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.
3:00pmMyeongdong Pharmacy Run 약국Pharmacy
30+ pharmacies within walking distance of the hotel — easiest pharmacy stop of the trip. Pick up Madecassol Care, Acnon Cream, Noscarna Gel, and Patima Gel here since these are available at most pharmacies. Save the PDRN hunt for Wangsol (Namdaemun) or Hongdae for better pricing. Show passport for immediate ~8–10% VAT refund — minimum ₩30,000 per receipt.
💊 See Pharmacy GuideFull product list, prices, and tips in the Tips tab → Korean Pharmacy Skincare section. Screenshot the Korean product names before going in.
4:00pmHotel 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 — Myeongdong + Sinchon + Hongdae
Myeongdong AM · Meet Ayumi 2pm · Dakhanmari · Hongdae Style & Beauty · Hanwoo
👯♀️ Ayumi joins today! ZG045 lands 11:25am · Hotel by 2pm
🚇 Afternoon Route
Hotel → 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 → Myeongdong: Line 2 → City Hall → Line 4 → Myeongdong (~25 min)
👯 Ayumi (ZG045) Arrives Today — Target Hotel by 2:00pm
Flight ZG045 (ZipAir Tokyo) lands at ICN Terminal 1 at 11:25am. After landing: immigration → baggage claim → Arrivals Hall (1F). Allow 35–50 min — out by ~12:05–12:15pm.
Option A — AREX Direct (recommended): Follow signs to Transportation Center → descend to B1. AREX Direct (직통) T1 → Seoul Station: 43 min · ₩9,500. Take the ~12:45pm departure (use the wait to exchange currency or grab a snack at the terminal) → Seoul Station ~1:28pm → Line 4 → Myeongdong (2 stops, ~7 min) → Exit 5 → walk ~400m. Hotel arrival: ~2:00pm ✓
Option B — Limousine Bus #6015 (easiest with luggage): 1F Arrivals Hall Gate 5B · ₩17,000 · ~70–90 min · drops at IBIS Myeongdong stop · 5 min walk to Line Hotel. Depart by 12:15–12:30pm to arrive by ~2pm. No transfers.
Meet at Line Hotel Myeongdong lobby (36 Myeongdong 3-gil) at 2:00pm. Akane+Kevin will be around Myeongdong all morning — back at the hotel lobby by 1:45pm to receive you. Share KakaoTalk location so everyone can track.
Morning — Myeongdong Area (Akane + Kevin)
8:30amHuijuk Huijuk 휘죽휘죽 — PorridgeBreakfast
The second of the two porridge restaurants on the list — a cosy, restorative bowl. Try abalone or grain porridge.
10:00amMyeongdong Area — Free BrowseShop
Relaxed morning around the hotel neighbourhood. Wander Myeongdong street stalls, revisit Olive Young for anything missed on Day 1, grab a cafe coffee, or stroll toward Namdaemun Market (10 min walk south). Wangsol Pharmacy (왕솔약국) near Namdaemun has the cheapest PDRN in Seoul (₩24,000) — worth a quick detour if PDRN is still on the list.
No rushStay close to the hotel — be back in the lobby by 1:45pm ready to receive Ayumi at 2pm.
Meet Ayumi 👯
2:00pmAyumi Arrives — Line Hotel LobbyAyumi Arrives
Meet Ayumi in the lobby. Quick check-in assist (~15 min) — drop bags, grab room key. Head straight out together once she's checked in, no long break needed.
💬 TipFront desk can store luggage if the room isn't ready — Line Hotel standard check-in is 3pm. Share your room number via KakaoTalk. Ayumi can freshen up properly back at the hotel later in the evening.
Late Lunch Together — Dakhanmari 🍜
2:15pmHead to Sinchon — All ThreeTransport
Line 4 → City Hall → Line 2 → Sinchon Station, Exit 1. ~12 min. Walk 416m to Yudak Story.
2:45pmYudak Story Dakhanmari 유닥스토리Late Lunch
★ 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.
Tips416m from Sinchon Exit 1. Budget ₩18,000–₩25,000/person. Dipping sauce: 간장 + 청양고추. Keep it moderate — Hanwoo BBQ is tonight!
Hongdae: Style & Beauty Block 🛍️💄
4:00pmWalk to HongdaeTransport
10 min walk west from Sinchon — or 1 stop on Line 2 to Hongik Univ. Station. Hype clothing and the best tourist-friendly pharmacy all in one neighbourhood: do it together in one block.
4:15pmGentle Monster Hongdae FlagshipShop
54, Dokmak-ro 7-gil, Mapo-gu. Current concept: "SACRIFICE" — immersive art installations across 3 floors. Different artistic concept to HAUS NOWHERE in Seongsu. Opens 12pm–10pm.
💰 TipSeongsu exclusives ONLY at HAUS NOWHERE (Day 2). Standard popular models here — compare with Lotte Duty Free price before buying. Tax refund available.
5:00pmMarithe François Girbaud — HongdaeShop
2F, 27, Jandari-ro, Mapo-gu (staircase entrance on the side of the building — easy to miss). Same brand as Myeongdong flagship on Day 1 but can carry different seasonal stock. Opens 12pm–9pm. Credit card only, tax refund available.
5:45pmHongdae Street Shopping + Ready Young Pharmacy 레디영약국Shop + Pharmacy
One sweep: indie clothing stalls and the best tourist-friendly pharmacy in Hongdae are in the same area. Pharmacy first — English-speaking staff, widest pharmacy skincare range in the neighbourhood. Pick up PDRN (Rejuvenex / Rejuol Advanced), Acnon, Noscarna, anything still on the list. Then browse the surrounding Hongdae indie streets.
Ready Young Pharmacy — PDRN, Acnon, skincare Rx
SPAO — affordable K-fashion basics
Kakao Friends Store
Indie vintage & thrift alleys
💰 Tax refund at pharmacyShow passport at Ready Young — immediate ~8–10% VAT refund for purchases over ₩30,000. Indie stalls: tax refund usually not available.
Hanwoo Dinner 🥩
7:00pmHongdae → MyeongdongTransport
Line 2 → City Hall → Line 4 → Myeongdong. ~25 min. Short rest at hotel 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 — steps from the hotel. All three together for the best meal of the trip so far.
⚠️ Book aheadCall or use Naver Map reservation. Monday evenings fill up — book for 8pm. 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
🗺️ Day Route — Mipo First, Then Gijang
Busan Station → Mipo (Blueline Park): KakaoT taxi ~25 min, ₩15,000–₩20,000 — secure walk-in ticket first
Mipo → Gijang Market: KakaoT taxi ~15–20 min, ₩10,000–₩15,000
Gijang → Mipo (return for capsule): KakaoT taxi ~15–20 min, ₩10,000–₩15,000
After Sky Capsule (Cheongsapo end) → Gwangalli: KakaoT taxi ~25–35 min, ₩15,000–₩20,000
Gwangalli → Busan Station (for 7:12pm KTX): KakaoT ~30 min, ₩15,000–₩20,000 — leave by 6:15pm
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.
Haeundae — Blueline Park First 🚡
10:03amBusan Station → Mipo Station (Blueline Park)Transport
KakaoT taxi straight to Mipo Beach 미포 upon arrival — don't go to Gijang first. ~25 min, ₩15,000–₩20,000. Show '미포 해변' or 'Blueline Park 미포역' on phone to driver. Priority is securing a walk-in Sky Capsule slot before they fill up.
~10:30am🚡 Blueline Park — Secure Walk-In TicketAttraction
Head straight to the ticket booth at Mipo station. Walk-in reserved tickets are available first-come-first-served — arriving before 11am gives a strong shot at the 2pm or 3pm slot. Once you have your ticket time confirmed, you're free to head to Gijang and come back.
⚠️ Walk-In StrategyAsk for 2pm first — if full, take 3pm. If both full: the Beach Train (해변열차) runs the same coastal route without pre-booking at ₩10,000/person. Either way, get this sorted first before anything else. Sky Capsule ticket: ₩35,000/person (2-person capsule), ₩38,000 (4-person).
Gijang — Northeast Busan 🦀
~11:00amMipo → Gijang MarketTransport
KakaoT taxi from Mipo to Gijang: ~15–20 min, ₩10,000–₩15,000. Show '기장시장' on phone to driver. Easy to go now and return to Mipo in time for your capsule slot.
~11:30amGijang 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.
~1:00pmCoralani Cafe — GijangFood
Ocean-view cafe near Gijang. High ceilings open to rooftop, panoramic sea view. Famous for egg tarts and salt bread. Keep it brief if you have a 2pm capsule slot — enjoy the view and move.
TipBest window seat: arrive right as it opens. If you have a 3pm slot you have more breathing room here.
Back to Mipo — Sky Capsule 🚡
~1:30pmGijang → Mipo StationTransport
KakaoT taxi back to Mipo: ~15–20 min, ₩10,000–₩15,000. Aim to be back by 1:45pm for a 2pm slot, or by 2:45pm for a 3pm slot.
2:00 or 3:00pm🚡 Sky Capsule Ride — Mipo to CheongsapoAttraction
The 2km glass capsule ride hugging the coastline — one of the most scenic rides in Korea. Turquoise water, dramatic cliffs, and open ocean the whole way. The ride takes ~30 min one way. Pure Busan coastal magic.
TipSit on the ocean-facing side for the best view. Capsules are small and cosy — great for photos. After the ride you'll be at Cheongsapo station; taxi or walk back toward Haeundae for the evening.
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
Gwangjang Market · Last shopping · Dry-aged BBQ dinner
📍 Today's plan
Morning → Gwangjang: Line 4 → City Hall → Line 1 → Jongno 5-ga (Exit 8, ~15 min)
Gwangjang → Myeongdong: Line 1 → City Hall → Line 4 → Myeongdong (~15 min)
Evening: Line 4 → Euljiro 4-ga (3 stops, 7 min) for Sukseongdo dinner
Pack bags tonight — everyone leaves at 4:30am tomorrow!
Gwangjang Market 광장시장 — Breakfast
8:30amHead to Gwangjang MarketTransport
Line 4 → City Hall → Line 1 → Jongno 5-ga, Exit 8. ~15 min. Going early — morning is the best time, vendors are freshest and the market is calm before the afternoon crowds.
9:00amGwangjang Market 광장시장 — Morning BreakfastBreakfast
Seoul's oldest covered market, dating back to 1905. The central food corridor is the move — eat your way through bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), mayak kimbap (bite-size sesame rolls), raw beef yukhoe, and silky kongguksu noodles. This is a proper breakfast, not just a snack. The outer fabric and vintage clothing wings are also worth a quick wander after eating.
Bindaetteok 빈대떡 — mung bean pancakes
Mayak kimbap — bite-size sesame rolls
Yukhoe 육회 — raw beef with pear
Kongguksu — cold soy milk noodles
TipsHead straight to the central food hall. Budget ₩12,000–₩20,000 for a satisfying breakfast crawl. Morning vendors are fresh and the seating is easy to find — no fighting for a spot like in the evening.
10:30amReturn to MyeongdongTransport
Line 1 → City Hall → Line 4 → Myeongdong. ~15 min.
Final Shopping
11:15amFinal 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 at automated kiosks. Keep items sealed — customs may inspect.
Last Pharmacy Run 💊
12:30pmMyeongdong Pharmacy — Final Run 약국Pharmacy
Last chance before departure day — stock up on anything still on the list. Myeongdong has 30+ pharmacies within walking distance of the hotel, all tourist-ready. Priority items: extra tubes of Acnon, Madecassol Care, and Noscarna (all cheap enough to buy multiples). If PDRN (Rejuvenex / Rejuol Advanced) is still on the list, try here or a quick detour to Wangsol Pharmacy near Namdaemun for the lowest price.
⚠️ Buy today, not tomorrowDo NOT leave pharmacy shopping for departure day — there is zero time at 4:30am. Show passport for immediate ~8–10% VAT refund. Put all receipts in your tax refund envelope tonight.
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
💊 Korean Pharmacy Skincare (약국 · Yakguk)
Not at Olive Young — pharmacy only: The strongest skincare products in Korea are sold at pharmacies (약국), not beauty stores. They're classified as "quasi-drugs" (의약외품) — clinical-grade actives at concentrations higher than any cosmetic. PDRN creams, Acnon, Noscarna, and Madecassol cannot be found at Olive Young no matter how hard you look.
🏥 Where to Go — Tourist-Friendly Pharmacies
Myeongdong (near hotel): 30+ pharmacies within walking distance, many with English-speaking staff and tourist-ready stock. Best for convenience — hit one after Olive Young on Day 1.
Hongdae — Ready Young Pharmacy (레디영약국): Widest range of trending pharmacy skincare in the area. English-friendly, well-stocked, tourist-savvy. Slightly further from Hongik station but worth it.
Hongdae — Hongik Pharmacy (홍익약국): More convenient location near station exit, smaller selection but faster in-and-out.
Namdaemun Market area — Wangsol Pharmacy (왕솔약국): Lowest prices in Seoul. Rejuvenex PDRN for ₩24,000 vs ₩40,000–45,000 elsewhere. Worth a detour if PDRN is on your list.
Look for the green cross sign or the Korean character 약 on storefronts. Open daily, most until 9–10pm. Credit cards accepted everywhere.
✨ Must-Buy Products — Pharmacy Exclusives
Rejuvenex PDRN Cream 리쥬비넥스 (₩24,000–45,000): The headline product. PDRN (salmon DNA extract) promotes skin regeneration — same active ingredient as ₩100,000+ clinic injections in a ₩25,000 OTC cream. For acne scars, post-procedure recovery, dullness. Buy at Wangsol (Namdaemun) for the lowest price. If out of stock, ask for Rejuol Advanced (리쥬올 어드밴스드) — 1,200ppm PDRN, same level.
Acnon Cream 애크논 (₩5,000–8,000): Ibuprofen piconol + antibacterial agent — tackles active pimple inflammation AND bacteria in one step. Pharmacy-exclusive, apply directly to pimples. Rated higher than Japan's Pair Acne cream by international users. Tiny tube, big results.
Noscarna Gel 노스카나 (₩8,000–12,000): Onion extract-based scar gel for post-acne marks, surgical scars, stretch marks. Apply twice daily to healed skin — not open wounds. Pharmacy-only, not stocked at Olive Young.
Madecassol 마데카솔 (₩4,500–7,000): Korea's household staple — Centella asiatica ointment. Three versions: basic (wound healing), Care (+ antibiotic), and Complex (+ steroid for inflammation). No prescription needed for any. Get the Care version (마데카솔 케어) as the most versatile. Use for cuts, burns, irritation, post-procedure skin.
Dr. Vita Glutathione Micro-Needle Ampoule (₩15,000–22,000): High-concentration glutathione for brightening delivered via micro-spicule needles — penetrates deeper than regular serums. Slight tingling on application is normal. Includes hyaluronic acid complex for hydration. One of the fastest-growing pharmacy buys in 2025–2026.
Melatoning Cream (₩10,000–15,000): Hydroquinone-based dark spot / hyperpigmentation cream. Available OTC in Korea but banned or prescription-only in many countries (EU, Singapore, Japan). Use at night only — mandatory sunscreen in the morning or it worsens pigmentation. Do not use if pregnant.
Patima Gel (₩6,000–9,000): Benzoyl peroxide gel for stubborn cystic acne. Start with lowest concentration (2.5%), apply evenings only. Strong peeling effect — always use sunscreen. Do not use with retinol on the same night.
💰 Savings Tips
Tax refund applies: Show passport at checkout — most pharmacies offer immediate ~8–10% VAT refund on the spot, same as regular stores. Minimum ₩30,000 per receipt to qualify.
Price varies between pharmacies: The same product can cost 40–50% more in a tourist-heavy area vs Namdaemun. If buying PDRN in bulk, the Wangsol Pharmacy trip pays for itself.
These products are vastly cheaper than overseas: PDRN creams cost 3–5× more at international stockists (if they carry them at all). Stock up — these don't expire quickly.
Buy multiple tubes of small items: Acnon, Madecassol, and Noscarna are so affordable (₩5,000–12,000) that buying 2–3 tubes each costs less than one product at home. They travel well in carry-on.
PDRN sells out fast: Don't leave it for the last day. Buy at the first pharmacy you find it in. If Rejuvenex is gone, Rejuol Advanced is the best direct swap.
⚠️ Things to Know Before You Buy
These are OTC medications, not cosmetics — they contain active pharmaceutical ingredients. Use as directed. If you have sensitive or reactive skin, patch-test first.
Hydroquinone (Melatoning), Benzoyl Peroxide (Patima), and Salicylic Acid products require sunscreen every morning without exception.
Do not layer Benzoyl Peroxide with Retinol or Vitamin C on the same night — use on alternate evenings.
Show the pharmacist your skin concern on Google Translate or point to product names — Korean pharmacists in tourist areas deal with foreign customers daily and are used to this.
Customs: These products are generally fine to bring home as personal-use quantities in original packaging. Check your country's import rules for hydroquinone specifically — it's restricted in some countries.
🏬 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
🗺️Naver Map
More accurate than Google Maps in Korea. Use for all navigation, walking directions, and finding restaurants. Essential.
🚖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.
🍽️Catch Table (캐치테이블)
Restaurant reservation app — essential for Sukseongdo Euljiro. Reserve 1–2 weeks ahead. Evenings fill completely without a reservation.
🛍️Olive Young App
Scan barcodes in-store for reviews, check nearby branch stock, see live 1+1 deals. Set up before you fly.
💱Currency Exchange
Myeongdong Money Exchange (명동 환전소) near Myeongdong Station — rates posted outside, consistently beats airports and banks.