Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
descript midsize South Korean town, but nearby Hahoe village has been left virtually un-
touched for the better part of two centuries and is perhaps the country's finest example of a
traditional agricultural community. The village is still inhabited, so after some sightseeing
it's quite possible to sit down for dinner at a restaurant there or stay in one of its lovely old
homes.
Days 10-13
Another express bus north through the picturesque Sobaek mountain range will bring you to
the city of Gangneung on South Korea's northeast coast. It's a fairly long journey, so you're
likely to be in need of some sustenance; proceed directly to the waterfront for some of
the city's justifiably renowned seafood. From the next morning, you'll have a few options:
more time in Gangneung if you're mulling a move here and want to check out housing op-
tions, or heading farther up the coast to Sokcho and the stunning peaks of nearby Seoraksan
National Park to see South Korea's best-preserved pockets of wilderness. If you'd like to
evaluate other possible living destinations in Gangwon Province, travel west of Gangneung
to Wonju, about a two-hour journey, then spend a night there before proceeding north to
Chuncheon, where you can walk around the city's lakes and sample some of its famous
dalkgalbi
(spicy marinated chicken) to get a feel for life there.
Day 14
If you don't feel the need to rest prior to your upcoming journey or to wrap up some unfin-
ished business in the capital, the trip from Chuncheon to Seoul is a brief one and will leave
you enough time for a quick look at a neighboring city like Incheon or Suwon if you're
considering living near the capital but not in it.
NORTH KOREA EXCURSIONS
A trip to South Korea's reclusive and frequently hostile northern neighbor may not
be everyone's idea of a dream holiday, but more than a few adventurous travelers
are keen for a look at one of the world's most isolated and inaccessible states. As
one would expect, just buying a plane ticket and turning up in Pyongyang is all but
impossible, but contrary to popular belief the North Korean government welcomes
tourists provided they stick to some fairly rigorous rules.
Anyone looking to visit the North will have to arrange (and pay for) the entire trip
in advance through a specialist agency such as Koryo Tours (
www.koryogroup.com
)
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