Korean Job Discussion Forums

summer33ny · Joined: 10 Aug 2006

I have some friends visiting from the US for 2 weeks this summer. I am planning to take them throughout Korea (Seoul, Jeju, etc.) But I am also considering the possibly of doing a short trip to another country (probably Japan or China). Since we don't have much time (maybe 5 days), which would be the most worthwhile & cost effective option in your opinions?

We initially though China would be best, but with the $130 visa, we are not sure if it would really be worth it for such a short trip. Is there a visa fee for Americans in Japan? Would Japan be very expensive for 5 days?

Anyone have any other suggestions?

Or maybe we can just go to Ulleung-do for a couple days...

chris_J2 · Joined: 17 Apr 2006 Location: From Brisbane, Au.

Japan is very expensive & takes 9 days, to just scratch the surface. I doubt 5 days will be enough, unless you skip Tokyo, Kamakura & Fuji San. Ulleungdo was great, but you'll need to book the ferry tickets in advance. I got lucky on a waitlist. Try:

www.seomticket.co.kr

It was 56,200 won each way in August last year, & I found a good air con motel in Dodong for 100k a night. A new Family Mart opened the day I arrived & the squid bolgolgi was v good. There are other meals available if you don't like seafood.

Boseong Tea Gardens in south west Korea are also worth a look at between May & August.

MaestroCantus · Joined: 29 Jul 2007 Location: Seoul

For sightseeing in the Seoul area during the summer . .. if the weather isn't too wet, try going to the Korean Folk Village just south of Seoul. That's my absolute favourite place that I visited during my summer vacation. Very relaxing, with a small carnival-like amusement park [no lines on the weekday that I went], and lots of Korean cultural stuff.

Just to let you know, the Haunted House isn't really worth it, but the equestrian shows and drum dancing is cool. It's nice just to relax by the river.

http://www.koreanfolk.co.kr/folk/english/index.htm

sonicmatt · Joined: 04 Oct 2007

Is it easy to get to the folk village via subway or bus from Seoul? Also does anyone know where the tea shop in insadong where birds fly around is?

neil537 · Joined: 15 Jan 2009 Location: Incheon, South Korea

i went to the folk village last summer, though I went from Incheon. There is a shuttle bus that runs from Suwon station to the folk village, it runs every half hour or so and takes about 30 mins.

with regards to going somewhere outside of Korea, maybe a few days in the Kansai region of Japan? you could fly to Osaka and then visit there and Kyoto too. I think you can get a Kansai rail pass on JR for quite cheap, and the flights to Osaka shouldn't be too expensive either.

good luck