The idea behind all of this was from me and my best friend Yana. I still remember how both of us obsessed about Korean No.1 drama series – Winter Sonata. We all siap berangan especially nak get married with Jun Sang (Bae Yong Jun). Unfortunately, when the time arrived, Yana got some last minute things to do 🙁
However, thanks to Own, Rash and Sue who make our plan became real. I’m so excited as this is my first overseas vacation with friends. And we decided to go budget travel like a backpacking style as we need to experience the real environment.
Sleeping time
Seat kosong. So sorang satu row!
Let me begins with my first day experience in Korea:
After 6 hours journey, we finally arrived at Incheon Airport around 6am (Korea time) with 13 degree Celsius. For your information, Korea awal 1 jam sahaja.
My first view in Korea
Muka baru bangun tido!
The immigration process took about 1 hour and thanks to free super fast Wifi 😉 (Even lots of carutan dedicate to the whole immigration process).
I must say I’m impress with Incheon Airport. No wonder lah it listed in Top 3 Airport of the Year for 2011.
Incheon Airport, South Korea
From Incheon Airport, we took Korail Airport train straight to Seoul Station and about 30minutes later we arrived at Seoul Station. (KL Sentral look-a-like).
For your information, we didn’t sign up for any Korea tour package. We went by ourselves based on Internet research. That’s why I called this trip as BACKPACATION = Backpacking + vacation 🙂
AREX Line Map
Look at our bag-packs and my luggage! (Sorry tak ikut backpacking rule)
Me and Rash
First and last experience bought a ticket using machine. Sedih! No English instructions
Yay! Sampai Seoul Station
Queue for escalator
According to our itinerary, Nami Island should be our first agenda. Nevertheless, we got lost! As we go backpacking in Korea, we solely dependent on our itinerary and subway map.
Excuse my Ikan Keli style :p
Unfortunately, all the info about direction to Nami were not updated. Even though language is the main barrier, they will try their best to help. That’s what I love about Koreans.
Go Own! Ask around. (Bagi semangat to our beloved GPS)
We were in queue just to ask them how to go to Nami.
Talking to security
We found the exit to Cheongyangni, but still….
Kemas barang before lock it babeyh!
Then we decided to locate our guesthouse –BeeWon Guesthouse. Again we got lost but this time kami try pergi Police Station and asked their help. Still, susah jugak nak communicate without understand Hangul.
At one time, ada juga kami sesat dalam satu lorong kat area Jongno. Then, bila nak patah balik, ada abang construction ni, dia marah-marah and pointing out to Sue and Own. I dengan Rash dah kat depan.
Disebabkan rasa bersalah even tak tahu salah, Sue and Own patah balik pergi kat mamat tu. Rupanya dia minta tolong nak angkat barang. But versi minta tolong they all sangatlah kasar.
Me and Rash mampu gelak je.
Lorong inilah yang mamat tu jerit- jerit minta tolong
Police station in Jongno
Keep walking, explore till we found it
Around 1 pm we finally found our guesthouse after walking almost 5km. It’s actually located near Hanguk subway station. And only a walking distance to Changdeokgung Palace.
Oh finally! So tired of locating you
While waiting for check in time, we walk to Changdeokgung Palace. The admission is 3000 Won.
Woot woot!
I love this picture, me look so petite in front of the giant entrance gate
Me and Suraya
Then jalan- jalan area guesthouse just to find what to eat for lunch. Then, 2.00pm we check in.
In front of our guesthouse, Own you should guide your eyes to always get ready once someone captured your photo! Hehehe
Street behind our guesthouse
Laundry room
Our favorite kitchen
The room
Watersssss
After refreshment, we took a subway to Myeongdong as we need some Korean vibes to blend in with Malaysian style :p
In Myeongdong, memang banyak sangat cosmetic shops. Price lagi murah compared to Malaysia. (Brand Korea lah)
As I forgot to bring my compact powder, so I have reason to shop! LOL
Heading to Subway station
Disiplin nya anak-anak orang Malaysia ni…
Heading to Myeongdong
Koreans
Crowded on weekends
Friendly uncle sells chestnuts.
No matter where I go, ice cream will be always my favorite
What happened when we want to collect our baggage, we got lost, again!
I would say First Day is completely lost day.
We browsed over all locker photos Rash captured just to remember which exit is the locker located. Failed!
Suddenly, Own saw the locker on CCTV. All of us screamed, “We want to go to this locker” (can you imagine we said it on repeat like children wants a candy). Fuhhh!!!
Personally, discover Seoul city by foot was actually a great idea. This is the only way you can talk and meet the real Korean. And we did it.
After a long first day as a traveler, we head to our guesthouse for a Maggie session at kitchen. We were so hungry as it’s very hard to find Halal food in Korea.
Muka lapar
great!! awesome…best best..have fun dear…and kim salam sume k..take care;))
Thanks Farah!
Insyallah…
Stay tuned for Day 2, 3 and 4 posts soon 🙂
how much ur guesthouse per nignt?
Sebenarnya saya dah lupa, but if I'm not mistaken around RM250 kiteorang spent seorang (guesthouse ni) for entire trip