How To: Mt. Sorak via Dong Seoul Bus Terminal

This is another long-due post as the actual trip was on February 21st, 2014. To get to Seorak-san, u need to get to Sokcho first. Sokcho is the town where Seorak-san National Park is located. U can take the bus at either Seoul Express Bus Station or from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal like we did.

To get to Dong Seoul Bus Terminal, head to  Line 2 (Green Line) Gangbyeon station (Exit 4) and u'll see the bus terminal building across the street once u leave the subway. There is an English bus terminal name on the building itself.

Head to the 2nd floor for the express bus counters. Look for the counter with "Sockcho" written on top. To the right is the next departure time for each destination. 

Tips: The destinations are written in Hangul but on the counter, the destinations are written in both English and Hangul. So u can just match the correct Hangul from both board.

To get to Sokcho, u need to take the bus Yeongdong Line at platform 6. There are 2 types of busses: Express bus or non-stop bus. The one we took was the non-stop bus. 

Fare: KRW17,200

Distance: 184.6km

Duration: 2hrs 20minutes

- Non-Stop Bus : Direct Bus to final destination (no stops)

- Express Bus : Buses that may or may not have a few stops between the final destination

Once u got the tickets, head down to Platform 6. Although we reached the bus station an hour earlier (since the info we googled said the 1st bus out is 6am but apparently it's 7am during winter time), the bus is already there. It's a comfortable 3-seater bus with leather seats. So the 2hrs+ journey  will be over in a jiffy.

In Sokcho, we arrived at a bus station. Note that there are 2 bus stations here: Sokcho Intercity Terminal and Sokcho Express Bus Terminal. We arrived at the Express Bus Terminal [Dongbu Express]. Upon exiting the station, u will see a Tourist Info Office on the left where u can get a map of Sokcho. U can also ask for directions there (we didnt hahaha!).

To get to Seoraksan Mt., u can take either bus 7 or 7-1. I'm not sure if there are other buses but these 2 are the obvious choice based on the timetable below.

To get to the bus stop, turn right (from the bus station). DO NOT CROSS THE STREET (we made the mistake crossing and were told by the bus driver that we're on the wrong side. Luckily we managed to run crossing the street back before the correct bus arrived. We took the 7-1 bus.

Voila! After 20minutes, we arrived safely at Seoraksan carpark and a 5-min walk brought us to the ticket counter.

Entree ticket (adult): KRW3,500

Cable car (adult): KRW9,000 - buy at cable car station

Here's an interesting photo. We went during late Winter and the weather info indicated that it snowed the day before. So u can compare how much it snowed.

We spent 2hrs here and headed back to the same bus station on the same 7-1 bus.

Now, to get back to Seoul. We didnt buy the ticket once we arrived in Sokcho since we're not sure how long we'll be at Seoraksan. So we pretty much gambled our way there. Seeing that they bus from Seoul was only half full, I guess it's not a peak time then. There is a schedule pasted on the counter but unfortunately the lady there didn't speak any English. But we just told her "Seoul" and she gave the next available bus to us; which was at 2.20pm. We had 1.5hrs to wait!

From the schedule above, DongSeoul station is at the lower table and BOLD IN RED (match the name from the earlier bus ticket). Seems there were only 6 trips back to DongSeoul daily. Phewwww! We reached an hour late from the previous trip but it's better early than late. Believe it or not, we got the same exact seat number LOL!

Anyway, to kill our time we had our lunch there as well as people-watching :)

I definitely need to come again and spend more time here. WIth different season (maybe Spring or Summer), there are plenty of things to do!

LInk to Seoraksan National Park (English) - http://english.knps.or.kr/Knp/Seoraksan/Intro/Introduction.aspx?MenuNum=1&Submenu=Npp

Jeju, South Korea - Rent-a-car :: KT Kumho

Being that most of the attractions on Jeju Island are located distance away from each other and the public transportation is not that frequent, my cousin and I decided to rent a car instead. Well, it's actually a mix of transportation for our whole 3days trip in Jeju.

We rented a car for the second portion of the trip. After blog hopping, I found that we had 2 options: online pre-booking or walk in at the rental counter at the airport. Some said u can land in cheaper rate when u walk in but I decided that we don't want to take a risk so we opt for online pre-booking instead.

When u arrive at Jeju Airport (both Domestic & International) , u can proceed to the car rental counter in front of the arrival area and ask them. They will direct u to the correct place to wait for the shuttle bus to go to the rental office. There are plenty of signage as well and u wont missed the shuttle bus as they're branded with KTKumho logo.

The office is located about 10mins away from the airport. Once u reached the office, walk into the office and pick a number. Provide them with a hard copy of your reservation and they'll process it. After that, the staff will give u the egg unit and GPS; and bring u to the person in charge outside so that u can check the car. It's kind of the normal procedure when u rent a car. When it's all done, off u go.

Online booking is easy, use Internet Explorer (compulsory coz Koreans webpage is most compatible with IE) to go to their website (https://www.ktkumhorent.com/eng/main.do) and click Register on top right of the page. This is important as registering for membership (for free) will entitle u massive discounts. After you have registered, click on the Reservation tab on the left.

Then click on "Jeju Rental Reservation" if ure renting on Jeju Island. For other location, just use the default "Standard Reservation"

Key in the required information based on ur preference.
There are 2 pick up location on Jeju: Jeju (the location where airport shuttle will bring u) or Lotte Hotel. See what I meant earlier by the importance of registering as a member? See the price difference??

There are 2 options for the Damage Waiver: Zero excess is the Full Coverage (u don't need to pay a cent if damage happens) or the second one with a limit. At first, we took the Standard Damage Waiver (KRW11,200 for 2 days) during the online booking. Reason being was that we're cheapos and based on the reservation, it's KRW8,000/day more. But the lady at the counter said we can upgrade on the spot for merely KRW2,000/day. So why not, right? It's way cheaper during the online reservation.

Don't forget to choose the English Navigation (GPS). I'm not sure why now there are no option for non-smoking car and the egg unit. Either the preference has already embedded in my profile or they're really not there anymore. U can try urself.

Below was what I booked for my trip. Final cost was KRW65,000 for 2 days (with the Waiver upgrade).

And here is the actual photo of the car. Since it's only 2 of us, we choose a Compact car- Kia Morning. Just nice for us and our luggage hehehe. We pretty much use the back seat for our bagpack luggage since the boot is kind of small.

There is a meter for the gas and mileage on the dashboard. Full tank for the car is 32L. When we get the car, it's at 30L with available mileage of 1034.8km. Our 2-day trip took us 385.3km around Jeju Island with 20L of gas (KRW39,000 at that time) for exactly 48hours.

Things to take note:

• If u can choose, opt for non smoking car (more discount), English GPS and egg unit (this is a portable wifi at no additional charges). 
• Egg unit can be used only when ure in the car (or within short distance) when the car ENGINE is ON.
• No deposit required upon online booking.
• U can pay using your Mastercard or Visa (credit card AND debit car. I paid mine using my Malaysia debitcard).
• Driving is on the right-side of the road (American-way).

Self driving is definitely recommended! Don't worry about being lost, the GPS did a very good job and being lost is not scary. Ure on an island! :)

Update: 
Yes, u WOULD NEED International Driving Permit (IDP) if u wish to DRIVE IN KOREA. How to get it? Easy. Bring you driving license (valid for a minimum for 1 year), a passport-sized photo and RM150 to any JPJ. The document will be ready on the spot and valid 1 year from the date of application.

Update (Oct 15th):
I was told by one of my commentor, Jason, that you can choose the non-smoking and egg unit when u click modify booking after u have confirmed your reservation. Yhe non-smoking Clean Campaign entitled u for a KRW3,000 discount.

YEHA Guesthouse (Terminal Branch), Jeju City, South Korea

Date of Stay: 25th-26th February, 2014.

My cousin and I stayed at this hostel during our trip to South Korea (SoKor) last February. 

Being that it was an estimated-high-expense-trip after searching on the Net, I realized the highest amount that we would be spending was on our Acco. Since both of us prefer staying in a private room WITH ensuite bathroom, we had to find the best place within our budget. After few trip together, we KNOW that we usually leave our stuff around the room during our trip so sharing a dorm with strangers was out of the story. Plus it'd be easier to take showers and perform prayers in our own room.

YEHA Guesthouse comes with a high rate review for thousands. I have friends that had stayed here before. The main reason for me to choose this hostel was for its location. It's only a 5mins walk from the main bus terminal.

Booking was made at YEHA guesthouse website. Of course, there are options for private room or dorm type. We opt for the Twin Room (2 single bed with ensuite bathroom). Do note that there are 2 BRANCHES of the guesthouse in Jeju City. Another one is at the Jeju City Hall. This is the Terminal branch.

The room costed KRW60,000 per night. Upon booking, a KRW10,000 deposit is required which I paid using my debitCard. U can use any Visa/Mastercard for the transaction (and that means international card as well). The balance was to be paid during check-in. 

We checked in around 4pm and the staff showed us around. We dropped our bag and had our meal first before going out. 

Facilities:

• Kitchen (with utensils for MUSLIM)
• Computers (with internet)
• Fridge (free flow of rice, kimchi and radish)
• Washing machine (free detergent)
• Very friendly staffs

Room

• Wifi in the room 
• Acond and heated floor
• TV, hairdryer
• Ensuite bathroom: hot shower, shampoo, shower gel, toothpaste
• NO TOWEL provided

TIPS:

• Again, bring a towel.
• Bring your own extension cord. They usually provide 1 international adapter so it's really useful to have your own country extension. We all know how gadget dependent people are nowadays.
• Hostel is located next to the mainroad and only 5mins walk to the bus station.

Hostel Info:
Website: http://www.yehaguesthouse.com/
Address: 561-17, Samdo 1-dong, Jeju-si.
How to get there: Take the number 100 bus at gate no.2 of the 1st floor, Jeju airport and get off at Hankook hospital (next to Jeju bus terminal). Take the alley just next to "Kumho Pharmacy " near by the bus stop, "Hankook Hospital". Walk one block and turn right. You'll see it on your right. Just look for the hostel signage.

Seongsanpo Village, Jeju Island, South Korea

Date of Stay: 27th-28th February, 2014.

I came to know of this place when I browsed through my Lonely Planet book. I then googled and found very few review of this place. There is a picture but no website. After corresponding with a fellow blogger, she said that if it's not a high season; most likely i could just walk in. So we decided to gamble for this round.

And our bet was well worth it.

I dont really know the exact location of this place. And mind you, the phone number of the restaurant was not helping either (the GOS doens't recognize it). I only knew it's by the seaside on the south beach of Seongsan area. BUT even for me, we accidentally found this place when we drove from Seogwipo towards Seongsan Ilchulbong.

So after rushing for Haenyo performance and climbing Seongsan Peak, we checked in around 5pm before going to Seopjikoji.

To check in, go to the restaurant's counter. If u come from the door, it's on the right once u go in. The ahjumma speaks NO english but we managed to get a room for 2 using sign/body language hehehe. I basically said "2" and pointed to me & my cousin; and said "1 night".

The ahjumma even asked us if room 302 is Ok for us. Pretty weird since we usually were given the room. Maybe she asked in case we're concerned on the feng-shui or numbering.
At that point, we only know it's on the 3rd floor.

Off we go to get our stuff in the car and then climbing the stairs to the 3rd floor. The atmosphere is a bit dark and gloomy and the room is located at the end of the floor. But it was nothing to compare with what we're about to step into.

Room 302. We're shocked when we opened the door. The room was HUGE. And it was facing the sea, with glass window and sliding door throughout the room. Even my cousin asked me whether it was a correct room. A KRW60,000 room shouldn't be this big. It can simply fit a group of 10 comfortable with the 2 double bed and (your own) toto. The room looks old but well maintained and clean. The aircond was a bit of a challenge as it's really very ancient-looking. We basically just pressed whichever button as long as there're some air out hehehe.

Room

• NO Wifi.
• 2 double bed and ensuite bathroom ( i thought i took photo of the bathroom, but i guess not).
• Bathroom: hot shower, (big) towel, shampoo, shower cream and toothpaste.
• Kitchen in the room: full utensils and fridge.
• NO international adapter or extension but plenty of power points.
• NO LIFT, only stairs.

TIPS:

• Plenty of parking area in front of the pension.

Hostel Info:
How to get there: Refer photo below. It's right at the Y-junction. U wont miss the colorful building :) 

All in all. I will definitely stay here again. Thumbs up!

Mr. Egg Hostel Original, Haeundae, Busan, South Korea

Date of Stay: 1st-2nd March, 2014.

Busan was a very short stop. Very ironic as our point of entry was through Busan. We spent most of our trip in Seoul instead of Busan. And because of fatigue, we missed a lot of things in Busan (another excuse to visit Busan again! hahahaha).

As before,  we opted for a Twin Private Room. I've realized by then that PRIVATE usually means ENSUITE Bathroom. The twin room originally costed KRW55,000 but they had a promotion where u can get KRW5,000 if u LIKED their facebook page. So, they room only costed KRW50,000 per night for us. No deposit is required. However, do note that they only accept cash for payment.

We checked in around 4pm. This is earlier that our stated check in time when we booked. Apparently if u arrived earlier and the room wasn't ready, u had to wait. Lucky for us, our room was ready. From the web, the building is a 2-storey building but our room is located at the ground floor (phewww no stairs climbing here. u'd understand once ure in SoKor).

Had a quick rest and meal. then off to explore Haeundae.

Facilities:

• Kitchen (with utensils)
• Computers (with internet)
• Fridge 
• Washing machine (free detergent)
• Free breakfast (9-10am)

Room (sorry, forgot to take photos but it's exactly as in the web)

• TV, international adapter
• Wifi in the room
• Acond and heated floor
• Ensuite bathroom with hot shower, shampoo, shower cream, toothpaste
• Face towel provided.

Mr.Egg provide Postcard service. They also give 1 postcard for free for each room.
Had mine sent and safely arrived :)

Overall, it was a great stay. Facilities, room and the bathroom is squeaky clean and cozy. Room size is also spacious, mainly due to the double-decker type bed. U got a 2.5m x 2m space between the bed and TV to enjoy the heated floor hehehe.

Would definitely recommended to stay.

TIPS:

• Again, bring a towel.
• Check their webpage for discounts.

Hostel Info:
Website: http://mregghosteloriginal.com/xe/main/
Address: U-dong 618-41 Haeundae gu Busan
How to get there: Take Metro Station Haeundae, Exit 3. (Refer instructor on the website). The place is about 5mins walk from the subway exit and 5mins to Haeundae beach (it's a downhill walk towards the beach. Intersect junction at Busan Aquatium)

Girl's Generation (GG) - Big Bang Hostel, Seoul, Korea

Hi rakan-rakan pembaca. Kembali kite ke posting blog yg dh bersawang nih. Hahaha tetbe rase skema plak.

Anyway, back to business. After a very long hiatus, I've finally found the mood to write. Well, I got a lot of things I'm supposed to write but I just feel like writing a short entry. So what's better other than Reviews?!?

Here comes my 1st review on Accommodation.

Date of Stay: 21st-25th February, 2014.

My cousin and I stayed at this hostel during our trip to South Korea (SoKor) last February. Yes, finally there is a SoKor entry after 4+ months. I know.. I know.. 

Being that it was an estimated-high-expense-trip after searching on the Net, I realized the highest amount that we would be spending was on our Acco. Since both of us prefer staying in a private room WITH ensuite bathroom, we had to find the best place within our budget. After few trip together, we KNOW that we usually leave our stuff around the room during our trip so sharing a dorm with strangers was out of the story. Plus it'd be easier to take showers and perform prayers in our own room.

Booking was made at Girls' Generation Website. Of course, there are options for private room or dorm type. Oh and yes, do note that this hostel is ONLY FOR LADIES (although the owner is a GUY with his MUM). We opt for the double private room (2 single bed with ensuite bathroom). There is another option for a double-decker room (with fridge in the room).

The 2dorm private costed KRW45,000 per night. 4 nights from our Seoul trip will be spent here. 4nights costed KRW180,00 (if u book minimum of 5nights, u can get 10% off but we planned to experience jimjilbang during the 1st night). Upon booking, a 20% deposit is required which I paid through Paypal.

We checked in around 6pm. Apparently, the 2nd floor is the GG hostel and the 3rd floor is the Big Bang hostel. Check in was done on the 2nd floor and our room was located in the 3rd floor.

Facilities:

• Kitchen (with utensils)
• Computers (with internet)
• Fridge (free flow of rice, kimchi and tea)
• Washing machine (free detergent)

Room

• Wifi in the room (there is modem in the room), extension plug and international adaptor
• TV, hairdryer, hairbrush
• Ensuite bathroom (with hot shower, shampoo, shower cream, toothpaste)
• Only FACE TOWEL is provided, so please BRING YOUR OWN TOWEL.
• there is a bar to hang your clothes on the ceiling

TIPS:

• Again, bring a towel.
• Bring your own extension cord. They usually provide 1 international adapter so it's really useful to have your own country extension. We all know how gadget dependent people are nowadays.
• You can try out Hanbok there with a payment of KRW2,000. You'll be suited by Mr.Kang's ommoni. We want to but never managed to due to our tight schedule. Her mum will be around usually until 10pm daily.
• Hostel located at FLAT groundy. No climbing is needed. Elevator is there but we take the stairs daily, faster that way.

Hostel Info:
Website: http://www.girlsgenerationhostel.com/
Address: Arista Building 3F 291-45 Euljiro 3-ga, Jung-gu
How to get there: Take Subway Line 2 or 3, Euljiro 3-ga Station Exit 7. (Refer instructor on the website).

Next Update : )