take a tour package, as comfortable accomodation and proper local food (don't tell me you want to got there just for shin instant noodle and fast food only) aren't cheap.
went there last year, and from my calculation based on the room and food price listed, the total is around, is not more that the package price, and that's before air ticket (total 4 flights to and from korea, and another to and out of cheju).
each lunch and dinner (pretty good ones are provided) would cost >RM100 per person based on the list price after conversion, and one of the hotel i stayed cost >RM500 per night (from the price list also)
my package cost 3400 per person for 8 days 7 nights, IIRC
i went during october for the autumn view. for winter, try december.

hi, mine is a package that covered many things, and it include international to and from flight and 2 local air transfer in korea.

since visit friends, stay with friend loh

south korea need visa, but the process seems pretty simple.
as for what to get:
1. cosmetics
2. instant noodle (shin)
3. sea weed
4. hair pin/clips
5. photos, since you are going during CNY, look out for cherry blossoms (supposed to be as nice as japan, if not better)

korean ginseng, the top grade ones are not cheap
so are the purple amethyst

if cost is not a big issue, i would recommend taking a longer trip (8D) and visit cheju.
would cost between RM500-1000 more per person but it's worth it.
remember to bring lots of memory card, scenery during spring should be very nice
i went during autumn and ended up with >1000 photos

This post has been edited by electron: Mar 6 2007, 01:55 PM

yup, nami island is the winter sonata place
quite a lot of gingko trees there, careful, the fruit stink like *** when broken

excellence advertised a package with cheju from 2588 onwards
you can check out with them
do remember to ask about admission, if it's covered, get them to write down in black and white

as for weather, it seems like this year's winter came late, therefore, the spring is also late
when i went last year, autumn started late and the guide mentioned that winter will come later
go during spring to see cherry blossom!

wow, seems like a pretty bad publicity for harmony
anyway, here are some comments:
1. the korean tour guide is actually sent by the tourism ministry, or at least controlled by the ministry. generally, the genuine ones are very professional and doesn't pressure or bring the group to shop. they'll bring you to what's on the itinerary. some shops do give commissions, but not all. An advice is, do not rush into buying when you arrive. take your time and try to negotiate a good deal, it gets better as the group is about to leave (applicable for ginseng, cordyceps)
2. for souvenirs such as chopstick, fridge magnet, etc, they are everywhere. you can see at least one outside every restaurant, or at least nearby. Prices can be bargained, but not much, even at places like dongdaemun. Unlike our petaling street or those china tours
3. as for the shop near the airport, go there to get your shin ramen and seaweed, the rest get else where. They'll help you pack into boxes (depending on amount of course) for easier shipment and you stuff is subject to less transport (compared to buying at other places earlier). therefore, the noodle and seaweed (all fragile stuff) won't end up crushed. you can get the korean pillow there too, price is pretty reasonable.
4. if the package include Everland, do check whether they cover entrance only or it comes with the Big5 ticket. Big5 includes the ticket for 5 different rides and cost more than the plain entrance ticket.
5. on to the hotels, korean hotels give small towel as bath towel and IIRC, toiletteries are not provided.

if you can travel from penang, i can recommend you a good agency
as for the price, it is the normal rate for standard package