Seoul Lantern Festival 2017 at Cheonggyecheon Stream

Seoul Lantern Festival is one of the representative festival of Seoul and is held annually at Cheonggyecheon Stream. Every year, there are about 3 million visitors coming to Cheonggyecheon Plaza to enjoy the bright and beautiful lantern and lights.

Seoul Lantern Festival 2017

This year, Seoul Lantern Festival will be held from 3rd November - 19 November 2017 (17 days) from 5pm to 11pm at Cheonggyecheon Stream. Seoul Lantern Festival 2017 consists of 3 themes. Firstly, it is the "PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympic Games Viewed through Lights from Seoul". Second theme is the "Seoul, Korea & Lanterns of the world". Finally, the third theme is called "Lantern Characters & Artists".

Seoul Lantern Festival 2017

Cheonggyecheon Steam in Autumn

During the Autumn, Cheonggyecheon Stream is one of the nicest place for a walk. Since it is a pathway for human, you do not have to worry about cars when you walk on Cheonggyecheon Stream.

Lanterns along Cheonggycheon Stream

Every year, Seoul Lantern Festival has a different theme. This year, specially for PyeongChang 2018, you will be able to find beautiful PyeongChang Olympic Winter Games Lanterns such as figure skating, freestyle skiing, short track & speed skating and many more. Besides that, you can also find cute characters such as pororo and friends, tayo bus, robocar poli, etc. Therefore, this place is also suitable for parents to bring their children for visit.

Photo zone at Seoul Lantern Festival 2017

There will be some photo spots for you to nice photos too.

Lanterns @ Seoul Lantern Festival 

Lanterns @ Seoul Lantern Festival 

You can also experience some program during the festival such as making a wish lantern and releasing it on the water.

Wish Lanterns @ Seoul Lantern Festival 

There is a limited number of wish lanterns sold on site everyday. So be sure to go there early to queue if you wish to make a wish lantern.

Lanterns @ Seoul Lantern Festival

Lanterns @ Seoul Lantern Festival 

< Information about Seoul Lantern Festival 2017 >

Venue : Cheonggyecheon Stream ( Cheonggye Square - Gwansugyo Bridge)
Transportation :
Take Airport Railroad AREX to Seoul Station > Transfer to Seoul Subway Line 1 to City Hall Station > Walk for 5 mins. -OR-
Get off at Gwangwamun Station (Seoul Subway Line 5).

Time : 5 PM - 11 PM.
Admission Fee : FREE (But experience program requires fee)
Website : http://seoullantern.com/en/

Getting From Incheon Airport to Seoul City - AREX Express Train? AREX All Stop Train? Airport Limousine Bus?

There are several ways to get to Seoul city from Incheon Airport - Airport Railroad AREX Express Train, AREX All Stop Train, Airport Limousine Bus and Taxi. However, it depends on traveler's own preference as to which method is the best way to get from Incheon Airport to Seoul city. Generally, many foreign tourists prefer taking Airport Railroad AREX Express Train or AREX All Stop Train to get to downtown Seoul as it is the cheapest way, easy and convenient.

1. AREX Express Train

AREX Express Train

AREX Express Train is a premium train that runs non-stop from Incheon International Airport to Seoul Station and it only takes 43 minutes (for Terminal 1) and 51 minutes (for Terminal 2)!  In addition, AREX Express Train is the fastest way from Incheon International Airport to Seoul Station and that it provides specialized services and amenities to the passengers. It is comfortable, fast and convenient and you can get many special benefits such as free wifi service in AREX Express Train. Passengers can conveniently enjoy FREE internet access while taking AREX Express Train.

Advantages of Taking AREX Express Train

• Fixed departure and arrival time
• You can check the train schedule before departing
• Non stop and Fast
• AREX Express Train brings you to Seoul Station in 43 minutes (From Incheon Airport T1), and 51 minutes (From Incheon Airport T2)!
• NO traffic jam
• Won't be affected by traffic congestion during rush hour
• FREE Wifi on train

How much is AREX Express Train ticket?

- Adult : KRW 9,000
- Child : KRW 7,000

*Price updated on 11th June 2018

• Read more : Special discount for AREX Express Train - Southeast Asia Airline-Alliance

2. AREX All Stop Train

AREX All Stop Train

AREX All Stop Train is a commuter train that stops at all 13 stations in between Incheon International Airport and Seoul Station.

AREX All Stop Train Stations:

• Incheon International Airport T2
• Incheon International Airport T1
• Airport Cargo Terminal
• Unseo
• Yeongjong
• Cheongna Int'l City
• Geomam
• Gyeyang
• Gimpo International Airport
• Digital Media City
• Hongik Universiy
• Gongdeok
• Seoul Station

AREX All Stop Train takes only 58 minutes ~ 66 minutes to get to downtown Seoul. Thus, the best way to get from Incheon Airport to Hongik University Station or Gimpo Airport is to take the AREX All Stop Train because it is very convenient to take AREX All Stop Train as you can use T-money or any other types of public transportation card to take the AREX All Stop Train.

AREX All Stop Train is the cheapest way to get from Incheon Airport to downtown Seoul. You can check the fare from AREX Official Website. You can also transfer to many other Seoul Subway Line or Incheon Subway Line by taking AREX All Stop Train.

Advantages of Taking AREX All Stop Train

• Cheapest 
• Fast and NO traffic congestion
• Fixed departure and arrival time
• You can check the train schedule before departing

> Read more - Korea Airport Railroad AREX Express Train and All Stop Train

3. Airport Limousine Bus

Photo source - http://www.airportlimousine.co.kr/

Airport Limousine Buses run from Incheon Airport to many parts of Seoul. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket booth located outside the 1F Arrival Hall/Gate at Incheon Airport. You can make payment by cash or card at the ticket booth. Also, you can get the information about bus routes and bus stops cat the Airport Information Desk on the 1F Arrival Hall.

Alternatively, you can also check out Airport Bus Route Information on their official website: http://www.airportlimousine.co.kr/eng/lbr/lbr02_1.php

How much is the bus fare from Incheon Airport to downtown Seoul?

- It depends on the destination. But the bus fare starts from KRW 10,000.

(Post updated in June 2018)

Korea Airport Railroad AREX Express Train and All Stop Train

If you have traveled to Korea before, you must have heard of Korea Airport Railroad AREX train. Airport Railroad AREX is the fastest means of transportation connecting Incheon International Airport and Seoul Station. There are two types of AREX train namely AREX Express Train and AREX All Stop Train.

AREX Express Train : Premium Trains that goes nonstop between Incheon International Airport and Seoul Station

AREX Express Train 

AREX All stop Train : Commuter Trains that stops at all 12stations in-between Incheon International Airport and Seoul Station

AREX All stop Train 

AREX Route Map

AREX train route map

What is the best way to travel from Incheon International Airport to Seoul Station?

AREX Express Train

AREX Express Train

The answer is AREX Express Train! AREX Express Train is a non-stop premium train from Incheon International Airport to Seoul Station and it only takes 43 minutes! In addition, AREX Express Train is the most comfortable and fastest way from Incheon International Airport to Seoul Station that provides specialized service and amenities to the passengers.

AREX Express Train

You can get many special benefits when you take AREX Express Train. The most important benefit is that there is free wifi service in AREX Express Train. Passengers can conveniently enjoy internet access while taking AREX Express Train.

Time table for AREX Express Train:

Time table AREX Express Train

What is the ticket fare for AREX Express Train?

- Adult : KRW 8,000

- Child : KRW 6,900

Any discount for AREX Express Train?

Yes! There are group discounts, KORAIL ticket discount, Airline-alliance discount and a few more.

• Read more about Special discount for AREX Express Train - Southeast Asia Airline-Alliance

Want to travel from Incheon International Airport to Hongdae?

Take the AREX All Stop Train! AREX All Stop Train is a commuter train that stops at all 12 stations in between Incheon International Airport and Seoul Station and it takes only 58 minutes to get to downtown Seoul. Thus, the best way to get from Incheon International Airport to Hongik University Station is to take the AREX All Stop Train. It is very easy and convenient to take AREX All Stop Train as you can use T-money or any other types of public transportation card to take the AREX All Stop Train.

What is the ticket fare for AREX All Stop Train?

- The ticket fare differs according to which station you are getting off. Check the ticket fare for AREX All Stop Train from AREX website - http://www.arex.or.kr/main.do.

• Read more about How to take AREX train from Incheon International Airport to Seoul Station.

Time table AREX All stop train

To find out more information about Korea Airport Railroad AREX, visit AREX official website: http://www.arex.or.kr/main.do

Night View in Seoul | Naksan Park and Rooftop Cafe (Cafe Travel)

Hot Summer has passed and now Autumn is here. The cool breeze makes you feel so good and forget about the hot summer. To enjoy the cool breeze of Autumn, it is recommended that you visit the rooftop cafe with your lovers to enjoy beautiful and relaxing night view.

Naksan Park 

Most of the people would know that Naksan Park one of the popular attractions for night view as Naksan Park is known to be more beautiful at night. You can find beautiful night view of Seoul where the light of the city that never sleeps comes together with the fortress wall.

Rooftop Cafe at Naksan Park - Cafe Travel

Cafe Travel @ Naksan Park

Cafe Travel @ Naksan Park

To see the beautiful night view of Naksan Park, you have to climb up a steep hill. As you walk up the hill, you can find nice cafes everywhere. Cafe Travel is one of the nice and pretty cafes that you can find here. You can enjoy your drinks and relax at Cafe Travel.

Cafe Travel

Cafe Travel - Interior

Cafe Travel @ Naksan Park

Cafe Travel is not a big cafe but there are big tables for groups and seats for 1 person. So if you come here with your friends, you can enjoy the breathtaking night view while chatting with your friends. If you come alone, you can enjoy reading books or just take a good rest.

Sunset view @ Cafe Travel Naksan Park

Sunset view @ Cafe Travel Naksan Park

Sunset view @ Cafe Travel Naksan Park

It seems so pretty to see the sun sets while you enjoy your coffee. Although you can see pretty Hyehwa-dong from the window in the cafe during sunset, it is recommended to take the stairs up to 2nd floor terrace to watch the beautiful sunset.

Naksan Park 

Naksan Park Night View

When you walk up the hill and along the fortress wall in Naksan Park, you will be able to see beautiful night view. To get to Naksan Park, you can take the Seoul Subway Line 4 to Hansung University Station and walk up from the street. Alternatively, you can also take the bus to get to the hill. However, most people will walk from Hyehwa Station to Naksan Park by going up the hill. We hope you will not miss the night view of Naksan Park!

Naksan Park Night View

Naksan Park Fortress Wall

Naksan Park Night View

The cool breeze and view of sunset make the atmosphere of Autumn more romantic. As you walk along the fortress wall, you can enjoy the shinning lights of the buildings in downtown Seoul which makes you feel like you have walked into a drama scene.

Naksan Park Fortress Wall - Night View

Naksan Park Fortress Wall - Night View

Naksan Park Fortress Wall - Night View

You can fully enjoy the Autumn by watching the amazing city view of Seoul and this neighborhood. Naksan Park is also a famous place to watch full moon. Therefore, it is also recommended that you visit Naksan Park during Chuseok Thanksgiving Holiday with friends or family to enjoy the amazing night view in Seoul.

< Information about Naksan Park >

Getting Here: Take Airport Railroad Line to Seoul Station > Transfer to Seoul Subway Line 4 > Get off at Hyehwa Station Exit 2 > Walk about 10 mins
Address: 41 Naksan-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul.

< Information about Cafe Travel >

Getting Here: Take Airport Railroad Line to Seoul Station > Transfer to Seoul Subway Line 4 > Get off at Hyehwa Station Exit 2 > Walk about 9 mins
Address: 19-8, Naksan-3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Opening Hours: Mon-Fri (11:00 ~ 23:00) | Sat - Sun (12:00 ~ 23:00)

[Fall Foliage in Seoul] Namsan Trail, Deoksugung Palace & Gyeongui Line Forest Park

When you could feel the warm sunshine and cool wind, you know that the autumn has come. People always refer autumn as the "maple leaves" season. As for now, you can already see yellow and red leaves everywhere in Korea.

If you want to see fall foliage, you do not have to go too far because there are many famous fall foliage sites in Seoul. Let us go enjoy the fall foliage before the yellow and red leaves are all gone.

In this post, AREX wants to recommend three places to see fall foliage in Seoul to you - Namsan Trail, Deoksugung Palace &  Gyeongui Line Forest Park.

1. Namsan Trail

Namsan Trail 

Follow the road at the side of Namsan Library to enter Namsan trail.

Although you have to walk uphill, it is not very steep. So you don't have to worry that it is going to be difficult to walk up this Namsan trail.

Namsan Trail

Namsan Trail

Namsan Trail

Along Namsan trail, you can find some benches and rest area which you can take a rest if needed. Also, you can find water dispenser along the way too. In the end, you will think that walking on Namsan trail is definitely worth it.

The northern side of Namsan trail is easier than southern side. So, if you are walking with children or stroller, it is recommended for you to take this route. It is possible to bring your pet to this walking trail. So don't worry too much if you want to bring your pet for a walk.

If you take the southern side of Namsan trail, you can walk to Itaewon or Hannam-dong while northern side of the trail will bring you to Namsangol Hanok Village, Chungmuro Station, and Myeongdong Station.


Directions:

Take Airport Railroad AREX to Seoul Station > Get off at Exit 11 > Walk towards Namsan Library.





2. Deoksugung Palace - Stonewall Walkway

Deoksugung Palace Stonewall Walkway

Many people think of Deoksugung Palace when they want to see fall foliage in Seoul. This is because Deoksugung Palace is near downtown Seoul and its famous for its Stonewall Walkway. Have you heard of the story about Deoksugung Stonewall Walkway? They said that if couples walk through this wall, they will break up later. (It is weird, isn't it?) :)

Although there is such weird story, this place is still a popular attraction for couples to enjoy dating especially in Autumn.

Deoksugung Palace Stonewall Walkway

Deoksugung Palace Stonewall Walkway

Deoksugung Palace Stonewall Walkway

After walking through Deoksugung Stonewall Walkway, you can visit the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art to check out some exhibitions.

National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art

Last but not least, visit the Jeongdong Observatory to enjoy the grand view of Deoksugung Palace for free!

Magnificent view of Deoksugung Palace at Jeongdong Observatory 

Directions:

Take Airport Railroad AREX to Seoul Station > Transfer to Seoul Subway Line 1 > Get off at City Hall Station Exit 1.




3. Gyeongui Line Forest Park

Gyeongui Line Forest Park

They called this "Yeon-tral park" because this forest / park is located in the center of city, just like New York Central Park. "Yeon" means Yeonnam-dong, the name of this area.

Gyeongui Line Forest Park in Yeonnam-dong starts from AREX Hongik University Station Exit 3 until Gajwa Station (GyeonguiLine).

Gyeongui Line Forest Park

Gyeongui Line Forest Park

Gyeongui Line Forest Park

If you don't like big crowd, you can visit this place on weekday afternoon.

However, if you only have time on weekends, you can walk to the end of Gyeongui Line Forest Park where you can find many gingko trees. It is more quiet at that area.

There are many famous cafes and restaurants in Yeonnam-dong area. Once you have finished walking and visiting the Gyeongui Line Forest Park, remember to visit the cafes and restaurants to enjoy some delicious food.

Check out the Must-Visit Cafes in Yeonnam-dong !


Directions:

Take Airport Railroad AREX Line to Hongik University Station > Get off at Exit 3.