November 28, 2016

[Seoul/Tutorial] How to use Subway Korea 지하철 APP by Malang Studio Co. Ltd. + Review

Let's GO, Seoul●Busan! 首爾●釜山趴趴走!

Hello everyone! :D

This post is related to my recent blog posts about my trip in Korea.

Since we were traveling on our own,
we took public transport (i.e. subway, public bus) most of the time.

Many of my friends commented that the subway lines in Korea is complicated,
(as you all know, there are more than 10 subway lines, just in Seoul City itself!,
and there are so many Exits in one station)
ended-up they got so stressed-out during the trip.

Well, I think I just got the right APP for you ;)

By coincidence, I downloaded this APP on Play Store during our trip.
Simply search/type "Subway Korea" or "지하철".

Don't worry if you don't know Hangul,
you can select "English" as your language during setup.
That's one of the reasons I think its user-friendly.



Easy walk-through tutorial to use Subway Korea APP

In this tutorial, I'm showing you how to get ourselves from our guesthouse to Gapyeong,
as we are visiting Nami Island.

Download the APP, and you're ready to go!






The default home page should display the map of Seoul's subway lines in whole.
(it really get dizzy just by looking at it)

Click the "train" button as shown above.
It serves as "option" button.




Click "search" button to find your desire station.

Well, I assumed you must have located yourself,
i.e. which subway station is your departure point.


For instance, the nearest subway station from our guesthouse is Myeongdong.
Thence, Myeongdong Station is our starting point.




It's a little bit tricky as in searching the station's name.
Just like Chinese characters, their pronunciations are expressed by pinyin
Korean Hangul characters are commonly expressed in Romanization.

So, as long as you can spell the Romanization of the station's name correctly,
you will be able to locate the subway station through the APP.

Guess that shouldn't be a big problem,
you can refer to the signboards around or brochures at anytime.

For instance, type "Myeong" in the search box.
You should get "Myeong-dong" in the drop-down search results.

Click the "play/start" button, to indicate as the departure station,
as shown above.




As we bought our ITX Cheongchun Train tickets to Gapyeong in advance,
we need to get ourselves onto the train at a station named Yongsan.

Type "Yong" in the search box.
"Yongsan" is appeared in the search results.

Click the "pause/transit" button, to indicate as the transit station,
as shown above.




Ultimately, we are dropping off at the station named Gapyeong.
Type "Gap" in the search box.
(note : I usually don't type the whole word just in case I spelled the name wrongly,
to avoid the search result appear nil.)

You might noticed that two of the search results are indeed "Gapyeong".
Then what's the difference from one to another?

Try notice the station number (shown in the brackets).
The first search result is ITX07.
The second is P134.

From what we read, it simply means this station has two station numbers,
as two types of subway train are stopping at this station.

Click the "stop/arrive at" button, to indicate as the arrival station,
as shown above.




Click on one of the search results to return to the home page.
The APP will start calculating the result for you.




And here you go.
The route is highlighted in yellow and red dots.
Station(s) indicated in red dots are those you need to be aware of transits.

So, through this APP, we know that our journey gonna take 1 hour 46 minutes travelling time,
travelling through 28 stations in total,
(may or may not, depends on which train you're taking) requires 3 transits,
and the fare is KRW2,250 with T card (KRW2,350 with cash).


Simple and easy right? :D


If you are not sure which station to transit, don't get stressed-out.
All you need is to decide on the departure and arrival station,
and let the APP do the arrangement.

With this APP, you can also plan on the T card top-up/recharge value,
cause you will know how much is the fare cost for your trip.


To-know tips while traveling with subway/metro

Tip #1 : the subway lines are indicated in different colors.

Tip #2 : the subway stations are indicated with unique station numbers.
(if you couldn't remember/pronounce the name, just remember the numbers!)

Tip #3 : by reading the subway stations numbers, you can tell the direction where the train is heading.
(i.e. ascending or descending; going forwards or backwards)

Tip #4 : by reading the subway station map available on the train, stations indicated with colorful Korean flags are those transits available.

Tip #5 : identify the Exit number before exiting. it could save you alot of time.

Tip #6 : usually there is no additional fee for transit.

Tip #7 : if its just one subway station away, try walking or sharing cab instead of subway.

Tip #8 : service commission is charged while refunding the money value in T card.

Tip #9 : some outstation subway stations are not equipped with value top-up/recharging machine. 
please ensure you have enough card value before travelling.


Personal review

This APP is super useful to have good knowledge of time required when travelling by subway/metro.
And, its very user-friendly. All you need is just download it and enjoy travelling in South Korea!

Happy travelling! :)

November 27, 2016

[Seoul] Let's GO, Seoul●Busan! 首爾●釜山趴趴走! Day 5.1 加平●南怡岛●铁盒饭

Let's GO, Seoul●Busan! 首爾●釜山趴趴走!


안녕하세요 여러분! \^0^/
Annyeonghaseyo, everyone!

It's the fifth day of our trip.
Today we are going to explore other parts of Korea.

Gapyeong is an area which is located away from Seoul city.
There are a few tourist attractions around this area,
and we gonna cover two of them today.

C'mon let's GOOO! :)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

September 13, 2016 (Tuesday)


In order to catch our KTX train to Gapyeong, which leaves at 7AM,
we left guesthouse even earlier today.

Guesthouse's kitchen not even open when we left,
so we grab ourselves simple breakfast on the way to the train station.
It's non-other than box milk and triangular-kimbab.








It's super convenient as you can easily find convenient stores along the road,
for instance GS25.
Simple breakfast in variety are on the shelves, all you do is to heat it up using microwave.
You can ask the shop assistant to assist you with the breakfast.



We purchased our ITX Cheongchun train tickets online.
(check the online ticket purchase website here)
It costs us KRW5,200 (around RM19.30) one-way.

We need to hop into ITX Cheongchun train at a station named Yongsan.
From Myeongdong (424) to Yongsan (135), we need to transfer at Seoul Station (426/133).

The route will look like this:
Myeongdong (424) > Seoul (426/133) > Yongsan (133/K110) > Sangbong (K120) > Gapyeong (P134)

There is an APP which I found it very handy to master the subway stations in Seoul.
Search "Subway" in Playstore / App Store.
(click here to the APP how-to tutorial)








The train arrived on-timed.
We booked our seats in advance, and settled down ourselves comfortably.

The journey from Yongsan to Gapyeong will take around 40 mins.
So just enjoy the ride.








The train arrived at our destination just on-timed.
That's why I love the subway here sooooo much.



There is a shuttle bus service operating around the town.
However it only starts service at 9AM.

It's just 8AM something when we arrived Gapyeong Station.
So we are taking meter-taxi instead.
Less assured, it won't cost too much.
From our own experience, it costed us KRW3,800 per trip.
Lower than we expected, cause from what we read from another blogger
she said it costed her over KRW6,000.

Bear in mind, the taxi will drop you somewhere near to the ticket counter,
yet he couldn't drop you right in front of it.

You can find a sky-flying-fox equipment/tower located in front, not far away from the ticket counter.

Head forward to the ticket counter, and purchase the entrance ticket which costs KRW8,000
(standard price for foreigners, including two-way/round trip boat fare).

It's early in the morning, and the sun is not fully up yet.
Cold breeze blowing through our hair.
Getting a glimpse of late Summer.








And yes, we are here, finally!
It's the right decision to arrive there early in order to avoid tourist crowd.
It feels like we can enjoy the peaceful scenery all by ourselves!
You won't regret to come here early, seriously.








In fact, this is my second visit to Nami Island.
Last visit was early this year, when it was early Spring, when the snow covered the whole island.
It's indeed a different view and feeling to visit the island in different season.

















Lovin' the scenery.
There are cottages and hotel rooms for rent if you wish to stay the night.
Well, but you have to check online for the price.








Map of the island carved on the rock.





The water tower/fountain, one of the attractions on the island.





Imagine walking on the cottage bridge beside the sea in the morning/evening.

















From time to time, they are putting up various of art works alongside the pathway as an attraction.





After a good walk around the island, it's time to fill our tummy.
There is a restaurant which sells vintage lunch box, 연가지가 (Yeonga-jiga).

It's a bit tricky when it comes to finding the restaurant.
While walking down the road from the main entrance's direction,
you should observe a row of various shops on the left.

You won't be able to see it's signboard from the main road,
Yeonga-jiga is behind the row, on the right hand side.
It's just around the corner after this water fountain.








**Address : 강원도 촌천시 남산면 남이도1로 **
Tel : 031-582-2550
Operating Hours : 10:00-18:00





What's on the menu?
Normal kimchi lunch box is KRW5,000
Kimchi lunch box with cheese topping is KRW6,500
Kimchi lunch box with tuna is KRW6,500
Children lunch box is KRW3,000
Seafood pancake KRW10,000
Kimchi pancake KRW8,000
Mix jellyfish bowl KRW10,000
Raw rice wine KRW4,000
Red bean sherbet KRW8,000





We ordered the normal lunch box and another with cheese topping.
Cautions! These lunch boxes are right off the stove.
Thence, gloves are provided. Make sure you wear those while shaking the lunch box.





Ask me, is there any difference between these two?
I barely can tell...
Probably the one with cheese topping is less spicy, if I must say.



After filling up our tummy, our adventure on Nami Island is coming to an end.














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Thank you and hope you enjoy reading :)
Please look forward to the next post!

November 20, 2016

[Seoul] Let's GO, Seoul●Busan! 首爾●釜山趴趴走! Day 4.1 爱宝乐园●外卖炸酱面晚餐

Let's GO, Seoul●Busan! 首爾●釜山趴趴走!


안녕하세요 여러분! \^0^/
Annyeonghaseyo, everyone!

Sorry for taking so long since my last travel journal posting >.<
Was caught up in something, but I hope everything will get on track soon.

This post today is about Everland! \^0^/
Since every themed-park looks somewhat similar from one to another (to me personally),
so basically I won't go into detail here;
so as to:- what are the recommended places and foods in there.

I shall leave this part for you to explore when you get here :D

Without further a due, let's go go GOOO! :)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

September 12, 2016 (Monday)


First thing first, I'm awfully regret that I actually wore a skirt on that day.
(OMG did I hear wrongly?)

Nope, you didn't.
And that's the worst case EVERRR.
Never ever ever wear skirt to themed park, y'heard?

All I was thinking is to look pretty in photos, but totally forgot that's not even practical at all.
Simply because wearing skirt is inconvenient for any outdoor activities @@

Anyway. Enough of self-mourning. Let's move on to our topic today.


As of I know, there are at least 3 ways to go to Everland:-
(1) By public bus;
(2) By Everland private shuttle bus;
(3) By metro/train.

Right at the beginning, we have decided to take public bus as we took reference from other bloggers.
(share link here) <--- it is written in Chinese, btw

If you are intended to take Everland private shuttle bus, you may check out the latest bus schedule here. You have to make advance booking via phone call. Btw it is a two-way ticket.

If you are feeling adventurous and you have plenty of time, you may take metro and take a few transits to reach the Everland Station. The one-way route should cost around the public bus fare.

So we decided to take public bus because:-
(1) it's the cheapest;
(2) most convenient (it stops at Everland's front gate, and from there you can take Everland tour bus to reach the ticket counter, FOC);
(3) the least time-consuming way to reach Everland. :)


Early in the morning, we set out by taking metro to Gangnam Station (222), Exit 10.
Walk straight for about 5-10 mins, upon seeing Kakao Talk Friends Outlet on your left.
Then you should see a bus station just right in front of the store.

Many people were already lining up there, and we even didn't get into the first bus @@
We are taking Bus 5002, and it should take around 1 hour to reach our destination.
To note, this bus station is the first station for the route taking off to Everland.
That explains why there are so many people lining up here.





Whoohoo! We are on-board now!
We didn't get much sleep last night, so we try to grab a nap on the bus...zzz
(snoozed-out immediately)


After an hour......
We arrived at Everland, and quickly we purchase the entrance tickets at the counter.
Due to Thanksgiving Festival, by showing our passport,
we are entitled of getting a promotional price of KRW27,000/pax.
(Normal price is KRW52,000/pax)








**Address : 경기도 영인시 처인구 포곡업 Everland로 199**
Tel : 82-31-320-5000
Operating Hours : 10:00~21:00
Website : https://www.everland.com/web/multi/english/everland/main.html (English)


You won't miss the Hologram Theatre as you entered the park.
They were featuring GD and AOA at that time.

Since I won't be that lucky to meet GD in person,
I'm happy even taking selfie with him on the wall heh :D (fangurlingggg)








As Halloween is approaching, their decorations change according to the theme of the month.
Creepy? A little bit.





Even random photo came out nice.
The place is so clean!





Actually I'm not quite sure whether we came to have some fun, or site-seeing :p
All I know is we definitely took alot of photos that day.
Field trip dayyyy!!



































Since it is Monday, there aren't many people in the park.
Spoiler of the day would be the great sun... which shines so brightly,
and we can't help but to hide under shades to avoid the heat +_+


There are quite some decent restaurants located inside the park.
However, as we are on a budgeted trip, we chose to have a light meal instead.

We went to Cowboy Town, and had udon with various fish cakes.
It costs us KRW7,300 per serving.





In fact, I was trying to find a fast-food restaurant, but there are none.
After we had our lunch and walk passed to the other side of the block, then we noticed this burger cafe. Nawww we should have went there instead hahaha (I'm craving for french friessssss)

Folks, if you tried this burger cafe,
please do comment below and lemme know how the food tastes there :)





Seriously we cannot withstand the heat anymore.
Right at that time, we found an indoor theater hall.
Without second thinking, we ran towards it.

Ahh~~ we are saved by the air-conditioner!
...And apparently we are not the only one who think the same.
Parents and young kids all lined up there, waiting for the show.

It is a 4D theatre hall. They are showing Rio at that time.
Almost waited for a full hour, finally our turn to enter the hall.
At least, we could chillax...





Moving on, we quickly move to the next stop -- the safari ride.
Although the whole themed-park is not quite crowded,
we still need to wait for an average 30 mins at every counter.

**side note**
You can purchase Q-pass online or offline in order to skip the queue for certain facilities.
For more information, please inquire at the ticket counter.

It's been awhile since I went to zoo.
The existence of these wild animals are just amazing!
But too I can't help thinking how boring they are to be kept inside a limited area,
while they should belong to the wild :/





Look at the brown bears! Cuteness overflow~ ^_^





Couldn't miss for having snacks along the way! :9
(we found that the bread sausage is tastier and cheaper to get inside, rather than the stalls outside)





You think it's over? Not quite yet.
These fluffy creatures are just too adorable :3
Sadly none of them pay attention to me ;_____;







I did mentioned that I wasn't feeling well since Day 2 :/
And probably being struck by the heat, I was nearly knocked-down.
Critical battery level ---
(I'm so sorry for Cong Min >_<)


Instead of walking up backwards to the start-off point,
we are taking the cable car (a much simpler structure).





Hold tight. Up up we go!


Say "cheese"!


We are taking the exact route and transportation as how we came here.
Tour bus >>> Public bus >>> Metro

Say "hi" to bus 5002! :D





By the time we reached our guesthouse, it's already 8PM.
With the help of the guesthouse staff, we ordered delivery for dinner! (something veryyy local)
They are none-other than the classic menu : Jjajjangmyeon + Fried Dumplings + Sweet & Sour Pork
This whole dinner set costs us KRW17,000.

The jjajjangmyeon is exceptional! We love it so much~
The fried dumplings and sweet sour pork are just so-so. Too much flour batter.
Nevertheless, we ate deliciously and fully satisfied! :9
Probably the most satisfying dinner we had throughout this trip :3


     


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Thank you and hope you enjoy reading :)
Please look forward to the next post!

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