Using our simple formula of first looking for deals, and a broad idea of where we want to go for this holiday, we found the airfare for Seoul is around the same as Hong Kong which we were already thinking? So the decision was an easy one, airfare to Seoul booked for a week. So its simply free and easy, and a trip to Alpensia to give the kids some skiing and snow experience. We decided not to drive as we note that Google maps do have an English version, GPS maps are not readily available too. So besides accommodations, we spent some time to look for transport operators for airport transfers and travel to and back from Alpensia. After all, my family group is big. We draw out our itinerary based on those transport bookings and just head out, filling in the blanks along the way.
Day 1 – Chungmuro
A whole day of travel. We have to transit through Thailand because of the cheap tickets. Arrived Inchon International Airport in the evening. Customs clearance was uneventful. Our Airport transfer drivers were at the airport to receive us. After some misunderstanding on the payments due to language, we were off the airport into the City. Our apartment was situated along the main street of Teogye-
Day 2 – Myeongdong
Took our own sweet time, then breakfast downstairs at one of the traditional eateries. We walked towards Myeongdong station and shopped along Jung-gu district. This was the foot of the Namsa park hill. The street from Myeondong station to the Namsa cable car station was lined with small eateries, cafes and souvenir shops. The kids were rather happy as they met their favourite characters such as Pororo.
Took the cable car to the top of Namsa park. There, we had a spectacular view of the city. You can also go up the Seoul tower, but we didn’t, the kids were happy enough running around at the park.
Took the cable down and walked towards Myeongdong, dropping by a traditional family Korean restaurant for lunch. Must try their ginseng chicken porridge.
The walk into Myeongdong was fantastic. Boutique shops, Cosmetic shops (a lot of them). and mobile eateries stores. So basically we just walk, eat, shop… repeat… It’s interesting that every cosmetic shop offered free cabin luggage if you spend 300000 won (about S$365) worth of products.
We were pretty full after all that snacking along the streets and skipped dinner. We head back to our apartment to rest. The kids were complaining too much walking for the first day. So they decided to stay in, while I and my partner go out to “
Day 3 – Gyeongbokgung
We went to explore the City’s north, which included the Gyeongbokgung Palace and walk the Insa-dong street. After homemade breakfast in our apartment, we took the subway to Gyeongbokgung station, actually, only 4 station stops. We witnessed the palace change of guard at the parade square and then bought our tickets to explore the palace. One thing we did not know, if you were to be dressed in traditional Korean costume, your entrance fee is free! There were actually many outlets around the palace that does make-up, hair-do and rental of traditional costumes. In the end, you see lots of visitors in traditional costumes walking around in the palace as though you are transported back in time.
The walked across the road and after a couple of blocks, we were at the mouth of the famous Insa-dong shopping street. We had a traditional Korean BBQ lunch. Walked down the street slowly, enjoying every corner of it.
We took the subway east to Dongdaemun Market area. We had a simple but good dinner, shopped a little (mainly clothes),
The area was quite happening at night but our young people were tired. So we head back to our apartment via subway to get
Day 4 – Alpensia
We booked a one-way bus trip to Alpensia. This was done through Purple Ski Bus through Tour to Korea. We got our luggage and boarded the bus at Myeongdong station before sunrise. It took about 4-5 hours. The place was rather quiet as the ski season has just started. Nonetheless, the kids were all very excited with the simple sight of white snow, albeit artificially created ones. We checked into a 3 bedroom apartment at Holiday Inn and Suites. Big and clean with a nice balcony.
On the first day there, they were already fixed on playing the sledge. We got all of them a whole day pass. And because of the travelator that would bring them up the slope, they played until cow come home without complaining being tired.
Surprise, surprise and with tremendous good luck. It snowed in the evening, the excitement just alleviated to an unprecedented level.
We went out to stroll in the light snow after a cosy dinner at the resort. bought some beers and enjoy the warm evening inside our nice apartment, while looking out the balcony, the falling snow.
Day 5 – Ski
Got ourselves a ski instructor only for our group. it was a basic beginner’s course that included the use of equipment for the day. While the kids loved the lessons and were quick on the uptake, I was the most clumsy one and my preoccupation was just not to injure myself. Anyway, at the end of it, I was able to ski down a gentle slope and stop. I guess that is enough.
We took a break from ski after lunch, explored the area which were to be the venue for the 2018 Winter Oylmpics. After that, they all went back to play the sledge again. For the rest of the day, again.
It snowed again this evening. Fantastic.
Day 6 – Nami Island and Petit France
This is when we got our private transfer arranged by KoRealTrip. So on route back to Seoul, we requested to drop by Nami Island and Petit France. They sent us a minibus and a driver cum tour guide !!
Namiseom Island was an interesting place. It is also an UNICEF Child Friendly Park. Very nice landscape especially the street with lined trees. We took a ferry to the island and have a good lunch as well as slow stroll around the park.
Petite France was simply a mockup of a French architectural town but focus on art pieces. Kids seemed to like the place, so its worth it.
We moved into another part of downtown Seoul, Brown Suites Residence, near the Seoul Station. This was where we get to shop at Lotte Mart and other shopping malls.
Day 7 – Lotte World
We took the subway to Jamsil station. And spent the whole day at Lotte World. It is a theme park within the building, with some outdoor rides. We choose this over Everland because it is rather cold outside. The kids loved the place. Rides, 3D gallery, soft toys, foods … Whole day of fun.
Day 8 – Noryanjin Fish Market
Another day of taking our own sweet time, woke up late, no rush. We head out only when we felt like. This time to the Noryangjin fish market at the Noryangjin station. it was an eyeopener as well as open your appetite wide. Basically, you just buy whatever you feel like eating and pass it to the restaurant upstairs. They will cook you a sumptuous meal. That is exactly what we did.
After this super heavy lunch, we went to Namdaemun Market area to shop. but only for a short while before we move to spend most of the time at Lotte Mart. Indeed, we bought enough things at the Faceshop there to earn a free cabin luggage.
Day 9 – Home bound
The bookings by
gobassky
- Air Travel by Royal Thai Airways
- Airport transfer by
Korealtrip (private car charter) - Accommodation at Seoul, Guesthouse @ Myeongdong by Airbnb
- Transfer to Alpensia by Purple Skii Bus through Tour to Korea.
- Private transfer Alpensia-Nami–Seoul by
Korealtrip (private car charter) - Accommodation at Alpensia, Holiday Inn and Suites, by Agoda
- Accommodation at Seoul, Brown Suite Residences, by Agoda