[Travel tips] How to survive in Korea?

How to travel around Korea if you have no clue at all about korean language?

If you're going to tourist hotspots, definitely no worries because there are tourist helpers who can speak fluent English, Chinese or even Japanese walking around in places like Myeongdong.

If you're lost or you want to find any shop within that area, don't hesitate to approach them.

Trust me, they know the area very well, is like walking around their houses. LOL

If you're too shy to ask them for help (well, they don't bite), there are a few awesome apps available in play store or apple app store.

1. Translation app: Korean - English Translator
It can be translated into Korean directly by just talking to it in English and vice versa!
Recently I found a super useful translator which is LINE! :D
You just gotta add ENG-KOR translator official account and then type in whatever you want to translate and send!

Easy to use right? I personally think that LINE translates better than google translator (just saying)

2. Subway map: MetroidHD
You can select your subway location and destination, then it will show you the best path (shortest and minimum transfer path) as well as the departure and arrival time!
They also show you the arrival time at any selected subway station (which is awesome), so that you don't have to run like a crazy person in the subway station to find out that the train has left.

Let's say I'm travelling to Myeondong from Hongik University (Line 2)

This app will show you the total distance, stops, fare and also estimated arrival time!

3. Google map or Naver map 

It looks pretty cool swiping your smart phone while walking (actually feeling terrified of getting lost, but must act cool a bit)

At least it's better than holding a mega physical map that will always end up looking like a trash in the bag.

All my korean friends told me that Naver map works better in korea, so if you know how to read hangul, Naver map is a better choice yo!

Some of these apps can function offline, but some requires internet connection. 

So it's extremely important to be able to connect to internet!!! 

How to live without internet? Facebook?! Instagram?! Twitter?!

Click here to know more!

Last but not least, definitely do some homework before you go, including the direction to the shop.

I usually plan my trip according to the areas.

For example, I list down all the recommendations in a particular area and decide my schedule later, depending on my mood. That's the beauty of a free and easy trip where you don't have a fixed and tight schedule on where to go and what to do.

Travel/holiday is about relax, not being stressed out like ''Omg I should have been doing this or been to that place at this time, why am i still stuck here?''

Don'r afraid to get lost.

Just follow the flow.

Continue walking and eventually you will find your way.
Body language communicates pretty well too.

ENJOY.

[Flight + Accommodation] 10 days Seoul trip

What do you need for a 10 days trip to Seoul? 

Firstly, seek out for the cheapest flight ticket to Seoul! 

There are several flight comparison sites available on the net such as Wego and skyscanner. With them, you can easily compare the prices of flight ticket to Seoul.

Another easier way is to check out Airasia! You can always follow their Facebook for latest update and also their best deal or promotion! *yay to airasia*

They had free seat promotion at the end of last month (22nd - 28th June) where you only need as low as RM700 to RM800 for a return ticket to Korea! 

OMG It's soooooooo CHEAP!

Remember, getting the cheapest flight ticket = saving RM500 to 600 of your travel cost!

Next, is to get yourself a place to stay.

So far, the best accommodation site I've used is airbnb referral 

*okay, maybe because that is the only site i use so far* 

If you're travelling with a few friends (4 - 6people), you can easily get a super duper nice apartment or loft at around RM300++ in MYEONGDONG!

Oh, let me tell you the famous districts that you may want to consider.

1. Myeongdong aka the shopping paradise for every girl (including me), it is also the famous tourist spot, so the accommodations tend to be a lil bit pricier. *well, you save the transportation cost*

2. Gangnam aka high class area and fangirl/fanboy area. Most of the entertainment companies such as SM entertainment, FNC and cube entertainment are located in Gangnam.

If you have a lil bit more budget for your accommodation, you can choose to stay around Apgujeong or Garosugil (They have a 5-floors forever 21). 

3. Hongdae aka youngster and university students hot spot (clubbing hotspot too). There are several top ranking university in Korea located around here (Ehwa women university and Yonsei university) *smart and smoking hot university students yo*

Since the shops are mainly targeting university students, the accommodations/costs will be cheaper than Myeondong as well as Gangnam.
There are plenty of hostels here that offer cheap accommodation *wink wink*

I stayed at Nara's place for a day when I was travelling to Seoul alone

*Im a lone ranger yo*

Here's the link: Nanu guesthouse

The host and also the guests were super friendly!

*We actually played drinking game until 6am even tho I had to catch my flight later*

You can choose any of the area depending on what you want to do more during your trip!

PS: I highly not encourage you to switch place in between your trip, unless you don't mind rearranging and moving your heavy luggage from one place to another. Oh and the people who will stare at you and your luggage in the subway.

After booking for your flight and accommodation