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For the first time ever, I’m stepping outside the familiar borders of the ASEAN region and setting off on an adventure to South Korea! This trip is packed with “firsts” for me: my first overnight flight, my first time experiencing a 10-day South Korea travel journey abroad, and so many more new experiences just waiting to unfold.
Over the next series of posts, I’ll be sharing every step of my journey – from the excitement of boarding a midnight flight to the thrill of exploring bustling cities and tranquil countryside, tasting authentic Korean cuisine, and navigating the local culture. Whether you’re planning your own trip or just love armchair travel, I hope you’ll join me as I discover the sights, sounds, and flavours of South Korea.
My Korean adventure kicked off with a flight that felt like something out of a movie – except instead of glamorous red carpets, it was all about bleary eyes and midnight snacks. My Korean Air flight was originally set for 1:10 AM from Singapore’s Changi Airport, but just as I was settling into the idea of finally boarding, the delay was announced: departure at 2 AM. I watched the clock tick, surrounded by a mix of sleepy travelers and energetic backpackers, all sharing this odd, nocturnal camaraderie.
By the time we took off, it was deep into the night, and I found myself eating a meal at almost 3 AM – a surreal experience that felt both thrilling and a bit disorienting. The airline food, to be honest, was somewhat meh. I had expected to get a taste of Korea even before landing, perhaps with some classic Korean dishes on the menu, but instead, I was given Singaporean-style meal options. The meal I had tasted a bit off.
Despite the airline’s reputation for comfort, I just couldn’t doze off. It’s amazing how some people can curl up and sleep anywhere. I, on the other hand, spent most of the flight flipping through movies and people-watching.
Fun fact: Changi Airport’s Terminal 4 is less commonly used by major international airlines. Korean Air’s presence there is a bit of a unique arrangement compared to other global carriers.
Landing at Incheon International Airport, Terminal 2, I was struck by how vast and almost eerily quiet it was, especially for such a major international hub. The terminal’s modern design and gleaming floors reminded me of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), but with a distinctly Korean flair – spotless and filled with subtle nods to local culture.
Fun fact: Incheon Airport has been ranked as the top 5 airports in the world multiple times by Skytrax, largely due to its efficiency, cleanliness, and passenger amenities.
The first thing I did after arriving at Incheon Airport was pick up a WOWPASS. I already bought a redemption code on Trip.com, and redeemed it at the WOWPASS kiosk right in Terminal 2, located outside the CU convenience store. This card was a game-changer: it works as both a prepaid VISA for daily expenses and a T-Money card for trains, buses, and taxis across South Korea.
I didn’t linger long at the airport, saving my exploration for the return trip, but I was immediately put at ease by the clear, bilingual signages in both Korean and English. I had been a little worried about navigating with the language barrier, but the well-marked directions made everything straightforward for international travelers like me.
Travel Tip: Consider getting a WOWPASS – a prepaid debit card that lets you tap for trains and daily expenses. Download the WOWPASS app to manage your funds between two wallets. WOWPASS is specifically designed for tourists and can be loaded with multiple currencies, making it a convenient option for international visitors.
Get WOWPASS on Klook!
You might be tempted to stick with familiar travel cards like YouTrip or Wise. While both are great for general spending and multi-currency needs, WOWPASS is the real standout for Korea travel. Unlike the others, WOWPASS doubles as both a prepaid VISA card and a T-Money transit card – so you can pay for everything from subway rides to snacks with just one card. No need to juggle multiple cards or hunt for cash to top up a separate transit card.
Download the WOWPASS app and use my code: RJKWYSQ4
What’s even more convenient is that you can transfer money between your Wowpass VISA prepaid card and T-Money wallet directly in the app. Plus, you’ll find top-up kiosks easily at most major train stations (not all, but many) and even in some malls.
Get WOWPASS on Trip.com!
From the arrival terminal, we headed straight for the train station. The options were clear: the all-stops train or the express. The ticket kiosks for each are separate, so it’s important to pay attention. I found this out the hard way! In my hurry, I accidentally bought the ticket for the all-stops train instead of the express. Panic set in for a moment, as I worried I’d have to forfeit my ticket and lose precious time before my connecting train to Busan.
But to my relief, I discovered that you can actually get a full refund from the same machine – no questions asked! I imagine this feature was implemented because so many travelers, especially with the language barrier (or just pure carelessness), might end up buying the wrong ticket. It’s a thoughtful touch you don’t always find in other countries, and it made my travel hiccup much less stressful.
Once I had the right ticket, I boarded the train and was immediately impressed by how new and comfortable everything was. The ride was smooth, and I was fascinated by the screens playing a loop about Dokdo Island and its history with Japan – an unexpected bit of local culture right from the start of my journey.
Fun fact: Dokdo Island (also known as Takeshima in Japan) is a subject of ongoing territorial dispute between South Korea and Japan, and the Korean government actively promotes its claim in public spaces, including transportation hubs.
Stepping out at Seoul Station, I was hit by a blast of cold air – the temperature was a crisp 9°C, a far cry from Singapore’s tropical heat. Most locals were bundled up in thick coats and scarves, with only a few daring souls in shorts. I was grateful for my windbreaker, but even so, I could feel the chill creeping in.
It was freezing cold, and I found myself craving something warm. I noticed a fish cake store bustling with activity – locals and foreigners alike were stopping by. We grabbed a quick snack: warm fish cakes with soup for 3,500 won. The hot snack was exactly what we needed to warm up before catching our connecting train to Busan. The warm soup, in particular, really hit the spot and helped shake off the cold.
Fun fact: Fish cake (eomuk) is a popular street food in Korea, often served in a warm broth during colder months.
We’d booked our tickets in advance on Trip.com. At Seoul Station, gates are announced just 15 minutes before departure, and there’s no ticket validation – you just hop on. Interestingly, there’s no ticket validation at the entrance. You just hop on board. But don’t get too comfortable, conductors do come around during the journey to check tickets, so make sure you have yours handy.
The train itself isn’t an express, so it stops at several stations along the way. This actually makes for a scenic ride through the countryside, giving you a glimpse into everyday Korean life outside the big cities. One thing to keep in mind: there’s not much warning before the train leaves or the doors close. Everything runs right on the dot, so it’s best to be on board a few minutes early to avoid missing your ride.
Inside, the cabins are generally clean, though the seats show signs of heavy use. I did notice there are no USB charging ports, so make sure your devices are charged up before you board. The train stops at each station for less than five minutes, and people hop on and off as if it’s just another part of their daily routine.
Food is allowed on the train, but there’s almost nothing to buy onboard except for a couple of vending machines. I saw plenty of passengers bringing along Lotteria or McDonald’s meals. My trip took about 2 hours 40 minutes to get to Busan, so I’d recommend grabbing something to eat at the station before you set off.
Fun fact: Korea’s KTX (Korea Train Express) can travel at speeds up to 305 km/h, making them a fast and efficient way to travel between major South Korean cities.
As we approached Busan, my phone suddenly buzzed with a public safety alert: “To prevent forest fires, no entry into the mountains until further notice…” It was my first time receiving such an alert on my phone, and I quickly learned that South Korea has a nationwide emergency notification system called the Korean Public Alert Service (KPAS), or 한국재난안전문자서비스.
Established in 2005 and operated by the Ministry of Public Administration and Security, KPAS sends real-time alerts to citizens and residents about disasters or emergencies—ranging from missing persons and earthquakes to flood warnings, bridge closures, heat advisories, and forest fire prevention. These notifications pop up directly on mobile phones, ensuring everyone gets urgent safety information promptly.
This got me wondering why countries like Singapore or Malaysia don’t have something similar. It turns out both do have emergency alert systems, but they function a bit differently. Singapore uses the Civil Defence Force (SCDF) to issue alerts via mobile, sirens, and media, but these are often more targeted and not as automated or widespread as Korea’s KPAS. Malaysia’s NADMA coordinates disaster alerts through media and mobile networks, but lacks a fully integrated, nationwide mobile alert system. As a result, alerts in Malaysia can be slower or less direct compared to Korea’s system. So while both countries have their own ways of notifying the public, Korea’s KPAS stands out for its automation, coverage, and direct integration with mobile devices.
Busan immediately struck me as a city where the energy of the sea meets the pulse of urban life. As I was moving in the taxi to the accommodation I booked, I caught glimpses of the sprawling harbour – cranes in motion, cargo vessels stacked high, and even the unmistakable silhouette of a US Navy ship docked nearby. The port was alive with activity, a reminder that Busan isn’t just a city by the sea; it’s a gateway connecting Korea to the rest of the world.
Navigating the city, I noticed the roads felt a little less regimented than what I’m used to in Singapore. Here, drivers keep to the right, American-style, but the road signs are all in kilometers, a quirky blend of East and West. Despite the busy streets, there’s a certain laid-back charm – traffic flows with a kind of organised chaos that somehow just works.
What really stood out to me was the weather. It was my first time experiencing spring, and it was simply awesome – sunny, yet not hot; windy and cooling, a world away from the blistering heat of Singapore. The steady breeze made walking around a pleasure rather than a chore. It was the kind of day that makes you want to explore every corner of the city. Busan is impressively clean and modern, and I was heartened to see groups of older residents out in the mornings, picking up litter together. It’s a small but powerful sign of the community spirit that keeps the city looking its best.
Fun fact: Busan is South Korea’s second-largest city and is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant seafood markets, and the annual Busan International Film Festival, one of the most significant film festivals in Asia.
Our home base in Busan was the LCT Residences, part of the impressive Landmark Tower complex. We booked the entire unit, and stepping into our place on the 94th floor was nothing short of breathtaking -imagine waking up to sweeping views of the city and coastline from nearly the top of one of Korea’s tallest buildings! LCT is actually the second-tallest tower in South Korea, just behind Seoul’s Lotte World Tower.
The apartment itself was fantastic – a true getaway gem. With two spacious bedrooms, a cozy study, a generous living room, and a fully equipped kitchen, it felt more like a luxury home than a typical vacation rental. The unit was a smart home, too, packed with top-notch household equipment: an oven, washing machine and dryer, flat-screen TV, and even a massage chair for unwinding after a long day of exploring.
Fun fact: LCT Landmark Tower is not only one of the world’s top 10 most expensive skyscrapers, but it’s also home to luxury residences, hotels, and a massive shopping complex, making it a self-contained urban oasis right in the heart of Busan.
For dinner, we ventured to Mipo-jib Haeundae, a spot well-known for its raw seafood specialties. The whole experience starts even before you step inside. Outside the restaurant, there’s an electronic tablet for you to take a queue number, or you can do it electronically using KakaoTalk. Next to the tablet, you’ll find order chits available in different languages, making it easy for tourists to fill in your choices while you wait.
There’s even a dedicated waiting area equipped with a heater – a real lifesaver, since it was still spring and the evening temperature hovered around 10°C. Usually, there’s a queue for this popular spot, but we arrived early, and there was only one table ahead of us.
Once seated, we decided to share the Beauty Soy Sauce Marinated Seafood Set Menu, priced at 38,000 won per person (with a minimum order for two). The set was impressive. It featured eight kinds of seafood marinated in soy sauce – female crab, male crab, abalone, octopus, shrimp, salmon, and scallop. Everything was raw except for the octopus, which seemed to have been quickly blanched in hot water. Alongside the seafood, the set included white pot rice, seafood soup, a dozen side dishes, and a unique egg yolk sauce for dipping.
Knowing I’m not the biggest fan of raw foods, I also ordered the Bulgogi Beef and Octopus Pot Rice with Spicy Sauce (23,000 won). This dish was much more my style – spicy, flavourful, and with a real kick in every bite.
I have to admit, the side dishes were a bit unusual for my taste, and the authentic kimchi experience I was hoping for didn’t quite hit the mark. Maybe I’ve just gotten used to the punchier, more flavourful kimchi and banchan served in Singapore and Malaysia, because the ones here in Korea tasted much milder and, honestly, a little bland to me.
The raw prawn was a completely new experience – I didn’t even know you could eat prawns raw! After this meal, I can safely say I’m still not a fan of raw foods. It was definitely unique, but I’ll stick to my cooked dishes, especially since I’m not a huge seafood lover to begin with.
Fun fact: Raw seafood, or “hweh” (회), is a delicacy in Korea, and Busan is especially famous for its fresh seafood thanks to its coastal location.
Overall, Mipo-jib Haeundae is a must-visit if you’re curious about authentic Korean raw seafood and want to experience a local favourite in Busan. While the flavours and textures of the raw seafood weren’t quite for me, I can see why this place is so popular with both locals and tourists. If you’re a seafood lover or just looking to try something uniquely Korean, this spot definitely deserves a place on your Busan food itinerary.
After dinner, we picked up some famous salted bread from Jayeondo Sogeumppang. The bread was soft, slightly salty, and absolutely delicious – perfect for a late-night snack.
Fun fact: “Jayeondo sogeumppang” refers to a specific type of salty bread or a bread-related dish with a unique flavor or origin in Busan, South Korea.
Walking back to our Airbnb, the cold wind made the night stroll a bit of a challenge. The cold weather was enjoyable, but the wind cut right through my jacket, chilling my hands, nose, and ears.
Looking back, my first day in Korea was a whirlwind of new sights, tastes, and experiences. I realised that travel isn’t always as glamorous as it looks on social media – there are long waits, unexpected weather and moments – but it’s these real, unfiltered experiences that make a trip unforgettable.
Have you ever tried raw seafood, or experienced spring for the first time in a new country? Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below—I’d love to hear about your own travel adventures!
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