Seoul Travel Forum

Hi. I've got some Marriott Reward points that I wanna use in Seoul. Both Marriott and Renaissance hotel cost the same amount of points. Which one would you recommend? Thanks!

Hi:

I would go with the Marriott. Beautiful rooms and perhaps the best breakfast buffet in Seoul. To boot, it's close to Coex and pretty much on top of the subway which will give you great access to the rest of the city. There's lots of shopping in the area as well along with Kangnam (up-scale shopping)close by.

For exploring, it depends on what you are into. I wouldn't miss Namsan tower for the views of Seoul. Night is a good time to go. There are a number of palaces near City Hall if you like historical sites. Namdaemun market is fun as well. A quick search on VT will give you a break down of the basics and they are very close to one another in central Seoul just north of the Mariott on the subway. Itaewon is another option for shopping for cheap goods. It's near the U.S. army base and has a more multi-cultural slant to in than probably any other part of the city. But personally, I prefer Namdaemun or Dongdaemun for a quirky, cheap, different shopping experience. Insadong is a cool street to wonder around for art galleries and trinkets. I would recommend one of the dinner shows there with traditional folk dancing. I believe one of the better restaurants is called the Seoul Garden or Bamboo Garden. Again, a quick search on VT will help you with the specifics. It's near Chongno, central Seoul as well.

I believe you do have time for a jaunt outside of the city, however I don't really know what you are looking for. Of course, there's plenty to do within Seoul proper. You could perhaps take a train or bus to Chuncheon, which is about an hour and a half northeast of Seoul. It would give you a feel for Korea's more rural small cities and you could enjoy Chuncheon's famous dish: dalkkalbi (spicy chicken stir fry) though of course you can try it just about anywhere in Seoul too. The reason I say Chuncheon, is it would be easy for you because the Express Bus Terminal is, I believe, in the same complex as the Mariott. If it is not, it is quite close by. Another option could be the Korean Folk Village in Suwon. Again, express bus will get you there easily. I haven't been there in many years . It is on the touristy side, but it is a kind of interesting window to Korea's past way of life with colorful dancing, traditional trade workers, and the like. Suwon is perhaps and hour or less by bus.

I hope some of this helps and enjoy your time in Korea. It really is a special place...:)

Ditto to what the other poster said, as the Mariott has the largest guest rooms in Seoul. However, the Renaissance has probably nicer rooms. Also, the Renaissance is much closer to the COEX then the Mariott (which is actually in the Banpo area) and it too sits right on a subway stop. Try this website for more ides on what to do:

www.tour2korea.com

thanks, guys.. your replies really helped! :)