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| Drumming at Minsok Korean Folk Village |
Summary
It was a fantastic trip, we went all over the city and averaged 20,000 steps a day! Spent all 10 days in Seoul. Total out of pocket: $7660.37 (forgot to add $228.49 in parking expenses to spreadsheet).
Travel Notes (All prices below are USD unless otherwise noted)
Travel Visa
- No Visa necessary to South Korea for US passport holders.
Airport
- Used QuikPark LAX. It was more expensive but their shuttles are multiple and quick.
- Since our flight left late we couldn't use the KAL lounge. Ended up spending $120 of Priority Pass credit at PF Changs! Unfortunately, this is no longer an option for PP.
- We used the Matina Lounge at ICN. Food was decent and it wasn't too crowded.
Travel
- We took the airport bus 6030 from ICN to our hotel and on the return journey as well. Only 15,000 KRW each way. You can purchase tickets both at the airport and the hotel.
- We made most of our travel via subway, it was very easy, cheap, and safe. You purchase a T-Money card at convenience store, preload it, and you are good to go.
- Taxi drivers were a hit or miss. Some were really friendly and offered great tips, some seemed like they hated life.
Accommodations
- Conrad Seoul
- We had Diamond status for the stay.
- Used 480,000 points for 10 nights.
- Point redemption value was about 1 cpp.
- We did not get a complimentary suite upgrade at Conrad, so opted to pay for it. Talked them down from $1200 to about $650. Feel the suite was totally worth it.
- Breakfast in the restaurant is one of the best buffet spreads I've experienced at a hotel.
- We opted for breakfast in the lounge most days since the restaurant had an extra charge for the kids. The lounge buffet breakfast had a nice selection as well.
- The lounge was very comfortable and staff was super friendly. Had great views of the city on clear days.
Entertainment
- We enjoyed the Alive Museum and Dynamic Maze far more than I thought we would! This is all the girls talked about after the trip.
- The Seoul Children's Museum had a ton of hands on activities for the girls to do.
- Street markets in Dondaemun and Myeongdong were crowded but lively with great food.
- Everland was bigger than I remember and we were entertained the whole day. A ton of hilly walking though! Also, the animal exhibits are some the best we've seen. The animals were closer and more lively than other zoos/animal parks we've been to.
- Minsokchon (Korean Folk Village) was great to visit. Loved the old houses and performances.
- Gwangmeong Cave was a wonder to visit. Sprawling underground cave that is now a tourist attraction.
Mobile/Internet
- We rented a mifi device for ~$5 a day from the airport. Internet speed was great.
Laundry
- You can search google maps for the term 빨래방.
- There wasn't any on Yeoeudo island since it's a business district, but found one near Daebang station. The proprietor husband/wife was super friendly and taught us how to use the machines.
- The first time I took a taxi there, but 2nd time felt comfortable enough to take the bus.
Local Currency
- We exchanged a small amount of cash at the airport at an unfavorable exchange rate.
Food
- We ate at the lounge frequently, but local food was really affordable and tasty. Really enjoyed eating all over Seoul.
- Interestingly the Kang Ho-dong Baekjeong in Myeongdong was a really poor experience in both staff and quality of meat compared to the states. That was the only restaurant that was a let down for us in Korea.
Security
- Did not feel unsafe at any time in Seoul.
Family
- Brought Pockit stroller, was a lifesaver at Everland and other hilly places we visited.
Tipping
- We tipped our travel guide for the Minsokchon/Gwangmeong Cave trip, but it's mostly a non-tipping culture.
Language/Culture
- English signage was plentiful but it was varied in how much locals could speak. It would be helpful to learn some basic phrases and leverage Google Translate.
- Slight bowing of the head is part of Korean culture when greeting/parting with people. It will earn you goodwill if you do it, especially paired with "Anyong Haseyo/Anyonge Geseyo" (Respectful versions of Hello/Goodbye).
Trip Videos
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