flowed. Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak (Sunrise Peak) is a perfect spot to watch the magnificent view of the sun rising over the sea cliffs at dawn.

No.6 Tradition Experience Tour (Andong Hahoe Village & Korea Folk Village)

Are you interested in the lifestyle of ancient Koreans? If so, be sure to check out both Andong Hahoe Village and Korea Folk Village. You can learn about the old homes, traditional games and folk culture of Korean ancestors all in one place.

The ancient houses at Hahoe Village are traditional Korean-style houses that are thousands of years old. More surprisingly, they are still inhabited by people today. There is a program that gives tourists a chance to spend a night in one of the houses. The Hohoe Byeolsingut Exorcism, which has been designated an important intangible cultural asset, is staged at 3 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday from March through November. Admission is free.

No.7 Korea Buddhist Temple Tour (Haeinsa Temple, Tongdosa Temple, Songgwangsa Temple, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple)

Korea’s Buddhist temples are located deep within mountains, and are in perfect harmony with the surrounding nature. Haeinsa Temple, located at Gaya Mountain, is one of three major Buddhist temples in Korea.  is home to Tripitaka Koreana, a national treasure created to protect the country from foreign invasion.

Tongdosa Temple is famous for not having any Buddhist statues in the temple. However, you must stop by its main building, which have sarira (marble-shaped relics retrieved after cremating Buddha) enshrined in the place of a Buddha statue. Nicknamed “a prison in heaven,”

Songgwangsa Temple means “a rest area for clouds and winds.” It is an ideal spot to relax body and mind. Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is a temple frequented by tourists visiting Busan. It features picturesque scenery as it towers over the ocean. It offers many other attractions, including a dragon-shaped stone sculpture, Korea’s largest Buddha statue, and a wishing rock.

No.8 Famous Mountain Tour (Seoraksan Mountain, Jirisan Mountain, Geumgangsan Mountain)

A mountain climber was once asked, “Why do you climb a mountain?” and he answered, “Because there is a mountain.”Korea is a perfect place for such an enthusiast as the majority of its landscape is covered with mountains. In addition to a sense of accomplishment upon conquering their peaks, Seoraksan Mountain, Jirisan Mountain and Geumgangsan Mountain offer the pleasure of a beautiful nature experience.

Seoraksan Mountain has a number of peaks and valleys, including Korea’s third-highest peak, Hangyeryeong. Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it is home to diverse species of plants and animals.

The origins of the name of Jirisan Mountain, Korea’s first national park, lead to a popular belief that the mountain has the power to turn a foolish person wise. Though it is famous for its steep and towering peaks, it is also good for family climbers as there are various paths on the mountain.

Geumgangsan Mountain, located in North Korea, commands a unique view in each season, and so it has a different name for each season: Geumgangsan Mountain, Bongraesan Mountain, Pungaksan Mountain and Gaegolsan Mountain. You will need to sign up for a package tour to visit Geumgangsan Mountain. Among four different courses, all of which feature the seasonal beauty of Geumgangsan Mountain, Guryongyeon Falls is not to be missed.

No.9 Ancient Palace Tour (Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Deoksugung Palace)

Built during the Joseon dynasty (1392-1910), Gyeongbokgung Palace is recognized as the finest among the five major palaces. As a main palace representing the Joseon dynasty, it was a residence for royal families and a place where official ceremonies and rituals were held. It is a famous destination and a favorite among foreign tourists who visit Seoul.

Changdeokgung Palace is a secondary palace built after Gyeongbokgung. Its original form is the best preserved of all the royal palaces of the Joseon dynasty. Its rear garden with its harmony of nature and man-made structures is known for its tremendous beauty. Untouched natural settings and pavilions create a garden that is truly fit for a royal king.

Deoksugung is a royal palace where King Gojong, the 26th king of the Joseon dynasty, lived until his final days. Especially famous are Seokjojeon, which hosted foreign envoys, and the stonewall path that has a superstitious belief associated with it that lovers who walk along the wall together will break up.

No.10 Gangwon-do Ski Tour

Gangwon-do is a haven for Korean skiers as winter begins earliest here in Korea and it is famous for heavy snowfalls throughout the winter. Skiers have a wide selection as Gangwon-do’s ski resorts offer diverse slopes and various facilities. Yongpyeong Resort, where international competitions have been held, has 31 slopes available for skiers of all levels.

Daemyung Vivaldi Park is ideal for young skiers who want to ski well into the night. Those who do not want to ski can have fun at Ocean World, an indoor water park located underground, beneath the resort. At Gangwon Land High 1 Ski Resort, you can enjoy gambling as well as skiing. It is connected by Korea’s only ski train, and the ride to the ski resort adds to the overall sense of entertainment.