Korea Trip (14 Oct – 22 Oct 2016)

Went on a 9 Days 8 Nights trip to Korea with Xingyi, Eileen and Jenny. We knew each other for more than 7 years and never travel together before. Moreover most of my friends had been to Korea and I had no more accompany, so decided to take the risk.

It had been 2 years since I visited Korea. It’s my favourite country to spend my vacation and money. I will also visit my Korea friends Sun Young and Ji Young whenever I go.

Came across Singapore Airline (SQ) promotion around March, texted the ladies whether they are fine with the price as SQ gives 30kg checked in luggage which suit me. Although I was anxiously looking forward to the day, I had a bad feeling this trip will not be a happy and smooth one, and it turns out to be true. My sixth sense are quite accurate.

1 week before the trip, Jenny said she wanted to visit Everland, as she said the deco theme is Halloween and it will be beautiful. I told her 1 day will be wasted just to see the deco and the parade, furthermore there’s nothing to do over there if she do not want to play those rides and it’s expensive. I told her if she want, she got to change the itinerary herself as all of us are busy. This lady is tai chi master, she try pushing the amendment to me and Eileen but we just ignore her as we intend to break the news at Korea that we do not want to go. In the end she did not go, even though Xingyi told her she fine, as she was damn lazy to book the tickets.

The currency rate was very bad, I only managed to change 795 Korean Won vs S$1. As at this post being published, the rate are increasing due to the president’s political scandal.

Day 1: Our plan was to reach the airport at 10.30am to have lunch at Hello Kitty Café. I expected the late queen Jenny to be late, so told Xingyi we will take cab at 10am. I got her again, she texted us at 9.30am saying she will be late as she needs to clear some office works. Poor Eileen got to wait for her to take cab together. When Xingyi and I reached the airport, we checked in our luggage first and went to collect the Changi Recommends WIFI and then lunch. The food at Hello Kitty Café was disappointing, it does not taste as good as mentioned in the review and it’s just selling the brand.

We did not explore any places as our flight was at 2.55pm and reached Seoul at 10.30pm (Korea Time). The flight was delayed for 15 minutes and this was my first time experiencing flight delay. We booked an Airbnb apartment near Hapjeong Station. The host arranged transport for us, therefore we had no problem locating his apartment. The pick-up service was 60,000 Korean Won, no tips was given to her as her attitude is damn bad. The host was funny, when 1 by 1 came down from the car he asked whether are we “Tan”, and hug was only given to Eileen as she was the one who booked the apartment. The host made an effort to introduce his apartment to us and told us this was his first time receiving guests late at night and had to set alarm clock to wake him up. The apartment was quite dusty and dirty, even though the review was good, lucky we only need to endure for 2 nights.

After settling down, Eileen, Jenny and I chit chat as we can’t sleep. Xingyi was busy chit chatting on the phone with her new boyfriend. We jokingly told Eileen we envy her as the handsome host hug her, to our surprise she told us she was shocked as it was her first time being hug by a guy. We forced ourself to bed at 3am as we need to wake up at 8am.

Day 2: Hairdo at Hongdae and meet Sun Young & Ji Young.

We had breakfast till 11am at Paris Baguette, as Xingyi and Jenny eat very slow and we were only having 1 bread and coffee. I had to hurry them, as we need to locate the hair salon Xingyi wanted to go and I got to meet my friends at 4pm. We spent 1 hour locating the hair salon, was fed up with Xingyi and told her why can’t she ask Jackie properly where the actual location. She only knew take train to Hongik Univ Station and the rest of the finding was up to me and Eileen. Both of them was just nagging and walking behind us, when we finally locate the hair salon they clap and said we are so clever. *Slap forehead*

Eileen, Jenny and I do colouring, treatment and trimming. Only Xingyi does S perm, Eileen was rejected as the hair stylist said her face does not suit S or C perm. It’s my first time doing colouring in Korea and an eye opener. The process was so different from Singapore. I choose red and it suit me and the colour is not those loud red that makes me looks like auntie.

Sun Young and Ji Young came to look for me at the hair salon as I told them I will be delayed. They had gone through a hard time coming to Seoul as there was a minor protest by the KTX staffs demanding for increase of salary. They brought us to Ashley for buffet dinner, and the food were really nice that I went 3 rounds of serving. During the dinner, Xingyi mentioned she wanted to try SoMac(Beer with Soju), so Sun Young and Ji Young brought us to a small pub. I can’t drink alcohol therefore I’m the only weird one drinking coke at the pub.

Sun Young asked Jenny how old is she, Jenny told her to guess and she said 37 years old, when Jenny reveal she is actually 47 years old, Sun Young told her she look young. Jenny was so happy and shared with us how she maintain her looks. I was complaining to Sun Young few days later that my plan was disrupted by Xingyi and Jenny slowness, she told me to be understanding because Jenny is old and admit she bluff to Jenny that she look young.

Sun Young invited us to go to her hometown Cheon-an. She did mentioned before the trip, I rejected her because our schedule were packed. Turnout the 3 ladies were fine to re-arrange everything and explore Cheon-an for 1 day. We parted at 10pm, as Sun Young and Ji Young had to catch the KTX at 10.45pm.

Day 3: Went Jeju for 3 days 2 night. That’s where all the unhappiness started. I had black-face throughout the whole Jeju trip.

We took subway to Hongik Univ Station and change to AREX (Airport Express) to Gimpo Airport. We booked Jeju Air as it was considered the cheapest. The check-in was easy and fast. We made our way to the boarding gate and only to be welcome by a notice-board stating flight delay for 30 minutes due to flight connection. There was an ahjumma whom was so fierce and keep scolding the staffs, can’t understand why she do dumb, don’t she want a safe flight. When we finally able to board, we expected her to be the first to queue, instead she sat down there waiting for the staffs to invite her to board.

We reached Jeju around 2.30pm and was picked up by Richie which Xingyi arranged him to be the tour guide. The charges for 3 days was 400,000 Korean Won, the cheapest we can find but turn out the service was real bad. Before the trip, we gave him the places and foods we wanted, everything was smooth, but at Jeju he cancelled many places we intend to visit and skimps on the food we wanted to taste, etc. Our first day plan was to visit Manjanggul Cave, drive via Coastal Road to watch sunset at a café and having rice with abalone for dinner. Ended up he brought us to eat cold noodles for late lunch and he did drove us to a café but leave before the sunset as he said his service was till 6pm. Before his service end, he brought us to a convenience store and asked us to buy breakfast for next day as we need to fill up our stomach before all the walking start, isn’t he supposed to bring us to have breakfast. As the night is still early, we went to have a walk at the beach and bought fried chicken, potato chips, ice-creams and beer for dinner cum supper.

The Airbnb apartment we booked was called “Billewat Jeju (Ahnkery-Full house), it’s so nice and feel like staying in a villa. I had a great time bathing there, as at Hapjeong I always had a quick one to escape from the toilet. The dis-advantage of the villa was it had only 1 double bed, the rest had to sleep on the floor but with thin mattress and blanket provided. Eileen and I slept on the bed, Jenny had to let go as she knew she snore very loudly and sleeping beside Xingyi was the best choice as Xingyi also snore very loudly. Finally I experienced their snoring power on the 3^rd day, it’s not the normal snoring sound its engine sound. Jenny complained to us the next day she went to the sofa to sleep as it’s too hard and was suffering, we ignored her because Eileen and I also didn’t had a good sleep because of their snoring power.

Day 4: Woke up at 5am to get ready by 8am. Xingyi and Jenny were always the slowest to get ready. They had no proper time management. During the whole trip, Jenny will be the first one to wake up as she knew she was slow, but that doesn’t help at all. When the alarm rings, she will not wake up immediately, she will laze in bed for 30 minutes. Her routine is bathe for 30 minutes, wearing contact lens for 10 minutes, came out from bathroom and walk around or sit there for 10 minutes, make-up 2 items then stare for 10 minutes, make-up another 2 items and stare for another 10 minutes, etc. For Xingyi, she is not fast as what she told us previously, she takes an hours or more to get prepared. She’s the last one to wake up and can’t wake up when the alarm goes off. She will take her own sweet time to get ready. I was so fed-up with them and during the whole trip, I had to be their nanny, filling up their water bottle, prepared breakfast for them, etc. If I don’t do it, time will be delay again. Richie was late too and came at 8.30am, but he did not compensate us the 30 minutes he was late.

Our actual plan were Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak), Udo, Seopjikoji for seafood lunch, Bijarim Forest and black pork BBQ for dinner. In the end, we only went to Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak) and Bijarim Forest. Lunch was seafood but nearby restaurant and lucky it turns out to be nice. Jenny took her own sweet time snapping photos of trees, flowers and herself. Eileen was fed-up as Jenny always asked her to take photos of her, if it’s not nice she will ask Eileen to re-take till she satisfied but when Eileen asked for help Jenny will just anyhow take for her. Can you image we spent 3 hours in the forest just to wait for Jenny to take her stupid photos. She like to take selfie and when Xingyi takes photo of her OOTD, she also want, but there’s nothing special about her outfit, it’s the same as what she wear in Singapore. Xingyi OOTD are different everyday and I learned quite a lot from her and her makeup knowledge too.

After the forest walk, it’s almost time Richie end his service. So he told us we can have black pork BBQ near our accommodation and it’s quite famous there. He drove us there and helped us order as it’s all in Korean. It was funny as he told us he will order the food in advance and when the boss see us walking into the restaurant again, food will be served. He told us he ordered black pork set with veggie and fried rice to end the meal, but fried rice was not served. The next day when we told him, he was quite guilty and can’t explain why. I suspected he did not order for us, but he and the boss still charge us the amount to earn money as we can’t understand Korean.

The food was not up to satisfaction and we were still hungry. So we ordered fried chicken again and went convenience store to buy snacks, drinks and breakfast for next day. I had instant noodles as breakfast for 2 days during my stay in Jeju. The fried chicken stall lady boss was nice. She knew we ordered the day before, she gave us snack and warmly welcome us to chill at her shop while waiting for our order to be ready.

Day 5: The actual plan was O’Sulloc Tea Museum, Hello Kitty Island Café, Cheonjiyeon Falls, Seonimgyo Bridge, Teddy Bear Museum, Dongmung Traditional Market and dinner before we go airport.

As usual, the plan was shorten by Richie, we only managed to go Cheonjiyeon Falls, O’Sulloc Tea Museum and Dongmung Traditional Market. When the car exit from Dongmung Traditional Market, Richie asked for the car-park fee, Eileen and I was so curious, isn’t that supposed to be included in the tour guide fare. He did not bring us for dinner before we depart to the airport, we only had it after 9pm when we return to Seoul. When I board the flight I was so relived everything ended and my happy face is back again.

Our Seoul Airbnb apartment is located at Hongdae and its 1 minutes walked from Exit 1. It’s a loft apartment, before the trip Jenny said she will sleep upstairs as she does not want her snoring to disturb me. Ended up, she insisted to sleep at the first floor as she will have difficulties climbing up. I give in as I knew her legs and muscle are pain from all the walking at Jeju, she’s just putting up a brave act to cover it. I knew because I had been observing her and did not want to reveal to save her pride.

She like to boast about how good she is, but it’s not true. She is already 47 years old and still act like a child, can’t take care of herself and not independent. She did not helped us at all regardless of planning, booking, finding the way, etc. She likes to nag when people are busy looking for the direction, she will only shut up when everyone ignores her. She has diabetics and during the whole trip she takes so many sweet stuffs. I nag at her telling her to stop eating sweet stuffs, she said its ok and should enjoy the holiday. I was so worry she might fall sick anytime if she continues consuming so many sweet stuffs, Eileen ensure me nothing will happen as it only damage her body and since Jenny is not worry why should I worry so much for her. Her word wakes me up and from then on I don’t bother about her health anymore. Throughout the whole trip I had to nag at her as if I’m taking care of a child. I had to say Jenny go bathe, Jenny faster put your make-up, Jenny wear socks, Jenny wear shoes, etc.

Day 6: We went Cheon-an to visit Sun Young, Ji Young and Ji Hoon, and also explore different parts of Korea. I’m so excited about this trip. Our train is at 11am and had to dash down because of the 2 ladies. We had a quick breakfast at Lotteria and the meal are quite similar to McDonald. We had to be early to board the KTX as the train will leave on time. The journey is 30 minutes to reach Cheon-an, when it announce the train is reaching soon, all passengers will stand-by at the door to alight, it’s orderly.

I finally met baby Ji Hoon after looking at his photos Sun Young sent to me. He’s 10 months old and so cute. He will smile whenever we play with him as he likes girl. He’s too attached to Sun Young, when we board her car he started to cry his heart out. Should not have placed Jenny beside him, as she damn bad in handling kids, the more Jenny pacified him the more he cry. He stop the moment Sun Young carry him.

We had lunch near Ji Young company, Sun Young bought us Kimbap, cheese Tteokbokki, ramen and spicy cold noodles. It tastes so delicious after all the nonsense food Richie brought us to. Sun Young is a better tour guide than him. They brought us to Oeam Folk Village and it was an eye opener for tourist like us. She also brought us to view flowers and it’s so pretty. Again Jenny is the one who holds us back, Sun Young wanted to bring us to war museum but time is running out as she had make reservations at the dinner place.

The BBQ dinner was so delicious and we kept adding more meats. Sun Young’s husband came to join us after his work, so that Sun Young can drink with the 3 ladies. During the dinner, Xingyi asked what brand of cosmetics they used. Sun Young use IOPE and Ji Young use HERA which is my favourite brand. After the dinner we had an hour left before taking the train back to Seoul, so they brought us to Lotte Mart to buy IOPE and the snacks Jenny want.

Parting time was so sad. We had a great time at Cheon-an and I really appreciate the warm hosting by Sun Young and Ji Young. Hope they will visit Singapore again.

When we reach Seoul, we went Lotte Mart since it’s just beside. We only had 30 minutes to get what we need as they are closing soon. Since Jenny and Xingyi are indecisive, Eileen and I went ahead to get what we need. It’s so much easier to shop with Eileen as both of us are quick and know what we want and needs. After payment, we proceed to the packing section to pack all the items in the box. Only small boxes are left, we had to squeeze everything temporary and get bigger boxes when we came across. Jenny intention was to wait for Eileen to pack for her, I hurry her to pack herself as the store is closing soon and don’t expect the staffs to wait for her. We had to take taxi back to our accommodation and were con by the taxi driver, it costs us 30,000 Korean Won. This Jenny keep telling us is by meter and I did sense something not right when the driver keeping gesturing 3. She did not want to admit her stupid mistake and try pushing to me, but I’m not the kind of person you can bully. In work or personal life she can’t be trusted, from then on we left her out in whatever decision we had to make, as it will be a big mess if we entrust to her.

Day 7: We asked the host to help us order fried chicken and Jajangmyeon for breakfast. He was so shocked and keep asking me is it really in the morning. I had fried rice instead as I don’t like Jajangmyeon. When the food arrived I was disappointed as I did not want the sauce but it turns out to be nice when match to eat with the rice. The 3 ladies love the Jajangmyeon, but the fried chicken was disappointing as it had too much skin who spoilt the taste.

We left the accommodation at 12.30pm and went Express Bus Terminal Underground to shop. We spilt into 2 groups and of cos I’m with Eileen. We had walked 2 rounds and took a short break at Gong Cha, but the other 2 ladies were still not finish with their shopping. Eileen was so angry as she wanted to go another place to shop, so I got to hurry them and helping them make the decision. It was peak hour when we train back to Hongdae. We got push in by the commuters at the back, this is what we never get to experience in Singapore. Initially Xingyi was happy as she squeeze in between 2 handsome guys (I didn’t get to see the face, as I was push to the other side), but they alight at the next station. This time her face was squeeze in between 2 uncles back and she was asking for my help, sometime Xingyi can be cute.

We went back to our accommodation and had a 30 minutes rest before we proceed to Hongdae to shop. They went crazy when they saw the 1000 Korean Won socks shop and spend 30 minutes inside. Time is running out as most store closed at 10pm and I wanted to get my cosmetics. So I help Jenny made the decision on the design of the socks fast, I asked her who she want to give and what design her friends and relatives prefer. We were shopping together for an hour and notice Eileen restless face as the 2 ladies were slow. Lucky Jenny complain she was hungry and she wanted to eat dinner and go back to rest, but Eileen and I told her we were not hungry and wanted to get all the things we wanted before the shop closed, so we spilt. We went KFC as I wanted to try their fried chicken. If you want Korea fried chicken don’t buy at KFC as it does not taste nice as what is being sold outside. We went back to our accommodation at 11.30pm and the 2 ladies were not back yet. I text them and to our surprise they were still having dinner. They only came back after we bathe and getting ready to sleep.

Xingyi asked why I asked Jenny to wake up at 8am when I will wake up at 9am, as Jenny only need 30 minutes to bathe. I told Xingyi, she does not wake up immediately when the alarm rings, she will delay for 30 minutes. Xingyi said oh ok, I didn’t know. Of cos she don’t know as she is still sleeping soundly with the loud alarm sound. I’m the one who woke up when Jenny alarm rings.

Day 8: Our last day in Korea, and went Isadong and Myeongdong for shopping. Naturally Eileen and I pair with each other, we walked in front and the other 2 walked behind. Whenever we came out from 1 shop, Eileen will looked for them, I told her not to worry as we will be able to find them when we walked down and she was so surprised we found them within 3 minutes. But the 3^rd time Eileen and I walked till to the other subway line and it’s impossible to walk back to find them. So we texted them to go Myeongdong and will meet there. It’s also a good time for them to search for the place themselves.

We went Lotte Departmental Store to get our HERA before splitting. On the way there, we ate lots of snacks and also bought cakes at Lotte. The HERA salesgirl is not friendly when we were enquiring, her attitude change only when our passport is given to her to get tax refund. I wanted to get the same colour lipstick Sun Young bought for me. She apply other colours which I don’t understand what she mean and she walked away suddenly. When I asked the 2^nd time, she unhappily told me no more same colours. I can only depend on myself to find the colours I want, and managed to buy 3 lipsticks. I proceed to Sulwhasoo counter as I wanted to get their essential lip care. After we are done, it’s almost 6pm and we had yet to shop around Myeongdong. Jenny wanted to buy her bag and I told her I will not follow since I want shop around Myeongdong. I knew Jenny and Xingyi was unhappy as Eileen and I always go on our own. If we were to follow we can’t get things we wanted.

We returned to our accommodation around 11pm to pack our things as we had an early flight to catch. Xingyi and Jenny came back only at 1am and packed till 3am.

Day 9: I set my alarm clock at 4.30am, after seeing no reaction from Jenny I went to bathe. When I’m out from the bathroom, she said she forgot to set her alarm clock and was shocked when she saw me walking to the bathroom. I ignore and told her to go bathe for only 10 minutes as she had no time to spare. Before she bathe, she asked me whether she got time to eat her cup noodles, I told her no. She expect me to boil the water and prepare for her but my time were arrange properly and had no spare time for her. It’s 5.30am and Xingyi had no intention to wake up, told Jenny to call for her as I’m damn tired to do that anymore. The taxi uncle came at 5.45am. Eileen and I were ready, so we took our luggage to the taxi and had to make another trip to help them. Once I board the flight I was so relived everything was over as this trip was a tiring one.