Advantages: Fine public transportation, safety place for travelers
Disadvantages: Language problem

...I've stayed in Seoul, South Korea, for six months, March - September 2006 as a Writer-in-Residence. I was invited by the Korea Literature Translation Institute (KLTI) under the Korean Ministry and Culture's ACPI (Asian Culture Partnership Initiative) program. As a Writer-in-Residence, my life in Seoul was joyful. I've received a monthly-grant USD 1,700. In 2006, the living cost in Seoul was the highest in the world. The second was Tokyo, and the third was New York. But again, my life in Seoul at the time was wonderful. *Dormitory* For six months I stayed in Crimson House, a dormitory near Korea University. You must pay around USD 300 a month to stay in this dormitory for standard room. Crimson House's management is very good, a safe place for many non-Koreans who stay in Seoul for any reasons (study, research, etc.). About... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Koreans are often very friendly, Prices can be reduced although very cheap, goods are of high quality generally, Seoul has a natural energy charged by Koreans aspirations for a perfect country, views breathtaking
Disadvantages: Can be difficult to navigate Seoul, The "wet season" is a bad time to go (starts end july, mainly august), Few Koreans know good english,

...cheques and went to KB*B, which is a bank in Korea. I had absolutely NO PROBLEM at all getting them cashed, all you need is your passport. The person spoke perfect english and was really helpful and patient. To convert your cheques don't cue with everyone else look for the foreign money signs, they are written in english and usually point to an upstairs area (don't take this comment as totally true as that was only the case in the banks I went in to). Alternatively there are a few cash machines where you can get money out but they tend to be only in the underground stations and not really that many of them at that. better to use travellers cheques I would think. LANDING AT THE AIRPORT: If you land at Incheon, now where most planes are landing, there is a very cheap airport bus that runs into Seoul city centre and back to Incheon. When... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Cheap, Relaxing, Historical
Disadvantages: Outside, so wouldn't be good on a rainy day

...***What it is*** The main palace of the Joseon Dynasty and is the largest of the palaces in Seoul, built in 1394. ***Location*** Situated north of City Hall and at the end of Sejongno Street in Central Seoul. Make sure you eat before going as there are few restaurants in this area. ***Transport*** You can take the subway to Gyeongbokgung station, line number 3 - orange line and then take exit 5 towards the entrance of the palace. The subway station has some nice murals, a public toilet which would be a good idea to use before wandering around the palace. I don't remember seeing any public toilets once inside the complex. ***Cost*** Adult: 3,000 won (1.50 GBP) Children between 7-18 1,500 won Tours are in English, Japanese, Chinese and Korean. The tour is not compulsory so you have the option of going at your own... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Comfortable, Peaceful, Cozy, Warm, Friendly
Disadvantages: Expensive

...This is definitely my most favourite hotel in Seoul. It's not the cheapest by far, but its location, facilities, decoration and the helpfulness of the staff make this a great hotel to visit or stay at. ***Location*** You couldn't be situated in a better place. The area is called Gangnam, south of the Han River which runs through central Seoul. Gangnam itself is the most affluent place in Korea so standards are higher than other areas. There is a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, bars and shops on the doorstop of this hotel. ***Transport*** The easiest way to get anywhere would be just to hop in one of the taxi's that always wait outside the hotel. Make sure they use the meter rather than quote you a price. Also grey taxis are cheaper than black taxi's. There really is very little difference in the actual taxi... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Interesting country
Disadvantages: No

...Korea is an interesting country and in many ways, she resembles cultures from both China and Japan. I am going to share with you the diary of my last trip to Seoul. Day1: After checking into our hotel in t