Back to Japan and Korea

[Matt_01]

Today’s travel OKA-ICN was largely non eventful however it was the first international trip in around 25 years that we have travelled how most PAX travel i.e. no free extra luggage allowance, priority checkin, fast track security (this is not a thing at OKA), no lounge access etc. I found solace in the local beer which I had to pay for. Anyhow OKA is one of the smallest International airports I have departed from. The flight was uneventful and the service was good which is normal on most Tier 1 Asian airlines and IMO OZ is. Arrived and caught the express train to Seoul (no stops) I have not been to Seoul since 2019 however it was not hard to work out (remember) the train transfer procedure and we arrived at our accommodation for the next 5 days. The accommodation is large and may look flash and expensive but in reality it is cheaper than the major chains standard hotel room and is in a good location.

 

[pagingjoan]

Thank you for the interesting trip report, Matt_01.
Excellent pics, which added beautifully.

On a trip a few months back, we encountered the automatic system for both Check-in and Check-out in multiple places. I was hesitant at first but it worked well wherever we used it.

 

[Black Duck]

Which accommodation are you at in Seoul please. Looks useful.

 

[Matt_01]

@pagingjoan once they showed me how to use it I agree it was pretty easy.

 

[Matt_01]

Which accommodation are you at in Seoul please. Looks useful.

The name of the property is Orakai Insadong Suites. I came across it online our room is 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom with a double sink, lounge, full kitchen and a laundry room. The kitchen is compete with pots, frypans, glasses plates etc. so you can cook at home. It is only 2 stops from Seoul train station (where the AirPort Express arrives) on the No.1 line. Also there is a grocery store (not a 7/11 or similar) a few hundred meters away so you can buy fresh produce and cook in the room.

 

[Black Duck]

Thanks for accommodation info. I know that area fairly well but not the hotel. It would suit me well.

 

[Matt_01]

First full day in Seoul and we have different ideas on how to travel. I have been to Korea a few times, this is the first time for Mrs&MissM so here are 10 random photos from today. Full marks for guessing my afternoon lunch stop.

 

[Matt_01]

Yesterday we went on different paths, I went to the DMZ and MrsM&MissM went out in the city. Firstly the DMZ and Gamaksan Mt suspension bridge. There stops in the DMZ included the Peace Park, the no. 3 tunnel, the observatory and the unification village. The guide informed us that tours are currently not permitted to go to the boarder crossing or the blue hut as a reaction to the US soldier who ran over the crossing in North Korea last year. A few shots from the locations.

The Peace Park

 

[Matt_01]

The No. 3 Tunnel, these photos are from the top only, you are not allowed to take photos in the tunnel and you need to pass through a metal detector and if you try and take a camera or phone through you will get told to place it in the lockers.

The observation area. It was a clear day so we had good visibility into North Korea.

 

[Matt_01]

The Unification Village, this village is within the DMZ and we were informed that the farmers here have special privileges I did not get them all but in general they have all the privileges that other Korean’s get, they do not have to pay tax and the guide mentioned they are some of the richest farmers in Korea.

Gamaksan Mt Suspension Bridge. I am not that good with heights and do not like wobbly bridges but went across.

Along the paths there were some fake animals.

 

[Matt_01]

The adventures of Mrs&MissM, I think it was just a shopping excursion.

 

[Matt_01]

Today was another day in Seoul and we started at Seodaemun Prison History Hall which is an old prison that was run mainly by the Japanese during their occupation. After the Japanese were kicked out it was used as a prison/ detention centre until 1987.

The main prison cells, you are not allowed to go to the 2nd floor as these remain relatively unchanged since the 1920’s.

The execution building.

The excise yard.


Like always I have many more photos and for TR’s try to limit the photos to the maximum allowed.

 

[Matt_01]

Our plans in Seoul seem to be forever changing and I will digress to explain why. Our 17yo best friend is Korean with immediate family living in Seoul so there are 2 17yo conspiring to get to places to buy things that are not available in AU. Next problem is one of MrsM former work colleagues also happens to be in Seoul so they are exchanging notes on where to go. This will lead into the next post.

 

[Matt_01]

After finishing up at the prison MissM chimed in and said ‘friend’ has recommended a place for lunch, I asked for the location and when I was shown the text message I knew the location, rolled my eyes and got on the train, there was no use in arguing. So lunch was at Myeongdong KyoJa and if you are a party of 3 or more you are sent to the back door. It was busy however the line moved reasonably quick for lunch time. The restaurant has a choice of 4 dishes, we had 2 of them. The others were looked good but I was pretty sure Mrs&MissM would not like them and suggest they stick with their first pick. I wasn’t surprised that the 17yo had conspired to end up in Myeong-dong so after lunch we went our seperate ways. These crowed shopping districts are to much for this old chap.

 

[Matt_01]

Next on my list was the War Memorial of Korea. I have been here before, I am ex ARA so I do like places going back to war museums especially the ones in locations the AU forces fought in.

 

[Matt_01]

The last place I went to was Seoul Forrest Park, it was busy but understand why it was a beautiful spring day at around 4pm and the weather was cooling down. It was a nice way to finish the day.

 

[Matt_01]

Today we headed out of Seoul and headed to Suwon and then visited the Hwaseong Fortress with is classified as UNESCO World Heritage.

 

[Matt_01]

Some photos from inside the walls and lunch.

 

[Matt_01]

Last on the agenda for today was dinner, it was a hot pot restraunt that was recommended to MissM by her friend. It was close by but a bit harder to find as it was off the main street down an ally and in a back street. That been said it was quite good.

 

[pagingjoan]

Brilliant pics!