I also expect street food to be sampled throughout the day

Does anybody know how much a taxi to downtown will run from the Airport? I'll probably take the KAL bus, but since I have two, I might as well do the math to compare the two.

Being conservative, Taxi is 50-70k won. This is also a reason why I'll distribute an itinerary amongst the group so that we can pool together on a taxi if we wish. IIRC I think 4 of us are arriving at the same time.

Found the following from a fellow FT'er on transporation to/from ICN.

There are several kinds of bus alternatives from Incheon airport:

1. Hotel bus which will go directly to your hotel (multiple stops - check the signs in front of the bus stop).

2. Bus that goes directly to Airport/City bus terminals - one goes to Kangnam area, in btw Grand Inter and Coex Inter, the other by JW Marriott. These are usually slightly faster as no stops but then you need to catch taxi from there (unless of course you're at Inter or Marriott)

3. Bus that hits various city stops, including Seoul University, etc.; these are numbered and unless you know exactly where you're going, avoid them.

Re taxi, there are two types:

1. Black which are the deluxe, larger and more expensive on the meter (btw 60-90K into town)

2. Blue, smaller, cheaper and not necessarily Incheon based (so you DON'T have to pay round-trip for them), on the meter btw 40-60K.

I used to take the taxi as on company expense account but then figured out bus is about just as fast, unless you happen to arrive in very early morning (eg leave airport before 6:30 am) or want to go to airport in late evening...then maybe taxi is 15 minutes faster.

Buses are very comfortable, although quite hot in winter. No bathroom and if you arrive during rush hour, visit the toilet first....sometimes ride can be 90 minutes into town, depending on where you are going.

The bus is W13000.

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For anyone planning on attending the DMZ tour on Saturday morning - I read an interesting report recently on Fodor's that suggested arriving at the send off point as early as possible. I don't recall off-hand the WHY, but it had something to do with more bus options or the like.

I will plan to get there as early as possible, I believe the tour is set to go at 7AM. I'm hopeful that others will be interested in early arrival at the meeting point as well.

Best, Dave

I plan on getting to the USO early as well. According to the sheet I received, we need to check in by 7:15am. Also, where is Camp Kim? I'd probably be better off taking a taxi that morning...Also, don't forget your passport!

From Camp Kim FAQ's:

Where is the Seoul USO located?

By Metro: We are located at the Samgakji Metro Station (blue or brown line). Go out Exit 10 and walk north one block (towards Seoul Station).

By Car from Itaewon: Pass Noksapyeong Metro Station towards the War Memorial and Samgakji Metro Station. After passing the War Memorial and at Samgakji intersection, curve right (in the direction of Seoul Station). The USO is located about two blocks from this intersection on the left hand side of the street. Proceed to the stoplight immediately past USO and U-turn to arrive at the USO.

From looking at the subway maps and the map provided by the USO site. It appears that the Samgakji station is very close Westin Chosun and Hilton. However the subway map I was looking at the station is spelled Samgakii yet the USO website spells it Samgakji.

There was also a map that was sent with the payment confirmation email from the USO, I've misplaced mine, does anyone else have theirs?
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I am interested in an early arrival as well to Camp Kim, thanks for the heads up.^

From Westin Chosun - at the Seoul City Hall station, take Line 1 Cheonan/Suwon/Seoul Station direction and transfer to Line 4 Oido direction at Seoul Station.

From Millennium Hilton - at the Seoul Station, take Line 4 Oido direction.

Easiest method is to take a taxi, fare will be several $.

Thanks DH^, can I assume that inner city traffic on Saturday at pre-7am time won't be bad?

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Just a thought,

I've been reading about the War Memorial Museum which is supposed to be worthwhile. It is nearly adjacent to the USO/Camp Kim, so perhaps after the DMZ tour, we make a stop at the War Memorial Museum.

Consider it done from my standpoint. Just consider that immediately thereafter we will NEED to grab some street food!!!

Best, Dave

You know you can count me in^

I bought the book Seoul Food Finder which lists many different dining options (both Korean and other cuisines)

I wish I could go.

A few years ago I spent 5 days in Seoul. With my Korean friend I ate my way through the city at restaurants where english wasn't required.

Have a good trip. My favorites were mandu chi ge (dumpling tofu stew - ordered medium for me), Bing su (shave ice and ice cream) with fresh fruit not the Lotteria version, and dong dong ju (rice wine) with pancake appetizer.

If look for authentic cheap accomodations that is centrally located look at
www.friends-house.com.
Beds are traditional tatami mats so if you're looking for a beautyrest this isn't the place for you.
The bus from the airport runs to within a 5 minute walk. The trickiest part is finding it the first time. The woman who was running this place speaks a little english. I think many years ago she lived in US (Texas I think).

My friend was surprise at the room I'd found. There were 2 shared bathrooms with full bidets. If your lucky you'll get traditional soup for breakfast because it was yummy. Most days it was standard eggs, toast, lettuce/tomato salad.

Mmmm I'm going to have to go find some kimchi now.

wish you could go as well.

Sent you a PM, hoping you can share some of the restaurants/food you and your Korean friend had.

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only a few days !!!!!!!!!!!!!!