My Seoul Travel – Jan 2009 Part 1

Finally got down to write these. Haha, took me a couple of months eh?

Travelled to Seoul at the start of the new year, for 8 days 7 nights.

Took the flight SQ602 on Friday night 2 Jan ’09 (Singapore time) and returned on SQ609 Saturday night 10 Jan ’09 (Singapore time).

Day 1

Upon arrival

I had planned to take the half day DMZ or Pan Mun Jeom tour upon arrival or the 2nd day. (You have to book at least a day in advance)

However, at the tourism counter (Incheon International Airport) I was told the price for a single adult was USD $200. So I decided to forgo the trip. Maybe I’ll go when I visit with friends/family next time round. (It’s much cheaper if you join the local tours in the city and you need to book at least 1-2 days in advance. Should be around 70,000 won.)

On the Airport Limousine bus 6015 to Seoul

Getting to Nam San Guest House

If you are on a budget like me, you can try Myeong Dong Guest House or Seoul Backpackers.

The rates ranges from 30,000 won to 50,000 won.

After getting off the bus at Sejong Hotel, made my way opposite Myeong Dong shopping.

And this is just one of the many slopes and stairs I’m going to encounter in Seoul.

Here’s my accommodation, Nam San Guest House. Further up will be the Nam San Cable car to Seoul Tower.

Couldn’t check-in yet since its only around 8am. So I just dropped my bag there and made my way to Chang Deok Gung (Chang Deok Palace).

Chung Mu Ro Underground Shopping Arcade.

Basically small shop spaces leading to the subway stations.

Myeong Dong Station

Took the train to Anguk Station and walked to Chang Deok Gung.

Was never really interested in history and stuffs. But visiting these palaces kinda impresses me in a way. Maybe it’s their generations of stories and culture behind it. Makes me wishes Singapore can make more effort to preserve out local heritage (yah right… tearing down everything and rebuilding every few years is the way to go.) Sorry, sidetracked. (That’s for another story and another day)

See? Another flight of stairs and slopes, even within palace grounds.

Next stop is to walk towards Gyeong Bok Gung (Gyeong Bok Palace).

But first, found this roadside stall outside Chang Deok Gung and I couldn’t resist the nice smell of these:

6 for a 1,000 won

That’s the presidential compound near Gyeong Bok Gung.

Walked through In Sa Dong briefly while on my way to Anguk Station.

Lots of stuffs, performance, food and souveniers. I came back another 2 times over the span of my trip.

After checking in and having a rest, headed out again for dinner.

Ate at a small eatery near the main road.

순두부찌개 Soon Du Bu Jji Gae. 3,900. Very yummy and very hot. Just nice for the weather.

That’s Myeong Dong shopping. Didn’t go there, but instead I decided to make my way to City Hall, Cheong Gye Cheon and Gwang Hwa Mun. And I also decided to walk too. (Actually quite far away.)

Found Roti-Boy along the street.

Initially was tempted to enter the skating rink at City Hall. But looking at the crowd… I wasn’t really keen… Hate crowds.

Anyway, there’s not much at City Hall unless you wanna skate. So I proceeded to Cheong Gye Cheon after lingering for around 15mins.

The start of the stream, you get this huge light display. Very nice and with music. There’s also some laser display near the end too.

After going to Kyo Bo Mun Go at Gwang Hwa Mun, I headed back to rest. But not before I grabed something to eat at Nam Dae Mun eatery street. Tried the fried squids and ttok pok gi.

Lots of little accessories and clothings too.

Okay, that’s all for part 1. Will update again asap for the rest.