My 5D4N Seoul Travel Diary (Mar'25 Edition)

Hello Kaohsiung (Taiwan) After 9 Years (post here)
Hello Bali (Indonesia) After 12 Years (post here)
And now it's time to say Annyeong to Seoul again after 10 years. 
This marks my first international trip for the year of 2025. 

DAY 1: KOTA KINABALU TO INCHEON WITH AIRASIA

As usual, our official airline for this trip is with AirAsia. Actually there are many other airines operating this direct route from Kota Kinabalu to Incheon such as Jeju Air, T-Way Air, Jin Air, Batik Air but both of my husband and I still prefer flying with AirAsia. 

#1: The flight duration from Kota Kinabalu to Incheon takes approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes. Shorter than flying from Kuala Lumpur right, which takes nearly 7 hours. 

DAY 2: INCHEON & MYEONGDONG

Can't believe that after 10 years, finally I'm back in Seoul again. My last trip there was back in 2014 with my mom, my sis and bro-in law. And now I returned to this Land of The Moring Calm with my beloved husband and little son.

By the time the plane landed at Incheon Airport, it already passed midnight. After going through all the immigration and custom clearance, we decided to book a night stay nearby the airport instead of heading down to Seoul city. Do take note that it's mandatory for all travellers to apply for South Korea's K-ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation at least 72 hours prior to your trip. 

#2: We landed in Incheon Airport passed midnight. Hence, we decided to book a stay nearby the airport.

#3: DreamTrip Guesthouse, Incheon -less than 15 minutes drive from the airport 

#4: We booked a double room with private bathroom

DreamTrip Guesthouse, Incheon

Date Stayed: 8 March - 9 March 2025 [1 Night]

Room Rate: KRW58,500 (approx. to RM185) for 1 night (Booked via Booking.com) 

Nearest Station: Unseo Station 

#5: We had breakfast nearby the guesthouse before heading down to Seoul. There are couple of cafes and convenience stores nearby such as Ediya Coffee, CU Convenience store and more.

The check-out time is 11am. Just when we're about to get ready to walk to Unseo Station, the nearest station to the guesthouse, the owner was being so kind and thoughtful that he decided to send us to the station. As for my hotel in Seoul, I will share more details underneath this post. 

Myeongdong 

Right after we done with the process of checking-in into our hotel in Seoul, immediately we headed to Myeongdong. Myeongdong holds a special place in my heart because I used to stayed here twice when I visited Seoul back in 2011 and 2014. Besides did a little shopping here, we had our early dinner at Bbandak Bbandak which is famous for Dakgalbi (both of my husband and I love this Korean cuisine so much), savoured some street food, dropby Line Friends Flagship Store and Daiso, and brought home with us the Bricksand, a freshly-baked brick shape financier cookies. 

#6: Shops at Myeongdong 

#7: Dakgalbi - my husband and I love this Korean cuisine so much that we had twice for this trip

#8: Savoured some street food 

#9: Dropby Line Friends Flagship Store

#10: Bricksand, a freshly-baked brick shape financier cookies

DAY 3: GANGNAM & SEONGSU-DONG

Gangnam

On the next day, we kicked off our day by visiting Gangnam. Believe it or not, I've been to Seoul twice but I have never been to Gangnam. Therefore for this round, it's in my must-to-go list. 

#11: Our breakfast at Cafe Mamas. Might not be the best but I enjoyed their sandwiches so much

#12: One of the main reasons why I wanna go to Gangnam - Starfield Library at Coex Mall 

#13: Our signature post as mother and son

#14: Gangnam Style Sculpture - Do you know that Daniel loves this song so much? Hahaha

#12: Cheongdam-dong K-Star Road - a series of bear statues based on K-pop groups along the street such as BTS, Girls Generation and Psy. 

Seongsu-dong

From Gangnam, we headed to Seongsu-dong, the latest trendy and hottest neighbourhood in Seoul. You can find all sorts of art shops, cafes and boutique stores such as Dior, Tamburins (sister fragrance brand of Gentle Monster) and more. 

#13: Celebrate my birthday at Nudake, an artisan dessert cafe by Gentle Monster 

#14: Seongsu-dong boasts a wide array of shops, enough to overwhelm even the most seasoned shoppers. 

#15: Can't believe I shop till I drop at this Dasique shop 

DAY 4: ANGUK, INSADONG & GWANGJANG MARKET

Anguk

It's the day for cafe hopping and we began with Cafe Onion. As this industrial-theme cafe attracted hundreds of visitors, hence it's advisable to arrive earlier to avoid the long queue. 

#16: Cafe Onion Anguk 

#17: Hanok, a traditional house converted into a bakery cafe - an unique experience

#18: Drooling by just looking all the yummylicious pastries and desserts 

#19: Initially we plan to try London Bagel Museum but it required at least 2 hours. So, we gave it a pass.

#20: From Cafe Onion, we walked to Bukchon Traditional Houses 

Insadong

Insadong is always my favourite spot to hunt for souvenirs for friends and families. Here, you can find all sorts of handmade crafts, tea, antique items and even unique Hangeul-themed souvenirs. 

#21: Insadong, always my favourite place to buy Hanguel-themed souvenirs

Gwangjang Market 

Because featured on Netflix, Gwangjang Market has become the most famous food market in Seoul. 

#22: Gwangjang Market, one of the most famous food market in Seoul 

#23

DAY 5: HONGDAE & GOODBYE SEOUL

Hongdae

On our last day in Seoul, we decided to wander around Hongdae. There are plenty of things to shop and eat here. 

#24: Vibrant and colourful street of Hongdae

#25: Hongdae Tourist Information Center 

#26: Shopping here is pretty cheap and affordable

#27: We had Dakgalbi (again) and fried chicken in Hongdae 

Goodbye Seoul! Goodbye South Korea!

After spending 5 days and 4 nights in Seoul, it's time to bid goodbye. 

#28

#29: Do you know that Pinkfong and Baby Shark are originally from South Korea? 

#30: Catching red-eye flight back to Kota Kinabalu

OUR HOTEL IN SEOUL
Mercure Ambassador Seoul Magok

I'm so embarrassed to share that for the first time in my travelling experience, this is the first time I booked the wrong hotel. Initially I want to book the Mercure hotel situated in Hongdae but somehow, I accidentally booked the one Magok. Mercure Ambassador Seoul Magok is pretty close to Gimpo Airport but then it's quite far from most of the famous districts where it takes nearly an hour to Myeongdong. 

#31: We booked a superior room with a king-sized bed

#32: Relatively spacious and not compact 

#33: Specially requested for baby crib

#34

Date Stayed: 9 March - 12 March 2025 [3 Night]
Total Room Rate: RM1,098 for 3 nights without breakfast (Booked via Hotels.com) 
Nearest Station: Magok Subway Station 

MY TRAVEL HAUL
My favourite part - to share what I bought from Seoul. 

#35: My shopping haul from Seoul

#36: Not a big fan of Starbucks drink but I do love to collect their merchandise for keepsake 

#37: I don't normally shop beauty & cosmetic products but these items from Dasique are too hard to resist. 

#38: Green tea waffle, assorted teas and facial masks from Olive Young

#39: Hanguel-themed souvenirs from Insadong

#40: Got myself a jumper from SPAO and top from Hongdae 

By the way, I just realised that I haven't completed my 2024 travelogue as I had a trip to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Maybe going to blog about these 2 Central Asia countries next year. 

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Summary of My 7D6N South Korea (2014) Travelogues & Travel Expenses

As usual, here is the compilation for all the posts relating to my trip to South Korea back in year 2014 where we covered Seoul and Busan within 7 days and 6 nights. Plus by end of this post, I also share on how much I spent throughout my trip.

Day 1: 20th March 2014
To South Korea with Korean Air and From Seoul to Busan

Travel Between Incheon International Airport (ICN) and Seoul Station
There are two types of trains operate between ICN and Seoul Station:
1) Express Train 

• Non stop train and it takes 43 minutes
• Runs every 30 minutes 
• Fare 8,000 won (6,000 won for group of four people or more)

2) Commuter Train

• Stops at 9 different stations and travel time takes 56 minutes between ICN and Seoul
• Trains run every 23 minutes and times vary throughout the day
• Fare and schedule are vary depending on the arriving station (click here)

Although the commuter train consumed lots of our time with plenty stops, but we chosen this cause it was cheaper at least by half of the express train fare.

In order to get to Busan from Seoul, we took KTX (Korean Train eXpress) by using Korail Pass which I pre-booked in advanced before the trip. Korail Pass is only available to foreign traveller, in other words only for the non-Korean with unlimited access on Standard Class seats within fixed period of time. There are 1, 3, 5 and 7 Days Passes and these passes must be used on consecutive days. As we're spending three days and two nights in Busan, we chosen the 3-Day Passes. If you are travelling in a group of 2 to 5, then you are entitled for the Saver Pass which is slightly cheaper than the standard fare. 

For more info, you can check out the type and fare here as the fare is vary from year to year. 

How To Purchase Korail Pass: 

1) Book online from Korail website - Besides your own details such as full name and passport number, other passengers details are also required. 

2) Print out the voucher and remember to bring along in order to exchange Korail Passes.

3) The voucher can only be redeemed at Seoul Station. All passports and credit card used for booking are required for validation. It's crucial or else, the booking is void. 

Stay: E-Fashion Hotel (Permanently closed down) 

Talking about accommodations in Busan city, two areas I would highly recommend to stay:

• Jung-gu, area closer to Busan Main Station like Toyoko Inn 1, Hotel Gwang Jang; or
• Hauendae-gu, an affluent beach area and home to Korea's most famous beach.

Get Around Busan: 

In order to get around Busan, one can either opt for Busan Hanaro Card or Busan Metro Day Pass. Busan Hanaro Card is a travel card system which similar to Seoul T-Money Card that can be used on subway, light rail and buses. The card itself costs 6,000 won and you need to reload money into the card. We opted the latter one, Busan Metro Day Pass which cost 4,500 won per day.

Haeundae Beach & Market 

How To Get To Haeundae Beach & Market: 

Align at Haeundae Station on Line 2. It takes more an hour from Busan Subway Station.

Day 2: 21st March 2014
Gamcheon Culture Village, Santorini of the East

How To Get To Gamcheon Culture Village:

Get off from Toseong Station (Line 1) Exit 6. Turn right at the corner and walk straight until reach the bus stop in front of the Busan National University Hospital. From there, take Bus 2-2 or 2 and get off at Gamcheon Culture Village.

There is no admission fee charged for entering here but if you are interested to get the map, it cost you 2,000 won (approx. to RM8).

Taejongdae Recreation Area

How To Get To Taejongdae Recreation Area: 

From Busan Subway Station Exit 7, take bus 88 or 101 and get off at Taejongdae Cliff.

In order to get back to Busan Subway Station, take bus 8, 30, 88 or 101.

Admission fee is free of charge but in the case you are too lazy to walk, I would personally recommend you to take the Danubi Train ride which cost 1,500 won for adult and 600 won. It stops at 5 main attractions:

Platform à Taejongsa Temple à Yeongdo Lighthouse à Observatory à Gumyeongsa Temple à Taewon Jagal Madang à Platform

BIFF Square

How To Get To BIFF Square:

Nampo Station - Exit 1 or 3 and walk straight for few minutes and BIFF Square on the right

Day 3: 22nd March 2014

From Busan, we took KTX Train bound to Seoul. We're so wrong when we decided to reserve the train time we preferred on the spot but unfortunately it was fully booked. At the end, we waited for almost two hours in Busan Main Station for the next train ride. Be sure to reserve earlier, at least a day in advance. The journey from Busan to Seoul takes about 2 and half hours. There are food and beverages selling inside the train and the best part, there's a free WiFi internet connection. 

Stay: Namsan Guest House 3

It might be small and cramped, but this guesthouse is perfect place to stay for its unbeatable location. Less than 5 minutes walk from Myeongdong Subway Station, and opposite of the road is where the busy Myeongdong Shopping Street situated. 

Day 4: 23rd March 2014
Changdeokgung Palace

How To Get To Changdeokgung Palace: 
Jongno 3 (sam)-ga Station - Exit 6; or
Anguk Station - Exit 3.
From the station, walk straight about 5 minutes to the palace entrance.

Admission Fee: 3,000 won for Changdeokgung Palace only and 5,000 for Secret Garden Tour. 
However, if you are interested to visit all the Grand Palaces except for Gyeonghuigung Palace , you are advisable to purchase the Integrated Ticket of Palaces which cost 10,000 won only.

Bukchon Hanok Village & Insadong

How To Get To Bukchon Hanok Village:
Anguk Station - Exit 2. Walk straight for about 300m to arrive at Bukchon Hanok Village

Insadong

How To Get To Insadong Street:
1. Anguk Station - Exit 6; or
2. Jonggak Station - Exit 3; or
3. Jongno 3 (sam)-ga Station - Exit 1

Day 5: 24th March 2014
The Day I Wandered Alone In Seoul

Ewha Womans University and surrounding area - another popular shopping districts in Seoul among the young ladies. 

How To Get To Ewha Womans University:

Ewha Womans University Station - Exit 2 or 3. From the station, 5 minutes walk to the university.

Sichon Area


Itaewon

N Seoul Tower

How To Get To N Seoul Tower:

By Public Bus - click here. I took the bus from Myeongdong Station - Exit 3 and board on Namsan Sunhwan Shuttle Bus No. 5 for only 1,200 won (approx. to RM4) for a single trip. 

By Cable Car - Walk about 10-15 minutes following the street of the right side of the Pacific Hotel, after coming out from Exit 3 of Myeongdong Station. A return ticket cost 8,500 won (approx. to RM26) for adult and 5,500 won (approx. to RM17) for children. 

Admission Fee for Observatory: 10,000 won (approx. to RM31) for adult and 8,000 won (approx. to RM25) for children

Day 6: 25th March 2014
Free Traditional Korean Costume Experience

How To Get Experience on Free Traditional Korean Costume: 

Myeong-dong Station - Exit 6. Walk straight until you see M Plaza on right side. Seoul Global Culture & Tourism Center is located on the 5th floor of M Plaza. 

Korean Culture Experience: 10:30 am to 6:00 pm daily 

COEX Aquarium

How To Get To Coex Aquarium: 
Samsung Station - Exit 5 or 6 connected to the Coex Mall. The aquarium is located at the end of the Ocean Walk section. It is next to Megabox Cinema on the Basement 1 arcade.
Admission Fee: 22,000 won for adult and 19,000 won
Opening Hours: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm

Day 7: 26th March 2014
Cat Playground Cafe

How To Get To Cat Playground Cafe in Myeongdong:
Myeongdong Station - Exit 6. Walk straight until spot New Balance shop and turn right. The cafe is located on the 3rd floor.
Opening Hours: 12 pm to 11 pm (Close on Sunday)
Admission Fee: 8,000 won for adult and 7,000 won for children including one drink

Leaving South Korea & My Shopping Loots

There are three options to go to Incheon International Airport from Myeongdong:

1) By bus 

Take Bus 6015 which departs in front of Sejong Hotel (Myeongdong Station - Exit 8). The first bus departs at 4.50 am while the last bus departs at 8.35 pm. One single ride costs 15,000 won and T-money card is accepted inside the bus. 

2) By AREX train 

From Myeongdong Station, it requires change line at Seoul Station before taking AREX train.

3) By taxi/van

We hired a van from Namsan Guesthouse 3 and it cost 65,000 won for four of us. 

As usual to end each of my travelogue, the following are the details of travel expenses breakdown throughout my 7 days 6 nights to South Korea: 

PARTICULARS	NOTE	AMOUNT
		Korean won	RM
Air Fare KK-Seoul-KK via Korean Air Accommodation E-Fashion Hotel Busan – 2 nights Namsan Guest House Seoul – 4 nights Transportation Korail Pass – 3 Day Passes (Pre-booked online) Busan Metro Day Pass (2 days) Taxi around Busan Reload for T-Money card Van to Incheon International Airport Admission Fees Danubi Train - Taejongdae Recreation Area Changdeokgung Palace COEX Aquarium  Food & Beverages Around Busan Around Seoul Others Shopping loots, postcards & stamps	1 2 2 3	- - 130,000 92,400 9,000 3,250 22,600 16,250 1,500 3,000 19,500 27,550 73,275 296,650	2,167 83 404 290 28 10 70 50 5 9 60 85 228 923
		TOTAL:	4,412

Exchange Rate - 1,000 won = RM3.11

Note:

1. It was impromptu trip. It would be slightly cheaper if my family decided to book earlier as Cathay Pacific airfare cost less than RM1,800 with a short transit at Taiwan.

2. For more details about the two accommodations, check out here.
3. Photo as below - I spent lesser comparing to my first trip to South Korea.

Frankly speaking, if I don't take the airfare into the account, the total damages for my trip to South Korea would be only RM2,245 including accommodations, transportation, admission fees, meals and shopping loots. How I wish AirAsia X could start to operate in Kota Kinabalu so flying to South Korea would be much more economical and convenient? Plus, the flight duration from Kota Kinabalu to Seoul Incheon International Airport takes 5 and half hours only, compare from Kuala Lumpur which takes more than 7 hours.

Can't wait to be back to South Korea again!

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