South Korea, Safe For Solo Traveller?
Hi, I am thinking about travelling to South Korea, I am 21 - Would it be safe for me to go on my own? Also where are good places to go there? I am really into the culture side of things but wouldnt mind being close to the city Seoul.....what is the shopping like? Basically any information you could provide me would be appreciated. Thanks :)
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Shopping is really great in Seoul, especially areas like Myeongdong and Sinchon, where goods are basically cheaper. I personally love Myeongdong because the shops are really varied and u can experience the Korean youth culture there. Though Dongdaemun is another must-go shopping spot, I find that the goods sold there are relatively more expensive than those in Myeongdong. Itaewon and Insadong are good places for souvenir shopping. It is also at Insadong where u can find find many antiques, so u can have an idea of what ancient Koreans are into.Gyeongbok Palace is another attraction to go.
Since most of the attractions are accessible via trains, it's good to purchase a railway card and top it up as and when the value runs low. Using a railway card is more economical than paying for tickets each time u take a train.
Seoul is a wonderful city. I think u will enjoy your trip. Have fun!
Also do you have any recommendations for hotels that are close to the main city area?
What time of year is best to go weather wise? And who do you recommend flying with?
Sorry for all of the questions but you seem quite knowledgeable and I always like to hear from someone who has done it rather than a travel agent who is just trying to get your money!!!
Thanks again :)
When is the best time to go to WInter Sonata? I would love the feel of winter and I don't have any idea on which days between Nov and Jan is the best time to go there. Also, I am clueless as to whether my tourist VISA would be easily approved, although I plan to get a package through my agency. I am from the Philippines.
Where is the safest place that have easy access to transportation to stay and not to far from the seoul city?
Is yongsan-gu area ok? Or mapo-gu or Itaewon?....i have no idea.....in term of how far or near to the seoul city....? Help pls..thank you so much....:)
The Fall is a great time to visit Korea, September and October, with September being the better because it is still warm. August is the hottest month. The summer monsoon ends toward the end of July, the sun returns, but then so does the accompanying heat. I would not recommend August to visit, however, not because of the hot, humid weather, but because that is when the majority of Koreans take their vacations. Roads are clogged, transportation is hard top come by, and hotels are booked.
Wintere isn't bad, for it's in the dry season, and, while it can be cold, it doesn't snow very much.
Your son should love his experience there. As to where to live and work, there are many nice places all over the country. Seoul is the best if he wants a big city experience. Pusan, sometimes spelled Busan, is also pleasant, has a milder climate, and picturesque views of the sea. Taejon (Daejeon) is another great choice, because of it's wide boulevards and central location. Both major train lines go through this city. There are many smaller cities and towns throughout the country which are also good choices if he wants a slower pace. Once your son has narrowed down his options, if you will mention the names of these places, I could comment on them. Can I presume that he will be teaching English, given his flexibility as to location?
Regarding your other questions..... About your interest in learning how to make kimchi, maybe studying the language, there are YMCAs in many cities which offer such services, and these are free. If you want to study Korean on an intensive basis, then you will need to live in a major city, with Seoul being the best choice. The Ys and these language schools should be able to assist in placing you with a family.
As to where near the city to live, I would avoid Itaewon. I liked Bundang on the other end of the city. It's more pleasant, I think, yet with easy access. There are many choices. I would suggest staying in an inexpensive inn (yogkwan) for a few weeks until you find an area that you find suitable. Transportation is plentiful, but being near a subway stop would be nice.
I am planning to visit korea in the mid of march, i m going to do some survey on Korean Students and Indian Education. My interest area is making India a step stone to U.S., Canada for Korean after having a good hold on english as language, which they usually lack.
Kindly suggest me, as i m going like without much contacts, i will be giving a newpaper advertisement and meeting people....
Anybody just guide me few steps to perform better for my task.
Thanks for the same...
Rahol
I planning to go korea nxt yr !!! Any place must go where i can make my mark in korea hehe.... : )
Which is the best location for hotel ???
XD
I am travelling to Seoul on July 15-aug 20th, and my parents are very worried that it is not safe there. Does anyone have any input or more information?
Is it safe?
I have been living in South Korea for almost a year now...I'm an English teacher from the Toronto area. I am a 25 year old woman and South Korea is one of the safest countries i have ever been in. I never feel scared or worried ..and i walk home from the gym after 10pm sometimes down relatively unlite streets (yes it sounds crazy!!) I live in Daejeon, but i do go to Seoul frequently. Be careful like in any other city...but like i said i have been alone here for almost a year and I'm not looking forward to going home and always looking over my shoulder. The older Korean men will try to talk to you the later the night progresses because they drink alcohol over dinner...but it's not intimidating at all. A lot of people speak enough English in the big cities for you to get by with little to no Korean..although learning a few phrases is helpful. Kimchi is the national dish..i personally hate it..but it's pickled cabbage with red pepper paste (spicy and vinegary)...let me know if you have more questions...you can always e-mail me directly at
tsiemens@live.com
Hello, I am in a similar situation but maybe more serious
by the way, can i know where is the good place to stay? which hotels?? not too expensive and not to cheap..
My wife and me will be heading for Korea from the 11/01/10 to the 18/01/10. We will be covering most of the major tourist attractions like
1) Everland Theme Park
2) Phoenix Park Ski Resort
3) Myeongdong Fashion Street
4) Gyeongbokgung Palace
5) Dongdaemum Market
6) Sinchon Ladies Street
Am I missing anything ?? Mine is by tour and is a 7D 5 N Winter Sonata Ski Fun tour and was wondering if we can covered so many places in only 5 days as the rest is mostly taken up by travelling. We will leave Singapore close to midnight and the tour start the minute we touch down.
I would also like to know what is weather up there now.
Thank very much for help
Regards
Alberto
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I am in charge of overseas sales at small company in Korea.
Basically, most of Korean treat to foreigners politely. Normally, many young people living in major cities such as Seoul, Busan, Gwangju can talk with you in English.
However, other minor cities don't have many..If you facing with trouble, many of Korean willing to help you gladly..
Most of Korean proud of our isolated island which named "Dok-Do" located in East Sea of Korea Peninsula.
Recently, Japanese government insists "Takeshima (Dok-Do in Japanese)" is their territory even they don't have any persuasive evidences.
Be careful to mention these kinds of sensitive issues to any Korean!
Recently, there are many different ethnical people coming to Korea to stay and live in Korea. We don't have any racial discrimination for them basically.
However, a few Korean doing racial discrimination against south-west asian countries, south asian countries and some black people.
If you meet racial discrimination situation, you should call to National Human Rights Commission of Korea (Call 1331 - like emergency call) or Police Foreigners Human Rights Protection Center (Call Seoul 02-839-7477, Gyeonggi Province 031-483-6503) in English..
Enjoy to stay Korea!! Welcome to Korea..
If you need any kinds of assistance, please send to e-mail bluetooth@y7mail.com
Ian
I am just concerning everything about south korea, I am planning to go there for tour even I can be alone. I have my friend in there. So that I have to apply for visa. Is it not easy or what? Please feedback here. Thanks.
Watch out for kimchi though - let's just say it clear out any blockages you might have.
I'm 17 and want to visit seoul by myself for a few months between high school and uni, just wondering what renting there is like?
How expensive is it?
I want to get a vibe of the culture there too, where are the best places to go?
Also, look at www.tripadvisor.com for traveler's reviews and cost/location of hotels, hostels etc.
For airlines use a simple travel search like www.travelocity.com or www.expedia.com. Then you can judge which airlines fliy there, the relative costs and then go to the airlines site to book or further inquiry.
As for where to go for popular places look at Korea's hospitality page. Google it people!
Also for off the beaten path exploring use...again a google search and you'll find plenty of blogs.
Not trying to be a jerk but 90%+ of these posts are due to laziness. All the aforementioned information is readily available.
Please use these forum's for specific items that cannot be found and make this a forum of value- e.g. to express your personal experiences and areas to avoid or a hidden gem to visit. Or to create a list of do not go/stay here for "x" reasons but do stay/visit here for "y" reasons.
I disagee with Seoul (or any place with a partying crowd) being safe at night for s single person- male or female- due to the petty crime rate, and the increasing use of drugging people's drinks- both men and women-to easily be able to take advantage of them and/or rob them. Korea, in general, has a very high petty crime rate.
Don't dress in brand name western clothes, wear fancy jewelry. watch, shoes or flash a lot of cash. Doing so will make you an easy mark!
It is key you have the English speaking "911" and tourist information into your phone before going and also learn some of the laws. There are ,many con-artists that work together faking injury to get paid on the spot and if not, be prepared to be banned from the leaving the country until the case is settled- which means more money in hotels, food etc plus a payout to the "victims."
Lastly, as when traveling to any country that doesn't speak your language, learn enough of that countries language to get by. Most term this "survival speaking." Like greating, how to order food, ask directions, thank you, how much etc. If you try to speak their language you will find them MUCH more respective of you and they will also be more willing to help you and try to speak the international language of English.
So, all you would be travelers to Korea do your research first before posting redundant and easily found information requests on sites like this. Lastly, be safe and maintain awareness of yourself at all times. Anyplace in the world can be dangerous...even the perfect world of Disney World! And if you go to a bar/club for drinks beware of someone being too friendly wanting to buy you a drink! Be polite and say no thank you unless you know them well enough, are not alone and they drink from the same shared bottle as you! Otherwise buy your own at the bar and watch them make it to ensure no one slips anything in it. This is becoming WAY too common in Korea. I only drink beer there and ask them to bring it to me unopened. And I never leave it alone. Sadly I know too many people that had that happen and have been raped, or woken up with all their valuables striped in some alley. Not to say this would happen to you or that is only happens in Korea- this is a problem the world over- but somebody has to become a statistic and I bet that someone would rather not be you!
With all this said. Korea can be as great as you make it, just like Germany, Japan, London, New York City etc. Common sense, lot's of research and keep and open eye for anything suspicious or just doesn't look or feel right. You natural instincts will serve you well. Follow that basic advice and you can enjoy Korea- or any other foreign country just as much, if not more, than home!
Oh, one more lastly, don't even think of going to the DMZ separating North and South Korea. Sure it may seem like a great photo opportunity but it is no joke- especially if you cross, by accident or not, into North Korea. Consider your life as you know it over for a L O N G time. You will be accused of a spy and you will be jailed! A lot more people than you think have tried and as you can read some pay the ultimate price for this seemingly funny adrenaline rush to post of Facebook or whatev.
Peace out- Worldly Steve