On December 27 last year, I took a trip to Korea. It was my first trip returning to Korea after 5 years. It was winter and extremely cold. There were 5 of us for this trip. The weather during the day time is around -9 Celsius and can go up to around -14 Celsius at night. We were wearing at least 2 layers of clothes inside, with scarf, hand gloves, ear covers, face mask and hats. We even carry hot pads with us. The air was pretty dry and it was really cold when the wind blows. I can say that we were pretty good as none of us fall ill during the trip. Thumbs up everyone!
Day 1: Arrival
As we arrived at Incheon Airport, it was cold but bearable. We can see “smoke” as we were breathing. We took the Airport Limousine (6015) to Chungjeongno where Bangrang Hostel is. The fare is 10,000 won.
The dorm of 6 costs 16,100 won per pax per night. The rooms and the common area are separated while the toilet and bathroom is outside, which is rather inconvenient. In addition, the dorm of 6 is really narrow. We shared the room with a Hong Kongese named Lawrence.
* For the ease of calculation, 1000 won = RM3.
Note: T-Money is a Seoul transportation card and can be used for train and buses, including Airport Limousine. The card costs 3,000 won and can be bought from GS25 convenient stores or the T-Money machines in subway. With T-Money, you can get discount coupons for restaurants and places, and discounts for transportation. You can also use T-Money like a prepaid card at GS25 convenient stores.
Day 2: Lotte World, COEX Mall
Breakfast is available for free at the Bangrang Hostel (bread and strawberry jam). The homemade strawberry jam is extremely nice and has been my favourite.
Due to the heavy snow, we changed our plan from visiting Everland to Lotte World. Lotte World is conveniently located near the Jamsil Station. Lotte Mart is there as well. We had more breakfast from 7-11 as we reached Jamsil station. Everyone was excited about the food and drinks available at 7-11. The coffee in Korea has always been my favourite and it only cost around 1,000 won to 1,500 won. For Starbucks coffee, it is around 2,000 won.
Heavy snow
With the coupon from Visit Korea website, we got the day pass for 32,000 won per pax. Lotte World is normally very pack regardless of weekdays or weekends. Therefore, it is recommended to go there early.
Lotte World indoor theme park
Lotte World outdoor theme park
Lotte World mascots - Xmas version
COEX Mall is a relaxing mall with aquarium and exhibition halls. If you are going there for shopping, then it may not be a good place as things there are generally branded and expensive. Well, you can also see shops like The Face Shop and Skin Food around easily.
Shopping tips:
There are free vouchers for foreigner which can be found in brochures. When I went, for The Face Shop, if you buy 50,000 won and above worth of products, you will get 5% discount and a colourful calendar. If you buy 100,000 won and above worth of products, you will get 10% discount, colourful calendars and posters.
A classical korean meal
Day 3: Sokcho, SeoraksanIn order to go to Sokcho, we need to take an express bus from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal, which is beside Gangbyeon Station (Seoul Subway Line No.2). Go to Exit 4 and walk straight. The building in front is the bus terminal. At the bus terminal, there are bus counters, restaurants and mini stalls. The bus fare to Sokcho is 16,100 won.
Sokcho is a small and relaxing city on the northeast side of Gangwon-do, 3 hours bus ride from Seoul, 10 minutes walk from Sokcho Intercity Bus Terminal. Almost everything there is considerably cheaper. We stayed in The House Hostel and the owner, Mr Yoo is really nice. He took the time to explain to us the attractions in Sokcho city and how to go around. In addition, the environment is cozy and the rooms are well furnished with TV, water dispenser, towels, hairdryer and comb. He even provided us with a new bottle of mineral water. It is the most money for value hostel I have ever come across.
The House Hostel
I think the only more crowded area in Sokcho will be Seoraksan, a mountain in the city, famous for its beauty and iconic scenery. The weather near Seoraksan was extremely cold. We took a city bus (no. 7 or 7-1, 1000 won) from hostel to Sokcho. Sokcho is the last stop and obviously you won’t miss it. Just as we stepped out of the bus, we felt a cold breeze running up our spines. Gosh, immediately we took out whatever we have to wrap up ourselves. You can either hike up to the mountain or take a cable car and walk for a bit. Of course, we took the cable car. A while ago, I was a bit ambitious and thought of exploring some of the areas like the temple on Seoraksan. I changed my mind as I got up there. It was really cold! The scene on Seoraksan is very beautiful with the trees and stones covered by snow. However, it can be a bit challenging. You need to have a pair of strong legs to get up to the top.
We have samgyeoksal buffet at 7,000 won per pax based on Mr Yoo’s recommendation. There are a lot of selections for meat from pork, beef to seafood. However, there is not much pre-cooked food. The seaweed soup is really nice and can refill once you have finished. We ordered a soju at 3,000 won. Overall it is considered as cheap and with the cold weather, you will need a lot of meat.
See FB for more photos. I will be updating the rest of the trip shortly :)
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