Stop-over in Seoul
Sep 1st, 2014, 11:23 PM
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Stop-over in Seoul
We have just returned from a holiday to Turkey where we fly with Korean Air via Seoul.
We had 2 nights (1day) in Seoul on the way over and 6hrs transit on the return flight.
Following is a report on our day in Seoul and then some comments on Seoul airport and transfer facilities. I hope this may be useful to others.
Day in Seoul; we headed straight to Gyeongbokgung Palace, built in 1395, but pulled down by the Japanese. The current Palace has been a restoration project since 1990. Reconstruction of many Palaces for the respective Kings until the end of the dynasty in1895. Also wandered around Unhyeongung Palace, alot smaller in size and grandeur but just as beautiful.
We then wondered through the Bukchon district, which has alot of trendy shops and traditional Hanok houses. The juxtaposition of the Hanok beside super modern (glass) buildings is everywhere. It is an amazing city full of contrast and tradition. You really do need more days/time just to see the import sites.
The hotel is typically Asian, bed firm like a rock. Shower is hand held over the sink in the bathroom space and once you enter you’re room, you are locked in, with the door singing to you. (Same song as our washing machine and dishwasher – Korean made). We had dinner and wondered around Ins-dong. It is a market area, with lots of locals out just milling around. Modern boutique shops, are beside shops selling traditional parchment and brushes.
Dinner was interesting, not sure what we ate. I thought I was buying a soft drink (didn't want to drink water as it was tape water), only to be given a bowl to drink it in. A lady came up to say don't open bottle until you shack it (mix the contents). It was a Korean alcoholic drink, tasted like gin or vodka.
Seoul Airport - Free Korea transit Tours.
When we arrived, we followed the signs to Transfer and through security check to the Tour desk. They offer a range of tours available from 1 hour to 5 hours.
http://www.airport.kr/iiacms/pageWor...de=C1202020600
We did a one hour tour, backed up by the two hour tour. The Yonggungsa and Incheon Temple tours. This was a convenient way of filling in a few hours and also getting some exercise. (after 10hr flight). You will need to have about one hour available both sides of the tours to allow for immigration and security checks. After the tours we took advantage of the free showers before our final leg home (another 10hrs).
We had 2 nights (1day) in Seoul on the way over and 6hrs transit on the return flight.
Following is a report on our day in Seoul and then some comments on Seoul airport and transfer facilities. I hope this may be useful to others.
Day in Seoul; we headed straight to Gyeongbokgung Palace, built in 1395, but pulled down by the Japanese. The current Palace has been a restoration project since 1990. Reconstruction of many Palaces for the respective Kings until the end of the dynasty in1895. Also wandered around Unhyeongung Palace, alot smaller in size and grandeur but just as beautiful.
We then wondered through the Bukchon district, which has alot of trendy shops and traditional Hanok houses. The juxtaposition of the Hanok beside super modern (glass) buildings is everywhere. It is an amazing city full of contrast and tradition. You really do need more days/time just to see the import sites.
The hotel is typically Asian, bed firm like a rock. Shower is hand held over the sink in the bathroom space and once you enter you’re room, you are locked in, with the door singing to you. (Same song as our washing machine and dishwasher – Korean made). We had dinner and wondered around Ins-dong. It is a market area, with lots of locals out just milling around. Modern boutique shops, are beside shops selling traditional parchment and brushes.
Dinner was interesting, not sure what we ate. I thought I was buying a soft drink (didn't want to drink water as it was tape water), only to be given a bowl to drink it in. A lady came up to say don't open bottle until you shack it (mix the contents). It was a Korean alcoholic drink, tasted like gin or vodka.
Seoul Airport - Free Korea transit Tours.
When we arrived, we followed the signs to Transfer and through security check to the Tour desk. They offer a range of tours available from 1 hour to 5 hours.
http://www.airport.kr/iiacms/pageWor...de=C1202020600
We did a one hour tour, backed up by the two hour tour. The Yonggungsa and Incheon Temple tours. This was a convenient way of filling in a few hours and also getting some exercise. (after 10hr flight). You will need to have about one hour available both sides of the tours to allow for immigration and security checks. After the tours we took advantage of the free showers before our final leg home (another 10hrs).
Sep 2nd, 2014, 04:33 PM
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Sounds like an interesting day -- thanks for the report!
The handheld shower was over the sink? Not a standard wet room?
For future readers, I don't think tours would have been necessary -- all of the places jenmatt visits should be easy to see on one's own, even with limited time. YMMV.
The handheld shower was over the sink? Not a standard wet room?
For future readers, I don't think tours would have been necessary -- all of the places jenmatt visits should be easy to see on one's own, even with limited time. YMMV.
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