Satisfying 5 Senses Trip in Korea | by Meheartseoul
We felt bad for leaving our 2 kids at home when we're enjoying our Korea trip in 2012...
Ups, I didn't blog for Busan, Gapyeong and last 2 days in Seoul.
Therefore, we brought them for their maiden trip to Korea in September 2013.
But again, we'd to leave them as I won myself a flight ticket from 11street Korea in 2014. My hubby joined me as he was afraid I might get lost if I travel alone.
Then we planned to have white Christmas with kids, however it's impossible as almost everyone applying leave on that month. The only leave slot available was end November to early December. So no choice but to take it~!
Until now, it's still hard for me to believe that I won VIP Invitation Tour. This fully sponsored by Visit Korea suddenly surfaced before our family trip~! ^^
Currently, I was in the middle of making big decision. First, it just ring a bell that it's a nice idea. However, considering our current situation it's quite hard to make it come true, so we decided to put our excitement on hold. Listened to suggestions and did a lot of homework and realized that we'd to execute it now considering our ages and others factors. Hopefully everything will be smooth sailing~!^^ Thinking too much also won't solve the problem, so just let nature take its course.
Now, let me continue to blog our Satisfying 5 Senses Trip in Korea.
Singapore Changi Airport.
Scoot Business Class from Singapore to Seoul.
Although it's Scoot business class but frankly speaking
Korean Air Economy Class is better and nicer.
The legs room is maybe about the same, but there's no movie to watch. The service for Business Class is very limited. I ordered 4 different meals but they gave us all the same and we couldn't change them. Even with discount I think it's not really worth it...
Meal from Singapore to Taipei.
One hour transit in Taipei.
Bibimbap + Salad + Icecream + Wine.
Reached Incheon Airport around 9:15pm, and it's super long queue
at customs clearance, and by the time we claimed our luggage
it was already 11:00 pm.
Although I knew that we wouldn't be in time to take AREX Express Train as the last train is 21:40. Actually I was planning to spend a night at 'Spa On Air' jjimjilbang, but then my daughter and me might not be able to sleep. Therefore, I planned to take airport bus to Seoul and stay in cheap hotel there.
Didn't know that the last late night buses to Seoul
mostly ended around 23:00 pm.
Pretty awesome we missed the bus, and left with no choice but to take normal train to Seoul. But considered our and I think it was also the last train!
One day gone just for traveling from Singapore to Seoul. Thought that we'll have more comfortable and cheaper flight (after discount). It's actually not the case, as we might ended up spending more money for hotel and taxi if we missed the last train. Next time, we need to take note on the flight timing especially now knowing that not all business class has the same standard.
This should be the last posting for VIP Invitation Tour. Really sorry for taking up to three months to complete blogging it.
Kim eonni was panicking searching for us when we reached IFC Mall from KBS Exhibition Hall. We're late half and hour late as miscommunication on the timing. Therefore we immediately hop to the bus and go to the Incheon airport.
Jas eonni, Tere and few other members proceed to check-in counters as their flights were earlier. Lucky, Naz and me were waiting at Lotteria. Kim eonni ordered food for us first while waiting for Jas eonni and Tere to join us.
Lunch for our team as we didn't eat at IFC Mall.
My Mozzarella Cheese Burger.
Where were Kim eonni and Jas eonni?!
Shopping at AK Plaza Duty Free Shop. Actually, I only bought
moisturizing cream to prevent cracking skin in winter, the rest
were for my sister's friend.
Self tax refund counter with helpful and nice volunteer staff.
Please note that it's relocated to Gate 24 and 41 instead of Gate 27. Please check this link for more information on the procedures on immediate tax refund when purchasing goods at tax free shop or claiming back tax refund at other locations.
Self Tax Refund machine with language selections
which is super user friendly and easy to use.
After claimed our tax refund, we headed to Korea Traditional
Cultural Experience Center for free activities to kill time.
You can buy Korean Traditional souvenirs here.
We'd to register for Dancheong wooden keychain painting, as you can see there were a lot of people also interested in this activity, we're put in the waiting list...
Signed guest book with calligraphy pen.
I love Korea very much (한국 많이 사랑해요)~!
Too bad that Hanbok Experience only available for those
boarding Gate number above 100, where you can go there
however there will be no way to return here.
Traditional Dancheong Painting with 5 basic colors (Obangsaek)
of blue, red, yellow, black and white.
Besides functioning as decoration and protection against wind, rain and harmful insects. It also has symbolic of preventing fire and defeating evil spirits.
Heard the announcement that Royal Family Procession was going to start,
so I quickly painting the dancheong and ran out for the procession.
Crown Prince and Princess.
Last time they didn't have photo session with the royal family, but now you're allowed to take photos with them. Of course I didn't want to miss this chance... I wish I'm in hanbok too.
King and Queen.
Princess.
With Royal guards, lady in waiting,...
No wonder Incheon Airport has been voted as the best airport in the world. You don't need to worry that you'll get bored with so much activities and they're free of charge.
After bidding good bye to Lucky and Naz, we went separately to the boarding gate. That's ended our unforgettable and memorable VIP Invitation Tour.
On the flight back to Singapore with Korean Air.
This trip was made possible by VisitKorea organised by Korea Tourism Organization.
