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.
Lunch
1:00pmSolsot 솥 — Myeongdong BranchLunch
Solsot specialises in stone pot (돌솥) rice dishes — hearty, warming, and deeply Korean. Bibimbap and 돌솥밥 cooked to order, with the signature crispy rice crust (누룽지) at the bottom of the pot. A great first proper sit-down Korean lunch steps from the hotel. Mix vigorously with the side dishes before eating.
TipsBudget ₩12,000–₩18,000/person. The stone pot retains heat — stir the rice against the pot sides to get the scorched crust. Don't rush this one.
Afternoon Shopping
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.
Supper Options — Myeongdong 🌙
After 9:30pmFirst Night Myeongdong WanderSupper
First night in Seoul — the streets are alive and jet lag hasn't fully hit yet. Walk it off with some street food and take in the city.
BHC Chicken 비에이치씨 — Korean fried chicken, crispy and addictive
Soondae 순대 — blood sausage + rice, warm and earthy, ₩3,000–₩5,000
Gunja Daehan Gopchang (Myeongdong) — grilled intestines + soju to kick off the trip
Tteokbokki 떡볶이 + odeng 어묵 — street stalls open past midnight
Cheese corn dog 핫도그 — stretchy cheese pull, unmissable
Buldak 불닭 — spicy fire chicken challenge
CU / GS25 — cold beer + snacks, easy first night wind-down
Jet lag tipStay up until at least 10:30–11pm local time to lock in your sleep cycle for the rest of the trip. Street food wander is the perfect way to do it without sitting still.
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.
2:45pmDakhanmari — Yudak Story OR KIMSSINELate Lunch
Two solid options for 닭한마리 (whole chicken in herbal broth with rice cakes and potatoes). Pick on the day — both are excellent.
🍜 Yudak Story 유닥스토리 (Sinchon): ★ Blue Ribbon Survey certified, foreigner-friendly, English menu. 416m from Sinchon Station Exit 1. Known for clean, well-seasoned broth and a smooth ordering experience. Budget ₩18,000–₩25,000/person.
🍜 KIMSSINE Korean Restaurant (Sinchon area): Popular local dakhanmari specialist — generous portions, rich broth, good for groups. A strong alternative if Yudak Story has a long queue. Same order principle: eat the chicken first, then add kalguksu noodles to the remaining broth.
TipsEither way: dipping sauce is 간장 + 청양고추. The kalguksu noodle add-on at the end is non-negotiable — it's the best part. Keep it moderate, Hanwoo BBQ is tonight at 9pm.
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 🥩
8:00pmHongdae → MyeongdongTransport
Line 2 → City Hall → Line 4 → Myeongdong. ~25 min. Back at hotel with time to freshen up before the 9pm reservation.
9:00pm ✅ ReservedIlpyeon 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.
Reservation confirmed 9pmBudget ₩40,000–₩60,000/person. Arrive 5 min early. Don't overstuff at Hongdae — the hanwoo deserves a proper appetite.
Supper Options — Myeongdong 🌙
After 11pmPost-Hanwoo Night SnacksSupper
You've had dakhanmari AND hanwoo today — supper is optional. But if the night is young and Ayumi's jet lag hasn't kicked in, Myeongdong has solid late options.
Myeongdong street food stalls — still running past midnight
BHC Chicken — late-night fried chicken
CU / GS25 — beer, snacks, ice cream, final chill
Hotteok 호떡 — warm sweet pancake street stall
Day 4 · Tuesday — Day Trip
Jun 2 — 🚄 Busan
Gijang crabs · 🚡 Blueline Sky Capsule (walk-in) · Haeundae · Eomyongbaek 돼지국밥
⚠️ 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, Stay in Haeundae
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) → Haeundae Beach: taxi ~10 min, ₩6,000–₩8,000
Haeundae → Busan Station (for 7:12pm KTX): KakaoT ~25–30 min, ₩15,000–₩20,000 — leave by 6:00pm
Seoul Station arrival 9:35pm → Line 4 → Myeongdong → hotel by ~10:00pm
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 to secure a walk-in slot for the 2pm or 3pm Sky Capsule. Two stations to choose from — both sell walk-in tickets:
📍 Mipo Station 미포역 (west end): Closer from Busan Station, ~25 min taxi. The more common starting point — capsule rides Mipo → Cheongsapo (east). Arrive here first if coming straight from Busan Station.
📍 Cheongsapo Station 청사포역 (east end): ~30 min taxi from Busan Station, slightly further. Capsule rides Cheongsapo → Mipo (west). Also sells walk-in tickets at its own booth. An option if Mipo is already sold out — check Cheongsapo before giving up.
⚠️ Walk-In StrategyAsk for 2pm first — if full, take 3pm. If both full at Mipo, try Cheongsapo (different queue). Last resort: the Beach Train (해변열차) runs the same coastal route without pre-booking at ₩10,000/person. 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
Haeundae Afternoon ☀️
~3:00pmCheongsapo → Haeundae BeachTransport
After the capsule ends at Cheongsapo station, you're already near Haeundae — taxi ~10 min, ₩6,000–₩8,000. Or a scenic 20-min walk along the coastal path toward Haeundae Beach. No need to go all the way to Gwangalli — dinner is in this area.
~3:15pmHaeundae Beach StrollSightseeing
Korea's most famous beach — wide, lively, and packed with energy in early June. Walk the promenade, dip your feet if the mood strikes, and grab a coffee from one of the beachside cafes. Late afternoon light is golden here.
Cafe tipSeveral great cafes line the Haeundae strip with ocean-facing windows. Grab a good seat, rest your legs, and enjoy the sea view before dinner. ₩6,000–₩8,000 per drink.
Busan Dinner — 돼지국밥 🍲
5:00pmEomyongbaek 어몽백 — Haeundae Pork Rice SoupDinner
The definitive Busan experience — 돼지국밥 (dwaeji gukbap), thick milky pork bone broth with slices of tender pork and a bowl of rice. Earthy, rich, deeply satisfying. Eomyongbaek is a beloved Haeundae institution known for an exceptionally clean, flavourful broth. Add 순대 (soondae) on the side. Mix in the salted fermented shrimp (새우젓) and green onions to taste.
TipsBudget ₩12,000–₩18,000/person. The perfect send-off Busan meal — hearty but not so heavy you can't sit on a 2.5hr train after. Leave by 6:00pm for Busan Station.
6:00pmHaeundae → Busan Station · KTX 7:12pmTransport
KakaoT taxi: ~25–30 min, ₩15,000–₩20,000. Be at Busan Station by 6:45pm — queue for the platform, board by 7:05pm.
Return to Seoul 🚄
7:12pm → 9:35pmKTX Return · Busan → Seoul StationTransport
2 hr 23 min. Arrive Seoul Station 9:35pm. Line 4 → Myeongdong (2 stops, ~7 min) → Exit 5 → walk ~400m. Hotel by ~10:00pm. Taxi from Seoul Station also an option: ~₩7,000–₩8,000, 8 min.
Optional Supper — Back in Myeongdong 🌙
~10:15pmLate Supper Option — Gunja Daehan Gopchang (Myeongdong)Supper
If the pork soup didn't fully close the night and you want one more Busan-energy dish in Seoul — 군자대한곱창 (Gunja Daehan Gopchang) Myeongdong branch is the move. Grilled beef intestines (곱창) sizzling on charcoal, paired with soju or makgeolli. Open late, buzzing atmosphere, beloved by Koreans after a long day.
Gopchang 곱창 — grilled beef intestines
Makchang 막창 — grilled beef abomasum
Soju + gopchang = classic Seoul night out
Alternative light optionsBHC Chicken for fried chicken, soondae stall near Myeongdong station, or just CU/GS25 beer + snacks — it's been a full day, no pressure.
Day 6 · Thursday
Jun 4 — Departure
D7505 Akane+Kevin 8:15am + 7C1175 Ayumi 9:45am · Both ICN T1 → KUL · Wake 3:45am
✈️ Two Departures — Travel to 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 — 7C1175 (Jeju Air) departs ICN T1 at 9:45am — check-in closes ~8:45am. Both flights are from Terminal 1, so all three travel to the airport together and split at check-in.
Luggage situation — 3 pax, 1 big checked bag, 3 carry-ons: Airport limousine buses have undercarriage storage for the big bag — no issue. Private van transfer is the most comfortable option with this amount of luggage. At T1, Akane+Kevin check in and go through security first. Ayumi completes tax refund and checks in from ~7:30am onwards — ~1.5 hrs to spare before her gate.
✈️ Departure · Hotel → ICN Terminal 1 (All Three)
Subway NOT running at 4:10am — first Line 4 from Myeongdong is ~5:30am. AREX not an option with this luggage load and timing. Use airport limousine bus or private transfer.
Option A — Bus 6015 (Myeongdong → ICN T1): Bus stop at IBIS Myeongdong (~2 min walk from hotel). First bus ~4:15–4:30am — depart hotel at 4:10am to catch it. Journey ~70–90 min. ₩17,000/person. Undercarriage storage for the big checked bag. Confirm exact first departure at the stop the night before.
Option B — Bus 6001 (KAL Limousine → ICN T1): Check stop location nearest to Myeongdong (City Hall area). Similar pricing and journey time to 6015. Confirm stop and first morning departure in advance via Naver Map.
Option C — Private Airport Transfer (recommended for 3 pax + luggage): Book a private minivan via Klook, Agoda, or Trip.com — search "Seoul private airport transfer". Select a van (not sedan) to fit 3 passengers + 1 large checked bag + 3 carry-ons. Set pickup at 4:10am, hotel address: 36 Myeongdong 3-gil. Cost ~₩80,000–₩120,000 total split 3 ways. Door-to-door, driver handles luggage, no waiting at bus stop in the dark — worth the premium.
ICN T1 arrival target: ~5:45–6:15am. Tax Refund Office (landside, Level 3) → all three process refunds together → split to AirAsia X and Jeju Air check-in queues.
3:45amWake Up — Two AlarmsStay
Cold water, everyone get moving. 25 minutes to get out the door. Sleep on the plane.
4:10amHotel → ICN T1 — Airport Limousine Bus or Private TransferTransport
All three depart together at 4:10am from 36 Myeongdong 3-gil with 1 big checked bag + 3 carry-ons.
🚌 Bus 6015 (budget, ₩17,000/person): Walk ~2 min to IBIS Myeongdong bus stop — be there by 4:12am to catch the first bus (~4:15–4:30am). Undercarriage storage for the big bag. Journey ~70–90 min → ICN T1 ~5:45–6:15am ✓
🚌 Bus 6001 (KAL Limousine): Confirm nearest Myeongdong-area stop and first morning departure via Naver Map before travel. Similar pricing and journey time to 6015.
🚐 Private Transfer via Klook / Agoda / Trip.com (recommended): Pre-booked minivan, driver meets at hotel lobby at 4:10am. Handles all bags, drives direct to T1 with no stops. ~₩80,000–₩120,000 total. Book 2–3 days ahead; confirm the 4:10am pickup time explicitly. Search: "Myeongdong to Incheon Airport private transfer".
Luggage tipWith 1 big checked bag + 3 carry-ons across 3 people, a private van is the least stressful option at 4:10am in the dark. On the bus, big bag goes in the undercarriage hold at the stop — carry-ons stay with you onboard.
~6:00–6:30amArrive ICN T1 — Tax Refund + Check In D7505 + 7C1175Transport
Bus drops at ICN T1 Arrivals (1F) — take the lift or escalator up to Level 3 Departures. Find the Tax Refund Office landside before security — do this together, all three 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 refundSecurity → immigration → gate. Allow ~45 min from check-in to gate. Ayumi has ~1.5 hrs to spare — grab coffee in the landside food court (Level 3) while Akane+Kevin clear security.
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 — Tiers, Methods & How to Maximise
Yes — Korea's VAT refund has tiers. The gross VAT on all goods is a flat 10%, but the net refund you actually receive depends on (a) the refund method, (b) the refund operator the store uses, and (c) your total purchase amount per receipt. Higher spending = lower service fee percentage = more money back. Here's how the whole system works.
📐 The Basics — Korea VAT Refund
VAT rate: 10% on most goods. Built into the price tag — you're already paying it. Tourists are entitled to a refund of this VAT when they take goods out of the country.
Gross VAT on your purchase: If you pay ₩110,000, ₩10,000 of that is VAT (₩10,000 / ₩110,000 = 9.09% of the total price paid). The theoretical maximum refund is 9.09% of whatever you paid — but service fees bring the net lower.
Minimum per receipt: ₩30,000. Receipts below this don't qualify for refund — combine purchases at the same store where possible.
What reduces your refund: Refund operators (Global Blue, Korea Tax Free, EasyTax, etc.) charge a handling/service fee. This fee is what creates the "tier" effect — it's either a flat fee on small amounts (which hurts the percentage) or a capped percentage on larger amounts (which helps). Net refund typically lands between 6% and 9% of the purchase price depending on amount and operator.
🏷️ Refund Tiers — How Net Rate Improves With Spend
Why higher spend = higher net rate: Service fees are often structured as a small flat fee or a percentage with a cap. On a ₩30,000 purchase, a flat ₩500 service fee eats ~1.8% of the purchase. On a ₩500,000 purchase, the same fee structure means a much smaller percentage hit — so more of your gross VAT comes back to you.
Approximate net refund by spend tier (varies by operator):
• ₩30,000–₩100,000: ~6–7% net — service fee has the biggest proportional impact at this range
• ₩100,001–₩300,000: ~7–8% net — better ratio as the fixed component becomes less significant
• ₩300,001–₩500,000: ~8–9% net — sweet spot for immediate in-store refund
• ₩500,001–₩1,000,000: ~8.5–9% net — processed at airport; service fee often percentage-capped
• Over ₩1,000,000: ~9–9.5% net — closest to the theoretical gross VAT maximum
Note: Exact rates vary by operator and can change — verify current rates at Global Blue or Korea Tax Free's websites before travel.
Practical takeaway: If you're buying multiple items from the same store, buy them in one transaction rather than splitting into separate receipts — a single ₩300,000 receipt gets you a better net rate than three ₩100,000 receipts processed separately.
⚡ Method 1 — Immediate In-Store Refund (즉시환급)
How it works: The store refunds you on the spot at the POS — deducted from your total or paid in cash/to card. No airport queue. Show your passport.
Eligible range: ₩30,000 to ₩500,000 per single receipt at participating stores. Most Olive Young, pharmacies, Marithe, Mardi, Matin Kim, and brand stores participate.
Net refund rate: Typically 7–9% of purchase price — often the best net rate available for amounts under ₩500,000 because the store absorbs a portion of the fee. The most convenient method for the majority of purchases on this trip.
Caveat: If you use immediate refund at the store, you MUST keep the goods and leave Korea — customs can ask for proof. Don't use the items before departure for big-ticket pieces.
✈️ Method 2 — Airport Refund (일반환급)
How it works: Collect all tax refund receipts from stores throughout the trip. At ICN T1 on departure day, go to the Tax Refund Office (landside, Level 3, before check-in). Process at automated kiosks (24/7, fast) or a staffed counter.
Required for: Any receipt over ₩500,000 (mandatory airport processing). Also an option for smaller receipts if you prefer cash refund or couldn't do it in-store.
Refund methods at airport: Card refund (to the card used at purchase) at kiosks — fast, automated, most recommended. Cash refund at staffed counter — useful for small amounts or if your card isn't accepted.
Over ₩750,000 per item: Customs may require you to show the item physically before processing the refund. Keep it in your carry-on and don't check it yet.
Jun 4 plan: All three process together at the Tax Refund Office before splitting to AirAsia X and Jeju Air check-in counters. The electronic kiosks are fast — budget 10–15 min for this.
🏢 Refund Operators — Who's Who
Global Blue: The largest operator — look for the blue logo at stores. Has its own kiosks at ICN. Slightly higher service fees on small amounts but well-established and reliable.
Korea Tax Free (KTF): The other major operator — often slightly more competitive service fees. Used by many independent stores and pharmacies.
EasyTax: Newer operator, often lower service fees on mid-range purchases. Increasingly common at trendy Seongsu and Hongdae boutiques.
Key insight: The operator is chosen by the STORE, not by you. You can't switch. The receipt will show which operator it is. At the airport, each operator has its own designated kiosk area — sort your receipts by operator before queuing.
💡 Strategy — How to Get the Most Back
Consolidate at each store: Buy everything you want from a single brand in one transaction — the higher receipt amount gets a better tier rate.
₩30,000 threshold matters: If you're at ₩27,000 at a store, add a small item to push over ₩30,000 — it unlocks the refund eligibility.
Use immediate refund for most purchases: For ₩30,000–₩500,000, the in-store immediate refund is almost always the best deal — no airport hassle, slightly better rate.
Don't mix up receipts: Keep pharmacy refund receipts separate from clothing receipts. If you're processing at the airport, group by operator (Global Blue / KTF / EasyTax) before you approach the kiosk.
Track your total: On a shopping-heavy trip like this one, the total VAT refund can be significant — estimate ~₩30,000–₩80,000+ back depending on spend. Worth managing properly rather than leaving receipts in bags.
📱 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.