In November 2024, my friends and I flew to South Korea for a quick break from our routine lives. We were there on overlapping schedules, but I stayed for 9 days and 8 nights. I had visited Seoul in 2014 and 2015, and I was ecstatic to finally revisit the city after 9 long years.
In my previous posts, I shared where we had been during the trip, including Bukchon Hanok Village, Changdeokgung Palace and the Secret Garden, Insa-dong, Namsan Park, Myeong-dong, Yeouido Hangang Park, Starfield Suwon Library, Dongmyo Flea Market, and Hongdae. We also took a day tour to visit Alpaca World, Gangchon Rail Park, and Nami Island. Today, I will share the last few places we visited—Seoul Forest Park, Seongsu, and Starfield COEX Library.
Read on to find out why you should include these three places in your next visit to Seoul.
In case you missed it, I wrote about the step-by-step process I followed to get my multiple entry South Korean tourist visa. You can check it out here.
Plane Ticket
My friends and I scored affordable return tickets during Cebu Pacific Air’s ₱1 base fare anniversary sale in early March 2024. We paid ₱4,329.30 each for a round-trip ticket from Manila to Seoul (Incheon). The ticket included a guaranteed seat on both flights and a 7-kilogram carry-on allowance for each leg of the journey.
We added prepaid baggage both before and during the trip. For the Manila to Seoul sector, I added one 20-kilogram checked luggage allowance, and for the Seoul to Manila leg, I added two 20-kilogram checked luggage allowances. Including the baggage fees, I paid a total of ₱7,409.30 for the round trip.
This type of return fare is only available once every few months, so we were lucky to snag such a low-ticket price. I would like to thank Cebu Pacific Air for offering their ₱1 base fare sale to all Filipinos. The airline has made it possible for millions of Filipinos to travel both domestically and internationally at such affordable fares.
Accommodation
I spent 9 days and 8 nights in Seoul, which overlapped with my friends’ stay. During this time, we all decided to stay at the same place, choosing Bunk Guesthouse Hostel in the lively Hongdae District. For the first 4 nights, we booked a family room with a full bed, two single beds, and a balcony. After some friends returned to Manila, we moved to a twin room with bunk beds for the remaining 4 nights. My share of the 8-night stay was ₱13,243.97, which I thought was a great value, especially since we enjoyed private rooms and free breakfast every morning.
I also featured Bunk Guesthouse Hostel in one of my recent Hostel of the Day posts — make sure to check it out here.
Going Around Seoul
During our trip, my friends and I used a T-money rechargeable card for all our public transportation. We initially thought about getting the Climate Card but decided against it due to our varying schedules and plans. In October 2024, we received a complimentary T-money card when we picked up our passports at KVAC. Those of our companions who did not already have one purchased theirs at the Airport Station.
Seoul Forest Park
Seoul Forest Park is a large, popular park known for its ginkgo trees during autumn. It is a favorite among locals and has also become a popular tourist destination. The park is located next to SM Entertainment, one of South Korea’s largest entertainment companies.
Nearest train station: Seoul Forest Station of the Bundang Line (Exit 4)
Seongsu
Seongsu is home to both local and international fashion brands and has become one of Seoul’s most vibrant shopping destinations. The area is filled with boutiques, shops, pop-up stores, cafés, and restaurants.
Be prepared to queue for your favorite brands, especially on weekends. My friend and I visited on a Saturday, and the streets were packed with people either waiting in line for their favorite brands or hopping from one shop to another.
Nearest train station: Seongsu Station of the Seoul Subway Line 2 (Exit 4)
Starfield COEX Library
Similar to the Starfield Suwon Library, the Starfield COEX Library is located inside the Starfield COEX Shopping Mall. This two-storey library houses thousands of books that visitors can freely read while relaxing in the open spaces provided. It is the first Starfield Library in Seoul.
My friend and I visited on a Sunday afternoon and found the library to be crowded with visitors. I recommend avoiding weekends if you prefer a quieter experience.
Nearest train stations: Samseong Station on Seoul Subway Line 2 (Exit 5) or Bongeunsa Station on Seoul Subway Line 9 (Exit 7)
What do you think of Seoul Forest Park, Seongsu, and Starfield COEX Library? Are these places on your list for your next Seoul visit? Have you been to any of them before? What was your experience, or are you considering visiting them in the future? I would love to hear your thoughts!
If you have any questions or want more details, feel free to leave a comment below or email me at contact@thewkndtravel.com. I am always happy to respond! Stay tuned for more posts about Seoul and South Korea. You can also check out other posts from this Seoul trip under the Seoul 2024 category.
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PS. Photos were taken using my Google Pixel 8 Pro.