Recommended Korea Tour package

[GoaTee]

hmm...den hw about the Phoenix Hanwha Ski Resort? the agency said that it is a newly built resort...any comment on that resort?

 

[speedtest99]

not sure about phoenix ski resort, for us, we went to yong pyeong ski resort where winter sonata films.

 

[jacquelineysl]

Hi GoaTee,

I just went for the ASA briefing yesterday. its the usual stuff nothing out of the ordinary. fyi its prob best you change usd to tip the tour leader, driver n tour guide. we were told its a total of USD40 /per person (i mean traveling person) for the whole trip.

 

[c1528351]

Just came back from korea yesterday.It's snowing now if it happen to rain. Weather is very cold.Pay us4 for tips for both tour guide & driver for every day in korea.

 

[Holiday_Ger]

Just came back from korea yesterday.It's snowing now if it happen to rain. Weather is very cold.Pay us4 for tips for both tour guide & driver for every day in korea.

Hi, may i knw wat is the temperature there? i saw from weather forecast it is still positive during daytime and seldom snow, however when i went briefing, the person says temperature already in negative region...

btw, cn wear track shoes there? or shld i wear boots? i going end of next week...thks

 

[c1528351]

I don know the temp. but you can see snow on the road side. Suggest If for guys rubber shoe will do but most of the woman wearing long bootes due to the weather. As for kids, suggest to wear more clothing and most important everyone must wear gloves.

 

[burlesquez]

I went Korea last year and i miss it T_T

Anywhooo i tink go Korea free and easy is the best! With agency it sucks becos:
1: Tourguide have time limit when its time for them to knock off they will make you rush your fun (the other time i went Lotte World and i havent even finished my rides kana ask to go back to bus le)
2: The places they go to isn't really fun in korea, if u have korean friends they can take you to places even more fun!

But pros are:
1: Transport provided
2: Meals provided
3: Good for people who doesnt know any koreans!

IMHO, their hotels have low standard.. I went to a 5 star hotel near a garage town.. Bedroom was very small and i was so unlucky i got sick for about 3 days out of the 1 week i was there.... it wasnt really quite ideal for ppl to stay in the hotel room.... but i had to.. luckily it was only for 1 day >_<

Other than the small bedroom everything was within reach.. the staffs were very nice... You want anything you can get it.. It was near the sea and it was a very romantic view! Koreans are friendly and approachble.. Met tons of friends there

I took Asiana ... i didnt like the ride on the way to korea cos i was in the middle seat... and the floor was kinda hot so i couldnt sleep for 6 hours >_< stupid friend took my pillow and most of the space ... they have very cute air stewardess...... very good service~

 

[Didjerama]

I went Korea last year and i miss it T_T

Anywhooo i tink go Korea free and easy is the best! With agency it sucks becos:
1: Tourguide have time limit when its time for them to knock off they will make you rush your fun (the other time i went Lotte World and i havent even finished my rides kana ask to go back to bus le)
2: The places they go to isn't really fun in korea, if u have korean friends they can take you to places even more fun!

But pros are:
1: Transport provided
2: Meals provided
3: Good for people who doesnt know any koreans!

IMHO, their hotels have low standard.. I went to a 5 star hotel near a garage town.. Bedroom was very small and i was so unlucky i got sick for about 3 days out of the 1 week i was there.... it wasnt really quite ideal for ppl to stay in the hotel room.... but i had to.. luckily it was only for 1 day >_<

Other than the small bedroom everything was within reach.. the staffs were very nice... You want anything you can get it.. It was near the sea and it was a very romantic view! Koreans are friendly and approachble.. Met tons of friends there

I took Asiana ... i didnt like the ride on the way to korea cos i was in the middle seat... and the floor was kinda hot so i couldnt sleep for 6 hours >_< stupid friend took my pillow and most of the space ... they have very cute air stewardess...... very good service~

hi i just came back from korea too... what a nice place....the few places i suggest

1) Everland at jeju island is much much better than lotte world. in fact everland was voted top 4 theme parks by forbes.com...u can really see the difference between lotte standard and everland.

2) want to ask. is there any place in korea where skiing is all year round?

3) i went to naminara island...would love to be there again

 

[Keo_86]

hi i just came back from korea too... what a nice place....the few places i suggest

1) Everland at jeju island is much much better than lotte world. in fact everland was voted top 4 theme parks by forbes.com...u can really see the difference between lotte standard and everland.

2) want to ask. is there any place in korea where skiing is all year round?

3) i went to naminara island...would love to be there again

so there are only 2 major theme parks in korea??? everland and lotte??

and will i face any problems asking for help/directions in korea??? let's say I want to go on free and easy....tours just sux.....

 

[GoaTee]

Just came back from korea yesterday.It's snowing now if it happen to rain. Weather is very cold.Pay us4 for tips for both tour guide & driver for every day in korea.

pay hw muc per day? frm Jacq's post..is USD40 for the whole trip...including driver?

 

[jacquelineysl]

pay hw muc per day? frm Jacq's post..is USD40 for the whole trip...including driver?

Yup its USD40 and it goes to s'pore tour leader, guide n driver.

btw, Incheon airport is vvv.strict. I bought 5 of those spray "maggic bubble peeler" (basically its an aerosol type of spray bottle) and they did not want to allow me to bring those 5 bottles in my check in luggage. They initially only allowed 1 bottle per check in luggage. In the end someone from my tour group helped me to check it in their baggage. So if you buy stuff like that remember to split them up.

You don't need slippers for waterpia too. Koreans simply change their clothes at the locker, so be prepared that there's no changing room. The guide will tell you to change into ur costumes b4 going to waterpia. Rem to look for the pool that has the ikan-bilis type of fish that will eat your dead skin. You have to pay for it: 5,000won. You can get there from the outdoor pool.

The guide will prob suggest you rent the ski goggles. I found the only thing its useful for is as an ornament for photo taking. You will have v little time to ski and the goggles tends to get misty. So you might want to consider giving that a miss. Also, if you rent the snow sled thru the tour guide its 10,000won but at the family mart at the ski resort its 5,000won or you can buy it at the ski resort ski shops for 20,000won. You will need waterproof gloves for skiing, no leather gloves. You can buy at the tour guide-ski shop for 10,000won.

Enjoy your holiday!!!

 

[GoaTee]

hmm chk y there wil b v little time to ski? tot is whole dae thing?

 

[souluv]

cos the ski resort closes at 430, have to return the equipments ma ..
then - off lunch time, breakfast, learning time.. not much time left..
but is qutie tiring .. and u have to pay extra to take the gondola up for the beginner ski..

 

[Clarity]

Hi

Did anyone went Korea for Cherry blossom season? Any chance to see in first week of April?

Also, anyone been to Nami Island? Worth going ?

Abit sidetrack.. Im thking of F&E actually, will it be a big problem in Jeju?

 

[mamoo82]

Hi

Did anyone went Korea for Cherry blossom season? Any chance to see in first week of April?

Also, anyone been to Nami Island? Worth going ?

Abit sidetrack.. Im thking of F&E actually, will it be a big problem in Jeju?

First week of April maybe but depends on which part of Korea you are heading to. For last year, the cherry blossom started blooming in the middle of April if I don't recall wrongly. Nearer to date, KNTO might post dates of when they are forecasted to bloom.

Never been to Nami Island but heard from some friends who went, it's a nice place.

Jeju F&E is possible but transportation is a big problem. Best is to rent a car/motorbike and travel around the island. Cycling if also okay if you dont mind the hilly terrain. Their buses take a long time to arrive and if you miss the bus, you probably have to wait another hour. Don't go during Jul-Sept cos that's when most Koreans go to Jeju island and the room prices will be more expensive.

 

[Clarity]

First week of April maybe but depends on which part of Korea you are heading to. For last year, the cherry blossom started blooming in the middle of April if I don't recall wrongly. Nearer to date, KNTO might post dates of when they are forecasted to bloom.

Never been to Nami Island but heard from some friends who went, it's a nice place.

Jeju F&E is possible but transportation is a big problem. Best is to rent a car/motorbike and travel around the island. Cycling if also okay if you dont mind the hilly terrain. Their buses take a long time to arrive and if you miss the bus, you probably have to wait another hour. Don't go during Jul-Sept cos that's when most Koreans go to Jeju island and the room prices will be more expensive.

Thanks


A few more questions

Did anyone went on the following before, and are they worth going ? Also time spend repectively?

1) Blue house tour
2) Changdeokgung Palace and Back Garden
3) Deoksugung Palace
4) Korea House
5) Myeongdong Cathedral
6) Bukhansan National Park
7) Techno Mart

Also

1) Dongdamun Market - For those who went, how much time did u spend here? What's the typical price range?

4) Insadong - From the map, it looks like just a street... How much time did u all spend here? It's supposed to be an antique street? So, what's there to buy here?

5) N Seoul Tower - How much time did u spend here? Able to see the sunset from here?

There is a revolving Restaurant here. Anyone dine here before? Price range?

6) Myeong-dong - between Myeong-dong and Dongdamun Market and Itawon, which place have nicer stuff? Price wise?

Sori, many questions

 

[mamoo82]

Thanks


A few more questions

Did anyone went on the following before, and are they worth going ? Also time spend repectively?

1) Blue house tour - never been there but i think the tour is not all year round.
2) Changdeokgung Palace and Back Garden - you have to go with their guided tour (~3,000won). on thursday, there's no guided tour and entrance fee is ~15,000won. about 1-2hrs tour. a must go.
3) Deoksugung Palace - cheaper alternative if you dont want to visit changdeokgung. there's a museum inside the palace.
4) Korea House - never been there but they hold exhibitions/performances. can enjoy traditional korean meals there.
5) Myeongdong Cathedral - didnt enter only saw the cathedral when i was passing by
6) Bukhansan National Park - havent climbed there yet but reckon it'll take about 4-6hrs to complete the trail.
7) Techno Mart - like our sim lim square but way bigger. each level caters to different electronic products.

Also

1) Dongdamun Market - For those who went, how much time did u spend here? What's the typical price range? - you can spend the whole day there cos there are many shopping malls and street stalls. it opens till 4am and the later u go, the cheaper the goods. can also bargain with them. prices varies depending on where u shop

4) Insadong - From the map, it looks like just a street... How much time did u all spend here? It's supposed to be an antique street? So, what's there to buy here? - u can buy most of the korean souvenirs here. there are some art houses there.

5) N Seoul Tower - How much time did u spend here? Able to see the sunset from here? - nicer to see the night scene from N seoul tower. entrance fee is about 7000won.

There is a revolving Restaurant here. Anyone dine here before? Price range? -expensive. ~ 30,000won for a drink like orange juice if i dont recall wrongly. nice ambience, good for dating.

6) Myeong-dong - between Myeong-dong and Dongdamun Market and Itawon, which place have nicer stuff? Price wise? - what kinds of stuff are you looking for? dongdaemun is like a wholesale market so prices would be cheaper. of course they have high end stuffs too. myeong-dong more pricey than dongdaemun as they carry the local labels. i go there to see people more than to buy things but if you are there at the right time, might get a good deal. itawon is more like the clubbing area and they sell touristy stuffs at touristy rates. if you are a lady, sinchon's woman street has many female stuffs. if you are feeling really really rich, go to apgujeong.

Sori, many questions

see my reply in blue.

 

[Clarity]

Thank you mamoo82

Have came up with a rough itinery, would appreciate any feedbacks. Are these too rush / slack?

Day 1 : Seoul - Reach seoul 6am. Rest abit, then go Namdeamun Market + Myeong-dong + COEX Mall
Day 2 : Jeju - pending
Day 3 : Jeju - pending
Day 4 : Nami - pending
Day 5 : Seoul - Bukhansan National Park + Techno Mart
Day 6 : Seoul - Hangang River Ferry Cruise + Itaewon + Dongdaemun
Day 7 : Seoul - Changdeokgung Palace and Back garden + Insa-dong + Deoksugung Palace + N Seoul Tower
Day 8 : Seoul - Gyeongbokgung Palace + Blue House + Lotte World
Day 9 : Seoul - Korean Folk Village + Suwon Fortress
Day 10 : Seoul- Departure @ 4.10pm flight. Not sure wat else to put here.

 

[Clarity]

hi i just came back from korea too... what a nice place....the few places i suggest

1) Everland at jeju island is much much better than lotte world. in fact everland was voted top 4 theme parks by forbes.com...u can really see the difference between lotte standard and everland.

2) want to ask. is there any place in korea where skiing is all year round?

3) i went to naminara island...would love to be there again

Hi,

How is the transportation like on Nami island? How do u get around after reaching ?

 

[mamoo82]

Thank you mamoo82

Have came up with a rough itinery, would appreciate any feedbacks. Are these too rush / slack?

Day 1 : Seoul - Reach seoul 6am. Rest abit, then go Namdeamun Market + Myeong-dong + COEX Mall
Day 2 : Jeju - pending
Day 3 : Jeju - pending
Day 4 : Nami - pending
Day 5 : Seoul - Bukhansan National Park + Techno Mart
Day 6 : Seoul - Hangang River Ferry Cruise + Itaewon + Dongdaemun
Day 7 : Seoul - Changdeokgung Palace and Back garden + Insa-dong + Deoksugung Palace + N Seoul Tower
Day 8 : Seoul - Gyeongbokgung Palace + Blue House + Lotte World
Day 9 : Seoul - Korean Folk Village + Suwon Fortress
Day 10 : Seoul- Departure @ 4.10pm flight. Not sure wat else to put here.

the plan looks okay but here are some suggestions.

try to go to the attractions that are nearby on the same day. if not for a first timer, seoul subway can be a little bit intimidating.

you might want to spend 3 days in jeju instead if u r using public transport. most of the stuffs that you can find in jeju can also be found in seoul. visit the lotte mart if you have the time.

to get to nami island, see this site: http://www.namisum.com/CheckENG/CheckENG1.asp think the view is nicer from may onwards. not sure.

is this the first time that you are doing hiking? if it is, after the climb you might be too tired to go to Techno mart.

the entrance fee for korean folk village is 11,000won, the most expensive attraction that i've been to thus far. not a bad place, see all the filming spots in the korean dramas. btw the korean folk village and suwon fortress is not in seoul per se. it's at gyeonggi-do. you can either take a train or bus there. you might want to shift it to an earlier day.

you might also want to keep the shopping to the last few days. I'm assuming that you are staying at the same location and dont have to carry your luggage around that frequently. if you are interested, can always go for DMZ tour too.