Seoul

[AlfieMoon]

Anyone got any decent tips for Seoul?

Specifically regarding an appropriate base for 3 nights that is well positioned.

The place is HUGE and seems to be spread out in terms of various shopping/restaurant districts such as Myeong-Dong, Insadon and Itaewon, and then nightlife in various places such as Hongdae and Gangnam.

I'm normally quite good at sorting through info and coming to a decision but I'm struggling for this one!

[Fairbairn]

Anyone got any decent tips for Seoul?

I'd start off with some early Otis Redding and see how you go from there.

[fringo]

I'd start off with some early Otis Redding and see how you go from there.

[Hampden Diehard]

Get near a subway station and you can't go too far wrong; it's something else. Get one of the tickets that you can charge up. The subway doesn't run into the night though, but taxis are relatively cheap. Try airbnb for your accommodation.

Gangnam is pretty expensive; that's where the pretty young things go and you pay for the privilege. Itaewon is a better bet although it is very touristy. Although most of the city is sparkly new, the toilets in bars and restaurants etc can be absolutely dreadful. Take paper and wipes; seriously.

They don't really have pubs as such. Most places are restaurant / bars where you are expected to eat, although there are a growing number of places with about a dozen fridges where you take your beer from and then pay at the end of the night by taking your empties to the bar. Korean beer isn't up to much, it has to be said, so the locals get some rice wine (soju) and top up their beer with that.

It's a great place with next to no street crime and an admirable honesty. Expect every shopkeeper and bar owner to bow to you. You do the same back. Koreans generally love Europeans. You'll have a great time.

It's worthwhile taking one of the tours to the Demilitarized Zone. Every South Korean soldier wears Ray Bans; they're actually part of the uniform as not seeing someone's eyes is deemed unnerving. Some tours will take you a couple of places other than the DMZ, but give them a miss.

I went to the baseball. Even if you have no interest in it, it was worth going to particularly if you like young teenage cheerleaders bend over in front of you. Honestly, I didn't know where to look. Relatively cheap and, of course, public transport is excellent. Very American of course, but good fun.

Edited May 4, 2015 by Hampden Diehard

[AlfieMoon]

I'd start off with some early Otis Redding and see how you go from there.

Thanks!

Get near a subway station and you can't go too far wrong; it's something else. Get one of the tickets that you can charge up. The subway doesn't run into the night though, but taxis are relatively cheap. Try airbnb for your accommodation.

Gangnam is pretty expensive; that's where the pretty young things go and you pay for the privilege. Itaewon is a better bet although it is very touristy. Although most of the city is sparkly new, the toilets in bars and restaurants etc can be absolutely dreadful. Take paper and wipes; seriously.

They don't really have pubs as such. Most places are restaurant / bars where you are expected to eat, although there are a growing number of places with about a dozen fridges where you take your beer from and then pay at the end of the night by taking your empties to the bar. Korean beer isn't up to much, it has to be said, so the locals get some rice wine (soju) and top up their beer with that.

It's a great place with next to no street crime and an admirable honesty. Expect every shopkeeper and bar owner to bow to you. You do the same back. Koreans generally love Europeans. You'll have a great time.

It's worthwhile taking one of the tours to the Demilitarized Zone. Every South Korean soldier wears Ray Bans; they're actually part of the uniform as not seeing someone's eyes is deemed unnerving. Some tours will take you a couple of places other than the DMZ, but give them a miss.

I went to the baseball. Even if you have no interest in it, it was worth going to particularly if you like young teenage cheerleaders bend over in front of you. Honestly, I didn't know where to look. Relatively cheap and, of course, public transport is excellent. Very American of course, but good fun.

Excellent! Thanks for the advice.

Definitely fancied seeing the DMZ but will make sure it's not taking me random other places so cheers for the tip on that.

I'll be in Japan before going to Seoul so likely take in a baseball match in Japan as I have more time there but only 3 nights in Seoul.

Cheers