Buzz
Upon my first steps onto the airport grounds, my immediate task was locating the AREX express train ticket counter to head back to Seoul. If unsure of its whereabouts, one could easily approach airport staff who were remarkably helpful in guiding travelers. At the ticket counter, all it took was presenting my Qcode on the phone, and the staff effortlessly understood, printing out the train ticket. Additionally, a mere 5 won was required to exchange for an entry card. Upon disembarking the train, there was a machine to return the entry card, following simple instructions to retrieve the 5 won deposit. The train ride was swift, taking less than an hour to reach Seoul, and astonishingly cost-effective compared to other airport services – priced at approximately 130,000 VNĐ when booked through Klook.
Secure your AREX express train ticket promptly with Klook.
Similar to other tourist attractions, pre-booking tickets via the website eliminates the need to queue for tickets. Simply present the code on your phone to the ticket counter staff for swift entry into the attraction area, and naturally – at a cheaper rate than purchasing tickets directly at the counter. Before ascending the tower, there will be personnel guiding towards the elevator. Here, queues are almost always lengthy, taking over 30 minutes to ascend and descend. Along the queue route towards the elevator, there is a photo area for visitors to capture memories with Namsan Tower. After the visit, one can submit the photo ticket to preview the image, and if desired, acquire it as a memento for 25,000W.
Obtain your N Seoul Tower combo ticket (Namsan Tower) promptly with Klook.
In addition to the myriad of cosmetic and clothing stores, one cannot overlook the abundance of street food here. Offering a variety of delicacies that any snack enthusiast cannot resist. While indulging in these delights and engaging in conversation, it became apparent that there were quite a few Vietnamese vendors selling night-time snacks.
Day 2: Rent Hanbok attire for palace exploration.
Having done some research beforehand on various websites, I came across Oneday Hanbok Rental. Here, renting traditional attire is cheaper compared to other stores, and the staff are exceptionally friendly and helpful. If you don Hanbok attire, you'll receive free admission to all palaces, so why not rent one? It's a perfect opportunity for some Instagram-worthy photos without spending extra on tickets.
Explore the Hanbok rental experience in Bukchon with Klook.
Day 3: Round-trip bus service to Nami Island including admission tickets (from Seoul).
On Klook, there are plenty of tours to Nami Island, ranging from bus transfers and admission tickets to additional vouchers for activities like bicycle rentals around the island, visiting Nami Island & Petite France village, or a day tour to Nami Island and Seorak Mountain. However, my interest lies solely in visiting and checking in at 'Winter Sonata' filming locations, so I opted for the Round-trip bus service to Nami Island including admission tickets (from Seoul). After booking on Klook, specific instructions regarding the bus terminal, departure and return times, as well as a map, are provided, making it easy to navigate. Upon arrival at the bus, simply present the voucher, and the driver will provide the bus ticket, ferry tickets to and from the island. Wherever you go, just present the ticket and hop onto the bus, ferry, or island-bound train – it's incredibly convenient.
Book your round-trip bus to Nami Island from Seoul with Klook.
Day 4: Ewha Women's University - A Visit to the Ewha Girls' School.
Opting for independent travel rather than guided tours allows for the exploration of unique destinations often overlooked by organized tours. Ewha Women's University, for instance, is a magnet for young women, boasting both beautiful students and picturesque photo spots. After exploring the campus, stepping outside the gates reveals a plethora of cosmetic stores, offering insight into the secret behind Korean skincare. With the cool climate of Korea and the abundance of skincare shops lining the streets, achieving flawless skin seems inevitable.
Day 5: Wander into the enchanting fairytale realm of Haneul Park – the most romantic reed field in South Korea.
Haneul Park, also known as Seoul World Cup Park, stands out as an impressive spot for admiring golden foliage in South Korea. Surprisingly, before 2002, it was a landfill site heavily polluted and shunned by all. With the 17th World Cup hosted in South Korea, the government embarked on a massive transformation, turning the landfill into a vast, beautiful park – a testament to the government's commitment to environmental conservation and restoration in South Korea.
My self-guided journey through South Korea didn't comprise an extensive list of attractions or a quest to check off as many destinations as possible. Instead, I focused on a select few must-visit spots that no traveler to Korea should miss. Being a first-time independent traveler, my experience was limited compared to seasoned explorers. These are just a few insights and realities gleaned from my trip, which others may find useful for their own journeys.
Explore Seoul with ease with Klook.
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