Travel
in Seoul
Traveling in Seoul is convenient. You have the subways,
the trains,
the buses,
taxi
cabs and rental
cars. Most of these modes of transportation are inexpensive. Seoul's
main attractions are well-labeled in English and Korean and are
near, or right on, major subway or bus stops. Additionally, you
can travel to and from Seoul easily and inexpensively.
Why you
should consider coming to South Korea
Almost
no threat of SARS. The Koreans are generally clean and eat well.
The Korean
government is bending over backwards to get foreigners here.
Watch for upcoming deals and more conveniences for foreigners.
Seoul is
a good alternative for traveling to Northeast Asia. The Koreans
share some cultural and culinary traits with the Japanese, but
not the cost. South Korea is much more cost-effective than traveling
to Japan.
South Korea
is also a good choice over China, because it is more traveler-friendly.
There are more resources available to the English-speaking traveler
than there are in China, especially in Beijing, Guangzhou or
the outerlying areas.
If you
have already been to China or Japan, or have a few days to explore
another country, South Korea is the place to come. There are
plenty of discoveries you can make that are not well-known or
that may surprise you.
South Korea
has a 5,000-year history, its own unique cultural traits, own
language and alphabet, in spite of years of occupation by other
countries. This shows that the Koreans are hardy, stubborn,
independant and proud of what they have.
South Korea
has Asian temples, shrines, palaces, museums, as well as Western
performances.
You have
the opportunity to learn about North Korea, which is a constant
threat from the north by visiting the DMZ.
Things
to look out for
Riots:
Koreans exercise their freedom of speech regularly, especially
near the American Embassy.
Unpopular
American policies: With new foreign policies comes new disdain
for American life.
You Brits,
Australians and Canadians are not off the hook: Many Koreans
assume you are American, and sometimes take out their views
on you.
Seoul is
very hot and muggy in the summer and very cold in the winter.
Additionally, the tourist attractions are packed in the summer.
Spring and fall are the best times to visit.
Remember,
there are dangers in every country, it is good to be aware of
country-specific dangers.
Other cities
in Korea
Now with the bullet
train in Korea, it is possible to go as far south as Busan in only
2-3 hours. Here some cities you may want to visit.
Incheon
Home to Incheon
International Airport, Incheon is a port city with its own personality.
Incheon also has an international
ferry port where you can visit China. The domestic
ferry terminal will take you to nearby Korean islands. Incheon also
has a Chinatown, a wharf, museums, cultural sites, parks, beaches, shopping,
golf, temples, bungee jumping (Songdo Resort), restaurants, and memorial
sites. Contact 032-1330 for more information, or visit the tourist office
at the Incheon stop on the subway, easily accessible from any Seoul
subway stop. There is also a city tour that leaves from Incheon station.