Seoul Trip — May 30

Day 1 · Saturday

May 30 — Arrival

D7504 · KUL → ICN T1 · Arrives 7:00am · Myeongdong Hotel

✈️ D7504 Arrival · ICN Terminal 1 → Hotel

Flight D7504 (AirAsia X) lands at ICN Terminal 1. After landing: immigration → baggage claim → exit to Arrivals Hall (1F). Allow 20–40 min.

Walk to AREX: From 1F Arrivals Hall, follow signs to the Transportation Center → descend to B1. Walking distance ~450–500m, about 8–10 min from customs exit

AREX Direct (직통) T1 → Seoul Station: 43 min · ₩9,500 · first train ~05:24 · departs every 20–40 min. Assigned seat, luggage rack, free Wi-Fi. Do NOT take the All-Stop (일반) train — takes 59 min. Pay with T-money card

Seoul Station → Hotel (choose one):
Option A — Line 4 (simpler): Seoul Station → Line 4 (blue) → Hoehyeon → Myeongdong Station (2 stops, ~7 min) → Exit 5 → walk straight ~400m, 5–7 min along Myeongdong-gil to hotel at 36 Myeongdong 3-gil
Option B — Euljiro 1-ga (less walking): Seoul Station → Line 1 → City Hall (1 stop, ~3 min) → transfer Line 2 → Euljiro 1-ga (1 stop, ~2 min) → Exit 5 or 6 → walk 50m, 20 seconds to hotel entrance

Option C — Limousine Bus #6015 (most comfortable with luggage): 1F Arrivals Hall Gate 5B → bus every 10–20 min, first bus 05:45 · ₩17,000 · ~70–90 min · drops at IBIS Myeongdong stop · walk ~5 min to hotel. No transfers, sits you down with bags — good choice if arriving tired

Breakfast

~9:00amSeowonjuk 서원죽 — Porridge BreakfastBreakfast

After clearing D7504 and reaching the hotel (~8:30–9am), drop Akane+Kevin's bags with the front desk (rooms available from 3pm but they'll store luggage). Then walk to Seowonjuk — warm, gentle Korean porridge, the best first meal after a long flight. Order abalone (전복죽) or pumpkin porridge (호박죽). Myeongdong location, 5 min walk from hotel.

Shopping Block

10:00amOlive Young Myeongdong TownShop

Korea's largest Olive Young — 2 full floors, multilingual staff, in-store tax refund counter. Every trending K-beauty brand: Medicube, Torriden, Romand, COSRX, Beauty of Joseon, Round Lab. Budget 1.5–2 hrs.

💰 Saving tipShow passport at self-checkout → instant ~5–8% tax refund. Download Olive Young app before travel to scan barcodes and find 1+1 orange-tag deals.

12:00pmMarithe François Girbaud — Myeongdong FlagshipShop

Marithe has a flagship right here on Myeongdong 8-gil (same street as Baekje Samgyetang, 2 min from hotel). No need to detour to Hongdae just for this brand. Full current collection: signature logo crewnecks, knit cardigans, structured basics. Opens 11am–10pm.

💰 Saving tipTax refund available — show passport. Credit card only (no cash). Prices ₩89,000–₩169,000. Also in Hongdae on Jun 1 for a second browse.

1:30pmLotte Duty Free MyeongdongShop

World-class duty free in Lotte Hotel tower. Best for: luxury cosmetics (Sulwhasoo, Hera, Amorepacific), international perfumes, whisky. Also carries Gentle Monster — compare price with own store (see Tips tab).

💰 Saving tipsPre-register for tourist coupons at lottedfs.com. Show passport + boarding pass. Duty-free limit $800 USD/person. This is also the best place for Skechers if on your list — duty free pricing saves 20–30% vs standalone store.

3:00pmHotel Check-In + RestStay

Akane+Kevin check into Line Hotel Myeongdong. Short rest before dinner — jet lag is coming.

NoteRequest a corner room on a higher floor for better city view and ventilation.

Evening

5:30pmMyeongdong Street Food WalkFood

Light pre-dinner snack stroll. Hotteok (sweet pancakes), odeng fishcake soup, tteok-galbi skewers. ₩2,000–₩5,000 each. Good way to explore the neighbourhood before the main dinner.

7:30pmBaekje Samgyetang 백제삼계탕Dinner

1971 ginseng chicken soup institution, literally 2 min walk on Myeongdong 8-gil from hotel. Deep, restorative, medicinal broth with a whole stuffed chicken — the ideal first proper dinner in Seoul after travel. Order the silkie chicken upgrade (오골계탕) if available.

TipsOpen until 10pm. Show passport for ~5% tax refund on ₩30K+ orders. No reservation needed but go before 8pm on weekends.

Day 2 · Sunday

May 31 — Seongsu

Seongsu-dong · Gentle Monster · Matin Kim · Mardi

🚇 Getting to Seongsu

Line 4: Myeongdong → City Hall (1 stop)

Transfer Line 2 (green, inner circle) → Seongsu Station (8 stops, ~18 min)

Exit 3 or 4. Total ~25 min. ₩1,400 with T-money.

Breakfast

8:30amEgg Drop 에그드롭 — Korean Egg SandwichBreakfast

Trendy Korean egg sandwich chain — thick, buttery egg patty on a soft brioche roll, warm and satisfying. Way more interesting than hotel breakfast. Quick to eat, perfect before heading to Seongsu. Multiple Myeongdong/Hongdae area locations. Budget ₩6,000–₩8,500.

AlternativeIsaac Toast (이삭토스트) is the more casual, street-food version — egg + ham + cheese on Korean toast bread for ~₩3,500. Just as beloved, faster and cheaper.

Seongsu Shops + Food

9:30amHead to SeongsuTransport

Line 4 → City Hall → Line 2 → Seongsu Station, Exit 3 or 4.

10:15amIm Donut Seongsu 임도넛Food

Seongsu's most viral artisan donut spot. Dense, creative flavours — nothing like a chain donut. Go early before queues build. Get 2–3 flavours to share while walking.

11:00amHAUS NOWHERE — Gentle Monster SeongsuShop

Multi-floor retail installation that feels like a sci-fi museum. Giant breathing sculpture (F1), GM eyewear (F2), Tamburins beauty (F3), Nudake Teahouse (F5). AI photo experience. Opens 11am sharp. Budget 1.5–2 hrs. This is the definitive Gentle Monster location for exclusives.

💰 Flagship vs Duty FreeSeongsu exclusives ONLY available here. For standard popular models, duty free is marginally cheaper (no VAT vs ~8% tax refund). If you want the full experience AND exclusive designs, buy here. Standard models: consider comparing with Lotte Duty Free price first.

1:00pm맛있는순두부 & 김치찜Lunch

Soft tofu stew (순두부찌개) and braised kimchi (김치찜) — hearty, satisfying Korean comfort lunch in Seongsu. Add rice (공기밥) for ₩1,000. Say 덜 맵게 for less spicy.

2:30pmMatin Kim 마뗑킴 — Seongsu FlagshipShop

Korea's hottest contemporary fashion brand right now. Clean, minimalist silhouettes with bold Korean branding. Oversized blazers, tailored trousers, logo outerwear. The flagship is in Seongsu (9 Yeonmujang 3-gil, Seongdong-gu) — this is the only major standalone store.

💰 Saving tipNot available in duty free. Only place to get the full collection is here. Tax refund with passport ~5–8%. Prices ₩89,000–₩350,000. Popular pieces sell out — try everything on before committing.

3:30pmMardi Mercredi 마르디 메크르디Shop

Beloved Korean brand — signature flower-print pieces, cheerful casualwear. Great quality, accessible price ₩59,000–₩149,000.

💰 Saving tipTax refund with passport. Not in duty free — flagship stores only. Cheaper here than any international stockist.

4:30pmMore Seongsu — Bonus StopsShop

Round out the Seongsu haul.

Ader Error — avant-garde streetwear Nonfiction — cult hand creams & fragrance Blue Elephant — budget GM-style sunglasses

Nonfiction hand creams = one of the best value Seoul gifts. Get the discovery set.

6:30pmReturn to MyeongdongTransport

Line 2 → City Hall → Line 4 → Myeongdong. ~25 min. Light street food or CU convenience store dinner tonight — bigger meals start tomorrow.

Day 3 · Monday

Jun 1 — Sinchon, Hongdae + Gwangjang

Dakhanmari · GM Hongdae · Marithe Hongdae · Ikseon-dong · Hanwoo

👯‍♀️ Ayumi joins today! ZG045 lands 11:25am

🚇 Day Route

Morning → Sinchon: Line 4 → City Hall → Line 2 → Sinchon Station (Exit 1, ~12 min)

Sinchon → Hongdae: 10 min walk west (or 1 stop on Line 2 to Hongik Univ. Station)

Hongdae → Ikseon-dong: Line 2 → City Hall → Line 1 → Jongno 3-ga (Exit 4, ~25 min)

Ikseon-dong → Gwangjang Market: 10 min walk east along Jongno

Evening → Myeongdong: Line 1 → City Hall → Line 4 → Myeongdong (~15 min)

👯 Ayumi (ZG045) Arrives Today — Airport → Hotel Transport Plan

Flight ZG045 (ZipAir Tokyo) departs NRT Terminal 1 and lands at ICN Terminal 1 at 11:25am. After landing: immigration → baggage claim → Arrivals Hall (1F). Allow 25–40 min from touchdown → at hotel by ~1:30–2:00pm.

Option A — AREX Direct (recommended): From 1F Arrivals Hall follow signs to Transportation Center → descend to B1. AREX Direct (직통) T1 → Seoul Station: 43 min · ₩9,500. Departs every 20–40 min. Do NOT take the All-Stop (일반) train. At Seoul Station → Line 4 (blue) → Myeongdong (2 stops, ~7 min) → Exit 5 → walk ~400m to hotel. Total door-to-hotel: ~80–100 min.

Option B — Limousine Bus #6015 (easiest with luggage): 1F Arrivals Hall Gate 5B · Bus every 10–20 min · ₩17,000 · ~70–90 min · drops at IBIS Myeongdong stop · 5 min walk to Line Hotel. No transfers, most comfortable option if loaded with bags.

Meet at Line Hotel Myeongdong lobby (36 Myeongdong 3-gil). You'll be back at the hotel mid-afternoon to wait for her and help arrange check-in. Share your KakaoTalk location so she can track when you're heading back.

Breakfast

8:30amHuijuk Huijuk 휘죽휘죽 — PorridgeBreakfast

The second of the two porridge restaurants on the list — a cosy, restorative bowl before a big day out. Try abalone or grain porridge.

Sinchon Lunch

10:30amHead to SinchonTransport

Line 4 → City Hall → Line 2 → Sinchon Station, Exit 1. Walk 416m to Yudak Story.

11:30amYudak Story Dakhanmari 유닥스토리Lunch

★ Recommended pick. Blue Ribbon Survey certified, foreigner-friendly, English menu. One whole chicken in clear herbal broth with potatoes and rice cakes. Do not leave without ordering kalguksu noodles added to the remaining broth — it's the best part.

TipsExpect a short queue. 416m from Sinchon Exit 1. Budget ₩18,000–₩25,000/person. Dipping sauce: 간장 + 청양고추.

Hongdae Shopping

1:30pmWalk to HongdaeTransport

10 min walk west from Sinchon toward Hongik University Station area. Or 1 stop on Line 2 to Hongik Univ. Station.

1:45pmGentle Monster Hongdae FlagshipShop

54, Dokmak-ro 7-gil, Mapo-gu (6 min walk from Hapjeong Station Exit 3, or easy walk from Sinchon). Current concept: "SACRIFICE" — a story of the God of the Earth, with massive immersive art installations across 3 floors. Different artistic concept to HAUS NOWHERE in Seongsu. Opens 12pm–10pm.

💰 Hongdae vs Seongsu vs Duty FreeIf you already visited HAUS NOWHERE (Day 2), the Hongdae store has the same main collection. If you want to buy standard popular models, this is a good chance to compare with Lotte Duty Free pricing — duty free is marginally cheaper (no VAT vs ~8% refund). But Seongsu exclusives ONLY exist at HAUS NOWHERE. Tax refund available here too.

3:00pmMarithe François Girbaud — HongdaeShop

2F, 27, Jandari-ro, Mapo-gu (the staircase entrance is on the side of the building — easy to miss). Opens 12pm–9pm. Same brand as the Myeongdong flagship you visited on Day 1, but this location can have different seasonal stock. Good for a second browse or if anything sold out on Day 1.

Credit card only Tax refund available Opens 12pm–9pm

3:45pmHongdae Street ShoppingShop

Explore the surrounding indie Hongdae streets while you're here.

SPAO — affordable K-fashion basics Kakao Friends Store Line Friends Store Indie vintage & thrift alleys

Indie stalls: creative accessories and clothes ₩10,000–₩30,000. Tax refund usually not available at small stalls.

Meet Ayumi 👯

~3:30pmReturn to Hotel — Meet Ayumi + Check-InAyumi Arrives

Head back to Line Hotel Myeongdong after Hongdae shopping. Ayumi will be arriving from ICN via AREX or bus. Meet Ayumi in the lobby and help facilitate Ayumi's check-in. Give her 30–45 min to drop bags, freshen up, and get oriented before rejoining the itinerary.

💬 TipShare your hotel room number in advance via KakaoTalk so she can head up if you step out briefly. The front desk can store her luggage if she arrives before the room is ready. Check-in standard time is 3pm at Line Hotel.

Ikseon-dong Sightseeing

4:45pmHongdae → Ikseon-dongTransport

Line 2 from Hongik Univ. → City Hall → Line 1 → Jongno 3-ga, Exit 4. ~25 min total.

5:15pmIkseon-dong 익선동 Hanok VillageSightseeing

Seoul's most charming neighbourhood — century-old Korean hanok (tile-roofed houses) turned into artisan cafes, ceramics studios, vintage boutiques and flower shops. A completely different energy to anywhere else on the trip. Very photogenic narrow alleys.

Traditional ceramics Hanok cafe hopping Vintage Korean fashion Flower & craft stalls

Photo tipBest shots in the narrow alleys between the hanok walls in late afternoon light. The whole area is a 10 min walk across — explore freely without a plan.

Gwangjang + Dinner

6:15pmGwangjang Market 광장시장Food

10 min walk east from Ikseon-dong (or 2 stops on Line 1 to Jongno 5-ga, Exit 8). Seoul's oldest covered market, buzzing in the evening. Treat as an appetite-teaser before the main BBQ. Try bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), mayak kimbap, raw beef yukhoe.

StrategyDon't fill up! You have a sirloin dinner ahead. ₩10,000–₩15,000 for a light snack crawl. Head to the central food corridor, not the fabric/clothing wings.

7:15pmBack to MyeongdongTransport

Line 1 → City Hall → Line 4 → Myeongdong. ~15 min. Short rest before dinner.

8:00pmIlpyeon Sirloin Korean BBQ 일편 등심Dinner

Myeongdong's beloved hanwoo (Korean beef) sirloin BBQ. Prime cuts charcoal-grilled at the table. Rich, tender, deeply marbled beef — the quality Korean BBQ experience. Walk from hotel.

⚠️ Book aheadCall or use Naver Map reservation. Monday evenings fill up. Budget ₩40,000–₩60,000/person.

Day 4 · Tuesday — Day Trip

Jun 2 — 🚄 Busan

Gijang crabs · 🚡 Blueline Sky Capsule (walk-in) · Gwangalli stew

⚠️ KTX reminder Arrive Seoul Station by 7:00am. Take taxi from hotel (~8 min, ₩7,000). Don't rely on the subway at this hour.

🚄 Outbound · Seoul → Busan

Seoul

7:27 am

━━━━▶

2 hr 36 min · KTX

Busan

10:03 am

🚄 Return · Busan → Seoul

Busan

7:12 pm

━━━━▶

2 hr 23 min · KTX

Seoul

9:35 pm

No sit-down breakfast today

6:30amGS25 / CU at Seoul Station — Grab & GoBreakfast

No time for a sit-down breakfast. Head straight to Seoul Station and grab triangle kimbap (삼각김밥), onigiri, a pastry, and a canned coffee from the convenience store at the station. ₩3,000–₩5,000. Fast, genuinely delicious, and very Korean.

Insider tipKorean GS25/CU onigiri and hot food items are surprisingly good. The tuna mayo triangles and egg mayo triangles are classics. Warm up your food at the in-store microwave.

7:27amKTX Departs → Busan 10:03amTransport

Sit back, enjoy the countryside. Arrive Busan Station 10:03am.

Gijang — Northeast Busan

10:03amBusan Station → Gijang MarketTransport

KakaoT taxi: 30–40 min, ₩20,000–₩25,000. Show '기장시장' on phone to driver.

11:00amGijang Market — Fresh Live CrabLunch

Pick live snow or king crab directly from the tank — vendor cooks it while you find your table upstairs. Order crab roe rice (게딱지밥) inside the shell + spicy fish stew (매운탕).

💰 Saving strategyWalk the full row, compare 3–4 vendors before committing. Buy from market stall (cheaper) → vendor cooks it at their upstairs restaurant. Budget ₩40,000–₩70,000/person. June = tail end of snow crab season, still excellent.

12:30pmCoralani Cafe — GijangFood

Ocean-view cafe near Gijang. High ceilings open to rooftop, panoramic sea view. Famous for egg tarts and salt bread.

TipArrive before 1pm for the best window or rooftop seat.

Haeundae — Blueline Park

1:15pmGijang → Mipo Station (Blueline Park)Transport

KakaoT taxi from Gijang to Mipo Beach 미포 (Blueline Park starting station): ~15–20 min, ₩10,000–₩15,000. Head here directly after Coralani — you need to be in the queue early for walk-in tickets.

~1:45pm🚡 Busan Blueline Park Sky Capsule — Walk-In AttemptAttraction

The 2km glass capsule ride along the coast from Mipo to Cheongsapo — one of the most scenic rides in Korea. Couldn't book online, so the plan is to try reserved walk-in tickets on arrival. Aim for the 2pm or 3pm slot. Walk-in reserved tickets are available at the ticket booth on a first-come-first-served basis — arriving before 1:45pm gives the best shot at a 2pm capsule slot.

⚠️ Walk-In StrategyHead straight to the ticket booth at Mipo station upon arrival. Show the next available time slot — ask for 2pm or 3pm. If both full: the Beach Train (해변열차) runs the same coastal route at the same location without pre-booking, ₩10,000/person, a worthy consolation. Either way the coastal views are stunning.

Gwangalli — Central Busan

~3:30pmMipo → GwangalliTransport

KakaoT taxi: ~25–35 min, ₩15,000–₩20,000. Or Bus 139 (scenic coastal route, ₩1,550, ~40 min).

~4:00pmLa Feuille — BusanFood

Elegant French-inspired cafe in Busan. Light, refined bites between the heavier meals. A great spot to rest before the evening. Check opening hours before the trip.

~4:45pmGwangalli Beach StrollSightseeing

30 min walk along Gwangalli with the iconic lit Gwangan Bridge view. Most photogenic spot in Busan. Late afternoon light is perfect for photos.

5:30pmGaemijip Gwangalli 개미집 광안리Dinner

Famous nakgobsae — octopus + beef intestine + shrimp in a fiery addictive broth. Add ramen noodles to the leftover broth at the end. The dish people can't stop thinking about.

TipsSame dish for whole table. Ask for 반 매운 (half spicy) if needed. ₩15,000–₩20,000/person. Leave by 6:15pm for KTX.

6:15pmTaxi → Busan Station · KTX 7:12pmTransport

KakaoT ~30 min, ₩15,000–₩20,000. Be at Busan Station by 6:50pm. Arrive Seoul 9:35pm, taxi back to hotel ~₩7,000 each.

Day 5 · Wednesday

Jun 3 — Final Seoul Day

Slow morning · Last shopping · Dry-aged BBQ dinner

📍 Today's plan

Low-effort day — stay near Myeongdong and Euljiro

Evening: Line 4 → Euljiro 4-ga (3 stops, 7 min) for Sukseongdo dinner

Pack bags tonight — everyone leaves at 4:30am tomorrow!

Breakfast

9:30amParis Baguette or Brunch CafeBreakfast

Relaxed final morning — sit down with proper coffee and a pastry. Paris Baguette and Tous les Jours have multiple Myeongdong locations with tables. Or find one of the many cute independent cafes nearby for eggs, toast and espresso. Budget ₩8,000–₩15,000.

AlternativeIf you want something more Korean, this is your last chance to revisit Seowonjuk for one final bowl of porridge before the trip ends.

Final Shopping

11:00amFinal Olive Young + Souvenirs + DaisoShop

Last K-beauty run — extra sheet masks, snacks for home (Pepero, Honey Butter Chips), gifts. Daiso (다이소) for vacuum compression bags and travel pouches at ₩1,000–₩5,000. Essential for fitting everything in your suitcase.

💰 Airport tax refund reminderGather ALL tax refund receipts from the entire trip. Process at ICN Customs BEFORE check-in tomorrow, or automated kiosks. Keep items sealed — customs may inspect.

1:30pmCasual LunchLunch

Something light — Korean fried chicken, jajangmyeon, or the iconic CU/GS25 triangle kimbap + cup ramyeon outside on the street. CU and GS25 near Myeongdong are open 24/7 and genuinely excellent.

3:00pmPack BagsStay

Use compression bags for skincare and clothes. Set aside: passport, boarding pass, T-money card, light jacket. Leave taxi money accessible — Akane+Kevin will need it at 4:30am in the dark.

Final Dinner

7:00pmHead to EuljiroTransport

Line 4 → Euljiro 4-ga (3 stops, 7 min) or a 12 min walk through the Myeongdong alleys.

7:30pmSukseongdo Euljiro 숙성도 을지로Dinner

★ Best BBQ of the trip. Dry-aged Jeju black pork — thick-cut belly charcoal-grilled. Springy, smoky, outrageously juicy. Wrap in perilla leaves with garlic and ssamjang. Restrained, intentional Korean BBQ at its best. 4.8★. The perfect last dinner.

⚠️ Book via Catch Table app 캐치테이블Evenings fill completely — reserve 1–2 weeks in advance. Budget ₩35,000–₩50,000/person.

9:30pmDeparture ChecklistStay

Akane+Kevin: Passport ✓ D7505 boarding pass ✓ Tax refund receipts in envelope ✓ 4am alarms × 2 ✓ Early checkout arranged ✓

Ayumi: Passport ✓ 7C1175 boarding pass ✓ Tax refund receipts ✓ KakaoT taxi booked ✓

Day 6 · Thursday

Jun 4 — Departure

D7505 Akane+Kevin 8:15am + 7C1175 Ayumi 9:45am · Both ICN T1 → KUL · Wake 4:00am

✈️ Two Departures — Depart Airport Together

Akane+Kevin — D7505 (AirAsia X) departs ICN T1 at 8:15am. Check-in closes ~7:15am. Be at T1 check-in by 6:15–6:30am.

Ayumi's flight: 7C1175 (Jeju Air) departs ICN T1 at 9:45am — check-in closes ~8:45am. Both flights are from Terminal 1, so Akane+Kevin and Ayumi travel to the airport together and split at check-in.

Ayumi departs 9:45am, Akane+Kevin depart 8:15am: Same AREX train together. At T1, Akane+Kevin check in and go through security first. Ayumi can complete her tax refund and check in from ~7:30am onwards — she has about 1.5 hrs to spare after Akane+Kevin head to their gate.

✈️ Departure · Hotel → ICN Terminal 1 (Both)

Subway NOT running at 4:30am — first Line 4 from Myeongdong is ~5:30am, too late for either flight. Must take taxi.

Book KakaoT taxis the night before (one van or two taxis) (or one large taxi/van if the app allows): Hotel → Seoul Station · ~₩6,000–8,000 each · 8–10 min · Night surcharge ~20% applies. Scheduling the night before removes the 4am stress.

Seoul Station → AREX platform: Follow signs to AREX / Airport Railroad → descend to B2 · about 5 min walk

AREX Direct (직통) Seoul Station → ICN T1: First departure ~5:10–5:20am · 43 min · ₩9,500 · Arrives T1 ~5:53–6:03am ✓

ICN T1 check-in: AirAsia X (D7505) and Jeju Air (7C1175) both check in on Level 3 (Departures). Tax Refund office is landside before security — process all tax refunds together before splitting to your respective check-in queues.

4:00amWake Up — Two AlarmsStay

Cold water, everyone get moving. Sleep on the plane.

4:30amWalk to street → KakaoT Taxi → Seoul Station (Both)Transport

Akane+Kevin and Ayumi leave together. Walk out of hotel main entrance (36 Myeongdong 3-gil) — 30 seconds to hail or meet KakaoT cabs. Book the night before for 4:30am. Night surcharge ~20% applies. Confirm '서울역 Seoul Station'. Journey: ~2.5 km, 8–10 min, ₩6,000–8,000 each.

Book KakaoT the night beforeSchedule pickups for 4:30am. If everyone's bags fit, one large taxi (van request in KakaoT) saves time and hassle — fits 4–5 people with luggage.

5:10amAREX Direct → ICN Terminal 1 (D7505)Transport

At Seoul Station: follow signs to AREX / Airport Railroad → descend to B2 (about 5 min walk from taxi drop-off). First direct AREX from Seoul Station departs ~5:10–5:20am. Pay with T-money card at gate (₩9,500). Arrives ICN Terminal 1 at ~5:53–6:03am. Assigned seat, free Wi-Fi onboard.

Critical: DIRECT (직통) onlyThe all-stop (일반) train takes 59 min and stops 11 times. The Direct runs non-stop. Both use the same platform — check the board for 직통 before boarding.

6:00amArrive ICN T1 — Check In D7505 + 7C1175Transport

From AREX platform (B1), take escalator/lift to Level 3 (Departures). Find the Tax Refund Office before the security checkpoint — do this together, everyone submit all receipts here. Electronic kiosks 24/7. Then split to respective check-in counters: AirAsia X (D7505) and Jeju Air (7C1175) are both on Level 3. After check-in and bag drop, meet airside if gates allow, or say farewell at security.

After tax refund: Proceed through security → immigration → follow signs to your gate. Allow ~45 min from check-in to gate. Ayumi has ~1.5 hrs to spare at T1 — grab coffee in the landside food court (Level 3) while waiting for Ayumi's 7C1175 check-in to open.

8:15 / 9:45am✈️ D7505 (Akane+Kevin) + 7C1175 (Ayumi) Depart — ICN T1 → KULTransport

AirAsia X D7505 departs 8:15am (Akane+Kevin) · Jeju Air 7C1175 departs 9:45am (Ayumi). Both arrive at Kuala Lumpur. Flight time ~6h 20–40min. 최고의 여행 되세요! The suitcases are heavier. The wallets are lighter. Completely worth it.

Shopping Guide

Saving Tips

Brand stores vs Duty Free · Tax refunds · Essential apps

🏬 Individual Brand Store vs Duty Free — Which is Cheaper?

    Short answer: Korean indie fashion brands (Mardi, Marithe, Matin Kim) are NOT in duty free — flagship stores only. International brands (Skechers) and luxury cosmetics are cheaper duty free. Gentle Monster sits in between.
  

🕶️Gentle MonsterBoth — compare first

Lotte Duty Free carries popular core models — no VAT charged from the start, so ~10% cheaper before any coupons vs store price

Own flagships (Seongsu/Hongdae): full range, tax refund ~8–10% with passport, brings price close to duty free

HAUS NOWHERE Seongsu exclusives = only available at the Seongsu store, never in duty free

Best strategy: browse HAUS NOWHERE for experience + exclusives; check Lotte Duty Free for price on standard popular models before buying

👗Mardi MercrediFlagship stores only

NOT available in duty free — Korean indie brand, not carried by Lotte or Shilla DFS

Buy at Seongsu or Hannam flagship. Tax refund ~5–8% with passport

Still significantly cheaper than buying overseas at stockists (prices same across all Korean stores)

👕Marithe François GirbaudFlagship stores only

NOT in duty free. Available at flagships: Myeongdong (near hotel!), Hongdae, Hannam, and Hyundai department stores

Tax refund available — show passport. Credit card payment only (no cash)

Myeongdong flagship on Myeongdong 8-gil = same street as the hotel and Baekje Samgyetang

🧥Matin Kim 마뗑킴Seongsu flagship only

NOT in duty free. Flagship at 9 Yeonmujang 3-gil, Seongsu (Day 2 stop)

Only major standalone store in Seoul — don't miss it on the Seongsu day

Tax refund with passport. Prices ₩89,000–₩350,000. Popular pieces sell fast.

👟Skechers (+ other international brands)Duty free is better

International brands like Skechers are typically 20–30% cheaper at duty free than standalone stores

Lotte Duty Free Myeongdong (Day 1) and Lotte Duty Free World Tower carry Skechers

Same principle applies to Nike, New Balance, international fashion accessories

Always check duty free first for any international brand before buying at a standalone store

💄K-beautyDepends on the brand

Mass K-beauty (COSRX, Round Lab, Torriden, Medicube, Romand, Isntree): Olive Young ONLY — these brands are not meaningfully stocked in duty free

Korean luxury beauty (Sulwhasoo, Hera, Amorepacific, O HUI): Lotte Duty Free is significantly cheaper

Mid-tier brands (Innisfree, Laneige, IOPE): Both options available, duty free slightly better

💰 Tax Refund — How It Works

VAT Refund for Tourists

Minimum ₩30,000 per receipt to qualify for ~10% VAT refund

Immediate in-store refund: Show passport at checkout → instant deduction. Works at Olive Young, Gentle Monster, Mardi, and most major stores

Airport kiosks: Keep ALL receipts in an envelope. Tax Refund Office at ICN BEFORE check-in. Electronic kiosks open 24/7 → refund to credit card. Cash at staffed window.

Keep purchased items sealed/unopened for airport — customs may spot-check

📱 Essential Apps

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Naver Map

More accurate than Google Maps in Korea. Use for all navigation, walking directions, and finding restaurants. Essential.

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KakaoT

Korea's only real taxi app — Uber doesn't operate here. Use for all taxis including early morning Seoul Station runs and all Busan rides.

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Catch Table (캐치테이블)

Restaurant reservation app — essential for Sukseongdo Euljiro. Reserve 1–2 weeks ahead. Evenings fill completely without a reservation.

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Olive Young App

Scan barcodes in-store for reviews, check nearby branch stock, see live 1+1 deals. Set up before you fly.

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Currency Exchange

Myeongdong Money Exchange (명동 환전소) near Myeongdong Station — rates posted outside, consistently beats airports and banks.