kja

I learned as a Girl Scout that one should always be prepared -- and I learned that even before I knew for or against what I should prepare!

http://www.amazon.com/Monster-MP-OTG...strip+with+usb

shelemm

I'm coming in late to the party here. We rented a car for a week to travel around rural areas in Korea, and it worked out extremely well for us. We rented (in advance) in Busan through Hertz. The car came with GPS in English (or should I say the Roman alphabet), although it was not clear that would be the case. Definitely try to learn Hangul (the Korean alphabet) before you go, It's easy, fun, and very worthwhile to be able to read some simple signs and food items.

There is a 24/7 toll free number you can call for tourism info and translation help. You should either take an iPhone or rent one while you are there.

And just think of the metal chopsticks as portion control!

kja

Hi, shelemm! You are not too late at all -- I'm so glad you made it.

I'm currently thinking of using only public transportation. And I've been listening to Pimsleur's tapes, so I can at least speak enough Korean to be civil. My current plan for the metal chopsticks is to bring my own spork. ;-)

But do, please, tell me more: what places did you visit on your road trip? Are there places that you particularly recommend, or recommend against? Any insights you can provide will be much appreciated.

gil8713

Wow, you have great plan!

Hi, I'm Han Gil, a korean guy.

Actually, I'm not in Korea now, I'm working in Saudi Arabia.

But in this May, I'm back to Korea for 2weeks vacation.

My house is in Suwon, if you need some help, plz let me know it.

i'll try to help you with my best.

thank you.

kja

Thanks, Han Gil! It's especially nice to hear that someone who knows Korea thinks my plan is good. I'm looking forward to my trip.

My plans for Suwon now include Ho Am in addition to the Korean Folk Village and Hwaseong -- and maybe some strawberries, if they are in season.

Kamsahamnida!

Skedaddle

kja - We will also be in S. Korea during this same time frame. Unfortunately, I'm just now planning what we are doing (!), so I'm taking advantage of the work you've done. I was wondering about "the jesa at Heoninneung royal tombs, which I believe is on the 8th." I can't seem to find anything about this particular jesa. What do you think will take place?
Thanks!

kja

@ Skedaddle - the jesa at the Heoninneung royal tombs will be on June 8, not May 8.

Skedaddle

@kja - well, that explains it! Thanks so much and thanks for such thorough planning!

kja

@ Skedaddle - glad to be of help! Of course, since I haven't been there yet, I'm not sure how much help it really is. ;-) Do let me know if you come across anything that you think I should consider or reconsider.

Skedaddle

It did help me narrow things down a bit and confirm the amount of time we wanted to spend in each place, although we don't have as much time in SK as you do. I don't think it would fit very well with your planning on your trip, but there is a medicinal herb festival in Daegu in early May. Because I'm a pharmacist and because we want to see Haein-sa anyway, we are planning to see that. Otherwise, I couldn't find a ton of things to do right in Daegu, so I'm not sure that city is all that interesting for others.
That's probably the extent of my knowledge . . .

kja

Thanks, Skedaddle! I don't expect to have a lot of time in Daegu, but the things I've noted in case I do have time are the Rice Cake Market (cakes laid out in various shapes, including images of seafood -- I suspect that may be where thursdaysd got her picture of the candy octopus) and the Daegu Hyanggyo, a Confucian Academy that several of my guidebooks say offers a pleasant place to stroll.

Given your interest in things pharmaceutical, I trust you have noted the medicine / herb market in Seoul? It's apparently part of the Dongdaemun market...
http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/...jsp?cid=273767

Keep me posted!

kja

i promise to write a trip report when I can. Until then, many thanks to all of you who helped me plan my trip to South Korea -- I had some wonderful experiences!

I'm back home, happily exhausted, and less happily facing all the things I need to do to get my routines back on track. Please be patient if it takes me a while to organize my thoughts. In the meantime, I'll answer questions if I can.

Thanks again!

thursdaysd

Welcome home! Looking forward to the TR.

SeeHag

Hope your Post Trip Stress Disorder dissipates quickly. Looking forward to your TR!

kja

Thanks, thursdaysd & SeeHag!

lvtrvel

Welcome back. I am definitely looking forward to your TR. Still haven't picked where to go in Korea, and getting closer to figuring it all out.

kja

Thanks, lvtrvel! Wherever you end up going, I'm sure you will encounter incredibly warm and welcoming people -- some of the kindest and most hospital people I've met anywhere.

Mara

Looking forward to your report, kja. I am a big fan of Korean dramas and would love to go to Seoul and see the Han River. ;-)

kja

Thanks, Mara. The Hangang is impressive and incredibly wide. I loved seeing it snake an S-curve through the city from the Seoul Tower. Awesome!

debussy

I didn't see you mention to Gangneung or Hwacheon. Those places were beautiful and very close to nature. one for mountain, one for ocean.
jeonju is a must. i went there 3 times and still in love.

busan is remarkable with the sea, but if you live in somewhere tropical, don't bother. unless they have some world exhibitions in museums...
jeju is boring.