( Korea Trip ) Preparation for Korea Trip

Yuhuu, i guess everyone waiting for this Preparation post since long time ago.. I'm going to arrange this summary out for those who need it ~
I went to Korea ( Seoul + Busan ) on 16 March 2012 - 24 March 2012 ( Spring season )
Even it was Spring but cold like Winter !! about 2 degree.

Preparation:

1. Flight Ticket
I bought the promotion ticket from Cathay Pacific at around $680 round trip transit HK. I bought air ticket 2 weeks before my trip ( consider last minute purchased ), found the promotion in Misa Travel SG <click me> . But i heard someone bought round trip air ticket by AirAsia transit KL for $400. This is really cheap, but i will advice not getting budget air for those who need to fly for more than 4hours.

2. Accommodation
First hotel i stayed (Seoul) : Goodstay Nobless Yeoksam Hotel
Price : $70-$90 per night
Review: Big and comfortable for couple or family trip, near to Subway & great location.Love the wooden floor that keep you warm and LCD TV + Free wifi available. Love this hotel ^^

Second hotel i stayed (Busan) : Hanwha Resort Haeundae
Price: $399 per night
Review: Super cozy place with sea view,located right beside the sea, well renovated & suitable for family trip or couple trip. LCD TV with comfortable wooden floor , Free wifi available.

Third hotel i stayed (Seoul) : Hotel 2 Heaven [ love hotel ]
Price: $90-$110
Review: Their rooms came with different design and unique,but room a little bit too small,not suitable for family but it's alright for couple or single trip. Location is really great, nearby subway and walking distance to Myeong Dong & Insadong.LCD TV with 2 dekstop provided for you to online.FREE drinks in the fridge + Free wifi provided.

>> Additional Recommendation:
1) GS Hotel Jongno
Price: $80-90
Review: good location nearby Myeong Dong & Insadong , PC and wifi available, near subway station, clean and friendly staffs

2) Nox Boutique Hotel
Price: $110-120
Review: clean and luxury feeling for the renovated of the room, easy access to subway station,a lot of
restaurants around. a lot of night entertainment such as club,ktv,bar nearby too.

3) Jongro Amare Hotel
Price: $110-120
Review: Nice and modern renovated,great location in Insadong & Myeong dong, nearby subway station, and eateries around the hotel.

4) Best Western Premier Kukdo Hotel
Price: $180-200
Review: Great for family trip , good location in myeong dong, nearby to subway station.clean and tidy concept.

5) Sinchon Hostel
Price: $40-60
Review: Great for solo traveller, clean and tidy room, surrounded by a lot of eateries , great location easy to access to anywhere, friendly staff.

3. Korean Won
I changed the Korean Won with someone actually ( as my company a lot of Korean lol )
Advice you to change before you go, or you can easily found the money changer in those tourist places.. Advice using credit card in those big shopping mall if you buying duty free, sometimes they will have extra discount for certain card.

4. Visa
For me, No Need ~! As i knew, Singaporean & Malaysian no need ^^

5. Universal adapter
I didn't bring any. You can request one from the hotel.

Expenses :

1) Is the food expensive in Korea?
Oh! the food is so freaking Cheap !! 2 persons having a meal will cost about $15-25,
street food start from $1-$5. coffee usually cost $2-5.. very cheap !!! no need to worry about the price.

2) Is the transportation expensive in Korea?
So far i didn't take any taxi during this trip as the Subway really convenient and easy to access.
Every single trip will cost about $1.3 , very cheap >.<

3) What is the "Must buy" things in Korea ?
-Mask sheet from those beauty shops... cost about $0.90-$1.20 per piece.
-If you are a fans of Laneige, you should buy it in Korea, Cheaper!!
-SK2 for men, only available in Korea & HK
-BB cream from Hanskin ( Hanskin is the Original BB cream creator )

4) How much you should bring ?
If only daily expenses , i think $20-$25 enough for one day , eat + transport ..
You can use credit/debit card in department store or duty free shop, so basically cash using for street food, restaurant and transport ~

5) Should i bring Dictionary/Map ?
No. You can download the App in your phone/iPad. But most of the korean can speak simple english and many of the staff can speak Mandarin or Japanese in Myeong dong, insadong,dong dae mun ..A lot of the information counter and information assistant along the road..you can easily get assistant.