Pyeongchang Korail Pass

Visitors to Korea are no strangers to the KORAIL pass, where each pass can be used within the designated duration period. We bought the KORAIL pass during the last summer visit, where we travelled on the KTX from Seoul to Busan on one of the trips.

Arriving at Seoul station bright and early for the 3-hour journey. If you are overwhelmed by the number of tracks/trains, just approach one of the staff and they will guide you to the right platform. 

The trains are well-maintained and clean. The train journey was so comfy that I fell asleep without knowing it. Before we knew it, we arrived at Busan for our adventure. Since we are at the topic of trains, let me bring you another exciting news as part of Pyeongchang Olympics Games shout-out: PyeongChang KORAIL pass! Read on to find out more. 

PyeongChang KORAIL Pass

This pass is specially introduced to commemorate the Olympics Games for foreigners/visitors going to Korea. Like the KORAIL pass, this pass can be used unlimited times on KTX and other Korail-operated trains throughout Korea (between 1st Feb 2018 till 25th Mar 2018). The pass is available for 5-day or 7-day (consecutive), which is a decent period of time you will need to explore the various regions. Ticket sales will be open until 10th Jan 2018. Purchase your pass through 3 simple steps: 

1. Visit the official website at www.letskorail.com/pyeongchang

2. Select the type of pass - either 5-day or 7-day

3. Select the pass start date (date of first use)

Seats can be selected up to 30 days in advance. Please print your ticket and bring along with your passport when using the train. You may be asked to present these items while on the train and/or when collecting your commemorative travel card. 

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Pass Types and Cost

Available in 5-day or 7-days.

*image credit to KTO

If you are travelling in groups of 2-5 people, you can purchase the "Saver" pass.

Benefits of PyeongChang KORAIL Pass

That is not all! If you purchase the pass between 10th Oct 2017 to 10th Jan 2018, you will get to enjoy the following benefits:

1. Commemorative reloadable prepaid transportation card value at KRW5,000. This can be collected at designated locations when purchasing the pass. 

2. 10% discount luggage storage and shipping through Airport Railroad.

3. Various discounts with affiliated partners. See this link for more details. 

Recommended places to visit in Gangwon

The famous Dragon Peak at Yongpyong Resort, which is also the filming site of K-dramas such as Goblin and Winter Sonata. This place is really beautiful during winter, where you will see a thick blanket of snow covering the area. 

My favourite place, Nami Island. Check out the cute snowman dressed in Xmas coats. I have recommended this place as part of Gangwon Autumn series, but you can always make a visit during winter too. I tend to make a trip here every time I'm in Korea. This place is just too beautiful to be missed! 

Since winter is coming, it is still not too late to start planning your winter adventures in Korea. Hurry and hop over to www.letskorail.com/pyeongchang and start clicking away! 

Korea Sale Festa

"I'm not a shopaholic, I'm just helping the economy"

Hands up if you agree with me that the emails that you love receiving the most are those that tells you your orders has been shipped :) Shopping is my middle name (besides procrastinating and many others) though I have toned down my shopaholic nature for the past 2 years. To stretch my dollar further, I'm always on the lookout for deals or promotions. Be it physical goods or services, I feel happy (or do a silent YEAH!) whenever I'm paying the discounted price instead of the original price. Having said so, let me share a piece of good news for the shopaholics who are heading to Korea for Autumn - the month-long Korea Sale Festa will start from 28th Sep. Festa doesn't simply means festival; it also includes entertainment, shopping, tour and attraction. This means an entire month of discounts, not just on shopping but also on K-wave cultural festivals and customised events for foreign visitors. You get to indulge without having to break the bank. Furthermore, 20 companies are selected as TOP20 of Korea Sale Festa. By just being a foreign visitor, you get to enjoy discounts from airfare, hotels, attractions, transport and shopping! Read on to find out more on how you can make use of the deals for your (upcoming) trip.

Official website: Korea Sale Festa

TRANSPORTATION

Besides discount on airfare and car rental, there are also special discount on the AREX/Airport Express for those who are traveling to Seoul station from Incheon airport. The airport express is one of the quickest and most convenient way to travel, bringing tourists to central Seoul within 45 minutes.

For more information on transporation, refer to this link

ACCOMMODATION

Agoda.com is kicking off the sale period for a duration of 2 months starting 9th Aug, whereby you get to enjoy up to 80% special discount for hotels worldwide with an additional 7% Korea Sale Festa special discount for hotels in Korea. Use promo code "KRFESTA7D212" in the hotel reservation page. This promotion is valid only for the hotel with the mark of "Promotional Product". 

For more information on accommodation, refer to this link

CULTURAL

A trip to Korea is not completed without wearing the hanbok and walking around Gyeongbokgung palace. With discount from 3355 Hanbok, the experience is now more affordable! Not to mention that you can gain free access to the various palaces if you wear a hanbok. 

Woongjin Playdoci is an urban leisure sports complex located just 30 minutes from Seoul. The park includes a water park and spa; Snowdoci which is an indoor ski and sledding park. We went to the water/spa park and it was really fun sliding down the slides. We even enjoy the spa at the outdoor rooftop, which was quite an experience. For foreigners, there is now a 1+1 special offer when purchasing a ticket for the water park or snow park. 

The Korean Folk Village is one of my favourite places to go for it felt like going back in time to the Joseon period. Visitors get to see the cultural performances such as tightrope walking, horseback martial arts and traditional wedding in this place. Not forgetting that the Korean Folk Village is the filming location of period dramas like Moon embracing the Sun, Jang Ok-jung and Sungkyunkwan Scandal. With a reduced price of KRW11,000 (from now till 31 Oct 2017), this place is definitely worth a visit.

For more information on culture, refer to this link

BEAUTY/HEALTH

Skincare and cosmetic shopping is a must-do activity when the sun sets. Consumers are spoilt with choices as many K-cos brands make their presence in Myeongdong. I usually stock up on my skincare whenever I travel to Korea, hence I'll bring an empty luggage with me to contain my hauls, haha! 

For more information on beauty/health, refer to this link

TRADITIONAL MARKET SHOPPING TOURISM FESTIVAL

The traditional Korean marketplace is one of the best way to soak up in the local spirit of Korea. In here, you get to rub shoulders with the ahjummas, bargain with the store-owners and feast to your heart's content. These traditional market places are littered throughout Seoul and Namdaemum Market is the most popular of all. The fall festival will be held in 17 major markets and 500 traditional markets with local features, harmonized with experience, culture and sightseeing. Visit this site for more information on the dates and activities of the various markets.

KOREA ONLINE HOT SALE

For those who enjoy shopping from the comfort of their homes, you can still enjoy the benefits from the online sale. Did I mention that I love 1+1 deals?Websites like G-market and Kmall are participating in this event and there is also a 20% discount for international orders (for G-market). Click here to find out more and start adding your items to the cart, check-out and wait for the email(s) that indicate your items are shipped! Hurry and grab the offers while it last.

Autumn in Gangwon

As we bid farewell to the summer heat, it is time to usher in the fall season. The first thing that came to my mind was autumn foliage. Temperatures during the fall month average around 10-20 degrees Celsius, which make it the most ideal season to travel. Fall foliage begins in late September in the colder regions of Gangwon-do province and creeps down to the warmer Southern regions. Dates for peak fall colours vary, but the 16 national mountain parks around the country boasts the best fall foliage views. The forecast for the first foliage and peak foliage at popular national parks are shown below. 

(credits: Kweather)

AUTUMN AT NAMI ISLAND

Our first autumn experience was in Japan; standing at the top of Kiyomizu-dera overlooking the autumn foliage was simply amazing. Last autumn, we did a self-drive trip in Jeju before continuing the rest of our journey in Seoul. Needless to say, I have to head to one of my fave places in Korea - Nami Island - for the autumn foliage. 

It was almost mid day when we arrived and check out the crowd waiting to board the ferry from Nami back to the main island! If you are paying a visit during this period, be sure to allow at least 1h of waiting time in the queue. 

The well-wishes "tunnel" whereby you can write your wishes on a leaf-shaped memo and tie it to the metal railings. As Nami is engulfed with a romantic atmosphere, we do see a lot of memos seeking and praying for love :) 

A cute little squirrel fussing over his seed cone.   

Nami island's winter scenary was already made famous by Winter Sonata, but the fall scenery also makes a strong impression thanks to the scarlet maple trees. We got to enjoy the crimson foliage of autumn, as we strolled along the walking trails over the island. 

Nami Island

Address: 1 Namiseon-gil, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do

Tel: +82 31 580 8114

AUTUMN AT SEORAKSAN NATIONAL PARK

(credits: Korea Tourism Organisation)

Seoraksan is the most iconic mountain of Gangwon-do and stretches through three countries of the province. Every fall, it is one of the first mountains in Korea to be coloured with autumn foliage, with mid-October being the best time to view this splendid scenery. Visitors can view the beautiful temples hidden within the mountain, most notably Baekdamsa and Sinheungsa or reach the Gwongeumseong Fortress by taking the cable car, where the East Sea can be viewed from above. You can also soak in the carbonated and alkaline hot springs, located at the end of Jujeongol Valley on Hangyeryeong Pass. 

Seoraksan Mountain

833 Seoraksan-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

AUTUMN AT GANGCHON RAILPARK

If you are a fan of Running Man, this railway park would not be a stranger to you since it made its appearance in ep 144. Gangchon railway bike is near to Nami island and this 6km Gangchon Rail Bike experience, starting from Gimyujeong Station lets you soak in the stunning landscapes and picturesque sights of the island. 

We cycled down on an abandoned railway, which Mugunghwa train used to travel for a span of 70 years. We passed by the enchanting Bukhangang river, which stretches for 318km! The cool breeze made it easier for us to peddle down the track and it was a great workout! 

There is a resting spot at the halfway mark and we got some snacks for refueling before continuing the rest of the journey. Once we reached the finishing point, we got to rest our tired calves as we hop onto the free shuttle bus back to the station. Thankfully we don't have to ride the railway bike back! 

Gangchon Railway Bike

Address: 1383 Gimyujeong-ro, Sindong-myeon, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, South Korea

AUTUMN FESTIVALS IN GANGWON

Gangneung Coffee Festival (강릉 커피축제)

There are a couple of festivals in Gangwon to take part, such as the Gangneung Coffee Festival, taking place from 6th Oct till 9th Oct in Gangneung, the city of coffee. The festival celebrates not only the coffee culture in the city but also, the city's past and present culture with a variety of coffee-related events. Visitors can get to enjoy barista performance and also, get to sample a wide range of coffee. Coffee lovers can also take the opportunity to visit Anmok Coffee Street, a 500m long coastal road lined with cafes. Here, visitors can relax with a cup of coffee while taking in the gorgeous sea views. 

Gangneung Anmok Beach Coffee Street

Address: 17 Changhae-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do

Jeongseon Arirang Festival (정선아리랑제)

(credits: Korea Tourism Organisation)

Jeongseon Arirang Festival is held annually in October in an effort to preserve and develop "Jeongseon Arirang", an intangible cultural heritage. Designated as a masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, Arirang is the most beloved Korean folk song. This was handed down by word of mouth through the generations and its lyrics seem to encapsulate the Korean concept of existence and the range of emotions one may experience through it. Anyone may sing it easily and the song continues to be loved today and is continually re adapted to modern times.  

Jeongseon-eup Arari Park

Address: 112, Bongyang-ri, Jeongseon-eup, Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do

Some of my friends were afraid of going to Korea due to language barrier. If you are in need of travel information, an interpreter or in an emergency situation, dial 1330 from any phone to reach the Korea Travel Hotline operated by the Korea Tourism Organisation. A friendly and trained staff will be ready to help, providing the interpretation services when needed. Now that we have this sorted out, start packing your bags and head to Korea for a wonderful autumn!

N Seoul Tower N서울타워

Standing at 237m tall, N Seoul Tower (also known as Namsan Tower) is the highest point in Seoul and offers a bird's eye view of the city. From a transmission tower, Namsan Tower has undergone various renovation and remodelling to become an iconic landmark of Seoul. It was also renamed from Seoul Tower to N Seoul Tower, where "N" stands for new, namsan and nature. The tower is often featured on K-dramas as the defacto meeting or dating place for all couples, who will then leave a love lock as a pledge of their everlasting love. 

There are various ways of getting to N Seoul Tower, but we opted for the cable car since we were staying at a guesthouse nearby. It takes 10 min on foot to reach the cable car station but we took twice the time as we were busy taking pictures and exploring the surrounding areas since this was our virgin trip to Korea so we were intrigued by every single thing that we came across. 

We finally reached Namsan cable car entrance after scaling a steep slope and several flights of stairs. The cable car runs from the base of the mountain up to N.Seoul Tower. Besides walking, there are several ways to get to the cable car station.
Shuttle Bus

You can board the free shuttle bus at Exit 1 of Myeongdong Station and at the Seoul Square bus stop at Seoul Station. The shuttle bus operates every 30 minutes, starting from 12PM till 8.30PM. 
On Foot

From Exit 3 of Myeongdong Station, walk through the alley and stay to your right, passing the 7-11 store and continue about 7-8 minutes between Pacific Hotel and GS25. Namsan cable car is at the top of the hill near the Chinese Consulate.
By Ohreumi/Incline Elevator

From Exit 4 of Myeongdong Station, head towards the Hoehyeon intersection (towards Shinsegae Department Store) and turn left at the intersection. Walk about 5 minutes to reach Namsam cable car Ohreumi/Incline Elevator.

We headed to the ticketing office on the 1st floor to purchase our tickets for the ride. An adult single trip costs KRW$6,000 while a round trip costs KRW$8,500. Hence, it made more sense (for us at least) to purchase the round trip tickets. After purchasing the tickets, you will be ushered into the queue.  

Check out the crowd! It was recommended to reach before noon for a quieter experience but hey, looked like everyone had the same thought! I even planned this visit on a weekday so we get to avoid the crowd but this looked like my plan failed miserably. 

Well, I shouldn't let the crowd dampen our holiday mood :) 

By riding the cable car, you will see the whole of Namsan right in front of you. 

With a capacity of 48 people per car, I have to say the waiting time is still bearable. The cable cars is equipped with glasses on all four sides, which give riders a view of the surrounding city-view as we made our way through to the top. The ride was relatively smooth and before we knew it, we have arrived.

Our first picture here, displaying the Korean-heart. Saranghae ❤

It was indeed a sunny day, but surprising the cool wind kept me cold and I had to put on a light jacket.

I immediately recognize this pavilion - this was featured in Running Man, whereby they had to gather people for a rope jumping/picture mission. In fact, a lot of other K-variety and K-drama shows feature N Seoul Tower which makes it a must visit on my first trip to Korea. 

There was an event for visitors to dress up in hanbok and take pictures with the royal guards for memento.

If given a chance, I would love to visit again at night. With the latest LED technology lighting which constantly changes colours and patterns, N Seoul Tower has become a "light art" providing various media art together with an unusual cultural art experience. 

This place is so crowded that it is difficult to get a picture without anyone walking into your frame. We managed to get one decent pic, all thanks to the group of strangers who helped to stop "traffic".

The main agenda of our visit was to ...... you guessed it - that is, to leave a love lock to pledge our everlasting love! Actually, we came here to have a meal at N.Grill but since we were already there so might as well right?

This place is home to thousands of love locks, where the padlocks covered every inch of the railing and fences. Each of the padlock symbolize the hope of everlasting love that the couple shared.

We bought these from the gift shop, went to find a quiet bench and proceeded to write on the locks and ended up with

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.

.

.

Our declaration of love, is that evidence of our "telepathy"? At least I'm faithful to only 2 (at the point) while someone had a whole truckload of girls that he liked.

Well, at least we had our less important "love declaration" on the other side :) We then proceeded to find a lucky spot for our locks.

You can chose to deposit your keys into the bin thereby sealing your love forever, but we decided to bring the keys home as memento of our virgin Korea trip. 

Tadah, our padlocks of love at N Seoul Tower. Another mission checked. 

Before we left, look who I bumped into? Leecher termed it as my "highlight" of the day, to take picture with a Kim Soo Hyun cardboard. Well, that certainly light up my day!

N Seoul Tower
105, Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 용산구 남산공원길 105 (용산동2가)