Two weeks in So Korea, first week in Seoul, then what/where?
Feb 5, 2020, 3:23 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Colorado USA
Posts: 29
Two weeks in So Korea, first week in Seoul, then what/where?
We two will be in Seoul May 6 - May 12 for certain attending a conference. After that we have another week to enjoy. Any suggestions about places to go. We like to hike as well as tour. I know nothing, so whatever you can add will be helpful.
Feb 5, 2020, 7:47 pm
#2
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea
Programs: KE Skypass Morning Calm Member, OZ Club
Posts: 2,352
There are mountains EVERYYYYWHERE around Seoul. Soooooo much hiking and you don't have to go far. Just simple Google will tell you about their difficulty, people's experiences etc as to what you wanna do. Take a day trip to an area like Chuncheon or Yangsuri. Easy 1 hr or so train ride. Nice countryside with beautiful bike paths along the rivers and forests etc. Visit Gangneung by the sea (also easy 1.5 hr or so train) - it's not like super sexy beach but good vibe for a two day one night trip - some seafood, local delicacies, cafe culture.
If you wanna venture further - Gyeongju historical capital for 2D1N, Busan city (different vibe, seafood, beaches, natural spots like Taejongdae) for 3D2N.
If you wanna venture further - Gyeongju historical capital for 2D1N, Busan city (different vibe, seafood, beaches, natural spots like Taejongdae) for 3D2N.
Feb 14, 2020, 11:42 am
#3
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: DCA/IAD
Programs: most of them
Posts: 3,283
if you're in Seoul for a conference you will likely be busy with that, right? There's plenty to do in and around Seoul, so I would be inclined to say just stay there for the second week.
But I know people like to be on the move. I enjoyed the several days I spent in Busan. Agree that it has a very different feeling. Lots of mountains around the city. Train is about 3 hours each way from Seoul. So maybe head down there for several days and then back to Seoul if you are arriving and departing from there.
But I know people like to be on the move. I enjoyed the several days I spent in Busan. Agree that it has a very different feeling. Lots of mountains around the city. Train is about 3 hours each way from Seoul. So maybe head down there for several days and then back to Seoul if you are arriving and departing from there.
Feb 14, 2020, 3:09 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Colorado USA
Posts: 29
My wife will not be in the conference and I'll take some time off also; besides we will spend a few days on either end of the conference. In other places, I'm noticed references to JeJu Island. It looks touristy, but might be OK. Any thoughts?
Feb 17, 2020, 8:07 am
#5
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota,USA
Programs: UA, NW
Posts: 3,752
I spent a day in Gyeongju, and if I had realized how spread out the city and its environs are, I would have stayed longer. As it was, I had just enough time to go out to Bulguksa on a very roundabout bus route and back again.
Feb 18, 2020, 7:04 pm
#6
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea
Programs: KE Skypass Morning Calm Member, OZ Club
Posts: 2,352
You're a (presumably) white/black/European descent man in Asia. ANYTHING you do will be/look/feel "touristy" because you're just not gonna blend in haha. Just gotta embrace that!
Jeju is fine, honestly, but you need a few days for that. And a rental car. It's not an easy "pop in, pop out" kind of place.
Jeju is fine, honestly, but you need a few days for that. And a rental car. It's not an easy "pop in, pop out" kind of place.