Travel to Korea. . . .

Common "Q&A" in South Korea/overseas travel-vomiting blood is recommended

March 2009 set foot on a trip to South Korea. I did a lot of homework in advance, read a lot of predecessors' raiders, and combined with my own personal experience, I wrote the following complete raiders in the form of "question and answer" to share with you. The following statement is just a family statement, which cannot be guaranteed to be correct, but at least it won't be too wrong.

Helping others is the foundation of happiness, but I hope it will help you to travel to Korea or other countries in the future.

1. Why Korea?

There are very few countries with China passports that can be exempted from visas, only a few countries that generally don't want to go. It is the easiest to apply for visas from several neighboring countries. Singapore, Thailand and so on. I've been there, and it's almost Korea's turn.

During the financial crisis, the Korean won depreciated a lot, from about 1: 133 a year ago (that is, 1 RMB is convertible 133 won) to 1:225 in March. Of course, we must go shopping. But at the end of March and the beginning of April, the current exchange rate is about 1: 190, which is not very cost-effective.

LP likes watching Korean dramas best. Take her out to meet them, hoping to show her the reality in Korea. The moon in Korea is as round as that in China, so don't be so obsessed with Korean dramas in the future.

2. Do you choose to join the group, run the products yourself, or arrange all the trips yourself?

This question is actually very simple, suitable for everyone, and their advantages and disadvantages are also clear.

Join the group: the itinerary is not free, you have to get up early in the morning, and there are shopping/self-funded items. But with an excellent tour guide, you can deepen your understanding of the culture/history/origin of other countries anywhere. And if you have a bad sense of direction, poor function of following pictures and poor language, it is even more recommended to join the group.

Free travel products: If you order holiday products directly from the website, the price may be more affordable and worry-free, because you will generally provide one-stop services such as picking up the plane (of course, you have to pay extra).

However, the problem has also come. First, the time of the plane. If it is a cheap free travel product, there will often be many red-eye flights, either in the middle of the night or at three or four in the morning. I sat once, and I was scared. That makes you very tired, or makes you waste a night's accommodation;

Secondly, the level of accommodation, if you want to have a more affordable choice, it is very difficult, if you want a hotel with a good location and low price, it is also very difficult. Of course, if you are going to travel abroad FB, or traveling with the elderly, it is not bad to choose one-stop holiday products directly. I'll arrange it for you when I get off the plane, so you don't have to think about how to get to the hotel.

Self-arrangement: I don't know if this way should be called a donkey friend, but what is certain is that this way is very tiring, and from a certain point of view, it is also very fulfilling, which can greatly let you have a deeper understanding before you step into that country or city.

From the perspective of transportation, you should consider how to get from your city to the nearest airport; How to get to the hotel after coming down from another country's airport (not on business, naturally it is impossible to take a taxi everywhere); How do you arrange to go to different scenic spots from the hotel every day? Because you are moving, your route to one scenic spot in the morning is different from your route to another scenic spot in the afternoon or evening.

From the hotel's point of view, you should roughly arrange your daily itinerary in advance, and then find a hotel with a suitable location/price according to your itinerary. The price of the hotel is definitely not high, but the location is definitely better, which will save you a lot of transportation expenses. As for how to find and balance, that's nerve-racking.

From the point of view of scenic spots, there is no travel agency to help you arrange it. You should look at many other people's strategies in advance and choose the scenic spots according to your own interests. Then, according to the situation in Korea, some scenic spots are closed on Monday, while others are closed on Tuesday, so you should stagger your rest time. Otherwise, when you follow a pile of road signs that don't understand Korean, ask a few Koreans who don't understand English and Chinese, and finally find the scenic spot you want to visit, it's really miserable when the museum is being built.

3. What else should be included in the tourism budget?

Everyone will count round-trip transportation and accommodation, of course.

Visa fees must be counted, hundreds for two people, and thousands for some countries.

The cost from the city residence to the airport. For example, if I leave Suzhou and take the airport bus from Suzhou to Shanghai Pudong Airport, there will be 84 people one way. If there are two people, 168. You have to sit when you come back, so you have to calculate the round-trip price.

The cost from Incheon Airport to the hotel. Usually you have to take the airport bus and then transfer to the subway. This is also the round-trip price.

Transportation expenses in Seoul: subway and bus are the main transportation expenses. It is more expensive to take a taxi. If you go to Jeju, you can only charter a car, and the cost is not small.

The cost of three meals a day in Seoul.

The cost of tourist attractions. Lotte World is more expensive, but other palaces and the like are ok.

The cost of shopping, this is definitely a big head.

4. Visa

There is basically no visa-free treatment for passports in China. You have to apply for a visa before going to most countries in the world. Everyone knows this.

Sometimes it happens that you have a special ticket, but you need to issue the ticket in advance and the visa has not been signed yet. At this time, I suggest you never issue the ticket first. No matter what you order, it is safest before the visa is issued. My family has a special ticket, but it was refused by the embassy. Oh, my God. The refusal rate of some tourist countries in Southeast Asia is very low, but even so, it is best to wait until the visa is completed before booking the trip.

I booked a Korean visa at Ctrip, 380 per person, plus the courier fee. Compared with other travel agencies and travel networks, if I don't know anyone, the price is still ok.

Generally, the earlier you book a plane ticket, the more you can get a discount, so you should apply for a visa early.

Speaking of visas, by the way, in order to attract tourists, China passports are free of visa fees for Thailand from April to June, but visas are inevitable. Those who want to go to Thailand can consider it. The visa is valid for three months. You can get it in April-June, and then go in three months. I have been to Phuket, Thailand, and it felt good and cheap at that time, which is worth recommending. At that time, riots broke out in Thailand on the third day after the reunification, and Phuket International Airport was completely closed. I am very happy

5. Which websites can generally book holiday products or air tickets?

Recommendation 1: Ctrip. Com, overall, the cost performance is good.

Recommendation 2: Two famous travel search engine. One is Cool News, www.kuxun.cn; One is "where to go", www.qunar.com. One of the characteristics of these two companies is that they can help you compare prices and then provide you with links. Finally, you will connect to the corresponding websites according to the price you choose, such as Ctrip, E Long, Taobao, Air China and so on.

Everyone should make more comparisons before making a choice.

6. How do I know the 500 yuan round-trip ticket?

At present, there are many travel websites/travel agencies in travel search engine. I believe you also know that if their bid is 500 yuan, it is not the total cost of round-trip air tickets, because it does not include tax. The cheapest round-trip price including tax from Shanghai to Incheon is less than 2000.

The cheapest price is not necessarily the most suitable. For example, I saw that the round-trip ticket from Shanghai Pudong to Incheon at 8 am was only 460, but I didn't know 600. Finally, I chose OZ Asiana flight to Incheon at noon 12, and the price was 900. Why? Generally, it is best to check in two hours in advance for international flights. If I buy the cheapest air ticket, it means that I have to arrive at Pudong airport at 6 o'clock, and I live in Suzhou. Then I won't have to get up at 3 am and charter a bus to Pudong, which will cost a lot of money.

By the way, learn about low-cost airlines, such as AirAsia/Tiger Airways (both of them are from Asia, and some famous low-cost airlines in the world can check online). Sometimes there will be a ticket for 0 yuan/1 yuan, and even at a normal level, there will be a round-trip price of 250 from Hangzhou to Kuala Lumpur. In fact, Spring Airlines in China is also a low-cost airline, but it is not mature and clean. These airlines are generally not found in travel search engine. Of course, there is a price to pay for being cheap:

First of all, boarding airports generally do not choose first-tier cities or first-tier airports. For example, AirAsia doesn't have boarding gates at two major airports in Shanghai and Hangzhou Airport, because it saves you the first-class airport construction tax. So if you live in Shanghai or Suzhou, you have to fly to Hangzhou airport, and you have to pay the fare yourself.

In fact, the description of the boarding gate is not particularly clear, because the boarding gates of other airlines are generally borrowed. Don't complain, it will also save you money.

There are also luggage checked for free with low weight, or some luggage can't be checked for free at all. If you need to entrust, you have to pay extra.

At the same time, aircraft models are generally older, seats are more crowded, and dining restrictions are more.

7. What else should I pay attention to when booking a plane ticket?

As we all know, the earlier you book a plane ticket, the greater the discount. The premise is that your itinerary should be determined, depending on the latest ticket issue date. If you see a favorable price, you can make a reservation first, but there will be no ticket. Before the latest ticket issue date, you still have time to search other websites to see if there will be a lower price.

Tickets must be issued after the visa is confirmed.

There are three major aviation alliances in the world: Star Alliance, SkyTeam and OneWorld. I am a member of Starry Sky and Universal respectively. You can exchange airline tickets for mileage accumulation. If I use Star Card, I usually choose flights, and I will give priority to the member airlines of Star Alliance. This time I booked Asiana Airlines (a member of Star Alliance). Shanghai to Incheon Airport is about 2200 per person (including tax).

Choose the time of the plane. Take my last time as an example, everyone's ideas are different, for reference only: I am OZ362, leaving Shanghai for Incheon, leaving at noon 12: 05, and arriving in Incheon at 3 pm (3 pm is Korean time, one hour earlier than us), so that I have enough time to arrive at the airport in the morning, and after arriving in Incheon in the afternoon, I have enough time to leave from Incheon to Myeong-dong in downtown Seoul (about 1 OZ365 from Incheon to Shanghai, 14: 10 pm (local time), 15: 10 pm (Beijing time) and arrive in Shanghai. In this way, you can play in Korea for half a day, return to Shanghai in the afternoon, get your luggage, and catch the airport bus back to Suzhou in half an hour. It's not too late to go back to Suzhou for dinner, and it won't affect the next day.

8. Is it worth renting a mobile phone?

After going out several times, I found that if I just travel abroad for a few days (whether in Europe, Southeast Asia or South Korea), there is no need to rent it, just use a public phone. Save money and worry. Pay as much as you want.

Long-term residence is another matter.

9. What should I pay attention to when booking a hotel?

Hotel reservation depends on the convenience of transportation from the airport, the convenience of shopping area and the convenience of scenic spots you arrange.

Accommodation in Seoul has always been expensive, and I don't want to spend money on hotels. So I booked Myeongdong Guest House, which is one of the three most popular affordable accommodation places in Seoul. Double suite with private bath. The biggest feature is that it is really close to the subway station, and it only takes one minute to walk from the exit of Myeongdong subway station 1. I like to go shopping in Myeongdong, eat mainstream Korean restaurants, buy brand-name products in duty-free shops, and visit the surrounding scenic spots ... This kind of tourists whose main purpose is to travel is the most suitable.

It costs 30,000-40,000 won a day for two people, which translates into 150-200 a night. Such a price is rare in a good location like Myeongdong.

10. How to choose a travel itinerary? What websites are available for reference? /

Of course, scenic spots with similar locations should also be arranged to play together. Make up a day's trip.

For travel itinerary, please refer to the recommended itinerary in Ctrip's destination guide, or the website of Korea Tourism Board to select travel itineraries and various theme tours (wonderful nightlife tour, location tour of Korean drama, cultural experience tour, ski resort tour, etc.). ).

Grand recommendation: The website of Korea Tourism Bureau recommended this way, which I think is correct.

You can download Korean video teaching online. There are also common sentences for different contexts on the website of Korea Tourism Bureau. http://Chinese . visit Korea . or . kr/CHS/CU/CU _ CHG _ 3 _ 2 _ 1 _ 1 . JSP

12. Exchange

You must choose the most favorable exchange. It is suggested that domestic banks travel after exchanging foreign exchange. It is much more cost-effective than Korean airports, domestic banks and exchange kiosks. Remember, remember.

The first point is the general principle, and I have encountered exceptions myself. Because the exchange rate had been rising at that time. When I was in China, the exchange time was 1:200( 1 RMB to 200 won). When I arrived in Korea, I found that it was better to change it to 1:206 on the first day, and then to 1:227. But by the beginning of April, it seemed to be about 1: 190.

If you are only traveling for a few days, it is recommended not to change too much money. 1000- 1500 RMB is definitely enough (excluding accommodation). Because you can swipe your card when shopping in Korean duty-free shops, there is a discount on swiping your card. If you change too much in advance and don't use it, it won't be cost-effective to change it back at home.

I thought it was ok to exchange money with the four major banks. After asking everyone, I found that basically only the Bank of China has a relatively unpopular currency against the Korean won. Other banks only exchange euros, dollars, pounds and other most commonly used ones. So don't make mistakes. And it is only open from Monday to Friday.

At the same time, if you only change one or two thousand RMB, you don't need to make an appointment if you want to change a large amount. You should make an appointment in advance. Just bring your ID card when you go, and you don't need to bring your passport.

Recently, South Korea's tourism is hot, and domestic exchange may not be easy.

13. What are the local brands of cosmetics in Korea? Where can I get it?

The face shop/skinfood/Donna Xian。 Cost-effective.

Noodle shops have the most chain stores, which are found in Nandamen Market, Mingdong and many other places.

More gathered in Myeongdong shopping area and Lotte Duty Free Shop.

I don't know if it's the reason for the sharp depreciation of the won. Shopping in Korea feels quite cost-effective (of course, the cost of round-trip air tickets cannot be counted together). The quality of things is generally good and the packaging is beautiful. I just hope everyone will stay calm when shopping, and don't buy too many heavy things, because the free check-in of airport luggage is limited. For example, economy class passengers are 20 kilograms each. If you are overweight, you have to pay extra, which is not cost-effective.

14. What scenic spots can you recommend in Seoul?

Mingdong. As the center of the center, shopping must go to Myeongdong. Everything, but also a reactionary stall. But many shops there closed early, and closed at night 10, only part of them.

Gyeongbokgung palace Although it is much smaller than Beijing's, it still has some small features. There is a changing ceremony every day at regular intervals. And you can change Hanbok to take pictures for free. Provide free Korean/English/Japanese/Chinese explanations, but be sure to go at the right time. Every day10: 30/13: 00/15: 00, volunteers give free Chinese explanations. If you go at other times, you must rent an electronic translator. Of course, people speak more vividly, can answer your strange questions, and it is free.

Nandamen market. A relatively large commodity market. Compared with China, it is the price of small commodities, but many things are still exquisite and of good quality.

A cultural street: Rensi Cave. You can find Korean souvenirs here, and all kinds of products are beyond your imagination.

Soak in hot springs You can experience the difference between Korean hot springs and China hot springs.

Beat the theater, the South Tower Theater. I read it and said yes. Vip 60 thousand won, generally 50 thousand won There are three shows a day from Monday to Saturday, and two shows a day on Sundays and public holidays.

Lotte world. Soon after I arrived in Seoul, the tour changed from sightseeing to shopping. I didn't have time to go, but my reputation was good. It depends on my hobby.