This is just some random @ miscellaneous things that you might want to know when planning a trip to Korea:
1) Once you arrive in Incheon/Gimhae airport, how can you go to your guesthouse/hotel?
- From Incheon International Airport, you can take AREX Commuter Line. This train will go to Seoul Station and some other stations [link here]. Just look for the signage written 'Airport Railroad' on B1.
- From Gimhae International Airport, you can take Busan-Gimhae Light Rail to transfer to the Busan Metro train. If you are heading towards Busan Station, you have to make a few transfers. Look for the Purple Line [link here].
#MyExperience: It is a bit troublesome to drag your huge and heavy luggage around. Travel light and don't buy too much stuff when going back. ^_^
2) The first thing you need to look for once you touch down???
- T-money!
- Buy one from any convenience shop (ex: GS25, Lotte Mart) and go find a top-up machine. You can find one near the entrance of any subway station. It is like a MetroCard (if you are from US) or Touch-N-Go (if you are from Malaysia).
>>>> More info on travel to/from the airport and T-money here.
3) Where to go to exchange money?
- Myeongdong
- Bank @ Seoul Station
- Namdaemun
Look for this symbol~
#MyExperience: I did try the one in MyeongDong and there's a lot of places to choose from and you can even compare between different money changer. Some even accept the not-so-famous currency. The guesthouse worker did recommend money changer at Seoul Station but I never get the chance to compare the rate. He said the rate is pretty cheap there. I've never come across a money changer in Namdaemun before but you could try to look for it.
4) How to choose a good guesthouse?
- My criteria would be $$$. The cheaper the better! However, I would rather pay extra rather than stuck in a dirty place. You can find the list of guesthouse and price for two person bedroom here.
- The location. It is much more convenient to have a guesthouse near the subway station, especially when it comes to dragging your huge luggage once you arrive and leave. Each subway station has elevators, so you can use that as you have a reason to. (WARNING: Some guesthouse is at 4th floor and they don't have an elevator. Good luck with your luggage!) Also, if the guesthouse is somewhere on a slope, it will be tiring for you to climb up the slope (psstt~ Even without a luggage to drag)
- Mr Furry~~ Some guesthouse has pet around. So, please check with them if you have some allergy problem or just phobia.
- Curfew?! Yes, some guesthouse has their own curfew. You might get lock outside if you didn't get back in time. Yikes!
- Cooking.. If you plan to cook (to cut cost), you might want to look for a guesthouse that provide a kitchen. [Sila bawa sabun Taharah ye..]
- Washing machine. Only if you plan to stay long.. It's not free anyway. Bring your own detergent maybe.
