Korean Job Discussion Forums

[mack4289]

My Mom will be here from Sep. 20-28. I was going to take her to Japan, since she's already been to Korea, but there's no seats left on the ferry to Fukuoka.

So what to do? I'm going to do the DMZ tour on the 22nd but then I'm worried that everything will be shut down for Chuseok. Any recommendations?

[Atavistic]

Usually the palaces are open everyday except for Monday. Yes, even on national holidays. However, Chuseok may be different. Call ahead and ask.

Namsan tower.

Folk village in Yongin?

Hiking Bukhansan?

Seeing a performance of JUMP! or Nanta?

If you mom likes palaces, check out if Geongbokgung is open Thursday. You pay more for an open ticket-no tour needed and parts that are usually off limits are open. It's nice to wander around mostly alone, or at least not in a tour group. You can borrow English audio guides using just a driver's license.

[R-Seoul]

[Bibbitybop]

Contact the Seoul City Bus tour and see if they are running it and if the attractions will be open.

Contact the temples, too. Don's miss Doseonsa near Ui-dong in Northern Seoul.

Other than that, just pick up a Lonely Planet and let her decide what sounds good.

[RACETRAITOR]

Old people love Insadong.

[Vancouver]

[mack4289]

Ok, thanks a lot.

[Tony_Balony]

Get her a big visor hat and teach her how to elbow people.

[Natalia]

My mother was in Seoul for Chuseok last year, and everything (more or less) was open. In fact, tourist attractions (like the palaces) were free for the holiday.

It was a good time to visit because the city was full of people in traditional dress, and at the palaces there were 'hands on' displays of traditional games and food.

[chris_J2]

Shopping in Namdaemun / Dongdaemun?

[Natalia]

Last year one of the tourism websites listed all of the opening times. I'm not sure where it was.

On the main day I remember we were in Insadong and almost every shop was open - at least for the afternoon even if they closed in the morning. I think the malls at Dongdaemun might have closed over the weekend, but there was always something open (because we went to both markets and bought a lot of things). I think Doota had longer opening hours than the other malls over the holiday.

I'm sure somebody will have better information than that..........

[shetan]

Jim Jil Bang... the one in Yongsan Station... haha... cool

[kermo]

My mom's coming for the first time next month.
I'd like to take her to Everland, to the Folk Village, to Insadong, maybe COEX aquarium, etc.
The best ideas, I think, will come from my Korean friends, who can give her the inside scoop and take her off the beaten path a little bit.

[ajgeddes]

My parents are coming in one week, for the first time. I will be taking this stuff into account.

[SPINOZA]

Not much more to add really, but the DMZ is the only must-do thing. It's the only thing near Seoul that everyone in the world should visit. In total contradiction, my mum has visited me twice and NOT visited the DMZ.

Else, I heartily endorse climbing Namsan from Namsan Park, which is best visited after a visit to Myeong-dong and (if you wish to visit an absolute tip) Namdaemun. Hopefully it'll be clear weather, otherwise that too can disappoint.

Go to Insadong, Itaewon (you could also visit Namsan via Itaewon if you wanted, and walk up a steep-as-hell hill past many Ambassadors' residences).

It's not a parent's cup of tea, but definitely go to Lotte World and ride the Gyro-drop. I hate scary rides, but even I would recommend this one because of cool memories.

Have a big walk around the center of town.