South Korea 2024

[SilverSpecter]

I hope everyone's doing well! I've been thinking about taking a 2-week trip to South Korea; but honestly, I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the planning.

I've heard awesome things about South Korea - the culture, the grub, the views - but I have no clue which cities to hit up or how to navigate once I'm there. Seoul is definitely a must-see spot, right? But besides that, I'm totally clueless.

I have a bit of concern about the availability of charging stations and overall EV-friendliness in South Korea. While I am sure I will have a blast exploring the country, I want to ensure that I can keep my Taycan Turbo charged and ready to roll at all times.

Any other Taycan Turbo folks out there who've taken a trip to South Korea? If so, I'd love some advice or inside info on the EV infrastructure over there like charging stations and maybe even cool routes worth checking out.

I'm totally down for any other tips or suggestions you might have for a newbie heading to South Korea. Like, where's the best place to crash, and which dope restaurants should definitely be on my radar? Shoot!

Lastly, I'm thinking about checking out a day tour package. If anyone knows an awesome local guide who's dependable, hit me up!

Looking forward to hearing from fellow enthusiasts and travelers alike! Thank you in advance for your help.

Best regards,

James

 

[Hirschaj]

I hope everyone's doing well! I've been thinking about taking a 2-week trip to South Korea; but honestly, I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the planning.

I've heard awesome things about South Korea - the culture, the grub, the views - but I have no clue which cities to hit up or how to navigate once I'm there. Seoul is definitely a must-see spot, right? But besides that, I'm totally clueless.

I have a bit of concern about the availability of charging stations and overall EV-friendliness in South Korea. While I am sure I will have a blast exploring the country, I want to ensure that I can keep my Taycan Turbo charged and ready to roll at all times.

Any other Taycan Turbo folks out there who've taken a trip to South Korea? If so, I'd love some advice or inside info on the EV infrastructure over there like charging stations and maybe even cool routes worth checking out.

I'm totally down for any other tips or suggestions you might have for a newbie heading to South Korea. Like, where's the best place to crash, and which dope restaurants should definitely be on my radar? Shoot!

Lastly, I'm thinking about checking out a day tour package. If anyone knows an awesome local guide who's dependable, hit me up!

Looking forward to hearing from fellow enthusiasts and travelers alike! Thank you in advance for your help.

Best regards,

James

Are you taking the “submarine“ thread literally?

 

[SilverSpecter]

Haha, no, I'm not diving deep into the idea of exploring South Korea literally! But I promise I'll stick to land travel for this trip. Though, an intriguing submarine adventure does sound tempting... Maybe for another time! ? So, any advice or suggestions on South Korea?

 

[Crazymind]

Don’t know about South Korea but if you drive North Korea the steering only turns left. they have no rights.

 

[SilverSpecter]

Don’t know about South Korea but if you drive North Korea the steering only turns left. they have no rights.

Haha, that's a good one!

 

[allroadusa]

I’ll be in South Korea this summer for a 2 week road trip but with a rental car. Wife and I are currently working on the itinerary.

 

[SilverSpecter]

Have never been to South Korea but would love to. It sounds like an amazing adventure. Any reviews of emerson resort and spa customer service? When I plan trips, I always check reviews of hotels, cafes, and even airlines to make sure I’m choosing the best options. It really helps to know what to expect and to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Planning all the details in advance can make your trip more enjoyable. If it feels like too much to handle on your own, you might want to apply to a travel agency.

I totally agree with you about checking reviews beforehand; they can really give you a good idea of what to expect. Thanks for the suggestions as I am researching a reliable travel agency.

 

[SilverSpecter]

I’ll be in South Korea this summer for a 2 week road trip but with a rental car. Wife and I are currently working on the itinerary.

Wow, what a cool journey! South Korea has many things to show, from lively cities to peaceful rural areas. Are there any particular places you plan on visiting or will you just let the trip guide you?

 

[Hirschaj]

What’s the deal with the bots? @SilverSpecter and @Kortin are a couple of bots that are having a conversation with each other ?

 

[Sly_North]

Hi, I visit South Korea at least once a year.

• Navigation:
  • western apps like Google Maps don't work so well. Being still in a state of war, the SK gov must be able to cut all public GPS systems. Which limits the quality of the apps we're used to (in term of rendering quality, navigation calculation etc.).
    Just open GMaps for any trip in Seoul: only the public transport icon is available.
  • And the locals don't use them thus the content (shops and restaurants info) is vey uncomprehensive, and laggy (shops open and close very quickly in South Korea; especially restaurents).
  • I'd use KakaoMap or NaverMap instead.
• Internet:
  • If you don't have coverage in SK, buy a temp travel esim online.
    List of companies, with gb and cost. I used

A Google Maps list of spots to visit.

In Seoul:

• I'd rather NOT have a car. Everything is accessible by foot or/and public transport, without staying hours in the traffic jams.
• I like to stay in hotels near the Euljiro 4 station:
  • Right in the middle of the city.
  • Bus shuttle from the airport.
  • The subway stations are connected by a walking tunnel (which is also a shelters in case of attack from the North) from the Seoul City Hall station
  • Elevated walk path going north/south above the Eulji-ro 19-gil street...
  • which connects to the Cheonggyecheon canal+walking path. Nice for a romentic walk in the evening if you and your +1 are in that.
• To visit:
  • Namsangol Hanok Village: preserved houses of family and important gov members of the late 1800ees, moved there - they used to be closer to the main palace in the north. Close to the south end of the previously mentioned elevated walk path.
  • Jongmyo Shrine palace (where celebrations for the parents and dead of the emperor family occured). At the north end of that elevated walking path.
    The main building is the Changgyeonggung Palace; further north is the Changdeokgung Secret Garden with several buildings and water spots.
  • Going west, the main palace, the Gyeongbokgung.
  • And in the north, Bukchon Hanok Village a residential area that kept its look and old style houses.
  • Further in the west, the Gyeonghuigung Palace.
  • And the smallest palace, the Deoksugung
  • The Seoul Tower is a nice elevated sight, but not an historical sight, so maybe less unique?
  • War Memorial of Korea - where they have a turtle ship/geobukseon.
  • Lively streets with evening life and restaurants:
    • Insadong, a very lively street that's seen in many TV drama.
    • Myeongdong Street
    • Hongdae Street in the west sub-urb, closes to several universities - so probably the best one for the youngest.
    • Namdaemun+Market
• Food:
  • Korean BBQ: Hanam Pig. More costly than other BBQ places; because the meat quality is high and they do the cooking, while in other places one does it themselves.
  • Traditional noodles: Myeongdong Kyoja Branch. 3 levels restaurant, but there's often a queue outside. They get a Michelin star every single year.
  • Kalguksu noodles: my favorite place is a very small shop in the Euljiro underground walkway, just east of the Euljiro-4 station.
  • Mandu (korean raviolis) on a plate or in a soup: Bukchon Son-mandu Dumpling Dongdaemun
  • Mandu on the street: Hyojason King Dumpling in the Namdaemun Market.

Rest of Korea:

• Andong Hahoe Folk Village - maybe the most famous preserved traditional village
• Jeonju Hanok Village - preserved traditional village in the west.
• Yangdong Folk Village - preserved traditional village in the east.
• Seokguram Grotto - a buddhist temple caved in a mountain
• Rebuilt Turtle ship / Geobukseon in the south-west coast - the ramming and partly ironclad ship used against the Japan invasions.
• Busan, second largest city in Korea:
  • Geumjeong fortress
  • Haeundae, lively area with a nice beach, and a traditional market.
  • port and fish market

I usually spend some time in Seoul, then in Busan, then take a night slipping limousine bus from Busan directly to the Seoul Incheaon airport for a morning flight.

I would say one could stay only in Seoul for a first trip: enough to visit and discover the country. It's an interestnig mix of tradition and new city (as Seoul like the rest of the town, was heavily damaged during the japanese occupation + WW2 + the Korean War, then rebuilt): large 8 lane avenues with high skyscraper, and the next neighborhood is made of very old little streets, or a temple etc. Photo example.

 

[Hirschaj]

Bots? Lol, am I that smart? Hahaha

You implied you were going to drive your Taycan to South Korea. Pretty sure that’s not possible from the Philippines. Therefore… bot.

 

[SilverSpecter]

@Sly_North

Thanks for the detailed info. It's awesome that you visit there so frequently! I'll definitely check out KakaoMap or NaverMap. And thanks for the heads up on the Euljiro 4 station area – sounds like a convenient spot to stay. Your list of places to visit and food recommendations in Seoul and beyond is making me hungry already! LOL, haha. Got any must-try dishes outside of Seoul? By the way, have you checked out https://gowithguide.com/korea ? I am looking for a day tour, have you experienced getting one? What tour company do you recommend? Thanks again for the tips!

Cheers,

 

[Hirschaj]

I am from the Philippines, but I am working abroad, I don't have time for hate. Life is short god bless you

No hate, just doesn’t make sense.

 

[Sly_North]

... By the way, have you checked out https://gowithguide.com/korea ? I am looking for a day tour, have you experienced getting one? What tour company do you recommend? Thanks again for the tips!

No sorry, I don't have any guide or tour recommendation. My other half is from Korea, so I've my private guide in a way.

 

[SilverSpecter]

No sorry, I don't have any guide or tour recommendation. My other half is from Korea, so I've my private guide in a way.

Wow, you're lucky! Thank you still.