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 health tips
Started by DublinDave · 19 Mar 2026 · 305 views
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19 Mar 2026 at 03:15
Dublin, Ireland | 34 countries visited
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19 Mar 2026 at 10:25
Agreed on all points. Make sure to use a VPN.
Ozzie Travels — Sydney, Australia
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19 Mar 2026 at 15:32
Great report, thanks for sharing. I had a similar experience there last month.
"Travel is fatal to prejudice." — Liverpool, UK
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19 Mar 2026 at 23:01
Been going for years. The scene has improved recently.
"Travel is fatal to prejudice." — Liverpool, UK
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20 Mar 2026 at 04:09
Spot on with the prices. That matches what I paid in February.
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20 Mar 2026 at 11:27
I was there in February and prices were great value.
Spent about $123/day all-in. Quality was above average.
My tip: go early evening for best selection.
Spent about $123/day all-in. Quality was above average.
My tip: go early evening for best selection.
Euro Explorer — Boston, MA
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20 Mar 2026 at 20:30
Excellent write-up. This is why this forum is the best resource out there.
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20 Mar 2026 at 21:25
Any restaurant recs for the daytime?
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page."
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21 Mar 2026 at 06:27
Nice report. Heading there next month — exactly the intel I needed.
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21 Mar 2026 at 10:08
Not sure I agree about that area. I found downtown to be better value.
Winnipeg, Canada | Member since 2024
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21 Mar 2026 at 15:43
Thanks for the write-up. Very helpful for my upcoming trip.
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page."
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21 Mar 2026 at 23:55
Spot on with the prices. That matches what I paid in February.
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22 Mar 2026 at 01:31
How does it compare to Thailand?
Do your research, respect the locals, stay safe. — Wanderlust Carl
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22 Mar 2026 at 03:18
Did you use the local sites or find girls at bars?
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22 Mar 2026 at 12:24
I'd rate it similarly. Solid 7/10 destination.
Euro Explorer — Boston, MA
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22 Mar 2026 at 19:51
Adding my experience from last month.
The scene has improved since pre-COVID. Biggest change: more competition.
The scene has improved since pre-COVID. Biggest change: more competition.
Euro Explorer — Boston, MA
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23 Mar 2026 at 01:36
What was your total spend roughly? Trying to budget for mine.
Winnipeg, Canada | Member since 2024
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23 Mar 2026 at 07:08
Agreed on all points. Make sure to get a local SIM.
Do your research, respect the locals, stay safe. — Berlin Bound
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23 Mar 2026 at 09:30
This matches my experience. South Korea is underrated.
Detroit, MI | 12 countries visited
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23 Mar 2026 at 18:46
How does it compare to the Philippines?
San Diego, CA | Member since 2024
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