I will be visiting Korea seeing Seoul and the DMZ Where would you suggest for us to visit if we want to spend a few more days in Korea before we visit Japan? Any small towns/villages or big cities we could go to see?
Posted by
SF Bay Area
350 posts
I agree with ORDtraveler! Both Gyeongju and Suwon are worth a visit (we love the folk village), but there is so much to see in Seoul itself. My brother and his family visited Busan in July but were underwhelmed (the best parts of the trip were the high-speed train and meeting friends there).
Jeju Island (Chejudo) is popular with both Koreans and tourists, but I haven't been there yet.
If you like hiking and temples, Seoraksan (Sorak Mountain area) is lovely, especially in spring and fall, but I haven't been for years and not sure how a tourist would get there (we went with family, who had a car).
Posted by
Florida
179 posts
Hey, I'm doing the same in October! Going to S.Korea for the first time before going back to Japan (was there this spring for the first time).
I'm doing Seoul and then Busan for a couple of days. I originally picked Busan because I was planning to take the ferry from there to Fukuoka but that doesn't seem it's going to work out since the fast ferry has been suspended and the slow one doesn't have any cabins left for the date I want. Now I'll probably just fly to Fukuoka from Busan.
I too am hoping to see the DMZ. Have you booked a tour yet? Unfortunately it doesn't look like the JSA is going to reopen anytime soon.
Posted by
NC
678 posts
In 13 days this April, we spent: 7 days in Seoul; 1 in Andong, to see Hahoe village; 1 in Gyeongju; 2 in Busan; and 2 in Jeju. It took us awhile to warm up to Seoul but then we totally enjoyed it — so many sights and awesome food. The Hahoe village was interesting but, for us, not a must do (maybe because our home is in a living historic town?). Gyeongju was a favorite: The burial mounds are amazing and peak cherry blossom time was magical. We loved Busan and wish we had had more time there. We were underwhelmed with Jeju. Have not been to Suwon but photos look gorgeous. So many options…enjoy!
Posted by
818 posts
Siteseer,
The poster 'dcd' over on the Fodors forum has just posted a lengthy Trip Report about his very recent voyage across Korea.
Worth checking out for sure.
I am done. The end.