Korea-Amur Area 2024

Our adventure targeted Jiri-san, South Korea’s continental zenith. Denise and Richard ventured further, conquering Halla-san on Jeju Do Island, the country’s highest peak. Time constraints led me to bid South Korea farewell after Jiri-san, marking the end of my journey.

Day 1: Flights, and a Seafood Reunion

Embarking from Taipei to Seoul, Denise, Richard, and I navigate our separate flight paths thanks to some clever budgeting. We converge at the airport, yet they ascend into the skies hours before my BR160 15:15 departure, leaving me to savor the wonders of Taipei’s airport. I marvel at tea offerings with price tags hitting the stratosphere—over 5,000 USD a pack, a true test of any wanderer’s resolve. After fueling up on coffee and snacks, I embark on my aerial journey to Seoul, touching down at Incheon International Airport, a bustling hub and one of the world’s largest airports, in just a couple of hours. The hotel’s complimentary shuttle soon delivers me to a heartwarming reunion with Denise and Richard at the Incheon Airport Oceanview Hotel, which feels like a bargain. Our quest for sustenance leads us to the only seafood restaurant in sight, indulging in a feast. To our delight, Cass beer graces the menu—light but unexpectedly satisfying.

Costs, logistics …

• Shutle from Hertz car rental to Taipei ariport: complimentary.
• Flight from Jakarta to Taipei and then Taipei to Seoul was 3,326,000 IDR for the entire journey.
• Hotel Shuttle: complimentary.
• Seafood Feast: 45,000 KRW for three people.
• Incheon Airport Oceanview Hotel: 50,000 KRW per room.

Day 2: High-Speed Dash to Jiri-sani

Rising late was a luxury today, thanks to Richard snagging us train tickets to Jinju for the early afternoon. Our day began with a morning coffee ritual followed by a taxi ride to the airport terminal, setting the stage for our journey ahead. We then secured all-stop train tickets to Seoul Station, quickly grabbed a bite at McDonald’s at the station, and were all set to board the KTX train, which whisked us off at nearly 300 km/h. Four hours later, we found ourselves stepping off at Jinju station. A short taxi ride brought us to the New Yorker Hotel. While the jacuzzis and in-room cinema added a special touch, it’s important not to mistake this for luxury living—it’s fundamentally a basic budget hotel. Before dinner, I took a stroll, discovering Jinjuseong fortress and the serene P30 peak, a perfect prelude to the spicy dinner that awaited us.

Jinjuseong

Costs, logistics …

• Taxi ride to the airport terminal: 14,600 KRW.
• All-stop train to Seoul Station for the trio was 13,650 KRW, including a 500 KRW refundable deposit from the card.
• McDonald’s meal at the Seoul Station: 11,000 KRW.
• KTX fast train tickets from Seoul Station to Jinju Station for the group: 100.60 GBP.
• Taxi ride from Jinju Station to hotel: 9,500 KRW.
• Provisions for the nex dat hike: ~15,000 KRW for three
• Spicy dinner at Chicken Stew restruant 65,000 KRW for the group.
• New Yorker Hotel for two rooms: 120,000 KRW.

Day 3: Quest for Jiri-san’s Summit

Navigating our way to the trailhead of Jiri-san from our hotel in Jinju was the day’s first challenge, especially considering the 40 km distance. Although we initially contemplated staying in a different city, we opted for a second night in Jinju. Encouraged by a suggestion from a local shop owner, we considered taking the bus. However, without a schedule, our plans were uncertain. Luckily, a taxi driver agreed to take us, providing a convenient solution. Amid rain and fog, we embarked on our climb up Jiri-san’s trails, a testament to our determination. The return journey was by bus, leading to a celebratory dinner at a local Korean grill. Our adventure concluded back at the New Yorker Hotel, our cozy base for the adventure.

Jiri-san

Costs, logistics …

• Taxi fare to Jiri-san trailhead: 60,000 KRW.
• Bus fare back from Jungsan-ri bus station to Jinju bus terminal: 22,000 KRW.
• Provisions: ~10,000 KRW for three
• Self-made Korean grill dinner for the group: 58,000 KRW.
• New Yorker Hotel for two rooms: 125,000 KRW.

Day 4: Smooth Sailing Toward Home

While Denise and Richard set off early for Busan, catching a 10 am train before jetting off to Jeju Island, my schedule directed me towards a 12:51 KTX fast train, allowing me a morning to explore Jinju at my leisure. A taxi ride brought me to the station in time for a fulfilling breakfast. The train ride was comfortable, with connectivity that made the hours pass quickly. I considered hiking Bukhan-san’s p600 peak but ultimately decided it was too much to fit into my schedule. Opting for relaxation, I checked into the Best Western Premier Incheon Airport hotel, situated conveniently near the airport, and settled into a peaceful evening, marking a serene end to the day.

Costs, logistics …

• Taxi ride from the hotel to the Jinju train station: 8,600 KRW.
• Breakfast at the train station: 10,300 KRW.
• Train journey from Jinju to Seou Station: 37.02 GBP.
• Snack and cofee at the Seoul Station: 8,000 KRW
• Express train from Seoul Station to Airport: 11,000 KRW.
• Taxi from Airport Termianl 1 to hotel: 6000 KRW
• Dinner at the hotel restaurant: 46,000 KRW.
• Stay at the Best Western Premier Incheon Airport hotel: 88,825 KRW.

Day 5: Odyssey’s End

My last day began with a leisurely awakening and a relaxed breakfast, setting a calm pace. Airport procedures were surprisingly smooth, ushering me through check-in, immigration, and customs with ease. Roaming Terminal 1, my quest for the intriguing ended at Korean Red Ginseng Tea, with a jaw-dropping tag of 3,000 USD—luxurious, yet surprisingly a bargain compared to Taipei’s airport offerings. At these rates, it’s practically on par with gold’s allure. The mystery of its buyers, given such lofty prices, remains an enigma, leaving me to ponder who might indulge in such an extravagant purchase. The food court on the second floor offered a decent meal at Western prices, worth the 20-minute wait. The 14-hour Lufthansa flight LH713 departed on schedule, delivering me to Frankfurt on the same day, a perk of westward travel that spares the day. A brief hiatus preceded my final leg, LH888 to Vilnius, which, despite a slight delay, landed punctually at 23:45. And just like that, finito.

Costs, logistics …

• Hotel shutle: comlimnetary.
• Breakfast at the airport: 15,000 KRW.
• Extra cofee Americano at airport: 8,000 KRW
• Flight tickets from Vilnius, Lithuania to Frankfurt, Germany, then from Frankfurt, Germany to Chennai, India, from Chennai, India to Colombo, Sri Lanka, then from Seoul, South Korea to Frankfurt, Germany, and finally from Frankfurt, Germany back to Vilnius, Lithuania is approximately 550 EUR.

Thanks

A seemingly effortless journey, yet behind the scenes, logistics were a complex puzzle. A heartfelt thanks goes to Denise and Richard for navigating the maze of hotel bookings, deciphering train schedules, and securing all necessary tickets. Their efforts meant I could simply soak in the hikes and the scenery. Immense gratitude for making it all seamless.