1

Since you bought that book "for fun", then why are you now "determined to finally make use of it"? If you had bought it for fun, well you've had your fun, it's served its purpose.

Well then, if you have changed your mind and are now "determined to finally make use of it", then why are you even asking anyone for opinion, just use it then. If you are "determined", it shouldn't deter you which edition it is and how old.

I don't know many places in the world that would not have changed in 5 years, and frankly I think it is silly to be travelling with a 5-years old guidebook. You yourself said that you "know the last five years have been exciting in all kinds of ways for SK". Haven't you answered your own question?

I'm sorry but what you posted doesn't make much sense. Sounds like you need to move on from 2007.

2

Wow, it looks like someone got out of bed the wrong side this morning!

Price wise basic restaurant food, taxi rides etc I guess have gone up about 1,000 won a time, beer maybe 500?

There are a lot more English teachers than there were 5 years ago, finding western products is a lot easier. Other than that I don't really know if it's changed noticeably too much.

3

Actually on the accom front a lot of hostels have opened up, mainly in Seoul, some in Busan and Jeju and a few others scattered around the country.

4

Thanks, krazykatie! This is good to hear about hostels--when I was there 10 years ago, finding reasonable accommodation in central Seoul and especially Busan was surprisingly difficult.

(I'm going to assume that the first poster is just playing; it's just too over-the-top nuts.)

5

Namdaemun burned down in 2008 after an arson attack & still had not been replaced or repaired when I left Korea in 2011. On a positive note the new direct airport link to Seoul became fully operational in January 2010. And yes, get a current guidebook. Public transport in Korea is awesome & cheap. Enjoy!

6

This is true! And the five-years-older me isn't going to spring for another book for just a few days, but he will gladly use the maps and basic tourist info in the old one to get around when not with friends. Trust me--despite what LP would have you believe, you can use a 5-year-old LP to Japan just fine. Or NYC. China, not so much, maybe. My instinct was that Korea is probably closer to Japan on the spectrum.

I'll Google for the airport link. And Namdaemun was horrible--I remember seeing it on the news, and regretting missing it last time. Was there anything left at the site to repair?!? Thanks to everyone--well, everyone besides the dude practicing his English essay writing at the top, obviously ...

7

If you have a smart phone the app Jihachul is great for figuring out subways and includes the airport link.
Also if you are travelling Then the KTX line has been extended, you can check it at www.korail.com