VI
EN
Here is some information to help you plan a budget-friendly trip to South Korea.
Immigration procedures
You must apply for an entry visa at the Korean Embassy or Consulate in Vietnam. The required documents include: proof of financial resources from a bank with a minimum balance of USD 1,200, deposited for at least 3 months; a return air ticket; hotel payment receipts; your itinerary in Korea; a confirmation letter from your employer; your employment contract; a leave of absence letter for travel; a passport valid for more than 6 months; a 4x6 photo; and your application form. All documents must be translated into Korean or English and notarized. The visa application fee is USD 20 per person and takes approximately 4 working days. The maximum stay is 30 days, and the visa is valid for 3 months.
A helpful tip for those worried about visa rejection is to ask your travel agent to reserve your round-trip flight tickets and issue an invoice in advance. Currently, some hotel booking websites allow you to book without paying upfront. This way, you won't lose money on flights and hotels if your visa application is rejected. You can pay later after you receive your visa.
Accommodation
If you're traveling in a group and on a limited budget, you should choose budget hostels or homestays. There are many affordable hostels right in the city center. A room can accommodate multiple people in bunk beds. These hostels are inexpensive and offer all the essential amenities.
Staying in a homestay is also quite safe and comfortable. You get to live with the host family, enjoy Korean-style breakfast, and have the opportunity to learn more about some of the local customs.
It's not too difficult to find a cheap hotel right in the city center, like Myeongdong or Hongdae. Room rates range from $20 to $25 per person per night. However, you need to book early online to get a good price.
There are many budget hotels near this bustling Myeongdong area.
It's best to choose a hotel near subway stations or bus stops for convenient transportation. In particular, look for hotels with bus routes to the airport.
Skin
South Korea has four distinct seasons, with very high summer temperatures ranging from 30 to 40 degrees Celsius, while winter temperatures can drop as low as -20 degrees Celsius. You should choose clothing appropriate for each season and bring comfortable walking shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking.
Tourist attractions
Some popular attractions in Seoul include the romantic Namsan Tower, the Royal Palace, and a traditional Korean village. You should also visit a sauna for a unique experience.
Entrance fee to Gyongbukgung Palace is 3,000 won (approximately 3 USD).
The markets in Dongdaemun, Namdaemun, and the famous Myeongdong shopping district offer very affordable prices and excellent service. A word of advice for fashion-conscious girls: try to control your spending to avoid overspending, as cosmetics and clothing in Korea are significantly cheaper than in Vietnam. Plan your itinerary in advance to avoid missing any interesting sights.
Means of transportation
Incheon Airport is 70 km from Seoul. The most economical way to get from Incheon to Seoul is to use the airport bus or the subway.
Bus: Prices vary depending on the route. They typically range from 10,000 to 15,000 won (approximately 10-15 USD). However, you should only take the bus if your hotel is on a bus route. Buses operate from 5 AM to 11 PM. If you arrive on a late flight, consider spending the night at the airport sauna and catching an early flight back to Seoul the next day. The sauna offers free, secure luggage storage and comfortable facilities for relaxation.
Subway: Takes more time, requires multiple transfers and a lot of walking, and is suitable for bulky luggage. However, train tickets are very cheap. Only use the subway if your luggage is compact and easy to move.
Taxi: Unless absolutely necessary, avoid taxis, as the distance from the airport to Seoul is quite far, and the toll fees make the fare very high. Drivers usually quote 60,000 won (approximately 60 USD). Some taxis may be able to negotiate the price down to around 50,000 won (approximately 50 USD), while others charge by the kilometer, with prices ranging from 50,000 to 75,000 won (approximately 50-75 USD). When taking a taxi, prepare the address in Korean, as most taxi drivers cannot read or find addresses in English. Note that you should not take a taxi alone late at night. After midnight, taxis drive recklessly, swerving and braking suddenly. It is very dangerous to travel alone.
It's a good idea to buy a T-money card, similar to an ATM card. Simply top it up at public top-up machines at subway stations, and you can use T-money to pay for services like subway rides, taxis, buses, and even some shops and restaurants. This type of card has no expiration date, so you can save it for a later trip.
Eat and drink
Korean food is very diverse, elaborate, and quite spicy. Some dishes you should try when visiting Korea include tteokbokki, fish cakes, patbingsu, and grilled meat. Especially noteworthy is the traditional and nutritious ginseng chicken stew. It would be quite interesting to try sneaking into a small tent in the middle of the street and eating tteokbokki, just like in a Korean drama.
The nutritious ginseng chicken stew costs 12,000 won (approximately 12 USD).
Other notes
You should prepare some cold and stomach ache medications beforehand, in case you can't adapt to the weather and food in Korea. Also, don't forget Salonpas patches and adhesive bandages, as you'll be doing a lot of walking. It's best to buy these medications in Vietnam to save money. Especially when traveling in winter, remember to buy mini hand warmers to keep in your pockets to stay warm.
