Travel South Korea V5, Seoul & Surroundings
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 Jul 2 2014, 11:14 AM
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#1
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Junior Member
272 posts Joined: Dec 2009  
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Hi guys, I'm looking for a place to travel solo between September-December.
From online I can see that autumn in Korea is from September - November. Has anyone been there in November? Is it a little too close if I want to avoid winter? Don't want to spend too much on winter gear if possible. Around 10+ degrees would be nice. |
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Jul 7 2014, 05:39 PM
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#2
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Junior Member
272 posts Joined: Dec 2009
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Hi guys, anyone have experience is flying to Korea then to Taiwan from Korea? Some questions if you don't mind.
1) Is it troublesome? As in the documents to be prepared, customs, etc. What are the essentials? 2) Any airline to recommend for this route? Thanks! |
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Aug 6 2014, 02:45 PM
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#3
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Junior Member
272 posts Joined: Dec 2009
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Finally bought my tickets to Korea!
KL -> Incheon 27th October Busan -> KL 9th November Travelling solo, backpacking. No extra luggage going there, but 20kg coming back. Hoping to catch nice autumn foliage! Nervous yet excited cause it'll be my first solo trip  Gotta work on my itinerary and start learning hangul. |
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Aug 6 2014, 04:46 PM
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#4
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Junior Member
272 posts Joined: Dec 2009
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QUOTE(facktura @ Aug 6 2014, 03:29 PM) getting solo in seoul is pretty exciting, nice city and friendly people, you wil be enjoying your trip. I did read about some not-so-friendly people, but hopefully I'll be lucky. Either way it would be a chance to experience something different. i wish i coud try solo. found any good hostel/guesthouse? im going in mid november as well.   No accomodations booked yet, will be mix and matching hostels, couchsurfing and jjimjilbang. Willl see which works out best for my itinerary. There's quite a few recommendations for hostels/guesthouse if you check this whole thread and the previous versions.  This post has been edited by AIAF: Aug 6 2014, 04:50 PM |
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Aug 8 2014, 12:53 AM
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#5
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Junior Member
272 posts Joined: Dec 2009
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A potentially dumb question, what happens after autumn peak foliage? The trees go bald right?
Seoraksan's peak foliage last year was around 18th October (according to internet). So if it follows that schedule this year by the time I'm there at the end of October it's probably bald already. |
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Aug 8 2014, 11:04 PM
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#6
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Junior Member
272 posts Joined: Dec 2009
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QUOTE(ckweng @ Aug 8 2014, 08:00 AM) Last year's autumn foliage was somehow delayed by 1-2 weeks than the schedule released by the meteorological service. I went in the 1st week of Oct and nami island was still 95% green. The weather turned cold later than expected. I guess I will have to see my luck when I'm actually there then. |
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Aug 22 2014, 12:45 AM
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#7
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Junior Member
272 posts Joined: Dec 2009
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Hi guys, for autumn/winter wear, the price in Korea is cheaper/not much difference/ more expensive than Malaysia?
Reason for asking is I decided to not buy any additional sweaters/jackets since it's only fall. Will layer instead. But just in case it gets really cold I think I'll just buy something there. |
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Aug 22 2014, 12:53 PM
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#8
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Junior Member
272 posts Joined: Dec 2009
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QUOTE(vankodoq @ Aug 22 2014, 01:45 AM) Last time I bought a down jacket in Korea's Uniqlo, it was KRW 60,000 and during fall season. But that's like 2 years ago. I'm not sure about the price in Malaysia though. I'm not sure either but sounds reasonable. Probably cheaper if I buy from street stores? |
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Aug 23 2014, 12:30 PM
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#9
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Junior Member
272 posts Joined: Dec 2009
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QUOTE(vankodoq @ Aug 22 2014, 12:59 PM) Might be, I'm not really sure. I never bought clothes from distros or street stores during my life in Korea. But then again, if you buy in chains like Uniqlo, at least you'll get the assurance of quality. Hmm....As a lot of people go there for shopping purposes I'm a little surprised that the quality is so questionable. |
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Sep 5 2014, 01:04 AM
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#10
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Junior Member
272 posts Joined: Dec 2009
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Going for 14 days this end of Oct. My rough itinerary so far, solo+free&easy so it will be very flexible. Have yet to confirm any accommodation so that will affect the itinerary as well.
Still wondering if I should slot in Seoraksan in the middle of my Seoul part of the trip, then get KTX to Busan. Or to follow this schedule and get on an overnight bus. » Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... « |
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Sep 5 2014, 01:24 PM
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#11
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Junior Member
272 posts Joined: Dec 2009
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QUOTE(sheng291 @ Sep 5 2014, 09:55 AM) If you are not a shopper- day 3 is quite free, but if yes then the schedule is ok. No I'm not a shopper (no budget anyway *cough*). Mainly food seeker. 1 day dongdaemun is cause I'm not sure what else to put there, maybe just chill around the area and revisit some places that I really liked or missed before? I'm actually hoping for some recommendations from anyone that I meet when I get there haha.Day 5-nami island i personally feel nothing much, you can still go if you want, but purposely go there and come back make me feel not worth, but not sure how autumn looks . better arrange few more days for banpo, cuz nt everytime you can see, depend on weather, wind direction and etc. I tried 3 days and yet cnt see 1 day dongdaemun? you must shop a lot XD why 1 whole day for sokcho? seoul to sokcho tooks 2hours+ only..you can go there on morning, reach there late afternoon, and still got time to go to the observatory, baech, aba village and etc, and next day go seoraksan. You got quite flexible time, best if you can try go jeju,haha 1 day Sokcho also just a rough plan for now, since there's commute involved try not to cram too much stuff to stress myself out. But your suggestion sounds good, will move it around. Jeju's not really budget friendly for solo travel, hopefully I can go there someday with a small group.  Will consider to add more stuff to Seoul itinerary, or cut it short by a day hmmm This post has been edited by AIAF: Sep 5 2014, 01:28 PM |
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Sep 5 2014, 02:57 PM
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#12
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Junior Member
272 posts Joined: Dec 2009
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QUOTE(sheng291 @ Sep 5 2014, 01:40 PM) Well, if you're not a shopper, myeongdong, dongdaemun, nandaemun gt nth much actually..anyway seoul is all about shopping .lol.. Lol I understand, but I'm quite a chill person so I can just walk/sit around, get some food and watch people.maybe you can go gangnam area walk walk as well Try talk with the guesthouse owner then,haha,u staying where? Sokcho wise if you hvn book accom, try The house, quite nice and good rate,free bicycle rental somemore. why not budget friendly for solo travel? Though I went with another 2 persons, but we stay at dorm, take public bus, maybe food there a little bit troublesome though.. but busan wise i think quite similar with seoul also, except the beach, the temple, the color village.. nearby wise ulsan is an industrial town, only go if you interested. Gyeongju is a historical city, but for me nth much as well. You prefer city (shopping, food) or prefer outskirt (mountain, sea)? Not sure where to stay yet, cause I'm waiting a few more weeks to try my luck at couchsurfing. Will be a combo of guesthouse and cs-ing. (most people dont accept requests too early) The House looks nice! Might get it for my one night in Sokcho, thanks for the recommendation. I love both city and nature, but as you said Seoul and Busan is enough for city already. So I'm still researching on more outskirts area. Historical places can be nice, but sometimes can look the same after a few, so wont be checking out every single one of them la. I feel like Jeju is best if you can rent a car with a few people and go out explore on your own. Added in my Busan itinerary. For Busan I'm aiming HiKorea for accomodation. » Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... « This post has been edited by AIAF: Sep 5 2014, 03:06 PM |
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Sep 6 2014, 01:14 PM
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#13
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Junior Member
272 posts Joined: Dec 2009
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QUOTE(sheng291 @ Sep 5 2014, 03:13 PM) I see. You can try save few days in jimjibang. If you're not having big luggage then that could be great experiences..and the price is cheaper than guesthouse Yea I'm going to try out jimjilbang too! But not sure how well I can sleep, maybe if I'm tired enough haha.The house is quite good, actually perhaps the only choice for backpacker.the facilities, owner, everything is nice. I made friends with some korean girls there as well  indeed, better if you got car. what i did is that I do backpack and stay at diff part of jeju everyday so that I can save transportation time. Rent car wise, any1 of you have international license? If not quite troublesome as well. Anyway that's up to you.hehe Both busan and seoul got many guesthouse to choose, so not a problem..taejongdae is a must go in Busan. Other than that, haeundae beach and apex might be not bad if u r free.. Korean girls  I think I've decided to add Jeonju to my list. Seems like a nice place to visit. QUOTE(outsider @ Sep 5 2014, 04:44 PM) Getting worry when travel period come.... Been hearing you say this for a while already lol  havent prepare  But there's still time. |
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Sep 10 2014, 04:04 AM
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#14
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Junior Member
272 posts Joined: Dec 2009
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QUOTE(yvonnesoo @ Sep 9 2014, 02:08 PM) Day 2 & Day 4 you go the same place again? Bukchon Hanok Village? Oops, error in copy and pasting. Thanks for pointing that out!for Banpo Bridge, before you go, it's better to check their schedule else you might end up disappointed i feel you spend so much time on Day 6 & Day 7 on the specific area while Day 9 cram all area into 1 day Will check on the schedule As I'm going free and easy, Day 6 and 7 was just a buffer. Plans might change due to any conditions and if I'm lucky enough to make new friends and get their recommendations haha. Did a bit more homework and this is my almost completed rough itinerary for 14 days! Decided to stop by Gwangju instead. » Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... « |
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Sep 10 2014, 08:16 PM
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#15
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Junior Member
272 posts Joined: Dec 2009
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QUOTE(yvonnesoo @ Sep 10 2014, 02:10 PM) tips: Hongdae during weekend will got Free Market. so if you would like to visit, u may re-plan Thanks for the tips on Hongdae and Tongin! Will consider. For now I think I'll just check out Cheong Wa Dae on my own, look see look see.Day 4, Tongin market is located near Gyeongbokgung Station. so i suggest it would be better if u go to Gwanghwamun Square (stop at Gwanghwamun St), Gyeongbokgung, Tongin Market & the last is Cheong Wa Dae. do you have any planning to join the Cheong Wa Dae tour? you are not allow to enter without prior reservation Day 12, personally feel quite rush. If I got free time on Day 11, 13, or 14 will slot some Day 12 activities in.  QUOTE(outsider @ Sep 5 2014, 11:15 PM) oh shit ~~~~ i going there on 20th sept Good news below! Seems like all clear in Busan.QUOTE(Monya Meow Meow @ Sep 10 2014, 02:20 PM) Just came back from Busan/Jeju, the weather was quite hot! Surprised to hear that it's hot, thought summer might have cooled down a bit by now.Must must must visit Spa Land in Busan, awesomeness overflow Good and cheap shopping around Nampodong area. Also pay a visit to Jagalchi Market just to see the local seafood market. |
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Sep 23 2014, 08:04 PM
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#16
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Junior Member
272 posts Joined: Dec 2009
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Still considering if I should reserve a wifi egg.
Pro - Able to use maps to find more hidden spots Con - Rm300++ for 14 days, not counting the deposit (so much to be bought with that money hmmm) Maps, guides and translation would be my main purpose for wifi. Social media postings and stuff can wait, that I don't mind. |
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Sep 23 2014, 11:53 PM
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#17
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Junior Member
272 posts Joined: Dec 2009
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QUOTE(yvonnesoo @ Sep 23 2014, 11:28 PM) if you have more than 1 people (eg few friends), rent a wifi egg is good cause can share among them. it can connect few devices simultaneous.. if you have a credit card, some wifi egg rental deposit is waive.. btw, not all places got wifi connection and some doesn't work or need you to key in the password I'm going solo, hence the dilemma haha. Yea I'm not taking into account the deposit. Just the rental itself for 2 weeks is about RM300++ already. Your point about not everywhere has wifi is exactly why I'm a bit concern about not having a connection. But I'm leaning towards risking it and having more money to spend right now hmmmm... |
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Sep 25 2014, 12:13 AM
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#18
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Junior Member
272 posts Joined: Dec 2009
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QUOTE(yvonnesoo @ Sep 24 2014, 11:50 AM) if you are going solo then no need rent the egg. save everything necessary on your google drive (view it on offline mode) then you can view it anytime without any internet connection. if you prepare everything and do your homework (know the direction where are you heading to including the subway line and exit), you won't get lost la. by the way, are you going to Seoul? in Seoul plenty of China foreigners working there and you can easily speak with them in Mandarin. plenty of Westerner and you may ask them in English. worst come to worst, ask Korean. the younger generation mostly know to speak in English as many of them study in the States Majority of the time will be at Seoul, but will spend a little time at for Searoksan, then Gwangju and Busan.Yea I think I'll not rent/reserve an egg. Worse case scenario I'll get those one day internet passwords from their convenient stores (read about that). |
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Sep 26 2014, 11:55 PM
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#19
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Junior Member
272 posts Joined: Dec 2009
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QUOTE(sheng291 @ Sep 26 2014, 01:46 PM) woo, why are you heading to gwangju? Eventhough I was in gwangju for quite some time, I can't think of place worth to travel so far to visit XD You mean there's nothing in Gwangju? Nothing much, just look see some parts and stuff.If you depart from sokcho, u can try drop by gyeongju or daegu, and head to busan later on To be honest I feel like whenever I suggest any other place other than Seoul one of you guys will say that there's nothing there hahaha. But I still appreciate all the advices.  I guess I don't mind just chilling and sight seeing la XD Gwangju rough itinerary: Gwangju - Day 1 Bulguksa Temple Daeneungwon Anapji pond Gwangju - Day 2 Gyeongju City Tour Bus |
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Sep 29 2014, 08:08 PM
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#20
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Junior Member
272 posts Joined: Dec 2009
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QUOTE(yvonnesoo @ Sep 29 2014, 11:36 AM) err?? your Gwangju attractions that u listed above is not in Gwangju u know.. it's in Gyeongsangbuk-do, Gyeongju-si.. Oops, meant Gyeongju XD |
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