MonkeyPuzzle,
That was some cool feedback. I like writers like you who can really express themselves elaboratively. The others too I appreciate. I keep reading these posts. They are helpful. Thank you everyone. Monkey, what did you think specifically about Busan and Seoul in terms of how they compare to popular destinations like Beijing, Shanghai, Tokyo and Hong Kong?
I found his/her reply a bit harsh. China, Japan, and SE Asia are wonderful places to visit, I've been to all of them. For some people, it's either traveling on a shoestring budget or staying home and doing nothing at all. I've chosen to be a "miserable tightarse" myself, because I rather spend 6 weeks in China or SE Asia over a week in South Korea. If I want to save up money for a "different" trip, I personally would put S. Korea towards the bottom of my list of places to go.
As someone who has actually lived & travelled in Korea these past 2 years, I think 'monkeypuzzle' is on the money.
Let me respond.
Thanks greekness2007 for your slap on the back. I have not been to the cities you have mentioned but I seriously doubt you can mention Busan in the same breath as those cities you mentioned. I think also Seoul would fail to live up as well due to its lack of architecture, for the most part it's a concrete nightmare like the rest of the cities here. It is a fun and vibrant city though but maybe not world class, but not far off.
rmdavis82, maybe my comments seemed harsh but the reality is, there are some real tightarse travellers out there who are more interested in value for money than seeing something new. SK is not that expensive, I'm not sure where you pulled that $1000 a week number from. After some of the costs I've read on Thorntree about eastern China, it seems cheaper here. I just don't like people who won't go to a country because it's little expensive. I fail to see the logic in going to certain countries only because they are cheap, I do see the logic in going to a country because you have an interest in that countries culture.
Korea has some real gems check out my picture page link OP.
Seoraksan (mountain)
Hwanseongul (cave)
Hwaseong (fortress)
Gyeongbokgung (palace)
Daedunsan (mountain)
Dogusan (mountain)
Guinsa (temples)
Gosudonggul (cave)
Boseong green tea plantation
Suwon folk village
Sognisan and Beopjusa (mountain and temple)
Jejudo (all of it)
Its rubbish when people say there isn't a lot to do in Korea. Relative to its size, there is loads to do. As for Seoul:
Namhansanseong
Namsan Tower
Bukhansan
Gyeongbokgung
Changdokgun
Bongeunsa
Han river cruise
Suwon day trips
...are all excellent.
And countless temples...
Every country is different and there is loads to do in Korea.
And by the way Busan is fantastic and is worth at least a week. Once again:
Beomeosa
Seokbulsa
Gumjeongsanseong
Taejeongdae
Beaches
Jagalchi fish market
Other Gyeongsanbukdo day trips
I am in china now and I challenge anyone who says it is not expensive. Everything has an entry fee and a lot of the stuff here isnt all its cracked to be.
And I disagree with Monkey...
Edited by: stevieg4ever
Edited by: stevieg4ever
I really enjoyed Ulleungdo. I stayed in Dodong for 4 nights. Don't miss the Dodong to Jeodong coastal walk. About 3 km. I caught the local bus back. The local busses also go from Dodong to Jeonbu & back. The cablecar to the summit overlooking Dodong was great, too. It's also possible to to a round the island boat trip past Elephant Trunk Island, or even a daycruise to Dokdo.