Korean Job Discussion Forums

[mellinger]

Hi,

Do you guys have any recommendations for lodging in the Sokcho area that would be less than 35,000 won a night? I'm hoping to go there over Chusok break, like Sunday-Tuesday....am I crazy and everything will be booked up, or is there a chance I can still find some lodging. If not, I just won't go, but if I could get up there, it'd be awesome.

Thanks so much,

Mike

[Harpeau]

Be aware that traffic might be hell for you. Motels might be more expensive than normal. Have a wonderful time!

[DCJames]

Took me 4 hours to get back to Seoul last time I went to Sokcho.

[skindleshanks]

If you're driving (or taking a bus), the key is to travel in the middle of the night. You will save several hours that way. When we lived in Suwon, it took up to 10 hours during the day, but about half that at night. Roads have improved since then. I would try leaving around 1 or so.
If you come by bus, you could crash for half a night at the sauna (해수피아) near the express bus terminal (and emart). They have a sleeping room, and it all costs about 7,000 won.

There are a lot of hotels here. They will quote you a high price, but they won't likely be full, so you can comparison shop or make an offer. You should be able to find a room in the hotels near Expo Park for 35-40,000 won. They'll quote you a price, and if it's too high, walk over to the next place. When they see you're comparing prices, they'll offer you a better one. They won't be full, since most people are coming out to stay with family over Chuseok. I live here, so I can't recommend one hotel over another.

I'll put a plug in for my uncle-in-law's makguksu (North Korean Buckwheat Noodles) restaurant. It's called SamDae MakgukSu (삼대막국수), and it's located in the old-fashioned residential area across the main road from the Sauna. There are two SK gas stations near each other, and his restaurant is between them, one street back on a small alley, with a red sign that says, "Since 1943". I think the family has been selling noodles for longer than that, though - he is in his seventies, and the place was started by his Grandmother, I believe. I eat there almost every week, and it's still my favourite Korean food. His place is unique in that you can adjust the flavours to your taste. A lot of people like the dong-dong-ju, too. It's 5,000 won/bowl for the noodles. Even better is the white kimchi--I've never found any like it. He usually closes on Chuseok and the day before to prepare for the ceremonies.

This year with an extended holiday, the jams should be not quite as bad, I think.

[soviet_man]

The love hotel next to the Sokcho bus terminal was about 60,000 won per night when I visited last year with free PC bang downstairs for hotel guests (from memory).

[skindleshanks]

Don't stay next to the terminal--walk towards the expo tower and you'll find newer, cheaper ones.