Beca - trishaw

Beca is the Malay word for rickshaw or trishaw here becasue of the commonly found three wheel variety. Trishaw was a common form of transportation right up to the late 80s and some still preferring them in the 90s. While it is a relic of the past, the trishaw is making back these days as a tourist attraction and it is good for a slow pace tour.

The common trishaw here is basically a bicycle with passenger cart attached. In Malacca and Kelantan, the cart is attached at the side, while in Penang it is in front, giving passenger better view in front.

The trishaw has a convertible cover and it is really fun to ride into. I still remember while I was a kid, we normally go around Georgetown with trishaw. Always look forward to it.

Read More …

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!!

Read More …

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

Read More …

Nami Island Zip Wire

Thank you for the tip from Nisa.

Korea Tourism has come out with a new slick and more adventurous option to reach Nami Island from Gapyeong Station apart from the normal ferry ride from the jetty and you might just want to try it. If given the chance, I will definitely do it!

It is called as Zip Rider / Zip Wire

According to the video, the Gapyeong Tower's height is about 80 metres and the distance from Gapyeong to Nami Island is about 940 metres. The Zip wire ride takes about 1 minute 30 seconds. If you reach the Jara-Nami Skyline, take the lift to 3rd level for Nami Island.

Direction:

From Seoul Station to Gapyeong Station by subway

1 hour 44 minutes

2 transfers - Hoegi Station (subway) and Sangbong Station (normal train)

1,800 won by cash, 1,900 won by T-money



From Gapyeong Station to Nami Island Ferry

Gapyeong Station (Jungang Line), Exit 1
From here, walk straight to the bus station about 200 metres then take bus number 33-5 to Nami Island Ferry. Or you may take a taxi.

Fee:
38,000 won

Contact information:
sun@naminara.com

For more information, check out KNTO
Check out Baopyl's detail explanation on her journey to Nami Island.

Read More …

Air Asia to Seoul

AirAsia has been a blessing in disguise from God right? Teehee..The best thing is our flight budget to Korea has been greatly reduced with their decision to secure the route to Incheon!

I am going to address some of the reader's curiousity mainly about AirAsia flight from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to Incheon International Airport (IIA) in this post.

A sample itinerary from AirAsia

from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to Incheon International Airport (IIA)

1. My flight will reach IIA at about 9.45pm (Korean time). Will I be able to get a transport to Seoul in time?
There is 1 hour difference between Malaysia and Korea. That means you will reach IIA at about 8.45pm (Malaysian time).

According to Seoul Metropolitan Rapid Transit Corporation, the last train/subway from IIA to Seoul :

Weekday/Saturday/Holiday
Normal train - 2321hrs.
Express Train - 2130hrs.

So, if you reach AREX station for direct train to Seoul, allow yourself a 20-30 minutes buffer to be there. Basically, you should be at AREX station at least before 11.00pm. There's always a consequence of a flight delay (those who have flied with AirAsia will agree, I guess ^^), be prepared.

From my experience, Korean custom and immigration is among the easiest to get through especially for Malaysian. There was one time when the officer didn't even look at my face (or maybe I didn't realize it? hahaha) and let me through in a split second. By the time I collected my luggage, the whole process took me about 30 minutes right after the landing. Of course, this is impossible if you come with family or in a group. However, time management is important!

2. Should I ride airport taxi / limousine bus/ AREX + subway to Seoul?

How much is your cost to Seoul?
Taxi ~40,000 won/taxi
Limousine bus~14,000 won/pax
Arex + Subway~3,800 won/pax

Note: Price may differs

An airport taxi incurs a whopping cost of about 40,000won/one way to Seoul but if you come in a group of 4, just divide the cost and it will be cheaper than limousine bus, plus you have the comfort and speed of a taxi. If you come alone, the remaining options might be more viable.

3. What if I miss the last limousine bus/ AREX + subway to Seoul?

You could either:
-sleep at jjimjilbang/sauna for 12,000 won per night
-sleep at the airport on the hard wooden chair, check out the guide to sleeping in airports.
-stay up at McDonalds + surf the internet (the wifi speed is awesome here!)
-watch TV in front of Ministop convenience store (who cares if you don't understand Korean, just enjoy it! You might see your idol in the ads or latest featured drama!)

..ZzzZzzz..and then take the first train to Seoul at 0520hrs ^_^

4. Where do I pray at Incheon International Airport (IIA) - for Muslim?

There is a communal room for multi religion. Please be reminded, it is not solely for Muslim.
For detail layout of the airport, check KNTO for more.

Read More …

Free Shuttle Bus to Busan

Thanks to Miera for the tip!

After they came out with the idea of having Free shuttle bus service to Jeonju and Gyeongju for us the international fans; Korea Tourism has yet again make it easier for us to explore the city of Busan (I love Busan!) with the FREE shuttle bus from Seoul. Nice!

Map courtesy of KHRC tour

Picture courtesy of Panoramio

Departure: Gwanghamun (Dongwha Duty Free shop) , Exit No 6, Gwanghamun Station, Line 5 (Purple)

Busan Lotte Hotel is just beside Seomyeon Station. I took this picture

while lingering around Busan.

Arrival: Busan Lotte  Hotel (Seomyeon), Exit No 7, Seomyeon Station (Orange) or Busan Paradise Hotel (Haeundae), Exit No 5, Haeundae Station (Green) . *Check out my post on Haeundae Beach!*

Period: 1st January ~ 31st December 2011 / All days except Mondays and Public holidays

How to Apply? Check out VisitKoreaYear

Saving? 50,000 ~ 60,000 won of a round trip bus

Term and Conditions

• First come first serve
• No single trip plan. You must follow the schedule of the bus. You go to Busan and return to Seoul with the bus on the same day. 
• If you cancel the reservation, please inform the committee.
• Please show your PASSPORT before boarding the bus

Read More …

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

Read More …

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

Read More …

Hallyu Tourism Train

If you realized from my previous post, you could go to Nami Island by taking the train from Seongbuk Station in Seoul. After taking the subway until Seongbuk Station, step out to another line (Gyeongchun line) for normal train - (Seoul to Chuncheon) running from Seongbuk to Gangwon province.

Scratched that. Apparently the line has been changed to be from Seoul Station to Chuncheon Station instead.
But why do I have to mention this?

It is because of this one man. My favorite actor; So Ji Sub. Teehee..^^ He has his own train now. Don't take it literally though cause the train is to promote Korea Tourism. So if you could schedule your trip to Nami Island on Sunday or Saturday you could land yourself with a chance of riding So Ji Sub's train.

So Ji Sub with Gangwon province governor.

When: every Saturday and Sunday until September 2011
Frequency: once a day
Tour price: 79,000 69,000 won (with supper and lunch)
Check In Time: 7.30am (no later than 7.50am)
Departure Station: Seongbuk Seoul Station, Line 1 (8.20am) - Korail Tourism Development branch office located next to Exit 1 on the 2nd floor of Seoul Station
Arrival Station: Chuncheon Station
Tour course: Namiseom (Nami Island) – Pungmul Market – Makguksu (buckwheat noodles) Museum – Kim Yu-Jeong Literature Village/ Hwacheon Sancheoneo (Mountain trout) Festival (during the festival period of January)

Click here for reservation.
Check out KNTO for more info.

a treat...^^ *sigh*

P/S Yani..I just opened your mail today. 아주 기뻤어 고마워! 

막 그 사진을 보고 내 심장이 떨려..ㅋㅋㅋ

Read More …

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.  

Read More …

KTX - Korea Bullet Train

This might sound ridiculous to you but one of the things that I wanted to try in Korea was riding KTX (Korea Bullet Train). I guess there are so many reasons why tourists want to visit Korea, right? ^^ Albeit a silly one like mine.

The history of KTX
Official Website: KTX
The Korea Train eXpress (KTX) is South Korea's high-speed rail system, which connects the capital Seoul to Busan and Mokpo. Operated by Korail, the system's technology is largely based on the French TGV/LGV system. The KTX service holds in excess of 65% of the total route market share between Seoul and Busan, and transported around 37 million passengers annually since 2006 (Source: Wikipedia)

Say hi to Taeyang, Seungri and G-Dragon (Big Bang) from Yongsan Station.

I waited until both of my friends arrived in Seoul and we decided to take the shortest route from Seoul. The three of us checked out Yongsan electronic complex first and rode the KTX Korea Bullet Train later. Shopping comes first! Hehehe..

Our coach is lucky number 6!

From Yongsan to the nearest KTX Station CheonanAsan costs about 13300 won (~MYR40) and the duration was 35 minutes. It was cheaper compared to JR Nozomi Bullet train in Japan which was around MYR75 for half an hour in 2007

This KTX is bound for Gwangju.

KTX ran at maximum speed 305km/hour when we rode the train. Overall, it was a pleasant ride, but the space between seats is not that spacious considering it as a bullet train. Some of my Korean friends consider KTX fare is quite expensive. When a bullet train passed through Cheonan Asan Station, we heard an explosive sound, almost like a bomb. Amazing!

People waiting for their train at Yongsan Station

A KTX train passed by beside us in one blink!

KTX schedule at Cheonan Asan Station.

On the way back we took another type of train called

Saemaeul from Cheonan Asan to Seoul.

It set us off at 9,100 won but the time taken was 1 hour 08 minutes!

Now I know what's the meaning of the saying - Time is money. ^^

We win some, lose some. Save some money, lose some time.

Where can you grab a bullet train in Seoul?

1. Seoul Station
2. Yongsan Station

Read More …

How To Go To Jeju Island

By Flight from Seoul / Busan

Jeju Air - http://www.jejuair.net/

It's only in Korean and I'm afraid you need a Korean friend to assist you for booking the ticket. It's a budget flight like AirAsia. 
How to make Korean friends? Try Couchsurfing. I have personally couchsurfed myself. View my experience here and here.

Korean Airline - http://www.koreanair.com/

Asiana Airline - http://www.flyasiana.com/english/

Tips: 
Be a member before booking online. 
Register yourself for their newsletter to get the latest offer and discounts.
Korean Airlines and Asiana Airlines are more expensive than Jeju Air.


By Bus
Go to Mokpo/Wando/Incheon/Busan and take a ferry from respective ports

Seoul to Mokpo

Seoul Express Bus Terminal - Mokpo Terminal (every 30~50 minutes/4 hour 20 mins trip/17,600won~28,800won)

Seoul to Wando

The journey is around 5 hours 40 minutes. Seoul dwellers can head to the Express Bus Terminal (line 3, 7, 9) to start their journey to Wando-gun (W33,000).

More info on Wando.

Seoul to Busan

There are 2 types, Express buses and Inter-city buses which often have separate terminals. Express buses can be either first class (udung) or second class (chikhaeng). Express buses are non-stop except for rest stops of 10 minutes every 2 hours. Inter-city buses stop to pick up passengers.

The Seoul Express Bus Terminal (02-782-5551/2) is on Seoul City Subway Line 3, south of the Han River. It has buses departing to Jeonju, Busan, Daegu, Daejeon, Ulsan, Incheon and Gwangju.

Dong-Seoul bus terminal (02-458-4852/4) on Seoul City Subway Line 2, near Kangbyon station, has buses to Jeonju, Incheon, Gwangju, Busan, Daegu and Daejeon.

By Train

Seoul Train Station/Yongsan Station to Mokpo Station 
Saemaeul train - 4 hours 30 mins, 36,600won
KTX - 2 hours 50 min,  40,500won

Seoul to Busan
KTX trains connect Seoul to Busan via Daegu and Daejeon in about 175 min (₩51700). Other trains, such as Saemaeul and Mugunghwa, connect Busan with other major cities as well. They're cheaper but slower than KTX. Head to the First Class car for a free-of-charge water vending machine.

By Ferry to Jeju Port

Busan Port  - More info from Life in Korea
Incheon Port
Wando Port - More info from Lonely Planet
Mokpo Port


Notes:

Recommended to use Internet Explorer 7.0 for opening the all the Korean websites mentioned.
Fare for train/subway/bus/ferry/flight might change.

Read More …

Seoul Metro

This is a list of subway stations in Seoul which I had been to before. I think it might be helpful for you to know them when you travel.

All the stations' names are equipped in English but if you get lost and uncertain how to pronounce the station's name, it might be good if you have it in Hangul.

Imagine yourself, lost in Seoul Metropolis. You hold a piece of paper with subway station's name written in Hangul. Then, show it to the passersby with a smiling face for direction. The probability of non English speaking Korean helping you or even leading you directly to the station will be higher.  ^^ Bingo!

Subway - jihachol - 지하철
Station - yok - 역
Note: The 'o' sounds in 'yok' and 'jihachol' is pronounce as 'jaw' in English.

Anguk - 안국

Apgujeong - 앞구정

Cheongnyangni   (Seoul Metro) - 청량리

Gangbyeon - 강변

Gwanghamun - 광화문

Gyeongbokgung - 경복궁

Hoegi - 회기

Myeong-dong - 명동

Noryangjin - 노량진

Samseong  - 삼성

Yaksu - 약수

Yongsan - 용산

Note: The 'o' sound in 'Yongsan' is pronounced similar to the 'o' of 'low' in English
Check the rest of the stations that I have listed in here.

Read More …