Other than the fact that the weather was colder than expected, I was a little shocked to hear that the hotel didn't have WiFi (She had to pay to get WiFi), and didn't provide toothpaste too. So I was like, ok and that's a 5-star hotel? Alright, never mind that. But then as I was riding the subway train today, I thought of a VERY important question: How is she going to go to the airport when they are leaving Korea? I mean when she came with the tour, it was easy since the tour bus took them to the hotel but Gangnam is really far from Incheon airport. Go and look at the map of the Seoul Metro Lines. And you'd know what I mean.
So I decided to write this little piece on some of the practical things to think about when you are choosing your accommodation when planning your trip to Korea.
ACCOMMODATION
If you have been reading my blog or following my Twitter, you would know I'm staying at Kimchi Hostel. A few reasons why I would suggest choosing a hostel over a hotel. And I'm saying this in general, not just specific to Kimchi Hostel.
1. FREE WiFi
Most of the hostels I have read about provides free WiFi on top of a few computers for people to check their mails/make contact on Facebook (That's like the FIRST site everyone goes to the moment they sit down). So you don't have to pay extra for accessing the Internet. And for people with smart phones, it's an added bonus since they can log onto the WiFi network and use their phones to communicate via the various applications available (whatsapp, Kakao, Skype, etc)
2. Laundry Service
This might not be free or provided everywhere but if you intend to be in Korea for more than a week, try to look out for a hostel that provides laundry service. I learnt that in this trip to Korea that I really didn't need to bring so much clothes when I can do my laundry every few days.
Now, when you go about choosing accommodation, LOCATION is VERY IMPORTANT especially if you are traveling on your own and not with a tour group. Seoul is a very big city, well, compared to Singapore, it's much bigger. So a trip from the airport to your destination is not going to be cheap. So you should choose places where the locations are either accessible by AREX or the limousine buses. Otherwise you are going to be faced with the problem that my friend is going to face soon.
Below is the AREX line that goes from Incheon International Airport to Seoul Station
As you can see, the train will pass by a few stations. The notables ones would be:
1. Gimpo Airport station (so if you are flying in from Gimpo Airport, you will get on at that station)
You can choose to get onto Line 5 or Line 9 at this station or take the AREX line to the other stations.
2. Digital Media City (Line 6)
3. Hongik University [aka Hongdae] (Line 2)
4. Seoul Station
You can then transfer to Line 1 or Line 4.
Since I stay in Hongdae area, I can only give you a reference how long it would take from the airport to Hongik station. It is about 40 minutes and the fare is about 3600won.
The advantages of taking the AREX would be that it's cheaper than the limousine buses (10,000won). However, as you can see, it travels to fewer destinations. The buses have a wider choices of locations. The other not-so-good thing about the Korea subway system in general is there are a lot of staircases. So that should be factored in when you are choosing the mode of transport from airport to accommodation.
The other thing to look out for is whether the accommodation you choose can be accessed by both the subway and the limousine buses. You really want to have that choice to be honest. And make sure that the accommodation provide CLEAR instructions on how to get to the place.
In all honesty, do choose accommodation either at Hongik/Hongdae (Line 2) and probably Line 4 would be the other subway line to consider for your accommodation. Line 4 goes to famous spots like Myeong Dong and Dong Dae Mun and there are quite a number of hostels and hotels in those areas.
6 comments:
hi.
i think you have a point thr.
what do you think of this location?
anguk (line 3)
Anguk is a good place to stay too! But that's only directly accessible by limousine buses (if I'm not wrong). But it is a popular place because there's where Insadong and all the palaces are. Very different from Hongdae, a little quieter.
Hey good tips Audrey. Will be sending the link to one of my colleague who is planning a trip.
@yanwai87 - there is subway in Anguk too. You may have to walk a bit like 5 mins from station. I was trying to decide between Anguk(near to Bukchon Hanok village & Insadong) and Euljiro 4 Ga. But I chose latter as it was cheaper hostel. In fact, where Audrey is staying now was one of my choice. But we end up elsewhere. :-)
hi everyone, thanks for the tips and feedback.
i have shortlisted 4 hanoks. pls give me your comments on the location and review.
http://www.angukculturehouse.com/
http://www.beewonguesthouse.com/en/room/room.php
http://www.teaguesthouse.com/index.php
http://www.bukchon72.com/eng_03.php?sub=1
and this hotel: you think is a gd location?
http://hotelsunbee.com/en/main/main.php
Personally I think staying at a hanok/hostel might be a better choice, both economically and experience wise. The hanoks at Anguk are nice and you would be near the palaces and cultural area. :)
check out www.bnbhero.com
It seems to be quite nice to use especially for foreigners in Korea.
They have homestays as well as guest houses. :-)
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