Korean Job Discussion Forums

[tiger fancini]

I quite fancy going to check this place out during my vacation, and was just wondering if anyone's actually been? Any information re getting there and things to do there would be much appreciated.

[soviet_man]

Vladivostok is not cheap for foreign tourists. Airfares from Korea to Vladivostok (return) remain very high. There are only two airlines and the cheapest flights are currently priced at 720,000 return.

Then when you get there, hotel accommodation in Vladivostok is also extremely high. So you are looking at spending at least 1 million upfront just for flights, visa and accommodation. Not a cheap proposition.

Current airfares:

Vladivostok Avia (Economy) 720,000
Korean Air (Economy) 760,000
Vladivostok Avia (Business) 830,000
Korean Air (Business) 1,380,000

In peak summer weeks, fares will get even higher. Last summer, Korean Air were selling economy seats Incheon-Vladivostok for 1.6 million return, not including tax.

The Dongchun ferry still goes from Sokcho to Zarubino (near Vladivostok) once or twice a week for a much cheaper price.

[dogbert]

[periwinkle]

I know a guy that's been there a few times. He said EVERYTHING is mafia run, and absolutely do not go out at night or you'll be mugged. He said it's like the wild west. Said everyone in the city gov't is mafia. Anyway, he likes to go fishing in Siberia, so Vladivostok is just his port of entry. It doesn't sound like there's much tourism in Vladivostok. He said Siberia has amazing wildlife, so a lot of scientists/ researchers go to Siberia to study the wildlife- especially where the subarid climate meets the tundra.

[dogbert]

I've been to both Vladivostok and Siberia too and while you are probably safer from crime in the country than in the city wherever you go, I found Vladivostok safe, didn't feel threatened at all, day, night, whenever. YMMV.

[davai!]

The ferry seems to run all the way to Vladivostok on Thursdays, gets in on Friday Evenings, From Vladivostok departure on Sat, arrives Sunday night.

The ferry terminal in Vladivostok is the very center of town. However, it seems to take an additional 10 or so hours to go there from Zarubino, where you can take the minivan in about 2.

Prices one way/return:

On the deck (30-50 people/room ) W168,000/W285,000

On the deck (10-36 people/room) W180,000/W306,000

3 per room (on the deck w/ sink and TV) W204,000/W346,800

4 per room (on the deck w/ bathroom, TV) W216,000/W367,200

4 per room (w/ beds, bath and TV) W228,000/W387,600

2 per room (w/ beds, bath, and TV) W288,000/W489,600

2 per room (w/ beds, bath, refrig., TV, meeting hall) W312,000/W530,400

Telephones: Seoul (02 ) 720-0101, Sokcho: (033) 638-2100

I�ve never taken the boat, but called to reserve (Sokcho #) and they took it over the phone and quoted me a price. Only asked for my passport #. They have an English speaker there.

http://www.dongchunferry.co.kr/

As far as the traveler is concerned, Vladivostok is not that unsafe, lest you get caught in an internal �mafia� squabble. Just don�t dress too loudly and speak English too loudly on the street and you should be fine. It will probably get a little getting used to the food, as there are no safeties like McD�s or Subway, but it is an interesting city nevertheless. Your biggest worry will probably be the Militsia, who would just love to shake you down for a couple hundred rubles.


Enjoy it. If you�re there anywhere between June 11th and July 6th, drop me a PM, I�ll get you a beer and a dozen vodkas!

[Tiger Beer]

Anyone know what the weather might be like around Chuseok? (1st week of October?) its around 50F night and 75F day right now.. another one month.. it couldn't get that much colder, could it?

Most importantly!! How about Vladivotok Hotel? Anyone stay there? Looks like right in the heart of the city!

[soviet_man]

You have to watch the dual pricing in Vladivostok. The advertised prices at the Vladivostok Hotel are "foreigner prices" (in other words very high) and locals wouldn't ever be caught paying such absurd rates.

Another example is at Vladivostok airport (which is located 30 miles from the city). A local bus to city costs about 20 roubles. But most foreigners head straight for the taxis and pay 800 roubles or more.

So it would probably be cheaper (for you) to book the flight + accom package through Vladivostok Airlines directly. They have offices in Seoul and Busan. You will still get overcharged, but chances are - to a lesser degree than if you tried to book individual services yourself.

Also you can't currently convert won/roubles at Incheon airport. But you can at the Russian/Uzbeki currency shops (in the streets about a block from Dongdaemun Stadium subway exit #10).

[Tiger Beer]

[endo]

Has anyone here even been to the Kamchatka Peninsula via Vladivostok and Seoul?

And if so do you know of any tour opperators there?

[soviet_man]

[Tiger Beer]

I saw Korean Airlines going for 860,000 after tax. How would that be compared to Vladivostok Airlines?

[dogbert]

[indytrucks]

I've always been curious about Vladivostok ... this thread is interesting. I guess if I had to ask a question it would be: what is there to see and do? Are the sights contained within the city, or are there things to do outside?

[Tiger Beer]