Korean Job Discussion Forums

Katchafire · Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2008 3:23 am Post subject: Help me show my Ma and Bro Korea?

So my mum and brother are coming to stay in February for a week. The only place my mother has been outside of NZ was to Fiji for her 21st which was a long time ago .. and my brother, never.
Mum can't walk long distances - because of her age, she's starting to fall apart.
We're from New Zealand .. so seeing the coastline, zoo's, parks arent particularly high on the list.
The DMZ would be one trip to do .. just so they/we can say we've been there, done that.
Jumping on a couple of bus tours to various historical places would be ideal .. any suggestions?

I live out in the middle of nowhere so they will see a mix of Old/New style.

Has anyone else been on any tours .. seen any places .. that they might recommend? Mum couldnt get down and sit on the floor - so traditional style Korean restaurants would be out.
I guess markets would be great. Somewhere where they can pick up Korean nick nacks ... where my brother can get excited about cheap electronic hoo-ha etc.

I really appreciate any suggestions, contacts, hotels .. whatever you may have positive experiences with.

Thanks in advance!

G

pidgin · Joined: 31 Jul 2005 Location: Seoul

check this thread:

http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=137330&sid=0165a663e7a840065e0748670d01e098

Straphanger · Joined: 09 Oct 2008 Location: Chilgok, Korea

Dazed and Confused · Joined: 10 Jan 2003

Look into renting a wheelchair for your mum. It is especially easy if your have or rent a car. We did for my granny when she came over a couple years ago. She was 80 and the time and had a blast. We went to Kyungju and found most of the places fairly wheelchair freindly even Pulguksa. She liked the 63 building with the IMAX and aquarium. Insadong was fun, too. Getting down on the floor was out so we just picked restaurants with chairs. They always try to get you to sit on the floor but the minute they saw my granny limp and my husband pointed out she had a hip made of plastic and metal they were more than accomodating.

RACETRAITOR · Joined: 24 Oct 2005 Location: Seoul, South Korea

Weather depending, the outdoor markets are the best place to go. Dongdaemoon is almost gone, so Insadong and Namdaemoon are the best choices.

travelbender · Joined: 14 Oct 2008 Location: Seoul, Seongbuk-gu

Check out Adventure Korea for stuff to do during their time here...they have lots happening each month.
www.adventurekorea.com

elavndrc · Joined: 15 Oct 2008 Location: Korea

For computer stuff you can go over to YongSan...they have really big digital markets. Also Technomart...I believe that's over in JamShil.

Looking East · Joined: 08 May 2008 Location: Seoul, South Korea

My Dad was in town on business this weekend and we went to the DMZ on a bus tour type package. It is an interesting trip to say the least. However, if your Mom is as you say she is, skip the "Third Tunnel". It's a 250 meter hike down an 11% grade and the only way out is back up. Other than that, it's def worth checking out.