South Korea Travel Forum

Hi,
I'm planning a trip to Japan later in the year, and am considering travelling first to Korea and then on to Japan by ferry from Busan. I would have to fly to Busan or Seoul and would have about 4 days in Korea before leaving for Japan. Can anyone offer general advice on this plan:
is there much to see in/around Busan?
is 4 days enough to see anything of Korea and travel from Seoul to Busan?
Many thanks!!!

Hi there Psycho,
I happened across your email on the virtual tourist website. I am living in South Korea right now. I can see that you have a lot of homework to do! Four days is a long time in Korea as the travel times are almost nil, but there is the jet-lag to remember. I haven't been here for a long time, but I there is a famous beach in Busan (look it up) as well as the whole southern coastline to explore. Asking for advice is good; not knowing where you're going is bad. Generally speaking, the southwest corner of Korea is less crowded than the rest. Texas Street is supposed to be cool in Busan. Namhae is a popular beach near my town, Jinju. Those are the spots I know of. I wish you well and good luck. Don't forget your guidebook. Cheers, Tim

Thanks Tim, I'll look these places up. I'm concerned about jetlag, since I've never flown so far before.

(In my defence I will definitely plan it well, when I decide if I will definitely go! ;) I've been planning my Japan trip, but it only recently occurred to me that I could have a few days in Korea on the way. So I thought I should ask the wise VT members if I should consider this before I buy another guidebook. :)

Rachel

I would simply be in Seoul. Seoul is the centre of art, culture, business and politics for Korea...take a look at my pages for some ideas (and rate helpfulness, too, please--esp. on accomodation). I would stay in Yeouido and see the parks and life there then make subway trips into the downtown area (downtown can get a little loud at night, depending on where you stay).

If you're doing both, there are 2 (good) ways to get to Pusan...air (1 hr, 70,000 won/USD60) or bullet train (2-3 hrs, 45,000 won). The train gives you a better idea of the country, I think...it's full of people. You can also take a 3 hr ferry from Pusan to Osaka or Fukuoka (I believe) which is a little while, but not too long.

Pusan is basically the beach. I know people there and they find things to do, but even they come here to have fun every once in a while.

Depends on the season, too...summer is a little more pleasent in Pusan with the sea air, but the temp overall will be higher. Best months for all of Korea are April/May and Sept/Oct...Don't even think about August in Seoul unless you like it hot and humid.

Let me know how things go...I've been here like 18 months and know some of what goes on here.

JB