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David
Hi Shelley
thanks for all your insights. I will be travelling from may 23rd with my 2 teenagers for 2 weeks. On May 29th one will turn 18. What would you recommend where to be and what to do for an unforgettable 18th birthday in Korea? Thank you very much David
shelley
Hi David, oh, exciting birthday. Without knowing your budget or what you’re into, it’s hard to really recommend something… but if it were me (and I wasn’t scared of heights) – I’d go to the top of Lotte World Tower and do the Sky Bridge walk. It’s Korea’s tallest builidng and I think 6th tallest in the world? And you can walk across a bridge that connects the 2 peaks at the top. Of course, you’re harnessed for this – but the views are supposed to be extraordinary on a clear day…
Dean
Hello,
I came across your blog and truly enjoyed your content, which is why I wanted to reach out personally.
At our salon, we specialize in assisting global clients and proudly operate as a foreign-friendly, English-speaking hair salon in Seoul. We have been supporting many international guests with professional consultations and personalized services.
We are currently looking to collaborate through blog and Instagram content featuring one of the following services:
• Haircut / Trim
• Our signature 5 Sense Wellness Treatment
• Professional Hair Color service
Through this collaboration, we hope to introduce our space and services to more global audiences who are looking for a comfortable and trustworthy salon experience in Korea.
If this sounds interesting to you, we would love to discuss the details further.
Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Warm regards,
Dean
Marg
Hi there, loving your useful and relevant info thank you.
I am very keen to visit Hwadam Garden/ forest in autumn. I am a keen photographer so don’t want to be rushed through the whole experience when I am there, so I am wondering is it possible or advisable to stay overnight somewhere close by? If yes, where would you recommend?
Alternatively, if I did a day trip from Seoul, are their any companies that just provide a direct shuttle or transfer just there and back, rather than taking the standard tours on offer that incorporate other attractions and do not give maximum time there please?
I see that you explain foreigners can not buy tickets in advance but that I can buy one ticket if I show my passport. Is this the case, even if the normal tickets are sold out?
I look forward to your expert advice, thank you,
Cheers,
Marg
shelley
Hi Marg – yeah, totally get what you’re going for! It is possible to go by public transit, which I think I covered in the guide, but it does take a long time for sure. So, Hwadam is actually part of Konjiam Resort, so if you can figure out how to book there, it’s the absolutely closest – like walking distance. It can be pricey and challenging to book online as a foreigner though – so you could consider these pensions. Both are about a 5,000 won taxi ride away, and not overly expensive… but I’d book way in advance. Hwadam is incredibly popular in autumn!
And yes, you can get a ticket, even if online reservations are fully booked.
Gonjiam Ire Pension: https://agoda.tpk.ro/YRdJGaHc
Gwangju Gilbert Pension: https://agoda.tpk.ro/vOAUmmnS
Biteth
Hello Shelley
Many thanks for the article on the Seollal in Seoul. I would be stopping over in Seoul exactly during the Seollal weekend this year and was pondering where to stay. I read that you like staying in Myeongdong during such holidays for easy access to attractions and events, but I am someone who just love wondering around the city and park and have no interest in the usual tourist attraction 🙂 I am now down to 2 hotels: Lotte in Myeongdong or Lotte World. Which area is more crowded during Seollal and which area will have better access to street food and food court at that time?
shelley
Hello! Do you mean Lotte World in Jamsil? Last year, I stayed in Myeongdong area at Seollal, and it was kind of a ghost town….even Starbucks was closed, but we WERE a little bit out of the food street / touristy area. I expect that these things would be open during Seollal, particularly in the evening / night. Lotte World / Jamsil area is kinda a zoo all the time, because high population of locals + tourists visiting this area (I live near here), but definitely a lot to see and do. Olympic Park is also walking distance from Lotte World Mall – Seokchon Lake is behind the mall + it’s easy access to most places in the city, because it’s on Line 2 subway line…
Florencia Tachella Costa
Hi Shelley, how are you. My family will be visiting corea this new year 2024.
I have booked The Shilla Hotel and Four seasons. Have no idea if they are well located and which one of them will you recommend?. On the other hand do you hace any tour or experience (apart from the typicall city tours etc) I just should not miss with daughters age 19 and 23?. Would have loved to see a kpop concert but there is nothing those dates. Thanks for your help. Sincerely, flor
shelley
Hi Flor, both those hotels are in great locations, so it’s really just your personal preference. You won’t go wrong with either one. I have a private FB group that’s for Korea travel planning. I recommend joining the group and taking advantage of the hive mind there. There are nearly 50k people in the group who are all planning or have planned trips to Korea. It’s here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/koreatravelplanning
Karlie
We are a family of 4 travelling from regional Australia to SK in March, we would love it visit some national parks and see the wildlife whilst we are there, we aren’t brave enough to hire a car so would love to see some info on seeing the sights and nature around Seoul, Busan, Geoje and Incheon.
Thanks
shelley
Sounds like a great trip! I don’t think you need a car for Seoul, Busan, and Incheon, but Geoje would be a lot easier for you with a car. It’s not difficult to drive there at all – there’s hardly any traffic, and it’s a pretty big island. I think you’d waste a lot of time trying to use public transit there. In the latter half of March, the plum blossoms bloom in Maehwa Village near Gwangyang, and sansuyu in Sansuyu Village in Gurye. These are the first signs of spring in Korea, so you might want to look into those. If you’re here in the last week of March, there’s a good chance, cherry blossoms will start blooming in the southern regions of the country too.
Lois
Hi Shelley! You’re blog is so great!! My husband and I are going to be in Seoul 28th Dec-2nd Jan this year and I’d love to figure out the best way to bring in the New Year! Are there some good restaurants to eat at and then be able to see the fireworks??? I’d love some recommendations! Maybe even a whole blog post on what to do for NYE! Thanks so much!
shelley
Hi Lois! thanks for the nice words. So, I do have a NYE blog post that I’m in the midst of updating, but Korea tends to post info late. I know there’s a Gatsby party on Some Sevit Island, but no news yet on fireworks. Maybe check back maybe in a couple weeks for that updated post?
Mary Anne Zupan
My husband and I would like to see the lighting festival at the Garden of the Morning Calm – please send info how to book. Thank you.
shelley
Hi Mary Anne – do you have your own transport? If not, I recommend booking an all-inclusive day tour. I use Klook to book tours usually – this one covers both Nami Island and the Garden of Morning Calm… if you have time, the Gangchon Rail Bike is also a great experience to include. You can customize and book a tour here: https://bit.ly/3sq906e
Make sure to select the evening times to see the Lighting Festival, as follows:
[Winter] Nami Island + The Garden of Morning Calm (3 Dec 2021-14 Mar 2022)
11:50 Depart from Hongik Univ. Station Exit 4
12:30 Depart from Myeongdong Station Exit 2
12:40 Depart from Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station Exit 10
14:00 Arrive at Nami Island
18:00 Leave for The Garden of Morning Calm
18:40 Arrive at The Garden of Morning Calm
20:40 Leave for Seoul
I have a full post on visiting which you can check out here: https://travel-stained.com/garden-of-morning-calm-lighting-festival-winter/
Feel free to email me if you still have questions. Enjoy! It’s wonderful!