Korea - Free bus in Korea, Seoul to 2 traditional cities

http://english.visitkoreayear.com/english/benefit/benefit_07_01_01.asp

I'm not sure if this is already posted here, but it seems Korean government operates "foreign-exclusive" free shuttle from Seoul to Gyeongju and Jeonju (as well as Busan to Gyeongju) daily except Monday until end of December 2010. It seems Seoul to Gyeongju line is already sorta busy in July.

Thank you very much for sharing this service as I hadn't heard about it while planning my Sept. trip to Korea.

I've signed up for the Gyeongyu roundtrip but now notice the length of the stay is only 3 hours so what would you recommend to maximize my time in the city? A private English-speaking guide? It's a long day for a relatively short stay but its free so the opportunity to get out of Seoul and see some of the rest of the country is too good to pass up but I'm curious to see the most within those 3 hours and any feddback anyone can provided would be appreciated. :)

I think I read something about it in either the Korea Times or the Korea Herald... they started this service about a month ago or so... haven't heard from anyone who did it yet but in the newspaper article it sounded all very modern and convenient.

tcook052, I haven't been to Gyeongyu for a few years so I don't remember the details, but I don't think it's worth going to Gyeongyu for just 3 hours. Especially as the 3 hours are just theory. 5 hours is the approximate travel time from Seoul by bus. It takes into account some congestions, but getting out of Seoul at 8am in the morning can be a real nightmare. A friend of mine recently traveled by bus to Gyeongju and it took them close to 7 hours (an extreme case, but I would not trust the arrival time).
If you just have one day to go out of Seoul I would go somewhere closer than Gyeongju.
If you really really want to go to Gyeongju I would go by train (KTX and then change to local train) this should give you some more time in Gyeongju.
I went with locals so I didn't really pay much attention how far the different sights are from each other, but they are spread all over Gyeongju. So it's not just walking up and down one road and you have seen it all.

tcook052, I haven't been to Gyeongyu for a few years so I don't remember the details, but I don't think it's worth going to Gyeongyu for just 3 hours. Especially as the 3 hours are just theory. 5 hours is the approximate travel time from Seoul by bus. It takes into account some congestions, but getting out of Seoul at 8am in the morning can be a real nightmare. A friend of mine recently traveled by bus to Gyeongju and it took them close to 7 hours (an extreme case, but I would not trust the arrival time).
If you just have one day to go out of Seoul I would go somewhere closer than Gyeongju.
If you really really want to go to Gyeongju I would go by train (KTX and then change to local train) this should give you some more time in Gyeongju.
I went with locals so I didn't really pay much attention how far the different sights are from each other, but they are spread all over Gyeongju. So it's not just walking up and down one road and you have seen it all.

I appreciate the input and it does seem a long way for a very short stay. Luckily I have some time to decide and am sure even though I've registered for the ride on the website provided in the OP there is a way to opt out should I elect to do so later.

I had asked about a DMZ day tour in another FT Asia forum thread but got no response so will ask you since the topic has turned that way. With the recent increased tension between North & South are these day trips still being run as usual? I'm in Seoul for 6 nights so can afford a day to spend outside of the city.

I just caught a Lonely Planet Korea guidebook on sale so will have a bit more time over the next few weeks to do some more studying about sights, day trips, etc. but appreciate any more feedback you or other can offer but don't mean to pull this thread too off topic. :)

I just now read about this offer on the Korean website. It sounds great, but I won't have enough time to spend a whole day in either city.

Both excursions are 12-13 hours in total scheduled duration (from 8am till 8 or 9 in the evening), with Seoul to Gyeongju involving 3 hours scheduled in the city itself and Seoul to Jeonju involving 6 hours scheduled in that city.

If anyone knows of a similar offer that would involve just a half day outside of Seoul please let us know. (And thanks to the OP for posting this.)

I appreciate the input and it does seem a long way for a very short stay. Luckily I have some time to decide and am sure even though I've registered for the ride on the website provided in the OP there is a way to opt out should I elect to do so later.

I had asked about a DMZ day tour in another FT Asia forum thread but got no response so will ask you since the topic has turned that way. With the recent increased tension between North & South are these day trips still being run as usual? I'm in Seoul for 6 nights so can afford a day to spend outside of the city.

I just caught a Lonely Planet Korea guidebook on sale so will have a bit more time over the next few weeks to do some more studying about sights, day trips, etc. but appreciate any more feedback you or other can offer but don't mean to pull this thread too off topic. :)


Sorry for going off topic here!
I did see your question about the DMZ Tours. I haven't heard anything about them for some time. So I would assume that they still take place.
Best thing to do would be to email either USO or one of the private companies directly and ask if their DMZ Tours include the JSA (if they don't include the JSA it's not really worth going - third tunnel and all that is not that exciting ;) ).
Personally I think that the USO Tours are better than the private tour companies (I have been 3 times to JSA, once on a USO tour, once with a private tour company and once on a private visit and I found the USO Tour a lot better than the private tour company)

To avoid going further off topic just a few suggestions for day trips from Seoul: Suwon (Fortress, still in the Seoul Metropolitan Area), Icheon (not to be confused with Incheon, if you are interested in pottery), the Islands near Incheon (love the ferry between Ganghwado Seongmodo).
Why not go for a day of hiking in Bukhansan? I realize it's still in Seoul, but it's a very different world, a nice change from the chaos of the city (unless you go on a weekend).
Or you can get the KTX down to Busan (it's at a longer distance from Seoul, but thanks to KTX you are there in under 3 hours).
Or be a frequent flyer and fly to Jeju :) the longest domestic flight you can take in Korea (about an hour). But I am not sure if it's worth going for just a day :)

Again sorry for being off topic.



Both excursions are 12-13 hours in total scheduled duration (from 8am till 8 or 9 in the evening), with Seoul to Gyeongju involving 3 hours scheduled in the city itself and Seoul to Jeonju involving 6 hours scheduled in that city.

If anyone knows of a similar offer that would involve just a half day outside of Seoul please let us know. (And thanks to the OP for posting this.)

I don't think there is anything organized by KTO in Gyeongju for those 3 hours as the service is aimed at tourists who plan to stay a day or two in Gyeongju. As written in an earlier reply I don't think it's worth going for 3 hours.

If you are looking for guided tours around Seoul the KTO homepage is a good place. They have an overview of different tours from different tour agencies:
http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/GK/cms_list_3157.jsp

...a few suggestions for day trips from Seoul:...Icheon (not to be confused with Incheon...the Islands near Incheon (love the ferry between Ganghwado Seongmodo)...a nice change from the chaos of the city.... sorry for being off topic.

I don't think you're off topic.
I appreciate your suggestions for alternative excursions.

I too have appreciated in insights and recommendations. :)

I've traded the reservation I had made for Gyeongju for the Jeonju day trip instead. I'll do a little more research on the DMZ tour but still have time to make some changes to the sightseeing plans if need be. I have almost 6 full days to see Seoul and maybe one day trip but unfortunately can't afford two days outside the city but the cost of the free trip to Jeonju sure is to my liking so will probably stick with that trip.

Thanks again to OP for sharing. ^

The Gyeongju bus is certainly not designed for one-day quick-return trip as many others pointed out. Although it is not that easy to move around that city, there are many nice places to visit. I hope they arrange one-night 2-day tour someday.

Jeonju might be better for one-day trip. Actually beside awesome food, not much to look around. Still it will be fun to walk around small cities. I think 3-hour bus trip will be fun. The sightseeing will be somewhat exotic, and if the bus trip involves a short stop at rest area, there are tons of $2-$3 light snacks that you'll never meet in the city. Walnut-cookie is my all-time favorite, and baked-salty-small-potatoes is my second. And you may find decent friends in the bus who have same schedule and similar plan with you.

Don't worry about traffic. There are bus-only lanes wherever serious traffic is there. You won't get trapped in the traffic at all.

I had asked about a DMZ day tour in another FT Asia forum thread but got no response so will ask you since the topic has turned that way. With the recent increased tension between North & South are these day trips still being run as usual?

Went on a USO organized tour to the DMZ (including JSA/Panmunjeom) on Jun 26. Really enjoyed the tour!

I would really like to emphasize that Gyeongju is definitely worth more than a one-day trip. The entire city is the UNESCO heritage site, and there are so many things to appreciate. Hiking Namsan is another good way to see the hidden gems of the city, in addition to better known Bulguksa, Cheonmachong, and Seokguram.

The Gyeongju bus is certainly not designed for one-day quick-return trip as many others pointed out. Although it is not that easy to move around that city, there are many nice places to visit. I hope they arrange one-night 2-day tour someday.

Jeonju might be better for one-day trip. Actually beside awesome food, not much to look around. Still it will be fun to walk around small cities. I think 3-hour bus trip will be fun. The sightseeing will be somewhat exotic, and if the bus trip involves a short stop at rest area, there are tons of $2-$3 light snacks that you'll never meet in the city. Walnut-cookie is my all-time favorite, and baked-salty-small-potatoes is my second. And you may find decent friends in the bus who have same schedule and similar plan with you.

Don't worry about traffic. There are bus-only lanes wherever serious traffic is there. You won't get trapped in the traffic at all.

Time for a multiple choice question: I have 6 full days for my first visit to Korea so should I spend it all in and around Seoul? Is 5 days enough to let me experience the highlights of the city while still doing the day trip I have booked on this free bus to Jeonju? I would like to see some of the countryside but wondered whether I'd be stealing time from Seoul and would not have the luxury to have a day to wander, such as to Namsangol Hanok Village. Some of the guidebooks say to allow a half day to explore some of the palace complexes so I'm starting to wonder whether I'll get to see all that much of Seoul if I do this long day trip.

Any insights or optinions from the experts would be appreciated. :)

Time for a multiple choice question: I have 6 full days for my first visit to Korea so should I spend it all in and around Seoul? Is 5 days enough to let me experience the highlights of the city while still doing the day trip I have booked on this free bus to Jeonju? I would like to see some of the countryside but wondered whether I'd be stealing time from Seoul and would not have the luxury to have a day to wander, such as to Namsangol Hanok Village. Some of the guidebooks say to allow a half day to explore some of the palace complexes so I'm starting to wonder whether I'll get to see all that much of Seoul if I do this long day trip.

Any insights or optinions from the experts would be appreciated. :)

Similar situation here except that I have 7 days. Right now, I have 4 nights booked in Seoul and am thinking of either doing one more night in Seoul and 2 nights in Gyeongju or 3 nights in Gyeongju. Personally, I am leaning towards 5 nights in Seoul and 2 nights in Gyeongju.

Thoughts?

P.S. - BTW, I'm traveling solo and would be up to meet up with some other FTers while I'm there.

Similar situation here except that I have 7 days. Right now, I have 4 nights booked in Seoul and am thinking of either doing one more night in Seoul and 2 nights in Gyeongju or 3 nights in Gyeongju. Personally, I am leaning towards 5 nights in Seoul and 2 nights in Gyeongju.

Thoughts?

P.S. - BTW, I'm traveling solo and would be up to meet up with some other FTers while I'm there.

My better half and I were in Seoul last Nov for 4 nights and loved it,even if it was record cold. We're going back in early/mid October this year and spending 2 nights in Seoul and 3 in Gyeongju.

I don't you can go wrong with whatever decision you make. If you're active and adventurous you can find entertainment/food and will enjoy your trip.

From March, Seoul-Busan is (finally!!) added while Busan-Gyeongju is canceled. It seems they operated Seoul-Gangwon area during winter season. So many things to do in Busan and very convenient to move around because Busan also has nice subway lines.

So we now have Busan, Gyeongju, and Jeonju routes with seasonal Gangwon area. All from Seoul. Y'all enjoy!!

Used the Seoul-Gyeongju route in November and it was great. VIP style 3 seats across, comfortable, free.

A rather convenient way to get around.

I believe KTX stops at Singyungju. But the free busses sound like a total waste of time. Out at 8AM, back at what, 5? You'll get off and then get right back on to go home.

Btw, don't come to Busan. It's TOTALLY overrated. Tiny, tacky version of LA where there's traffic everywhere and the subways take forever to get anywhere (then again, I have high standards when it comes to rapid transit, having been used to the NYC subway). Go to Jeju if you want sun and the beaches. It's much more quaint and although just as overrated as Busan it's probably less expensive.

I believe KTX stops at Singyungju. But the free busses sound like a total waste of time. Out at 8AM, back at what, 5? You'll get off and then get right back on to go home.

Huh? What a strange point of view. The buses are comfortable and free and relatively convenient. Who says you need to go back the same day. :rolleyes:

Btw, don't come to Busan. It's TOTALLY overrated. Tiny, tacky version of LA where there's traffic everywhere and the subways take forever to get anywhere (then again, I have high standards when it comes to rapid transit, having been used to the NYC subway). Go to Jeju if you want sun and the beaches. It's much more quaint and although just as overrated as Busan it's probably less expensive.

I grew up in NY and lived here into my 20's, yet I enjoyed Busan. I don't think you have high standards, just think you're annoyed to be in Korea.

I grew up in NY and lived here into my 20's, yet I enjoyed Busan. I don't think you have high standards, just think you're annoyed to be in Korea.

You're probably right. It's still nice to be able to go from Washington Square Park to LGA in about 25 minutes (A Uptown express/get off at 72nd or sth and take the Queens something bus). From downtown Seoul (or even Busan) to Gimpo/Gimhae? Unthinkable. The all-local service annoys the crap out of me.

Yes it smells like piss, yes it's dingy and yes it has rats, but the NYC subway gets me where I want to go before I lose my patience (assuming no track maintenance or construction), unlike the Seoul/Busan systems.

And the fact that if you're Korean, or look Asian, nobody under the age of 40 gets treated with any respect here doesn't help with the being annoyed part. You have to be old or dead to get any respect here (and I endlessly get the when I was your age we walked 15 miles to school in 3 feet of snow both ways uphill while killing North Koreans with no shoes crap). The 20-somethings here are looked at with the same kind of contempt with which I look at charity muggers in Manhattan. God, get me the hell back to New York. I'd actually get something for my tax money there whereas all the tax dollars in Korea go to healthcare, free subway tickets, and gold-plated welfare for old people supported by an ever-shrinking tax base. Not to mention pay and benefits for a bloated, incompetent, power-tripping, unprofessional and useless bureaucracy.

You're probably right. It's still nice to be able to go from Washington Square Park to LGA in about 25 minutes (A Uptown express/get off at 72nd or sth and take the Queens something bus). From downtown Seoul (or even Busan) to Gimpo/Gimhae? Unthinkable. The all-local service annoys the crap out of me.

Yes it smells like piss, yes it's dingy and yes it has rats, but the NYC subway gets me where I want to go before I lose my patience (assuming no track maintenance or construction), unlike the Seoul/Busan systems.

And the fact that if you're Korean, or look Asian, nobody under the age of 40 gets treated with any respect here doesn't help with the being annoyed part. You have to be old or dead to get any respect here (and I endlessly get the when I was your age we walked 15 miles to school in 3 feet of snow both ways uphill while killing North Koreans with no shoes crap). The 20-somethings here are looked at with the same kind of contempt with which I look at charity muggers in Manhattan. God, get me the hell back to New York. I'd actually get something for my tax money there whereas all the tax dollars in Korea go to healthcare, free subway tickets, and gold-plated welfare for old people supported by an ever-shrinking tax base. Not to mention pay and benefits for a bloated, incompetent, power-tripping, unprofessional and useless bureaucracy.

:p:D

Is the boarding methodology such that returning the following day (rather than same day) is not possible, or is it possible to "stand by" for return only seat? If seats were available, would seem to be theoretically okay. The purpose seems to be to allow tourists a taste of other destinations..

Is the boarding methodology such that returning the following day (rather than same day) is not possible, or is it possible to "stand by" for return only seat? If seats were available, would seem to be theoretically okay. The purpose seems to be to allow tourists a taste of other destinations..

The buses are capable of taking a set number of people. Once that limit is surpassed there will be a lottery to determine which reservations are honored. On the website there are indications of how many people have so far signed up for that bus.

The trips are one ways. Period. And not all buses run everyday.

The website is actually useful. If only OZ could have a useful website.:D

The website is actually useful. If only OZ could have a useful website.:D

They won't until KE does. But Korean internet is in the 18th century, it'll take 200 years for them to bring it up to American standards of today :rolleyes:

They won't until KE does. But Korean internet is in the 18th century, it'll take 200 years for them to bring it up to American standards of today :rolleyes:

Your displeasure with Korea has been noted. We're getting well off track from the purpose of this thread.

Your displeasure with Korea has been noted. We're getting well off track from the purpose of this thread.

I don't hate the country, I hate its government and the gigantic, inefficient, unprofessional, petty, incompetent, overpaid, ...-backwards retarded bureaucracy that is accountable to no one. They make TSA checkpoint monkeys look smart.

Thus in my book everything the Korean government does is inefficient and useless.