Minie21 wrote:We're planning to visit Korea in June for 2 weeks and would like to see if anyone has any recommendations/suggestions as to places to see and things to do. I've done some research but would like suggestions from anyone whose visited or lives in Korea.
Here's a little info about us. We're in our late 20's and cannot speak Korean. But would love to see all the highlights of Korea. We love the food, so definitely any good places to eat would be helpful. Of course, all of this interest sparked from the kdramas..
We usually like to venture on our own and explore, however, with not knowing the language, we are a little concerned if we would be able to get around (so we have thought about those signing up for those tours with english speaking guides...). But sticking to a tour itinerary is not our style either...
Any suggestions/tips will be greatly appreciated!
glad you want to visit Korea. i took the urge to go there after watching 'jewel in the palace'. you dont need to konw korea or use travel guides. that is a waste of money in my book. if you're happy to travel around freely then this shouldnt be a problem. i too cannot speak or read the language. all i had was a lonely planet guide book and phrasebook.
the korea alphabet is easy to write down if you think you can't pronouce it correctly from the guide book. also have your phone or camera on stand by all the time. it comes in handy when you want to order korea food if their is a display item in the window.
i've still got my guide books and others i picked up while i was there. tell me what you would like to see, performing arts, off the beatern track, visiting temples [even if you're not religious like me], going to the jewel in the palace theme park, etc. i can tell you where i have been, and want to go and see next time. i'll leave it with you.
i stayed around Hyewha metero station, in Seoul. its easy walk to some of the sights which are:-
Gwanghwamun. from march to november, the changing of the guard takes place at 10am, noon, and 2pm and 4pm, daily apart from Tuesday. inside the grounds here is the National folk Museum.
Deoksugung palace. has changing of the guard too, outside its impressive gate.
Changdeokgung. a world heritage palace, but you must join a tour.
Jogyesa - the largest buddhist temple was built here in 1938.
King SaeJong royal tombs - the king from the drama ' jewel in the palace' is buried here. its in wooded Samneung park. its 15 mins walk from the COEX Mall.
you could spend a month in Bukhansan national park.
Suwon, 48 k's from Seoul. has an impressive fortress wall that surounds the whole area from 5.7k's. the newly restored palace [jewel in the palace was filmed here] is worth a look. might have a free sword fighting / displaying skills.
also in Suwon, is the Korean Folk Village. i was mobbed by happy curious young korean kids wondering why an englishman is here and not teaching english instead.
Gyeongju
one of koreans most popular tourist destinations. tones of stuff to see here, as well as another temple palace that was in jewel in the palace [Dae Jang Guem], Bulguksa.
Yangdong Folk Village, Joseon dynasty village.
Andong - this has, yes, another folk village, and folklore museum. bit i think by this point you'll be bored.
but this is a fraction of stuff to see, and times change. i want to visit again, but in another season, like to see the cheery blossems in bloom. buy a guide book, have a ganda reading that, plan your route, and learn to say hello and thank- you in korean. oh, and have a butchers at page 2 of my travel photos of korea. a one month visit there, and i hardly scratched the surface
