How to Purchase Tickets from T'Way Airlines for Jeju Island

After becoming a member, let's book a flight ticket to Jeju Island!

Go to T'Way Airlines website: http://www.twayair.com/

Follow the steps below. To become a T'Way Airlines member, check the post here. 

1. Choose Login
2. Key in user name
3. Key in password
4. Click Login to go to the next page.

Once you successfully logged in, the word '로그인' will change to '로그아웃' which reads 'log out'

To book ticket to Jeju Island, please refer to the picture below.

국내선 예매 - Domestic reservation

여정선택 - Journey or itinerary selection

왕복 - Round trip

편도 - One way

출발지 - Origin

도착지 - Destination

가는날 - Date of Departure

오는날 - Date of Arrival 

김포 - Gimpo

제주 - Jeju

성인 - Adult

소아 - Children

유아 - Infant

-인 - Person / people

만 2세-12세 - Between age 2 to 12

만 2세 미만 - Less than 2 years old

프루모션 코드 - Promotion code

예매하기 - Reserve

Choose the date that you want to go and how many people/children/infant that you want to book then press the button to go to the next page.

As always, choose the cheapest according to your time and plan. I have chosen the dates and time as above hence the total price is 69,200 won roughly for less than RM200. Then, press '다음' which means next.

You will be prompted to confirm on '여정 운임규정' journey fare rules. Tick the box and press the button '확인' for the next page.

The details of your itinerary will be shown for your confirmation and the 'xxxxxxxxxxxx' are your details. Press '입력완료' for input/details completion.

Key in your details of payment. 

First, choose '해외카드' International card under '카드구분' section. 

Then,

카드종류 - Card Type - 비자 Visa, 마스터 Master, 아멕스 AMEX

카드번호 - Card Number

카드만료일 - Card Expiration

After that, press '결제하기' for payment. 

This is your booking details. Click '예매 확인 증' which is highlighted in pink to print the booking confirmation.

Click the 'printer' icon to print.

Good luck in booking a flight ticket to Jeju Island with T'Way Airlines!!

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How to Register for T'Way Airlines

I've been comparing and searching every nook and cranny of all available flights in South Korea for the cheapest flight ticket to Jeju Island this November and found T'Way Airlines to be the cheapest! ^^



At the time of search; 15,000 won for one way.



Before we book the ticket, let's go the steps to become T'Way Airlines member, shall we?

Firstly, go to T'Way Airlines website: http://www.twayair.com/

Look out for '로그인' which corresponds to 'LOG IN' at the top right corner of the website.

Once clicked, the next page will appear.

Click '회원가입' which means membership.



Follow the steps.

1. Tick the box for foreign residents


2. Key in your first name and last name, date of birth and sex.


3. Press '확인' for confirmation.

Tick the boxes to agree upon the terms and conditions and press '회원가입 계속 진행' to progress to the next page.

Here you have to key in your details following the steps below:

1. 
   No need to fill up. Your last name will automatically appear.
   
   


2. 
   No need to fill up. Your first name will automatically appear.
   
   


3. 
   Choose your own ID and press the button next to it. You will be prompted with this dialog box.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   


4. 
   Press the red button '아이디사용' which means, you can use the id.
   
   


5. 
   Key in your password and reconfirm.
   
   


6. 
   No need to fill up. Your date of birth will automatically appear.
   
   


7. 
   Key in your email address
   
   


8. 
   Key in your address
   
   


9. 
   Key in your mobile number. If you can't find your initial number eg 012, just choose anything.
   
   


10. 
    Press the button '회원가입 하기' to progress to the next page.
    
    



Finally, your membership registration is completed!! Press '회원 로그인' to login immediately and start your booking. ^^

How to book the flight ticket? Hmm..see you on the next post, ok?

I assure you that it is much straightforward than registering for membership. *phew...*

Fly bird, fly!

Video courtesy of JohnLeeKr

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How to go to Namsan Tower Cable Car Station

You can either take the exit 2 or 3 from Myeongdong subway station.

Then, walk pass 7-Eleven and GS-25 convenience stores on your right.

Walk up the hill (enlarge the map to view the path clearly) until you

find Namsan guesthouse 3, then Namsan guesthouse 2 and lastly A -Namsan

guesthouse 1 (the furthest from Myeongdong station T_T); all on your left

and walk just a tiny bit more to reach B -Namsan Tower Cable Car Station.

( I bet you will be panting by now)

Namsan Tower Cable Car Station

P.s. Don't be deceived by the map, it may look flat but the terrain is not. ㅎㅎㅎ

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Visit Korea app for Iphone and Android

Check out KNTO

I have not been checking KNTO site for a while now and was delighted to find a brilliant app from them for iphone and android smart phone users! It is basically the entire KNTO website in a mobile format. ^^

If you are an iphone user, download 'Visit Korea' from your AppStore or 'KTO' for google android user . This is how the icon looks like after the installation.

Picture courtesy of KNTO

Note: You must be connected to internet to access this app.

If you are travelling mainly around Seoul, to grab a free wi-fi signal is rather easy. There are many public places which offer FREE wi-fi.

The download was a breeze and I could find several vital and helpful points from the app, namely:

• weather forecast - which is quite important as it's pretty unpredictable but not necessarily accurate either
• exchange rates
• latest events in Korea
• helpful contacts
• promotions and etc.

By the way, I also found Travel Tip: Great Korean Apps  by qiranger which you might want to install as well.

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How to Wire Money to Korea

I just get back from doing some banking stuff to reshuffle my financial plan and took the liberty to resolve my financial curiosity. Personally, I am comfortable using Maybank and Maybank2U for online banking and they do most of the job just fine. No issues from my end. The method and fees differs between banks so you might have to confirm it with your bank.

If I remember correctly, a few readers have asked me this question before as they have to wire money for accommodation's deposit after they book their lodging. I normally pay for the booking deposit via credit card instead of doing wired transaction or  TT (Telegraphic Transfer) as it is easier and faster. But now, I have to use this method to pay Sogang University's tuition fees. 


What is wired transaction / TT (Telegraphic Transfer)?

Telegraphic Transfer or Telex Transfer , often abbreviated to TT, is an electronic means of transferring funds overseas. A transfer charge is collected while sending money. A banking term commonly called "T/T," meaning a cable message from one bank to another in order to effect the transfer of money.^{[1] (Source: Wikipedia)}

How to wire money /  TT (Telegraphic Transfer)? to Korea?

The Maybank's banker explained to me that you could do via the counter or Maybank2U. However the charge differs. Maybank2U charges MYR10.00 however via the counter will be slightly expensive; MYR25. The other party will receive the wired amount in 3 business days.
Check Maybank's fees remittance for more info- Accounts & Banking > Banking Fees > Bank fees: Remittance

What information you need to do wire transaction / TT (Telegraphic Transfer)?

Receiving bank's name
Depositor - the company/university's name
Receiving Bank Account number
Swift Code
Application Name and Passport number.
Address of the company/university


How to do TT (Telegraphic Transfer) via Maybank2U?
Home > Accounts & Banking > Funds Transfers > Foreign Telegraphic Transfer or follow this link.

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Anyone working with the bank or any of you have done TT or wired transaction to Korea before? Please share your thoughts and experience. 

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Youth Hostel Membership in Malaysia

1 year membership:

Junior (Between 12 and 17 years old) - RM30

Senior (18 years and above) - RM40

Lifetime membership: RM300

Official website: http://www.myha.org.my/

Address: No. 1-7, Block B, Impian Kota Apartment, Jalan Manau off Jalan Kampung Attap, Kuala Lumpur. 50460 Malaysia

Telephone: +603-22736870 / 71

Fax: +603-22741115

Membership application: http://www.myha.org.my/v2.1/content/view/89/66/

Hostel booking: http://www.hihostels.com/

Note: The card can be used in Malaysia and overseas where the sign YH (Youth Hostel) is displayed.

Click here if you want to book Youth Hostel in Seoul.

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How to find tour guides in Korea

I know many who have doubts of traveling alone in non English speaking country like Korea. I assure you that you will be surprised cause most Koreans do understand English, mostly in the city. If you are not up to traveling alone or you are afraid of the language barrier, why not try any of these options to get a tour guide once you reach Korea.

1. Goodwill guide

"Volunteer guides who help visitors to Korea to communicate in various situations. They attend festivals and events together with visitors, provide free guide services, assist with communication in various ways, and participate in cultural exchanges" - Info: KNTO

Cost:  Admission tickets, food, transportation, accommodation (if traveling to other cities), etc. are expected to be covered by the tourist/traveler.

How to apply?
- You must apply 10~30 days prior coming to Korea.
- Register as KNTO member
- Apply for Goodwill Guide here.
- No more than 4 person in a group.
- Check your application status here.
- Contact number from abroad:  +82-11-123-1234

2. Travel Agencies

Please read KNTO T&C before you liaise with any of the agencies.

Happymize Travel Co., Ltd.

Tel No: 070-8627-8080
Email: happymize@happymize.com
Website: http://www.happymize.com/

Bridge Travel Ltd.
Tel No: 02-754-2252
Email: bridge5u@naver.com
Website: http://www.bridge-tour.com/

International cultural service
Tel No: 02-775-0073
Email: dmz53727@naver.com
Website: http://www.tourdmz.com/

Exodus DMC
Tel No: 031-907-8044
Email: exodusdmc@koreabound.com
Website: http://www.koreabound.com/

I Love Seoul Tour
Tel No: 02-730-1090
Email: gmkim21@naver.com
Website: http://www.iloveseoultour.com/

Plaza 21 Plus Travel Inc.
Tel No: 02-364-4171
Email: annieeyu@hotmail.com
Website: http://www.plaza21travel.com/

Good Morning Tours, Inc.
Tel No: 02-757-1232
Email: tour@koreahas.com
Website: http://www.koreahas.com/

Korea Business Travel Ltd.
Tel No: 02-739-8111
Email: james001@unitel.co.kr
Website: http://www.kbs-travel.com/

Joongang express
Tel No: 02-2266-3350
Email: info@joongangtour.com
Website: http://www.joongangtour.com/

Koridoor
Tel No: 02-6383-2570
Email: koridoor@koridoor.co.kr
Website: http://www.koridoor.co.kr/

Leefamily mankitsu seoultour
Tel No: 02-713-7741
Email: lbs@tabikr.com
Website: N/A

Plus planner
Tel No: 02-2238-2895
Email: winterfriend@gmail.com
Website: http://www.familytourfriend.com/

VIP Travel
Tel No: 02-739-3501
Email: vip@vviptravel.com
Website: http://www.vviptravel.com/

WOWCOREATOUR
Tel No: 02-739-3337
Email: help@wowcoreatour.com
Website: http://www.wowcoreatour.com/

TOUR ROAD
Tel No: 031-244-6003
Email: lhs@tourod.com
Website: http://tourod.com/

3. Couchsurfing.org

This is a good choice if you want to travel on your own + having a warm and friendly tour guide for a day or two.

I have babbled and raved about couchsurfing in here, here and here. Although it caters much to single or at most 2 travelers but if you notice, the members sometimes are able to be a goodwill guide with no fee at all! Please don't abuse the service as couchsufing.org aim is to exchange culture and by that they mean; you must always be courteous to your host and bring a small token of gratitude from your home country. ^^

If you go and search for host in Couchsurfing.org you will be able to see these symbols in the search results:

This means the host is a verified host

This means the host is vouched by other host or couchsurfers

This means, there is available couch if you want to stay over.

This means, there might be available couch.

This means, the host is only available to meet or have coffee with you.  You have to lookout for this symbol if you want them to be a guide for you. However they might be able to guide you for the day only.

The host is Couchsurfing's ambassador.

"Ambassadors are active CouchSurfers and supporters of our community. As our membership grows all over the world, Ambassadors help keep CouchSurfing personal and tight-knit." Info by Couchsurfing.Org

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How to use Korean Chopstick

Earlier this year in January I received a set of Korean of chopstick and spoon from a reader of this blog; Fadz from Singapore. Thanks dear! I will treasure it.

Note that Korean chopstick is made from stainless steel or metal, the size of the spoon is as long as the chopstick and it is heavier if you compare it with Japanese's or Chinese's. I think it's kinda unique, don't you think? Plus we could help the environment by reusing rather than opting for disposable one made of wood. Yeah..go green. ^^
Korean chopstick criteria:

• made from metal or stainless steel thus heavier
• flat
• square edge
• the hardest to handle I think..hehe

I am no where an expert of using chopstick but I'm trying to. A lot of the time my fingers felt numb after holding them too long so I thought maybe my technique is wrong..hmm.

Check out this youtube video on how to hold your chopstick properly.

Video courtesy of Subwalady

Don't forget to grab Korean chopstick as souvenirs before you head back home. You could get a lot for cheap at Namdaemun.

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English Speaking Travel Agents in Korea

I'm in the midst of consolidating a tourist guide list by Malaysian students currently studying in the universities in Korea. However, due to the university students are tied up with their study schedules so they will be doing it only during their holiday.

Alternatively, you may check with these English speaking travel agents in Korea for ground arrangement:

Grace Travel

Official Site: http://triptokorea.com/
Telephone no : +82-1644-8747
Fax no : +82-2-336-7334
Email: help@triptokorea.com

Cosmojin Tour

Official website: http://www.cosmojin.com/
Telephone no: 02-318-0345
24 Hour Calling Service (from overseas): 82-2-318-0345
Email: cosmojin@cosmojin.com

Global Tour

Official website:http://en.globaltour.co.kr/
Telephone no: 82-2-330-4036/ 330-4288
Email: geonkang@globaltour.co.kr

Happymize Tour

Official website: http://www.happymize.com/
Telephone no: +82-70-8627-8080
Fax no: +82-505-870-8080
Email: happymize@happymize.com

ALL4U Korea Tour

Official website: http://ggmland.com/
Telephone no: +81-908-962-4137
Fax no: +81-727-709-6631
Email: info@all4u-korea-tour.com
Note: Japan based company and they catered for Muslim Tour as well.

Source: TripAdvisor and Galbijim

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How to Go to Nami Island: Part 2

More saving going through this route to Nami Island and another alternative if you couldn't get the shuttle bus from Tapgol Park.

Seoul Station* ---> Cheongyanni Station* ---> Sangbong Station# ---->Gapyeong Station#.

* - subway 

# - train

Duration: 1 hour 47 minutes, 64.2km

Stop: 23 stations

T Money: 1,800 won

Cash: 1,900 won

Transfer: Cheongyanni and Sangbong Station

From Seoul Station: Rapid train to Cheongyanni at Gate 1-1
From Cheongyanni Station: Rapid train to Sangbong at Gate 6-2

The last time when my friends and I took the train to Gapyeong Station, we forked out:
Myeongdong to Cheongyanni - 900 won
Cheongyanni to Gapyeong - 3,800 won

Your saving : 4,700 - 1,800 won = 2,900 won

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Incheon Airport to Seoul Station by AREX

No more worries. Hakuna Matata..heheh.
Partly.

Now, with the completion of the second phase of AREX from Gimpo Airport straight to Seoul Station, the travel time from Incheon Airport to city center is further reduced by 15~20 minutes. Check out my post - Seoul Subway Fare Calculation By Naver. Previously, you need around 93 minutes to Myeongdong and with a few transfers but now it takes about  72 minutes and only one transfer. ^^
"AREX, spelled A'REX as a brand name, is a South Korean railway line that links Seoul with Gimpo Airport and Incheon International Airport. The extension to Seoul Station opened December 29, 2010." - Source: Wikipedia

I wanna thanks Fraulein for her query, if not I will not realize this important fact.

How to go to Incheon Airport to Jongno-3-ga subway Station?

인천국제공항 - Incheon gukje gonghang - Incheon International Airport

서울역 - Seoul Yeok - Seoul Station

종로3가 - Jongno Sam ga - Jongno 3 ga
 
Duration: 1 hour  14 minutes
Station stops: 11
Distance: 60.9km
T-Money: 3,700 won
Cash: 3,800 won.
 
How much will it be if you take the limousine bus from Incheon Airport to Jongno?
13,000 ~ 14,000 won.
 
Saving: 13,000 ~14,000 - 3,800 =  9,200 ~ 10,200 won (Kaching!!) ^^

Tips:
There are 2 type of AREX services:

From Incheon Airport to Gimpo Airport
Express - 28 minutes
Commuter - 33 minutes

From Incheon Airport to Seoul Station
Express - 43 minutes (run every half an hour) - 13,300 won
Commuter - 53 minutes (run every 6 minutes) - 3,700 won

Comparison with other mode of transportation
Airport Limousine Bus - 70 minutes-10,000~14,000 won
Taxi - 60 minutes - 60,000~70,000 won
Private car - 60 minutes-15,000~16,000 won

Other related articles:
Joongang Daily: Incheon Airport Express

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How to go to Nami Island

Official Website: http://www.namisum.com/

For those who are quite skeptical to go to Nami Island using public transportation due to various reasons like
-what if I miss the train station? (*this happened to me ^^ *)
-what if I don't know how to speak Korean? couldn't read the station name ladidadidu..
-what if I lost my way?
- and so many more of "what if"s if you're terrified that is..hehe..

Now..there are other options to go there.


1. By Shuttle Bus:
Take a tour bus from Insadong
Departure at 09.30am from Pagoda Park / Tapgol Park at Insadong
Departure at 04.00pm from Nami Island (parking lot at ticket office)

One way bus fare - 7,500 won
Roundtrip bus fare - 15,000 won
Roundtrip bus + ferry + admission - 23,000 won

Call Nami Island Seoul Center for reservation:  02-753-1247

How to go to Tapgol Park/Pagoda Park at Insadong

Get off at Jongno 3(sam)-ga Station line 5,  Exit 5.  Walk towards Jonggak.

Check out KNTO for more info.

2. By Bus:
From Dong Seoul Bus Terminal / East Seoul Terminal (http://www.ti21.co.kr/) 02-446-8000 (1h 20m)
First bus at 06:15, last bust at 22:00

Myeongdong to Gangbyeon Station (Dong Seoul Bus Terminal)
26 minutes, 11 stops, 11.2km
1,000 won with T-Money, 1,100 won with cash
Transit at Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station


3. By Train:
From Cheongryang-ri (pronounced as Cheongyanni) Station → Take the train to Chuncheon and get off at Gapyeong Station

Myeongdong to Cheongyanni subway station
22 minutes, 7 stops, 5.9km
900 won with T-Money, 1,000 won with cash
Transit at Dongdaemun subway station

For more info of Cheongyanni Station, check my post here.

OR

From Sangbong Station → Take the train to Chuncheon and get off at Gapyeong Station

Myeongdong to Sangbong train station

36 minutes, 9 stops, 11km

900 won with T-Money, 1,000 won with cash

Transit at Dongdaemun History & culture park subway station (Line 4) and Wangshimni Station (Line 2 )

If you want to know more about Nami Island, check out Nami Island Seoul Center at Jongno-gu. Information by KNTO is here.

Compare the total fare if you take subway + train + taxi + ferry (admission) on your own to Nami Island in another post here.  

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When is the best season to visit Korea?

All season of course!

Unless you want a panoramic view of Korea's beauty, you might have different preferences like me. I particularly dote on autumn for the breathtaking and spectacular sights it projects. But hey, people are unique with own worries and qualms, right?

Winter - late November till March

Visiting palaces during winter gonna be...grrrrr..*trembling with cold*

But throwing snowballs is fun!

Winter is a high season for tourist in Korea. Plane ticket and accommodation is slightly more expensive than the low season like autumn and summer. People are on Christmas and New Year's holiday mood hence the rate goes up.

However, due to global warming the weather has become crazier and crazier each year. Pretty unpredictable. I was on the phone yesterday with my friend; Yani (from Singapore) who is currently in Korea ( Christmas 2010 until early January 2011). According to her, the weather was about -20 Celsius when she reached Seoul! They stayed inside buildings for warm heaters most of the time to avoid the extreme cold. She couldn't last even 5 minutes outside with that kinda weather. :O

Hence, I always try to avoid visiting Korea during winter season.

Pro:
Snow
Skiing and snowboarding activities
Winter Sonata moment
Winter fashionista - donning winter apparels

Con:
Reduced mobility
View is dull and somber
Extremely cold
Day time is shorter

Spring - End of March until early May

At Hangang Park

At Kyunghee University

Also considered as high season mainly because the sakura blossoms gonna bloom in this time of the year. It is an added value for those who want to visit Korea other than the nice weather. Springs means the start of schools, businesses and etc in Korea. Basically, the fiscal year starts around spring.
I bet the only preferred season to visit Korea are either spring or autumn. Weather and spectacular view wise.

Pro:
Beautiful
Awesome weather

Con:
High season

Summer - Late May until September

Kids love running around this fountain during summer.

Heat busters!

A good season for backpackers because you don't have to wear layers of clothes and carry bulky luggages as in winter. Korean love summer. At least to my Korean friends that I know of. Although it's humid and they gonna be sweaty but they can't wait for summer because it's the time to hit the beach!!

Pro:
Mobility

Con:
Humid

Autumn - Late September until early November

Me with Tut on top of the carpet of autumn! ^^

My favorite! It's harvest season during this time where you get to celebrate Chuseok. So many fruits and crops on the market during this time and the view is breathtaking with the trees changing colors from yellow, red and brown! I love it while riding the bus or car marvelling at the beautiful mountains during autumn. Nuff said Zarina! Hehehe..

Can I say no Pro and Con here? Yes! *I'm such a bias when it comes to autumn..sorry ^^*

I have come up with 7 days itineraries under the pages tab: Sample Itinerary. Have a look!

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