I got lucky. Korea, I'm coming

[theory_87]

I participated in the hardwarezone and airbnb event few weeks back and I'm one of the lucky 3 to be chosen. This will be my first time booking thru Airbnb and hope everything will turn out well. Can't wait for the day of departure to come Will update more on the trip in the coming weeks.

Thank you Hardwarezone and Airbnb for selecting me

 

[theory_87]

Pre-trip preparation

Immediately after hardwarezone staff inform me via the phone that I won the contest, I start to look around for cheap air tickets to Seoul. With only 2 days of leaves to utilise (used up almost all my leaves for other trips), the ideal situation is to travel with weekends included. I've chosen to travel on 10 Sept, Wed night and return on 14 Sept, Sun via MAS (touchwood) since it the cheapest air tickets I can find. The total air ticket only cost me S$486.60. Consider relatively cheap for a full fledge airline.

After securing an air tickets, I went on to Airbnb website to look for an accommodation. This is the 1st time I’m using Airbnb. Having been to South Korea a few times, I had my own regular guesthouse I usually stay with. I was glad to see my regular guesthouse is listed on Airbnb. However I thought I should have a change and after looking around, I decided on the guesthouse below. Navigating around Airbnb website is a fair fuss free affair. The website is cleanly layout. In the screenshot below, you can easily add accommodations to your wishlist (Circle in red). Should you had any question pertaining to the accommodation, you can contact the host (Circle in blue). I highlight this 2 particular function as I felt they are important but easily missed. I didn't spot the contact host link during my 1st few visit to Airbnb website and was annoyed by the wish list button being hidden away as I scroll down the page.



Location and the age of the guesthouse are the primary reason why I chose it. It's located near Chungmuro subway and is within walking distance to Myeongdong. I was told the building was completed recently hence the lack of review for this accommodation. However the host received a number of good review for her other listings. Since review can only be posted after the stay, I believe they are trustworthy. Also, free Olleh WIFI Egg (aka MIFI/Pocket WIFI) is provided, I need not rent it at the airport.

The reservation process is a little troublesome imo since there is some verification process in order to assist the host in deciding to accept the reservation or not. Once past the verification process, the host had 12h to accept or reject my booking. I was impress by my host. She approved my reservation within 10mins and it was past 0100 kst. Soon after that, she emailed me on the guesthouse detail such as address, door code, WIFI password, maps and etc.


I was inform of this url that wasn't linked anywhere on the website. Thought is useful if you are new to a location hence I will share it here: https://www.airbnb.com.sg/locations/


Upon selecting Seoul, I can read brief introduction of the places of interests and the accommodations around the area

 

[theory_87]

Accommodation

I won't be posting the actual location of this accommodation since it Airbnb policy of not revealing the location till you book the accommodation. However I got to say I'm very happy with the location of this accommodation. It very easy to access from Chungmuro subway. Prior to arrival, I already had the accommodation door password hence I didn't get a chance to meet the host. As I'm reaching Seoul @ 7am, I asked the host earlier on if I could check in earlier and she promptly agreed.











The building from what I know is newly built hence everything in the accommodation is quite new. The accommodation had almost everything you need for a trip even a 4G wifi egg with battery life that can last at least 12h.

 

[theory_87]

Accommodation

There is rooftop garden on the very same floor too. Here is the view from the garden


Follow this road down, you will reach Myeongdong within 5mins walk




This photo below is taken from Myeongdong. The building at the far end down the road is the accommodation

 

[theory_87]

Money Changer

I realise one of the main question people ask around are is it better to change KRW in Singapore or in Korea? Should I bring USD over to Korea to change or just bring SGD to change? My photos below will make it very clear.

This is one of the better rate on 10 Sept at one of the money changer in Arcade


This is one of the better rate on 11 Sept at one of the money changer in Myeongdong


Even if I'm not bring USD to Korea to change, the different in rate between changing in Singapore and Korea is already pretty substantial. By changing USD in Singapore and changing it to KRW in Korea, you will get even better rate.

There is lots of money changers in Myeongdong. Most provide lousy rate. Having been to Seoul a few times, I can say for sure the the money changers near the PRC Embassy provide the best rate.

After exiting the Myeongdong subway, at the 1st junction (Natural Republic Building) turn left


This will be your view after you turn left


Continue walking straight till you arrive at this + junction


Now turn right. Walking down this street will bring you to the PRC Embassy (Red Building) on your right



You will see a few money changers around the area. Feel free to shop around for the best rate

 

[theory_87]

Munjeong-dong Rodeo Street

Usually when people think of shopping in Seoul, they will think about Myeongdong and Dongdaemun. However, there is a street in Seoul where you can buy all the major brand stuff and sometime with huge discount. The street is known as Munjeong-dong Rodeo Street. It a little out of the way so you will have to allocate around 1h for traveling from area like Myeongdong to Munjeong. I travelled to Munjeong via subway. There will be sign board at the subway station and along the street that will lead you to Munjeong-dong Rodeo Street











Continue here

 

[Kianzxc]

what they cover for u?

Sent from my Android

 

[theory_87]

what they cover for u?

Sent from my Android

Hi Kianzxc,

As stated in the term and condition

I'm given S$800 to cover my airfare, expenses and Airbnb accomodation. The S$800 comprises:
(1) S$400 in reimbursement for airfare and expenses, and
(2) a S$400 Airbnb coupon.

I will need to bear any additional cost and expenses incurred

 

[punggolkid]

Nice! Looking forward to hearing about your trip as I'll be going over the new year! Congrats on winning!

 

[theory_87]

Nice! Looking forward to hearing about your trip as I'll be going over the new year! Congrats on winning!

Thank you. Actually I just went in July so this time will be there to hoot stuffs I didn't manage to buy back then. Also I believe it end of summer sales period.

 

[chemipro]

Wah so good. Gxgx. The weather now quite hot right, summer. haha

 

[theory_87]

Wah so good. Gxgx. The weather now quite hot right, summer. haha

Haha. When i went in Jun, it was around 26°C during the day and 20°C. I hope it will be the same in Sept since it suppose to be autumm. Went to Korea in Aug for past 2 years. In 2012 it was quite cooling but it was quite hot in 2013

 

[theory_87]

Address of accommodation

I received PM from some members regarding not able to find the address of the accommodations on Airbnb. Airbnb told me they did not show the actual location details so to protect the host. The location will only be reveal after your reservation. The other way will be to contact the host and check with them before you make the reservation.

I'll explain how I roughly estimate the location of the accommodation. I will simply search a general location say Chungmuro in this case. From there on, I will see a map on the left side of the page. I will then move the map around and zoom in for view more detail. The more you zoom, the more guesthouse around the area will be reveal on the map. Clicking on the pin will reveal more info on the accommodation. Hope this will help you.

 

[dleodleo]

I participated in the hardwarezone and airbnb event few weeks back and I'm one of the lucky 3 to be chosen. This will be my first time booking thru Airbnb and hope everything will turn out well. Can't wait for the day of departure to come Will update more on the trip in the coming weeks.

Thank you Hardwarezone and Airbnb for selecting me

wow so lucky! Then air ticket free also?

 

[dleodleo]

I received PM from some members regarding not able to find the address of the accommodations on Airbnb. Airbnb told me they did not show the actual location details so to protect the host. The location will only be reveal after your reservation. The other way will be to contact the host and check with them before you make the reservation.

I thought usually after reservations, the host will meet you at the nearest MRT or somewhere prominent and bring you to the house?

 

[theory_87]

wow so lucky! Then air ticket free also?

As stated in one of the post above, i'm given $400 to cover my expenses and airfare. My airfare is already over $400 so i got to folk out the rest out of my wallet

I thought usually after reservations, the host will meet you at the nearest MRT or somewhere prominent and bring you to the house?

Not really. Different host had different style. Some will let you know in advance the location, unit and the door code especially they had a number accommodations, while some prefer to bring you to the accommodation.

 

[theory_87]

Ads: Airbnb @ COMEX 2014

Airbnb (www.airbnb.com.sg) will be showcasing a booth at COMEX 2014 that is modeled after an apartment - to make visitors experience what Airbnb is all about instead of just talking to them. The Airbnb listing is going to be a welcome break and distraction for Comex visitors in between the more "technical" exhibition booths - it's a place to relax, chat to Airbnb staffs and learn about the hottest travel trend through a hands on and very visual experience.

Airbnb aim to educate COMEX visitors on Airbnb being a completely new and unique way to travel. Whether online or using our beautifully designed mobile app, Airbnb allows travelers to book and stay at unique homes around the world that offer great value over traditional accommodations, and often come with the comforts of home – many of Airbnb’s listings are equipped with home electronics and free wifi that COMEX visitors would greatly appreciate while traveling.

Want to know more about Airbnb? Head to COMEX Level 4, Booth 8310 to the Airbnb hospitality booth.

Main call to action: Sign up now as an Airbnb user … and get..
- Get SGD$50 travel coupon from Airbnb on your first trip with Airbnb
(minimum $100 purchase, limited to first time users only).

- Stand chance to win at the COMEX lucky draw


Activities:
Free photobooth on Saturday and Sunday

 

[theory_87]

cool the map is gonna make my life so much easier thanks haha!

Welcome. But in my hornest opinion, airbnb is good for certain region like Korea, Japan and Taiwan. Some other countries, it may be better value to stay in hotel

 

[theory_87]

Great deal. 20% off on Airbnb booking for DBS Staff, capped at SGD500. Promotion valid until 5th September 2014.

https://www.airbnb.com.sg/stay/DBS-Staff?af=2100566&c=apac_sg_card_dbs_staff20&alsm=1

Check the link below for terms and conditions.
https://www.airbnb.com.sg/stay/DBS-Staff/terms

 

[madcampus]

You should be in Korea now, staying at your airbnb accomodation. Pls update.