Autumn in Nami Island |
Bukchon Hanok Village |
Nami Island |
Namsam Tower |
Gyeongbokgung Palace |
Legit Korean BBQ |
Perfect Pasalubong for only 8,500 KRW at Insadong |
Top Main Attractions in Seoul
Myeong-Dong is Seoul’s
Fashion capital. This street is where you can buy famous Korean cosmetic
products and street food.
Gyeongbok-gung Palace is
Seoul’s grandest Palace. A must see for every tourist.
Namsam Tower was
once the tallest tower in Asia. You will see the best panoramic view of Seoul.
This is also where you can find the love locks of Asia.
Nami Island is one of the
best excursions out of Seoul.
Everland and Lotte
World are perfect for children who loves theme parks. This is Seoul’s
version of Disneyland.
Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)- is perfect for people who want to learn more about the history of Korean War.
Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)- is perfect for people who want to learn more about the history of Korean War.
Getting in Seoul
Incheon
International Airport is roughly 50 Kilometers from Seoul City Center. The
easiest and most expensive way to get in is by Taxi which cost around 120 USD.
The most convenient and affordable way to get into Seoul is by getting an Airport
Limousine Bus which costs around 10,000 KRW or 10 USD which
will take you an hour. . Another way convenient way to get in to Seoul City
Center is by taking the train which costs 4,150 KRW that will take
you around 45 minutes.
Seoul Transportation
Subway
Line costs 1,250 Won per ride.
Taxi
minimum Fare is 3,000 KRW
Uber
is 3 times the price of a Taxi
Bus
minimum fare ride cost at around 1,105KRW
Food in Seoul
Almost all restaurants in Seoul taste the same as
the Korean restaurants in Manila. It mostly consists of one main dish and 5
side dishes. Never leave Korea without eating Kimchi and Korean Icecream at the
convenience store. I'm not a fan of eating spicy food and vegetables
that's why I didn't much enjoy the food in Seoul. If you are a fan of green tea,
you must buy the green tea spread from Jeju for only 8,500 KRW which
you can buy at Insadong. You must also try the1Q84 Churros near BukchonHanok
Village. If you haven't tried the famous Shake Shack Burger
from New York, they have a branch at Gangnam area. Korean food is
quite creative, colorful, spicy and healthy. Main Dish with rice and side
dishes may cost from 8,500 KRW to 30,000 depends on the
restaurant.
Cosmetic Shopping Guide in
Myeong-Dong
South Korea is one of the most advanced
countries when it comes to Make-up technology. This is a must buy whenever you
are in Seoul particularly at Myeong-dong Area. Cosmetics
Products are 50% to 80% cheaper in Seoul compared to the ones in Manila. For example,
you can get BB cream at Nature Republic for P300 in Seoul butits retail price
Manila is around P800. They also give free face masks or other cosmetic product
samples like bb cream, cheek tint and moisturizers, whenever you buy at
stores like Etude House, Inisfree, Nature Republic and many more.
Street Food Tripping at
Myeong-Dong Guide
Street food in Myeong-dong is quite expensive
compared to other Asian Countries. Average Street food price is
5,000 KRW. If you want to eat a lot, prepare at least
40,000 KRW in order to satisfy your cravings. I tasted
almost everything. I suggest that you must try the Tempura, Grilled Cheese
Scallop, Mochi Strawberry, Honey Cone Icecream, Banana Nutella Crepe, Cheesy
Potatoes and Fresh Orange Juice.
Seoul Shopping Guide
The only product I advise you to buy in Korea are
their cosmetics cause it’s hell of a lot cheaper compared to the ones in
Manila. South Korea has one of the best cosmetics technology in the
world. The clothes at Dongdaemun Market and Nandaemun market
are places where you can get wholesale clothes at mark down prices. This place
is like the "Divisoria" version of Seoul. Insadong is also
famous for buying cultural gifts. Gadgets like Samsung is more expensive in
Seoul than Manila.
Seoul Accommodation Guide
If you want to be near the night life and cosmetics
shopping and street food, book a hotel or rent an apartment through AIRBNB
near Myeong-dong Area. Hotels are quite cheaper in Seoul. You
can get hotels for as low as 3000 PHP with free breakfast. If you’re not the
type of traveler who likes to go shopping, then book a hotel nearInsadong which
is near the Historical Landmarks of Korea. If you want to party try
booking a hotel near Itaewon area which most foreigners go to have a nice
time.
South Korean Tourist Visa Application Tips For Filipino Passport Holders
Visa Fee: Free for Filipino Passport Holders for tourists for who plan to stay for less than 59 days.
P1,800 for tourists who plan to stay 60-90 days.
1.Applicants with valid visa from OECD Countries (USA, Canada, Australia and Japan) can go straight to window 3 and are exempted from submitting Income Tax Return.
2.Applicants Owning a BDO and BPI Gold Credit Card can also go straight to Window 3 and have a 3 year multiple entry visa. While BDO and BPI Platinum Credit Card Holders can have a 5 year multiple entry visa. The credit card promo is only valid till December 2016.
3. Applicants must submit complete application form, passport, 3.5cm x 4.5cm passport id, , bank certificate, bank statement for the last 3 months , photocopy of valid OECD Visa, employment certificate for employees, school certificate for students, business registration for businessmen, and Income Tax Return. If invited by a Korean National, copy of invitation letter and photocopy of invitor's passport.
4.You don't need a travel agent to apply your visa. You can do it on your own.
5. South Korean Visa application usually release 1 week from application.
6. You can file your application from 9am to 11am, Mondays to Fridays.
7. You don't need to make an appointment. You can walk-in just come before 11am.
8. Applicants with OECD visa usually get their visa within 3 business days. While applicants without visa from OECD countries get their visa within 5 business days.
9. For first time visa applicants, Bank Account should have at least P100,000 in their savings account.
10. You don't have to go personally to the embassy. Applicant need not to be interviewed.
South Korean Tourist Visa Application Tips For Filipino Passport Holders
Visa Fee: Free for Filipino Passport Holders for tourists for who plan to stay for less than 59 days.
P1,800 for tourists who plan to stay 60-90 days.
1.Applicants with valid visa from OECD Countries (USA, Canada, Australia and Japan) can go straight to window 3 and are exempted from submitting Income Tax Return.
2.Applicants Owning a BDO and BPI Gold Credit Card can also go straight to Window 3 and have a 3 year multiple entry visa. While BDO and BPI Platinum Credit Card Holders can have a 5 year multiple entry visa. The credit card promo is only valid till December 2016.
3. Applicants must submit complete application form, passport, 3.5cm x 4.5cm passport id, , bank certificate, bank statement for the last 3 months , photocopy of valid OECD Visa, employment certificate for employees, school certificate for students, business registration for businessmen, and Income Tax Return. If invited by a Korean National, copy of invitation letter and photocopy of invitor's passport.
4.You don't need a travel agent to apply your visa. You can do it on your own.
5. South Korean Visa application usually release 1 week from application.
6. You can file your application from 9am to 11am, Mondays to Fridays.
7. You don't need to make an appointment. You can walk-in just come before 11am.
8. Applicants with OECD visa usually get their visa within 3 business days. While applicants without visa from OECD countries get their visa within 5 business days.
9. For first time visa applicants, Bank Account should have at least P100,000 in their savings account.
10. You don't have to go personally to the embassy. Applicant need not to be interviewed.
Seoul Travel TIPS
1. Rent a
Pocket wifi.
2. Bring USD
and exchange your money at Myeong-dong
3. Korean
Won is expensive if you buy it at Manila. It’s better to bring US dollar and
cash is accepted more than credit cards and debit cards. When travelling,it’s
better to bring cash since exchange rates can be pricey when charge in your
card.
4. Choose
hotels near Myeong-dong for shopping and nightlife or Insadong for
History and Culture.
5. You can
also do a walking tour, but if you are with your family. I suggest you to take
a hop on hop off bus that only costs 10,000 KRW. The good thing about this is
that you can choose where to go, have your own time and save money on
transportation.
6. Buy
Cosmetics at Myeong-dong.
7. Taxis in
Korea are cheaper compared to Uber by 3 times the price.
8. The most
convenient way to your hotel room is an Airport Limousine Bus. This is easier
and cheaper compared to taking a train or taxi.
9. Try using
Waze App when getting lost, because my Google maps didn’t work in Seoul.
10. Bring
50,000 KRW in Myeong-dong for street food tripping.
11. Get Lost
and Explore.
12. Never
leave Seoul without going to Gyeongbokgung Palace, Namsam Tower,
Myeong-dong and Nami Island. These 4 places are the main tourist spots that you
don’t want to miss.
13. If you
want to learn more about Korean History and the war vs. South and North Korea,
you must visit the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).
14. The
Best time to visit Seoul is October for Autumn and April for Cherry Blossoms
Season.
15. Book your airline ticket 1 year ahead of travel to get good deals. (Cebu Pacific or AirAsia)
16. Bring a photocopy of your passport and visa at all times.
17. Seoul is a very safe city for female solo travelers.
18. Prices of Food in Seoul can be very expensive.
19. Bring at least 50,000 won everyday as your pocket money.
15. Book your airline ticket 1 year ahead of travel to get good deals. (Cebu Pacific or AirAsia)
16. Bring a photocopy of your passport and visa at all times.
17. Seoul is a very safe city for female solo travelers.
18. Prices of Food in Seoul can be very expensive.
19. Bring at least 50,000 won everyday as your pocket money.
Detailed Seoul 4D/3N Itinerary with Costing includes Airplane, Transportation, Food, Accommodation without Shopping
4Days/3Nights Seoul Detailed Itinerary with Costing w/o Shopping |
Nami Island Bus
Bus Pick up Area: Tagpol Park Western
Wall
Travel Time: It will take you 1 hour and 30 minutes from Seoul to Nami Island by bus.
Travel Time: It will take you 1 hour and 30 minutes from Seoul to Nami Island by bus.
Rates: 7,500 KRW one way
bus and 15,000 KRW Roundtrip Shuttle bus
from Seoul to Nami Island. Does not include entrance fee to Nami Island.
Nami Island Entrance Fee: 8,500 rountrip boat ride
which leaves every 5 minutes
Train from Seoul to Nami costs 2050 KRW one way and taxi from Gapyeong Station cost around 4,000 KRW
Note: Shuttle Bus to Nami Island from Myeong-dong is easier and more convenient than taking a train ride or taxi. Just take a direct shuttle bus from Tagpol Park's Western wall and arrive before 9:30Am to get a seat.
Train from Seoul to Nami costs 2050 KRW one way and taxi from Gapyeong Station cost around 4,000 KRW
Note: Shuttle Bus to Nami Island from Myeong-dong is easier and more convenient than taking a train ride or taxi. Just take a direct shuttle bus from Tagpol Park's Western wall and arrive before 9:30Am to get a seat.
Hop on Hop off
Seoul
Where to buy tickets: Go to Gwanghwamun
Station or on the bus directly
How to get to Gwanghwamun Station: Go to Subway
Line 5 Station exit #6
Rates: 10,000 Won per Person
Details: This bus tour is perfect for first timers
in Korea. This hop on hop off bus allows you to see almost all tourist
attractions in one day without spending time transferring from
trains, taxis and getting lost. You will save much more money and
have your own time or choose the destination you want to see. The
bus leaves every 30 minutes.
DMZ Tour
Rates: 50,000 Won with Lunch
Website: www.dmztours.com/seoul_dmz_tours.htm
Details: Learn
more about South KOrean History war versus North Korea.
South Korean Embassy in the Philippines
Address: 122 Upper Mckinley Road, Mckinley Town Center, Taguig City
Tel: +632 856-9008
Visa Filing: 9AM-11Am
Visa Releasing: 2-4pm
South Korean Embassy in the Philippines
Address: 122 Upper Mckinley Road, Mckinley Town Center, Taguig City
Tel: +632 856-9008
Visa Filing: 9AM-11Am
Visa Releasing: 2-4pm