My Verdict on Korea Tour

(Dec 03, Apr 07 and Mar 08)

Over the past 5 years, I've been to Korea for 3 times. My first visit to Korea was in Dec 2003. It was a 8 day guided trip and the trip covers many place of Interest.
Places visited are :
1. Jeju Island: Yongduam-dong, Sunrise Peak, Teddy Bear musuem,Folk village, Tangerine farm etc, Seoul,
2. Gyeongju : Cheomseongdae Observatory, Daereung-won Tumuli Park, Bulguksa temple;
3. Gangwon : Yongpyeong Ski Resort, cable ride to Mt Sorak, Seorak waterpia;
4. Gyeonggi : Everland theme park
5. Seoul : Cheongwadae (Blue house), The national folk museum, Lotte world etc.

Sad to say that I did not have much deep impression on many places which I have visited. It is because I was very tired over the fully packed itinaries and I find it hard to memorise the places in Korean name. Our days usually started from 6am and sometimes we reached our hotel as late as nearly 12 midnight. I do not have much sleep and it was a torture to wake up so early and got to bath in such a cold weather. However, we do have a super nice tour guide (Bonny) and coach driver (Brother Kim) who were caring and helpful ☺).

2 years later, I decided to learn Korean language and this time, together with 2 of my classmates, we decided to explore Korea ourselves thinking we are "ready" since we are able to read Korean words (although we can't understand almost any sentences as Korean speak very fast and we have difficulties catching what they are trying to say)

The verdict after this trip was that everyone can go to Korea (free & easy) eventhough you are not familiar with Korean language/word! Many destinations are easily accessible by subway, bus and destinations are labelled with Korean and English names. You will learn to know Korea better as compared to guided tour. You can taste food which are not available in guided tour such as the Hansik (traditional Korean food), you can go to places like 63 building, Coffee prince cafe, try the Korea Jjimjibang (public bath where you can bath, sauna, eat and sleep). These experience are totally different from the guided tour, so just be daring and you will find all the fun in Korea.