¶ Korean Wedding Travel Guide
Welcome to the journey to the Suhyun and Vicente's wedding in Korea.
¶ Flight Information
- Use reputable airlines if possible for the larger legs of the trip.
- Avoid layover in China the weeks preceeding to the wedding due to increase scrutinity to pasenger coming from China to Korea. In the return there should be no issue.
- Travelers that wants to visit neighbor countries (Japan, Taiwan, China, and Filipines) please check out the city airport in Seoul (Gimpo) and in Busan (Gimhae) for heavily discounted flights.
- I will go to Southern Japan (Fukuoka and Nagasaki) after the wedding with my parents and some friends. let me know if you want to join us.
¶ EU travelers
Best returning flights to Europe departing on Sunday, April 5th (day after the wedding) are in the evening from Seoul (Incheon). This timing is ideal as it allows a full day to reach Seoul airport, which takes approximately 4-5 hours from Ulsan. The recommended route is to take the high-speed train to Seoul, then connect to the airport train. The 15-hour flight provides an extended rest period that helps with jet lag recovery.
¶ US travelers
- East coasters have the longest flight (15-16 hours) to South Korea, you take direct flights from NYC (Newark or JFK). There are also very interesting multistop flights with reduced price. Avoid Air premia if possible for best comfort.
- West coaster have it easier and cheaper.
¶ Main itinerary
The following itinerary is a big portion of the attendees will follow (around 25-30 people of around the 50 attendees from overseas). This itinerary also serves as a guide for the rest of the attendees to see where the main group of attendees are and give them the opportuntity to join them at some activities or all of them. We will schedule two touristic visits each day with a strong emphasis in letting people to explore Korea in their own and make their own adventures, our focus is to support people rather than lead them.
¶ Interpreters
The main group consists on Spaniard and British nationals and we will provide them with english/spanish <-> Korean interpreters that will stay with them everyday 10am to 8pm (with breaks). We figured that a good amount is an interpreter per ten travelers.
¶
Plan
| Event | Date | Transportation |
|---|---|---|
| Arrival in Seoul | Saturday, March 28 | Flight |
| Travel to Busan | Monday, March 30 | High-speed train |
| Travel to Ulsan | Thursday, April 2 | Regional train |
| Wedding Day in Ulsan | Saturday, April 4 at 3:00 PM | Taxi |
| Return to Spain | Sunday, April 5 (evening) | High-speed train to airport |
¶ Accommodation
We recommend using booking.com or agoda.com for hotel reservations. Expected rates range from €70-100 per night for 4-star hotels in central locations (double occupancy).
Please find hotels in the areas inside the blue circle or nearby. If you plan to be more independent feel free to find another location , however, in Ulsan I recommend to ease with the logistics of going to the wedding venue.
¶ Seoul
Search for the area: Anguk-dong station
¶ Busan
Search for the area: Haeundae station
¶ Ulsan
Search for the area: Ulsan Lotte department store.
¶ Financial Considerations
¶ Estimated cost
For a 9 day trip with the estimated flight ticket of a reputable airline, 4 star hotels in centric areas, intra-Korea transportation, tour, food, and party.
- For EU travelers 2500e per person, 2000e person if sharing room with another.
- For US travelers (East Coast) $3000 per person, $2500 if sharing room with another.
¶ Payment Methods
- Cash: Exchange approximately 30% of your budget to Korean Won at the airport in South Korea for group payments and smaller establishments.
- Credit/Debit Cards: European Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted (3% commission applies).
- Notify your bank of travel plans to prevent card blocks.
- When given the option between Euros or Won during card transactions, select Won for better exchange rates.
- Tipping: Tipping is not customary in Korea.
¶ Mobile Communication and Internet
- Roaming: International roaming rates have become more affordable.
- Local SIM Card: Purchase at the airport for approximately €25 per week.
¶ Detailed Itinerary
¶ Seoul: March 28-30
Day 1 - Cultural Introduction
Myeong-dong shopping and dining district
Euljiro Nogari Alley for local nightlife experience
Day 2 - Historical and Cultural Sites
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Bukchon Hanok Traditional Village
Insadong traditional street
¶ Busan: March 30 - April 2
Day 1 - Arrival and City Orientation
Day 2 - Local Attractions and Activities
Day 3 - Coastal Exploration and Preparation for Ulsan
¶ Ulsan: April 2-5
Day 1 - Arrival and city orientation, dinner in the beach area.
Day 2 - Visit of Hyundai Heavy industries (Largest shipyard in the world)
Wedding Day - April 4, 3:00 PM
Departure Day - April 5, Travel to Seoul for evening flight