I've been to both Busan and Seoul a few times and here are my favorite places to stay. For 4 ppl, you can get away with a hostel that cost RM50 per person (RM200 for one night/room of 4).

SEOUL
Seoulwise Guesthouse at Hongik station
http://www.seoulwise.com
> Its near airport shuttle station (less transfer). This area is not around the busy Myeongdong or the classy area, but its the best place for those who love Arts. If you're bringing your parents and want to treat them to some place personalized and nice, you might wanna look for this place http://www.126mansion.com/

BUSAN
Sum Guesthouse
http://nampo.sumhostel.com/
> BEST ACCOMMODATION EVER! I cannot stress this enough. I've stayed in three places around Busan before (Nampo and Hongdae), but I'm totally in love with what this place can offer and NAMPO IS THE BEST PLACE TO STAY AND ROAM AROUND!There's so many things to write about this place and what Nampo can offer.

If you're bringing your elderly, PLEASE do not force them to go on a lot of places. Best to stay in BUKCHON, and have your folks to just roam around freely at this area or places nearby. Leave the busy Myeongdong and Dongdaemun for the youngins

SUM GUESTHOUSE!!!

Haeundae Beach: Quite disappointing, haha. Its not really a swimming beach. I was there during the last few days of summer and you can only swim less than 10 ft away. Most locals go here for photo taking, fun time on the sand, sun-bathing (though not so much).

BUT...this place is great on weekend nights, where lots of street musician and performers are around. Grab some desserts and snacks nearby and just chill around here. Best if you have another person or more accompanying you.

Jagalchi Fish Market: Not as exciting as I thought it would be. Got a few stalls selling ikan kering and fishes on aquarium but thats just it. For Malaysian standard la since we are used to it.

.....now Nampo area has lots of varieties here. I LOVE IT HERE!!! I'll list them down what I love about Nampo-dong.

1. Night market: I'm not sure which day the market is (or maybe every night), but at night, the street alley has a lot to offer from street snacks, clothes, accessories...bla bla. PLEASE, try not to touch them. The ahjummas (makciks) HATE that. You can see...but no touching, or they'll curse you in Hangul..hahahha!

2. Desserts: Ohhhh....I know Caffe Benne is the in-thing now, in fact they have one in Sunway Pyramid. But there's this ONE place in Nampo that always have swarm of local visitors. The portion is huge (as usual) but whats so good about this is the flavour, taste and texture. The ice is like snow...and OMG, the best patbingsu, EVER!!! I'll let you know the name of this place soon. Its in Hangul, that's why I forgot the name. Its not on ground floor, but 1st floor up...and STILL lots of visitors there

3. Cosmetics: You'll get pretty much the same feel as it is in Myeongdong, but at better pace and less dense.

4. Food: I love exploring everything from the modern French bakery, cafes to ahjummas small restaurant selling local cuisines. Since most of them are in Hangul, not English, what I'd do is take photos on my mobile of what I want to eat (most of the photo menu are in front of restaurant)...and just show a few of them to the ahjummas. If you walk a bit further inside, they have tonnes of stores selling seafood...but if you're more adventurous, go to Fishing Village

5. Cat Cafes: Okay, there are a few cat cafes around...BUT please don't bother going to Yang Yang cat cafe. Its the worse cat cafes I've been to (been to so many in Seoul, Tokyo, Osaka). It smells so bad that even the cats are poorly treated there. Poor cats My fav cat cafe in Busan is With Cat http://www.headhigheartstrong.com/2012/04/...vourite-v1.html

MY FAV PLACES IN BUSAN

1. Nampo-dong (shopping, eat, sleep, chill)
2. Gamcheon Culture Village (hiking, photo op) http://txun2001.blogspot.com/2013/11/busan...re-village.html
3. Tangjongdae Clam tent: Fear factor, eating squirmy live seafood. Best to eat in group.
4. Haeundae Beach: Chill in the evening, watch baskers and have snacks
5. Shinsegae Spaland (in shopping mall): Modern Korean bath house Jiljimbang for only 10,000 KRW (RM30) entrance fee with variety of sauna, extra spa treatments, chill with patbingsu. Oh yes, you need to get nekkid on this one. All-off! Bath house according to gender, but can get together at sauna area. Not good if you're rushing. Extra discount in the evening and early morning.

For me, its EXPENSIVE! For a room of 4, I've paid only RM50-70 per night (RM200-240) in both Busan and Seoul. It will be more if you're traveling for 2 person and looking for twin room. But these are hostels and guesthouse la. Some even offer discounts if you're staying longer.

Its up to you on where you want to stay, according to your preference. Please look up in TripAdvisor and check what people are saying in the reviews.

Most hostels or guesthouse will offer free breakfast and even loan you the train/bus card.

Just got to know from my sis that the name of the shop is called Sol-ping 설핑.

Is that the cost of 1 person without accommodation cost? If yes, then that should be okay. Usually most of my spending budget is done on my credit card, lol! Even small stalls in Seoul accept credit card.

I was in Busan twice last year, and if I'm not mistaken, the 1st train (Light Rail Transit) from Gimhae airport to the city is a bit different as its using the token system. This station will end at Sasang station (transfer station). From this station onwards, you're free to use the rechargeable transportation card.

Transportation is Busan is a bit different from Seoul...very confusing, haha. Esp dealing with their 1 section (less than 10 km) and 2 section (more than 10 km). How le to count the km?

Anyway...here's what I did...

1. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF 1-day UNLIMITED TICKET: If you decide to do a hardcore travel in one-day (more than 4 stations a day), buy for this pass instead, which can be purchased at the station machine. In my opinion, this is SO worth it. Can only used for train if I'm not wrong.

Weekly pass has its limitation, so I'd only stick to 1-day pass when I'm traveling a lot in one day, and I'll use the rechargeable card when I go to random light trips, inc buses trips. Bring a sturdy name tag with lanyard or better the retractable type. Its much easier than keeping them in pockets or wallet.

http://www.humetro.busan.kr/english/02/01_01.php

2. RECHARGEABLE CARD: The hostel I'm staying (Sum Guesthouse) actually loan me their transportation card. The advantage of rechargeable card is you'll get 10% for each journey and can be used for buses as well. This will be convenient if you're traveling to Gamcheon Cultural Village (lego village) or Tanjongdae park (circle bus).
http://www.exploringkorea.com/busan-subway-guide/

So yeah, its up to your calculation and travel destination. When you reached your hostel/hotel, they'll give you a Busan map http://rubbisheatrubbishgrow.files.wordpre...-subway-map.jpg

I actually love their phone strap transportation card (3000 won), which can be used as souvenirs...and its functional, don't you think?


Way than enough...hahha. But depends on what you buy la, hehehe. Cosmetics can be a killer shopping binge...ALWAYS, plan your purchase, otherwise you'll end up buying things that you don't need (lesson learnt!!!) Exchange rate is not so bad actually.

My sis is staying in Seoul for the past 3 yrs now, gonna be there in another 2 yrs or more. Its funny and amusing to see her talking with locals in Hangul. I've only been in S. Korea 5 times, I think I'm way an expert compared to her when it comes to shopping...lol!

Those who will be in Busan in end of Aug, a chill out music festival by the beach you guys can go to:

Busan Sunset Live Festival
https://www.facebook.com/busansunset

Last year they had it during last days of summer...not sure what's the exact date for this year.

Describe 'Asian girls'....asian chinese?