Last March 26 we were able to go to South Korea with the whole family. We were a group of 7 adults and 3 kids. We took the earliest flight going to Incheon, South Korea at 1a.m. and arrived in Seoul at 5:45 a.m. via Cebu Pacific. We had a tour package with
AMIABLE TOURS - this agency have been our travel agency for the past 6 years and the owner have been a good friend already.Out tour consisted of a 6 days 5 nights South Korea tour with complete meals, hotel accommodations,theme park tickets,entrances and coach transfers.So we had a worry free tour. This is one suggestion that I can advise to first time travelers in Korea, one main reason is that the language barrier. Yes, I can assure you that being in a foreign land can be quite a hassle especially if you cannot speak their language. Although a lot of Korean students can speak English now a days, it is still difficult to communicate with the locals once your there. We decided to get the complete package because we want to just relax and enjoy a worry free vacation, after all that is what vacation is about.
Back to my story, I wasn't able to sleep at the whole flight itself, but I'm glad that the kids were able to take a nap and was asleep the entire trip which is good for them. I don't want them to be all cranky during the 1st day of our vacation. I was really excited for this trip and I was longing for it for the past 5 months. Why? because I booked our flight 5 months ahead of our departure time so I can prepare our grand trip. Take note of this because it will save you enough money if you book flights ahead of time.Cebu Pacific offered a 50% off Incheon / Busan flights to South Korea - obviously I grabbed the deal! Yes, you may wonder why Cebu Pacific- well that's a different story that I have to blog about. But one thing I can say about it is, I am a satisfied Cebu Pacific frequent flyer for the past 6 years. I haven't had any delays nor complaints about their services - lucky for us I guess.
Anyway, upon our arrival at the Incheon Airport, we were greeted by friendly airport staffs that helped us and led the way for us to the immigration. The airport was considered to be one of the top 10 best airports in the world and I must say it is indeed one of the best airports I have been to.
The shopping malls within the airport itself is a haven for shopping addicts like me plus it is tax free.
You can also find the best luxury brands of bags, coffee shops, restaurants and fast food chains plus it has a free Wifi area. The airport itself is very comfortable and clean. I wouldn't mind sleeping while waiting for my flight.
We finally met our tour guide Cecil, she was very fluent in English. The first thing that she told us was
"Go get your coats! It's 0 C outside! "
What the....!!!! Yes, I know that it was still cold during our visit but I never imagined it to be that cold.It's our first time to travel in this kind of season. Cecil told us that it is called late winter season for them since it's already the end of March. She also told us that it will be colder during the night time and during our first day of stay which would be on top of Mt. Seorak and Nami Island.
We got our bags and out we went, the cool air greeted us and I did not expect it to be that cold, freezing cold!I had 5 tops namely: shirt, thermal wear, long sleeves, sweater and my bubble jacket.For the pants I had a thermal pants,jeans,gloves and boots. It wasn't enough to make me warm! :( We headed to our bus and it was such a delight to know that our bus was so big and comfy for all of us plus it is a private coach which is exclusive just for our use. Once inside the bus, it was still cold, we have to ask our driver to turn on the heater.
We went to a local restaurant to have our breakfast. It consist of noodle soup with side dishes of Kimchi and radishes. Our first taste of Korean food. I am glad that they prepared this soup for breakfast, it help us to be warm and full for our long trip to the mountains which is for 3 hours.
So off we go up to the mountains! Mt. Seorak here we come!
