Hi, I have an operation booked in November - can't wait    Anyway, I am looking at flights and accommodation at the moment, and I was wondering which part of Seoul is best to stay in - more for the time between surgery and the follow up appointment - so touristy I suppose.  Also, from what I have seen on the web it seems quite easy to get everywhere in Seoul with the underground - is that the case?  Finally, is it easy to get from the airport into the city?

Thanks for any advice

Kim.

If you want the more touristy part of the City, I do recommend staying at the north side of the Han River.

The Metro is fantastic, and there is nowhere you can't go with it Just make sure you get the city pass and top it up

I stayed in Gangnam and that suited me quite perfectly, but I must admit I did miss the more quiet areas which can be found north of the Han River... But nothing more than a metro trip away.

Quote from: MeganChristine on August 12, 2014, 02:09:47 PM
If you want the more touristy part of the City, I do recommend staying at the north side of the Han River.

The Metro is fantastic, and there is nowhere you can't go with it Just make sure you get the city pass and top it up

I stayed in Gangnam and that suited me quite perfectly, but I must admit I did miss the more quiet areas which can be found north of the Han River... But nothing more than a metro trip away.

That help - thanks for the reply   Just saw your thread - definite improvement and i cant wait for the next update x

Quote from: kim27 on August 12, 2014, 02:05:47 PM
Hi, I have an operation booked in November - can't wait    Anyway, I am looking at flights and accommodation at the moment, and I was wondering which part of Seoul is best to stay in - more for the time between surgery and the follow up appointment - so touristy I suppose.  Also, from what I have seen on the web it seems quite easy to get everywhere in Seoul with the underground - is that the case?  Finally, is it easy to get from the airport into the city?

Thanks for any advice

Kim.

When I was in Korea, it was in Buson but I went to Seoul quite a bit. In any major city in Korea taxis were cheap, busses were fairly easy to get from one place to the other and plenty of them and subways will take you anywhere and then catch a taxi from there. Korea has plenty of public transportation that is really affordable. As where to stay in Seoul, sorry can't help you there. Just on the transportation issue.

Quote from: kim27 on August 12, 2014, 02:05:47 PM
Hi, I have an operation booked in November - can't wait    Anyway, I am looking at flights and accommodation at the moment, and I was wondering which part of Seoul is best to stay in - more for the time between surgery and the follow up appointment - so touristy I suppose.  Also, from what I have seen on the web it seems quite easy to get everywhere in Seoul with the underground - is that the case?  Finally, is it easy to get from the airport into the city?

Thanks for any advice

Kim.

I am not sure about hotels in Seoul. Hotels in Gangnam are expensive, but comfortable. For Gangbuk (north of Han River), most hotels are old, but relatively cheap. You may also find a surprisingly nice hotel in other areas. In any case, hotels are expensive in Seoul like other big cities of the world.

It takes less than 1 hour from the Incheon airport to Seoul station located in the center of Seoul: http://english.arex.or.kr/jsp/eng/main.jsp

Also there are several buses from the airport to the major hotels of Seoul, but the fare is far more expensive than subway (but it is still far less expensive than other big cities around the world.)

Taxi (cab) fare is fairly inexpensive compared with other big cities around the world.

Anyway, you can get most of information on Seoul tour at: http://www.visitseoul.net/en/index.do?_method=main

barbie~~

What's the level of English like in Seoul? Is it difficult to get around if you haven't at least partially studied some Korean? That's my biggest concern apart from the surgery itself. Being able to get around easily during the recovery phase should I go alone.

all the signs are in English from what I remember when I was there but hardly anyone can speak English at least I found.

Quote from: Dash on August 20, 2014, 12:06:39 AM
What's the level of English like in Seoul? Is it difficult to get around if you haven't at least partially studied some Korean? That's my biggest concern apart from the surgery itself. Being able to get around easily during the recovery phase should I go alone.

Do not expect the levels of English of European countries. However, better than Japan.
If you show your written note in English on paper or smartphone, then most people in Seoul can read it.
For spoken English, only a few people in hotel or information desk will understand.
Young people are more fluent in spoken English than aged people in Seoul.
Thus, first try speaking to a person, and then try writing if they do not understand.

barbie~~

Thank you both very much. : )

Thankyou all, very useful

Quote from: kim27 on August 20, 2014, 12:52:15 AM
Thankyou all, very useful

As you will not be allowed to speak after the surgery, communication via written note would not be a big deal.

barbie~~

Kim,

I am also booked in November...pre op 25th, op on 26th!

Quote from: lala_tgirl on August 21, 2014, 11:53:30 PM
Kim,

I am also booked in November...pre op 25th, op on 26th!

Bet you can't wait too   I should be back in the UK by then recovering in silence lol xx

Well had my voice op 2 days ago - all went well. There are 2 things that I am struggling getting used to for now. 1 is the not talking - harder than I thought it would be. 2 is the camera up the nose lol - twice so far and I presume once more on my follow up appointment next week [emoji40][emoji40][emoji40]

Congrats Kim!! hope you have a speedy recovery.  Hang in there, you will have a great result just like other girls.  I will have my surgery in 2 weeks.  A little nervous..cross finger..  How are you manage not to cough? thats something i worry most..

Hope all goes well for you too. Every time I want to cough, just take a drink of water - seems to help [emoji4]

Quote from: kim27 on November 13, 2014, 06:37:08 PM
Hope all goes well for you too. Every time I want to cough, just take a drink of water - seems to help [emoji4]

It suddenly became cold here. Just returning from Nagasaki, Japan, I felt it is like winter. I heard that the first snow fell in Seoul.

barbie~~