Korean Job Discussion Forums

Poemer · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Location: Mullae

I'm thinking about going to Taiwan for an upcoming four day weekend. Anybody have any heads up info. that a person headed that way should be aware of? Sights not to miss?

I'm thinking of planning my trip around the JuMing museum and Taroko Gorge.

Smee · Joined: 24 Dec 2004 Location: Jeollanam-do

There's some good information here: http://wikitravel.org/en/Taiwan

Much of the pleasure of Taroko is in walking through the scenery. Many of the notable sites are far away from each other, though, so after you get finished with a trail or two you might want to hire a cab that will take you to each spot. Sounds cheesy, I know, but I got a good deal that included a trip back to Hualien that was cheaper than the bus would've been.

When you go to Taroko, where will you be staying? In Hualien? In a hostel close to the park?

There's quite a bit to do in Taipei. The National Palace Museum is something you ought to see. I also enjoyed visiting the top of Taipei 101, although I'm not sure how much sightseeing/touristy stuff you'd want to do. Other interesting sights in Taipei include Longshan Temple, Shillim Night Market, and the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. The wikitravel page for Taipei has short profiles on various sites.

Poemer · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Location: Mullae

Hey Smee, thanks for the info. and advice. I had already checked the wiki, but wanted some first hand accounts.
I haven't decied where to stay yet. Maybe Hualien.
How's life in the countryside?

J.B. Clamence · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

There is an active thread on this. If you scroll down to the middle of the page, you will find more info.

Poemer · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Location: Mullae

Thanks, hadn't noticed that.

Poemer · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Location: Mullae

How hard is it to get decent accomodations in Taiwan? Do I need to make sure I have everything planned out before I go, or can I wing it and expect to find a place to spend the night that I won't regret in the morning?

Smee · Joined: 24 Dec 2004 Location: Jeollanam-do

There are quality hostels available in Taipei and Hualien. There are love hotels, too, that range in quality. THey're a little harder to find in Taiwan than in Korea because the signs aren't in English.

In Taipei I stayed at the Key Mall Traveler Hostel. It's located across the street from Taipei Main Station, the transportation hub of the city (and where the airport bus will drop you off). It was clean and the woman who works there speaks decent English, so she can probably recommend things for you to do in town. It'll run you between 15-20 USD a night. If you want to stay there, I guess it won't hurt to make a reservation. But playing with the website I've seen that rooms are always available w/o a reservation (even during holidays). If for some reason you can't get a room, tehre's another hostel in the same building. http://www.hostels.com/en/availability.php/HostelNumber.16947

In Taiwan they're more likely to give you a special whitey price at hotels, that is higher than what they'd charge a Taiwanese. If you happen to walk into a hotel, this may happen to you.

I didn't stay here in Hualien, but I've heard good things about this hostel: http://www.hostelworld.com/hosteldetails.php/FormosaBackpackersHostel-Hualien-6716 Also, when you walk out of the train station in Hualien there are a few hotels at the end of the block, and there are always people standing on the corner trying to sell you a room. THey generally go for about 800-1000 Taiwan dollars (20-30 USD), but sometimes you can bargain a little.

freebeerandchicken · Joined: 02 May 2005 Location: Seoul

Have you looked into flight costs yet for Seoul-Taipei return for that weekend? Just wondering cuz I'm thinking about doing the same myself. Rock!

Poemer · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Location: Mullae

Yeah, it looks like return tickets are running around KRW 188,000. Not bad!

freebeerandchicken · Joined: 02 May 2005 Location: Seoul

Poemer · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Location: Mullae

The date could be the problem. I'm looking at leaving on May 3rd and coming back on the 6th.

A had help from a korean, so that price quote was from a korean site. I can't remember the airline name, but it was a discount asian carrier. The price was also before tax, etc. When I can get my hands on the specifics about the airline I will let you know.

freebeerandchicken · Joined: 02 May 2005 Location: Seoul

Yeah I think its the dates.. May 23rd and May 24th (Buddha's birthday) are more expensive apparently. Boo-urns.

Poemer · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Location: Mullae

Maybe they will show Barney's movie on the flight as compensation for the increased ticket price.

Or, if you are really lucky, they might show "man getting hit in the crotch by football" on a continuous loop.

freebeerandchicken · Joined: 02 May 2005 Location: Seoul

I got a flight for 300,000 won total.. 220,000 plus tax. Flying to Taipei on May 24 and back to Seoul on May 28. China Air. Went through Top Travel and the girl there was helpful and straight forward and courteous.

Poemer · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Location: Mullae

Can anyone tell me if my korean debit card will work in Taiwan? I have a KEB YES check card with the Plus network logo.

I'd rather not pull out a wad of cash and get it changed before I go if I don't have to, since I can probably get a better rate by just withdrawing at ATM's in Taiwan.