Many people may find it difficult to travel within their budget to a country well-known for its great food and shopping. My virgin trip to Korea a few years ago had completely devastated my wallet. As a challenge this time, I gave myself a budget of SGD 1400 for 8 days to tour this wonderful country. The amount includes round-trip tickets from Vietnam Airlines, accommodations with AirBnb, transports, activities, daily meals and shopping. With proper planning, it is possible to experience and explore Korea without stressing your already thinning wallet.
The first thing to do is to purchase a Korail 3-day pass to save on transport fees if you are travelling out of Seoul. This pass is your golden ticket to any KTX or ITX trains in Korea. You can either buy this pass online or at the KTX counter at the airport before taking the high-speed rail. Remember to produce your passport at the KTX counter to enjoy the youth (12-25) price!
South Korea will always have a special place in my heart. My second visit saw me going to Busan (another post) and the more unconventional places in Seoul.
Accomodation
Our AirBnb is located at a strategic location near Myeongdong, a shopping area well-known for its cheap skincare and makeup essentials. So far my AirBnb experiences are fairly good and Suhee, the host of this apartment, is one of the best I have encountered. The photos and descriptions provided fit the bill and she was quick in replying my enquiries. Additionally, she also typed and printed a list of places to visit in Korea for our reference. Very very considerate!
Sightseeing
Bukhansan Mountain
Wanting to be more adventurous in this family trip, I suggested climbing a mountain. Surprisingly, both my siblings concurred to my idea and we decided to choose the easiest mountain near the city area for our first climbing attempt.
I was blown away by the view at Bukhansan mountain! Climbing up this mountain is definitely not a small feat. It is probably 10 times harder than hiking the Bukit Timah Hill.
Despite the steep slopes and rocky paths, we managed to reach the peak in 3 hours. Our efforts paid off when we were warmly greeted by the magnificent view on top of the mountain.
Prepare food and drinks for the hike as there is zero convenience store up the mountain. Take a few rest stops along the way and enjoy the lush greenery of the park. It will be an excellent escape from the bustling city life!
Bukchon Hanok Village
Located between the modern apartments and skyscrapers, Bukchon Hanok Village seems to be frozen in time. This is the best place to experience the life of a traditional Korean.
If you are there at the right time, some hanoks provide cultural classes on Korean history and crafts. These immersions give visitors an opportunity to experience and learn Korean traditional culture.
Gyeongbokgong Palace
To be fully immersed in the Korean culture and at the same time make our trip memorable, we wore Hanbok to Gyeongbokgong palace. It was an unforgettable experience travelling on the subway in hanbok and giggling at others’ flustered faces!
We rented our hanbok for 4 hours at Onedayhanbok (introduced by my dear friend who lives in Korea) for 13000 won each (SGD 15). Alternatively, there is a hanbok experience booth outside Gwanghwamun subway station that allows you to try on traditional costumes for free! Entrance is free for those who wear hanbok to Gyeongbokgong palace.
N Seoul Tower
Located at the peak of Namsan Mountain, all we can remember about this place was the cold night wind blowing against our shivering bodies (this happened to me a lot of time I realised).
The tower main attraction is the observatory deck where visitors can overlook the spectacular scenery and 360 panoramic view of Seoul! Up there at 236 metres, pens and papers are provided for us to write down heartfelt words and send them to our loved ones. It will be an amazing experience for those who prefer snail to digital mail in this era.
My brother’s interest lies in the “Locks of Love” located at the Roof Terrace. He is obviously the most romantic one here! Basically, the concept is similar to the Paris love bridge where couples buy locks and write messages on them to express their undying love to each other. These precious metals will then be secured on the bridge. A piece of advice is to BRING YOUR OWN LOCK if you are going to do it. It’s way cheaper…
Food
Kimbab
The pork cutlet kimbab at Gimgane is a must try! Eat it the Korean way by dipping the kimbab into cheese ramen and relish the bursting of different flavours with each bite.
Memilguksu (Buckwheat Soba)
Gwanghwamun Mijin Memilguksu probably serves the best soba I have ever tasted. The soft and stretchy noodles coupled with salted radish broth are a marvellous combination of wonder! If this is delicious to someone who dislikes soba, it must have meant a lot isn’t it?
The best thing is when you order one set of soba, it comes with two trays of noodles and a lot of side dishes! If you travel in groups of 4, just order 2 sets and you will be more than filled.
Bukchon Son Mandu
Bukchon Son Mandu is an absolute gem to go to for delicious dumplings! Hidden at a corner in Insadong, you can spot it easily by following the plume of steam coming out from the many trays of dumplings. We were excited just by the look of them!
Super Coffee
Introduced by our Airbnb host, this place serves awesome latte. We tried their unique Orange Bianco (orange flavoured espresso) and it was unforgettable! Their prices are also relatively cheaper than most cafes in Seoul.
Thanks Nature Cafe
The two sheep in the cafe undoubtedly attract a lot of business. They are kept in the pen most of the time and for a few hours a day, let out into the cafe to allow the customers to interact with them.
Even though it is an interesting cafe with a different concept, I still don’t think it is very right to use animals to make money…
Patbingsu
The modernised Patbingsu at Korean Dessert Cafe Sulbing is a must try! Even though Injeolmi Bingsu is a highly raved item in their menu, I like the Blueberry Cheesecake Bingsu better. It feels fabulous to have both the thinly shaved ice and cheesecake cubes melt in my mouth at the same time.
Even though this latest bingsu craze is here in Singapore, I still prefer to only eat it in Korea. You will understand once you compare the prices…
Shopping
Ehwa Womans University
Founded in 1886 by an American Missionary, Ehwa Womans University has now evolved into a prestigious college in Asia. It has earned its place in Seoul as the institution that encompasses a unique blend of modern and traditional architecture. Many tourists will always be seen taking photographs against the ‘Campus Valley’, making it the most Instagram worthy spot in the campus.
Additionally, the Ehwa Womans University area is also one of the most popular shopping districts in Seoul. Selling many stylish clothing at an affordable price, it sees an influx of fashionable women patronising the place.
Express Bus Terminal and Local Supermarkets
All thanks to my Korean friends, we discovered a hidden gem at Express Bus Terminal.
In my opinion, the shopping here is way better (cheaper with more variety) than Ehwa with the prices of clothes ranging from 5000 won to 15000 won. However, if you dislike Bugis street, you may not enjoy shopping here.
After shopping, we paid a visit to Kim’s Club Supermarket near Express Bus Terminal and realised that the items sold here are much cheaper than Lotte mart!
Search For Discount Coupons Online
BnB Hero provides a 30% discount coupon to Everland. You can simply download it online and present the printed coupon at the ticket counter to enjoy the good deal.
Some coupons will be given when you purchase your T Money card. One of them is a 10% discount to N Seoul Tower.
At the end of the trip, we only spent around SGD$1300 per person for the 8 days!
Fare breakdown of 8 days 7 night:
| Transport | Duration | Cost |
| Two-way Flight to Seoul via Vietnam Airlines | 6 hours | SGD$509/pax |
| Korail 3-day Pass | 74500 won/pax or SGD$93/pax | |
| Accomodation | Duration | Cost |
| AirBnb Stay | 7 nights | SGD$189/pax |
| Sightseeing | Address | Cost |
| Bukhansan mountain | There are different ways of getting there, the nearest is this address.
Direction: Bulgwang station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 1 |
Free |
| Bukchon Hanok Village | Gye-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Direction: Anguk station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 2 |
Free |
| Gyeongbokgong palace | 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Direction: Gwanghwamun Station (Seoul Subway Line 5), Exit 2 |
Free (if you wear hanbok) |
| N Seoul Tower | 105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea | 27000 won/pax (SGD$31/pax) |
| Food | Address | Cost |
| Gimgane | 45-1 Myeongdong 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea | Pork Cutlet Kimbab: 4000 won
Cheese Ramen: 4000 won |
| Memilguksu | 24 Jongno 1-ga, Jongno-gu, Le Meilleur Jongno Town building, Seoul, South Korea | 7000 won (SGD $8.47/set) |
| Super Coffee | 7-19 Jongnogu, Gwancheldong, Seoul, South Korea | Orange Bianco: 4000 won (SGD $4.84)
Café latte: 3000 won (SGD $3.63) |
| Patbingsu | 3-11 Myeongdong 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea | Blueberry Cheesecake Bingsu: 9000 won (SGD $10.8) |
| Thanks Nature Cafe | 486 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea | Waffles: around 10000 won |
| Bukchon Son Mandu | 42-5, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea | Dumpling: 3,000-12,000 won Noodle: 4,500-8,000 won |
| Miscellaneous | Address | Cost |
| Hanbok Rental @ Onedayhanbok | Direction: Gwanghwamun Station (Seoul Subway Line 5), Exit 2 | 13000 won (SGD$15.81/pax) |
