Location : Seoul, South Korea
Time difference : 1hour ahead (GMT+9)
Exchange rate : 1000 won = RM 2.93
Flight time : 6hours 20mins
This will be the longest flight I have taken, although it’s only 6hours and 20mins.
The flight delayed for about 20mins because there were few passengers that were ‘missing’. After some security checks, we are ready for take off.
We were a bit worried because the last bus to the hotel will be at 2230 and the flight will touchdown only at 2155. So it means that we only have 30 mins to take the transit train,pick up our luggage, pass through immigration and stand in front of the bus stop.
Our first time looking at sunset on the plane
Even flying above the 'stars'
Just when the flight attendant announced that the plane is ready for landing, there was a surprise right in front of my eyes. There was a small girl bout the age of 7 was standing and hugging her mum. I was quite curious and tried to see what was happening. Her mum was holding a plastic bag and the little girl PEE STANDING!!! Can u imagine that?? OMG!!!! Once she finished, her mum took out a rubberband, tied the plastic bag and left it at the compartment in front of her seat. Once the flight came to a stop, we still have to take a transit train to the main building.
We then hurried to the luggage collection area and thank God that we see our luggage once we reach. We then rushed to the immigration counter and there were so many people queuing up.
I thought we were surely going to miss the bus and have to take a taxi that cost 2times extra. Suddenly I received a text from my mum saying that Seoul is flooded. I thought “Ah…shouldn’t be that bad to stop me from my trip”
Luckily there was a new line open and we went through without any difficulties. (Quite a number of passengers went for interview) We then went down directly to the bus stop to look for the signboard of the right bus number.
And when we saw that the last bus was on 2250 we were relieved. The bus came right on the dot, the bus driver came down, strap our luggage with something like a wristband when u enter genting theme park then pass the other half of it with the same number to us. Was quite surprised to be honest of how the procedure is so organized.
We paid the fare of 10,000 won each and boarded the bus. The journey would take around 1hour. On the bus, the driver turned on the TV and there were news of the flood earlier. The flood water almost covered the whole car. (It’s THAT bad) The next thing that caught my attention was there is a WIFI router on the bus…
Along the way we saw police cars facing us to re-route drivers to other roads.
On the way we also saw KBS mall, is it a mall that sell artistes we thought(pun intended)
The trip took slightly longer than an hour due to different route taken. On after about 40mins finally we were able to see some buildings instead of just highways. It feels like I'm in those Korean drama where you can see all the shop names written in Korean.
The driver the drop us in front of Sejong Hotel, brought down luggage then we are on our own. Referring to the map in hand we crossed the road and started walking uphill. The time was about 11.30pm and everywhere was dark and quiet. We continued walking for about 15mins and still no sign of the Guest House.
We were quite fortunate that we meet a couple going downhill so we asked them “How do we go here”**points at address** and the first thing they replied was “where are you from?” Was a bit shocked but I replied Malaysia then they continue to converse between themselves and we could not understand a single thing they were saying. The guy then told us to follow the road on the left just go straight and you will see it. We thank them and started walking again
After about 3mins, finally we saw the signboard that is familiar to us. We rang the bell and the staff, Ray came out to greet us. He was staying up waiting for us**Thanks man.**He also told us that the map provided for the way to the hotel is for taxi. Pedestrians have shortcut. We were glad and not so glad at the same time.
I provided my passport, paid 240 000won for 4nights accommodation and went to our room on the second floor.
We left our luggage and went out searching for food. We found a convenience store and grabbed our dinner.
The cup noodles in Korean are bigger compared to Malaysia, and the best thing is they DO NOT provide a fork in it. We were looking at each other thinking of how to ask the cashier guy if there are forks provided. I went to him and asked do you have a fork? He looked at me for second then points to the box of chopsticks on the counter. I took 2pairs then went back to the “dinner table.” We also bought a cute bottle of Coke which cost 1200won for a small bottle just because it is “cute.” We finish our dinner quickly then head back to the guesthouse. We took our bath then slept straight away as we were dead tired.
Second day, we woke up at about 9, went down have breakfast as it is provided until 10. Once we finish we went to the counter and wanted to ask them for directions to Gyeongbokgung and if the place is flooded. The lady owner guided us through the subway map that is on the wall near the counter. She couldn’t understand the meaning of flooded though. But as she was telling us how to get there, we thought it shouldn’t be flooded. So we set out and took the shortcut as told by Ray and the subway station is just about 5mins away. We went to another convenience shop
and got ourselves T-money**something like our Touch’n’Go but much cuter and more convenient too** There is a normal card version but we saw that there are many other designs and sizes to choose from and it cost 6000-7000won each.
We the loaded it with 10 000won and went down to the subway station.
We scanned the T-money and automatically 900won was deducted. The train arrived in less than 3mins and the trips were very frequent. After a couple of stops we arrived at Gyeongbokgung station (Line 3) You can get the full subway map here
Gyeongbokgung also known as Gyeongbokgung Palace or Gyeongbok Palace, is a royal palace located in northern Seoul, South Korea. First constructed in 1394 and reconstructed in 1867, it was the main and largest palace of the Five Grand Palaces built by the Joseon Dynasty. The name of the palace, Gyeongbokgung, translates in English as "Palace of Shining Happiness."
Nearly destroyed by the Japanese government in the early 20th century, the walled palace complex is slowly being restored to its original form prior the destruction. As of 2009, roughly 40 percent of the original number of palace buildings still stand or are reconstructed. (credits to Wikipedia)
We followed the sign and walked to the exit in about 3mins.
Gwanghwamun (the main and south gate also the largest gate of Gyeongbokgung)
Heungnyemun (second inner gate)
Geunjeongmun (third inner gate) and Yeongjegyo (bridge)
This is the ticketing booth to pass Geunjeongmun but we did purchase the tickets to visit the whole palace as is would take quite a long time and there were many other places that we planned to visit
Cost: Adults - W3000
7-18 Yrs W1500
Seniors and under 6yrs - FOC
Time: Closed on Tuesdays
Mar-Oct Wed-Mon 9am-6pm
Nov-Feb Wed-Mon 9am-5pm
You can also get more info here.
Blogged by
Jason
No comments:
Post a Comment