Some time ago, I had made plans to visit Japan during Easter to witness the beautiful sakura blossom. I was thrilled to learn that the country had reopened after an extended period of closure due to COVID-19. However, I was taken aback by the high flight prices that accompanied the reopening. The cost of flights to Japan had skyrocketed to $1800 USD, compared to the occasional price of $400 USD before the pandemic. Out of principle, I decided against paying such a hefty sum and began exploring other options. That’s when I discovered Korea, where flights were available at half the price. With the opportunity to experience cherry blossoms in Korea as well, we decided to postpone our Japan trip and head to Korea instead. It turned out to be a decision we did not regret!
Travel itinerary
After carefully considering our travel plans, we settled on visiting several places in Korea: Seoul, Busan, and Jeju Island. We opted to begin our journey with Jeju Island; we landed in Seoul on a Saturday and planned to depart for Jeju on Sunday morning. Instead of opting for a direct flight to Jeju immediately after landing in Seoul, we decided to spend the first night in the city to mitigate the risk of potential delays and missing our flight. This ensured a smooth transition to Jeju the next day. From Jeju, we would fly to Busan for one night before taking the renowned train back to Seoul. Although it wouldn’t be the train “to Busan” like in the movie, we were still excited to experience the journey “from Busan” (sans the zombies, of course).
Istanbul airport
While direct flights were available from Warsaw to Seoul at similar prices, we opted to fly with Turkish Airlines due to more convenient departure times. Our journey included a stopover in Istanbul before our flight to Korea. Upon arrival at Istanbul airport, I was pleasantly surprised. Despite having visited Istanbul and the same airport on multiple occasions, it seemed that we ended up at a new and modern terminal this time. It added to the excitement of our journey.
During our relatively short two-hour stopover in Istanbul, we found a delightful place to eat in a food court that exuded a genuine Turkish ambiance. We opted for a Turkish meat platter and lahmacun, savoring the flavors of authentic Turkish cuisine. The atmosphere transported us to a bustling Turkish city, adding to the charm of our dining experience. However, our enjoyment was short-lived as we suddenly realized that our flight to Korea was already boarding.It was apparent that the boarding process for flights to Korea began earlier than expected, causing us to hurriedly devour our meal in less than a minute. With a sense of urgency, we rushed to the gate, while the flight status on the screen indicated “final call”. Much to our surprise, once we reached the gate, we discovered that we had plenty of time to spare. It seemed we had been misled by the early boarding announcement.
Turkish Airlines
Our flight to Korea was on Turkish Airlines, in economy class. The overall experience was average, with limited legroom and underwhelming service. Regrettably, the provision of alcoholic beverages was limited to a single serving during dinner, while the quality of the food provided failed to impress.The portion sizes, served twice throughout the flight, would have been inadequate for passengers with larger appetites. These observations stand in stark contrast to my previous experiences with Turkish Airlines, which were marked by more enjoyable travel experiences. Presently, it appears that the airline’s commitment to exceptional service is primarily directed towards their business class clientele. While I understand that economy class may not offer the same level of amenities, I still believe that efforts could be made to improve the overall service quality, considering Turkish Airlines’ esteemed reputation.
Landing in Korea
Despite the underwhelming flight, we managed to survive the journey and catch some sleep along the way. Upon arriving at the Korean airport, we were greeted by a modern and aesthetically pleasing terminal. Along one of the walls, a long screen showcased Korean women performing a traditional dance in hanbok, the traditional Korean attire. One of my first encounters was with a friendly elderly woman who approached me, requesting not just a single selfie but an entire photo session using Snapchat, right there in the ladie’s room. She expressed her gratitude afterward, although I couldn’t help but wonder why. Perhaps it was because I am 181 cm, towering over most people in Asia.
We proceeded through passport control and collected our baggage. To my surprise, my suitcase had an electric lock attached, something I had never encountered before. It indicated that I needed to proceed to customs. Curiosity consumed me as I wondered what could have triggered this check. Could it be related to my medication, I worried? As I pondered, anxiety started to creep in about the legality of my medicines in Korea. However, it turned out that the customs officers had scanned my luggage and noticed my YSL bag. They simply wanted to ascertain whether it was newly purchased, potentially subject to tax, or if it was a used item. They quickly realized it was used, evidenced by its slightly dirty interior, and we shared a laugh before I was allowed to proceed.
Train and metro to the hotel
We made our way to the airport train, which involved a short walk. Stepping out of the airport arrival hall, we were immediately transported to a completely different world.K-pop music filled the air, large screens showcased Korean cultural icons, and the surroundings were adorned with Korean script. Vending machines offered a delightful array of Korean beverages. The entire atmosphere was captivating, and I couldn’t help but feel immersed in the vibrant Korean culture. We boarded the train and later switched to another train, or perhaps it was the metro, which took us to our first hotel in Seoul. The entire experience felt surreal, even the sounds and music that accompanied the arrival of trains or metros, reminiscent of something out of a Disneyland adventure. It was a captivating and unique sensation, making us even more excited for the adventures that awaited us in Seoul.
Getting around Seoul using the train and metro system was incredibly convenient and straightforward, offering a hassle-free way to travel between various destinations. However, it gave us a deeper appreciation for the sheer size of the city. Unlike Warsaw, where stops are just a couple of minutes apart and it takes around 50 minutes to traverse the city, Seoul’s metro network spans a vast distance with numerous lines crisscrossing the metropolis.
To ensure a smooth transition for our trip to Jeju Island the following morning, we opted to stay at a hotel conveniently located between the international and domestic airports. This strategic choice not only minimized travel time but also allowed us to explore a different area of Seoul while preparing for our journey. In my next post, I will delve into our experiences during our first evening and day in Seoul, as well as share insights about the hotel we stayed in.
Anyah Mroz 