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Seoul - Return for Free: Ex Gold Coast $309 | Ex Sydney $404 | Ex Melbourne $428 @ Jetstar

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Seoul - Return for Free: Ex Gold Coast $309 | Ex Sydney $404 | Ex Melbourne $428 @ Jetstar
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Taegukgi on 01/08/2019 - 08:05 jetstar.com (7197 clicks)
Last edited 01/08/2019 - 08:31

This deal has got my CPUs buzzing this morning. I usually head back to SK once or twice a year but will likely be heading back more often if Jetstar keeps doing these fares.

I recently flew Jetstar to Tokyo and it was a pleasant experience. Obviously not as comfortable as Korean Air (my preferred airline) but it was comfortable enough to consider booking further international travel with them.

Sample dates -

  • Gold Coast return May 8 - May 17 - $309
  • Sydney return May 10 - May 17 $404
  • Melbourne return May 10 - May 17 $428

There is so much you can do in Seoul including

  • visiting the historical gungs (palaces) - Gyeongbokgung is highly recommended.
  • feel the tension at the DMZ
  • shop till you drop at Myeongdong
  • take the kids to Everland or Lotte World.
  • do a Templestay to find your inner self.

If you're keen to get out and explore Korea more -

  • check out the historical Gyeongju
  • fly down to Jeju Island and check out the sceneries
  • take the KTX down to Busan (Korea's 2nd biggest city)

If you're still bored and have nothing to do then let me know and I can send you some stuff to take back to Ulsan for me (experience being a daigou).

I'm sure there are plenty of Korean friends on Ozb that can offer some more advice on things to do.

PS. I don't think I've ever written this much in my posts (feels like a uni essay). If you've read up to this point then I thank you for your patience.

Travel Airfare Asia Instagrampost Seoul South Korea

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closed Comments

  • kulprit on 01/08/2019 - 08:10
    +1

    Out of the sale dates, what's the nicest time of year to go?

    • Taegukgi on 01/08/2019 - 08:11
      +2

      April is a nice time to go as it's cherry blossom season. If you've never seen this then paying the extra few bucks is well worth it.

      • kulprit on 01/08/2019 - 08:19

        Thanks. Been to Japan a few times so blossoms are always nice. Some really cheap flights out of gold coast on May 8. $279 with club Jetstar.

        The flight outbound times are pretty good, 3 times a week leave at 2 pm arrive at 10pm.

        But the homebound don't leave Seoul until midnight so pretty impossible with young kids.

        • Taegukgi on 01/08/2019 - 08:23
          +25

          The good thing is that Incheon Airport is one of the best in the world.

          1) Mums can continue to shop till they drop
          2) Dads can marvel at the beauty of the Korean Air hostesses.
          3) Kids have plenty of activities to do to keep themselves entertained.

          Win-win for the whole family.

  • jotay on 01/08/2019 - 08:13
    +6

    Good post as there's recommendations as to where to go/what to do.Thank you.

  • G77 on 01/08/2019 - 08:18

    Thanks for the write-up, dealbot. Good deal, good recommendations!

  • w1nthrophy on 01/08/2019 - 08:19
    +1

    Mugyodong = Myeong-dong

    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myeong-dong

    • Taegukgi on 01/08/2019 - 08:20

      Corrected. I was thinking of Mugyo in Ulsan.

    • NaRaSaRang on 01/08/2019 - 11:10
      +2

      Please do not get ripped off by the street vendors in MD with their BS foods made up of shitty ingredients. Peace.

  • notYuna on 01/08/2019 - 08:23
    +4

    lived in seoul for a year - some other things to do not covered by OP:
    - partying it up in hongdae
    - watch some live esports
    - get steamy and visit a jjimjilbang
    - hammer down some soju and beer for less than $5 at the local convenience store

    • Taegukgi on 01/08/2019 - 08:26
      +4

      jjimjilbang is definitely an experience in itself!

      • lostn on 01/08/2019 - 10:08

        Does it sound as exciting as its name?

    • INFIDEL on 01/08/2019 - 08:29
      +2

      Second that.
      My local GS25 convenience store on my stays in Hongdae got out paper cups for me as they knew my usual - a bottle of makgeolli drunk at the plastic table outside, watching the arts students go by…

      Slept overnight at a jjimjilbang - a bit too much snoring for a good sleep, but an interesting experience after a salt scrub, bath, steam. There's a wonderful jjimjilbang in Busan - overlooking the beach. You can soak outside with a wonderful view.

      Got free tickets to the largest Asian film Festival (PIFF) in Busan. Was staying with international film critics.

      Enjoyed the cherry blossom from Seoraksan National Park on the East Coast to Seoul. (Like it a bit better in Japan - for the colour & variety of plants… & the partying.)

      But most enjoyed the great spicy food!!
      Unfortunately restaurants may not serve 1 person - dining is a very social activity in S Korea. So make friends if travelling alone.

    • ryu on 01/08/2019 - 13:07

      Anything unique?

    • Eeples on 01/08/2019 - 18:00

      Busan Tower had all-you-can-drink Kloud beer, trip up and down, and chips for about $12.

  • Yaren24 on 01/08/2019 - 08:26

    What are the cheaper things we can buy in Korea and bring it back home?

    • Vavoom on 01/08/2019 - 08:34
      +3

      Make up and beauty supplies. They also give you a ton of samples.

      • miq on 03/08/2019 - 05:18

        You beauty!

    • sheepzpal on 01/08/2019 - 08:57

      cheaper cigarettes but risking it through the customs

    • Carmen Sandiego on 01/08/2019 - 14:32

      Stationery

  • jamball on 01/08/2019 - 08:39

    Thanks OP, I'm getting off in May via GC.

  • BuyNow Think Later on 01/08/2019 - 08:53

    12 August to 30 August 2020 Not available for Sydney, Melbourne (Tullamarine) and Melbourne (Avalon) connections.

    Does anyone know why the above blackout period?

  • Prince K on 01/08/2019 - 08:53
    +1

    Is anyone able to find gift cards? Looks like Jetstar disappeared on the Suncorp and racq portals, and entertainment has 5% off with 1.25% surcharge

  • [Deactivated] on 01/08/2019 - 08:57

    Kimmmmy

  • Thatbargainhunter on 01/08/2019 - 09:09

    Cheers. Booked in May for Birthday

    • waterbottled on 01/08/2019 - 09:36
      +1

      did you get the checked baggage and meal option? coz with those for the return flights price jumps up to $700

      • Thatbargainhunter on 02/08/2019 - 03:25

        Not meal. I don't eat airline food anyway, as I am an athlete. I bring meals on board.

        Baggage yes. Was tempted not to, as I usually don't bother and am fine (super light packer).

        I also did seat selection.

        It came to $399 (less with plus but mine expired like a week ago). It does not come to $700. I think your doing something wrong or your trying to take an elephant as baggage.

    • Xenmione on 01/08/2019 - 22:59
      +1

      I also booked for a birthday! Cheers to us May babies!

  • SydneyisSkyBlue on 01/08/2019 - 09:31
    +5

    For flights from Sydney, 2 May - 16 May for example, return from Sydney to Incheon is $650 with Air China with layover in Beijing, which includes meals and baggages.
    It could be cheaper than Jetstar, considering the price listed here doesn't include any meal/drinks and checked baggages. You wouldn't want to fly 13 hours and more without getting meal or drinks served, unless you are going to pay on board.

    • d86 on 01/08/2019 - 09:42
      -2

      Sydney - Incheon - 10 hours. You can BYO food if you want to save a bit, otherwise a combo meal on board is not a massive damage.

      • SydneyisSkyBlue on 01/08/2019 - 10:33
        -1

        suggest you to actually go on a website and figure out the detail of the flights offered and price of additional packages, before you make a comment.

        It takes 10 hours if you flight with Korean Air or Asiana Airline, which is a direct flight and costs lot more.

    • wjb on 01/08/2019 - 23:49

      book from jetaboard.com.au?

      • wjb on 03/08/2019 - 17:52

        Does anyone have experience booking with jetaboard?
        Any conversion fee albeit their price is shown in AUD?

  • Qbagger on 01/08/2019 - 09:32
    +1

    Any recommendations for downhill skiing in South Korea?

    • miruki on 01/08/2019 - 10:08

      In May? No chance.

      But for Dec~Feb, a quick search suggests Konjiam Resort is a good one.
      From my old memory, Daemyung was also fine.

  • minicat on 01/08/2019 - 09:36
    +7

    It is not that good deal when you add check-in bags.

    • dane45 on 01/08/2019 - 12:31

      Don't add check in bags then

  • purplelady on 01/08/2019 - 09:36

    I prefer changdeokgong than gyeongbokgong actually hahahaha

  • maiuspala on 01/08/2019 - 09:49

    Hows the english of average korean?

    • Vavoom on 01/08/2019 - 10:14
      +3

      Generally the younger the person, the better they'll be. They have compulsory English in primary school (Grade 3 onwards) and some do extra private tutoring to be better at English while young.
      On the street, they're a bit shy about speaking and will be more confident with writing and listening. Just use the Google Translate app if you think you'll have any difficulties but you'll be fine in the touristy and university areas (Myeongdong, Hongdae, Itaewon).

    • d86 on 01/08/2019 - 15:09
      -4

      ZERO

    • niffy on 02/08/2019 - 00:10

      If you talk to a 20-something looking person on the street or in a shop, I'd say 70% of this age range should be able to understand what you're saying but might not be able to reply in english fully fluently, some might. In seoul I think almost all of this age range should be able to understand english, but if you go to Busan or a different city the rate will be lower. If you talk to a middle aged person, I'd say 80% of them won't be able to hold a basic english conversation unless you speak some basic Korean. Most taxis in Seoul or wherever can't speak English unless you purposely hail an "international taxi" which would be stated on the side of the car door.

      If you go to touristy areas (Myeongdong, Hongdae) in Seoul for shopping the staff should be able to speak English to you for basic transactions. But if you go to a local restaurant, not all staff can speak English but will have an English menu so it's not too hard to order

    • cheapy on 03/08/2019 - 16:57

      I thought they were shy to speak English in public. That's not necessarily suggesting they're bad.

  • sal78 on 01/08/2019 - 10:01
    +3

    Dates are outside school holidays. Bummer. Been meaning to make a trip soon to restock make up n skin care supplies.

    I was really into kdrama since 2002 but fell off the bandwagon for a few yrs now so no interest to go to korea. For a taste of korea I would recommend to watch some k movies or dramas. You can really imagine the bustling palaces when walking through it. Queen Inhyeon’s Man is a light hearted one.

    Kpop also fallen off bandwagon. Not really the same anymore. The summer festivals used to be phenomenal but now I don’t recognise any groups.

    The popular place to visit for asians now is China Hengdian World Studios. Cdrama more popular than Kdrama now.

    Korea used to be known as poor man’s japan. We went when it was still classified as third world and barely any tourists. But the last 15yrs, it has really modernized and really clean. Go cafe hopping because there are so many cafes. Spend a day exploring each of the districts.

  • watwatwat on 01/08/2019 - 11:02

    Please enjoy disco pang pang: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jaml45Cq1Q4&t=358s

  • Jugg.Judy on 01/08/2019 - 12:16

    No free wifi at airport unless register if I remember, so you need to have data sim, also you need to have some kwon before you go, bus won't take your card as payment, try to buy travel card from convenience store at airport and they flat out refuse take card as payment as well, end up exchange at exorbitant rate at airport, not really a pleasant experience for 1st time travelers, other than that, great airfare.

  • jsediv on 01/08/2019 - 12:37
    +5

    I'll pass on the Train to Busan

    • Carmen Sandiego on 01/08/2019 - 14:34

      But the KTX…

    • Eeples on 01/08/2019 - 18:02

      I took the slow train from Seoul to Busan (for the views), the KTX from Busan to Gyeongju and then again KTX from Gyeongju to Seoul.

      No food or drink available to buy on trains. BYO.

  • sugardumpling on 01/08/2019 - 13:49

    Anyone got this error message? :(

    Access Denied
    You don't have permission to access "http://booking.jetstar.com/au/en/booking/select-flights" on this server.
    Reference #18.44f46668.1564631297.1b39f7f

    • bm on 03/08/2019 - 15:47

      I'm getting the error too.

  • springbear on 01/08/2019 - 14:20
    +1

    안녕 relax ur soul in SEOUL

  • BuyNow Think Later on 01/08/2019 - 19:25

    Can you avoid paying any payment fee by paying with a $50 Jetstar voucher or gift card and then the balance with a credit card?

    • H E B on 01/08/2019 - 21:57

      POLI (login to bank account). Not credit card at all.Debit card is a fair rate though.

    • jackofspade on 02/08/2019 - 13:07

      I paid with citi credit card and the payment fee is only 0.21% (80 cents) and I get free travel insurance.

      • BuyNow Think Later on 02/08/2019 - 14:04

        Are you sure yours is a credit and not debit card?

        As per below, 0.21% applies to debit card payments.

        *From approximately 5pm AEST on 31 July 2019 the payment fee for bookings made with credit or charge cards will be 1% and the payment fee for bookings made with debit cards will be 0.21%.
        https://www.jetstar.com/au/en/help/articles/fees-and-charges

        • jackofspade on 02/08/2019 - 14:36

          Yep, I was expecting 1% but for some reason it's only 0.21%

          • INFIDEL on 02/08/2019 - 16:31

            @jackofspade: Happy travels, jackofspade 🛫

            • jackofspade on 02/08/2019 - 17:46

              @INFIDEL: Thanks, only 10 months to go!

              • INFIDEL on 02/08/2019 - 18:26

                @jackofspade: Better book a holiday before that holiday then.

                Should be warm time to visit. I once escaped Seoul when it dropped below 0c - flew somewhere warmer. I was at the jjimjilbang every day - to warm up.

                Would love to return to SK!
                Adelaide for me next week on $1 flights😀 Pity accommodation here is so much dearer here than in SK.

  • OsakaBoi on 01/08/2019 - 19:34

    I just booked tickets for November. Planning to go to Seoul - Andong - Gyeongju - Busan - Seoul. Not sure if its ok to ask here. But would taking the Bus or train be better between each destination. Looking online it seems like only my Busan to Seoul leg is worth taking the KTX, every other leg it seems to be cheaper/quicker via express bus. I was thinking of getting a 4 day flexi Korail Pass, but it doesn't seem worth it compared to the bus alternative. Thanks

    • ako on 02/08/2019 - 03:18
      +1

      Bus will be better even for the trip from Busan to Seoul.

      • OsakaBoi on 02/08/2019 - 19:21

        Cheers for the advice

      • samehada on 02/08/2019 - 19:53
        +1

        Yep, bus is spacious and cheap fro Busan-Seoul route.

  • Xenmione on 01/08/2019 - 22:56

    Thank you OP! Just booked for May!

    I used the Club Jetstar thing to get $366 return flights from Sydney with discounts on baggage and seat selection.

    Plus 20kg of luggage there and 30kg back, it brought my total up to $490 return, but I didn't get meals and in flight entertainment… I never use the inflight entertainment cause it gives me headaches and I usually sleep most of the flight anyway. Also figured that we can always pick up sandwiches/food from GCC (if we change our minds, in flight food would probably be max $15 each way.)

    I'm super excited!

  • looster on 02/08/2019 - 09:00

    This deal is probably good for BTS fans!

    • miq on 03/08/2019 - 05:27

      Why's that?

  • poochi on 02/08/2019 - 09:55

    16hr flights from Sydney that arrive at Incheon at 10:00pm.

    No thanks.

    • jackofspade on 02/08/2019 - 13:16

      At least it's not a 6am flight

    • samehada on 02/08/2019 - 19:53
      +1

      Basically waste 1 night hotel.

  • jamball on 02/08/2019 - 12:58
    +1

    It's a direct 9 hour 40 minute flight from GC and 9 hour 15 min from Incheon to GC! Having no stop-over is amazing.

  • RonaldR on 02/08/2019 - 14:56
    -3

    what a bummer not available in Perth, I would love to visit South Korea have read a lot about the place and learned lots more the amount of holiday accommodation and the variety is amazing but not because of Foreigners visiting as Koreans like to have a relaxing holiday in Korea. They have the most amazing New Nuclear Power station there and if Australians learned all the facts about it they would be calling for them to be built here -with them and Nationalising our power supply they could reduce our power bills by more than 50%. That would be the Bargain of a lifetime.

    • sagrules on 02/08/2019 - 16:13

      maybe you should read this before commenting
      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolseong_Nuclear_Power_Plant

      • RonaldR on 03/08/2019 - 16:25
        -2

        you should not read Wikipedia as that is not the power station I am talking about -I am talking about their new nuclear power station and most of the time you cannot trust what is printed in Wikipedia as they support Green Bullshit. But thanks Sagrules for getting it wrong.

    • INFIDEL on 02/08/2019 - 16:34

      When you live next door to lil' Rocketman, the concerns of nuclear contamination from your own nuclear facility doesn't seem so bad😕

      Bargain of a lifetime or Bargaining with lives?

      It's much more economic if you fail to consider the costs of long term storage of radioactive waste, decommissioning, decontamination of any accidents, long term security of site, etc…

  • cheapies on 02/08/2019 - 17:43
    -1

    Surprised no one mentioned you can come back looking much better and younger. Plastic surgery galore.

    • INFIDEL on 02/08/2019 - 18:37
      +1

      Some Ozbargainers are already young ;-)

      One of the many medical tourism spots.
      Felt uneasy seeing billboards promoting cosmetic surgery for women - to make their eyes conform to Western standards of beauty.

  • ben10 on 04/08/2019 - 12:52

    Perth's left out yet again

  • mathematicalcoffee on 05/08/2019 - 09:46

    Can anyone find any free return flights for gold coast any more? Looks like I left it too late :'(

    • INFIDEL on 05/08/2019 - 09:53

      No. This was the 3rd cheap deal from Gold Coast to Seoul.
      Gold Coast is the base for these flights, so a lot of bookings on this new route.

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