About BENIKEA

BENIKEA is a hotel chain in Korea, a portmanteau of the phrase "Best Night in Korea." BENIKEA is operated by Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) in association with the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. BENIKEA aims to offer guests premium vacation accommodations at a reasonable price, serving both local and foreign travelers.

BENIKEA hotels are located all across the country, from major metropolitan cities to charming rural towns. Each hotel offers unique features, from a convenient location, exciting nearby downtown area, or proximity to the airport to excellent ocean views, exciting hot springs, nearby ski resorts, and more.

For more information visit the website: Visit Korea

Planes from Turkey land at Incheon International Airport. Incheon Airport, opened in March 2001, is the largest airport in Korea and serves as the main gateway hub for travelers visiting Korea. Airlines with direct flights from Turkey to Korea: Turkish Airlines, Korean Air, Air Asiana Airlines with single connecting flights from Turkey to Korea: Emirates, Qatar, Ethiad, Air Astana, You can reach at “Beginners' Guide to: Incheon International Airport” from this link to learn more: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=2479264

FROM / TO THE AIRPORT

There are several different ways to travel from Incheon International Airport to downtown Seoul. The most convenient options include taking the Airport Railroad Express (AREX), Seoul Metropolitan Subway, airport limousine buses, and taxis. Among these, the Airport Railroad has the benefit of avoiding traffic on the roads, allowing tourists to arrive at their destination at a specific time. The Airport Railroad Express runs directly from Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 to Seoul Station, with no stops along the way. On the other hand, the airport buses make it easy to reach a variety of tourist attractions and hotels throughout Seoul. If the train and bus are too confusing, visitors can also pay more and take a taxi from the airport directly to their destination.

International ferry services operate between China, Japan and Russia and Korea. For more information about ports in these countries and arrival times in Korea, you can check the following link: https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/TRP/TP_ENG_3_1.jsp

Also ferry services to Jeju Island are currently available from multiple points along the southern coast. However, schedules may change depending on circumstances, so it is advised to check for up-to-date information before the trip.

One of the most convenient ways to travel between cities in Korea is by train. Bus schedules can vary depending on traffic, but that is hardly the case for the railroad, allowing passengers to make accurate travel plans and move to destinations on time.

Korean trains are classified based on their speed and the amenities offered on board. The classifications include the express trains KTX and KTX-Sancheon; regular trains ITX-Saemaeul and Mugunghwa; and KORAIL tourist trains. Ticket fares depend on the train type and distance of travel. The two main railway lines are Gyeongbu Line and Honam Line but other railway lines also include Jeolla and Gyeongjeon Lines, which reach as far as Yeosu and Changwon on the southern coast.

For an affordable travel around Korea, tourists can consider buying the KORAIL Pass, an exclusive railway pass for foreigners that allows unlimited use of all trains, including the KTX, for a selected number of days.

Detailed Information about Trains

KORAIL website: info.korail.com (Korean, English)

KORAIL PASS page: www.letskorail.com (English, Japanese, Chinese)

SR Website: etk.srail.co.kr (Korean, Japanese, Chinese)

Subways serve as a convenient mean of transportation, probably the most favored public transportation by both Koreans and international visitors. Subways are currently available in five major cities consisting of the Seoul Metropolitan Area, which includes Seoul, Gyeonggi-do, and Incheon; Busan, Daegu, Gwangju and Daejeon. Seoul Metropolitan Area subway system covers an expansive area, including Line 1 to 9 with additional lines, such as Sinbundang Line, Gyeongchun Line, Gyeongui-Jungang Line, Ever Line, Uisinseol Line, and more, branching throughout the metropolitan area. Each subway line has a designated color to aid passengers in using the subway with ease.

Seoul Metropolitan Subway Map (Credit: Seoul Metro): www.seoulmetro.co.kr (Korean, English)

Buses in Seoul are classified by color to differentiate the bus types: blue buses travel on major roads and run for relatively long distances through Seoul; green buses travel shorter distances and carry travelers between transfer points such as subway stations and longer bus routes; red buses are express buses that travel from Seoul to suburban areas; yellow buses operate on a closed circuit within a district of Seoul. Seoul also operates night bus routes, with service from 23:30 until 06:00 the following morning.

Bus fare can be paid either by cash or transportation card when boarding. If using a transportation card, passengers can get a transfer discount when changing to the subway system or another bus line.

Transportation Cards

Korea not only has a great public transportation system but also a well-developed payment service that is widely accepted on buses, subways and taxis operating throughout the country. These transportation cards can be purchased from subway stations and convenience stores. The best part of this service is that it is available to all citizens and international visitors, allowing everyone who uses a transportation card to save 100 won on each trip, based on adult fare, compared to paying with cash, as well as receiving a discount when transferring.

The Center of Trend & Style, Gangnam

Region: Gangnam-gu Seoul

Duration: 1 DAY

Overview: Gangnam sprang to the forefront of Korean tourism after Psy’s song “Gangnam Style” hit the international airwaves! Known as the most prosperous area in all of Seoul, Gangnam is almost synonymous with words like fashion, trendy and cutting edge.

Cultural Fun in Suwon & Yongin

Region: Suwon-si Gyeonggi-do

Duration: 2 DAYS/1 NIGHT

Oveview: Suwon and Yongin are two popular cities near Seoul that attract many visitors due to their fun attractions and cultural heritage sites. Not only can you find historical sites such as the UNESCO World Heritage Hwaseong Fortress and Hwaseong Haenggung Palace in Suwon, the nearby city of Yongin is also home to several theme parks including Everland, Korean Folk Village, and more.

DAY 1:

Hwaseong Fortress & Hwaseong Haenggung Palace: Hwaseong Fortresswas constructed during the Joseon dynasty, under the reign of King Jeongjo (1752-1800). the erection of the fortress was highly commended in the early modern age and was thus designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1997. Currently, Hwaseong Fortress remains well-preserved in its original state, allowing visitors to appreciate and enjoy this historical site. The Hwaseong Haenggung Palace, located within Hwaseong Fortress, was the largest, most beautiful and most frequented haenggung palace. It was sometimes referred to as Hwaseong’s Gyeongbokgung Palace. After finishing your tour around Hwaseong Fortress, drop by Motgol Market for some delicious kalguksu (noodle soup), nokdu jeon (mung bean pancake), tteokbokki (stirfried rice cake), and other Korean foods! The Korean Folk Village reproduces typical scenes and daily lifestyles of people in the Joseon dynasty. The traditional houses and items in a natural environment can easily make anyone feel as if they have just traveled back in time!

1,000 Years of History, Gyeongju

Region: Gyeongju-si Gyeongsangbuk-do

Duration: 2 DAYS/1 NIGHT

Overview: Ask any Korean to name the city with the greatest historical value in Korea and the answer will likely be Gyeongju, the capital city of the Silla Dynasty (57 BC – AD 935). The city is dotted with UNESCO World Cultural Heritages Sites, including Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, Yangdong Village, and the Gyeongju Historic Area. Explore the advanced architecture of the Silla period and experience the splendid culture of Buddhism in a short but full two-day tour of Gyeongju.

DAY 1 :

The best way to start off a tour of Gyeongju is by learning a bit about the city’s cultural value at the Gyeongju National Museum. The museum consists of the Silla History Gallery, Silla Art Gallery, Wolji Gallery, and an outdoor exhibition. Entering Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village is like stepping foot into the past where the old and new hanok buildings create a wonderful harmony. The village is also home to workshops for pottery and glass, as well as a nubi (traditional quilting) experience center. One of the most unique scenes in Gyeongju is the sight of 23 almost uniformly sized “hills” found at Daereungwon Ancient Tomb Complex. The hills are actually the tombs of kings, queens and other nobility of the Silla dynasty. Also called Araet Market, Gyeongju Jungang Market is a traditional 5-day market, operating on the 2, 7, 12, 17, 22 and 27 of every month. There is much to see and eat on market day, when the vendors gather to sell their products. Cheomseongdae Observatory was built in the 16th year of Silla Queen Seondeok’s reign (AD 647), making it the oldest astronomical structure in Asia. The structure reaches 9 meters in height and retains its near-perfect condition to this day. Designated and protected as a cultural heritage site, Cheomseongdae Observatory demonstrates ancient Korea’s knowledge in astronomy and science as well as their excellence in craftsmanship and architecture. The observatory is open for free until late at night, attracting both locals and tourists alike. Donggung Palace was a detached palace of the Silla kingdom where the prince lived, and was often used as a banquet venue to celebrate the country’s joyous occasions or entertain important guests. The palace and the surrounding lotus pond are popular as a relaxing place to take a walk for their harmonious beauty and cultural value.