So far, I’ve only been to South Korea once, and just for a week, but I loved it.  We packed a lot in and got to see a bit of the country.  We took in the modern sights of Seoul, hiked in the countryside, saw old temples, stayed in a Buddhist monastery for one night and got down to Busan on the southern coast for seafood and hot spring baths. The one thing we didn’t do was the day trip up to the DMZ (the De-Millaterized Zone, the border between North and South Korea) – I would like to do that at some point – especially having seen it from the other side.

When: Spring 2007

Where: Seoul, the old town of Gyeongju, Busan

Who: with A.

How: We flew in and out of Seoul. We got around by bus and train

Weather: Korea has fiercely cold winters and even in spring when it was milder I was glad of the ondol in our hotels (the heated floor).  Spring was mostly sunny, but definitely not shorts and T-shirt weather. jeans and a jacket.

Food:  a huge variety, I think we ate a different kind of meal each time.  noodles, cook-your-own BBQ, sushi.  Most meals come with an array of small side dishes such as potatoes, fish, pickles and of course kimchi (sour spicy preserved cabbage)

Sights: The theatre and bar districts in Seoul, the shopping districts in Seoul (even if you don’t shop, it’s fun to see the fashions), Seoul museum of art, Gyeongju: the old town, Busan: baths

Surprises: how easy it was to get around, the variety of food and how much I liked kimchi

Tips: To call the waiter in a Korean restaurant just press the small buzzer or button that will be at the end of the table. Much more discreet and dignified than waving your arm about!  love it!