Seoul 2014: Day 1 (Changi International Airport - Incheon International Airport 인천국제공항 - Seoul Station 서울역 - K-POP Residence Seoul Tower 케이팝 레지던스 서울타워)

Hey there! Thanks for all the views from the previous posts, it really keeps me motivated to keep writing and sharing all the travel experiences I had with you guys!

This is a continuation from my previous post Seoul 2014: Introduction (Planning Your Holiday with Travel Tips and Advice - Solo Travelling)

Now that we've got all that planning out of the way, its time to actually begin talking about the trip!

My flight was at around 1.50pm in the afternoon so I headed to check-in at 11.50am at Changi Airport! My sweet brother offered to accompany me and make his own way home since everyone else was busy and working. There was a really long queue (Scoot doesn't have online check-ins) but with swift service and many open counters, it cleared pretty fast!

The photo taken by my brother for me just before I entered the Departure gates at Terminal 2!

I decided to enter a little earlier rather than at the last minute because budget airlines are prone to gate changes and delays, or any other form of hiccups.

*SOLO TRAVEL TIPS:
Going in earlier would ensure I would be well prepared and ready to adjust to any possible changes without getting a shock and having to run from one end to the other of the plane terminal
(Had that experience twice before - NOT FUN!)

Near to where my gate was, I came across a chill-out corner with cushy, laid-back chairs and TV screens. Since my gate was yet open, I decided to take some time out to relax as well for the long journey ahead (this would include a 5 hour flight, 1 hour layover and another 2 hour flight).

"Police and Thief" (a local sitcom shot a couple years back) was on Channel 5 at the time.

A secluded, dimly-lit, relaxing area away from the hustle and bustle from travellers shuttling to and from the gates. A great place to relax your feet and enjoy some quiet time.

The area to the right of where I was sitting. An entire family was relaxing on the reclined chairs.

The area to the left of where I was had full-body length chairs for travellers to lie down in complete relaxation and catch some shut-eye (since there are no TVs there).

*SOLO TRAVEL TIPS:

• When travelling alone, always remember to keep an eye on the time! Bear in mind that there isn't anyone who will alert you that its time to go anywhere. 
• Time your own toilet breaks and walking/shopping time at duty free. 
• Give yourself ample time to take a leisurely pace as well. 
• Keep a close eye on your belongings especially when you head to toilets, chill-out areas.

*IN-FLIGHT SOLO TRAVEL TIPS: 

• Be cautious about putting all your valuables up in the overhead compartments, especially if you're the kind that tends to fall asleep. There have been incidences of theft from overhead compartments while passengers were sleeping.

• Always bring a pen: chances are there will always be immigration/customs declaration forms
                                       to fill up and a pen will always be your lifesaver and time-saver.

It was raining that afternoon as our flight was departing Singapore.

My Scoot seating area. I'm a window-seat gal. Why? I don't need to frequent the loo while on board and I have short legs so the room space is just nice for me.

Besides, window seats will ensure I get to take such up-in-the-sky photos!

Catching the sunset upon our descent into Taoyuan, Taiwan where we had our layover.

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I was very lucky to have been able to sit next to these 2 Singaporean girls my age who were heading to Korea too! (One of them had blue hair!)

IF YOU GIRLS EVER HAPPEN TO SEE THIS: THANK YOU SO MUCH!
I realised I'm such a scatterbrain that I forgot to ask for your names.

They were really friendly and nice, and looked out for me because I informed them that I had to rush to catch the last midnight bus from Incheon Airport to Seoul and they allowed me to join them in the quicker immigration queue which saved me so much time and allowed me to hop on the bus in time!
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Just a note to anyone out there who is taking Scoot flights to Tokyo or Korea which transit in Taiwan, there are ALWAYS delays. If it isn't a plane fault, a busy runway, it will be passengers who can't get back on the flight and hold everyone up, creating a chain effect of delays and disrupting everyone's timings.
Not to mention the fact that Scoot flights land at rather terrible timings in these 2 locations.

So always remember to come up with back-up plans for your transportation options just in case the inevitable happens.

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*IMPORTANT SOLO TRAVEL TIP:

• Let it be at your discretion whether or not you want to tell people if you are travelling alone, although my advice is not to tell anyone or to keep it at a minimum (otherwise you'll be an easy target for robbery, theft, rape, and whatever other crime you can think of).
• If it is hard to hide the fact that you are travelling alone, tell the person asking that you have arranged to meet a friend at your destination of arrival (whether or not that is the truth).
• If possible, do try to be discreet about it, and ensure you are always contactable especially if you do not have a friend picking you up.

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Upon alighting from the plane, you'll have to walk a really long journey to the airport train (which takes you from the airport gates to the main immigration area. Be vigilant about your belongings (it is a hectic and mad rush down because everyone wants to clear through the immigrations counter as fast as possible).

Tech-ies, be assured too that Incheon Airport 인천국제공항 has high-speed wifi available for everyone in it! Solo travellers, take the opportunity to Whatsapp, Line, Kakaotalk or FaceBook Message your family members or friends that you have landed in Korea safe and sound!

With all the disasters happening this year, I'm sure all our family and friends are worried when any of us have to take any flights or carry out any travel plans. So we can all do our part to set their mind at ease by informing them that we have arrived safely at our destination.

Waiting for the airport train to head to the main immigration area.

After clearing the immigration area, head down the escalator to get your luggage(s)!

DID YOU KNOW?

• Incheon Airport's baggage handling system is designed to process 31,000 pieces of luggage an hour by using a centralised computer-controlled, automated tilt-tray system, that sorts pieces of luggage with barcode readers. That's PRETTY IMPRESSIVE!
• Incheon International Airport 인천국제공항 also claims that it has only a 0.0001% baggage mishandling rate! That's just downright amazing! Travellers can head there with an ease of mind!

Once you get your luggage matters sorted, there's just transport to be worried about!

My accommodation was located near to Seoul Station 서울역 (and honestly at 11.57pm) there was nothing left except the Late Night Airport Bus for me to take.


If you're wondering why I didn't use the AREX train, its because

•  I don't have any experience using it thus I was afraid of getting lost as well.
  (The last train is the same time as the last bus - 12 midnight - so I didn't have much time to spare getting around)
• The bus stations are right in front upon exiting the airport. The AREX train is down the escalator and a long walk away (TIME CONSTRAINTS)!

If you're lost, there are airport staff around who can speak English that can help direct you around!

My late night bus journey cost me KRW9000 and the driver was friendly and helpful! Stow your baggage at the bottom of the bus (number stickers will be put on them so that you can identify them). The seats were comfortable enough and much as the driver drove really fast, you really felt safe in their experienced hands!

I sat on the seat right in front so that I could have a clear look of where the bus arrived at. It was 4 stops to Seoul Station 서울역 from Incheon International Airport 인천국제공항.
This is the entrance of the bus.

Although I was really tired, I was so excited to be in Korea again that I was busy looking at all the buildings and scenery that we passed, as well as reading as many Korean signs as I could! Before I left Incheon International Airport, I informed my friend that I would be arriving in Seoul 서울 at 1.10am on the late night bus where he would pick me up.

Seoul Station 서울역 is the last stop for the late night bus and the signs are so big, you'll never miss it or forget to get off (since everyone is getting off). Using Seoul Station's wifi (which is only available at certain spots in the station - I literally mean spots and not areas - I could take a step away and lose my wifi connection), I texted my friend that I had arrived!

I was so glad to see my friend because I was dead exhausted from the journey (plus we hadn't seen each other in a long time). Another reason was that there was now someone else to look after me and my things as he took me to the accommodation booked!
I felt really bad, but he helped to carry my heavy luggage up and down the underground stairs as we headed to the accommodation!

Where did I stay at? K-POP RESIDENCE SEOUL TOWER

K-POP Residence Seoul Tower| 케이팝 레지던스 서울타워
211, Namchang-dong, Jung-gu, 100-806 Seoul, South Korea|서울, 남창동 211, 100-806, 대한민국
Telephone: 02 778 3665 | Website: http://en.kpophouse.co.kr/

This hotel is literally so new that you can smell it upon entering. Its so new that it isn't even put up on the official website yet (or rather it is labelled as coming soon, when it is already kind of open for business). The location is not too bad, and the service of the staff are really good!
It is small though, like really small. O-kay for one person. If you're expecting a regular sized hotel room, DON'T! This isn't a hotel!

The bed! You know how I said everything was so new? The bed was so new that it was rock hard!

Abnormal Summit was on TV! The TV is almost literally at the end of the bed (to give you an estimate of the room size).

A room window with layered windows to ensure you're kept warm! Its pretty good! Some hotels I've been in have no windows that you can't tell what time of the day it is!

Sorry about the blur photo! This is pretty much what the toilet is. When you open the door, the toilet bowl is there. Next to it is the sink, and above the sink, the shower head.

That was all the photos I took before I took a shower and called it a night!

Stay tuned to the next entry for my Day 2 travels to Insadong and the Seoul Lantern Festival at Cheonggyecheon!

Till then,

Fly Safe and Eat Happy,
V

Seoul 2014: Introduction (Planning Your Holiday with Travel Tips and Advice - Solo Travelling)

Hey guys! So its time to begin on my Seoul 2014 series before backlog starts to choke me! The beautiful month of December is coming to an end and for most of us, that means the end of our holidays! (Yes take those tissues out and wipe your tears). The most important thing however is that we had a good break. holiday before the year officially draws to a close, and I know that I am blessed and lucky to have had a really good break.

So this trip I had was mostly alone, which was good.

Most people are rather apprehensive about travelling alone due to the following reasons: danger, security and the fear of getting lost and into trouble in a foreign country.
I do believe however, that despite those, an alone trip would definitely be beneficial in the following ways:
- teaching one to be independent
- teaching one to be street smart
- teaching one to be responsible for their own wellbeing and belongings

Those of you who know me personally know that I'm a big scatter brain. I often forget my things, forget what I did, forget where I place my things: but on this trip, I made the extra effort to be extra cautious to ensure these things did not happen. My inner fear of getting lost anywhere also made me ensure that I was well-prepared in terms of which transport and directions I had to take even before I made the trip. Doing this in countries where you don't speak their language is extra beneficial as you don't have to fear about language barriers when you get lost! (Because good instructions for yourself means that you won't get lost in the first place! Or it also means that your instructions will guide you back on the right track!)


First things first, BOOK A FLIGHT YOU CAN AFFORD!
Since this was an alone trip, I travelled budget! Not like I should be flying SQ anytime soon anyway! Having experienced Tiger, Jetstar and Scoot, here's my take on them in case that helps you with making a decision about which airline to take.

[JETSTAR]
- Cheaper than Scoot, but usually more expensive than Tiger. Buy only when there are deals.
- ALWAYS has flight delays and luggage collection delays (Pretty much a budget airline thing)
- Worst in terms of comfort - seats are the least cushy and room is minimal.
*A REASON TO CHOOSE THIS FLIGHT: Better timings than Tiger or when Scoot tickets are expensive.

[TIGER]
- Usually the cheapest of the three, even without special offers and deals.
- Has the least flight and baggage delays among the three, HONESTLY!
- Not the worst in terms of comfort. Chairs are better than Jetstar. Room is also minimal.
*A REASON TO CHOOSE THIS FLIGHT: Most value for money, cheapest flights, best service.


[SCOOT]
- Cheap on days when there are mega deals. Morning Glory Tuesdays are not as cheap as special
  deal days on special occasions.
- Always has baggage delays. Flight delays only occur with transits at Taoyuan International Airport
  because it is currently undergoing construction, and also because clear instructions are not given
  regarding transit in Taoyuan Airport (not the fault of the airline, but as a passenger you suffer
  anyway). Worst landing and departure timings.
- Best in terms of comfort. Chairs are most comfortable, and you get the most leg room here.
*A REASON TO CHOOSE THIS FLIGHT: Cheap tickets during mega sales, most comfort, better destinations, Ticket Inclusive of 15kg Check-in luggage

 So there you have it, those are my three little blurbs and comparisons on the three budget airlines. I often take Scoot if I can, because I often have to go through 5 hour flights so I feel that comfort is important. Scoot also provides you with that "free" 15kg of luggage which is adequate for most of us. Scoot also flies to destinations of my choice which makes it the top of my budget airline list. However, if I am just travelling light and on a tighter budget, I fly Tiger. My two cents worth is to never ever take Jetstar because I am rather disgusted with their service attitude that is "complemented" by their lack of comfort and expensive tickets. Their flight crew has good attitude. I am referring to their service centre when I say that they have bad service.

For this trip, I booked my return flight (2-way) ticket on a special sale day with Scoot for $500+ which included choosing my seats and upgrading my return flight baggage to 25kg.

*Consider investing in travel insurance! Just in case.

Second, BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION!
There are often different types of accommodation for you to choose from based on prices, comfort level, ease of travel, etc. You can take your pick from Hotels, Motels, Guesthouses or Residences, Minsus, Backpackers, Hostels. The world is your oyster, and the accommodation is probably one of the more crucial things in your holiday. Why? Even if you're only spending 6-8 hours a day sleeping on the bed and using the toilet in your accommodation, I guarantee that a bad bed and a dirty toilet will be one of the key things that ruin your mood entirely.

For Korea, if you're travelling on a budget, I recommend guesthouses or residences which are not in central city areas but in residential areas. The cost is a lot lower, and you do get adequate perks. A caution though is that these places are often tiny. TINY. So tiny that there's barely any room to walk, much less open your luggage to pack. Don't get me wrong, you can still open your luggage to pack your stuff but chances are that you won't be able to leave it open and walk freely about the room.

This time, my friend living in Korea helped to book the accommodation with coupon deals so I am not too informed about the details as such. I did however, do some research on a couple of places which are good for solo travellers to check out as their accommodation.

*Just a note, because I do have a language barrier with Korea, I did most of my accommodation research through Booking.com because it is in English, there are no extra booking charges and most of the reservations can be cancelled up to 24 hours before the day you booked for.

1. Kyo's House Seoul (Click on name for more details)
    - Good, central location. Extremely close to Seoul Station which is good for travelling.
    - Rooms seem clean, bright and white - which is a real plus for me! I like my rooms to look clean
      rather than used and tattered.
    - Rooms definitely seem small, but adequate for the number of people recommended for.
    - The en-suite is only a shower. Toilets are all common and outside bedrooms.
    - Free wi-fi and laundry use is available in this Guesthouse.

2. K-POP Residence Seoul Tower (Click on name for more details)
- Good location. Close to the subway exit of Hoehyeon Station which makes travelling easy. A 10-15 minute walk to Myeongdong Shopping area and to Seoul Station
- Rooms are extremely modern, white, clean and bright (because they are so new)
- Rooms and toilets are small, extremely small. You cannot leave your luggage open and walk around the room! That was a minus for me because I had to go to the trouble of putting my luggage down and taking my clean clothes out each and everyday before my shower.
- This residence provides shampoo, soap conditioner and towels which is awesome!
- Luggage storage is also available and the staff can speak many languages and are really friendly.
- A free breakfast of cereal is provided daily at the basement eating area, where the computers for customers' use also are!
- Free wi-fi and laundry use available here!
- There is a lift available to access the different floors - this is crucial because there are many guesthouses in Korea that only have stairs.
* I stayed at this accommodation this time round hence the detailed descriptions.
* This brand has various branches in different locations which you can check out as well!

3. Chloe Guesthouse Gangnam (Click on name for more details)
    - Great location. Close to the subway station.
    - Rooms seem to have more room than K-POP Residence. Toilets look better and slightly larger.
    - Most rooms seem to have enough space and come with a dressing table, kettle and mirror.
    - Hotel provides luggage storage and daily maid service.



Third, PLAN YOUR ITINERARY!
Going for holidays isn't just about flights and accommodation. You have to know what kind of a traveller you are, and what activities or attractions you are interested in!

Are you a person who likes to kick back and relax during your holiday and just go with the flow? Do you like to take on spontaneous activities and try out new things? Do you enjoy a leisurely, relaxing pace and taking in the sights and sounds at your own pace? Are you travelling by yourself?
TIP:
Plan your itinerary by locations rather than sticking to a strict, timed one.
Chances are you're a flexible person who likes to keep your plans and schedule free and easy. So all you have to do is jot down the list of places you want to go to, their opening and closing times, address and perhaps admission fees if any.
You'll eventually wing it, and you might not even visit some of the places you wanted to but that's fine by you.
Keep your schedules open because you're probably also spontaneous and like to jump on random things and attractions that you see! 
My advice however is to organise your itinerary by location, so that you can cover areas and also see what you want to with ease. It also allows you to explore the surrounding area and chance upon random fun things or chill cafes. Whether or not you include directions on how to get there is based on whether you have wifi or data connection there (so you can at least map yourself around).
*Suitable for solo travellers, or people travelling in pairs or threes.

Are you a person who likes to see as much as possible during your holiday? Are you a person who likes your holiday extremely organised and to go according to plan? Are you in charge of planning a holiday for a big group?
TIP:
Plan your itinerary from morning to night with structure. Even if you don't want to list down specific timings, list the activities/places to visit in order of which you are going to do/visit.
This allows the compulsive you to be assured that there is a set plan. This allows your holiday companions to know what is the plan for the day so that everyone can keep track. This ensures that you know what needs to be completed within the day to see as much as you can.
Without a set plan, you may freak out at the thought that you have nothing to do.
Without a set plan, you may not see everything that you wanted to and have regrets!
Without a set plan, group travelling will set into utter chaos. 
My advice is to keep your plans organised and structured but also rather spaced out! Unless you are travelling really light and alone and you're an express tourist (the kind who snaps a couple pictures of the attraction and leaves). You want to see many things and experience more culture but you don't want to be too exhausted and end up sick on your holiday. Check with your travel companions regarding their preferences and if there is anything in particular they would like to see or do just to ensure that there is no disharmony during the vacation.
*Suitable for big groups!

*I'm not saying that there are only two kinds of tourists, but these are my recommendations based
  on my experiences.


Fourth, BUDGET YOURSELF!
Based on the admission fees that you researched, set aside a travel budget for yourself and spend wisely! Eating more street food and at cheap places will ensure the shopper in you has more moolah to spend on that lovely dress. Comparing prices between stalls will ensure you save that extra bit of cash which can add up to buy you something else!



And now that I've given my fair share of advice regarding planning your holiday, here's the link to my Seoul 2014 holiday:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9_cHcmEYu0VNDllM1ZnSzJaLTg/view?usp=sharing
You are free to use it for your travel purposes and such as long as you don't try to pass it off as your own on your blogs and all that. GIVE CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE I always say. Payment is not always necessary. Simply acknowledge the original creator of that document, work.



Thanks for reading guys!

Don't forget to leave me any comments or feedback so that I can improve on my posts!



Till the next post.

Fly Safe and Eat Happy,
V

Food Review: Paradise Inn at Junction 10

There aren't too many shopping malls around Bukit Panjang - so its rare that we manage to find a restaurant with awesome food. Paradise Inn is one of the outlets from the Paradise group, specialising in brewed chinese soups, teas and awesome chinese food.

The atmosphere of the restaurant is warm and woody, though I must add that they are seriously understaffed. It is really hard to get a waiter or waitress to take your order or get the bill. I do give credit however that the food is really well done. Nothing tastes bad though food is mostly served warm rather than hot.

Hotplate Tofu - really amazing - with minced meat and salted fish!

My review? Pretty awesome food is available here! It would be better if they could serve it hot rather than warm though. Service here is not bad, they are simply shorthanded, so do try to be understanding.

Paradise Inn Junction 101 Woodlands Rd, Singapore 677899

Telephone: 6892 7915 | Opening Hours: 11am-10pm

Korea 2012: Day 16 (Gyeonggi English Village 경기영어마을 파주캠프 - Namsan Tower)

Hey there! This is a continuation of my previous post Korea 2012: Day 15 (Petite France 쁘띠프랑스 - Nami Island 남이섬 종합휴양지)

In Gyeonggi English Village, every facility and training program encourages visitors to actively participate, enabling a natural English learning experience in the context of daily life. In a setting resembling a village in an English-speaking country, participants experience various culture from around the world, increase their international social consciousness and realize the value of English as a means of communication. Coaching by kind, native English-speaking teachers helps increase participants’ interest in English and boosts participants’ confidence in speaking to foreigners. Upon completing the camp, students will be more motivated to study English with greater interest and enthusiasm.

We actually had the chance to speak with the English teachers working there who are from the US and U.K. and they are wonderful to talk to! If you're a Korean wanting to learn English, I encourage you to visit this place and speak to the teachers there!

All facilities have been newly built to simulate a village in an English-speaking country. Students can learn English by enjoying a cultural experience in an exotic environment. Paju Camp is a model English village created by Gyeonggi Province. The more than 700 trainees and teachers residing in the village, and the hands-on training programs and facilities merge naturally in daily life through the 3Es (Education, Experience and Entertainment).

Mini Stonehenge in Paju

The entry area is built to be like an airport immigrations area! The staff working here are also teachers of the classes who stamp your "passport"

The passport which stamps your entry into the area! You can also use it to get little writings or stamps in the English Village.

We had lunch in the Italian Restaurant within the Village - a simple salad, baked spaghetti and pizza.

A tram I found within the village =)

My love for trains is undeniable!

So is my love for stone statues!

That's the Italian Restaurant where we had our lunch that afternoon!

Though it is located near urban areas for easy access, it is a suburban English village in harmony with its surrounding natural environment. Through diverse performances and events that occur all year round, the village is more than simply a place for hands-on English learning, it is an English cultural space.

My verdict? A pretty cool and interesting place to visit in Paju =) Much as Paju is a really inaccessible city, everything in it is absolutely beautiful! If you have more time on your holiday or time in Korea, I do recommend visiting this place for the architecture.

Gyeonggi English Village, Paju Camp (경기영어마을 파주캠프)40, Eoreumsil-ro, Tanhyeon-myeon, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do | 경기도 파주시 탄현면 얼음실로 40
Telephone: +82-1588-0554 | Website: english-village.gg.go.kr (English)
Operating Hours: 09:30am -18:00pm
Admission Fees: 3,000 won (Weekdays) ; 5,000 won (Weekends)

How to Get There:
Take Bus Service 200 from Hapjeong, Baekseok, Madu or Daehwa Station (Seoul Subway Line 3)

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Nothing better than to end off our last night in Seoul with the bustling night view of the city. We made our way to the N Seoul Tower to take in the breathtaking view and cuddle up to teddy bears!

Our cable car tickets!

Purple illumination - this view was really pretty.

I wish I had enough money in the world to buy this polar bear home!

King Sejong the fluffy!

The oldest bear in the world.

The bear versions of the characters from Princess Hours!

My verdict? Namsan Tower is one of the prettiest views I've ever had, especially late at night. A MUST VISIT! You definitely have to make your way down to Namsan Tower no matter what!

N Seoul Tower (N 서울타워)105, Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 용산구 남산공원길 105 (용산동2가)
Website: nseoultower.co.kr (Korean, English)
Observatory Opening Hours: 10:00am-23:00pm (Sunday-Thursday),
                                             10:00am-24:00pm (Friday-Saturday)

[Cable Car]
- Operating hours: 10:00-23:00
- Fare: (return ticket): Adults 8,500 won / Children 5,500 won
           (one-way ticket): Adults 6,000 won / Children 3,500 won

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We went back to Myeongdong for our last night of walking, shopping and street food.

Awww another bear I want to bring home!

My first bite of Hotteok and it turned out to be my favourite street food.
I MUST EAT MORE THIS TIME!

Hehe a little mixing and matching =)

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We went to Myeongdong again the next morning to have a short walkabout and look at the mascots!

And that's all for my Korea 2012 trip!

Thanks for all your reading and patience! I hope this series was helpful even though its a little outdated. Stay tuned to my following posts of food blogging and some mini travel series =)

Till then,

Fly Safe and Eat Happy,
V