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Travel Travel to Korea~, Updated info on pg1

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sophistafunk	Dec 18 2010, 03:34 PM Return to original view \| Post #1
New Member Junior Member 4 posts Joined: Nov 2010	QUOTE(stimix @ Dec 17 2010, 11:54 PM) Actually travel options already discussed much earlier & also I hv compiled it on pg1. You can read there 1st. I took AREX train to Gimpo airport & thereafter supposely using MRT to my hotel but due to the jam at immigration counter, I took AREX none express train and by the time I reached Gimpo airport ~ 11:20pm, all MRT to Seoul already stopped! I hv to take taxi to my hotel for 30K won after negotiation. Lucky i can understand the pricing the qouted.. haha.. Otherwise if it;s too late, take the limousine bus to Seoul..depending on location. Namsan = Myeong Dong so it's 10K won per pax. Added on December 17, 2010, 10:56 pmMostly qouting buying rate ..I checked ~ 3 there..price ranging from 1189 to 1198. Departure hall only KEB qouting buying & elling, Others qouting only selling rate. Hello! We'll be going to South Korea in end Feb to early March. After researching, winter in Korea will last till end March so I suppose we still need to prepare winter clothings. With all the info given in this forum, I know where to get them, thanks Now the part I'm concerned is the transport after arriving Incheon airport. Since arrival time is 915pm Seoul time, most likely we gonna miss the limo bus because the last schedule is at 10pm. If I take AREX train to Gimpo for MRT, it's fruitless since stimix stated it'll be too late anyway. Does that mean the only way to Seoul is by taxi? We're on a budget so having public transport is preferred than taxis Another thing; we'll be arriving on 27 Feb which is Sunday night. I plan to buy winter jacket, boots from Namdaemum and perhaps Itaewon (for bigger sizing on clothes and boots) on the night itself but I read that the open market is closed on Sundays - is this true???? And Itaewon will not open till late right? So, any other markets or places to get winter stuff at the late hour (11pm-2am) ? Thanks This post has been edited by sophistafunk: Dec 18 2010, 03:39 PM
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sophistafunk	Dec 19 2010, 05:40 AM Return to original view \| Post #2
New Member Junior Member 4 posts Joined: Nov 2010	Hi all! Thanks for the valuable tips and advices! I wanted to go to Itaewon because of the available plus-sizes there. I have long feet so normal korean sizes won't fit me I am bringing a suede lower calf-length boots in wedges so totally not practically for long walks. So I want to buy it there :") For Namdaemun market, I read from a site that they close on Sundays.. damn. It also said they open macam 24hrs except Sundays (damn). Planning to wear 1 thin jacket with 1 sweater, 1 sweatshirt, long-john and a pair of street boots, I want to get suitable winter wear for the next 8-9days in South Korea. As for the transport from Incheon airport, I guess the only way is to take the taxi from Gimpo airport cos we'll be arriving on Sunday nite.. hmm not a good day to arrive indeed. Lol. I read from visitkorea site that the last limo bus to depart from Incheon airport is at 10pm, I hope its not true I definitely do not want to pay 100k won for a taxi ride!!! Our itinerary, though not solid yet, is to travel down south from Seoul, which will include these areas: Gyeongju, Pohang, Busan, Jeju, Mokpo, Jangheong, Sucheon, Mt Sorak. A lot of places to travel within 9 days (actual travel period is 11 days but deduct 2 days for return flights). Why Jangheong? Cos of the KBS 2 Days 1 Night show - the hosts were so in love with the manila clams! They added sesame oil, manila clams to the rice, like bibimbap style and all the hosts were chasing after one another to get another taste of it. omg, I must try it! I'm sucker for seafood. Lol. One thing I know and advise, U CANNOT MISS JEJU-ISLAND!. I went to SK in 2003, winter season too, and visited Jeju.. omg, the scenery is so breathtaking and the food is fantabulous! It was a package tour so everything was done in a rush but in the rush we caught sight of the auntie (ajumma) divers in action! They were diving for clams, seawood, octopus and anything that eat/sell. Diving in that weather at their age! Spectacular and totally in awe of them. It was a sight that I never forget and still yak about now and then! Anyone who's in doubt to travel to Jeju, don't hesitate! It's a hotspot for local honeymooners and it's very nice in winter due to lesser crowd My reason to travel to SK in winter again? To explore new areas and revisit old spots which I was ushered in and hurried out by tour guide. Lol. It's gonna be a total DIY tour this time!
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sophistafunk	Dec 19 2010, 03:55 PM Return to original view \| Post #3
New Member Junior Member 4 posts Joined: Nov 2010	QUOTE(stimix @ Dec 19 2010, 04:08 PM) Last week-lor..but qualiy of the sole as you can see is a simple design not like those sold in UT..abit thicker & deeper sole If ypu're lucky you can find those thicker sole like UT ~ 13Kwon..I saw this type ~ Namdaemun too..Cheapest so far 6900won @ namdaemun...Boyzz that's why I just luv Namdaemun haha But for girls, Myeogdong is the best..I just cheack similar facial mask at Pyramid just now ~ RM8.90 each. In Korea, certain not so famous brand ~ 1000won but avg 3000won..so almost the same- price-lah Wow thanks for the photos! I was asking one of the local online shops whether they have stocks on this kind of similar boots but all ran out. And it was priced more than RM100 with shipping :-\ Did you check the sizes? Do they come in bigger sizes like 39, 40 and etc? I hope they have cos of my long feet.. Lol. So cheap @ 6900won, omg omg! Ya I also hope they'll still sell winter clothes and shoes by next year Jan and end Feb.. else I gonna be shivering there!
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sophistafunk	Dec 19 2010, 04:52 PM Return to original view \| Post #4
New Member Junior Member 4 posts Joined: Nov 2010	QUOTE(stimix @ Dec 19 2010, 05:17 PM) Actually, winter shoe is not a necessity.. i hv experience -20C on 15/12. Still Ok wth normal leather shoe & wool sock..haha. However since my leather sole is not so good, I almost fell down few times at Nami island snowy soil LOL then confirm my suede wedged boots cannot make it. On normal ground (esp in uncarpeted office floor) few times I slipped luckily didn't fall. :-x
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sophistafunk	Dec 19 2010, 11:32 PM Return to original view \| Post #5
New Member Junior Member 4 posts Joined: Nov 2010	Oh nice photos! Thanks Now that you mentioned, I remember I still have a pair of hi-cut canvas converse shoes (calf-length). Am already conscious wearing it here cos its white but I think to save $$ for the trip, might as well wear it in South Korea This post has been edited by sophistafunk: Dec 19 2010, 11:32 PM
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sophistafunk	Dec 22 2010, 04:11 PM Return to original view \| Post #6
New Member Junior Member 4 posts Joined: Nov 2010	QUOTE(spidergirl @ Dec 22 2010, 03:46 PM) Tsk tsk...hmm..true ar. Also, i noticed that female bloggers rarely give travel tips/advice on travel. If got, most of them are the cam whore type LOL. I'm female! Not true females seldom give travel tips and not true they only care about shopping overseas I prefer sight-seeing and people-watching but of course hard to miss great bargains when you don't get to have the items locally rite? And not to forget, we ladies love to talk about food too! Just read this, gonna visit in Feb : http://www.visitseoul.net/en/article/artic...3001004001&p=04
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sophistafunk	Dec 24 2010, 06:10 PM Return to original view \| Post #7
New Member Junior Member 4 posts Joined: Nov 2010	QUOTE(spidergirl @ Dec 23 2010, 12:56 PM) Apologies, meant no offense to anyone . Have you been to South Korea before? Got any tips to share? I still have winter clothing dilemma - just bought an insulated pants yesterday and heck, it looks baggy on me. The good side is that it will keep me warm during ski-ing...downside is that it's just HUGE. Can jeans + thermal bottom tights + wool leggings be okay on me during my stroll around Seoul? I'm quite skinny ...must have more inner layers Hey no offence taken at all I have been to South Korea during winter season once, in mid-Dec 2004. As it was my first trip I wasn't prepared for the cold! The first blast was stepping out of Incheon airport, everyone laughed and that wide smile stayed frozen literally till we stepped into the coach. For winter clothings, I had woolen long john, basic tee / turtleneck, thick sweater, down jacket, jeans, leather gloves, beanie, wool scarf, thick woolen socks and sneakers. Though I looked like bloated doll, I would say I still felt numb after walking on the streets for 30min, especially from bottom down to feet. But then I'm a person who cannot tahan cold easily, sikit sikit wanna visit washroom to relieve myself (due to the cold conditions!). For skiing, I wore extra tee including the above clothings. If I remember, after skiing my jeans were quite wet and I couldn't feel my thighs :-\ So to be safe, wear tights inside the jeans to protect yourself. Sneakers are good but for better protection, get waterproof or leather ones with good sole grip. My sis and I slipped while walking back to resort. Lol. When we couldn't feel the toes due to the cold, it makes walking difficult. Like a lot of people said, layering helps when we go into mall or restaurants and remove the jacket, beanie and scarf. You won't feel very hot but warm enough to prepare for more street walking after that. We also carry thermos wherever we go so that we can keep warm by holding it or drink the hot tea whenever we want. Packets of heat warmers are good too. My first trip was package tour, areas include Jeju, Busan, Gyeongju and Seoul. Jeju is amazing, I love Jeju, it's a must-go! Busan is a rustic town, Gyeongju has many beautiful sites to visit. Too bad the stupid itinerary didn't allow us to explore Seoul for long. After Lotteworld (only 45min!) we were dropped at the center of Seoul and given only 45min to walk around. Still feel very sore about it! For my coming trip (end Feb 2011 to early March), we will be going down south. Possible areas to explore: Jeju, Gwanju, Suncheon, Jangheong, Busan, Gyeongju, Andong and Seoul. Hmm, I think it's warmer at the southern parts but I will bring the same kind of winter clothings just-in-case. I would advise to invest in good long john, gloves and socks. The rest is preference
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sophistafunk	Dec 26 2010, 03:50 PM Return to original view \| Post #8
New Member Junior Member 4 posts Joined: Nov 2010	Hello! Am wondering whether anyone went to Hongdae Free Market before? >> http://10magazine.asia/2010/08/13/funky-free-market-finds/ If yes, do you think they're open during winter?
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sophistafunk	Dec 26 2010, 04:21 PM Return to original view \| Post #9
New Member Junior Member 4 posts Joined: Nov 2010	awww okay thanks for letting me know!
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sophistafunk	Jan 1 2011, 05:08 PM Return to original view \| Post #10
New Member Junior Member 4 posts Joined: Nov 2010	Hello everyone! For anyone who is still not sure whether to visit Jeju island or not.. I found a site that suggests things to do in the island: Extracted from http://waygook.org/index.php?topic=347.0 » Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... « 1. Hike up Hallasan (to the top via Seongpanak or the Gwaneumsa route, or just up to the Witsae Oreum via Eorimok, Yeongshil, or Donneko routes) 2. Take a ferry to Marado from the Moseul harbour and be as far south as you can get in South Korea. 3. Go snorkling or scuba diving. An English-speaking scuba centre has a website, here.: http://www.bigblue33.co.kr/english/fr_introduction.htm 4. Walk the Jeju Olle trails and get a good view of the Jeju natural and urban landscapes. 5. Visit Loveland and take naughty pictures of yourself and statues. 6. Stay at a minbak on the east coast in Seongsan, and catch a sunrise / climb Seongsan Ilchulbong. 7. Like raw seafood? Any town close to the water will have its share of restaurants offering local fare. 8. Take the ferry from Seongsan harbour and visit Udo Island for a day or two. There's a nice white sand beach there, you'll probably see a Haenyo, and did you know they grow some pretty tasty peanuts on Udo? 9. Visit the Haenyo museum in Hado-ri. 10. Rent a car and drive down some of the little cement farmer roads. You'll never know what you might come across. 11. Go hiking on any of the many oreum on Jeju. 12. Want to see a lava tube? Visit the Geomunoreum lava tube system, Manganggul. Afterwards, visit the Gimnyeong Maze park just down the road to see how fast you can make it through the hedge maze. Or for another lava tube, visit Micheongul and then make yourself a clay bowl after. 13. Visit Sanbangsan. It is an impressive mini-mountian right by the southwestern coast. Technically you're now allowed to climb it anymore, but on the south side is a nice temple with a Buddha in a cave. 14. Close by Sanbangsan is Hamel's Ship, a museum about the Dutch crew who shipwrecked on Jeju in the 1600s. 15. Visit a random attraction. There's a bunch: the Teddy Bear Museum (cute?), the Dak Paper Doll Museum (creepy?), Chocolate Museum, Africa Museum, Trick Museum, Mini Mini Land, Dinosaur Land, Crocodile land, Elephant Land... The list goes on. Some of these attractions are nothing to write home about, but some are worth a look. Actually, please don't visit any attraction that uses live exotic animals, as the animals are kept in pitiable conditions and the places aren't worth supporting. 16. Take a trip to the Jeju Folk Village in Pyoseon and check out Jeju culture. They have performances at certain hours, as well. 17. Or visit Seongeup, a village of traditional Jeju houses where people still live. 18. Jeju Horses! A living reminder of the past Mongolian occupation, you can see them in their pastures or bet on a race at the Jeju Race Track. Or visit the Mongolian Circus to see them in action. 19. Looking for a place to stay? Unless you need to stay in a posh hotel, look for a 민박 or pension or homestay by a place you'd like to see more of. 20. Vegetarian? There are some nice but simple restaurants on the island. 21. Do a temple stay at Yakcheonsa (약천사), which is said to host the largest prayer hall in Asia. English shouldn't be a problem. 22. If you time it right, you can catch a Jeju United soccer match at the the 2002 World Cup Stadium down in ShinSeogwipo. 23. Ha, it's raining? Well, that can be some of the best times to see Jeju's waterfalls. Some of them only exist after a rain since we have no continuous rivers on the island. 24. Jeju oranges. The orange harvest season starts in November/December, and you can pick up oranges then for cheap at the market. The Hallabong season doesn't start until about January/February, but once it does, you can buy some of the tastiest oranges on Jeju for cheaper than on the mainland. Oranges are available for tourists year-round, but winter is the best time to get them fresh. 25. Visit a 5-day market and buy some veggies from the halmangs. In Jeju-si, they occur on days ending on a 2 or a 7 and in Seogwipo it's 4 and 9. There are other 5-day markets as well, but Jeju-si and Seogiwpo-si are the biggest. 26. Want to surf? You might be able to catch a wave down in Jungmun. There is a hotel that rents surfboards down there, but you may want to check with tourist info about that. 27. Get a Jeju map at any Jeju Tourist Centre. See if there is anything on there that strikes your fancy, and enjoy the adventure of getting there. 28. Bring a tent and camp out at one of the many beaches on the island. 29. Go fishing! Rent equipment and fish on shore, or hire a boat and captain to take you out on the water (better if you have a group of people, cost-wise). 30. Like to golf, and have some money to burn? Go golfing at one of Jeju's many golf courses (that is, if they will let you in) 31. Paragliding lessons on some of the Jeju oreum. Best to ask about this at a Tourist Centre, or by calling 064-1330 on Jeju 32. Learn a little of the Jeju dialect and impress the locals. Bound to make you friends, especially among the older generation. If you're interested, there's a new high speed ferry travelling between parts of Jeollanam-do and Jeju. Travelling time is shorten from 5 hours to 1hr 45min! Read more in the above site and http://www.jejuweekly.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=841
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sophistafunk	Jan 3 2011, 02:47 PM Return to original view \| Post #11
New Member Junior Member 4 posts Joined: Nov 2010	What is the period for Hwacheon Mountain Trout Ice Festival? I'm going to South Korea from 27 Feb - 9 Mar. Am I too late for it?
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sophistafunk	Jan 5 2011, 11:39 AM Return to original view \| Post #12
New Member Junior Member 4 posts Joined: Nov 2010	Wow nice, I like it! I didn't know it's called buff till I saw your picture Actually I have a buff bought in Tangs for RM29. The cardboard holding the buff is in the shape of monkey's head. Mine is in light yellow polka dots and it's reversible. Bought for Siem Reap trip in 2009 but didn't use it at all.. It's made of thick cotton, will it protect my ears and nose? Maybe I should get the woolen one? QUOTE(spidergirl @ Jan 5 2011, 02:36 AM) Finally bought one for RM89 at Peak Vision, Garden's Midvalley. Can't wait to officiate in a couple of weeks. [attachmentid=1976381] Detailed review, go here
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sophistafunk	Jan 5 2011, 04:27 PM Return to original view \| Post #13
New Member Junior Member 4 posts Joined: Nov 2010	Yeah mine is made of cotton but it's very stretchable.. so could be mixed cotton polyester?? The cardboard shows similar methods in styling the buff like Spidergirl's -- http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KsDWDMbz6PI/TSNS...1532%2Bcopy.png Can wrap on the head or tie it like pirate's or loop over your head to wrap around the neck for warmth. It's made of two thick cotton layers and design/colors are different for each side thus make it reversible. They have buffs in various materials, silk, cotton, woolen, polyester.. etc. I still see them in Tangs (men's department near to luggage & shoes sections) next to counter. I think I gonna get the woolen one, last I saw, it's RM50 for 2 buffs. QUOTE(stimix @ Jan 5 2011, 12:48 PM) Buff in cotton? I dun think cotton is good material for winter..Normally buff is very rubbery (Syntetic material?)and can be shape into Tudung, mask, cap & etc. I dun think cotton buff can be easily shape? The one I saw in Seoul MRT - 3000 won type also not so flexible and hard to sape bcos of the thickness.. Anyway. Spydergirl buff will definetly usefull although it is rare to see girls wearing buff in Korea..Infact so far none..Those wearing buff are those construction workers, and street ajussi vendors..It performed very well and you no need any scarf. Scarf is very common on the street..
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sophistafunk	Jan 8 2011, 02:54 PM Return to original view \| Post #14
New Member Junior Member 4 posts Joined: Nov 2010	U're welcome! I find it useful for my trip! QUOTE(norlene1127 @ Jan 8 2011, 11:12 AM) hey, tks for the info.... great! at least i know what attraction over there!
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sophistafunk	Jan 10 2011, 09:28 PM Return to original view \| Post #15
New Member Junior Member 4 posts Joined: Nov 2010	Actually 7.5KG one way to South Korea can be done, tat is you bring 1 jacket, 3 sweaters and 1 pair of long john. The rest to be packed are cleanser, lotion, cosmetics blahblahblah etc. Once you reached Seoul, faster head to malls or markets to buy extra long john, jacket, sweaters, socks if you're planning to stay more than 4 days. Coming back to KL luggage 20KG per pax is good enough ya? I bought the turtleneck heat tech (RM59.90) from Uniqlo last Sunday, left one and only piece. Hesitated to buy more for my 11 day trip since they ran out of the bottoms BUT I found out SPAO is selling at 12,900won only!!! http://www.spao.com/Style/CategoryMain.asp...Idx=2&SCtIdx=92 We also bought mini fleece jackets from Uniqlo, men's are cheaper (RM49.90) so I bought 2 pieces Women's are RM79.90! Thanks to everyone, we managed to get GAP jacket from FOS Sungei Wang, but it's not a down jacket... can't find any good down jacket there anymore..
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sophistafunk	Jan 10 2011, 10:53 PM Return to original view \| Post #16
New Member Junior Member 4 posts Joined: Nov 2010	Eh.. use 1 pair of long john for 4 days.. ermm.. no armpit smell (even though no sweat)?? So for the remaining 2 days, you didn't wear any? Not cold? Yesterday I saw the money changer @ Pavilion, exchange rate is 3.0 leh..
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sophistafunk	Jan 11 2011, 11:19 AM Return to original view \| Post #17
New Member Junior Member 4 posts Joined: Nov 2010	Does that include Mondays? I heard most of the markets close on Mondays... is that true? QUOTE(childish_gal81 @ Jan 11 2011, 09:28 AM) Oh ok..the face shop consider as branded,right? I thought the others are referring to those no brand mask.. Hehe.. Thanks.. Oh ya,the place I'm going to stay inform me that the closing time for the following Market during winter..in case some one need it .. Namdaemon~22:00 dongdaemon~21:30 Myeondong~05:00 Added on January 11, 2011, 11:22 amLOL.. I plan to have 2 sets for my 9D stay in South Korea. Planning to buy the 2nd one in Seoul. Now I'm thinking where to get the bottom here, is it that Winter Time and other shops sell in sets (top+bottom)? I only have a top from HeatTech Uniqlo now.. QUOTE(divasweet_77 @ Jan 11 2011, 10:06 AM) hahaha.. the best thing travelling during cold time is that you can recycle your clothes.. don't worry.. no smell one lah unless you don't bath straight for 3-4 days and drink a lot.. . I usually bring 2 long johns if it is more than 5 days trip.. i wear one then I hang it and wear the other one.. or you can alway buy @ Namdaemun. It's quite cheap but can't remember the price.. I just cleared all my winter clothing.. did a bit like garage sale.. my next trip will be in September , so, I'll be bringing only a light jacket. has anybody went to korea in Spetember? Wondering about the weather.. Anyway, how do you guys stored your winter clothing? especially the bulky jackets.. It took quite a space if you just hang it.. I lipat2 and put it in the Aussino plastic bag. This post has been edited by sophistafunk: Jan 11 2011, 11:24 AM
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sophistafunk	Jan 12 2011, 03:28 AM Return to original view \| Post #18
New Member Junior Member 4 posts Joined: Nov 2010	SPAO thermal wear is 12900won, that is RM35. compared to Uniqlo HeatTech RM59.90, so much cheaper! http://www.spao.com/Style/CategoryMain.asp...Idx=2&SCtIdx=92 I think the thermal wear in Winter Wear should be cheaper.. kinda regret buying Uniqlo's.. bought for the gimmick and novelty. Sigh.
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sophistafunk	Jan 13 2011, 05:59 PM Return to original view \| Post #19
New Member Junior Member 4 posts Joined: Nov 2010	Me! I'm going to Jeju-do early March Travelling from Seoul to Jeonju, Gwanju, Jeju-do, Jangheung, Suncheon, Busan, Gyeonju and if enough time, Andong. QUOTE(divasweet_77 @ Jan 13 2011, 06:13 PM) is there anybody going to jeju island this year?
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sophistafunk	Jan 13 2011, 07:12 PM Return to original view \| Post #20
New Member Junior Member 4 posts Joined: Nov 2010	Sure! Will post some pics of Jeju too QUOTE(divasweet_77 @ Jan 13 2011, 07:04 PM) hehehe.. will wait for your review.. going to Jeju in September
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