What's next? Checklist?

My first blog post was entitled 'How it started'. Why not? That seemed as good a start as any. But what comes next? Indeed, should I have a virtual story board in my mind? Should I have a schedule, with the risk that it then becomes a burden? Should I send a link out to friends and family so at least some people might read it besides myself and to elicit feedback? Or even to better understand how this platform works, looks and feels? Certainly the interface doesn't feel remotely familiar. All good questions, I think, for someone new to this blogging concept.

Well, I've got some ideas, first of which is to have at least three posts published before I send out any signposts. So, if you're reading this, there is at least one post either side of this one. And if there's a flurry of comments, that will be interesting.

Second, I want to avoid a schedule as far as possible, but circumstances will no doubt influence that as My Korean Odyssey progresses. 

Third, I have some ideas as to what I might post about, such as language learning experience, my K drama obsession, sharing some websites and quality travel blogs that I have been using, things I'm particularly looking forward.

But for now, here's something of a checklist:

Book Flights - check. Going with Asiana Airline in order to begin the immersive experience from the outset.

Accommodation - 75% check. 

10 days to look forward to in a 'mini Hanok', or traditional Korean property, pretty much in the heart of Bukchon village in the heart of Seoul.

Picture courtesy of AirBnB owner.

Then there's a weekend in a high rise overlooking Lotte Tower and Lotte World. Lotte, by the way, are one of the biggest conglomerates in South Korea, with a hand in virtually everything, a citizen might want from property, health, finance, entertainment, etc.

Picture courtesy of AirBnB owner.

Then a week on the road. Although I've outlined a rough plan, there are some details that still need working on.

Then back to Seoul and a base from which to go bag some K Drama film locations and generally absorb the atmosphere of living in Korea for a week or so, without too many demands.

Picture courtesy of AirBnB owner.

Language - check, ish. 2 years and I feel I should have made way more progress. Still enjoying the experience, however, and looking forward to testing it out!

Visa - check. South Korea ETA form applied forjust approved whilst typing this. Not essential as a UK citizen but apparently makes arrival a little bit easier and quicker.

Currency - check. I'll take some cash, but I've otherwise checked that I should be able to use a credit card in general and a couple of debit cards for cash withdrawal or general purchases, at good daily rates and no hidden charges.

Itinerary - check, ish. It's a pretty full looking calendar, but there are quite a number of activities and tours which, whilst pencilled in, have not yet been booked.

Getting around and being digitally connected - check. The proof will be in the practice, but local travel cards and sim cards and using Naver Map (the Korean equivalent of Google maps) have all been researched.

Online concierge - I've done the research but am still mulling the commitment. No doubt there will be things that such a service can greatly help with but I'm still weighing up the potential costs versus convenience, as well as wondering if it's not a bit cheating. 

Travel Insurance - check. Best banking decision I made was to go for an account with benefits. It has a monthly fee but includes European wide car breakdown cover, electronic device cover, and Global Travel Insurance!

International Driving Permit - check. Quick and easy to arrange at the Post Office.

Apps - Naver Maps and Papago translator are good to go, but other recommendations are KakaoTalk and KakaoTaxi. Those latter two need I'm still weighing up.

Packing - of course not, I'm more of a last minute packer!

There's a a sense of impending ground rush as the departure date approaches, and Covid and North Korean declarations present some potentially big de-railers. But, fingers crossed, it'll all go smoothly. Is that tempting fate? I need to find a friendly Goblin* character to help out, perhaps.

* Reference to Goblin, the Lonely and Great God, one of my favourite K Dramas.