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