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 the UK and have experience in Southeast Asia but this would be my first time in South Korea.
Thanks for any help!
South Korea — recent police activity
Started by WinnipegWayne · 7 Mar 2026 · 1607 views
Posts: 1,928
Rep: 0
Joined: Jan 2026
Location: Winnipeg, Canada
7 Mar 2026 at 00:29
Winnipeg, Canada | Member since 2024
0
Posts: 1,951
Rep: 0
Joined: Feb 2026
Location: Seattle, WA
7 Mar 2026 at 06:05
Good info. I'd add that going during the week is much better — less crowded, better prices.
0
Posts: 1,850
Rep: 0
Joined: Feb 2026
Location: San Francisco, CA
7 Mar 2026 at 06:41
Did you use dating apps or find girls at bars?
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page."
0
Posts: 1,890
Rep: 0
Joined: Jan 2026
Location: Las Vegas, NV
7 Mar 2026 at 11:24
Quick question — how was the ATM situation?
0
Posts: 1,837
Rep: 0
Joined: Dec 2025
Location: San Diego, CA
7 Mar 2026 at 11:51
I'd also recommend downloading Grab before you go. Essential.
San Diego, CA | Member since 2024
0
Posts: 1,892
Rep: 0
Joined: Feb 2026
Location: Cardiff, UK
7 Mar 2026 at 17:39
How long did it take to feel comfortable and find the good spots?
"Travel is fatal to prejudice." — Cardiff, UK
0
Posts: 1,898
Rep: 0
Joined: Mar 2026
Location: Denver, CO
8 Mar 2026 at 00:33
Nice report. Heading there next month — exactly the intel I needed.
Do your research, respect the locals, stay safe. — Wanderlust Carl
0
Posts: 1,813
Rep: 0
Joined: Feb 2026
Location: Portland, OR
8 Mar 2026 at 00:52
Great report, thanks for sharing. I had a similar experience there last month.
Portland, OR | 20 countries visited
0
Posts: 1,915
Rep: 0
Joined: Mar 2026
Location: Ottawa, Canada
8 Mar 2026 at 04:28
Nice report. Heading there next month — exactly the intel I needed.
Ottawa, Canada | 18 countries visited
0
Posts: 1,852
Rep: 0
Joined: Feb 2026
Location: Newark, NJ
8 Mar 2026 at 08:37
100% agree. The variety is hard to beat.
0
Posts: 1,852
Rep: 0
Joined: Jan 2026
Location: Miami, FL
8 Mar 2026 at 14:33
How long did it take to feel comfortable and find the good spots?
"Travel is fatal to prejudice." — Miami, FL
0
Posts: 1,860
Rep: 0
Joined: Feb 2026
Location: Melbourne, Australia
8 Mar 2026 at 21:38
Spot on with the prices. That matches what I paid in February.
Melbourne, Australia | 23 countries visited
0
Posts: 1,888
Rep: 0
Joined: Mar 2026
Location: Perth, Australia
9 Mar 2026 at 01:37
Saving this thread for my trip planning. Gold mine of information.
0
Posts: 1,852
Rep: 0
Joined: Feb 2026
Location: Newark, NJ
9 Mar 2026 at 04:03
100% agree. The atmosphere is hard to beat.
0
Posts: 1,886
Rep: 0
Joined: Mar 2026
Location: Atlanta, GA
9 Mar 2026 at 11:45
Did you feel safe walking around at night?
0
Posts: 1,888
Rep: 0
Joined: Mar 2026
Location: Perth, Australia
9 Mar 2026 at 16:32
Any restaurant recs for the daytime?
0
Posts: 1,813
Rep: 0
Joined: Feb 2026
Location: Portland, OR
10 Mar 2026 at 02:21
Any restaurant recs for the daytime?
Portland, OR | 20 countries visited
0
Posts: 1,926
Rep: 0
Joined: Feb 2026
Location: Liverpool, UK
10 Mar 2026 at 07:59
What was your total spend roughly? Trying to budget for mine.
"Travel is fatal to prejudice." — Liverpool, UK
0
Posts: 1,920
Rep: 0
Joined: Feb 2026
Location: Orlando, FL
10 Mar 2026 at 14:37
I'd also recommend downloading WhatsApp before you go. Essential.
Do your research, respect the locals, stay safe. — Orlando Oscar
0
Posts: 1,837
Rep: 0
Joined: Dec 2025
Location: San Diego, CA
10 Mar 2026 at 23:56
How does it compare to Czech Republic?
San Diego, CA | Member since 2024
0