South Korea

[Waffles21]

Hi

after being to Japan a couple of times, we’ve booked flights to South Korea next October half term. It’ll be myself, DH and ds ( 17). Loosely thinking of Seoul, Busan, Gyeongju and Jeju Island. We love food, adventure, nature, culture and shopping. We’re not too bothered about museums, but would like a temple or two, definitely want to do a trip to DMZ, shop and hike. We’ve been to Iceland and done the Lava tube there so not worried about that on Jeju but ds is doing A level geography including coast and tectonics so if we could weave some tiff in that would be great. Has anyone got any thoughts on this loose itinerary: recommendations on areas in Seoul to stay and any off the beaten track things we may not think of? Thanks so much

We went to Seoul and Busan this year.
loved it. Their train system are really good so no need to get cabs. Just find a hotel near a train station and your are good to go. You get these travel cards that you top up at 7 11 for your train travel and they work in both places. I actually liked Busan better than Seoul but both are great. We did the temples in Seoul. Gamcheon village in Busan, there’s this cute train ride in Busan that you must do - it goes along the coast which if the weathers nice has good views. We did a day tour from Busan to Gyeongju which was really good. When we did the research if you stayed in Gyeongju then you would have to take cabs to all the sites so this way worked out better for us. Check out the Korea travel on Reddit too. We found that useful for planning. We didn’t do DMZ as we weren’t that bothered about looking over into North Korea into a fake village. Also I think a bit of it is still closed off to public because an American soldier jumped over the line into NK. Not sure if that’s still the case.

the shopping especially for skincare is mind blowing. Be prepared to be speechless.

Thanks so much @coolmum123ao excited and great tip on the day trip from Busan to Gyeongju, one less hotel too so will definitely do that. DS is adamant he’d like to go on a DMZ tour, it’s quite reasonable and we’d like to understand more about the history so we’ll go I think. Trains and card sound similar to Japan. I honestly can’t wait, will be compiling a skin care spreadsheet 😁. Thanks for all the tips and yes definitely will be looking at hotels near stations!

I would take screenshots of the products you want to buy. It will be easier to show the assistants what you are after as the stores ( especially Olive Young) are very busy and the items aren’t stocked together by brands. Not all of them are in English either. Enjoy!

ETA book your train tickets ( and the Blue line coast train) before you go. I think bookings open up a month before, as they get booked up fast.

Have been to South Korea several times and in Seoul usually stay in an ibis or ibis styles in Myeongdong- lots of shops and restaurants in this area. It’s easy to get around with the metro. Have been to the DMZ a couple of times on an organised trip and it’s an interesting day out with tunnels, tank trap info etc. We stayed in Gyeongju and managed to walk pretty much everywhere with one bus trip - it’s a fabulous place and much nicer than Busan imo. We took a train from Seoul to Jeonju then buses to Gyeongju and Busan- all very straightforward.
Jeju island is amazing.

Thanks both, really appreciate you replying and giving suggestions! I think you’ve cemented that out rough itinerary is right. Will definitely look at Myeongdong area in Seoul and at the coastal train. Excited!