T-money Card
The T-money Card can be used for local buses and subways in Seoul and the surrounding Gyeonggi-do area. By using T-money, you can get a 100-won discount off the basic cash fare. It provides you with even more of a discount when making transfers. Perhaps the biggest benefit of this particular card is that it allows you to avoid the hassle of buying tickets, and the balance on the card minus 500 won can be refunded at any time during its use. T-money is a pre-paid card and the card price is 2,500 won. Users of the T-money card can get mileage points, which can be converted into T-money.

Card price : 2,500 won.
Vendors : Nearly all convenience stores, including GS25, and subway ticket booths.
Use : To pay fares for buses and subways in the Seoul and Gyeonggi area and build mileage points based on the total of fares paid. The mileage can be used to pay fares later on. To do so, the 16-digit number printed on the back of the card needs to be registered at www.t-money.co.kr.
Recharging locations : Vendor locations Refund locations : GS25 convenience store

http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/TR/TR_EN_5_4.jsp

Discount .... Discount .... Discount !!!

Who likes to travel within Seoul with FREE local transportation (i.e. free subway, free bus, sorry, tourist bus is not consider under transportation )

Ok, blessed are those traveling within the month of Aug & Sept 2011, for KTO is willing to offer FREE transportation money!
‘Korea Pass’ Event

☞ Description: Buy a Korea Pass card at one of the 11 sales locations, and automatically receive 10,000 won that can be used for transportation fees
※ Each person may purchase up to 2 Korea Pass cards.
※ Money can be added to the Korea Pass card balance at recharge machines located in subway stations.

☞ Period: August 1-September 30, 2011

☞ Sales Locations
 - INCHEON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT: Hana Bank Currency Exchange Counter (B1-1F),
                                                            Airport Railroad Station Information Desk (B1-1F)
 - GIMPO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT: Hana Bank Currency Exchange Counter (2F),
                                                        Airport Railroad Station Information Desk (B1)
 - SEOUL STATION: Airport Railroad Station Information Desk (B3)

☞ 1300 tt call center: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
☞ Korea Pass homepage: www.koreapass.or.kr/en
☞ Additional information on Korea Pass (English)

For strange reason, this is not show in koreapass website, but on KTO website, and this is widely discussed and got people excited at other travel forums too

Well, this is a special promotion for new sales counter, so you can ONLY get your free transportation fee reloaded into your card at the Incheon airport, Gimpo airport and Seoul station only.

If you get your KR pass in other outlets, there will be NO FREE transportation KRW 10,000 (this is almost RM30, and I worked out, if you are on backpack, this will easily means you get 4~5 days FREE subway tour) 

By the way KR pass is similar to a debit card, you can use at various shops, food outlets, tourist entrance fee, lodging, and don't forget, for those who is going to SHOP at Lotte, every KRW 50,000 you get KRW 5,000 discount.    Just remember to insist on the discount booklets that comes together.

From other forum, some of the vendor is really insisting to have the coupons AND the card before giving you the discounts, some not so fussy but there are people who are .... so let's just get it, and have fun at Seoul ^^

I rented 2 phones from KT SHOW (2000w /day) and it comes with a FREE T-money chip each phone. Just top up at the convenient store and you are good to go. The Iphone is FREE rental if you answer some questionnaires upon returning the phone. Iphone doesn't come with T-Money but the plus point is it has GPS with Google map.
I recommend to rent 2 phones because you can split the group to two in shopping complexes and save a lot of time.

I list down several halal makan place for our Muslims friends which mostly in Itaewon area:

Ssalam - Turkish dish
Mister Kebab - Turkish dish
Salam Bakery - Turkish bread/pastries
Dubai - Arab dish
Wazwan - Indian dish
Marrakech Night - Moroccon dish
Petra - Arab dish
Ali Baba - Egyptian dish
Alsaba - Pakistan dish
Muslim Mart - Supermarket selling groceries

Myeongdeong area
Myeongdong Andong Jjimdak & Bulgogi
Location: Myeongdong Station Exit 6 -2nd lane opposite Binsbean Cafe

Mr Pizza
Myeongdong Station Exit 6 - 2nd lane (selling seafood and vegan pizza)

Yukaney
Myeongdong Station Exit 7 - From Myeongdong main road straight to the junction until u see Nature Republic on the left. Turn right and then straight until you reach left junction. You can see Yukaney's signboard

Kebab at Namdaemun
Hoehyeon Station Exit 6 - u can see the shop from the main road

Dongdaemun
Jeonju Sikdang or Ikan Bakar
Dongdamun Station Exit 8 - walk straight until u see Daemyong building. Turn right and then turn left to the 2nd alley

Nami Island
Cafe Yeonga Jiga (Cafe Drama). This cafe located between Nami Historium and Winter Sonata Gallery.


Mosque
Seoul Central Mosque, Hannam dong, 732-21, Yongsan gu Seoul
www.koreaislam.org

Gyeonggi Gwangju Mosque
Yeogni,48-9, Gwangjus eup,Gwangju gun, Gyeongi Do

Daegu Mosque
Jamia Masjid Uthman Islam Centre Jukjeon dong,202-6,  Dalseo gu Daegu

Busan Mosque
Namsan dong, 30-1, Geumjeong gu Busan

Jeju Mosque
Daelim Apartment, 104-201,  Yeong dong, Jeju

If you rent a local Korea phone, the rates are:

-Rental Fee: VisitKorea member special rate - 1,700won/day
-Domestic call rates:90 won (0.07 USD)/10sec
-Charged by the airtime used
USA - 720 won (0.59 USD)/min
China - 960 won (0.78 USD)/min
Japan - 864 won (0.70 USD)/min
Calling Malaysia number should be <1000 won/min

The most cost efficient way for 4 person is

Rent 2 sets of call forwarding DID and 2 sets of Korea number. ie
Two person share one set each.

With this arrangement, you can split to two groups during shopping in complex without fear of missing. Korea to Korea domestic call is 90won/10sec.

I used these 2 Android Apps which I believe available for Iphone as well. Really help me during my trip.

Jihachul.

Korea subway on your phone, good for checking subway routes, distance and time taken. Not only Seoul, but Busan and other Korea cities as well.
I Tour Seoul

Basically an informative app which contains lots of info about Seoul, shows you how which subway station to reach a particular place.
Another app called Trip It, basically a travel app that allows you key in your itenary so you can easily refer on the phone. Sync with your flight itenaries as well. No need to carry so many papers to refer for flight info.

Trip It

Hi guys, will be going to Korea in May in a group of 5. Our plan is to head straight to Jeju once we reach Incheon. Our eta is 3.20PM. Is a flight from Gimpo to Jeju about 6.35PM okay? or should i get a later flight to avoid being late? And anyone knows roughly when are the promotion time for the jeju flight tickets?

and regarding driving in jeju, all I need is to obtain international driving licence from jpj then can dy? Thanks!

Hi guys, will be going to Korea in May in a group of 5. Our plan is to head straight to Jeju once we reach Incheon. Our eta is 3.20PM. Is a flight from Gimpo to Jeju about 6.35PM okay? or should i get a later flight to avoid being late? And anyone knows roughly when are the promotion time for the jeju flight tickets?

and regarding driving in jeju, all I need is to obtain international driving licence from jpj then can dy? Thanks!

U can check air busan now they usually have promo 6 months before, as for Eastarjet and jeju air it's 4months before departure they have promo
Yes IDP for driving in jeju. Pay rm150 and off u go. Valid for 1year

It will take about 1 hr from Gimpo to Jeju. It's still okay if u arrive around 8 or 9 pm especially if u plan to just stay in Jeju city once arrived. If u want to head straight to Seogwipo then it'll take around 45 mins - 1 hr driving.
Yes, you can apply IDL at JPJ. I would recommend renting a car from KT Kumho bcs they have lots of discount if u register as a member on their website

What i'm worried about is actually the transit time from Incheon - Gimpo. Still deciding on which flight timing i should take if i'm arriving Incheon at 3.20pm. As for car rental will have to think about it first. Friends are worried about driving around Jeju and might opt for hiring a driver instead. Thanks guys!

Hi guys, will be going to Korea in May in a group of 5. Our plan is to head straight to Jeju once we reach Incheon. Our eta is 3.20PM. Is a flight from Gimpo to Jeju about 6.35PM okay? or should i get a later flight to avoid being late? And anyone knows roughly when are the promotion time for the jeju flight tickets?

and regarding driving in jeju, all I need is to obtain international driving licence from jpj then can dy? Thanks!

Via AREX train, Incheon to Gimpo is ~30-40 min if I still can recall. AREX is not high speed train just like normal MRT. except they have Express version. I took the transit train i.e stopping at each stn and that's why slow down abit. If express probably faster.

let's make the itinerary..
3.20 arrival
3.20 - 4.20 imigration clearance
4.20 - 5.20 incheon - gimpo railway
6.20 - arrival  & check in (check in 1 hour earlier before departure)
7.20 departure..
So, i suggest your pick flight 7.20 or later...

Noted! Thanks alot!

Guys, roughly how much $ do I need if I going Jeju for 4 days and another 4 days in Seoul?

I am going mid of April this year and havent do any accommodation booking yet.

You're asking too general questions, that best answered if take a tour package...
variables you must calculate
-accomodations
-flights
-taxi/car rental
-attractions...

flight to jeju, the cheapest is around ~rm200 for return (gimpo-jeju) per person.. I'm not sure whether you can still get around that price... do check it yourself..

by the way, if you're going to jeju in spring, you must know that spring is the peak season for tourist coming to jeju.. so, you should start looking for accomodation now..

Guys.. what is the best route to go from Myeong dong to Vivaldi Park. Im staying in Namsan Guesthouse. Travelling for 11 days this month there.

Just follow any of the route mentioned here:
http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_....jsp?cid=266845

Hi, I would like to ask do I need to wait until the KT Kumho office to open only can return the car? Let say if my flight is at 9.30am back to Seoul, would it be too rush to return the car? Thanks in advance!

Contact them by email or inform them when you take your car. They will arrange someone to be there when you return the car..

I return mine at 7.30am 

Hey guys,I've got a few questions.can we still ski in mid march?any ski resorts still open at that time?and how cold is it during mid march?do we need to get long johns?down jacket?boots?gloves?

http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_....jsp?cid=266845

Morning
Time: 08:30–13:00
Lift: Adults 50,000 won / Children 35,000 won
Ski & Snow Board Rental: Adults 23,000 won / Children 16,000 won

Morning (new)
Time: 10:30–15:00
Prices: Adults 57,000 won / Children 40,000 won
Ski & Snow Board Rental: Adults 28,000 won / Children 19,000 won

Guys.. how much does it cost to ski..

Based on this info below, I assume we must pick Morning (new) rate, right?
So, the total cost per person wil be 57000 + 28000 (ski rental) = 85000W = ~RM261 ??
Is it that expensive to play a ski or am I missing something?
Second question, if I want to bring my family for skiing, among all the countries
in asia that have ski resorts, which one is the cheapest after including the flight costs and everything?

Tq.

Guys.. how much does it cost to ski..

Based on this info below, I assume we must pick Morning (new) rate, right?
So, the total cost per person wil be 57000 + 28000 (ski rental) = 85000W = ~RM261 ??
Is it that expensive to play a ski or am I missing something?
Second question, if I want to bring my family for skiing, among all the countries
in asia that have ski resorts, which one is the cheapest after including the flight costs and everything?

Tq.

Hi, need some suggestions here. I will be going to Korea from 14th March until 23rd March. My flight will arrive in Busan and depart from Seoul.

I am thinking to spend 3D2N in Busan (is it sufficient?) and 3D2N in Seoul (been to most tourist spot. So not going to spend too much time in Seoul). I have also been the Jeju.

Question is, where else should I visit? Any suggestions?

sufficient unless u want to spend more days in Busan. since u been to most tourist spot in Seoul than u just go for foods and walk around la.. so many things can be do in Seoul city ler.. haha

hi guys! need some suggestion. i'm going seoul this year and am first timer. should i get a ground tour or free n easy? which is better? as i know free&easy will be challenging,fun..but an elder going with me.. so yeah....btw my budget is (2-2.k)

hi guys! need some suggestion. i'm going seoul this year and am first timer. should i get a ground tour or free n easy? which is better? as i know free&easy will be challenging,fun..but an elder going with me.. so yeah....btw my budget is (2-2.k)

hi guys! need some suggestion. i'm going seoul this year and am first timer. should i get a ground tour or free n easy? which is better? as i know free&easy will be challenging,fun..but an elder going with me.. so yeah....btw my budget is (2-2.k)

Hi guys,

I just checked eastarjet for Oct 2014 and most of the special fare tickets are listed as "sold out". I'm wondering if i'm too late or early to check. Normally how many months in advance does the airline do the promo?

Besides that, how do u all see the special fare for members? I tried logging in and out but the same fare schedule is displayed hence no difference. I used the"flight booking" tab and then "special fare" to check the fares. Am i missing out on stg? 

Special fare is there.. and it is cheaper than discounted fare. I see that discounted fare and available almost all the time.. For special fare, I know it is available is when a new fare scheduled is released.. If you see the normal/discounted fare is available and special fare is sold out, it means it is really sold out already.

As for discounted fare, i see the fare keep increasing over time until it finally almost reaches normal price.. That means, buying discounted fare ticket much earlier is much cheaper than buying discounted fare at later date ...

Everyone can see the special fare price, but only members can book it. Membership is free though.

Sigh...Can't believe Eastar special fare tickets are sold out that fast! Now it's only Jan 14. I really do hope that their promo are done in batches and there will be more special fare seats offered moving forward.

Seems like Jeju Air hasn't started with their promo yet as i read somewhere in v3/v4 that it's normally 4 months before travel date. For Jeju Air, are special fare tickets offered to members only? I tried to register as a member on their website but got stuck on country/nationality as the english site seems to be catered to HK residents only.

Really appreciate your guidance on Jeju budget tickets! 

Guys anyone can give recommendation which month to go?

Mostly shopping, free leisure and cold time, but not winter...about 0-10 degrees...

ur budget including travel and stay? i didn't cut down on cost for accommodation as I wanted to stay in a decent place so my hotel costs about RM260 per night (Nox Boutique Hotel)..very nice room, not big but with tv, computer, jacuzzi, queen size bed, 5min walk to metro, lots of restaurants around..

for food wise, at least RM30 per person per meal (1 pax of pork belly for bbq is about 9000-12000won)..better to plan for higher to be safe even though if you order bibimbap it will be about 6000-7500 won at some places I went to..unless you want to cut cost for food, can go to their convenience store and buy cup noodles + their gimbap which is korean sushi, very nice way to save money  ..

when you arrive, straightaway go to a 7 eleven and get a T money card (for touch n go)..very convenient to use for public transport..its 1050won per entry to the subway minimum..i think if you pass a certain amount of stations then they will charge extra 100 as sometimes when i go far it adds 100..currently still in seoul until the 18th  ..btw anyone has experience entering those korean music shows as audience? not a big kpop fan as i was some years ago but still would like to attend just to watch as i'm free an easy

I just came back from Seoul a week ago. My style is a hybrid of both. Certain tour like visiting the DMZ (border) would require a local tour. Others you can take a taxi or subway and do it free and easy. With an elder, you may want to take more taxi. Anyway, zoom in on your interest, what you want to see, and go from there...

Enjoy your tour... Feel free to ask any questions and I am more than willing to share my experience as I was first timer too with my family.

Easy-lah. Just follow the guide on 1st page. The transport system there are so efficient. Anyway, if got elder following.. As in most DIY, required lotsa walking and even climbing the stairs of MRT stn stairs..So that part ..hmnn But DIY can be dirt cheap compare to tour. Most tour to Korea >RM3K. If you DIY wth Promo ticket, it is possible doing it even at ~RM1000-RM1500 per pax. for budget traveler 

Sigh...Can't believe Eastar special fare tickets are sold out that fast! Now it's only Jan 14. I really do hope that their promo are done in batches and there will be more special fare seats offered moving forward.

Seems like Jeju Air hasn't started with their promo yet as i read somewhere in v3/v4 that it's normally 4 months before travel date. For Jeju Air, are special fare tickets offered to members only?

Really appreciate your guidance on Jeju budget tickets! 

Hi, i have a question about korail (KTX) ticket booking, have anyone done it before? I tried to play around at the website and they only asked for your name, passport number and email for booking. Are there no other details necessary? How do you confirm your booking?

What do i need when i approach the train station?

Thanks...

can someone share your ittenary for your travel in seoul? i planning to solo travel to there about 7 days. but no idea where should i go and what place is interesting

email :etmeng888@gmail.com

thanks

The exchange rate now is RM3.15=1000Won.

Is it consider good already?

Hey to all those that has visit Korea before, just for confirmation, for Malaysians to go to Korea, do we need to apply for Visa?

Hey yall,

Will be travelling to Seoul for 10D/9N in early June.
Will arrive in Seoul. Plan to spend 6D in Seoul and 3D in Jeju and back to Seoul for 1D before back to KL.

Just wondering if 6 days in Seoul and 3 days in Jeju do-able with moderate pace? Will be travelling with parents (60s) and 2 small kids (age 4).

i have not worked out the detail itinerary yet though.

Pls advice.

Thanks!

Hey yall,

Will be travelling to Seoul for 10D/9N in early June.
Will arrive in Seoul. Plan to spend 6D in Seoul and 3D in Jeju and back to Seoul for 1D before back to KL.

Just wondering if 6 days in Seoul and 3 days in Jeju do-able with moderate pace? Will be travelling with parents (60s) and 2 small kids (age 4).

i have not worked out the detail itinerary yet though.

Pls advice.

Thanks!

3 days in jeju is not enough.. at least 5 days min.. lots of place to visit in jeju.. distance between each places min 30 to 40 km.. you will spending a lots of time on the road..

In my opinion 3 days is okay but thats because i didn't want to and did not go to the museums.
i mostly visited the natural sightings (sunrise peak, seopjikoji, lava estuary, jongbang waterful, folk village, islet bridge etc) and managed to do so at a relaxed pace.
but if u're planning to actually go to museums or love land, etc then u probably should add a few more days.

Thanks @jet.chin and @cherrypop..

Since I have kids with me, I will skip the Love Land, else daddy and mommy will have tough time explaining to them!

We are more to sightseeing only... not really into museum, and lava thingy. Will rent a car when in Jeju though.

Hopefully will come out with a draft plan this weekend!
Cheers!

btw. when arrive airport, travel to seoul by arex train or bus cheaper? but now arex got promo (3000-8000won) till end of the year. and can i use the t-money card to ride arex?

The consideration that you need to factor is the proximity of your accommodation to Arex or Bus. Bear in mind if you were to take Arex then you still need to continue your trip either on foot, another train or even taxi. And there are technically 2 types of Arex - the Express version or the multiple stop version. In both cases, the end destination is the Seoul Station. Arex Express version (Right side if you are walking from the main terminal) cannot use TMoney and the multiple stop version (Left side if you are walking from the main terminal) can use TMoney.

Some Airport Limo (this is what they call the bus) have stops which are nearby to certain accommodation.

So ... it is not about cheaper or not. I'd advise to consider the distance of those stops to your accommodation.
Now there are travellers in here who would bring their folks who are elderly people. Please remember that Seoul and some parts of Korea are very hilly. It is very much different than in Malaysia where the buildings are built according to the shape of the geographical contours vs. Malaysia way of just cutting away the hills to make way for development. Almost all of their subways do not have escalator access from the main street. What does this means ? Some effort in walking is required.

I recommend those thinking to bring old folks to ensure they are fit to tackle the occasional hilly terrain and the many stairs. (Can very very steep in certain locations) Consider this ... back in the days where the tram up to the Namsan cable car was non existent, you could easily see elderly Korean walking up the steep hill (gradient of more than 50 degrees) without breaking a sweat or stopping. I'll stop here but you could figure out what I mean.

does anyone know if we can drive in korea with our msian driver license? or need to convert to international license?

many thanks in advance!

May I know if anyone has recommendation for accomodation in Busan? And where would you recommend me to stay in Busan? I've read that Seomyeon is more convenient due to its central location, Gwangalli and Haeundae beach for near seaside. I'm looking for guesthouse or budget hotel thats near to subway station. Just want to hear some reviews if anyone here has been to Busan and stayed there. Thanks!

Hi,
I would like to ask my flight coming back to KL from Incheon Airport is at 9:50am.
What time should should I leave my hotel (staying in myeongdong)?
Should I take taxi or train?

Hi,
I would like to ask my flight coming back to KL from Incheon Airport is at 9:50am.
What time should should I leave my hotel (staying in myeongdong)?
Should I take taxi or train?

If I am planning to visit these places in Busan, is 3d2n sufficient?
Or do I need 4d3n?

Haedong Yonggung Temple
Beomeosa Temple
Taejongdae
Gwangalli Beach (night bridge)
Haeundae Beach and Market
BIFF Square (Busan International Film Festival)
Busan Tower
APEC Naru Park (night)
Geumjung Mt. fortress
Gwangbokro Culture and Fashion street
Jagalchi Market
Gukje Market (shopping)

i decided to go seoul at end of august ....12 days trip... is that enough to visit all the places in seoul?

Hi,
I would like to ask my flight coming back to KL from Incheon Airport is at 9:50am.
What time should should I leave my hotel (staying in myeongdong)?
Should I take taxi or train?

12 days is a lot for Seoul alone

12 days is a lot for Seoul alone