Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Howard Roark]

I'd REALLY REALLY like to go river rafting this summer in Korea. I've tried calling a few places I found on the internet but they didn't speak English. I thought I might have better luck to ask here.

I'd like to find a nice 2 or 3 hour course (Intermediate with a few bumps), perhaps in Gangwando, with an English speaking guide (even a little English is fine, my Korean's not THAT bad).

Any information would be deeply appreciated. I'd like to know basically what you thought of the trip, the cost, how to contact the company, where it is, and how to get there - if you have that info.

Thanks a lot.

[bobbyhanlon]

you could go to inje (인제 i think) in kangwon-do; thats a really popular place for rafting. however, despite being a reasonable swimmer, i almost drowned there last year! it was the scariest experience of my life.
inje was recently in the news because of the flooding, so make sure you go when the weather is decent.

[animalbirdfish]

I found rafting in Korea to be a waste of time and money. You'll spend more money on the bus than on the river. The waterways are heavily damned, so the runs are short with a lot of people and general chaos as seventy-two different guide outfits try to put in at each place.

That said, I suppose it's worth doing once, just to experience rafting Korean style.

[Milwaukiedave]

I went rafting in Gyeongsangnam-do near Jinju. It was quite a bit milder then rafting in my native Oregon, but still a lot of fun.

I'd go with the suggestion about Kangwon-do, especially if your in Seoul.

[Howard Roark]

Thanks for the info. I found a travel agent who arranged a trip on the Dong River. He says it's the "best place to go rafting in Korea".

It's true, we will spend loads more time getting there and back than on the river, but what the hell. If I don't do it now I probably never will.

I'm sure it isn't as good as back home, but I've never been rafting anywhere so I suppose I can't be too disappointed.

Since it's my first time rafting I'm not sure what I should bring along. I figure some extra dry clothes, sunblock, hat, sunglasses, "aqua shoes" (the travel agent told me)...anything else? I don't think the course will be too rough, maybe a few bumps and thrills. I think it's called an "intermediate" course.

Thanks for the input.

[Howard Roark]

The travel agent told me to buy Aqua Shoes or Aqua Socks. But just now I looked on some rafting sites and they said to wear tennis shoes. In fact, they specifically said "NO flip flops, wet shoes, or aqua shoes".

So what should I wear?

Are all the Koreans going to show up in their special Aqua shoes and stare at us for not wearing the right gear!

[animalbirdfish]

Teva-style Sandals are great for rafting. Nike, Adidas, Keen and other brands are all available in Seoul. Check out one of those brand's stores or go to an ABC Mart (Myeong-dong, COEX, Bundang).

I don't think tennis shoes would be a good idea. They get heavy when wet and really hinder your swimming. Aqua socks would be fine, though.