Travel Forum / Destinations / Asia / May 2006

See the photos:
http://www.molon.de/galleries/Korea/Seoul/

and the travelogue:
http://www.molon.de/travelogues/Korea/2005/

"Anyone recently been to Korea, and found something of interest to do
in Seoul?  I have 7 days there in the next 3 weeks and am eager to hear
of other's experiences!"

There are two palace complexes, the Kyongbukkyong and Chongyonggung
Palaces, and both are worth seeing.  There is a market near the
Chongyonggung Palace that is interesting.  Also the Korean National
Museum.

Seoul is much cheaper than Tokyo or Hong Kong, and you can get
excellent meals even in the $5-10 US range, and quite decent hotel
rooms for around $50 US.

The subway system is excellent, so you don't need to rent a car or take
taxis.

All of that said, I think 7 days would be too much, and unless you have
to be in Seoul itself (business meetings, etc.), I would spend some of
that time elsewhere in South Korea (Pusan?).

I've only been to Seoul.  I bet spending 4-5 days  in Seoul would be mroe
than enough.  Visiting some palace would be fine.  There are many shopping
areas in Seoul (Meyongdung, etc.).

If you travel anywhere near the metro route in Seoul, it'd be very easy.
I've travelled somewhere a bit outside Seoul and it has no signs in English
and Chinese anymore.

Bringing a Korean Phase book is a must.  Many Koreans are not good at oral
English.

Some museums may close on Mondays in Seoul.

For the mobile phone, they have their own mobile phone network.  You can
check whether your phone could be use over there.  Or else you can rent a
mobile phone at the airport (arrival hall).

Korea Tourism Organization:   http://www.tour2korea.co.kr/

Here's something that looks interesting, and it's on the subway:

http://www.lifeinkorea.com/Travel2/seoul/315

The Kimchi Museum was built to study the culture of kimchi, one of the
most well-known of Korean foods....

Best regards,
Spehro Pefhany

there are several good shows to join in Seoul.

these are quite well known to travel agencies and foreigners visiting
korea

1. JungDong Theater
http://www.chongdong.com/chongdong_english/index.asp
they have korean traditional performances, and i recommand "korean
traditional stage"
Subtitled in Korean, English, Japanese and Chinese
you'll get Free green tea and after performance you can gather with the
performers at Ssamji Madang (may take photos with performers)
Korean traditional costume experience and photo sessions (additional
charge required)

2. NANTA (means 'Beating everything', <Cookin'> : inglish title)
it's a nonverbal performance using korean traditional rhythm. but the
performances are about several cooks in modern. i found many foreigners
having fun from it.
you'll find details more:
www.nanta.co.kr

3. JUMP
it's another nonverbal performance with korean martial art "Tae Kwon
Do"
in the show, a family, who are very keen of martial art, face troubles.
humours, and dancing are nice! they call themselves "Comedy martialarts
performance"
they scored no.1 of Box Office in 2005 Edinburgh festival , UK
details from
http://www.hijump.co.kr/default.htm

4. The Ballerina who loved a B-boy
it's full of break-dances for 2hours.
it has a story.. but you can guess... exactly...
but the thing i enjoyed so much was the dance!!!
i just say it was worth to pay for!
http://www.sjbboys.com

Actually watching show in korea might not be so attractive,
but some shows like traditional things will be great to experience.

and at last, here is getting high temperature... be careful with the
sun!