Live Turtle Museum at 11 Chencharu Close The Gentle Motivation Behind the Visit The Live Turtle Museum reopened at its new location on August 23, 2026. By a heartbreaking coincidence, that very same week, I lost my beloved baby of 26 years . Just a week later, while still deep in grief, I decided to make the trip. Being just a short bus ride from my house in Yishun, it felt close enough to reach out and a touch of familiar comfort. But stepping inside brought a flood of conflicting emotions. I found myself looking at all these gentle creatures living, breathing, and thriving, while my own one and only was gone forever. It sparked a strange, heavy mix of feelings that I hope people can pardon, as grief naturally makes the heart process things in complex ways. Tucked next to HomeTeamNS Khatib and surrounded by the ongoing construction of upcoming BTOs, the site carries a sense that it may not be their permanent home for long. It made me think of how stressful moving from place to place ...
Our South Korea Return: Fried Chicken Suppers, DMZ Views, and Hotel Reviews
Hotel Marinabay Seoul in the night
MarinaBay in South Korea, not just in Singapore
Back from South Korea: A Long-Awaited Return
I’ve been back from South Korea for two weeks now, and it’s finally time to share the highlights! It has been 11 years since I last stepped foot in the land of K-pop. Just like my previous visits, I decided to go with a tour package from a travel agency rather than planning everything myself—it just makes things so much easier.
To be completely honest, Korea wasn’t actually on my travel list for this year. If it weren't for the "silly" situation over in Middle East, I would have been happily celebrating my birthday among sun-drenched cottages and cobbled streets. I’m still quite annoyed that those plans were ruined, but as they say, what’s done is done! At the end of the day, I’m just grateful I still got to travel and celebrate my birthday in proper.
So pick up the things to know as you scroll down the post for your next trip out to South Korea!
Let’s get started with our first night! We arrived at Incheon Airport toward the evening and headed straight for a comforting Army Stew (Budae Jjigae) dinner to fuel up. Our only stop after that was the Hyundai Premium Outlet.
This outlet mall is massive, boasting a huge mix of local and international brands. However, I’m not sure if it’s because age is catching up on me or if I’m just getting more selective with my spending, but most of the luxury brands didn't really grab me. I found myself gravitating toward the "real" favorites instead: Starbucks, Olive Young (of course!), GS25, and The Hyundai Maison for some artsy vibes. Sometimes, the best finds are the ones you actually use every day!
Good to know:
Olive Young at the outlet mall can do a direct tax refund on their self-service machines
Minimum amount to meet for tax refund: 15000 KRW (about SGD15)
Convenience stores in Korea: GS25, Emart, CU, StoryWay, 7-11
The only stop on our first day before heading back to hotel
Hyundai Premium Outlet in the evening
Convenience stores a must-go for us in every country
Location, Location, Location: Hotel Marinabay Seoul
Guess what? Our one-night stay at Hotel Marinabay Seoul was a total win for convenience. It’s just a 5 to 10-minute stroll to the Hyundai Premium Outlet! It’s the perfect location if you need to head back for a "round two" of shopping.
And if a late-night supper is on your to-do list, you’re in luck. Just a short one or two-minute walk from the hotel is a BBQ Olive Chicken shop. There’s nothing quite like indulging in authentic Korean fried chicken and a cold local beer to end the night!
However, I have to be honest that this hotel is incredibly popular. While we were waiting in the lobby to check in, I lost count of how many tour coaches were dropping off loads of travelers! It clearly caters to large groups, likely because it’s only a 30 to 40-minute drive from Incheon International Airport.
That popularity definitely shows in the facilities. There is an E-mart convenience store right inside the hotel, but it’s so tiny that the queue to pay actually snaked all the way around the store! The breakfast area was just as packed the next morning, too. It’s a convenient stay, but definitely be prepared for a bit of a crowd if you're visiting during peak periods (for us, April).
We had a mix but still prefer the non-saucy ones
Day 2: A Morning of Peace Before Jeju
Our Day 2 itinerary wasn't too packed since we had an afternoon flight to catch for Jeju Island. We spent our morning at the Aegibong Peace Ecopark, which turned out to be one of the most memorable parts of the trip.
I’ve already written a detailed post about the history, the view of North Korea, and that iconic Starbucks, so in case you missed the full scoop (and the video!), you can check it out here: https://tinyurl.com/yt2ztd7w
Gimpo Rice Flower Farm: A Sweet Farewell to Seoul
Next, we headed to the Gimpo Rice Flower Farm for a bit of hands-on fun! We spent making bottles of Ginseng Honey Flower to take back as souvenirs. Such a unique and traditional craft to bring home.
While we were there, we enjoyed a fresh Bibimbap lunch. I’ve always found Bibimbap to be the ultimate healthy choice; it's perfectly balanced with fiber and protein on top of the carbs, leaving you feeling full without being sluggish. It was exactly the kind of fulfilling meal we needed before our afternoon flight.
Definitely opt for Bibimbap lunch
We eventually made our way to Gimpo Airport, and while the flight was slightly delayed, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise! It gave me some extra time to explore the terminal, where I stumbled upon some really interesting finds.
At Gimpo Airport, I found such charging and leftover drinks stand
Touchdown in Jeju: Markets and Mini-Feasts
After a quick and easy flight, we finally arrived on the beautiful Jeju Island. We didn’t waste any time and headed straight for a Mini Hanjeongsik (traditional Korean full-course) dinner. It was the perfect introduction to the local flavors, though I really don't like mackerel with so much bones!
To end our first evening in Jeju, we made our one and only stop at the famous Dongmun Market. The atmosphere there was incredible—vibrant, bustling, and full of unique street food. I’ve actually just published a YouTube Short capturing the highlights of the market, so you can see exactly what it’s like!
You are in Jeju when you see Dol Hareubang (or Stone Grandfather)
Jeju Must-Tries: My Top 3 Food Recommendations
If you're planning a trip to Jeju, make sure these three treats are at the top of your list:
Hallabong (Jeju Citrus): You cannot leave the island without trying these! They are similar to tangerines or mandarin oranges but have a unique sweetness. Whether you eat the fruit itself or grab a bottle of fresh-pressed juice, it is incredibly refreshing.
April Strawberries: Since we visited in April, it was toward the end of the strawberry season, but they are still a must-try if you can find them. These berries were huge, juicy, and sweet—and the price was surprisingly reasonable for the quality!
Fried Coconut Prawns: This is my latest addiction. The prawns were fresh, big, and most importantly not heavily coated in batter. You really get to taste the seafood, making it worth every won.
Coconut Prawns, I choose you!
Diet can wait. Just try them out!
Our Jeju Home: Best Western Hotel Jeju
After Dongmun Market, we checked into the Best Western Hotel Jeju for a two-night stay. I have to say, I absolutely loved this hotel!
Best Western Hotel Jeju is my ideal hotel
What made it a winner for me were the convenience factors right in the lobby. There is a Starbucks directly accessible from Level 1, which is a dream for that morning caffeine fix. Even better, there are two GS25 convenience stores—one located right inside the hotel and another just beside the building.
Dol Hareubang outside GS25
I didn't even feel the need to navigate the surrounding neighborhood because having these two "plus points" right there was more than enough for me. If you’re like me and value convenience and easy access to snacks and coffee, this is the place to be!
Final Thoughts: A Whirlwind Start
The first 48 hours back in South Korea were a total rollercoaster of nostalgia and discovery. From the surreal experience of peeking into the North at Aegibong to the simple joy of a fried chicken supper in Gimpo, it’s been a reminder of why I love traveling, even when the original plans were different! Whether it’s finding the perfect "convenience store hotel" or dodging the tour bus crowds, every moment has been an adventure.
I'm just getting started, though. Next up, I’m taking you deeper into Jeju Island to show you a place that truly blew my mind. Stay tuned for my next post where I uncover a "Secret World" hidden inside a stadium!
If you want to see the 'Secret World' I mentioned in action, I’m hosting a premiere over on YouTube this Sunday 10 May 2026 at 10 AM—hope to see you there! https://youtu.be/MhrPx_pvFgs
Hotel Breakfast = Japchae for life!
Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. All expenses were personally covered by the writer and her husband. The opinions expressed are entirely herself and her husband, based on personal experience and preferences, and do not represent the views of any other individual or organization.
