For my 38th birthday last April, we decided to celebrate it in one of the countries I've been wanting to visit - South Korea. And I'm glad we did! Without a doubt, South Korea is a must-visit country that will definitely amaze you and leave you with beautiful memories.
If you're planning a Korea on a budget trip, I highly suggest that you get a Discover Seoul Pass that you can easily buy online at Klook.com. It's a "smart card" that allows the cardholder convenient and hassle-free access to a range of top attractions and experiences in Seoul plus exclusive discounts and freebies.
With a Discover Seoul Pass, you can explore and get free access to 35 tourist attractions and enjoy exclusive discounts and freebies in Seoul within 24/48/72 hours with just one card. Designed for foreign tourists by Seoul Tourism Organization and Seoul Metropolitan Government, the Discover Seoul Pass is definitely a must-have when traveling to Seoul.
Aside from being an admission ticket, the Discover Seoul Pass also works as a T-Money Card that you can just load or top up with credits you can use when taking the trains in Seoul. With this, you can explore Seoul's top tourist attractions and landmarks on your own with ease and flexibility. Having this pass with you, you can create your own DIY Itinerary when exploring Seoul. It's the most efficient way for tourists to enjoy the best sights in Seoul - from historical, cultural sites such as palaces and shrines to amusement sites and specialty museums - with options of 24, 48, or 72 hours usage to access 35 different attractions (plus discounts and freebies), all with one card! So, how cool is that?
WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS DISCOVER SEOUL PASS BLOG? |
The Discover Seoul Pass Includes:
Discover Seoul Pass comes in a cute little box with the card inside and a guide map the lists the attractions included in the card for easy reference.
Free admission attractions: 35 locations (free one-time admission while the pass is active)
Seoul History
- Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Changdeokgung Palace
- Jongmyo (Royal Shrine)
- Deoksugung Palace
- Changgyeonggung Palace
- Seodaemun Prison History Hall
Seoul Culture
- National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul
- Museum Kimchikan (Pulmuone)
- Leeum Samsung Museum of Art
- Simone Handbag Museum
- Coreana Cosmetics Museum
Seoul Amusement
- N Seoul Tower (Observatory)
- Seoul City Tour Double-Decker Bus (Dongdaemun)
- Trick Eye Museum
- MBC World
- Grévin Museum
- Figure Museum W
- Alive Museum
- Hanboknam
- SM TOWN@coexartium
- Teseum Seoul
When we went to Seoul, the above were the only attractions included in the pass. Starting April 30, 2018, 14 new attractions were added. Yey! This means more attractions can be visited and additional value for your money!
- 63 Building - Observatory aquarium
- Airport Railroad (AREX) - Incheon?Seoul One time express train round trip ticket with no time limit
- SMTOWN@coexartium - SM Museum entrance ticket
- National Museum of Korea - Free admission to special exhibitions
- Namsan Seoul Tower Hanbok Experience Center - 1-hour and half hanbok rental and use of self-studio
Thematic Experience Center Ep.1: Find the Treasure - Entrance ticket - Seoul Zoo Sky Lift - zoo entrance ticket, Lift round trip ticket, Elephant Train round trip ticket
- Seoul City Tour Bus (Gwanghwamun) - 1-day ticket (choice of one out of four courses)
- Seoul Battleship Park - Entrance ticket
- COEX Aquarium - Entrance ticket
- Football Faentasium - Entrance ticket
- Sealala Water Park - Free entry to sauna and spa/jjimjilbang (clothing provided), one free sikhye drink when ordering food
- Namsangol Hanok Village - One free cup of coffee
- Seoul Bike - 1-day ticket, no time limit
 NAMI ISLAND & PETIT FRANCEWhen visiting Seoul, South Korea, a day trip to Nami Island is a must. This half-moon shaped islet is a popular destination among tourists because of its beautiful scenery, peaceful environment, and as location of popular Korean telenovela such as Winter Sonata which became a hit in the 2000's. Located in Chuncheon, South Korea, Nami Island is about 1.5 to 2 hours away from the city of Seoul. But getting here is not a problem. Just join a group tour for easy and convenient Nami Island + Petit France tour. [ BOOK THIS TOUR HERE! ] |
How to avail and use the Discover Seoul Pass?
STEP 1:
Purchase a Discover Seoul Pass online. You can buy a Discover Seoul Pass at DISCOUNTED RATE via Klook.com.
STEP 2:
Claim the card. Upon arrival in South Korea, go to any of the following designated pick-up locations listed below to get your Discover Seoul Pass Card. You can present either a printed or a mobile voucher to claim the card. You can only redeem the card on the date and time you specified when booking.
STEP 3:
Activate the Discover Seoul Pass. The card is activated as soon as you visit any one of the 35 Seoul attractions, which you can visit once a day within the 24/48/72 hours validity of the card.
STEP 4:
Present the card at your chosen attractions listed above. Enjoy the many attractions and special offers in Seoul that are included in the Discover Seoul Pass.
Discover Seoul Pass Pick Up Locations:
Incheon International Airport Terminal 1
Address: International Taxi information Desk (EAST) (Next to Gate 5)
Opening hours: 24 hours daily
Incheon International Airport Terminal 2
Address: Incheon International Airport 1st floor (Arrivals), 'World Roaming' booth next to exit 6
Opening hours: 24 hours daily
Gimpo International Airport
Address: International Taxi information Desk
Opening hours: 10:00am-10:00pm daily
Myeongdong Tourist Information Center
(for overseas sales and processing pass refunds)
Address: 66, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul (KEB Hana Bank Main Office First Floor Annex)
Phone No.: +82-2-778-0333 (English/Chinese service)
Opening hours: 10:30am-7:30pm daily
Closed on: Seollal (Lunar New Year's Day), Chuseok Day
 DMZ DAY TOUR FROM SEOULWant to have a glimpse of North Korea from the Demiliratized Zone in Gyeonggi-do? Getting to the DMZ is not possible if you do it yourself (DIY), it's better if you get an authorized travel guide or join a group tour. The DMZ Tour offered by Klook includes private transportation from Seoul to DMZ, a visit to Imjingak Park, Freedom Bridge, 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, DMZ Theater and Exhibition Hall, Dora Observatory, Unification Village, Dorasan Rail Station, and to a Ginseng Center. Transportation back to Seoul is also included. And you can also choose to end the tour with a good lunch at a restaurant in the city. [ BOOK THIS TOUR HERE! ] |
How to Buy and How Much is the Discover Seoul Pass?
For ease an convenience, I highly suggest that you purchase your Discover Seoul Pass online. You can purchase a Discover Seoul Pass via Klook.com at DISCOUNTED RATE. It is available in 24 hours validity for 1,721 pesos, 48 hours validity for 2,459 pesos, and 72 hours validity for 3,098 pesos. So, when booking, choose the card's validity depending on how many attractions you want to visit.
Sample Seoul Korea DIY Itinerary
It is impossible to visit all of them if you only have a 24-hour Discover Seoul Pass. So, here's a sample DIY Seoul Itinerary which includes suggested attractions you should not miss. Most of the attractions (especially the palaces and the shrines) that you can visit with the pass are within 10-15 minute walking distance from one another. If you plan your trip well, I'm sure you'll be able to make the most out of the Discover Seoul Pass!
- 09:30 AM - HANBOKNAM (You can wear your hanbok of choice outdoors for 90 minutes)
- 10:00 AM - Gyeongbokgung Palace
- 11:00 AM - National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul
- 11:30 AM - Walk to Changdeokgung Palace
- 12:00 AM - Changdeokgung Palace
- 12:45 AM - Changgyeonggung Palace
- 01:30 PM - Lunch
- 02:00 NN - Jongmyo (Royal Shrine)
- 03:00 PM - Travel to N Seoul Tower
- 04:00 PM - N Seoul Tower
- 05:30 PM - Namsan Seoul Tower Hanbok Experience Center
- 06:00 PM - Hello Kitty Island in N Seoul Tower - 30% off for Discover Seoul Pass holders
- 07:00 PM - Dinner at Season’s Table (Korean Family Restaurant) - 20% discount for Discover Seoul Pass holders
- 09:00 PM - Ohui & Whoo Spa Nonhyun - 10% discount for Discover Seoul Pass holders
NOTE: Start your tour early to visit as many attractions possible. Most of the attractions opens at 09:00 or 09:30 AM. You may adjust this itinerary depending on the attractions you want to visit.
The Discover Seoul Pass is definitely one of the best and convenient ways to see the tourist spots and attractions in Seoul for 1 to 3 days! Don’t let your Seoul South Korea trip be a stressful one! Get a Discover Seoul Pass!
Please note that prices are based on the current rates on Klook.com and it also depends on the date of your booking.
ALSO READ: OSAKA AMAZING PASS: Cheap and Easy Way to Get the Best Out of Osaka, Japan!
Cheap Flights to Seoul, South Korea
There are two major airports servicing passengers visiting Seoul. Gimpo Airport, which is nearer Seoul City is mostly for domestic flights and some international flights from China, Japan, and Taiwan. Most international flights going to Seoul arrive at Incheon International Airport which is the largest and the primary gateway to South Korea. Local airlines such Cebu Pacific Air, Philippine Airlines, Air Asia Philippines, and other international airlines have daily flights from Manila to Incheon, as well as direct flights from Kalibo to (Seoul Incheon).
To search for cheap flights to Seoul, South Korea, I highly recommend booking via Traveloka.com - one of Southeast Asia's leading travel booking sites. I've been using it in my travels and I can assure you that you'll always get the best deals and promos on flights! And don't forget to use their weekly promo codes to get more discounts!
Hotels in Seoul, Korea
There are so many hotels in Seoul that you can choose from. There's a wide array of budget, mid-range and luxury hotels in Seoul that will certainly fit your budget and needs. So, finding the best hotel for you will never be a problem. More to that, you could save as much as 50% off on room rates when you book in advance online.
South Korea Travel Essentials
- 4G WiFi Device or a Korea 4G SIM Card for your Instagram moments and also for navigating the streets of Seoul.
- Travel in comfort from Incheon International Airport to Seoul City via AREX Incheon Airport Express Train, KAL Limousine Bus, or Incheon Airport Private Car Transfers.
- South Korea Railplus Transport Card Travel hassle-free with this integrated transportation card that can be used to pay for public transport and even taxis.
- Private Car Charter in Seoul Explore Nami Island, Everland, Rail Bike or other attractions in a private van.
- Discounted Korea Rail Pass Discover South Korea by traveling on over 80 routes and 600 stations. Enjoy unlimited rides on trains offered by KORAIL for 1, 3, 5, 7 or any flexible 2 and 4 days.
ALSO READ: Seoul, South Korea Travel Guide with DIY Itinerary
For other sample Korea DIY Itineraries, visit my post: RECOMMENDED KOREA ITINERARY: DIY SEOUL - 3, 4, 5, 6 Days Tour.
This trip to Seoul was made possible by Traveloka and Klook Travel.
Great help
ReplyDeleteMay I know what is the difference between NORULES and Discover Seoul Pass I am a little confessed?
First time to visit Seoul soon. Thanks for all the information. We’ll also get the Discover Seoul Pass but would likely get the 72-hour pass. Sulit naman na siguro. And I guess marami nang must-see places already included.
ReplyDeleteHi, I'm just a little confused about the one time pass. Is it one time pass each attraction? You have to choose between those 35 attractions?
ReplyDelete