I made a day trip tu busan using the ktx high speed rail n only managed to visit haeundae beach n jagalchi market. I would hv stayed longer if i had planned in advance. I couldn't make up my mind if i wanted to go there until i reached seoul. I bought my return trip tix 2 days in advance from seoul station.  the tix can be bought from any ktx station.

I would suggest u print out seoul subway map n bring it along. It would be helpful for those who hv never been there. I used it to check every now n then if i'm on the right train n also to plan my route in advance.

The weather is absolutely freezing the last couple of days. Make sure u hv the right clothing otherwise u wouldn't enjoy your trip. U may even feel like staying indoors instead of going out jalan jalan or shopping. Gloves is a necessity.

I followed the advise of forumers here n i can vouch for these.....

1. Don't worry if u don't speak korean. The workers in most tourist shopping district i.e myeongdong n dongdaemun speak mandarin. Knowing basic greeting i.e annyeonghasseyeo (hello) n kamsahamnida (thank you) is quite frankly, good enough. If all else fails use the universal language... body language.
2. T-money is a must hv the moment u step off the plane for convenience to use for subway, taxi n bus.
3. If u nd help with directions ask the younger generations. They r mostly helpful n can speak n understand simple english.
4. Activity in dongdaemun picks up frm 9pm to 4.30am. Quite a number of street tent stalls, like the ones u see in k-dramas.
5. Namdaemun to me looks like korean's version of petaling street
6. Myeongdong more on skincare n ladies stuff, inc souvenirs
7. Dongdaemun is shopping heaven for clothing n apparels. Multiple malls that operate until 4.30am, inc roadside tent vendors