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 Traveller's Tales: Getting around in South Korea
Know the most popular landmarks in South Korea. You may read about best transportation, recommended travel itinerary, suggested routes and directions. Also, you might want to read our
Jeju city guide,
and Seoul city guide.
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| M Todd |
08 July 2005 |
Stayed at President Seoul, Hotel - Seoul, South Korea.
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We were in Seoul for four days during the week and were surprised at how easy it was to get around by local taxi. There were many around, easily hailed and quite cheap. The dreaded traffic jams were not obvious or they were good at avoiding them. We never did get to go on the subway.
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| H Tan |
09 June 2005 |
Stayed at Hyatt Regency Cheju - Jeju, South Korea.
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We only took one tour and that is the submarine tour. There are 3 of them but we just took the one that the hotel recommended which is good, fun, interesting and value for money. Commentary is all in Korean so do be prepared to feel left out in that aspect. The rest of the sights and attractions we did on our own, some by taxi or on foot which are close to the Hyatt Hotel. We rented a large cab for all 4 of us from 9am to 5pm and mapped out the places we wanted to visit and the driver did the rest. We managed to cover only all that was interesting to us, instead of a tour which would have cost much more and visiting alot of places that we did not want to go. For those who are willing to fork out some money this would probably be the best way to see alot within a day. Foodwise, where we are staying we are subjected to eateries within Hyatt or the other nearby hotels and a few restaurants around the area, which are all either very expensive or not value for money as the cuisine isn't that good. You'd have to be adventurous and take a taxi to some better known restaurants about 20 minutes away to have really great bulgogi and black pork meat (the speciality: the pigs are black not the meat) - prices are then much more reasonable and the food good.
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| A Foo |
28 May 2005 |
Stayed at Hamilton Hotel - Seoul, South Korea.
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Destination to hotel was quite straightforward, abt 80 minutes from the Incheon International Airport, we took the subway to Lotte World and Everland although the latter was a bit of a hassle, having have to take a bus there, wasted abt 1-1/2 hrs. Italian Restaurant at Galleria Shopping Centre was excellent, Hyundai Department Store is a must go. Hard Rock Cafe is a little bit too far away from where we stay so we took the cab there. Most of the time, we got around the city using the subway, very convenient. The system was excellent.
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| Q Muily (mrs low kee haw) and mr low kee haw |
12 May 2005 |
Stayed at Hyatt Regency Cheju - Jeju, South Korea.
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Places we visited include the waterfalls, submarine ride and Halim park which offers gardens, caves, restaurants and a bird park. You can catch a buffet cum fountain show at the Lotte Hotel. Taxis are easily available and the people are generally very friendly.
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| C Wong |
29 April 2005 |
Stayed at Hamilton Hotel - Seoul, South Korea.
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Seoul is a sprawling city. But it has a very extensive and efficient subway system that could take one to most places in the city. If you get lost there is always the taxi, which though expensive, offers good and honest service.
Language is a problem as very few Koreans speak English but their helpfulness and honesty put one at ease and more than make up for the inconvenience.
Myeongdong, Namdaemum, Namsan Mountain, Gyongbookgung are the usual places tourist would want to visit but the Korean War Memorial is a must if one wishes to learn about the history of the Japanese colonisation, the second world war and the korean war. Only then would one understand why the Koreans are so united and nationalistic and truly proud of their achievements. For the national servicement, the Memorail also showcases the differnet types of weapons, missiles and war machinery that are used in modern warfare. And the entrance fee is only 3000 won,excellent value for money.
One place that one can miss is the Korean Folk Villlage which survives only because of the free entry given to school children and there are hordes of them around whcih can be quite disturbing with all the noise they make. It showcases the traditional Korean lifestyle and villages of yonders past.
Seoraksan mountain near Sokcho which is 4 hours by bus from Seoul is an interesting place as the cable car ride up to the mountain plus the climb to reach the top is quite refrshing. One can stay at one of the condominiums nearby for US$60 and travel to nearby Sokcho by taxi for food.
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| G Cook |
24 April 2005 |
Stayed at Airpark, Hotel - Incheon, South Korea.
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We took the KTX high speed train back and forth from Seoul and Busan. It is a very nice way to travel, especially if you want to see the countryside. It is important to know that the trains can sell out, especially on Friday night. However, just as importantly, the tickets can be sold back and the "sold out" status changes moment by moment. The traveller's information people -- while very polite -- did not really explain this to us. So, when we discovered how to read the board we had to do it on our own. The first time I tried it I only had a minute and didn't quite make the train. Then I had to pay 30% to get the rest of the cost of the ticket back. (I could have argued, I suppose, but the language barrier was too great to overcome at that point.) The second time I had an entire 5 minutes, ran to the train and got on just before it left. Unfortunately, I didn't realize how the seating worked -- they are assigned -- so I ended up getting on at least half the train length away from my car. I eventually made it, however. The staff was very polite and suggested that rather than dragging my suitcase all the way to my car that I store my suitcase in a closer car. I wouldn't even have considered it if I was in a different country, but South Korea is very nice that way.
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| V Mccormick |
15 April 2005 |
Stayed at Coatel Chereville - Seoul, South Korea.
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Seoul is a safe, interesting city to travel to with many things available to the visitor from cultural sights and museums to sporting events and shopping areas. Public transportation is cheap and easy to follow if you know where you want to go. If not, a city tour can give you an overview about what is available in the city. I've always found the people to be friendly and helpful if you have difficulty. The country of South Korea is a beautiful land with rocky mountains, beautiful seashores and a rich history. I think it is one of the hidden treasures of Asia.
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| C Prosser |
09 April 2005 |
Stayed at Best Western Hotel Dongdaemun - Seoul, South Korea.
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The hotel is in a terrific location and the Airport Limousine Bus 602 will drop you not far from the hotel...just keep walking a look for the gate. The hotel is incredibly accessible to shops, restaurants and the wonderfully efficient and easy to understand subways. We caught a subway (line 1 just across from the hotel) to Gyeongbokgung Palace. The following link shows a brief video, www.seoulsearching.com. Handy Hint: You use the subway underpasses to cross "under" all of the main streets and this is both fun and good for you (interesting shops and loads of stairs).
Second Hint: Wear comfy shoes (and waterproof) shoes if going in Spring/rain - lots of steps abound and puddles.
Third Hint: Look out for cars and motorbikes -They don't want to hit you but the "Seoul" system seems to rely on everyone giving way when necessary.
Fourth Hint: Do take a small umbrella or rainjacket in April.
Fifth Hint: Do try the wonderful Korean food. Everything we had was excellent and spicy.
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| J Witt |
09 March 2005 |
Stayed at Olympia, Hotel - Seoul, South Korea.
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The new Incheon airport is very easy to get around. The KAL limosine bus is 12,00 won but the airport shuttle is only 7,00 won. KAL has better seats. Itaewon can be a good place to get suits made. I have had many made there. Myeong Dong is a very good place for ties. It is connected to the Lotte hotel/department tour.
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| A Finkel |
09 March 2005 |
Stayed at Queen Incheon Airport, Hotel - Seoul, South Korea.
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This is my 7th trip to Korea. Unfortunately, I'm working, sleeping and eating mostly on US military compounds, so I don't get around much.
The Queen hotel where I stayed this trip is in Incheon approx a 10 minute ride from the airport. Nice place in the city, but I was only there overnight prior to another flight to my final destination.
The Seoul Hilton is an awesome 5 star hotel with an incredible buffet. Nice pool and gym on the 2nd floor.
In Seoul the Korean War Museum outside of Yongsan Army base (near Itaewon) is a great place to spend a day or two if you're into history. A DMZ tour and the tunnel trip is a must. Can book through the USO (just off Yongsan Army base).
My favorite bar in Itaewon is Gecko's. Good mix of people from around the world. Good food, nice atmosphere, and pool tables. Nashville, another bar just down the street is okay also. Chinhae is the place to be at the end of March for the Cherry Blossom Festival. Beautiful port town (home of the S. Korean Navy). There's Cherry trees everywhere, and if the weather hits right the entire town is just gorgeous.
Hope this helps.
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