Haeju (North Korea)

Advantages: Cheap way to see North Korea, and taste Korean food.
Disadvantages: You only see a little bit for a little while.

...North Korea’s full name is the “Democratic People's Republic of Korea” and like most places that feel the need to put the word “democratic” in the title, it is in no way democratic whatsoever. The country’s ruler Kim Jong Il holds totalitarian sway over all 46,959 square miles of the DPRK’s territory and the lives of all 24 million of its inhabitants are at whim. He is not, however, top dog. His post of “Chairman of the National Defense Commission” is indeed the highest post that can be held by a living person, but his (dead) father technically outranks him with the humble little title of “Eternal President”. Unfortunately Kim senior's decision-making ability and hold on bureaucracy has slipped somewhat since his death. An incredibly severe drought in 2001 followed by a harsh winter and mismanaged state food distribution has... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Very beautiful and wonderful food
Disadvantages: Don't expect to buy any properly branded products, all of them are imitations of the originals, be careful of being tricked

...I went to Korea during Christmas 2000 for only five days but it did indeed give me an impression. I have to say that in many ways it is unique, but it's also easy to understand why people have said it is a country that is famous for its' imitation of other countries. During the trip, I visited Seoul, one of the mountain areas for skiing in which I stayed at a ski village called Dragon Village which was really gorgeous, and I guess it is indeed one of the best places to go and enjoy the snow and to put your ski boots on. During the winter season, the ski resort is open continuously, even if there is no real snow, they will offer fake snow so that ski fanatics won't get disappointed. Unfortunately when I went skiing, the snow hasn't started yet, but I was lucky enough to see the beautiful sight on the day I left. The snow is a lot... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: cheap, friendly, people, my apartment!
Disadvantages: the food (ahh red pepper), distances between dongs,

...I loved South Korea. I taught over there for a period of time. When I first got to South Korea I was a bit dismayed. I stayed in Ulsan, right down the bottom. It was very industrialised and hugely commercial. My apartment was in darkness when I got there and resembled a bad neighbourhood in south london. I got to admit I really wanted to go home at this point. Woke up the next day felt awful. Felt that oh my god what have I done now feeling. Rang my family then decided to pull myself together and go out! Silly idea I walked a few miles in general direction I came in by to try and find a district I had seen previous night! Not speaking a word of Korean nor beingable to read the Hangsul characters I got lost within an hour and had to phone my new boss. This is where I found out that the Korean people are amazing. So understanding... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful