Need advice for weekend excursion from Korea
 

Please help...

Hoping some frequent Asia travellers could suggest some possible excursions from Seoul - maybe to China or Japan.

I love Korea, but have been there a number of times and would like to see some other Asian cultures on this trip (2 weeks out).

Prefer short flight and no visa hassles - suggestions???

I recommend going to Thailand. With a US passport, you get a free 30 day visa on arrival. Cost of living and getting around in Bangkok is cheap, especially compared to Seoul. Definitely a great place to go shopping- pack light, bring empty luggage, or buy it there! It's approximately a 5 hr flight if you can get it non-stop. Lots to see and do in Bangkok, and several cool places to go as well that aren't too far.

Peking, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Taipei, Bangkok, Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya...
These destinations can provide you plenty of weekend getaway possiblities; and imagine all the sidetrips to the immediate areas of these gateways.

Jeju Island, a province of the Republic of Korea. I have not been there but it's on my list of destinations. Of course, if you're the adventurous type, Pyongyang (via Beijing or Shanghai) in the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea.

Phuket is supposed to have non-stop flights already or very soon from Seoul, and could work. Bali may work too (very soon if not already). But China and Japan will save you some travel time.

At 5-6 hours flight time one way, Thailand's a little too far away for a comfortable weekend (2-day) trip from Korea, although it certainly is different culturally. Japan or northern China (eg. Beijing) would be more practical.

Trip out of Korea
 

Jejo Island is of course a part of Korea - off the South coast but is a delightful weekend trip with lots to do, climb Mt. Halla, fishing, golfing, gambling or just driving around sightseeing.

Leaving Korea you might consider Sapporo - Northern Japan - very different than the more common Japanese cities we go to.

5 hours flight to Hanoi - GET THERE before it gets too Westernized. A great destination, vibrant art community, excellent small boutique hotels, great food and everything is inexpensive and the service is gracious.

bb