Nov 16, 12, 12:10 pm
Last edit by: Stez
i Preface
This wikipost (and thread) exist because BA introduced a new route in Dec. 2012 from London Heathrow (LHR) Terminal 5 (T5) to Incheon International Airport (ICN), Seoul, Korea. This wikipost links to the latest, most relevant information we have collected for FTers flying or considering this route. The extensive nature of the thread is due to 80 FTers having taken up the special fare conditions during the first month.
Currently there is a glitch and the wikipost can only be edited by a moderator or ambassador - to update this thread, please send a PM to a moderator or ambassador. This wikipost can be edited by anyone, and therefore is superior to a traditional 'first post' as anyone can post new, corrected or updated information and link to that post in this wikipost thereby ensuring no single person has to maintain the first post and that information is always up to date. The suggested procedure is to go to the existing linked post and quote that post (if correcting or updating information) and then make the corrections / updates and remove the [QUOTE] tags. Then come back to this wikipost and link to the post you have just made. For new information, simply post the new information and link to it here. Please check that the information you post is indeed new or correct before posting. Thanks, we hope you find this thread of use and interest.
How to Edit this Wikipost Guide
If you have any issues please contact a moderator for assistance.
Currently there is a glitch and the wikipost can only be edited by a moderator or ambassador - to update this thread, please send a PM to a moderator or ambassador. This wikipost can be edited by anyone, and therefore is superior to a traditional 'first post' as anyone can post new, corrected or updated information and link to that post in this wikipost thereby ensuring no single person has to maintain the first post and that information is always up to date. The suggested procedure is to go to the existing linked post and quote that post (if correcting or updating information) and then make the corrections / updates and remove the [QUOTE] tags. Then come back to this wikipost and link to the post you have just made. For new information, simply post the new information and link to it here. Please check that the information you post is indeed new or correct before posting. Thanks, we hope you find this thread of use and interest.
How to Edit this Wikipost Guide
If you have any issues please contact a moderator for assistance.
Date our next group is underway:
Our first few groups have now made their way across to Seoul, hopefully after enjoying some of this on the flight:
(admittedly not Dom but you get the idea)
ii Contents
01 The original post along with the fare conditions during the sale
02 The 80 FTers that are "launching this route"
03 The lounge and Enroute DO's in Dec 2012
04 The Dates People are Meeting in Seoul
05 The Route Details (aircraft type, cabins fitted, timings)
06 Information for those not familiar with BA or Heathrow
07 Making of an FT legend 80 fliers little bit of crazy whole lot of Seoul Trip Report
08 Publicity of this event
09 Returning to the UK (ICN airport info)
10 Hotels FTers have chosen and recommendations
11Things to do in Seoul
12 An Example itinerary for the overnighters
13 Food / Drink in Seoul
14 Transport while in Seoul
15 Weather
16 Links to FT Trip Reports and other sources of info
17 Language
18 Cultural Points
19 Money Matters (VAT, TIps, Cash or Card, ATMs)
20 Shopping
21 Health / Insurance
22 Electricity / Time
23 Legal Points to consider
24 Disabled/Gay/Smokers/Women travellers/Safety and Security
25 Internet / (mobile) Phones / Apps
26 Hazards (we may not be aware of)
27 The city never sleeps (opening times, holidays)
28 Police / Fighting / Taekwando
29 Public Toilets
30 Current offers (any sales we know of)
31 Following the launch antics via twitter
32 Archived Info (to keep the first post relevant)
iii Acknowledgments02 The 80 FTers that are "launching this route"
03 The lounge and Enroute DO's in Dec 2012
04 The Dates People are Meeting in Seoul
05 The Route Details (aircraft type, cabins fitted, timings)
06 Information for those not familiar with BA or Heathrow
07 Making of an FT legend 80 fliers little bit of crazy whole lot of Seoul Trip Report
08 Publicity of this event
09 Returning to the UK (ICN airport info)
10 Hotels FTers have chosen and recommendations
11Things to do in Seoul
12 An Example itinerary for the overnighters
13 Food / Drink in Seoul
14 Transport while in Seoul
15 Weather
16 Links to FT Trip Reports and other sources of info
17 Language
18 Cultural Points
19 Money Matters (VAT, TIps, Cash or Card, ATMs)
20 Shopping
21 Health / Insurance
22 Electricity / Time
23 Legal Points to consider
24 Disabled/Gay/Smokers/Women travellers/Safety and Security
25 Internet / (mobile) Phones / Apps
26 Hazards (we may not be aware of)
27 The city never sleeps (opening times, holidays)
28 Police / Fighting / Taekwando
29 Public Toilets
30 Current offers (any sales we know of)
31 Following the launch antics via twitter
32 Archived Info (to keep the first post relevant)
This thread (guide) is an ongoing collaborative effort and could not have been produced without everyone here first being informed about the new route and incredible sale conditions by BApilotinsider, who started this thread originally, the resultant large interest from the FT community, and finally the kind contributions of many throughout this thread, with a special nod to itsmeitisss and UTA_flyinghigh. We hope it is of use not only to those going during the introductory month but also evolves later on when the route is mature.
wikipost updated to post 849
Special Seoul launch offer | BA Board excursion
Nov 30, 12, 11:48 am
#751
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: London
Programs: BAEC GGL, BA Amex PP
Posts: 1,046
Originally Posted by CreativeBill
I wouldn't recommend 2E/2F as you might come under fire from the peanuts I'll be throwing at nh1980 to amuse myself from 2A 
Nov 30, 12, 12:06 pm
#752
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: UK despite the weather
Programs: BAEC at last back to Gold, Flying Blue, Red with the Bearded One, Accor, Finnair Plus Blue
Posts: 266
Originally Posted by CreativeBill
I wouldn't recommend 2E/2F as you might come under fire from the peanuts I'll be throwing at nh1980 to amuse myself from 2A
Nov 30, 12, 12:11 pm
#753
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Bristol, UK
Programs: HH D, Rad Plat, BA Silver
Posts: 5,346
Okay, it is short and sweet but has good website links to check out for several hours...
The food and drink post is now posted....use the wikipost link at the top of any page or just go to post # 2.
Many thanks to PETER01 for helping me by doing this post content and research. I owe you a drink my friend ^ .
So, only leaves what to do while in Seoul...I will work on that and get it online asap.
Cheers.
T8191...just think of Seoul as a stop over point for future forays into warmer climes in the far East...and of course you need to check that out to be sure it would be a good location for a stop over...so a day or three there to explore the HOT food (both fresh and warm as well as spicy) and the DMZ for historical purposes...think about how nice a steam bath or sauna experience will be with cool temperatures instead of warm around you...plus the therapy here is supposed to be very good...and inexpensive.
Shopping...
Crisp, cool clean air to take great pictures most days that make you feel alive and not the dark and grey hell that is the UK in Winter...
Need I go on...
Plus...my coup de grace....what if BA does do something special and provide something either memorable that is a one off or even a nice voucher as thanks for another trip...as appreciation for going on the new route during the launch month...I will immediately say that nothing like this has even been whispered in my direction...I am simply wishing...BUT....
Anyway, if that is not enough...she doesn't want to go...BASTA. Ask if you can go it Hans Solo....
The food and drink post is now posted....use the wikipost link at the top of any page or just go to post # 2.
Many thanks to PETER01 for helping me by doing this post content and research. I owe you a drink my friend ^ .
So, only leaves what to do while in Seoul...I will work on that and get it online asap.
Cheers.
T8191...just think of Seoul as a stop over point for future forays into warmer climes in the far East...and of course you need to check that out to be sure it would be a good location for a stop over...so a day or three there to explore the HOT food (both fresh and warm as well as spicy) and the DMZ for historical purposes...think about how nice a steam bath or sauna experience will be with cool temperatures instead of warm around you...plus the therapy here is supposed to be very good...and inexpensive.
Shopping...
Crisp, cool clean air to take great pictures most days that make you feel alive and not the dark and grey hell that is the UK in Winter...
Need I go on...
Plus...my coup de grace....what if BA does do something special and provide something either memorable that is a one off or even a nice voucher as thanks for another trip...as appreciation for going on the new route during the launch month...I will immediately say that nothing like this has even been whispered in my direction...I am simply wishing...BUT....
Anyway, if that is not enough...she doesn't want to go...BASTA. Ask if you can go it Hans Solo....
Nov 30, 12, 12:27 pm
#755
Join Date: May 2012
Location: London
Posts: 442
Originally Posted by T8191
She is unanimous
Nov 30, 12, 12:33 pm
#756
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: TK Gold, M&M FTL, QR Gold, HH Diamond, PCR Platinum
Posts: 1,667
Hi all,
This is my current schedule for Seoul:
05DEC
- sightseeing during the day, probably to include Seoul Tower and central area
- Sting concert at night
- 1 night at Conrad
06DEC
- more sightseeing inthe morning/early afternoon. Interested in food tours or anything else fun and/or interesting in Seoul
- shopping in Seoul in afternoon.
- no plans yet, but intention to check out a club there. Can move this to 7th, if others want to join or have better suggestions
- staying at IC Parnas.
07DEC
- DMZ + 3rd tunnel tour, until 16hrs. It is booked already, it is in English and starts at 08:00. We booked here: http://www.koreadmztour.com/en/program/?p_url=program_2
- if weather is not a killer, will join Papabear for some night photography with a tripod. Will probably mix this with some hot tea or other soul-warming drinks
- staying at IC Parnas.
If anybody wants to meet, please send PM.
This is my current schedule for Seoul:
05DEC
- sightseeing during the day, probably to include Seoul Tower and central area
- Sting concert at night
- 1 night at Conrad
06DEC
- more sightseeing inthe morning/early afternoon. Interested in food tours or anything else fun and/or interesting in Seoul
- shopping in Seoul in afternoon.
- no plans yet, but intention to check out a club there. Can move this to 7th, if others want to join or have better suggestions
- staying at IC Parnas.
07DEC
- DMZ + 3rd tunnel tour, until 16hrs. It is booked already, it is in English and starts at 08:00. We booked here: http://www.koreadmztour.com/en/program/?p_url=program_2
- if weather is not a killer, will join Papabear for some night photography with a tripod. Will probably mix this with some hot tea or other soul-warming drinks
- staying at IC Parnas.
If anybody wants to meet, please send PM.
Nov 30, 12, 1:50 pm
#757
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: JER
Programs: BA Gold/OWE, several MUCCI, and assorted Pensions!
Posts: 31,486
Originally Posted by CreativeBill
What? What? Stop being so obtuse... Does that mean you are coming? Because, you know, if you are that means the two of you will put us into the hallowed figure of 77 travellers!
Nov 30, 12, 1:57 pm
#758
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Bristol, UK
Programs: HH D, Rad Plat, BA Silver
Posts: 5,346
Originally Posted by CAlex
Hi all,
This is my current schedule for Seoul:
<snip>
If anybody wants to meet, please send PM.
This is my current schedule for Seoul:
<snip>
If anybody wants to meet, please send PM.
Trust that is okay...
Nov 30, 12, 2:03 pm
#759
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: All over the place often South Wales and Lake District
Programs: BA Gold for Life
Posts: 4,290
And the irony of ironies. I have a regular client in Seoul, and I sent him the price quote for the 777 offer saying: If you are thinking of having me back in December look at this deal!". I have had contact today asking if I can be in Seoul for the 10th. I'm in Denmark at the moment will have to see if there are any deals ex EU. I'm due to fly back to LHR on 10th, and they would have to wait another day for me, as I'm committed til then. GGGRRRR Will probably mean I'm doing the shuffle through HEL
Nov 30, 12, 2:23 pm
#760
Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: UK
Programs: BA Gold, Mucci
Posts: 9,085
Originally Posted by BotB
Many thanks to PETER01 for helping me by doing this post content and research. I owe you a drink my friend ^ .
Also to CreativeBill on her wonderful start to her TR. ^^
Now I just heard that there might be a change of aircraft type
(747 High J) due to the amount of seats they are selling in CW for the 7th and possibly the 9th.......mmmm... Upper deck....mmm....only 20 seats up there......
Nov 30, 12, 2:28 pm
#761
Join Date: May 2012
Location: London
Posts: 442
Originally Posted by T8191
Nooooooooo - as in noooooooo. It would be a great giggle, but there's been a few large pelicans (aka enormous bills) recently that make burning a further several k not very sensible. I know, I'm old and boring. Sorry
Nov 30, 12, 2:31 pm
#762
Join Date: May 2012
Location: London
Posts: 442
Originally Posted by PETER01
Now I just heard that there might be a change of aircraft type (747 High J) due to the amount of seats they are selling in CW for the 7th and possibly the 9th.......mmmm... Upper deck....mmm....only 20 seats up there......
(747 High J) due to the amount of seats they are selling in CW for the 7th and possibly the 9th.......mmmm... Upper deck....mmm....only 20 seats up there......
Nov 30, 12, 2:34 pm
#763
Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: UK
Programs: BA Gold, Mucci
Posts: 9,085
Originally Posted by CreativeBill
Maybe they are just trying to contain the FT CW rabble to protect the innocent.
Nov 30, 12, 2:47 pm
#764
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Bristol, UK
Programs: HH D, Rad Plat, BA Silver
Posts: 5,346
Special Seoul launch offer | BA Board excursion
You stirring PETER01?
I prefer the 747 but don't want to chance paying for an upgrade or using avios to get old first...
Wouldn't fuel be an issue over a 777?
I prefer the 747 but don't want to chance paying for an upgrade or using avios to get old first...
Wouldn't fuel be an issue over a 777?
Nov 30, 12, 2:54 pm
#765
Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: UK
Programs: BA Gold, Mucci
Posts: 9,085
Originally Posted by BotB
You stirring PETER01?
I prefer the 747 but don't want to chance paying for an upgrade or using avios to get old first...
Wouldn't fuel be an issue over a 777?
I prefer the 747 but don't want to chance paying for an upgrade or using avios to get old first...
Wouldn't fuel be an issue over a 777?
