Thanks to Korean Tourism Organization (KTO) Manila for organizing another event for those who are planning to visit South Korea this year.
With Mr. Park, he welcomed the guests and attendees of this year's seminar. Based on 2017 visitors count, out of 13,335,758 - there were a total of 448,702 (3.4%) visitors from the Philippines to South Korea. [Reference]
Back here in the Philippines, "Koreans still top PH tourists in 2017", with a count of 1,467,982 from January to November 2017. [Reference] So let's help Korean travelers here in our country by supporting programs of Philippine Tourism.
As an introductory, Ms Katrina was able to discuss basic information about Korea from when to visit Korea, visa requirements and visa processes, where to stay, choosing your accommodation, KTX, transportation, T-money, Pyeongchang Olympics location, and drama filming locations.
This year's topic is mostly dedicated to Jeju visitors which I truly appreciate. Compared to what I have experienced in 2011, the planning is too difficult because there are too few online information for the buses. Yes, you read it right, there is no subway in Jeju, so you have to enjoy the commuting experience in the island. And having this seminar to travelers before their trip is very much helpful.
Below are some of the slides shared and discussed by Mr Brian of Jeju Tourism.
Click here to know more about the routes and bus # around Jeju island.
For Jeju travel information sources, visit their Instagram, Facebook accounts and the Visit Jeju official website.
Other presenters of their Korean Story were Ava of Artsy Fartsy and Cecille of Korean Krungy (Contributing Writer, BusinessWorld).
In case you missed attending this travel seminar, let me share to you some of the travel guides that were given to the attendees of the seminar.
You can read the online Jeju Guide Books and visit the Jeju Tour Map here.
Can't get over about Goblin and Grim Reaper, continue your Journey with the Goblin here. If you like to know how far did I make it in chasing Goblin, from walls and tea house in Samcheong-dong, to school in Bukchon and until Konkuk University. Special mention would be a chance of holding it's book when I have visited Inha University.
Learn more of other sites to be visited by checking Discover Korea - Ladies Special 2017 (Vol. 2 K-Drama) and K-Smile Korea English Tourist Map.
If you are traveling before the end of April 2018, you can print coupons that will be beneficial to your itinerary from Gyeonggi-do Coupon Book (2017~04.30.2018). Make sure to read the fine prints as some coupons can cover 4 persons already.
Question and Answer
My expired passport has a valid 5 year multiple-entry visa, and I need to get a new passport. Do I still need to get a new visa?
Per KTO Manila's answer, a visitor just need to bring his old passport with valid visa and the new valid passport.
Can I visit Jeju in 1 day?
It's not possible, even though it is an island, it is not considered small. With my 2011 trip, I spent 2 full days for East and West Tour provided by Yeha Tours. My suggestion is to spend at least 2 full days, but better if you can add more for South Tour section of the island and a separate day trip for Hallasan. [Related Article: Jeju Itinerary]
If you have time to know more about how Korean local travelers visit Jeju, watch the JTBC variety show Hyori's Home Stay (Hyori's Bed & Breakfast). While watching the show, it's definitely a headache during winter visit as this place experiences a lot of flight cancellation and traffic jam during the winter snow storm season. I guess the best season to visit is during Jeju Canola Flower Festival (first week of April).
With flights arriving in Incheon after 2 am, how can we go to the city?
- Option 1: Have an overnight stay in Airport City, take a cab to your temporary hotel in Unseo Station.
- Option 2: Take a night bus heading to Seoul Station, then take a cab going forward to your hotel. Just make sure that you have communicated earlier to your host about the time of your arrival.
- Option 3: Staying in the benches in the Arrival Floor is allowed and many other tourists are doing the same. Although this option is not recommended. I also did the same thing in 2011, I even stayed in Departure Floor, it's more quiet and serene, but its too cold. Plus, for safety, I carried a wired lock for my luggage, then locked it to the bench, so even if I'm sleeping, my luggage still feels safe.
- Option 4: In case the service of Spa On Air is back to regular (under renovation since November 2017), I'll choose this option. | Updated: Re-opened as of March 17, 2018.
- Related Article: What to do on late arrivals?
Some thoughts and tips shared on this seminar:
- T-money card has no expiration. So for first time travelers, no need to surrender your card. Because I believe that once you have visited South Korea, you'll keep coming back for more.
- Discovery Seoul Pass (after 24 or 48 hrs) and it's expiration of the discounted attraction fees, but can still be used as a regular T-money card for transportation or in convenience stores once you have funded or added a top-up value.
- Jeju Air offers affordable flights twice a year during seat sale events. Their flights offer 10 kg hand-carry which is good enough for light packers. I did it successfully, without check-in luggage during autumn of 2017.
- For the most comprehensive Korean drama location source of information, please explore more than 800 sites shared on http://koreandramaland.com. Know which of these locations I was able to visit as well, from Incheon, Seoul, Gangwon-do, to Daegu, Gyeongju, Suncheon and Jeju.
- Samcheong-dong (Anguk Exit 1, plus next block) is not just about seeing the wall of Goblin, there are more filming location on this area, plus pastries and tea houses to try. Given a chance, I would also visit the galleries, museum and shops here.
- Line Friends are not just in Itaewon and Myeongdong, you can also see one with lesser tourists in Ewha University (watch El Cube building with big Brown character across the university).
- Related Article: Let's go to Korea 2017
For those who are still looking for thoughts on First Time Travelers and more sample itineraries, hope the links would be helpful as you plan your trip.
Keep in mind, doable itinerary is not equivalent to enjoyable. Review the map for your routes, consider the transfer stations, include the places that can cater the pace of everyone coming with you on your trip. Enjoy the planning and have a safe trip everyone!
Plus, I do appreciate having this calendar as it will fill-up my hunger until my next Korean journey!
Congratulations for another successful event! Thanks to all the organizers and by providing a good venue and yummy snacks, thanks to the presenters, attendees who asked questions and to all the travelers who participated in the event. Let's go to Korea!
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