Korea Winter Escapade

Aneon-hase-Yo.!    emoticon

Fancy taking a short winter break in Korea?  Europe is too far.  Japan is too expensive.  China is uhm …….. still developing.  Down-under is summer.  Let’s go to Korea!     

Keep up your skiing skill or try it for the first time.!  (Ski equipment, suit, gloves, goggles & basic skiing lesson.)  Authentic Korean cuisines (Bibimbap, Ginseng Chicken, Korean Seafood Steamboat, Korean BBQ, Hot Plate Spicy Chicken……etc.) in native Korean settings (local eateries).     emoticon   Soak away your tiredness in mineral rich Hot Spring at Icheon Termeden Spa.  The 1st German style Spa in Asia with the biggest indoor & outdoor hot spring bath & pools. 

Also, specially arranged – Doctor Fish Therapy.  This is an unique experience where you get to submerge your leg into the hot spring spa and let small fishes (who live in such hot springs) nibble on your leg providing a natural masage and cleansing of dead skin cell.

Package 6D/4N  21 – 26 Dec.07 by Korean Air

  • Cost  :  approx. S$1,500.00 pp twin share
  • Departure :  SIN / SEL – KE642 ( 2325 / 0735 )
  • Return Fltg:  SEL / SIN – KE641 ( 1605 / 2115 )
  • Travel Agent :  Wingo Travel  (www.wingotravel.com.sg)

Highlights  :

  1. Termeden Spa + Fish Therapy – Mt. Sorak – Shinheungsa Temple
  2. Ski Resort – Full day snow + ski experience
  3. Nami Island – filming site for "Winter Sonata" – ChunCheon – Myeongdong
  4. YounIn Everland – Korea’s largest outdoor theme park
  5. Korea’s largest shopping district – Dongdaemun – night shopping
  6. Seoul city tour – Gingseng showroom, Amethyst factory & Kim-chi making 
  7. Lotte World – world’s largest indoor theme park
  8. Shopping at Shinchon fashion streets and local produce outlet

Price include airport tax, most meals, 5*hotel (Intercontinental or Sheraton), Mandarin speaking guide, entry to theme parks + big 3 tickets to Lotte World.

emoticon This package need a minimum of 10 pax to go and we now have 12.  This trip is now confirmed.

News updates will be made on this post as and when neccessary.  So, please check this post under "Travel" for latest news. emoticon

Ah-Neon    emoticon

Lily Ho Se-meda.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Registed & Deposit Paid  :

  1. Lily Ho + 1 non-SHCian
  2. Andrew Yeung + Dan Huang
  3. Margaret Tian + Grace Kok
  4. 1 + 2  non-SHCians
  5. 5 non-SHCians

Total : 14 pax (6 SHCians and 8 non-SHCians)

Author: Lily Ho Willocq

Divorced - 1 grown daughter - love dancing.

51 thoughts on “Korea Winter Escapade”

  2. 1 night sleeping on the plane. It’s late nite departure – arriving early the next morning. Both packages have their merit and demerit. Pkg 1 for ppl who wan to come back to spend Xmas eve with loved ones. Pkg 2 for working ppl who wan to save on 2 day’s leave. We will take the package that has the majority of votes.

  7. Wei wei Lily,

    Norlinda and myself went to Korea 2 yrs ago. We had a Mandarin speaking guide and she told us that in Korea, most of the Korean can’t speak English at all, not even simple English. So unlikely you will get an English speaking Guide.

    Ah Nee

  8. Wei Maria

    I can only forecast snow hor, not guarantee it leh. But, I’m quite certain we should get to play in the snow at least once during the time frame that I’ve chose. Last year, I was lucky. It snowed 3 times during my visit and there were 30 inches of snow.

    I used CTC last year. This year, they don’t have the same package that includes hot spring spa. And they are more expensive, around $1750 for similar itenerary as our Pkg 2. So, for time being, I’d go with Asia-Euro while keeping a look-out for better package. Feel free to check out their website: http://www.eztravel.sg

    Dear Andrew

    Seems like you are already out numbered. I too prefer Pkg 2. For ppl who work, 2 day’s leave is worth quite a bit of $$.

  9. Dear Ah Nee / Norlinda

    You are correct to say that most Koreans do not speak even simple English.

    But there are English speaking quides, even French ones too. Only if you are willing to pay thru your nose because they cater to “Ang Mo” tourist only.

    The 1st time I went to Korea with my daughter and my ex some 14 years ago, we had a English speaking guide.

  11. Hi Lily, very attempting leh. 1st time to see snow. Decided to cheong my closing prior to departure date and join the fun. Please register me for Pkg no. 2 and rooming with Marg Dear. Thanks.

  12. Hi Marg,

    No need for Mandarin lessons; translator available at hand. If you pay for my trip, I’ll do the translation for you, ie, from Mandarin to English. How about that?

  14. Thanks v much Ann & Yk for yr Xpen$ive offer. Think Lily is bilingual. Can count on you, right Lily? Ok will buy you lunch/dinner that’s not provided in pkg.

  16. Ann

    She will definitely not take up our offers. Anyway both of us will still get 2 enjoy looking at their photos when they come bck fr their trip.

    I will buy U the trip if I m lucky on tis coming Fri.

  17. Yew Kwong,

    What’s the big thing on this Fri – Toto?

    Taking you’re lucky enough to buy me that trip, I will surely include you in my Voyage to the West upon collecting my retirement package.

    Till then, I rather you end your last sentence immediate after the word “trip”. This will make me very happy.

  18. aiyo Anne..
    want to wait till retirement ah?…65 yrs old…sudah tua lah…tak boleh jalan & not pretty oredi…Yew Kwong still young & handsome u know..not matching, how?…hahaha!
    btw…kepo lah..wat u mean by
    Till then, I rather you end your last sentence immediate after the word “trip”. This will make me very happy…apa macam…tak faham leh! :)

  19. Ann

    U r rite. Setting aside $100K if I win, I will bring U plus my favourite “alphabets” (2A, 1C, 2D, 1J, 1L, 1N, 1M, 1O n 2R) 2 Korea. Fun, isnt it.

  23. YK, – I dun care 2much abt taking picture. Last year I didnt bring camera. Dis year, I won’t either.

    Yes Margaret, – I speak Mandarin n simple Korean. Will translate 4u no prob @ FOC.

    Hi Grace, – Glad u’ve decided 2 join us. Gd 4 u.

  24. Yeah Lily, Thk U so much 4 organizing. If I do not make time for this trip, I”ll probably never end up going for a holiday! Work can never finish. Time to play and I need a break. Looking forward. Btw, when translating can I join Margaret too? Failed Mandarin lah… :(

  25. Sure Grace. Maria can also translate mah. Rite Maria? :)

    BTW, I already have Andrew & Maria’s particulars from Batam trip. Grace & Margaret, can you submit yours soon (via email)? I need your full name as in the passport, pp no., pp expiry date & DOB.

    There is a $500 deposit required when booking. I’ll let you guys know when to pay.

  26. Hi travel partners

    I’ve deleted Package 1 and updated the post a little. So, take a look. We need to make the booking soon in order to secure our seats.

  27. Emm..I failed my hua yee also.. however, conversational hai hao, can manage to give a fair translation, but correct or not is up to you to gauge.. :-) With so many helping hands or rather mouths around, Margaret should be able to get the message what the guide is saying. Look forward to meeting you and Grace.

  28. Hi travel partners

    Bad news :( Tried to register for 6 of us plus 1, today but was told both pkgs were sold out. There’s a pkg which depart 20Dec by SQ am flgt but I didn’t accept it becos we stand to loose half a day despite having to pay $160 more, plus it’s on wait list basis. So frens (and Rene who is contemplating), if I don’t find something within the next week, this trip will be off. Very very sorry. :(

  30. Lily, dont be upset. As much as you wish to visit again and all of us, it’s beyond your control. All will be well. Appreciate very much for all the arrangements. :)

  31. Lily Jie,

    No sorry lah. Korea is so hot in Winter. Maybe this is a “Blessing in Disguise” leh. Who knows? More excitement will follow suit if this trip is call off.

    Stay positive and thanks for the effort.

    Cheers
    Rene

  32. Hi Lily, not to worry, if we go we go if not never mind. Like Rene wrote – stay positive. perhaps there’s sth more interesting … Thanks for trying so hard.

  33. Rene & Margaret

    You are both right about something more exciting and interesting DID come up during my sourcing for another package.

    This one is cheaper and include a very new item in Korea package tours. Only set back, departure date pushed to 21 Dec. – well, may not be a set back for Rene afterall:!

    Will revise my post, so stay tuned. Now too tire, going to kun already z z z z z z z z z

  34. Wah lau

    This Korea trip like stock market like that. Book today (meaning pay deposit), price at $1428. Book on Monday, price $1458, book later, price go up further. So, I’m rush out now to book for Andrew, me, Grace & Margaret first.

    BTW please check the post for latest news hehehe :)

  39. Welcome Dan. Otherwise got room arrangement problem. You can room in with Andrew. Have you paid the deposit already?

    Too bad Agnes Tan’s leave not approved.

    Thanks Rene, – for keeping tab of new registration for me as I cant access the internet during working hours.

  40. Price for this trip have already gone up. Those of you who are still deliberating, dont wait too long.

    Those who have already paid the deposit, will attend a briefing tentatively 13 Oct. @ 4pm.

    Oh, btw, there are teenagers on this trip which has substantial programmes and activities to keep these youngsters happy. So parents who have teenagers ….. want to join us ? ? ? (This is not just for aunties and uncles only hor.)

  45. Hi Travellers,

    I was on this same package to Korea 2 years ago. Let me give you an insight on the Incheon Termeden Spa.

    There are about 6 hot tubs (1 outdoors) and 1 cold tub. You are suppose to alternate between the hot and cold tubs as this invigorates the body. For a fee you can get your body scrubbed. The catch is, you have to strip naked in order to go into the Spa. It takes a while, but you get used to it when you see everybody in the nude. Of course, men and ladies, separate sections.

    I heard that the Spas in Japan give you a towel so small that you do not know whether to cover the top (am refering to ladies), the bottom or better still your face.

    Rarely do you find good looking people in Korea as you see in Korean movies. Apparently, lots of them go for plastic surgery. So do not expect to find hunks on the streets.

    (Awaiting your comment, Tim)

  46. Lina, what’s there for tim to comment when he’s the ugliest of the lot and having accepted that as the indubitable fact, he rather holds dear to the plastic $ with Encik’s face than to spend money on the plastic………heee, you go for that skin-deep makeover one huh?? Kua buay choot leh………………….

  48. Dear Lina,

    Thanks for your input. Only the indoor spas require you to be in the nude. I personally much prefer the outdoor spa with the various “herbal pools” and the cold wintry outdoor climate – it’s so refreshing. The tiny towels provided in Japanese spas were meant for scrubbing not covering oneself. I am well aware of the trend in cosmetic surgery in both Korea and Japan. In fact, you can watch the “before” and “after” photos of Korean and Japanese stars on YouTube. You are right about not finding hunks on the streets of Korea. I’ll just have to be contented by ogling at them on the screen lor. Sigh :(

    PS:- You want to join us on this trip? I think they will still take in more, but the price will be higher though.

  49. Hi Lily,

    Thank you very much for your offer. I think it would be fun going with you guys. But have booked to bring my 2 boys to Japan. Maybe another time.

    Lina.

  51. Hi Yew Kwong,

    Well, Yew Kwong if you can be a contortionist, I will gladly pack you in my suitcase, no need to be one of my boys.

    But I think it will be fun going on a trip with SHCians. Maybe we can go together somewhere next time.

    If not for my injured legs, I would have liked to join your Ubin cycling. Maybe another time.

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