Seoul in January

Hi guys

Long time lurker, first time poster (at least on the South Korean thread). I'm going to Seoul for a week in January to visit a family member who will be there. Any answers to the following would be much appreciated.
1. I'm flying Korean Air. Any feedback on this airline? Do they have individual screens for each seat, and video on demand?
2. What's the best value for money idea for getting from Incheon to central Seoul?
3. I want to go to Panmunjon. Is the USO tour a good one to go on? If so, do I need to book 4 days in advance (as Lonely Planet suggests), or in January can I take a punt on it?
4. What else is recommended to see in Seoul? Is the national park just to the north of the city worth a look at? (Sorry, I can't remember it's name.)
5. I'll be coming from an Australian summer. How cold will it be? Should I get a down jacket or similar? Should I purchase it in Australia or Seoul?
6. How easy is it to get a taxi in the wee small hours of the morning? Doable, or does everything shut down for a few hours.

Check [www.airlinequality.com] for reviews on KE. I flew once with them many years ago, before individual tv screens were introduced by airliners. Wasn't overly impressed with onboard service, though I have seen worse.

It is going to be cold. I don't think you're going to want to walk around without a jacket while looking for a new jacket.

Very cold
USO tour was a good one, was full in April, I would book just in case
Don't take a taxi from the airport, they are super expensive

1) They're OK. I heard once that they weren't allowed in Star Alliance for flouting safety regulations, but you can check the safety record for yourself. As for entertainment, it depends on the aircraft. If you know what type you're flying on, seatguru.com will probably be able to identify your options.

2) Probably the bus. It costs around W10,000 and takes 30-60 minutes depending on traffic. The subway is cheaper, but takes a lot longer as you have to go to Gimpo first.

3) Not sure, but there are other tours if yours is full. If it's cheaper to book it in Korea, you may as well do it there as it'll give you more flexibility. You could always call them and check the week before you leave.

4) Palaces, temples, museums, shopping - the usual. The Yongin Folk Villlage is interesting if you have time to get out into Gyeonggi province.

5) It'll be cold, hovering around zero most days. You can get winter gear cheaply in Seoul, but of course you have to survive long enough to get to Namdaemun to buy it.

6) Easy, depending on where you are. Most taxis will slap on a 20 % night surcharge, and some will refuse to use the meter if it's late.

1. What's the best value for money idea for getting from Incheon to central Seoul?

Taking a limo. by subway, you'll need to transfer in Gimpo airport and it takes long.
stating exactly where in Seoul will help you more.

1. What else is recommended to see in Seoul? Is the national park just to the north of the city worth a look at? (Sorry, I can't remember it's name.)

If you mean Buk-han national park, it's worth going if you like climbing mountain.Most loved park in Seoul.
You would get information for sighseeing here, http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/index.kto
or http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_3.jsp

There's a tour bus in Seoul. http://www.seoulcitybus.com/

My recommendation... is to visit the blue house.

you need to reserve. if you want, I may help you.
http://english.president.go.kr/main.php

I think Insadong street is not that worthy visiting. It's just my opinion.^^

hope you have a lot of fun in Seoul^^

Edited by: juliet38

1. What else is recommended to see in Seoul? Is the national park just to the north of the city worth a look at? (Sorry, I can't remember it's name.)

I won't be able to answer the other of your questions accurately, so...!

There are a few "hills" around in Seoul with observation towers that you might be interested in. I visited the Namsan Park there, though the steep hill has quite an "angle of attack" ha!

Even without taking the observation tower, it has an admiring view of Seoul, remember your camera!