I have finally resolved myself to take some time to reminisce and share my experiences during my trip to South Korea. Fortunately, I kept a daily journal, knowing that the brute force of reality when coming back is usually the biggest memory eraser.
This trip was the result of curiosity towards the culture on the peninsula, but also a sort of a check towards my fascination towards Japan. When wondering why I like and enjoy Japan, it was interesting to ponder whether it was South East Asia that attracted me or specifically Japan. Sure, I enjoyed Indonesia in 2008, but the country was not really the subject of my trip as it could have been any place.
The
railpass wasn't worth if for the duration of my stay (~10days) and my
Korean language skills were nil (despite an investment in a small
phrasebook). If I wanted to do all I wanted to do, I needed a plan.
Given
the amount of local attractions (gastronomy, landscapes, mountain
sceneries, natural parks, palaces, temples, etc..) it took a while to
decide on a theme but I finally decided on visiting cities of the old 3
kingdoms (Silla, Baekje, Goguryeo), and some UNESCO World heritage temples along the way. Elements considered when making the choice? Historical dramas (The great Seer, Warrior Baek Dong-Soo, Queen Seo Duk) related to the kingdoms, popular kdramas (Reply 1997, Personal taste) and also kvariety shows (Running man, 1N2D) highlighting the regions.
Finally,
lured by the challenge, I planned to hike Hallasan, the highest peak in
South Korea, located on the honeymooners' haven island of Jeju, south
of the peninsula. After all, it was a good opportunity to be by the ocean and visit some kdrama and kmovie landmarks.
All in all, the destinations were set, as well as the means of transportation (plane from Busan to Jeju and back to Seoul, as well as trains to the various cities). The hotels were booked as well through the very efficient and useful Korea Tourism Office. Activities onsite was left to the improvisation.
BUDGET
Regarding the budget, I wasn't sure how to manage the currency. The main expenses were already done before the trip in term of booking and ticket purchases. I kept Euros and Swiss Francs in cash for emergencies and planned to buy a plastic card (T-Money) for pay as you go metro tickets, convenience store purchases and even taxi. I was a bit worried it would only work in Seoul but at least I would save some cash in Seoul.
An additional planning consisted in booking the train tickets ahead to benefit from the foreigner's discount on Visit Korea year.The site has free buses, train tickets discounts (10%) information and bookings.
Armed with much expectation and excitement, my trip began on a sunny September day...
This trip was the result of curiosity towards the culture on the peninsula, but also a sort of a check towards my fascination towards Japan. When wondering why I like and enjoy Japan, it was interesting to ponder whether it was South East Asia that attracted me or specifically Japan. Sure, I enjoyed Indonesia in 2008, but the country was not really the subject of my trip as it could have been any place.
Planning the trip was rather necessary as I took sudden fancy of the country but had no idea where to start. I invested in the Lonely planet book for Korea,
which includes info on North Korea as well, and read it from cover to
cover. Then I re-read it again with colourful post it bookmarks, while
trying to make a selection of sights I absolutely didn't want to miss.
DESTINATIONS
All in all, the destinations were set, as well as the means of transportation (plane from Busan to Jeju and back to Seoul, as well as trains to the various cities). The hotels were booked as well through the very efficient and useful Korea Tourism Office. Activities onsite was left to the improvisation.
BUDGET
Regarding the budget, I wasn't sure how to manage the currency. The main expenses were already done before the trip in term of booking and ticket purchases. I kept Euros and Swiss Francs in cash for emergencies and planned to buy a plastic card (T-Money) for pay as you go metro tickets, convenience store purchases and even taxi. I was a bit worried it would only work in Seoul but at least I would save some cash in Seoul.
An additional planning consisted in booking the train tickets ahead to benefit from the foreigner's discount on Visit Korea year.The site has free buses, train tickets discounts (10%) information and bookings.
Armed with much expectation and excitement, my trip began on a sunny September day...
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