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Direct Return: Jetstar $393 to Seoul, South Korea, Qantas to Seoul $1310, Qantas from Sydney to Bengaluru, India $1306 @ BTF

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Direct Return: Jetstar $393 to Seoul, South Korea, Qantas to Seoul $1310, Qantas from Sydney to Bengaluru, India $1306 @ BTF
Go to Deal
Associatedbeatthatflight on 08/04/2022 - 16:13 beatthatflight.com.au (1800 clicks)
Last edited 11/04/2022 - 14:11

Qantas today announced new routes: Bengaluru on Qantas, Seoul on Qantas, and Seoul on Jetstar! I've checked a bunch of dates to find some of the best rates, and put them below.

Qantas flights include checked luggage, food, movies etc, Jetstar includes carry-on luggage.

Some of the Seoul ones can be cheaper if you fly with a code-share, and definitely if you're prepared to take a non-direct route.

Don't forget to look at the hotel deals for where you're headed!

Sydney to Bengaluru on Qantas

Dates: 14 September 2022 - 31 January 2023

Return Price Travel Dates
$1306 14 Sep to 28 Sep
$1306 14 Sep to 02 Oct
$1306 17 Sep to 05 Oct
$1310 14 Oct to 01 Nov
$1310 17 Oct to 31 Oct
$1310 20 Oct to 03 Nov
$1310 23 Oct to 02 Nov
$1310 23 Oct to 06 Nov
$1310 26 Oct to 09 Nov
$1310 01 Nov to 11 Nov
$1310 01 Nov to 15 Nov
$1310 04 Nov to 18 Nov
$1310 04 Nov to 22 Nov
$1310 07 Nov to 17 Nov
$1310 07 Nov to 21 Nov
$1310 07 Nov to 25 Nov
$1310 10 Nov to 24 Nov
$1310 10 Nov to 28 Nov
$1310 13 Nov to 23 Nov
$1310 13 Nov to 27 Nov
$1310 16 Nov to 26 Nov
$1310 16 Nov to 30 Nov
$1310 16 Nov to 04 Dec
$1310 22 Nov to 02 Dec

Cheapest is $1306

Sydney to Seoul on Qantas

Dates: 10 December 2022 - 31 January 2023

Return Price Travel Dates
$1543 10 Dec to 20 Dec
$1418 10 Dec to 24 Dec
$1418 13 Dec to 31 Dec
$1310 12 Jan to 22 Jan
$1310 12 Jan to 26 Jan
$1310 12 Jan to 30 Jan
$1223 15 Jan to 29 Jan
$1100 18 Jan to 28 Jan

Cheapest is $1100 (some are code-shares like JAL, ones from $1310 up are Qantas)

Sydney to Seoul on Jetstar Return

Dates: 02 November 2022 - 31 March 2023

Return Price Travel Dates
$398 02 Nov to 16 Nov
$398 02 Nov to 20 Nov
$398 11 Nov to 25 Nov
$398 20 Nov to 30 Nov
$398 20 Nov to 04 Dec
$398 23 Nov to 07 Dec
$398 23 Nov to 11 Dec
$398 12 Feb to 22 Feb
$398 12 Feb to 26 Feb
$398 15 Feb to 01 Mar
$393 15 Feb to 05 Mar
$398 24 Feb to 10 Mar
$398 05 Mar to 15 Mar
$398 05 Mar to 19 Mar
$398 08 Mar to 22 Mar

Cheapest is $393

Sydney to Seoul One Way on Jetstar
Dates: 02 November 2022 - 31 March 2023

Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday
02 Nov 03 Nov 04 Nov 05 Nov 06 Nov 07 Nov 08 Nov
$199 $484 $199 $725 $199 $725 $455
09 Nov 10 Nov 11 Nov 12 Nov 13 Nov 14 Nov 15 Nov
$199 $493 $199 $725 $199 $725 $485
16 Nov 17 Nov 18 Nov 19 Nov 20 Nov 21 Nov 22 Nov
$199 $485 $198 $725 $199 $725 $485
23 Nov 24 Nov 25 Nov 26 Nov 27 Nov 28 Nov 29 Nov
$199 $448 $199 $725 $199 $658 $502
30 Nov 01 Dec 02 Dec 03 Dec 04 Dec 05 Dec 06 Dec
$199 $520 $199 $680 $198 $725 $470
07 Dec 08 Dec 09 Dec 10 Dec 11 Dec 12 Dec 13 Dec
$199 $605 $199 $815 $198 $815 $649
14 Dec 15 Dec 16 Dec 17 Dec 18 Dec 19 Dec 20 Dec
$199 $815 $533 $770 $535 $747 $694
21 Dec 22 Dec 23 Dec 24 Dec 25 Dec 26 Dec 27 Dec
$535 $821 $533 $770 $535 $747 $694
28 Dec 29 Dec 30 Dec 31 Dec 01 Jan 02 Jan 03 Jan
$628 $816 $630 $680 $574 $658 $658
04 Jan 05 Jan 06 Jan 07 Jan 08 Jan 09 Jan 10 Jan
$574 $782 $575 $680 $575 $658 $740
11 Jan 12 Jan 13 Jan 14 Jan 15 Jan 16 Jan 17 Jan
$574 $740 $575 $782 $575 $782 $661
18 Jan 19 Jan 20 Jan 21 Jan 22 Jan 23 Jan 24 Jan
$574 $782 $574 $680 $574 $658 $658
25 Jan 26 Jan 27 Jan 28 Jan 29 Jan 30 Jan 31 Jan
$572 $810 $572 $810 $574 $782 $658
01 Feb 02 Feb 03 Feb 04 Feb 05 Feb 06 Feb 07 Feb
$572 $740 $627 $680 $627 $779 $736
08 Feb 09 Feb 10 Feb 11 Feb 12 Feb 13 Feb 14 Feb
$571 $736 $197 $680 $198 $779 $736
15 Feb 16 Feb 17 Feb 18 Feb 19 Feb 20 Feb 21 Feb
$198 $760 $198 $736 $198 $779 $736
22 Feb 23 Feb 24 Feb 25 Feb 26 Feb 27 Feb 28 Feb
$198 $769 $199 $728 $198 $779 $658
01 Mar 02 Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 05 Mar 06 Mar 07 Mar
$199 $736 $199 $625 $199 $658 $658
08 Mar 09 Mar 10 Mar 11 Mar 12 Mar 13 Mar 14 Mar
$199 $760 $199 $680 $199 $715 $658
15 Mar 16 Mar 17 Mar 18 Mar 19 Mar 20 Mar 21 Mar
$199 $760 $198 $680 $198 $715 $658
22 Mar 23 Mar 24 Mar 25 Mar 26 Mar 27 Mar 28 Mar
$198 $760 $199 $739 $680 $715 $715
29 Mar 30 Mar 31 Mar
$658 $769 $739

You can follow us at Beat That Flight for more deals, error fares, promos and sales, or on Facebook, and also have a look at our current best found prices by other users by city - Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Darwin, Hobart, Cairns, Canberra.

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closed Comments

  • hashtagbargain on 08/04/2022 - 16:25
    +10

    Not keen on Qantas after CEOs’ latest comment: https://www.9news.com.au/national/sydney-airport-flights-del…

    Not to mention the lack of support: https://7news.com.au/travel/qantas/qantas-apologises-to-furi…

    • 00 on 08/04/2022 - 21:36
      +1

      what a muppet

    • Serapis on 09/04/2022 - 00:36

      Damn, I'm due for a flight in 2 weeks…

  • jv on 08/04/2022 - 16:26
    +35

    Jetstar to Seoul $393
    Qantas to Seoul $1310

    Food on Qantas must be really, really good…

    • agalea101 on 08/04/2022 - 16:32

      Better have some "extra" services for that kind of cash

      • [Deactivated] on 08/04/2022 - 16:34

        :P

      • dust on 08/04/2022 - 19:45

        Check in luggage?

    • nightelves on 08/04/2022 - 17:47
      -8

      Food on Qantas is top class

      • superforever on 08/04/2022 - 17:58

        Cup noodle 😏

      • Emdawg on 08/04/2022 - 18:03
        +7

        I remember when Neil Perry designed the Qantas menu and it was an apple. That's all. An apple. In a box. WTF.

        • plmko on 08/04/2022 - 18:21
          +1

          That's literally what people pay for in degustation experiences for $$$$

          • Sammyboy on 08/04/2022 - 20:55

            @plmko: Reminds me of Attica where one of the courses was a potato from their garden (cooked in earth).

        • Chicken Kyiv on 08/04/2022 - 18:33
          +2

          What are we talking about here, a toffee apple, a crab apple, lets get some more details before attacking neil perry 🤔

          • Ginger1 on 08/04/2022 - 18:56
            +2

            @Chicken Kyiv: Pink lady or Granny Smith (Apple variety) plucked from a tree into a box. I assume washed. Enjoy!

            • Serapis on 09/04/2022 - 00:42
              +1

              @Ginger1: Just add "Bespoke" / "Artisinal" in front

          • Carmen Sandiego on 11/04/2022 - 08:30

            @Chicken Kyiv: To be fair, I worked at Burger Project for a bit, and this sounds exactly like the sh!t he pulls

    • Angelscrap on 08/04/2022 - 18:45

      I would rather upgrade business class on Jetstar which works out similar to Qantas economy class

    • MR-AM on 09/04/2022 - 13:03

      Qantas route to Seoul, doesn’t pass the OZB test, especially when Jetstar is so much cheaper!

  • Homr on 08/04/2022 - 16:30
    +1

    wow, why such a big difference in Jetstar and Qantas

    • Associatedbeatthatflight @ Beat That Flight on 08/04/2022 - 16:48

      Once you add on checked luggage, food, drink, entertainment, frequent flyer program, you start getting a much better (but more expensive) package. However, I like spending that difference on a hotel once I'm there, get more hours out of it too!

      • Homr on 08/04/2022 - 17:24
        +7

        checked luggage, food, drink, entertainment, frequent flyer program, you start getting a much better (but more expensive) package.

        I don't think that is worth an extra 1k Sir

        • jaygee on 08/04/2022 - 17:37
          +1

          Agree. Is it worth 2x? Probably can be justified for the better service and the above. But that price is more than 3x, and i'm a Qantas gold.. I'd think twice.

      • nightelves on 08/04/2022 - 17:47

        You can always use the Qantas lounge if you have status.

  • superforever on 08/04/2022 - 16:54

    Jetstar to Seoul so cheap, 737?

    • mynameisborat on 08/04/2022 - 17:05

      I read somewhere that none of them had 737s

    • d86 on 09/04/2022 - 11:26

      787

  • qube on 08/04/2022 - 17:01
    +1

    Bugger, was hoping for Melbourne

    • superforever on 08/04/2022 - 17:07
      +7

      Go to Seoul instead.

    • [Deactivated] on 08/04/2022 - 17:11

      re route from Sydney via a cheap Jetstar flight ; )

    • jaygee on 08/04/2022 - 17:42
      +4

      Well they had Mel - Delhi and cut it off because planes were half empty. But when you charge $2k return to India, when you can get to London for a cheaper price, you were never going to get many takers.

      Highest pricing in the industry, worst customer service if you have issues right now.

  • chakel on 08/04/2022 - 17:03
    +1

    This is the cheapest I’ve seen to Seoul.

    • jeppetto367 on 08/04/2022 - 17:55
      +3

      I once paid $320 for Melbourne to Seoul via SIN return on Singapore Airlines. Was a pricing error 5 years ago on OzBargain but was honoured. $270 return to Beijing on SQ too. Those were the days!

      • Elision on 08/04/2022 - 20:12

        Gosh I remember that, I wanted to go but my friend was less spontaneous than I and got cold feet on buying the tickets :( boo

      • myoda on 09/04/2022 - 06:35

        Yea I sent my parents to Paris for 1-2 weeks. Was like $800 Return for 2 tickets in SIN…

    • INFIDEL on 08/04/2022 - 21:12
      +1

      $332rtn Direct flights from Gold Coast when Jetstar launched Korean flights in 2019

    • INFIDEL on 08/04/2022 - 22:37

      Even cheaper in past $309rtn from Gold Coast on Jetstar

      • chakel on 08/04/2022 - 22:47

        you guys are true Ozbargainers. I’m impressed.
        I have to convince my hubby we need to go. He thinks for this price it must be the practice flights because the planes have been out of action during covid.
        His words, not mine.

  • clubhonda on 08/04/2022 - 17:04
    +1

    How can Qantas survive with fares 400x that of a low cost carrier?

    • jv on 08/04/2022 - 17:07
      +18

      They must sell their Seoul to the devil…

  • heysoph9 on 08/04/2022 - 18:00
    +4

    Been waiting for this! But November is ages away. Wish they started the Seoul services sooner

  • hippyhippy on 08/04/2022 - 18:01
    +1

    Korea on my list to visit…

    And anyone know how much do flights return from soul to Tokyo or osaka cost?

    Is there a different or easier wY to go from Seoul or Osama? Ie boat?

    • yoshipau on 08/04/2022 - 18:24
      +8

      I think Osama already dead, or if you want to visit his grave?

    • belongsinforums on 08/04/2022 - 18:31
      +5

      At this rate, Japan will still be closed to visitors in November

      • plmko on 08/04/2022 - 18:52
        +3

        I reckon the entire 2022.

    • plmko on 08/04/2022 - 18:51
      +2

      Osama is dead but you can definitely take a boat down the Styx to visit him.

    • [Deactivated] on 08/04/2022 - 20:19
      +3

      It used to be like $200 round trip with LLC but as the others stated, Japan doesn't take tourist atm.

  • Silentdonutwarrior on 08/04/2022 - 18:45

    That is such a bargain 😬😬

  • guppyshmuck on 08/04/2022 - 19:40

    Just bought some flights to South Korea next year in Feb. Would love some suggestions on what to do for those who have been before!

    • Elision on 08/04/2022 - 20:15
      +4

      Eat lots of food, buy nice clothes and skin care its very well priced!.. I really loved Jeju Island actually, we did day tours there which were a lot of fun and it was something a bit different. Busan has lovely beaches too, but the time you are going will be VERY cold so that may change your opinions a little.

    • INFIDEL on 08/04/2022 - 21:27

      Experiences of travels in SK

      Check out the cultural Festivals (sorted by region, type, etc) (assuming they proceed).
      Ice Festival in Feb

    • belongsinforums on 08/04/2022 - 21:54
      +2

      When i went it was minus 20 in the daytime. Never been so bloody cold and i didn't have proper clothes. Normal city stuff in seoul was fun. Bit quiet outside of Seoul

    • Carmen Sandiego on 11/04/2022 - 08:38

      If you're not adverse to naked people, jjimjilbang (especially the 7 storey one behind Seoul Station) is a must. Plus, you can stay overnight there.

      Shopping - Myeongdong is nice to walk around, Hongdae and Iedae/Women's University. Also, the subway stations are pretty fun to discover, especially the one around the inter city bus terminal.

      It really depends on what you're into but, busses going to different states are quite a nice 2-3 day thing to do.

  • capslock on 08/04/2022 - 19:58
    -3

    Why would you swap an Australian summer for a Korean winter?

    • nightelves on 08/04/2022 - 20:21
      +2

      Skiing?

      • Sammyboy on 08/04/2022 - 20:57
        +1

        And given the current jacked up cost of lift tickets at Buller (and most likely Hotham and Falls), you would have change left over from an international Ski holiday

    • INFIDEL on 08/04/2022 - 20:31
      +5

      Why wouldn't people want to experience a Korean winter??

      Go for the contrast!
      I've flown into 35C on Gold Coast after watching guys in wetsuits surfing off snow covered beaches in Japan. (Didn't see surfers in SK.) Made me appreciate summer in Oz.

      Great to take a break from the heat of long summers here! The bushfires, the drought, the floods…

      Look out for festivals!
      People in S Korea celebrate the definite seasons! Winter festivals are fun❄🏂
      Jeju Fire Festival (March)

      Soaking in hot baths, having a salt scrub, and resting on a heated floor at a Jimjilbang is a real pleasure that doesn't cost much! I've stayed all night - cheap accommodation (bring ear plugs)!

      Snow in the mountains & on Temples is beautiful.
      Try a TempleStay My cheap private room had wonderfully warm floors. Set in an amazing Temple. Got to ring the ancient bell. A real cultural experience!

      Of course, Ski Resorts in South Korea

      And the wonderful food, with so many side dishes (depending on the region)!

      • [Deactivated] on 08/04/2022 - 22:10

        this is useful, thank you.

        • INFIDEL on 08/04/2022 - 22:25
          +2

          I prefer Spring & Autumn. Flew out when temp dropped much below 0C!

          • Carmen Sandiego on 11/04/2022 - 08:42

            @INFIDEL: I go in Winter because it's the best (plus, I go mainly to appease extended family)

            When I lived there, I always got amused at the text messages in winter being like "a snow plow will be coming through your street today" every third or second day. Luckily, the snow didn't get too bad that I couldn't leave the house but, it's not too bad.

            • INFIDEL on 11/04/2022 - 13:06
              +1

              @Carmen Sandiego: Interested - what's best about Winter in SK (except family)? Tempt me😉

              I tend to go for hikes in the mountains, enjoying good food, cherry & other blossoms - in Spring.

              Travelling to visit family is different to visiting as tourist.
              Staying with family hopefully means a stay in a nice warm place. It's responsibility & usually certainty, over the uncertainty of somewhere new to explore. (SK has never disappointed me.)

              Dealbot has posted about visiting inlaws in SK in the Winter.

              Sounds too cold for me - I usually visit for months, and don't like prolonged sub-zero temps! There's only so long I can stay in a Jimjilbang!

              Last time in Seoul (when temp fell below 0C), checked other temp in region & flew out to Shanghai. Two weeks later it snowed where I was, so kept moving further South!

              A short Winter visit would be great. Expect that will be what most here will be doing.

              Only experience with snow plows was short stays in Hokkaido, & at 2500m in Japanese Alps. Both areas have fantastic outdoor hot springs, so was a pleasure. During a hot soak, a deer strolled by!

              When I mentioned this Deal to a younger Korean woman in Brisbane today, she did think I might be crazy to leave the warmth here for a Korean Winter.

              • Carmen Sandiego on 11/04/2022 - 14:21

                @INFIDEL: Honestly, the food (gamjatang and gamjajeon are my favourites) and jjimjilbang's hit differently in winter, especially in Seoul and the Eastern state (where my maternal side reside).

                I did the tourist thing when I was teaching for a year. It was then that I decided that although Korea is the "motherland", Australia is where my heart and mind love and flourish.

                The next time I go back, it'll be very interesting to say the least. At least the country is nice :P Staying with family means expectation and that's why
                I have to plan harder in the times I do go back.

                All the touristy things are half price because of the cold. If you rug up enough, it's pretty good. And I am a total masochist but, ice cream in Winter is lovely :) And half price!

                Also, Jeju-do is an interesting place in Winter. It does snow but, you get the magic views.

                • INFIDEL on 11/04/2022 - 15:06

                  @Carmen Sandiego: Your delicious food suggestions are making me hungry!!

                  Gamjatang - Spicy Korean pork bone soup would be ideal & tasty in cold weather. Might ask local Korean restaurant if they can add to menu over winter! Could eat some now!

                  Gamjajeon (potato pancakes) are easy to make - but I buy a dry batter mix from Korean shop nearby.

                  In Insadong, was at a celebration by local artists for opening night of a photographer friend from here. We enjoyed lots of Kimchijeon (kimchi pancakes) washed down with makkoli (my drink) or soju. Sitting at stall outside on blue plastic chairs. A memorable night!

                  Spent a week on Jeju-do - what views?? Rained for 6 days, so flew to Busan. Love the beaches & great jjimjilbang - favourite overlooks Haeundae beach.

                  Didn't book… Busan was booked out for the film festival. Rang owner of guest house I had previously stayed in - slept on balcony. (Luckily weather was fine & warm.)

                  Was fantastic (& cheap) as place was full of overseas film critics who gave me free tickets. As tickets were only for film critics - was accepted as critic & got into closed events! Another wonderful experience!

                  Not a masochist - I like it hot! Grew up on nice hot beaches here🌞
                  There's a good reason attractions are half price⛄ No thanks!

                  You haven't won me over with half price ice cream in the freezing cold😉
                  But jjimjilbang (like the 7 storey Dragon Hill Spa & Resort in Seoul - marked as permanently closed😥) are great any weather.

                  In a park in Hongdae (where I like to stay in Seoul), old men were playing board games in freezing conditions. Pulled my gold MacPac down jacket out of a tiny red stuff sack… I had an audience! They all gathered around for my next trick🎉
                  Its easy to meet locals, when you know how😉

                  Of "motherland"…
                  In Sokcho (NE SK), met French couple who had adopted Korean daughter decades earlier. I took them out to the raw fish market, to a restaurant. Their daughter was discovering her Korean ancestry. Wonderful! Not the first I'd met.
                  We ate delicious raw seafood. Her Father refused - "disgusting!". (I.e. Its not French!) So parents ate a seafood soup - almost like in France. It was too much for the Father, who returned home.
                  "Motherland" can be so important! But can stop us from really experiencing other's cultures!

                  • Carmen Sandiego on 11/04/2022 - 15:38

                    @INFIDEL: Heh :D Then my work is done :)
                    Mum makes the best Gamjatang so I am lucky :) Very hearty and filling. I miss the 24hr shop in Jelloanam-do.
                    Heathen! You need to feel your hands get slightly grated while you grate the potatoes! And I never knew there was a pre-made mix! Mum taught me how and I always loved manual labour in terms of food making.

                    Kimchijeon is the best! Especially when the Kimchi is super bitter and very beer-y. Perfection.

                    Beaches aren't my favourite but, I do like it when it doesn't smell like rotting seaweed :)

                    Oh wow. That's some next level hostel staying! I remember passing out hardcore on the floor of a Deagu jjimjilbang. Great times.

                    That's so cool! An unforgettable experience for you!

                    I grew up, and still live, in Melbourne so, I don't mind the whiplash weather :)
                    Awww where's your sense of fun and bargaining??

                    Siloam is the one I mentioned, and it's still open, even now!! Yayyyy!! It's a must if you're around Seoul Station.

                    Hongdae is such a youth village (well, it's the Honguk University campus so, duh :P) and I loved the waffles they sold with scoops of ice cream. Nom. The locals are easily won over but, it's hard to gain their pride.

                    I know Sokcho. Lovely place.
                    I have plans to adopt unwanted Korean children, much to the dismay of my mother ("think of the chaos and the family name!") and my SO, the calmer one between the two of us, is not adverse to the plan so, it's an avenue that I find interesting. Plus, as a Korean myself, it won't be a full life of whitewashing (harsh, I know but, we know what happens to a lot of families).

                    "Motherland" is an interesting concept. I am firmly "other" to the Koreans now so, I can see the countries with an outside lens as well as an inside one. I won't back Korea in a lot of things to do with women and the younger generation (as I am both of those things) so, even when I get backlash, I shrug and walk away with my head held high.

                    • INFIDEL on 11/04/2022 - 16:46

                      @Carmen Sandiego: The mix is to make pancakes. Still have to grate those potatoes, or add kimchi!

                      Awww where's your sense of fun and bargaining??

                      Winter means travelling with more clothes! Which won't fit in 7kg carry-on. Which adds to price - gasp!

                      Have been a cheap light traveller for over a decade (before COVID). That means no extreme or varied temperatures in my budget. A few of my tips
                      A little saved at attractions is wiped out by added flight costs!!
                      Plus I don't find prolonged cold "fun".

                      Ah, Deagu! Met a woman in her 20's from there. Straight away realised she was depressed. Asked "A boy?" - yes!
                      She had split with her Aussie boyfriend in Tasmania. Was stuck at a hostel I stayed a night at.

                      I suggested she was homesick. "No!!" She was a strong Korean woman!
                      Later suggested she missed her Mother's cooking… No Korean woman could deny that!
                      Took her & international backpackers for walk to see Little Penguins. No one is depressed after being so close to those wonderful creatures!

                      Received SMS 2wk later - going home. My job was done.

                      Visited her in Deagu. She still had man problems! Was there for the Traditional Medicine Festival.

                      Yes, Hongdae is young & interesting with the arts Uni there. Vibrant at night.

                      On my travels, I often wear t-shirts with my first name in local language. But was told mine 브루스 also means a slow, intimate dance!!

                      So young women in Hongdae, would point at me & laugh with each other… like "as if"…
                      I didn't care as people had a good laugh! Sometimes breaking conventions leads to understanding (for me).
                      Found only cheeky young boys & old men would say my name.

                      Sokcho - gateway to hiking in the Seoraksan National P!ark. Been there a few times.

                      Adopting is contentious! Before SK became an Asian Tiger, families were often poor, so adoption was seen as a better option.

                      At Uni here, became friends with a homestay family for female students. They would practice their English, get tips for academic success, & I would eat their wonderfully different food!

                      Got to know a brilliant young Korean student who became the Vice Consul for South Korea in Sydney!! Her first job after graduation. She hated it as a politically aware Korean. Her husband was a union organiser.

                      So when she returned to Seoul, visited! Her job title included "National Security". I joked everyone has that as part of their job!

                      Learnt a lot I was told not to discuss with Koreans, as it was not what the Govt wanted them to know. So a different introduction to SK!!

                      Typical of my 'deep' & interesting way of travelling.

                      • Carmen Sandiego on 11/04/2022 - 16:57

                        @INFIDEL: Ahhh that mix. I thought I was getting gypped with grating the potatoes but, I am happy if that's all. No, I use potatoes, spring onions, and oil. That's it.

                        Ahhh I always go pricey with food and luggage included. 7kg is the weight of my bag going out!

                        Heh. I prefer the mod cons. 3+ star hotel girl I am :)

                        Man problems never help :P

                        Boys, and old men, are cheeky. I could never get away with that, especially since my family paid so much to get my name made by a name rater. It sounds odd to others, but when I reveal that fact to fellow Koreans, envy is their main reaction. It still confuses me.

                        To be fair, the average Korean in Korea is still poor (compared to the average Aussie. Min wage is $10), and being an unwed mother is a massively social no so, I am willing to help as a moderately wealthy Korean who lives in "the lucky country".

                        You have met the Korea which Koreans are loathe to mention to foreigners. That is high praise indeed as we don't often trust foreigners that way. The government is a funny one, and the fact that every President has thrown their predecessor to legal challenges, and even jail, is amazing in a terrible way.

                        • INFIDEL on 11/04/2022 - 17:33

                          @Carmen Sandiego: Korea is an interesting, ancient land. Learnt about older customs, like matchmakers. How everyone seemed to go to Jeju for their honeymoon. That couples only met about twice before marriage! And they needed to play children's games & get drunk as they were so nervous on their wedding night!

                          So name rating doesn't seem unusual. After all your parents wanted to ensure your success in life!

                          June (a guy) who put me up in Busan is a fortune teller. Not that unusual in SK. He was always trying to set me up with local women!

                          Korea is a mix of old & new ways.
                          (I know more about Japan. Japanese sometimes ask me to explain their culture.)

                          15/3/22 SBS Dateline about personal debt in SK was alarming. And why so many set up fried chicken & other food stores when they stopped working!!
                          A problem no one wants known about - shame is a big taboo!

                          You have met the Korea which Koreans are loathe to mention to foreigners. That is high praise indeed as we don't often trust foreigners that way.

                          Thank you!

                          You forgot the Korean President (I don't say his name, was head of KCIA) who came to power by murdering the former President, Park Chung-hee. And the thousands of students massacred for protesting about it. Was covered up for a long time. (Sorry am crying.)

                          I meet people on my travels who educate me! Am a good listener - was my work. People open up to me, because I am interested in their lives. I make time to see & hear more than most.

                          For example…
                          Volunteered in poor village in Myanmar, meeting with local National League for Democracy leaders, was with a British journalist when I witnessed the floating corpse of a man killed by military there - on political grounds, attended the First International Writers Festival as censorship was lifted in Myanmar - so many had been in jail for their work - writing, & Aung San Suu Kyi attended.
                          So much more in other countries. It goes on & on. I've seen & heard too much some times.

                          • Carmen Sandiego on 12/04/2022 - 08:09

                            @INFIDEL: Korea is definitely interesting. It's a hard clash between old and new in most respects.

                            Don't get me started on matchmaking and marriage. They still have a dowry system that I find abhorrent, and am escaping from (thank f). I hate the way that even 8 year olds need boyfriends. This is why they have the worst, and declining, birth rate in the world.

                            They did :) My name combined translates to "Precious Jade in the Forest". It's got a lovely ring.

                            Hahha! Go June/Joon! Always the way.

                            Oh wow, that's rather interesting that Japanese people ask about their own ways from you. People don't stop to realise that we are all products of all that has come before us, and that is why we need to know about history (biased since I literally majored in it)

                            Yes, it's awful. Plus, chicken in Korea, so I've been told by my family, is bland and tasteless, hence why the fried chicken was born.

                            Everything is taboo! Hate it. Family honour makes me the angriest.

                            That period was directly post Korean War. And, by all accounts, Park Chung/Jung Hee was a corrupt panderer to the US, and that's how his daughter became President 2 leaders ago. The part that makes me angry is the Japanese occupation of Korea between the world wars. It was in the time of my grandparents generation and the scars are deep. That is why we are angry at Japan.

                            I try to listen more than I speak. It helps and I honestly want to start signing NDA's with the amount of things people tell me. It even catches them off guard but, they calm down when I offer no judgement. It helps my life a lot when people drop their guard and be open with me.

                            My personal hill is Vietnam and Cambodia. I went to The Killing Fields at the age of 17, and went to the (and made the "achievement" of seeing all of) War Remnants Museum when I was 27. People are often awful and although it makes for "interesting" reading, there is no joy in what happens.

                            • INFIDEL on 12/04/2022 - 10:18

                              @Carmen Sandiego: Beliefs are hard to change.
                              Meeting Koreans studying here in the late 80's, I heard the anger against the Japanese. Japanese films I loved were banned. To me, it seemed very strange.
                              (Anger against Japan was evident in China when i visited much later. For older Australian relatives, my visiting Japan was not acceptable.)

                              It's often hard to find the "truth".
                              What I found confronting back then was the repeated claims that North Koreans "ate their babies"! Asking how they know that - "we know". Explaining it was propaganda was vigorously denied.

                              So you've studied Korean History!
                              As a traveller, I start with the premise that I know nothing, but bring a lot of unseen preconceptions…

                              The murder of the President was in 1979. The so called "10.26 incident". (That period was dramatised in the 2020 film "The Man Standing Next".) But the anti-Communist sentiment understandably grew out of the War.

                              SK has had a strange symbiotic relationship with the US. Effectively continuing a "war" with the North brought many benefits. I felt very uncomfortable about it, & never visited the DMZ.

                              The "Kwangju Uprising" in 1980
                              From what I learnt on my travels, the student protests were misrepresented as a Communist uprising to overthrow the new President. Military were sent to subdue the uprising by so many, not just students. But it developed into a move to kill those under 30 years…
                              My Korean diplomat friend's family was from that area. So she may view it differently to others!

                              In comparison, Australian politics is pretty tame! But we've had our moments!

                              Interesting you said earlier, you aren't into beaches. Not surprising - beaches in some areas of SK have been a military zone!
                              Visited a restaurant overlooking the beach near Sokcho. (Was in NK until after the War.) Lovely view of floodlights & barbed wire, soldiers were patrolling!!
                              Probably why I enjoyed Busan beaches, although taking a walk beside the ocean, noticed military with weapons just above me.

                              Where your family comes from seems a major influence in SK. Used to think all Kimchi were bascally the same. But seems it depends on where your Mother's family came from.
                              In Daegu, was surprised my kimchi containing muscles - as it originated near the sea. My diplomat friend made kimchi as her mother did with vegetables - from the mountains. Her mother-in-law is from an island. She doesn't like her mother-in-law's 'fishy' kimchi!

                              Yes, many places have painful memories.
                              What I found horrible in Myanmar, was people could be honoured one day, jailed the next, their books banned & any reference to them removed from history.
                              At a meeting with Aung San Suu Kyi, I was with a history professor. I wanted to ask him how he taught history when it was constantly being rewritten. But decided not to bring up an unsavoury topic. The military wouldn't allow it.
                              (I've been detained by armed military in one country for "sedition". Not for what I said or did, but for what I could. It's not pleasant!)

                              For me, its also interesting. But I am "privileged" - affluent enough to travel & to leave. Those affected often can't do that. I attempt to honour them - by listening to stories of their lives.

  • danhendo888 on 08/04/2022 - 20:59

    Is the one way $199 the standard price or is this a special fare thing?

    • INFIDEL on 08/04/2022 - 21:04

      Probably introductory.
      Similar price when Jetstar launched Korean flights in 2019
      Departing Gold Coast $179 oneway / $332rtn

      • danhendo888 on 09/04/2022 - 00:31

        Ah I see, thanks. Def looks like introductory thing then. Prices probably be closer to Qantas prices after a bit

        • INFIDEL on 09/04/2022 - 00:40

          First flights were even cheaper.
          A small number of cheap seats to create interest & demand.

          Caught first Jetstar flight to Osaka. Paid $400 return, people in next row $1100. But most got free flight - won in promotion. Plane was about 1/3 full.
          Alan Joyce greeted us, & gave us a bottle of bubbly each. He travelled on the flight for interviews in Japan to promote Jetstar.

  • kellyly on 08/04/2022 - 22:17
    -1

    No JP no talk

    Wish they open sooner

  • JobbaWobba on 08/04/2022 - 22:51

    Not sure if I've missed something but are there any similarly priced flights from Melb?

  • [Deactivated] on 08/04/2022 - 23:47

    I booked a 2/11-11/11 to seoul for 398 + baggage + meals (total 540). now the same date is showing as $1,048 +bag&meals while checking for a friend : /

    prices changed?

    • INFIDEL on 09/04/2022 - 00:23

      Likely a Promotional offer - few seats available.
      Similar priced Jetstar sales to SK were limited in 2019

      • [Deactivated] on 09/04/2022 - 00:26

        ah I see, good thing I pulled the trigger then : P

        • INFIDEL on 09/04/2022 - 00:27

          Lucky you👍
          Enjoy SK!

          Flying in coldest time really requires adding baggage. That's almost an unavoidable cost. At warmer times, I just take carry-on & a few snacks for flight. So get away with the cheapest fare.

          • [Deactivated] on 09/04/2022 - 00:40

            @INFIDEL: thank you, will do : ) first ever solo trip!

            I just now ended up paying 40$ more each way for the extra legroom, should be worthwhile for a 10hr flight.

            • INFIDEL on 09/04/2022 - 00:53
              +2

              @[Deactivated]: You'll develop your own travel style with experience!

              Was travelling solo up to 9mth/yr for over a decade (pre COVID). So learnt to keep costs down, so I could travel longer.

              No one I knew could afford that much time to just enjoy travel. So it was just me. Can easily meet others travelling solo.

              Nothing wrong with a bit of comfort. If you arrive after being cramped up, it can spoil the start of your (short) holiday!! I've learnt from that mistake.

              But I reserve any luxuries for the destination, not the relatively short journey - gives me something to look forward to. Anyway, I always sleep on flights, to arrive rested.

  • sal78 on 09/04/2022 - 01:30

    Air Asia will open intl routes soon

  • ass3ts on 09/04/2022 - 09:51
    +1

    For the full Korean experience, catch Korean Air flights. Seems to be one of the few remaining airlines with strict guidelines when it comes to selecting flight attendants.

  • Andyseankim on 09/04/2022 - 10:59
    +1

    Oh man.. All the prices are a lot more expensive than what's recorded on the table.. I probably missed out right?

  • rwps on 09/04/2022 - 11:18

    OP - should note all flights are from SYD. Changes the deal significantly

  • NaRaSaRang on 09/04/2022 - 13:27
    -1

    I wonder how difficult/easy it'd be to enter Seoul as an Aus citizen though… would we need to apply for a visa? Like I know we cannot enter Japan until they open up their border.

    • junji82 on 09/04/2022 - 14:04
      +3

      As of 1st April, no visa is required for Australian citizen to enter Korea for holiday purposes. All you need is to apply for K-ETA at least 24 hrs prior to your departure. Go to k-eta.go.kr for more info.

  • VBHB on 10/04/2022 - 11:54
    -5

    Been to Korea, Japan and China. Korea is last on that list. Not very tourist friendly and the food is the worst out of the lot unless you like eating Korean BBQ all the time. There's ok things to do there but check it out!

    • Eeples on 11/04/2022 - 08:02
      +1

      Mmmm, I’ve been to those places too.

      I’m not sure what ‘tourist friendly’ means but I had no problems going on a tour to the DMZ or getting food or drink and no problems using public transport for a beach day at Haeundae and no problems visiting Gyeongju (a must).

    • INFIDEL on 11/04/2022 - 14:18

      Generally, tourist friendly places are at the bottom of my must see list. They can be the most fake places, and most likely places a tourist gets scammed or robbed! But tourists love them?

      Do some basic research, ask locals, & understand why you are visiting the country - to get the most out of your visit.

      Visited those 3 countries many times spending many months to over a year in each, often in rural areas. Each have different cultures & interesting attractions. Will happily visit SK again.

      On my first visit to SK, fell in love with the place, food & people. Next visit not so much - had been sick, so avoided the spicy food. Found it was the chilli in the tasty food that made the experience so good.

      So can't understand why you think Korean food is the worst! Its great food. I eat it here from a traditional Korean restaurant - & miss SK!

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