Tuesday 2 August 2016

Incheon - South Korea

I am not sure about other travelers but for us we liked to travel on the cheap which means getting budget airlines and the longest waiting time, and this is exactly what we did when traveling to South Korea, we had a 4 hour await at the hotel before heading to the airport, then a 4 hour await at the airport. We flew to Kuala Lumpur which took an hour but as we had booked two seperate flights we had to collect our bags and re-check in which was a long process (we left 3 hours between flights but the check in at Kuala Lumpur and border control takes a while) so we just made it to the gate in time to board. The the flight from Kuala Lumpar to Incheon airport took around 6 hours. On arriving at Incheon airport we bought tickets just outside the exit doors for the limousine bus to Songdo which cost 8,000 Won each (today's exchange rate £5.45 each) and you want to get off at The Korean Coast Guard stop and this will be in the centre of Songdo. Alternatively you can get the public bus 303 and get off at the same stop. This cost 2,500 Won each. (today's exchange rate £1.70 each).






When we arrived we met with your house sit at Starbucks and walked to her apartment. Songdo seems a bit daunting when you first arrive but it is really easy to navigate, all you have to remember is the main street which runs down the middle of Songdo has loads of flags all the way along.

This house sit we were in an apartment looking after 2 cats, Kimchi and Taco. We were told there were other house sitters in the area at the same time as us. Our sit as with most was 6 weeks long. On thing to note about South Korea is that there are very few people who speak English and not a lot of signs or restaurants are in English, which can be a struggle if you get lost or want to buy things at the supermarket. We did get suck with the bus once and someone jumped off to help us out which was lovely so you might be lucky to find one.

I think a week would be long enough in South Korea if I'm honest as it isn't very tourist friendly. The bus drivers didn't acknowledge or speak any English and there isn't many attractions to see.

Attractions:

  • Seoul - The Capital of South Korea is really nice as far as cities go. The streets are clean and very easy to get around with plenty of beauty shops and clothes shop but the city center lacks gadget shops and gaming shops. We are gamer's and thought we could pick up some cheap PlayStation games but we were disappointed, we got the train to Sinyongsan and there are plenty of game shops around that area inside the Mall and also if you walk under the under pass you will see indoor markets with lots of games in various shops.

  • War Memorial - We didn't go to the war memorial as after reading reviews and Trip advisor we learnt that although they have war planes outside there isn't much inside, large rooms with a few objects in and a lot of writing on the walls. If this is your thing don't be put off but we watch a documentary on North Korea called "Propaganda Game" and found this more informative.
  • North Korea Tour - There are a few tours which run up to the North Korean border, our house sit advised us to go with DMZ tours if we were to do one, but they didn't really enjoy it, and after again reading reviews i felt it was a 'tourist trap' and most of the day was driving, a couple of opportunities to take pictures because remember North Korea like their privacy and the look out point you need binoculars to see North Korea so your pretty far away from it. lol.


  • Central Park - This is in Songdo and lovely to walk around as the sun is setting. You can rent canoe's or pedal boats and go around the lake which is in the middle of the park. 






  • Korean BBQ - Korean BBQ's are very popular and most restaurants offer them, but the one you NEED to try is Dino Meats Grill in Songdo as it is all you can eat for 9,000 Won each (today's exchange rate £6.14 each) and is delicious.
 


  • Night Flea Markets - The night flea markets and Korean street food can be found near to the Hongik University and you can find some great bargains here.

There is only 1 large supermarket in Songdo called Lotto which is opposite central park and a small mart close to the allotments in the middle of Songdo.

All in all its a place we never planned on visiting but thanks to Trusted House Sits it gave us the opportunity to see somewhere new, if your thinking of going just bear in mind a week would be long enough.

Thank you for reading we shall be back in a few weeks with out adventures in Dubai.