Would you go to Seoul for New Years?

Hi there,

I've been offered the opportunity to fly over to Seoul for New Years - and stay about a week. Flights will cost about 800 euro - quite a lot for just one week. But I love Asia and probably won't get a chance to see Korea ever again!

Would you recommend it? How do the Koreans typically spend New years?

Thanks!

Edited by: glowing

It will be very cold. Not much happens. Don't expect big fireworks. There will be (small) celebrations in downtown Seoul and in most other cities as well but New Years is not a great reason to come to Korea. It's not the general festive atmosphere as in most western countries.
Having said that I still recommend you to go for the sake of the country as such. Korea is a great travel destination, still somewhat off the beaten path and therefore very genuine. If you think you might never again get the chance to see Korea, then by all means go now!!!

Just like Seni said, it should be pretty cold by the time. According to Asian traditions, Korean people tend to celebrate more on the lunar new year over the western new years day. However, there is a big celebration in the area called Jong-ro, Jong-gahk in more particular, in which vertually at least the half of the city of Seoul gathers and watch huge, beautiful Boshingahk bell tolled 33 times which represents the 33 figures that signed the Korea's Declaration of Independance against Japan on March 1, 1919. People who don't make it to the site at least watch the ceremony on TV at home. Also, there are local ceremonies in Areas such as Myoung-dong, one of the major shopping district in Seoul. Korea is definitely worth a place to go and personally and argurably, I prefer going to Korea to Japan or China.

Cool, thanks. I've been to both China and Japan and loved them! I just love Asia :) Gimme more of that food ....
Looks like I'm definitely going now, and hope to stay in the Myong-dong area.

I was concerned that the shops etc. might be closed over the holiday season, but I've heard that everything in fact stays open for 24hours!

Are there any must-do's? I was considering a tour to the DMZ but is that worth taking a whole day out of my time there?

Yes, Korea is a 24-7 country. Never closed. Always busy.
DMZ tours are worthwile. Can be done in half a day.
Check out www.tour2korea.com for more ideas.

Jongno is cool on NWE, as long as you don't mind HUGE crowds, and riot police!

Make that NYE!