It all started with a game. Not just any game – it was the first ever Travel Leaders’ Night, a fun-filled event organized by Cebu Pacific and attended by content creators and social media personalities in Cebu. It was all our team (CEBeautiful with a 🖤) dreamed about to literally make first moments happen as it went down to the grandest reward we bagged yet – an overseas trip to South Korea.
South Korea, the Land of the Morning Calm, the Land of Oppas, the Land of K-Pop, the Land of Kimchi and Samgyupsal, and all other things associated with the rich Korean culture – you name it! As it is also my first ever international trip this 2019, I felt giddy to make rad moments happen in South Korea, not to mention all the necessary preparation that goes along with it, especially as a first timer myself.
Staying true to Cebu Pacific‘s campaign #MakeMomentsHappen, traveling to South Korea is such a big deal for me. Said campaign recognizes Cebu Pacific as an enabler for everyJuan to reunite and celebrate occasions with loved ones through the airline’s low fares and wide network of destinations. As South Korea is my dream destination, I was one of the lucky few to make that dream into a reality. With this, I’m thrilled to share some helpful tips in this 4D3N South Korea Travel Guide for First Timers.
PRE-TRIP PLANNING
I. Visa Application
For Filipinos, traveling to South Korea generally requires a Visa. Visa requirements is not the same for all applicants as it depends on your current status and/or purpose – whether you are employed, student, seafarer, businessmen or a spouse. I’ve never tried applying for a VISA so it was really nerve-wracking for me to finally experience one. Just make sure all the requirements are complete and always pray that your Visa will be granted. Here the things you need to know about getting an ordinary Korean tourist visa for Filipinos: Korean Tourist Visa Guide on e-visa application and Label-free Visa Policy
Korean Consulate in Cebu accepts walk-in applications from Mondays to Fridays at 9am-11am only and the processing time is 7 working days. Contact details as follows:
- 12th Floor Chinabank Corporate Center, Lot 2, Samar Loop Cor. Road 5, Cebu Business Park, Mabolo, Cebu City
- Email Address: phi_cebu2015@mofa.go.kr
- Contact No.: (63-32) 231-1516(-9)
II. Prepare suitable outfits and accessories
As any other travel requires, you need to plan out your OOTDs. Better have knowledge on what is the season of your scheduled trip. Our South Korea Trip was scheduled on March 7-10 and it falls on Winter season. If you will be travelling from October to March, be advised that you have to wear suitable clothing fit for cold environment such as heat tech/thermal, trench coat, knitted pullover, wool jacket, gloves, scarf, bonnet and boots. These items are mandatory, I tell you!
As the temperature drops up to as -3 degrees Celsius, three layers of suitable clothing can help you survive the daily grind in a frosty environment. Pack up some lip balm and moisturizers too.
III. Money Matters – Budget, Foreign Exchange, Cash or Credit?
Bring enough pocket money when traveling to Korea. Provided that the accommodation and tours are already pre-booked, then all you need is sufficient budget for food, shopping, transportation and incidental expenses. But how much budget really is enough for 4D3N South Korea Trip? From our experience, each of us brought 100,000 KRW (or PHP 9,000 using the exchange rate of below’s money changers in Cebu) and I still had 2,000 Won in my pocket after the trip.
Korean Won is the currency of Korea. For Filipinos, it’s best to exchange your Philippine Peso to South Korean Won while in the Philippines. No need to buy USD and exchange it to KRW. There are a lot of foreign exchange services in Cebu but I will name two best currency changer that sells KRW for a lower rate compared to the rest.
- 1 KRW = 0.045 PHP – Sandpearl Money Changer in Oriente Colonnade Mall
- 1 KRW = 0.046 PHP – Alco Credit & Foreign Exchange, Inc. in Raintree Mall (near Ice Castle)
Most of the stores and shops accept credit card. So if you are short of cash, then it’s advisable to use credit card instead of exchanging your Peso to Won while in South Korea. Not only you save money from ForEx, you also save time looking for the nearest money changer wherever you might be.
IV. Pre-book your Travel Essentials with Klook
Book must-try activities with Asia’s Top Recommended Travel Platform – Klook! If you are a first timer who will be visiting South Korea soon, get an instant vacation upgrade with the best deals offered by Klook. It’s legit!
To maximize your South Korea trip, book ahead the 4G LTE prepaid sim card (Php 272) and Discover Seoul Pass (Php 1,676) as it is highly recommended for first timers! Save the e-voucher upon cart check-out and make sure to claim them upon arrival. Book it! Klook it!
V. Last-minute To-Dos
i. Baggage Allowance and Free Weigh-in. Upgrade your prepaid baggage allowance 4 hours before the scheduled flight departure if you feel you’ve brought more things than your allowed baggage limit. To know the exact weight of your luggage even before going to the airport, visit to nearest laundry shop with platform weighing scales and weigh your luggage for free. Yes, just ask a little favor from the attendant nicely and you’re to good to go.
ii. Chargers and Adaptors. Ensure that the batteries of your photography equipment are fully-charged and the chargers of your devices are also secured in your bag. Do not put them in your luggage for check-in as you need to bring them with you as hand-carry. Bring an adaptor with you as Korea’s power plugs and sockets are of Type C & F.
IN-FLIGHT EXPERIENCE
The Philippines’ leading carrier, Cebu Pacific, is committed to render the best services to everyJuan by making flying with Cebu Pacific more pleasant, safer and more efficient. Digital check-in is very convenient as you just have to access online and tap into the check-in flight function to get check-in confirmation and get boarding passes for you and your companions on the go.
Direct flight from Cebu to Incheon takes about 4 hours. What better way to maximize the flight than to enjoy the perks of Cebu Pacific services. What I love about Cebu Pacific is the sumptuous meal served while on board its newest aircraft – Airbus A321neo (new engine option). Likewise, Cebu Pacific flight attendants are very accommodating and full of enthusiasm as they facilitated mini-games during flight, making our in-flight experience more fun and comfy up in the air.
UPON ARRIVAL (ANNYEONG HASEYO SOUTH KOREA!)
Claim. Activate. Enjoy. The first order of business upon arrival in Incheon International Airport is to claim your 4G Prepaid Sim Card (call and text included). Activate the KT prepaid sim to enjoy unlimited fast mobile data for the whole duration of your stay.
Also at the airport, claim your Discover Seoul Pass and enjoy free access to a selection of 35 tourist attractions at the heart of Seoul. You’ll get a discounted ticket within 24/48/72 hours all with just one amazing card! The pass functions as both admission ticket and transportation top-up card. Using the T-Money function, you’ll be able to top up the card for easy transportation to and from different landmarks and recover any unused balance in cash once your visit has ended.
TRANSPORTATION
Ride an A’REX to travel from Incheon to Seoul. A’REX is a South Korean commuter rail line that links Incheon International Airport with Seoul Station via Gimpo International Airport. This is the fastest and cheapest way to reach Seoul from Incheon. You’ll have a free A’REX ticket when you purchase a Discover Soul Pass.
Seoul has one of the most extensive subways systems in the world. Several different lines connect the Greater Seoul Area and extend into most of the city’s largest suburbs, connecting millions of people and almost every dimension of Seoul. The subway is so well traveled that most districts and areas of Seoul are described and identified by their subway stop. Cabs and buses are also available as public transportation in the metro.
For more information on the Seoul metro line maps, fares and purchase of transportation cards, please refer to the Official Korean Tourism Org site.
PLACES TO SEE AND THINGS TO TRY IN KOREA (TOUR PROPER)
1. Petite France
Petite France is a good side trip before visiting Nami Island. It looks like you are in a small French village community with the replica of Eiffel Tower, amphitheater, French-inspired shops and artifacts. The lake at the far-end of the area is so panoramic, perfect for an astounding backdrop for your selfies.
Enjoy what’s in store in every European-inspired house at Petite France. Traditional French houses which are over 200 years old are brought and reassembled in Korea with daily articles inside show the clothing, food and living culture of France.
Arts and crafts are everywhere making it a French culture gallery where you feel even the breath of Europe. Be creative in your photo activity as you do some fun walling session.
2. Nami Island
Enjoy the views of the Metasequoia Redwood Lane as popularized by the hit K-drama Winter Sonata. The backdrop is very picturesque so don’t miss this iconic spot four seasons round. Cornel Tree, Cherry Tree and Ginkgo Tree Lanes are also worth taking a shot.
Play snowball fight with companions or just take a selfie on top of the snow pile, you’ll surely love the experience either way. This is definitely one of the first moments I happened to make in South Korea.
3. Garden of Morning Calm
When the night falls in the forest of cold winter nights, the sleeping garden awakens into an illuminated spectacle. Take endless bokeh shots in this beautiful and colorful light-filled tourist spot. The Starlight Garden Festival is only seasonal (from first week of December to last week of March), so don’t miss this extraordinary winter light festival.
Since the best time to visit Garden of Morning Calm is in the evening, expect that the temperature will be colder. For 3000 Won, you can munch on some hot mozzarella cheese hotdog at its entrance to combat the cold night. A wide array of shops are also operational in the area.
4. Myeongdong
Being one of Seoul’s main shopping, parade route and tourism district, Myeongdong is where fusion of food trip and shopping spree happens. Be ready to feast your eyes on cute Korean items and K-beauty products in this popular commercial area, day and night. Free samples of beauty products are up for grabs when you visit their respective shops.
If you’re a foodie and a fan of delish KBBQ, indulge in one of a kind gastronomic treat in no other than the land of Oppas, specifically Myeongdong. It’s known for authentic K-foods like kimchi, samgyupsal, spicy udon and glazed chicken – may it be in the street food stalls or posh resto – everything yummy is all here.
5. Gyeongbokgung Palace
Relive history as you watch the shifting of guards duty or commonly known as guard mounting. Re-enactments of Guard changing ceremonies are held daily except on Tuesdays, at Deoksugung Palace and Gyeongbokgung Palace. It is a re-enactment of a traditional Guard changing ceremony, which was observed during the Joseon Dynasty.
Channel the inner emperor in you as you dress up in hanbok. A Hanbok or Joseon-ot is a traditional Korean dress for semi-formal or formal attire during traditional occasions such as festivals, celebrations, and ceremonies. Rent your hanbok at hanboknam for free (included in Discover Seoul Pass).
5. Cheonggyecheon
Start your day with a shakedown run along the Cheonggyecheon stream. It is a 11km underground park that runs through downtown Seoul adorned with fountains, fixtures, bridges and wishing wells, making it a popular place for those seeking recreational escape and variety of cultural experiences.
The 2,500 sqm Cheonggye Plaza is the starting point of Cheonggyecheon stream. You’ll find a 4-meter high two-tiered artificial waterfall set in a modern backdrop of the iconic shell, ready to stage your selfies.
6. Yulgok-ro 3-gil Street, Samcheong-dong
Recreate some K-drama famous clips by summoning your own ‘Goblin’ in some of Korea’s famous K-drama filming locations. You’ll find the “We Are Young” Mural and notable shops along this street which can be seen in the following Korean Drama series: Find Me In You Memory, My Holo Love, Hotel del Luna, Touch Your Heart, Meloholic, My Golden Life, Mystery Queen, Laurel Tree Tailors, Another Miss Oh, Queen In-Hyun’s Man and Coffee Prince.
Experience riding on Klook bike with English-speaking Korean driver. For 5,000 KRW, you’ll have a scenic historical tour along Yulgok street for 10 minutes. It’s a great way to pause from walking while still continuing the sightseeing session.
7. Namsan Seoul Tower
Our third activity with Klook brought us to an iconic surprise. Marvel at Seoul city view below while riding a cable car going to N Tower Observatory. It’s a must-try!
When you reach the the other side of the mountain, familiar scenery will greet you. Love padlocks at N Seoul Tower is a popular date spot for couples where they would lock their “padlock of love” onto the railing and wish that their love will last forever. It’s not bad to believe in forever, is it?
8. Hongdae
Hongdae is an abbreviation of Hongik Daehakgyo, Hongik University (홍익대학교), one of the nation’s top fine arts colleges in South Korea. If you’re a milk tea lover, head to Hongdae for some real deal. The Alley, Gong Cha and Tiger Sugar are scattered around the area.
I personally find Hongdae market reminiscent of Cebu’s Colon Street but much cleaner and minus the fear of being snatched. If you’re from Cebu, then you know what I mean. =)
9. Dongdaemun
Marvel at some otherworldly sceneries at Dongdaemun Design Plaza. Commonly known as DDP, it is a major urban development landmark in Seoul, South Korea with a distinctively neofuturistic design characterized by the “powerful, curving forms of elongated structures”. The landmark is the centerpiece of South Korea’s fashion hub featuring a walkable park on its roofs, large global exhibition spaces, futuristic retail stores and restored parts of the Seoul fortress.
Just right next to the rooftop park of DDP lies a beautiful scenery. The 25,500 DDP LED Rose Garden is a permanent exhibition of white roses that light up automatically as the sun set, which the 10,000 Roses Café in Cebu got inspiration from. Best time to visit DDP LED rose garden is at night.
10. Seoul Plaza
Feed your international #ARMY heart with some BTS love. See Kpop artists in action and enjoy like you’re in a K-Pop music video.
Last-minute Travel Tips
i. Travel light by leaving luggage in a subway locker. Imagine traveling whole day carrying your heavy luggage with you! I can’t even. Thank God there’s a secure subway locker facility located somewhere in Seoul subway station where we can leave our things (up to large-sized luggage) for a minimal fee. It’s safe, convenient and you can create your own code as the password needed to open and close the locker.
ii. Buy cheap souvenirs in Namdaemun. We got an insider info from a reliable Korean local that the cheapest souvenir items can be bought in Hoehyeon (Namdaemun Market). We hurriedly went to Namdaemun and it didn’t disappoint. Purchased some keychains and Pokémon stuff toys for only 1,000 Won each (equivalent to less than Php 50.00 per item)
WHERE TO STAY IN SOKOR
There are a lot of options where you can stay for your Korea trip. You can book directly thru the hotel website (if you have one in mind) or even thru agency (costly, not recommended) but if you’re determined in finding the best accommodation in SoKor, be my guest. Just use Airbnb, it’s a cheaper alternative, while leading you to adventures nearby and access unique places around Seoul. If you’re traveling in a group on a budget, backpacker hostels or inns are also good options.
Based from our own experience, we stayed at Seoul N Hotel at Dongdaemun for the first two nights and a guesthouse somewhere in Namsan (booked via Airbnb) for the third night. For more affordable options, you may browse through this extensive list of guesthouses around Seoul.
SAMPLE ITINERARY – 4D3N SOUTH KOREA
Day 1 – 3PM Flight from Cebu to Incheon via Cebu Pacific (4 hours flight)
Day 2 – Petite France, Nami Island and Garden of Morning Calm (whole day tour, including entrance fees, bus ride and English-speaking tour guide, available via Klook at a discounted rate)
Day 3 – Seoul City Tour (DDP, Gyeongbukgong Palace with free hanbok rental at Hanboknam, Namsam Seoul Tower and cable car and Myeongdong – accessible via Discover Seoul Pass, book best deals in Klook)
Day 4 – Hongdae, Namdaemun, Deoksugung Palace, Cheonggyecheon and Seoul Plaza. 10PM Flight from Incheon to Cebu via Cebu Pacific
BOOK YOUR FLIGHT VIA CEBU PACIFIC
Cebu Pacific offers seat sale promos regularly. Book some affordable flights from Cebu to Incheon for as low as Piso (1) base fare with its insanely affordable seat sale and hot deals. Here’s how you can score a Piso fare to Incheon: SEAT SALE HACKS
Book your flight here: http://bit.ly/CEBICNTLN2
For bookings and inquiries, guests can visit www.cebupacificair.com or call the reservation hotlines (+632)7020-888 or (+6332)230-8888. The latest seat sales can be found on CEB’s official Twitter (@CebuPacificAir) and Facebook pages.
You may also download the Cebu Pacific official mobile app on the App Store and Google Play.