Entertainment Agencies in Seoul

It is every kpop fangirl's dream to visit the entertainment agencies of their idols... And it is also one of the reasons we are going there... Here are some information we gathered on these agencies. I've got them from the internet and so all the credits are to the owners. We will post the sources at the end. Enjoy! ^^

A Place to Stay

Since we plan of staying for almost 2 weeks in our SK trip, then we should find a good place to stay at. Somewhere it’s not that expensive and safe. Also since we will be staying long, we wish to find a place where we can possibly cook, wash our clothes and get free PC and internet access. The place must also be around Seoul so that it wouldn’t be that hard to go around the place.

We found 2 places that will surely fit our budget and provide us the necessary facilities we are just looking for.

This will feature 2 hostels where we plan of staying in our trip; that would be HOSTEL KOREA and INSIDE BACKPACKERS.

What's A T-Money?

Since we will be traveling in whole new place, wouldn’t it be more convenient if we would be able to do that hassle free? That is why I had to research on a convenient way of getting around Seoul. Just like Singapore; South Korea boasts of extensive network of trains and buses, which has actually helped its tourism to grow over the years. And the best way to this without being burdened by the time-to-time buying of one way tickets is by the use of T-Money Cards. T-Money in Korea is a smart card or device that is rechargeable. The T-Money card was implemented in July 2004 to ease the traffic flow at ticket gates in Seoul and other cities. T Money can be used to pay transportation fees or even make purchases in stores.

T-money Mpass is the periodic public transportation ticket issued for foreigners only so foreign visitors can travel Republic of Korea more easily.

The foreigners who received the issued T-money Mpass can use subway line No. 1-9 of Seoul, Incheon subway and airport railroad maximum 20 times a day and use franchisers of T-money, bus and taxi if charges the pass too.

Rental Prices

1 day	10,000 won
2 days	18,000 won (10% discount)
3 days	25,500 won (15% discount)
5 days	42,500 won (15% discount)
7 days	59,500 won (15% discount)

T-money Mpass is issued on the arrival floor at the Incheon airport, you can find application forms at the main information desk; fill it out and the T-money Mpass will be issued. The service operates from 7 AM to 10 PM.

How to Top Up Your T-money Mpass with Cash:

The main information desk on the arrival floor at the Incheon Airport, T-money affiliated Stores (GS25, Family Mart, Seven Eleven, Buy The Way, Mini Stop, and Kiosks); charge machines at subway stations offer a convenient way of topping your T-money Mpass with cash. The charging is incremental by 1,000 won unit; up to 90,000 won can be charged at one time, for a maximum of 500,000 won. If you top up your T-money Mpass with cash, T-money Mpass can be used just like cash at T-money affiliated stores or in cabs with T-Money Logo.

Discount Benefits:

Special discounts are offered at more than 6,000 affiliates throughout the nation, including tourist attractions, amusement parks, restaurants, accommodations, shopping areas, performing arts theaters, and more.

·         Transportation:

SUBWAY:

Metropolitan lines 1-9, New Airport Railway, and Light Electric Railway

BUS:

Seoul, Gyunggi, Incheon City Bus, Rural Bus, and Inter-City Bus

Cheonan, Asan, Pohang, Tongyoung, Andong, and Geoje City/ Rural Bus

City Tour Bus (T-money users are eligible for a 5% discount)

TAXI:

 Inner Seoul City Taxi (only available from taxies with a card indicator)

·         Sightseeing & Entertainment:

At the main information desk on the arrival floor at the Incheon Airport, you can buy a T-money Mpass that includes tour attraction tickets. This will provide you with an easier way to explore Korea.

Seoul Museum of Art, Kyeongbok Palace, Changduk Palace, Changkyung Palace, Duksu Palace, and Jongmyo (Free)

N SEOUL TOWER, Chongdong Theater, Lotte World, For Season House, Sachoom Dance Musical, Myungdong Haemultang Uhmunijip,  Myungdong Hanjeungmak,  Myundong Mud, National Museum of Korea, 63 City

Book Store:

 Kyobo Bookstore (Gwanghwamun, Mokdong, Jamsil, Ewha University, Sukmyung University branches)

Shopping, Coffee and Bakery, Fast-food:

Lotte Duty Free, Lotte Mart, 7-Eleven, Lotte Super, Lotte Department Store, McDonalds, Lotteria, Angel-in-us, Mister Donut, Crown Bakery

Self-Service Machine:

Easy Locker: Self Service Locker Fee at Seoul Metropolitan Subway Line No. 1-4

Drink, Snack, and Book Vending Machine which is installed at major subway stations such as Seoul and City Hall Stations

KTL Public Phone

Refund and Replacement:

After usage, if you return your T-money Mpass, the guarantee fee and other money unused on your pass will be refunded to you although transaction fee of 500 won will be deducted.

Malfunctioning Cards will be refunded for all the unused amount plus the guarantee fee will be returned too.

Refund place will be at the main tourist information office on the arrival floor at the Incheon Airport.

So there you go, surely we will enjoy touring around Seoul when we get there. I just love the feeling of tapping the card on the sensors when I get into and out of the subway and on buses too. Just can’t wait to buy my very own T-Money card; but will still have to save for it. We will be staying for two weeks, so it will be a 14 days worth of T-Money Mpass. 

See you there!

How to Get to South Korea from the Philippines

Since I’m from the Philippines I will need a Visa to travel and visit South Korea. Here are some tips and requirements to get a Korean Travel Visa.

Applying for Korean Tourist Visa will be a little easier than US Visa application since they will not be conducting an interview or any other additional documents. What an applicant needs to secure are the following:

1. 1.    Application form (typewritten in A4) FORMS HERE
2. 2.    One passport size colored picture
3. 3.    Passport Original and a photocopy of First Page (6 months valid)
4. 4.    Employment Certificate (Original)
5. 5.    Personal Bank Certificate(Original)
6. 6.    ITR (Income Tax Return) (original and a photocopy)

* If personally invited to Korea: Original Invitation Letter in Korea & photocopy of the Inviter’s Passport

* If invited by Company to Korea: Original Invitation Letter in Korea & photocopy of the Korean Company Business Permit

I heard that we have to go to the embassy really early! They open at 9AM but you have to line up outside before they let you in (just like when I first applied for passport. Korean Embassy is located at 122 Upper McKinley Road McKinley Town Center Fort Bonifacio, Taguig city 1634; Hotline Number: 02-856-9210. After completing the required documents, applicants may file their applications at the Consular Office of the Korean Embassy from 9 to 11 a.m. only, Monday to Friday. This is on a first come, first served basis. Note that gates open at 8 a.m. When you arrive at the gate, you will need to get a gate pass and sign on the log sheet. There is a separate log for first time travelers and frequent travelers. There will be another line before entering the main office; we will have to get our number from the reception table. Again, the numbers for first time and frequent travelers are different. So make sure you get the right one.

The numbers will be shown on the LCD display, we would then have to go to Window 3 and present our documents. If you’ll be staying in Korea for more than 59 days, 1,500 pesos as visa fee will be required. A stay of less than 59 days is free.

They will then give you a claim slip indicating the date when you can return to the embassy to pick up your passport (and visa if approved). Don't lose it since you will need it to claim your passport. For first time travelers, processing takes five working days. While for frequent travelers, processing is three working days. It can take longer depending on the decision of the consul.

Releasing time is only from 2 to 4 p.m. The same entry procedures apply, get a gate pass and sign on the log sheet, then get a number once inside. Make sure you bring your claim slip with you because you will need this to enter and get a number. If you are unable to claim your visa on the scheduled date, you may pick it up on another date. But make sure to mention it to the consul. You may also have someone claim your passport for you with the necessary authorization letters. Also make sure to mention this to the consul.

“Documents received” on passport means you have been denied. We need to wait for six months before we could apply again. TT____TT

From Cebu, Cebu Pacific is offering direct flights to Incheon at the lowest prices of 9,199php. That is why I am still waiting for new promos. It will be an estimated 4 hour flight from the Mactan Airport to Incheon International Airport, about 1 hour west of Seoul, is the country's largest airport, with good connections throughout the world. This is also arguably the best run and best designed airport in the world - a pleasure to use, although if we arrive late; we should watch out for pushy taxi drivers lying about the hotel buses and trying to get you to pay 3x the normal fare. There are direct inter-city buses to many locations throughout South Korea just outside the international arrival hall. We can buy the tickets at the airport.

So what are we waiting for, let’s get our bags packed and be ready to go. Set-up a plan with friends or family or even all by yourself. South Korea is a whole new place to discover.

The Girls Are Back!

Yes We Are Back!!!

We are back and packed with a new adventure. We are getting ready for our Ultimate SK (South Korea) Invasion. We will be sharing a lot to our readers, especially that we have one year to prepare for this trip.

So before we start sharing our adventure preparation and what not, its better that you get to know more about us:

Future Doctor, DawnHae will be invading Korea in a hope to see her...^^...

She will be in 4th year medical intern next year and she will be spending most of her time in clinical areas, so before she becomes too busy she will make the most out of it in her 2 weeks escapade in SK.

The free spirited and always on top of her game.

HC will be invading SK to fulfill her dreams of traveling to different places.

Her ultimate goal when she gets there is to be at the library.

Missy always wanted to be in Korea.

She wants to experience snow and eat fishcakes on the street. She wants to see the Cherry Blossoms and Ginko Biloba Trail, and experience how romantic it is to be these places like how it's seen on K Dramas.

So watch out and sit back, these girls will surely make you want to travel to Korea in no time...