Autumn 2024. Ten years after my first trip to Seoul in 2014, I am returning to the Republic of Korea, better known as South Korea. Not solo this time, but with Oriol, who has never been to Korea. On the itinerary: flying with Qatar Airways to Incheon via Doha, the capital Seoul, the historic city of Gyeongju, Busan, Jeju Island and a second stint in Seoul, where we are joined by Sehyeon. We’re spending two weeks in South Korea. The ROK is such a popular destination now. Will we experience overtourism? 

After a long but comfortable journey we landed at Incheon International Airport. After walking expectable long corridors and stopping at a toilet, it was time to get through immigration. 

This process was semi-automated. Yes, there was a real human officer assessing my entry (or not) into the Republic of Korea, but also an automated device scanning me. As I am Belgian, the device spoke French to me. 

The next step was getting our luggage. The Apple AirTags didn’t update. It turns out South Korea blocks this service. Why? I don’t know. Either way, our luggage were there.

Wowpass

I had booked a Wowpass in advance but had to redeem it at a SK Telecom kiosk at the airport. the offer comprised a free card, an eSIM or actual SIM card for my phone and 10,000 won on the Tmoney public transport card which is integrated. 

Yes, the Wowpass is two cards in one. The Wowpass proper is a prepaid credit card you can use all over South Korea. There’s an app which you can use to top up your pass via your own everyday credit card you use at home. 

It’s also a Tmoney card, for public transport. This has to be topped cash (yes, cash) at convenience stores such as 7Eleven, CU or GS25. 

The kiosk was hard to find, the attendant spoke little English (I expect better English proficiency at an airport to be honest) and was impatient. Or maybe I was. Patience is not one of my virtues. 

Anyway the attendant did not tell me I had to register my passport and couple it to the card before I could use it. That was annoying. 

Once sorted, Wowpass is relatively practical. The app notifies you of your expenses and immediately tells you how much you spend in your own currency.

A limit

But there’s a limit, it turns out. You can only top up 1,000,000 won per month. Oriol hit that limit as he often paid for us two. I paid hotels with my Miles & More earning American Express, Oriol paid the food. We use Splitwise to split the bills. 

If we had known in advance, we would have done things differently. “Why can’t I spend money in this country”, Oriol quipped. 

So, the Wowpass is not that wow.

Ah well.

AREX

To get from Incheon to Seoul, we took the Airport Railroad Express (인천국제공항철도) or AREX to Seoul Station. Having not sorted my Wowpass yet, I was lucky the counter took international credit cards. 

The Airport Railroad Express (AREX) is a high-speed rail line that connects Incheon International Airport to Seoul Station. It is a popular choice for travelers and commuters alike, offering a convenient and efficient way to travel between the airport and the city center.

AREX features two types of trains: Express and Limited Express. The Express trains make fewer stops and travel at higher speeds, providing a faster journey to Seoul Station. The Limited Express trains make additional stops along the way, but are still a relatively quick option.

AREX is known for its modern facilities, comfortable seating, and reliable service. The trains are equipped with amenities such as Wi-Fi, power outlets, and luggage storage. The stations along the line are well-maintained and offer easy access to other transportation options.

Seats are assigned and numbered, so you will get a seat. It was an efficient way to get to Seoul. 

South Korea 2024

1. QUESTION | Should you be scared of travelling to South Korea?.
2. REVIEW | Qatar Airways – economy – Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner – Brussels to Doha.
3. QATAR | Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha.
4. REVIEW | Qatar Airways – economy – Airbus A350 – Doha to Seoul / Incheon.