April, turning Spring - Finally touched down in Seoul Airport Incheon International Airport after a transit in Hong Kong. A break from work with Sis and cuzzie. Not my first trip to South Korea but it is the virgin trip there as a free and easy traveler.
Took a midnight flight over and when we landed, it was not 6am yet. A couple of ways to reach the hotel from the airport and we decided to take the airport shuttle bus. This decision was made after considering that we do not want to lug our luggage up the stairs from the train station and well, we do not want to splurge on taxi. And most importantly, there is a direct shuttle bus that stops our Hotel - Hotel PJ (will blog more about the hotel in later post). To see more on the airport bus shuttle, click here.
There are ticket booths inside the arrival hall (1st Floor) near Gates 4 and Gate 9 or outside where you can buy the ticket at the ticket booths near near Gates 4, 6, 7, 8, 11, 13, and gate 9C. The ticket cost 10,000 won each and the bus interval is around 20 to 35 minutes. Journey time to our stop is around 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on downtown traffic condition. Considering our early arrival there, the journey enabled us to take a short nap, boosting energy before we kick start the day.
After depositing our luggage at the hotel, we made our way to our first stop - Siloam Sauna. We planned this for the first stop. Remember to buy the T-money card for easy convenience to take the public transport and at a discounted rate as compare to you buying the per trip card.
From Chungmuro Station (line 4), take the train down to Seoul Station which required no transfer as it falls in the same line (3 stops away) which takes around 5mins, 1050 won. Go to Exit 1 and look out for Lotte Mart. If I remembered correctly, you would have to go down a flight of stairs. go towards the cross junction and cross the road. Look up at the building, and you should be able to see the Siloam Sauna sign. Follow a path up and there you go:
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| Silloam Sauna |
There are really many activities to be done there. You can sleep, bath, rest and try the different kinds of sauna. Interesting sights for us as we do not have such facitlies back home. I think it cost around 10,000 won and you can practically spend the whole day there. There are even cafes in there.
But well, when in Korea, be like the Koreans. We have to fight the shyness in us to bath together with the strangers. But overall, we enjoyed our bath there as we really felt refreshed after the long hours flight. A good way to start the day with a hotel to freshen up. Idea, right?
Our initial plan after the sauna was to visit the Lotte Supermarket. Who can resist a supermarket. But, to our disappointment, it was closed on that Monday. I'm not sure how often that takes place, we saw some Koreans made wasted trips there as well. So well, off to Itaewon then.
From Seoul Station (Line 4) -> Transfer at Samgakji (Line 6) -> Itaewon (14 mins, 1050 won).
We made some research for Food in Itaewon and decided to head to Sigolbapsang. From what we know, it is a small traditional Korean restaurant at Hannam-dong and for 8,000 won, you can sample up to 30 classic banchans. That sounds so crazy. From Exit 2 of the station, walk towards Hangangjin station direction. If you can't find your way, there are tourist information booth along the way. Just ask. Walk straight and Keep walking straight till there is a bank on your left. Look straight, Sigolbapsang is on a small road next to the bank. The shop sign is in orange, you can't miss it.
The place is not big and there were only 5 tables. From what I understand, everyone will have to pay 8,000 won for the banchans and you can also order other dishes on the menu. We were too ambitious and over ordered, disregarding the 30 refillable banchans. We ordered a stew chicken and a pancake as well. The chicken dish, besides chicken, there were also potatoes underneath. Super full but super satisfied with the first meal there. Highly recommended if you like to try 30 different side dishes! And what's more, it is opened 24 hours daily.
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| Sigolbapsang - banchans |
After eating, we decided to walk around Itaewon. A place with many small shops. And then, coffee time at Passion 5. Passion 5 is located near Hangangjin Station in Hannam-dong. Just nice to be seated and chilling over a cup of coffee.
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| Passion 5 |
Well, then off to Lotte Department Store near Euljiro 1(Il)-ga station.
Hangangjin / Itaewon (Line 6) -> Transfer at Sindang (line 2) -> Euljiro 1(Il)-ga (Line 2) (19/21 mins, 1050 won)
What's more to say, shopping time with dinner at the food court. Then head back to Hotel PJ for a night rest.
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