Planning for Korea Trip [Part 2]

Yes I know I said I will update as I do my research for the trip, but have been too lazy =|

Nevertheless, it’s 7 more days! After more than 3 months of planning, and many rounds of changing accommodation, it’s finally nearing!

Accommodation was originally confirmed with Namsan Guesthouse (SGD$200 per person), but weeks after I emailed in my reservation, I realised the guesthouse is pretty far from the train station! With less than 2 months left, the panicked me rushed to find another place. Spotted this Skypark hotel that’s a junction away from the same train station, and nearer to SPAO! Based on initial calculation, this hotel would cost us roughly SGD$400 each.

Checked tripadvisor, and came across this Mizo Hotel, which is a street down from Skypark hotel. And it’ll cost us roughly SGD$300! $100 extra for better accommodation (comparing guesthouse to hotel) seems like a pretty good deal to me, so I booked! But! When I emailed Mizo Hotel to double check my booking, they say they didn’t receive any! #*&%#()$&*%(&$ Thankfully there wasn’t any payment made during the booking! I got panicked (again) and rushed to find another accommodation (my reservation with Namsan Guesthouse was still valid at this time, 4 weeks before the trip).

Most of the hotels nearby are more expensive! Much as I’d love to stay there, my budget won’t be enough! S.I.G.H.

Decided on Skypark Hotel, as there were still available rooms and there was a promotion. Booked the room via agoda.com, and realised the hotel isn’t that cheap. After splitting the cost among 3 of us, it’s roughly about $478 each. Which means, airfare + accommodation already cost us roughly $1100, leaving me with only $900 for the trip.

Now that accommodation is confirmed (with Namsan Guesthouse as backup, just in case), I can finally work on the itinary!

What I have in mind so far

Thurs night (3rd Mar) – stroll around Myeong-dong
Friday to Sunday – Shopping! (Read: Dongdaemun, Namdaemun, Apgujeong)
Monday – Lotte World
Tuesday & Wednesday – Sightseeing (Read: Bukchon Hanok Village, Namsan Park, Hongkik University, Gyeongbokgung Palace, N Seoul Tower, Namsan Cable Car)
Thursday (10th Mar) – Shopping at Myeong-dong

I’ll probably rearrange the venues again, if the locations are near enough!

Woohoo! I’m getting excited!