rheinrich1

Thanks for the replies to my previous post. What's the best(quickest,least expensive)way to get into Seoul from the airport? Is it really 2 hours?

islandboy81

The two main ways of getting to Seoul from Incheon Aiport are by taxi and airport bus (travel by train may be an option later on this year). Traveling by taxi would probably be the quickest way but would also be the most expensive, anywhere from 40,000 to 60,000 won each way. Airport buses are slower and might not be able to take you to the exact location you want but are cheaper, around 6,000 to 13,000 won each way. If you are feeling adventurous, you could also take a bus from Incheon to Gimpo Airport and then use the subway (fares are around 800 to 1200 won each way) to get around Seoul.

As far as travel time, it really depends where in Seoul you plan on going to and at what time. Like any other major city, Seoul has quite a bit of traffic especially during the rush hours. A bus ride to some parts of Seoul at the wrong time could potentially take 2 or even more hours. But it could also be a lot less depending where and what time you go (anywhere from 1-2 hours).

If you are only making a transit stop at Incheon then the most convienient option would probably be to take a transit tour from the aiport.

Incheon Airport Transportation Info:
http://www.airinfo.co.kr/iiacms/page...=1168706759316

Transit Tours:
http://www.airinfo.co.kr/iiacms/page...de=C1202020301

Interactive Seoul Subway Map:
http://www.smrt.co.kr/english_smrt/c...berstation.jsp

janev

Hi
we are also going to Korea (beginning of April) - what would you consider the best area to stay in Seoul (& any hotel recommendations please). We shall arrive by ferry (Beetle) from Japan to Busan. At present I am thinking to go Busan to Gyeongju & surrounding area & then up to Seoul. we have just one week. Would you add anything to this/is this a good use of our time?

ausl

if you take bus 605-1 it drops you off at Sejong hotel which is like in town and from there you can catch a cab.

http://english.sejong.co.kr/

but if you worry about communication, then just get the bus. Else you can ask the hotel to fax or email you the hotel address in korean.

HI Janey,

what is your budget for the hotel or guesthouse? If you don't mind then you can try this guesthoues, they speak english and near to town and can take the above bus there and they will pick you up

www.namsanguesthouse.com

ausl

here is another one, this one is just outside the main st

http://www.mdguesthouse.com/main.asp

janev

Ausl - thanks for your help. I was thinking on more mid-upper range on hotels, recommendations for Seoul, Gyeongju & Busan would be very welcome. Lots of reviews of trip advisor for mid-upper hotels comment they need a refurb, I can't seem to see any good ones!
Thanks

ekscrunchy

saving for trip this spring

ausl

Hi Janey,

you can try this site, they based in Korea.

http://www.hotelwide.com/english/main.asp

maybe can check out hotel savoy... right in town with lots of eatery... you won't be bored at night as there are still plenty to do around and they are near to Dongdaemun and Namdaemun and Namsan...

http://www.hotelwide.com/english/hot...mp;location=en

janev

Hi Ausl - I spent a lot of time over the weekend on this - reading lots & checking it out. So far I have booked Lotte in Busan and Ibis Myeong-dong (near Seoul Lotte) in Seoul - Lotte Busan got ok write up & this Ibis is quite new & has a good write up & good enough location I think (as well as good price). Just stuck on Gyeongju now - only Hilton seems to get a good write up & all big hotels seen to be in lake area - a bit out? So am not sure yet. Am also wondering whether or not to skip Gyeongju & spend more time in Seoul. Also would like to know is everything closed down on Arbor Day???

W9London

Haven't stayed at Ibis, but I found Myong Dong area to be very conveniently located from public transportation. There are lots of shops and restaurants around, and I felt quite safe at night as a sole female traveller. I get good food shopping at Lotte Department store and they have a good food court. I have to stay at Millenium Hilton near Seoul Station because of my company's travel arrangement, though they're not as convenient.
From Incheon, check if KAL limousine bus serves your hotel (or the ones close by). Agree about the previous posts on potential traffic jam.

Haven't been to Gyeongju myself, but heard it is really a lovely city. As for Seoul, 2-3 days should be adequate to see the main things (palace, imsadong, markets).

janev

Thanks W9London - the KAL Limo bus goes from Lotte - 5 mins away & as someone in a review I read seemed to find this easy I think it'll be fine.

Still considering Gyeongju hotel!

Also would still like to know if all is closed on Arbor Day as if so it would take one of our soul days. I think Arbor Day seems like a cross between tree planting & Ching Ming?

W9London

Lunar new year in February and chusok in autumn are the biggie holidays. I'm not sure of Arbor Day--can't even find it on my international calendar. I assume stores are open, not sure about palaces. Anyway it's only one day holiday, no?

ausl

Personally, i would spend a bit more time in Seoul.

Great hotel you choose....as long as its near to Myeondong, you will not be bored...

Not Sure about Arbor Day...

JC98

Hi,

How far is the international airport from the domestic one to go to Jeju island? Best way to get between the 2 airports? Shuttle?