Me and my friend will visit Seoul for a one week trip in September (3rd - 10th). Since many TLers live or have visited Seoul, I thought to ask for some tips as to what to see in Seoul.

We don't have any major plans yet, maybe visit the DMZ one day. Other than that, we are up for anything interesting. It would be interesting to get in touch with the local music scene in Seoul. I have been trying to google if any Kpop concerts would be held during this time, but I have a hard time finding out if there are any.

Also, does anyone have any good suggestions for bars and/or nightclubs worth visiting? Anything else worth seeing that is not mentioned in the basic travel guides?

Aerisky

United States12129 Posts

August 21 2012 07:02 GMT

I think if you do a few searches for Seoul, this question has been asked a lot before and lots of people have given advice on it. I personally don't have much to offer unfortunately. If you want to know about kpop concerts, ask this in the korean music discussion thread, but other than that good luck. Hope some of the other TL members can see this blog and help you out. Hope you guys have fun! Seoul is a fantastic place and the public transportation there is also fantastic. Be warned that Korean people may be a bit xenophobic though, as far as I know.

Dewis

Finland344 Posts

August 21 2012 07:10 GMT

Thanks, I will give it a few searches and check out what has been answered before. Also, a good idea to post in the korean music thread!

Tobberoth

Sweden6375 Posts

August 21 2012 07:20 GMT

1. Go to Hongdae
2. Drink alcohol while eating food
3. Profit

Dewis

Finland344 Posts

August 21 2012 07:35 GMT

I have one other question that I haven't found a definitive answer to, even though I've tried google it a lot. Do mobile phones work normally in Korea? I have read on some forums that their mobile network is different from the rest of the world and you might need to rent a mobile.

GTR

51594 Posts

August 21 2012 07:43 GMT

as long as it's unlocked it should work fine as long as its not some weird foreign phone. however you have to wait 72 hours before you can purchase a pre-paid sim, so it might not be worth it.

snowbird

Germany2044 Posts

August 21 2012 07:47 GMT

I should open a black market shop for prepaid phones and sims in Korea for foreigners and gangsters $$$$$$

Dewis

Finland344 Posts

August 21 2012 07:48 GMT

Thanks, I have an unlocked Samsung Galaxy S so I guess it works. But can I use my own sim card?

Tobberoth

Sweden6375 Posts

August 21 2012 07:58 GMT

On August 21 2012 16:48 Dewis wrote:
Thanks, I have an unlocked Samsung Galaxy S so I guess it works. But can I use my own sim card?

Probably depends on your network. I can use my phone perfectly fine in Korea, though obviously the costs are ridiculous, roaming is never really recommended.

snowbird

Germany2044 Posts

August 21 2012 08:02 GMT

#10

On August 21 2012 16:48 Dewis wrote:
Thanks, I have an unlocked Samsung Galaxy S so I guess it works. But can I use my own sim card?

You can use your own sim card if you use roaming and are willing to pay the roaming fees.

You cannot simply purchase a Korean prepaid card and put it in your unlocked phone, that will not work. Afaik foreign devices have to be officially registered before you can use them and this can only be done at certain 'main' stores, there's a bunch of them around Seoul. Also you need to be in Korea for about 2 days before you can purchase a prepaid phone/sim, because that's the time it takes for your passport number to show up in their system.

Anyway, long story short, I highly suggest to get a rental phone at the airport, that will be overall the cheapest and most convenient solution. Should only be like 1-2 bucks a day + call fees.

Dewis

Finland344 Posts

August 21 2012 08:03 GMT

#11

Yeah roaming is always expensive and I don't plan to make many calls. It's, however, good to know that your phone works in case you really need it.

Dewis

Finland344 Posts

August 21 2012 09:48 GMT

#12

On August 21 2012 17:02 snowbird wrote:
Anyway, long story short, I highly suggest to get a rental phone at the airport, that will be overall the cheapest and most convenient solution. Should only be like 1-2 bucks a day + call fees.

Okay, thank you very much!

Dewis

Finland344 Posts

August 21 2012 11:13 GMT

#13

Would anyone happen to know if there are any rock/metal bars or clubs in Seoul?

.Sic.

Korea (South)497 Posts

August 21 2012 12:40 GMT

#14

On August 21 2012 20:13 Dewis wrote:
Would anyone happen to know if there are any rock/metal bars or clubs in Seoul?

Every type of bar you can imagine exists in seoul... most of the rock/metal stuff is in hongdae