Seoul Trip - Where did I go and What can I tell ?

On my previous trip, here are some of the places I did visit

Gyeongbokgung Palace, Blue House, Gwanghwamun Square 
I think this is the mandatory place to visit for everyone. This is my second visit to those place but never get bored of it. 

Cheonggyecheon Stream
This one is new for me. Have read a lot about this place before so I decided to went there. But unlucky me, during my trip there is no event there, so basically it is just a plain stream. But still the water is so clear and It's a place that I like. Maybe you should check their schedule because they do have some pretty decoration at the stream and it is super photogenic.

Bukchon Hanok Village 
Basically what we're doing here is to try to wear Hanbok and strooling around Korean Traditional Village. The place is so historical which is match with our hanbok. Also there are tons of other person wearing handbook too, so you'll really feel like you're in a Korean Traditional Village.

Hongdae Fashion Street
This place is near to Hongik University, so you can tell that there are so many Korean teenage there shopping for their fashion need.

Myeongdong
No need further explain. Everyone love make up should visit here. There are just more than enough for you to stroll for your make up need. Tips : Please ask the tourist information (the one that wear red hat, red shirt usually standing in the centre of intersection in myeongdong) for a map. It contain useful map so you don't end up circling the same place all over again.

Ehwa Woman University
Don't know how Ehwa students feel about their campus because it is always surrounded by tourist. This is a must check places for you who like photography. So many photogenic spot here.

Namsan Botanical Garden
Not many person know about this spot, so when I visited there it was super empty. But the garden is very nice. I really like it. It located just under N Seoul Tower. So basically you can do hiking from here to N Seoul Tower (which I did), and you'll love it. Please check this place out.

Nami Island
This Island is just so pretty and photogenic, don't forget to try the most well known chicken barbecue there.

Petite France
This place is good for taking picture only. Because I don't like to take a picture so for me visiting here for one time is enough. 

Korea is always a place that I love and I believe there are still a lot more places to explore there. Hope I will have my next trip to Korea. See you :D

Seoul Trip 2016 and Chingu Story Private Tour Review

Hi Everyone

So excited to finally write again. The title tells about what this post will be right ? So let's start.

This is my 2nd visit to South Korea. The first time don't feel as challenging as this one as this time I went for 6 days on my own. I used Chingu Story private tour service for 2 days starting on my arrival. This is my first time arranging everything on my own, but excited at the same time. Before I got the deal with Chingu Story, I was thinking to do a research first about other people who already used their service, but turns out none on them have reviewed it. So here I am, the super satisfied customer let you know about how awesome this private tour is.

Many of you have question how this work, right ?

If you're using their regular tour service, then all you need to do is just to registered and pay. But it works differently in private tour.

1. Pick your favourite destination. Please don't ask the price before you decide where to go, because it is like asking how much to a cashier when you haven't told them what you want to buy. My Tip is pick a destination that you find it hard for you to visit by your own for example something like Nami Island, Mount Sorak, or any other places outside Seoul. But again, it's up to you. Let them know too if you have any food preference that you're dying to try, because they can give you great recommendation. In my case it is authentic cheese rolled ribs.
2. After you send out where you want to go, then they will email you with an itinerary also the cost per person. Usually the cost already include food and admission also public transportation, meaning for me those 2 days of their service, I don't need to spend any money, except for my shopping therapy. 
3. Then the bargaining start. If you're happy with the price, you can continue to the next step. If you think you need to bargain, then do so. Please note that this is a private tour, which means you'll get a private service, so the cost obviously higher than regular tour package. Also I noticed that food in Korea is slightly more expensive than in Jakarta. But you know, you can always cut down some destination, or anything to make ends meet.
4. After you get your best deal, then you can start the payment, they accept bank transfer so no worry at all. Then they'll meet you in Seoul

Beside tour service, they also provide virtual guide to other person who want to travel to Korea on their own. It is basically an e book which direct to any places you wanted to visit complete with subway direction, where to walk and so on. You can get it in a really affordable price or it is free for those person who use their service.

My experience with their service is really good. A lady came pick me up at the airport, then we use bus to our hotel, then everything goes smoothly as we plan. She is so kind, patient, and most importantly we can talk to each other like real friends. We only use public transportation here and it is really interesting as you can really see how local people act, and how all the woman are really pretty LOL. So next time you want to visit South Korea, you might start to think about using their service. Please visit their instagram account @chingu.story as all information of their contact available there.

WHERE TO STAY ??

I stay at 24 Guest House Myeongdong Centre. This hotel has so many franchise, so please make sure which branch you're staying at. I booked my hotel at my favourite hotel website which is Traveloka . This guest house is really the best i've ever seen with the price i purchased. Come and take a look. Believe me it is bigger than you thought. I stay there with my best friend and we still have some space to packed our luggage on the floor.

What to consider on choosing hotel / guest house in Korea :
- Elevator. Not all Korea guest house provide this. You might wanna consider this especially for me who really like to shop and carry "about to pop" luggage all the time.
- Water heater. Please really consider this except if you visiting Korea during summer.
- Subway Station. The closer your hotel with the subway station, the easier you go here and there. My guest house near to myeongdong station exit 9. 

Let's move on to part 2 click here