Hellobee Boards

@woodentulip: I was there for two weeks recently. Spent about a week in Seoul. If a week is all you have, I don't think I'd suggest going elsewhere... there is so much do/see/eat/shop in Seoul and nearby cities as it is. Plus the additional traveling could be tiring on top of already being jetlagged. I was just getting over jetlag around the time I returned to the US (they say about a day per hour of time difference is how long it takes to fully get over jetlag and it was true for me). Someone strongly suggested to me to visit Busan cause the markets and food are amazing there, but we didn't have the time or energy to fit that in.

I went to the traditional village (loved it, you can spend a FULL day there. Granted it'll be super hot and humid so you'll want to take it easy walking around all day).

Also went to the DMZ! I did the tour through the USO, it's about $80 for civilians and half off for military. But I'd suggest booking ASAP cause they sell out in advance.

I HAD to go to the palaces. It'd take a full day to visit all three and it'll be a hot tiring day. So I'd strongly suggest Changdukgoong or Changgyunggoong if you are interested in just one or two. The main one, Gyongbokgoong, is the most grand, but crazy crowded. The other two are more intimate and just as interesting in their own right.

The markets at Dongdaemun and/or Namdaemun are good if you want to see what authentic korean markets look like and find some really good deals. I think Namdaemun is a more wholesale type of market though.

Also a must on my list was Seodaemun prison. It's not the most pleasant experience (I had to go alone cause my friends weren't interested) but really meaningful and eye opening. Strongly suggest if you are into history!

Hope that wasn't too much info

@woodentulip: The one I did through the USO (I think it's called Kooridoor) didn't have multiple options. From the research I did at the time, it sounded like the most comprehensive tour. Of course there was Panmunjom (where the actual border is - the obvious highlight of the tour. And I'm not sure all tours take you to that area), third infiltration tunnel and train station that connects the two countries, but we also stopped at several lookouts and significant landmarks along the way.

As for hotel, it'd really depend on budget... I stayed at the Renaissance in Gangnam (got a good deal on Priceline and picked Gangnam area just due to the fact that it was the only name I was familiar with due to the song haha and I knew it wouldn't be a shady neighborhood). But I regretted it once I became familiar with Seoul. For sightseeing I highly, highly recommend you stay north of the river as opposed to south like I did. The northern area is much more central to tourist attractions. I mean, it's cheap and easy to get around entire city (subways, buses, cabs) but staying north will save you some commuting time. If money was no object I would've stayed at the JW Marriott in Dongdaemun. Seemed like a great location.

@woodentulip: you're welcome! Please let me know if you have any other questions