I am planning on trip to seoul, and the trip is not until summer but i want to research as much as possible before going. this will be my first time there and I'll be there about ten days. I have been looking for good hotels and air fare. the best that i found is hotel+ airfare to hotel crown for about $3163 for two. Any one know anything about this hotel, and is there other hotel that you would recommend? I am not looking for something too expensive, but okay.
1
flask345
Gyeong-Ju is only a 4-hour bus ride away. I recommend you stay there for 3 full days. There's a lot to see over there like the royal tombs, national museum, and temples. It's also not that expensive since bus 10 and 11 will take you to all these places. Bus 500 to 508 will take you to the Namsan area. Each bus ride cost $1. Tourist booth are setup in key places to help you out which bus goes to where you want to go. They speak decent english.
I'm not sure there are enough to do in Seoul for 10 days. You can deduct 1 day for the DMZ tour. Another 1 or 2 days for Suwon.
2
meetee
Dongdaemun is in the center of the city. It is a special tourist zone and is packed with retail outlets. There is a flea market in the stadium on the weekends. I am more familiar with the area south of the Han River.
Here are some sightseeing ideas:
While the Japanese did everything possible to erase Korean culture, and the Korean war did a good job of flattening Seoul, there are several palaces and temples still standing. In some the tours are guided only and you ned to check the times for the English tour. I especially like the Secret Garden at Changyeonggung.
I have friends who took the seoul on/off city tour bus and found it a good way to get an overview of this very large city.
Seoul Tower in Namsan Park will give you a good view of the city if it is a clear day. Don't waste your time at the Namsan Botanical Garden - it's basically a large hot house with tropical ferns.
The DMZ is close. Tours leave daily and it takes about 1/2 day. Well worth it if you enjoy history.
South of the city there is the Korean Folk Village with reproduction buildings and traditional crafts. It was beautiful in the fall when th leaves were changing.
My favorite map was printed by Escort Seoul. They print a new one every month and it includes a subway map. Very useful. www.escortmap.co.kr
The War Memorial is not only a memorial to the Korean War but a military history museum as well.
The subways are easy to use. Enjoy Seoul.
3
tyrontlk
Guess you've got a decent deal. However, there should be some cheaper deals if you try to find. You see, it all depends how much you're willing to stay. Argurably my favorite stay in Seoul is Grand Hyatt Seoul. Seoul's hotels usually got fairly good standards so you won't be disappointed wherever you get to stay. Typically recommendable hotels for international travellers are the ones in Joong-gu(Jung-goo) because it is the main area of the city as well as easily accessible from everywhere in Seou. If you're not too old and also interested in digging young local folks culture, Hong-dae area should be a good choice to stay. There is one cheap hotel and a couple of hostels in the area. There are also inexpensive inns and motels in the area and the surrounding, typically cost around USD40~50 a night.
About your plans and to-do-lists in Seoul, think to divide Seoul into three to four sections and dig one a day. My recommendation is Central, Western, Southern Seoul(Kahng-nam or Gahng-nam) and the rest. Central Seoul's got palaces, museums, shoppings and CBD covering Joong-gu, Jong'ro-go, and Dongdaemun-gu. Oh, I got to stay at Co-op Residence Dongdaemun last time and I wasn't complaining. The place offers small studio type rooms and suite-type at around USD100 a night.
Western Seoul's more like a youngster's hangout with universities such as Yonsei(Shinchon) and Hongik(Hong-dae), and bars. There are good clubs and bars in the area. Inexpensive as well. The famous Worldcup Stadium and Worldcup park, too.
Southern Seoul(Kahng-nam or Gahng-nam) is more of a hip place with a fancy and flashy stuff. Iconic Apgoojung and Chung-dam area attracts many young folks with money. In Samsung area, there's World Trade Center and a huge shopping mall. You sometimes get to see some free performaces and events there.
The others are like River Han-gahng and the eastern part of Seoul that are more of relaxing places.
Hope this helps. Oh and don't forget to check out about Seoul Tour Bus which may be a good transportation means for you guys.
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