China, Korea and a little bit (of Japan) on the side

[Justinf]

I sat down and passed the time and it was time for boarding this 787-10 to Seoul Incheon.

 

[Justinf]

Flight looked very full, but I had an inkling that if I selected the very back row with just two seats on the aisle, there might not be anyone next to me.
I was right.

 

[Justinf]

We pushed back pretty late.
Poor guy across the aisle was violently ill into a sick bag.
My daughter has already admonished me for taking a photo of it.

 

[Justinf]

Off we went.
Legroom good at the back.

 

[Justinf]

Despite the short flight - captain announced an hour and 45 minutes - we were served a full meal in Y.

It was very good.
The beef was great and the fruit was amazingly fresh. I loved the coleslaw and scooped it into the buttered bun.

 

[Justinf]

Flight time from wheels up to wheels down was only one hour and 22 minutes.
As far as Y flights go, this was very good. Can’t fault it, and especially for a very short trip.
The J seats looked great.

 

[Justinf]

Despite being one of the last off the aircraft I was one of the first in line for immigration.
They handed out immigration cards onboard which was a welcome change to Singapore Airlines when flying into Beijing.
Immigration took no time and I retrieved my bag and made it to the subway.
Bought a ticket and was onboard for the 56 minute stopping all stations to Hongik University Station.

 

[Justinf]

I don’t follow instructions well so while I made it to the Air B&B, I had trouble getting in the front door.
And it’s quite clear I was no longer staying at the Crowne Plaza.

 

[Justinf]

I worked out that the best way to keep my throat from hurting was to keep it lubricated.
So what better way to apply this highly skilled medicinal practice than to head to a bar.
As the station name suggests this is a young person’s area.
There is a brew pub literally across the road.

 

[Justinf]

Temperature pretty mild at around 6 degrees and the same tomorrow but dipping down to below freezing for the few days after that.
I’m considering doing a city tour that takes in some palaces and the big tower on the mountain. I have the DMZ tour on Tuesday.
There is a sports bar across the road from the brew pub, but when I went up, it was a Japanese izakaya.
Mainstream Korean beer is a bit meh.
I had a Terra which was instantly forgettable and some sashimi, which was half frozen.

 

[Justinf]

by now it was 7pm but only 6pm in Shanghai so my body clock should have been craving more beer.
However I’m pretty damn rundown and I decided to head to the convenience store for some supplies and look after myself.

 

[Justinf]

not quite done with yet.
There are sooooooo many places around here.

One thing I have already noticed about here compared to Japan is that there is rubbish.
In Japan there is none.
Here there’s quite a bit.
Also credit card is the way to pay here.
Alipay worked well in China but here card is king.

 

[JackMiles]

Looking forward to more of this part of the trip report (though I have enjoyed all up to now). I loved my short time in Seoul. Hope you enjoy the DMZ tour. I thought it was fascinating.
Isn't it fabulous how great beer can be found pretty much everywhere in Asia now? Craft beer scene flourishing all over.