Seoul Much Fun: Travel Tips

Late update once again, but yeah, I went to Seoul. For 48 hours.

Flew via Scoot because I got tickets on sale. The first leg was fine, we departed on time and I got the ScootinSilence seat which was near the front of the aircraft and comes with extra leg room. The flight back was really sucky though! A red-eye flight that got delayed for 4 freaking hours. Landed back in Singapore at noon when the original ETA was 8am. Geez. Wish I could say I won't ever fly Scoot again but they will be rolling out their Dreamliner fleet soon so...ugh.

ScootinSilence Seats

Anyway, SEOUL IS AWESOME. And you have to visit it too. Here are some Seoul Travel tips if you intend to visit soon.

1. Get Wifi Access in Seoul

Pretty much all of the touristy spots (Myeongdong, Dongdaemun, etc) have free wifi so it won't be much of a problem. But you can also register for 24 hours unlimited wifi access via Olleh Wifi for 3,000 won. You can buy an Olleh Wifi ID online here and or just visit convenience stores and get one. I chose to buy online though! Connection is a bit spotty at times but it was very helpful when I was on transit or just walking around places with no free wifi access.

2. How to commute in Seoul

I only took trains when I was in Seoul and I had this very handy OFFLINE subway map called Jihachul which really helped me a lot in determining which station I should alight or go next. Download the app for free on your iOS device here and your Android device here.

3. How to Commute to Nami Island

On the subject of trains.

I'm not that really into tour groups and I my schedule was quite tight so I had to find my way around commuting to Nami Island instead of joining the daily bus shuttle that departs at 9am. I started my trip really early because I had to catch the 8:16am ITX train bound to Gapyeong station. My hotel was located near Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Center so I took the metro to Cheongnyangni, bought my ITX ticket (there's an option to buy tickets online too) at the station, and jumped on a train headed to Gapyeong. The ride was quite fast, probably around 40 minutes. So if you don't want to wait around for people from tour groups or take more than an hour of cheap metro train ride to Gapyeong station, I suggest you take the ITX train instead.

Here's the ITX ticket from Cheongnyangni to Gapyeong.
Don't lose this because the conductor will check this on-board!

From Gapyeong station, I took a taxi to Nami Island for about 3,000 won. The ride was short, took less than 10 minutes for me to reach Nami. Upon arrival, I got my tickets for 8,000 won because of tourist discount and waited for the ferry that will take us to the Island. Met a group of Pinoy travellers while waiting and they were all surprised when I told them that I was travelling alone. Not sure if they feel amazed that I'm visiting this beatiful city by myself or if they feel bad for me because they probably think I'm forever alone. Hngggggggnnggghhhh.

Arrived at Nami Island and I chanced upon the locker rental facilities near the entrance. I paid 1,000KRW so I can leave some of my stuff behind. Score!

Locker Facilities at Nami Island

The Ultimate Nami Selfie 

4. How to get Free Hanbok Experience in Seoul

I think the most popular place for a FREE Hanbok experience would be at the Seoul Global Culture and Tourism Centre at 5th floor of M Plaza, Myeongdong. Too bad though the slots were already full when I went there after a very very late brunch at Myeongdong Kyoja. And so on my second day, I made it a point to stake out at Deoksogung Palace so I can try a Hanbok for free! The Hanbok Experience at Deoksogung is only available during the Changing of the Royal Guards Ceremony on Tuesdays to Sundays at 11am, 2pm, or 3:30pm.

Finally, free Hanbok experience in Seoul!

Great experience overall! Would love to come back again and stay longer next time!

I'm Going to Korea!

...alone, for about 48 hours. Ha!

I struck a good deal on flights so I booked it because what the heck Winter Sonata. I also changed my original 4d4n itinerary to 2d2n because I don't think I could go straight from a long flight to my office without feeling like crap. And I also might get bored if I stay for too long which is exactly what happened to me in Barcelona.

Jennnyyyyy

My trip's on February so I assume it would be a butt-clenching weather but not as much snow as February in Hokkaido. Need to do some research on places to go and eat around Seoul so I could get the most of my short yet sweet trip. Would love suggestions from anyone so please hit the comments if you have one!

감사합니다!!!

Fifth Bangkok Trip, Third for 2012

Off to my favorite city (by far) on 28th July...this time with my best friend Kin!

Unlike my previous trips, I won't be staying at Khao San for my first night. Spotted Linkcorner Hostel at Agoda and it seemed nice based on the reviews so I'll give it a try. Heard it's just near Pratunam market and the airport link station so it shouldn't be so bad.

Oh, I'll be staying at Lebua at State Tower again! Haven't blogged yet about the place but it's awesome as hellz. The Sirocco (where scenes from Hangover 2 were filmed) is a must-visit! Beer's expensive though at around 400BHT.

I HAVE A LOT OF BACK LOGS. I HAVE A LOT OF BACKLOGS. Will make up for it soon!

How to Change the Passport Details of your Tiger Airways Itinerary

I think 90% of Tiger Airways' customers are saying that this Australian airline is the worst ever. I've read A LOT of rants about how Tiger mercilessly rerouted/cancelled/delayed flights without prior notice AND refund. Recently, this huge PR mess happened and I'm pretty sure they need to hire a great corporate communications department if they could manage to get out of the situation alive. And the Tiger Airways Facebook Page? Wall Post disabled. Boom. Social Media Disaster 101.

I thought I would also join the Tiger Haters fun club because of their online flight booking procedures. It is important to note that you cannot book a flight if 1) you don't key in your passport number and expiry date and 2)if your passport is expiring in six (6) months.

Q: Excuse me Tiger Airways, what if you have this ridiculously awesome promo fare that I want to book but my passport is expiring in 6 months? Can I put mock passport details and have it changed after I get my new passport, hopefully for free?


A: Fuck off.

Seriously. If you search the interwebz for answers, you will just end up very confused. Other people even said that a certain fee would be charged for passport amendments (!!!!). Some said it's free of charge but you need to wait laboriously to get through the hotline. In Manila, the phone agent even told my friend that changing of passport details is subject to management approval. Corporate evil whores.

I'm based in Singapore so Kin suggested that I call the hotline here to check if there's another option. I dialed +65 68084437 and braised myself for a 45-minute telephone muzak. Amazingly, a phone booking agent picked up (in under two minutes yey!) and breezily helped me amend the passport details FREE OF CHARGE. You just need to provide your itinerary reference number, birthday, old passport number (the one you keyed in when you booked the flight, very important!), new passport number, and new passport expiry date. Afterwards, they will resend via email your "correct" itinerary as proof that there's still hope in this world.

Have a safe flight! :)

Air Asia Zero Fare, perhaps?

Just saw an amazing teaser countdown at AirAsia's website.

Something big is set on February 22, 2011 and I'm really hoping for a zero fare promo! I NEED flights for Bangkok, Siem Reap, and Bali....and I need them cheap! I'm so excited!!!!

Air Asia Zero Fare 2011

It's back! Air Asia will have a Zero Fare seat sale on November 9, 2010 at exactly 12:01am. Travel period: July 1 to November 10, 2011.

Air Asia Zero Fare for 2011 flights!

Note that fares are exclusive of taxes and other applicable fees for credit card/online transactions. Last year, I was able to book a roundtrip Clark to Kota Kinabalu flight for only Php500. I hope the taxes are still cheap for next week's promo flights!

SEAT SALE ALERT: Air Asia Zero Fare for 2011 flights!

Air Asia is giving away free seats to Malaysia, China, Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Thailand, and many more! Book your 2011 vacation now!

Sale Period: May 18 to 23 2010
Travel Period: January 3 to May 8 2011


All you have to pay are travel taxes, airport fees and covenience fee (applicable for payments via credit card or charge card). However, zero fares are not available in all flights and selected public holidays. For more information, visit http://www.airasia.com/

To receive regular seat sale alerts, subscribe to this blog.

AFest 2: Asian Music Festival

AFest2 (Asian Music Festival) is set next week! We really enjoyed last year's event, I think we went for 2 nights. <3

Everybody Loves Irene @ Saguijo, A*Fest 2009 (photo by Kin)

AFest 2 Schedule

April 14- CLUB DREDD
April 15 - ROUTE 196
April 16 - SAGUIJO
April 17* - MAGNET HIGH STREET

Featuring:
Amberhaze (SG)
Ang Bandang Shirley (PH)
Bottlesmoker (ID)
Brian the Sun (JP)
Mohd Jayzuan (MY)
The Dorques (PH)
The Standards (TH)

*Featuring music documentaries by Brooklyn-based director Torsten Meier

[via]

Air Asia's Big Sale! All-in Fare from Php131!

Air Asia brings back the BIG SALE with fares as low as Php131. Avail of low air fares to/from Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand , United Kingdom, and Vietnam

ALL-IN FARE*** to/from Clark, Philippines
Kota Kinabalu PHP 349
Kuala Lumpur PHP 899

Check complete fare list at www.airasia.com

Sale Period: March 3 to 7 2010
Travel Period: September 25, 2010 to February 13, 2011

*Advanced booking required
*Convenience Fee is applicable for payments via credit, debit or charge card
*Fares are not available during embargo period
*For Kuala Lumpur ↔ London flights, the applicable travel period is from 1 Nov 2010 to 13 Feb 2011

Air Asia offers 4-day 20% discount on all fares

Low-cost airline Air Asia just announced their system-wide 20% discount on fares! All seats, all flights* across Asia, Australia, and Europe.

Sale Period: February 18 to 21, 2010
Travel Period: March 23 to May 31, 2010

*Excludes FD flights and selected India Destinations. Convenience fee is applicable for payments via credit card, debit card, or charge card.

Book and buy now at www.airasia.com

UPDATE: Cebu Pacific Seat Sale List for 2010

January

Clark Piso Fare 
Clark to Bangkok, Singapore, Macau, or Hongkong for Php999.
Clark to Cebu for as low as Php1.
Free 30kg bag allowance, Clark to international destinations.

Continue >>>

SEAT SALE ALERT: Air Asia Zero Fares for May to October 2010 flights

Air Asia offers ZERO FARE for all its Asian destinations. Exclusive of government taxes, airport tax, and convenience fee. I shitz you not! Clark-Kota Kinabalu roundtrip will only cost Php365*

Sale Period: November 11 to 15, 2009
Travel Period: May to October 2010

Book and Buy now at www.airasia.com. Website is kinda wonky, though. But. But. ZERO FARE. Book now, ignore work tom. Meh.

*7KG bag allowance
*Exclusive of airport tax and travel tax at Clark Airport
*Inclusive of airport tax at Kota Kinabalu  Airport
*EXCLUSIVE OF CONVENIENCE FEE (for clark to kota kinabalu flights, there's a convenience fee of Php300) :(

Here's my confirmed Clark-Kota Kinabalu promo fare purchase for 2 passengers:

Seat Sale Alert: PAL Halloween Madness

Philippine Airlines offers International Round-trip Economy class all-in* fares for as low as US$99! Plus, 15kgs baggage allowance! *heart*

US$99
Manila to Bangkok, Hong Kong, Macau,Saigon, Singapore, or Taipei

US$199
Manila to Jakarta

US$299
Manila to Beijing or Shanghai

Sale Period: October 25 to 30, 2009
Travel Period: November 4 to December 10, 2009 and January 11 to February 4, 2010

Book and buy now through www.philipippineairlines.com or visit your nearest PAL Ticket Offices. You may alsco call PAL reservations Manila: (02) 855-8888, Cebu (032) 340-0191, Davao: (082) 222-0366 or your travel agent.

*Exclusive of airport fees and applicable government taxes
*Inclusive of in-flight meals, beverages, newspapers and on-board entertainment
*Tickets are non-rebookable and non-refundable
*Mileage accrual and Service Class Upgrade award do not apply on this fare

SEAT SALE ALERT: Cebu Pacific's 2-Day Seat Sale to Taipei and China

Here's another seat sale from Cebu Pacific :)

Go Lite Php999
Manila to and Taipei

Go Lite P1499
Manila to Guangzhou, Macau, and Shanghai
Cebu to Hong Kong

Selling period: October 22 to 23, 2009
Travel period: November 15, 2009 to February 28, 2010

Book now at www.cebupacificair.com or contact reservations hotlines (02) 7020-888 or (032) 230-8888, and pay through CEB ticketing offices, online, or via ATM or over the counter in partner banks.

*Quoted fares are one way
*Go-Lite: 7kg hand-carry baggage
*Optional: Add P100 upon booking for 15kg check-in baggage
*Fares are inclusive of tax and surchages
*Exclusive of airport terminal fees and applicable government taxes

SEAT SALE ALERT: Air Asia's October 2009 Seat Sale offers one-way fares at PHP499 ALL-IN

Hello Budget Travelers!

Check out these 3 Seat Sales from Air Asia. Manila to Kota Kinabalu at Php499 all-in! OMG. READY YOUR CREDIT CARDS PEOPLE!

1. Last Minute Sizzling Sale with fares as low as PHP 1,499 ALL-IN!

Fly to/from Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Brunei, and Singapore for as one-way fares as low as Php731 All-in.

Philippines, Clark - Kuala Lumpur All-in fare from RM 199 / PHP 2,499
Philippines, Clark - Kota Kinabalu All-in fare from RM 129 / PHP 1,499

Promo period: October 5 to 11, 2009
Travel period: October 12 to November 19, 2009

2. Amazing Destinations, Amazing Fares. Fly in 2010 from PHP 499 ALL-IN!

Fly to/from Philippines, Hongkong, Taiwan, China, Macau Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Brunei, and Singapore for as one-way fares as low as Php499 All-in!

Promo period: October 5 to 11, 2009
Travel period: January 11 to April 30, 2009

Philippines, Clark - Kuala Lumpur All-in fare from RM 199 / PHP 1,099
Philippines, Clark - Kota Kinabalu All-in fare from RM 129 / PHP 499

3. Fly to Fun Gold Coast from PHP 2,923

Economy seats Kuala Lumpur from/to Gold Coast (Brisbane) for as low PHP 2,923

Promo fares are inclusive of admin fee and fuel surcharge and exclusive of terminal fees and other applicable government taxes. Baggage allowance per flight per sector is 7kg (hand carry only)

Visit www.airasia.com for online bookings and complete list of promo fares.

Have a nice trip!