Korean Job Discussion Forums

DrOctagon · Joined: 11 Jun 2008 Location: Chicago

Hey, I have some time off in December and I would like to take a trip somewhere. All of my friends will still be working during this time so I would have to fly/sail solo. I thought of just traveling throughout S. Korea, but I'd rather do that with friends in February.

I'm leaning towards Japan just because I've always wanted to go there. I heard it's pretty expensive, but would I be able to go for 3 days for under a million won? Is 3 days enough? Has anyone taken a boat there? How much would it cost, and how long would it take? Would I be able to take a boat from Busan or Jeju. Probably not on the latter. I'm on Jeju right now so that'd be awesome if I can bypass the mainland. A day in Seoul would be cool though, but would increase the budget...

Your help will be greatly appreciated. Sorry about the sporadic sentences.

DrOctagon · Joined: 11 Jun 2008 Location: Chicago

soviet_man · Joined: 23 Apr 2005 Location: Seoul

China will chew up 1 million won easily + you would need to get a visa on the mainland (or do it by post), so it would be a no from me.

Japan on the other hand could be done more cheaply. There are direct international flights from Jeju to Fukuoka/Osaka/Tokyo for about US $500 return. Japan is also set up with hostels/capsule hotels/saunas so it is a lot easier (+ no visa required).

I've been to mainland China 3 times ... and ended up sick for a week afterwards ALL 3 TIMES.

DrOctagon · Joined: 11 Jun 2008 Location: Chicago

Yeah, I don't feel like getting dysentary. I think I'll go to Osaka. I found flights from Jeju for around 250,000W. I think that might've been 1 way though.

Xuanzang · Joined: 10 Apr 2007 Location: Sadang

Take the flight as it`s more direct. Eating is more expensive in Japan as the cheapest items are 5,000 won or above when converted. You`ll love it. I highly recommend Umeda and Namba for eating, drinking, clubbing. It`s also central so you could travel to Kyoto or Kobe very quickly.

cangel · Joined: 19 Jun 2003 Location: Jeonju, S. Korea

Osaka never really blew my skirt up but you are within easy train distance from Kyoto which has some of the most amazingly beautiful temples and landscapes you're ever seen.

passingtime · Joined: 27 Oct 2008

You can get the ferry from Busan for 190,000 return to Fukuoka, takes about 3 hours.

D.D. · Joined: 29 May 2008

Is that guy serious when he says China will be more expensive than Japan? Also most people don't get sick in China.

Free World · Joined: 01 Apr 2005 Location: Drake Hotel

If you go the ferry to Fukuoka route there is a really nice hotel for only about $50 a short walk from the terminal. Sun Palace Hotel I think. Helpful staff and comfortable rooms.

ThingsComeAround · Joined: 07 Nov 2008

Japan is easier to get around, China has more history (and more security checks)

I would suggest Osaka, stop by the Dotombori and get yourself lost in the crowd Smile

Or if you are into history, skip Dotombori and see Nara Smile

(also near Osaka)

Donghae · Joined: 24 Dec 2003 Location: Fukuoka, Japan

Of course, China isn't more expensive than Japan, but I think the point being made above was that a trip to Japan COULD be done for less given the extra expenses of visas n stuff needed for China.

Probably true for those going to Japan and being really smart with their money, although enormously more difficult at present exchange rates.

From Jeju, your cheapest direct flight to Japan is probably to Fukuoka. Although I live there and like the place, if Osaka isn't much more to fly to, as was suggested above, you would have a greater range of touristy things nearby from there, and things that would probably be nearer the top of your must-see list in Japan than we have around Fukuoka.