here comes the anxiety like piu piu piu

Basics

• Korean language

• Learn how to read hangul, if possible (but don't worrylah)
• Phrases:
• Helpful phrases: http://blog.thearrivalstore.com/travel/15-korean-phrases-learn-first/
• Numbers: You can remember them but in terms of prices, as long as you have a calculator in your phone, you're good to go. 

• Accommodation
• I used booking.com and made early bookings (1-4months before) to lock in cheap prices in won. I always selected the Free Cancellation option but make sure to keep track of the cancellation dates.
• Most accommodations require cash payment.

• Operating hours: Always check as most places like museums, war memorials and markets are closed on Mondays.

•  Airport transportations (AREX, Bus/Airport limousine,  Taxi): http://asiaenglish.visitkorea.or.kr/ena/GK/GK_EN_2_2_2_3.jsp
• AREX: Can choose either All Stop or Express train
• Bus/Airport limousine details: http://www.airportlimousine.co.kr/eng/lbr/all/lbr02_2_6000.php

•  T-money information: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/TR/TR_EN_5_4.jsp
• This is essentially a Touch n Go card or a Myki card(Melbourne). I topped up 60,000won for 8 days, including the airport limousine/bus and used up almost all of it.

• Holy brochure: http://english.seoul.go.kr/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/guide.pdf (Available at the tourist information booth at Incheon International Airport)

• Subway station: The subway station map is very self explanatory and all you have to do is take note of the direction. Also, do download the subway applications. I used the yellow one and it could be used even without wifi -so convenient!
  
  Aside from the applications, you can plan journeys and costs using this: https://www.smrt.co.kr/program/cyberStation/main2.jsp?lang=e

• Everland
• Ticket: https://www.everland.com/web/multi/english/everland/everland_guide/ticket/Tickets_and_Coupons.html (Check often for discounts. We were fortunate enough to only pay 36,000won instead of 52,000won. In this case, it would probably be better to follow tours like Daesung Tour or Funtastic Tour)
• If you choose to go by yourself, you can catch the red bus #5002 to Everland. Use We used Exit 6 from Gangnam station and the bus station was in the middle of the main road.  

• Nami Island:
•  Tickets: Entrance fees are 8,000won each for Nami Island, Petite France and Garden of Morning Calm
• To get to Gapyeong station, you can use ITX, shuttle bus or the normal train. I opted for ITX since it was the most convenient option and we boarded the ITX from Cheongnyangni station for 4000won (one way).
• Gapyeong station -> Nami Wharf: Use the shuttle bus (6,000won). You will need this ticket to get from Nami Wharf to Petite France and/or to Garden of Morning Calm or elsewhere. The line will get pretty long so run for it.
• Going home: Use the bus to get to Cheongpyeong station and from there, use the app to find your way home lol

• Namsan Tower/ N Seoul Tower: http://www.nseoultower.co.kr/eng/visit/traffic.asp (For transportation and admission)

 ***All the above information are based on  personal experiences. Of course there are alternatives to get to your destination.

General expenses (may fluctuate according to exchange rates)

1. Accommodation: Bong House (120,000 won) + SP Itaewon (40,000won) = 160,000won (~RM560)
2. Transport: T money (60,000won) + one way ITX to Nami Island (4,000won) + Shuttle bus on Nami Island (6,000won) = 70,000won (~RM245)
3. Admission fees: Nami Island (8,000won) + Garden of Morning Calm (8,000won) + Gyeongbokgung Palace (3,000won) + Everland (36,000won *discounted) = 55,000won (~RM195)

Excluding flight tickets, the basic expenses in Seoul as mentioned above amounted to RM1000 but I would give a leeway up to RM1200. Ate out at a restaurant once and we saved a lot since we brought our own food. However, I kept buying street food like odeng/fish cake, cotton candy, kimbap, breads etc and that amounted to RM150-200. The rest was shopping.

That's all for now xo

Seoul trip IV: Shopping + Palace

Day 7 - 27/3/2016:

Malasnya nak blog hahaha.

Went to Namdaemun Market first. (The accessories place was closed, though). Bought souvenirs like bookmarks, pouches, stickers, etc. I suggest to pusing some shops first and survey the prices. Also, if you buy a lot, don't forget to ask for discounts.

The next destination was Myeongdong so we went to the station to catch the train. There was a pop up store with cute socks so I grabbed 10 hahaha. 1,000won each! Upon reaching Myeongdong, I went to almost all cosmetic stores to buy my sister's stuff. Will list down what I bought later on.

When night approached, we got hungry so we checked out the street foods available. Had ddeokbokki and odeng first. Then I wanted to buy a twister potato so I went by myself. Was waiting for mine when the person at the next stall said "Assalamualaikum". It turns out that the food vendor was selling halal kebab and hotteok! My friends had a long chat with the owner while I was too busy eating.

Visited more shops and Seet got pulled into a less-than-aggressive-but-I-won't-let-you-go-until-you-buy-our-products selling at The Saem. I was there with her and it was really tough to communicate in Korean the whole time but we were later joined by a salesperson who could speak in English. So the problem doubled since they were seriously trying to convince Seet to buy, in Korean and in English #doubletrouble. Tried to explain that we had limited cash since she has to go to Busan later and blablabla, it took SO LONG until Aliana came and brought backup aka Maryam. Managed to leave soon after though phew.

Spent time at Aritaum, for Laneige products and headed over to Skinfood to buy masks for my mom and sister. I was welcomed by a friendly salesperson who inquired me about hijab and "was black the only colour I could wear?" (because I was wearing black). Said no and I showed her pictures of other hijabs and she complimented on how pretty they were. Friends came soon with colourful hijabs and I saw her eyes going *_____* Hahahaha. Very friendly.

Went back home at midnight I think. And again with the routine of having late dinner, having small talks and sleep.

Day 8 - 28/3/2016:

Last day!

Left the house earlier to do some last minute shoppings. If I forgot to mention, there were lots of shops near our accommodation so I could easily get everything there, with the exception of the Missha and Tony Moly brands.

Headed to the King Sejong statue and Gyeongbokgung palace after that. At the palace, we paid for admission and went through some gates. This is a very important mention as there were security keeping watch and there was a guy who made our jaws dropped because he had the cleanest face I have ever seen in real life. We stared. Wait, did we? I know I did.

Went to Bukchon Hanok Palace afterwards where we visited an old-skool housing area. Also visited a craft shop where one can send out a postcard! (Which I did) Later on, we checked out Lotte Mart at Seoul station. It was pretty late once we were done so we had a mini adventure at Grilled Fish Market in Dongdaemun Market. The area was dodgy and I wish I could elaborate further on our adventure but all I can say is we settled at a random ajumma's restaurant where we had grilled fish, kimchi jjigae, kimchi and rice. This was where Maryam's korean skills was fully tested and mine, too! Macam ni lah pengalaman travel sendiri tanpa tour. Survival baby~

Balik at 10.30pm since I had to pack. It was 1am but I inquired at the reception on how to get a taxi to get to Seoul Station so I could get to the airport but it turned out that there was a direct airport bus available for 10,000won! The kind girl told me to inform my friends as well but I said "nope, NEVAAAAAR" and then she laughed and the random guy chuckled and all 3 of us laughed kejap lol. Before I left, she said "Hope you enjoyed your stay and man I love your scarf". I was tired and exhausted but the small talk made me feel good so hehe yeayyyy thanks. Finished packing at 3am, slept for a bit and left at 6.45am.

The end  --

Random notes:

• Didn't get to visit Yeouido Park, Namsan tower, and Gangnam. 
• I have pretty friends so everywhere we went, people would compliment on how pretty they were while I just watched from the sidelines (ececece hahahaha)
• Will definitely miss going to convenience stores at 12-2am.
• Hope to visit soooooon!

Skipped souvenirs and bought the following items for myself.

• Socks socks soooocks
• 4 books and 1 pen. The books were only 700 won each (~RM2.50) and I got them from Artbox (that place is holy)
• Cosmetics : Sleeping pack, masks, serum, aloe vera, hand lotions, bb cushion, compact powder, nose packs, cleansing water and my now-favourite mascara from Nature Republic. (Btw, you can still last minute shop at the airport (which I did) and some items are cheaper there but the range is limited)

I got a lot of samples since I bought a lot of things everywhere (for my sister and friend). Also got a bunch of samples from Nature Republic at Ewha Station. The salesgirl spoke fluent English and I bought 6 items (which were mostly on sale).

Girl: *Looks at Seet* Oh my god your eyelashes are so long I'm so jealous
Me: I'm jealous of her eyelashes too let's stare at her together

Girl: That will be ***** won. Here are your free samples.
Me: (jokingly) Iz dat all lel
Girl: Oh you want more? *GRABS ALL SAMPLES AND TAKES 4 OF EACH SAMPLE*
Me: Omagaaaad lel thank you much I love you

Ya come on la I'm such a freebies hoarder huhu but she was really kind and made my shopping experience fun. A+ for awesome customer service!

Ok before I end this post, I just want to say that I had leftover cash because I am the kind of person who will only buy what I need and hey, most of my purchases were on sale. Guess I have to visit Seoul again to make use of the leftover cash hohohohohohohohohohho

Seoul trip III: Everland + Hongdae

Day 5 - 25/3/2016:

EVERLAND!!!!!!!! Emotional attachment warning.

The Nami Island trip was tiring and we ended up sleeping late. Initially wanted to join a tour group for Everland because it's cheaper that way but we woke up at 10am...? Thus, we took our own sweet time and traveled via bus from Gangnam station's Exit 6. We got discount tickets for the entrance tickets too, obtainable from the official website. All in all, it wasn't that expensive and we could explore Everland at our own pace, as compared to following a tour.

It was the coldest day during our trip and we spent it at Everland lol. When we arrived at Everland at 12.30pm, we took a map and properly planned our course. Had to decide between all rides and some rides + zootopia so we opted for all rides.

First, we headed to European Adventure and placed our bags in the locker place. Once done, we rushed to queue for the most extreme ride: T Express! "Experience the steepest ride in the world with a top speed of 104km per hour at a 77-degree angle. The world's superb wooden roller coaster will leave you with unforgettable memories that you can treasure forever." Can yall deal with that?! We queued for less than an hour but anyway, tak perasan since we were busy bercerita. The wait was worth it nonetheless, because the ride was exhilarating!! Rasa nak mati tu ada so banyakkanlah berzikir masa naik tu ok hahaha. I screamed for the first part but the guys behind me were so silent and cam tak faham asal takde bunyi langsung. Macam awkward to scream so I laughed after that. Aliana was beside me and her expression showed "adakah ini kehidupan sebenar?" so tu pun dah confuse nak jerit ke gelak ke senyap hahahahaha.

What we rode:

1. T- Express (9.5/10) - Bezzzzzz
2. Mystery Mansion (2/10) - Had to shoot lasers like piupiu. Boring lel.
3. Rotating House (4/10) - Our seats rotated inside the room. Pening sikit.
4. Let's Twist (9/10) - Sat at the end. While I was hanging mid-air, I saw a glimpse of Everland and it was gorgeous.
5. Rolling X Train (8.7/10) - Very fast ride and the course had spirals and 2 complete loops.
6. Double Rock Spin (8.5/10) - It was a lot of spins. Spins were a little confined compared to Let's Twist but fun nonetheless.
7. Hurricane (8/10) - As the name suggested, the ride was like a hurricane. I didn't expect it to be fun.
8. Columbus Adventure/Viking (6/10) - Ala kapal je. Gerak macam pendulum. There were a group of friends across us and we had a mini series of reciprocating 'WOOHOO'. Lol fun times
9. Cable car - Wanted to see the fireworks when we were in it but it stopped when we got on.  Rushed to the garden to snap pictures afterwards

 *Mentioned rides were in European and American Adventure sections

Let's Twist. Credit: Google Images

Had late lunch at the designated picnic area and prayed at a prayer room near the Mystery Mansion. There were no telekungs and the room is shared for both women and men by the way. Still, syukur for the convenience of having a prayer space. At the end of the day, we rode the cable car in hopes to see the fireworks but it stopped when we got on.  Rushed to the garden to snap pictures afterwards but it was already a little past 9pm and lights went out #badluck haha.

Can't believe we went on rides at night time and it was what, approximately 4-6 degrees then? Crazy experience. Headed home after that and ate some odeng along the way. Had rice once we reached home and slept right after.

Day 6 - 26/3/2016:

Macam biasa, bangun lambat hahaha. We reached home around 12am ke 1am the night before ok. Headed out to Hongdae in the afternoon.

Hongdae was so alive with flea markets, street performances and street foods. Bought socks and sunglasses. Ate kebab. Went to Style Nanda where Aliana, accompanied by Maryam creepy stalked a Thai artist while Seet and I main mekap hahaha. Afterwards, we went to Ehwa University. Looked for a Musolla but failed when the place was locked so we prayed at a dark corridor in the ECC area. During this time, my 'introvert' switch flipped so I kind of shut down and needed my own space but it didn't last long thankfully, maybe because I grew up. Since Maryam knows me the longest, I think she noticed haha hai Yamzz. Think the term 'extroverted introvert' describes me well and this is a normal occurrence, I believe tapi masih bisa diperbaiki :B

That's all for Hongdae.

*Tak banyak gambar sebab sibuk jalan lelz

Seoul trip II: Cheonggyecheon + Nami Island

Day 3 - 23/3/2016:

Slept on my sunglasses so it broke.... My watch also died on me sjldhsjhs stress. Decided to wake up early to go look for replacements. Sunglasses cannot be found anywhere and as for the watch, there was a G-Factory shop nearby. Inquired the cost to replace my battery which turned out to be 12,000won (~RM42) but family and friends said that was expensive. I guess I forgot to mention that my watch is a Baby G watch. Anyway I didn't change it and I regret it till today since it costs RM70 here and will take around one month(?). Doooooown. Btw the watches there were beautiful and trendy. Price range was not so bad, too.

I was at Etude House to get my sister's eye primer when Maryam messaged me saying they were on their way to Hyehwa, my next accommodation. Had to check out before 12pm too, so I rushed back home, returned the key and got back my deposit.

Itaewon to Hyehwa station required one exchange which was fine but I had to drag my big luggage and my limping leg around so that was not cool. Yeap, my leg was starting to feel painful around this time and I couldn't bend it like Beckham. Upon reaching Hyehwa station, good Lord, the subway stairs were dsfdslajfkljfjsafjdwljdksajdlk!!!! (because of my leg pain, you see) Whilst bearing the pain, I carried my luggage up the stairs and you know what I saw?

A soldier was handing a bouquet of flowers to his girlfriend.

Kau ingat ni drama ke apa??? Hahahaha but for real though. The atmosphere was quite busy and happening and I could tell that the people there were university students. Made my way to the next accommodation called Bong House and I did follow the map given, or so I thought. Took the wrong turn and ended up elsewhere. Tried to ask people but they didn't know until this kind couple showed me the right path. 

Lady: This place- very far. Turn back and go right. Very far.

Me: 찐짜?! Really? 아이고 (ha kau korean aku dah keluar)

Lady: ㅎㅎㅎㅎ

So I followed her directions and according to the map, there was supposed to be a coffee shop called Ediya Coffee but it was nowhere to be found. So I asked this cute guy at a random coffee stall and he was like "아....너무 이상해" (Ah, very weird) and he kept thinking....and thinking... and thinking.... and at last! "Coffee shop.. change name".  Apparently the coffee shop changed the signboard. Sumpah nak flip table time tu jugak. I was basically at the right intersection already ok. Said my thanks and made my way to the guesthouse, only to find that the receptionists went out for lunch. There were two Germans chilling out at the common room and they were really friendly but I was half dying because I had asthma so I was all "Ok hold on a sec cuz I haz asthma I need to chill I need to take deep breaths" so I squatted near the sofa. HAHAHA SUPER LOL but seriously though I couldn't believe I got asthma again since mine's in control hm. Anyway, we kept talking until the receptionists came back. Went to the room to put my bags and went out again to fetch the girls since they just arrived and I was pretty sure they got lost, which they did. 

Our room was a 4 bedroom but we got upgraded to a 5 bedroom. It was ensuite/ had a private bathroom, kitchenette, refrigerator, washing machine and a place to hang the clothes (beyond the sliding door). We requested for a rice cooker and borrowed a pot from the common kitchen. Brought our own food, cutleries and a lot of food. A lot. I'm not kidding, they brought a lot tahap boleh buka kedai runcit hahaha.

Back to the story. It was a tiring journey so they slept for a bit. Pancit kot trave lel been there, done that. Had a late lunch and off we headed to Cheonggyecheon (청계천) Stream. Stuck around until night time. It was already cold and we were walking across a stream = lagi bapak sejuk. Stopped by at Tom N Toms to get heat and a super bomb hot chocolate. Only took a sip since I'm semi-lactose intolerant. (rasa macam full je but idk)

FROM LEFT: SEET/SITI, AINIL (itu gua), ALIANA, MARYAM

*From now onwards, picture credits go to them :D

Later on, we decided to go to Itaewon to get some halal food. It was an uphill battle okay and it really tested my leg pain. Told my friends to dump me but they were very kind to match my pace, wait for me and held my hands awuuuu. This is the perks of travelling in a group. You get to know others better and oh myyyy I was/still am very glad I ended up with this bunch. It was 9pm when we reached Makan Halal Restaurant. The food ranged from 8,000won-12,000won I think. The side dishes (banchan/반찬) were yummy especially the seaweed. Only got this shot but please believe me when I say that their dishes were all A++++. The foods tasted similar to the foods I had at Koryowon, KLCC so I won't miss it that much :p

Makan Halal Restaurant: 

- 52 usadanro 10 gil, 용산구 서울특별시 South Korea (10.30am-10pm)

 

Day 4 - 24/3/2016: 

It's Nami Island day! We woke up late and started our journey at 11am something. Or was it 12pm? Can't remember but just a heads up: we start our days around noon time from this point on. Anyway, dropped by Daiso to get a knee guard and hot packs because the cold was no joke.



Generally, we used ITX via Cheongnyangni station to Gapyeong station -> Boarded a shuttle bus to Nami wharf -> Rode a ferry to and fro Nami Island -> Boarded the shuttle bus again to get to Garden of Morning Calm -> Again, used to bus to get to CheongPyeong Station -> Normal subway train to Hyehwa station *details later

Purchased the ITX tickets via machine that was in English so all iz well. Pastu dalam ITX tu ada akak tolak trolley jual makanan and minuman and I knew she sold hard boiled eggs. I just knew it entah cemana. So since we brought our own food, nak tambah lah sikit lauk kan. Lalu, Aliana and I made our way to her (we missed her the first time). I knew numbers in Korean but I only learnt it like a few days before so I was really slow. Buuuut thou shalt not fret for she had a calculator! Senang. At last, we got our eggs and Aliana got her banana milk.

At Gapyeong station, we boarded the bus first and later, a friendly Malaysian family passed by us with a "Nihonjin desu ka?" so I replied with a "Iie, mareshia jin desu" huahuahua #acah. (Bumped into them again on the island. So friendlyyyyyy) Next, after getting our tickets for Nami Island and while waiting for the ferry, a Korean couple approached us with "hai adik-adik manis" hahahahahahaha terkejut beruk okay. Apparently he was in Ampang for business previously and we chatted for a bit. Anyway, we explored Nami Island and took pictures here and there. Also had steamed buns with red bean along the way. Come lunch time, we ate near a scenic view and we bumped into the Korean couple again! The wife gave us her home made rice cake and it was yumz.

Uncle: Sedap?
Us: Sedapppp

All four of us told her that her ddeok/rice cake was really delicious and we talked with uncle lagi. All the while, uncle kept translating our conversations to his wife who couldn't speak in English so Maryam, who was able to converse in Korean, spoke to her.

*Malas nak type in Korean but really, this whole conversation was in Korean, walaupun broken
Mrym: Your rice cake was sooooo delicious.
Wifeu: Omooo thank you. Waaa you speak good Korean
Mrym: Oh, I learnt Korean before. blablabla The weather's pretty cold today
Wifeu: Yeah
Me: But it's okay, so long as we don't get a flu

Disclaimer: I didn't learn Korean before but I knew some words so campak je beb asalkan mesej sampai huahuahua.

I think she didn't expect Korean to come out of my mouth so she was like WAAAAAH and patted my back. Le wifeu was so happy that we liked her rice cake and still amazed at our Korean skillz (yasssss baby bongkak jap) so she gave us thumbs up and alahai she so kawaii okay.

After lunch, we went to pray at a musolla near the library. Basically, that was it. Please enjoy the following pictures.

Next, we rode a ferry to get to Nami wharf. Had to catch a shuttle bus so we ran for it (kaki sakit gila omg) and lucky us, we were the very last batch to get on the bus. Stood for almost 55 minutes and phew pening gila. To summarise The Garden of Morning Calm, it was basically an amazing garden with beautiful, colourful flowers and trees. Come night time, the whole garden will be light up with decorative lights place across the flowers and trees so the view was magnificent. The 3 of them explored the garden more than I did since my leg pain came back and I had to save the pain for the next day lel.

When we left the garden, we were super hungry and there were mini shops nearby so we got some odeng/omeok/fish cakes and gyeran bbang/egg bread (FAVOURITE). Caught the last shuttle bus to the station and arrived home pretty late since we had dinner when it was almost 1am. This went on for several day lol.

Fun fact: The inspiration for the garden stemmed from a poem written by Sir Tagore, a great Indian poet, who described Korea during the Joseon Dynasty as "The Land of the Morning Calm."