Korean Job Discussion Forums

[changmee]

I am going to Mokpo/Hongdo/Heuksando this weekend. Has anyone been there recently? I'm looking for a recomendation for accomodations. I'm thinking of staying on one of the islands for a night, and in Mokpo for a night.

I'm also looking for information about the Ferry and different boat tours. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[JacktheCat]

As soon as you step off the ferry, you'll be approached by half a dozen ajumas offering minbak rooms for the night. And there are some great campgrounds right on the beach on Heuksando.

Have a Korean friend call up the ferry terminal in Mokpo to get current ferry times and reserve a place in advance as the boats tend to fill up quickly in the summer.

The Lonely Planet Korea has some, surprisingly, up to date and accurate, info about the islands around Mokpo.

[maiden's iron]

I ended up in Huksando accidentally instead of my destination, Hongdo. But it was one of the best experiences and I'm glad that I ended up there first because it is out of the way and most people bypass it, at least that's what I was told there back then. I was the only foreign tourist at that time as well and the only tourist in general. I was the only person walking around the island around dusk and it felt a little strange. At one point I walked all the way to my hotel at night because there were no taxis after dusk. I felt a little scared walking along the very dark road filled with bushes on both sides but it was totally safe. The only dentist on the island and the son of the man who owned the only taxi company on the island picked me up in their car and drove me to my place. After dinner they left and I walked around the area. It was really quaint, extremely peaceful and otherworldly. I got a great deal at a small hotel there because I was the only tourist and only foreigner on the island. Sorry that I can't provide you with more information because that was about four years ago. I recommend minbaks anyway if there aren't too many tourists on the island. Too many tourists then forget it because you may not be able to get a good night's rest. In Huksando it's a little bit different and it's a lot smaller. Make sure to visit the small arboretum that houses amazing plants unique only to that island. Some smell like detergent and look wonderful. Although there was a lot more tourism there, the minbak that I stayed at was really nice. They served free dinner there as well because the family that owns the place lives right there on the premises. Extremely friendly family as well. The only sound that I heard was the beautiful and haunting sound of a church bell early in the morning. It was surreal in a way.

[the_beaver]

Hong-do is a damn good idea. You talked me into it.

[kass]

Wanna bump this up. I'm planning ongoing there late July. Should I reserve a motel room for this time? Any recommendations for cheap motels?