Seoul to Incheon Airport: AREX Train vs. Airport Bus (Full Guide) Don't Let Your Last Day in Korea Be a Nightmare The final step of your journey is getting to the airport. Many travelers make the mistake of underestimating the travel time or struggling with heavy bags in crowded subways. Should you take the train or the bus? This decision could determine whether your trip ends in relaxation or a frantic dash to the gate. As a transportation expert, I have compiled everything you need to know about the AREX train and Airport Limousine bus . Let’s dive into the details to find your perfect ride. 1. AREX (Airport Railroad): The Punctual & Fastest Route AREX is independent of traffic, making it the most reliable way to catch your flight. ① Express Train - Non-stop from Seoul Station Travel Time: 43 mins to Terminal 1, 51 mins to Terminal 2. Features: Reserved seating, free Wi-Fi, and a quiet environment. Expert Tip: The City Air Terminal. This is a game-changer. If you have an E...

Best Budget-Friendly Souvenir Shops in Myeongdong & Hongdae


How to Shop Smart in Myeongdong & Hongdae

Myeongdong and Hongdae are the hearts of Seoul, but they can also be expensive if you don't know where to look. Many shops cater specifically to tourists, often with marked-up prices.

If you want to save your travel budget while still getting high-quality, "uniquely Korean" gifts, you need to visit these 5 spots. Here are the holy grails of budget souvenir shopping in Seoul.

Top 5 Budget Souvenir Shops

1. Myeongdong Daiso (12-Story Building) - The King of Value

  • Best for: Traditional Korean patterns, stickers, and stationery.

  • Price: Most items are between 1,000 KRW to 3,000 KRW.

2. Hongdae BUTTER - Trendy Lifestyle Goods

  • Best for: Cute character items, pouches, and home decor that Gen Z loves.

  • Price: Many practical and cute gifts are under 10,000 KRW.

3. HBAF Almond Store Myeongdong - Fun & Flavor

  • Best for: Iconic seasoned almonds. You can try almost every flavor for free before buying.

  • Price: Bundle packs are perfect for distributing to friends back home.

4. Hongdae Object - Unique Designer Crafts

  • Best for: DIY keyrings, patches (Wappens), and unique items from local indie designers.

  • Price: Very affordable for one-of-a-kind handmade items.

5. Olive Young Flagship Stores - K-Beauty Paradise

  • Best for: Sheet masks and skincare.

  • Price: Look for '1+1' deals on face masks to get premium gifts for about $1 each.

3 Smart Shopping Tips for Tourists

  1. Bring Your Passport for Tax Refunds: Most of these shops offer instant tax refunds for purchases over 30,000 KRW.

  2. Look for '1+1' or '2+1' Tags: This is the most common way to save money in Korea. It’s like getting a 33-50% discount.

  3. Explore the Back Alleys: Shops just one block away from the main streets often have better prices and more unique selections.

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