Planning my first trip to South Korea in the next few months. I've read through a lot of the older threads but wanted to check if the info is still current.
My main questions:
- Best area to stay for easy access to the scene?
- Realistic daily budget?
- Any areas to avoid?
- How welcoming are the locals to foreign visitors?
I'm coming from Australia and have experience in Latin America but this would be my first time in South Korea.
Thanks for any help!
South Korea — rainy season worth going?
Started by DesertRat · 1 Mar 2026 · 966 views
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1 Mar 2026 at 15:58
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1 Mar 2026 at 22:31
Not sure I agree about that area. I found the outskirts to be better value.
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2 Mar 2026 at 07:07
Adding my experience from February.
The scene has stayed the same since pre-COVID. Biggest change: prices up 20%.
The scene has stayed the same since pre-COVID. Biggest change: prices up 20%.
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page."
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2 Mar 2026 at 12:47
Good info. I'd add that going during the week is much better — less crowded, better prices.
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2 Mar 2026 at 21:01
I was there in March and prices were great value.
Spent about $133/day all-in. Quality was above average.
My tip: go early evening for best selection.
Spent about $133/day all-in. Quality was above average.
My tip: go early evening for best selection.
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2 Mar 2026 at 21:36
With respect, my experience was more mixed. But maybe I went at the wrong time.
Sacramento Sal — Sacramento, CA
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2 Mar 2026 at 22:57
I was there in January and prices were exactly as described.
Spent about $104/day all-in. Quality was above average.
My tip: avoid weekends.
Spent about $104/day all-in. Quality was above average.
My tip: avoid weekends.
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3 Mar 2026 at 02:01
Good info. I'd add that going during the week is much better — less crowded, better prices.
Yorkshire Lad — Leeds, UK
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3 Mar 2026 at 06:31
Not sure I agree about that area. I found downtown to be better value.
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3 Mar 2026 at 15:15
How does it compare to Colombia?
"Travel is fatal to prejudice." — Philadelphia, PA
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3 Mar 2026 at 19:17
Saving this thread for my trip planning. Gold mine of information.
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3 Mar 2026 at 19:33
Nice report. Heading there next month — exactly the intel I needed.
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3 Mar 2026 at 20:00
+1 on this. Exactly my experience too. Great destination.
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3 Mar 2026 at 21:43
How long did it take to feel comfortable and find the good spots?
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4 Mar 2026 at 06:32
Thanks for the write-up. Very helpful for my upcoming trip.
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4 Mar 2026 at 07:45
I'd rate it similarly. Solid 7/10 destination.
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4 Mar 2026 at 09:11
I was there in January and prices were great value.
Spent about $76/day all-in. Quality was excellent.
My tip: the late night crowd is different.
Spent about $76/day all-in. Quality was excellent.
My tip: the late night crowd is different.
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4 Mar 2026 at 17:18
Spot on with the prices. That matches what I paid in February.
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4 Mar 2026 at 21:03
Nice report. Heading there next month — exactly the intel I needed.
Buffalo Bill — Buffalo, NY
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5 Mar 2026 at 04:34
Any restaurant recs for the daytime?
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