Seoul or Bangkok

sanmich · 05-22-2012

I will be participating in a conference in Seoul in August, and I want to add a few days (a week?) of visit.
I can do it in Seoul/ S. Korea itself, or at a connection city, most likely Bangkok (another suggestion?).
This is my first time in asia, and I would like your suggestions about it.
Bangkok seems to be very welcoming to tourists, with the drawback of being full of...tourists

...What about Seoul?
Any parameter can be relevant: level of interest of the places ,stay+food price, security (with a camera), English talking, ease of movement, sensibility of people to being photographed, and so on.
Thanks!

I Love Film · 05-22-2012

If you're single (or maybe even if you're not) Bangkok can be a lot of fun.

Forget the heavy cameras, bring a point and shoot. Eat, meet girls, walk around, enjoy yourself.

As far as English, do what I do. Before you leave, print out the names of your hotel, flights, ID, places you want to visit, etc etc, and carry them around with you to show taxi drivers, etc.

Google Translate on your Android Phone is also fantastic, buy a local SIM card.

On a weekend, go to Chatuchak market in BKK.

Don't worry about your English with your new girlfriends. They will figure out how to communicate with you.

michaelbialecki · 05-22-2012

Bangkok.......it's very easy to get off the tourist trail....

Check here, it's from a Rff member

http://www.yanidel.net/2012/01/27/the-true-bangkok/

Cheers, michael

RobVinc · 05-22-2012

Sanmich, You could also jump over (it is only 1-2h flight) to Tokyo/Yokohama.. Maybe more pricey than Bangkok, but still great..

Sunti · 05-22-2012

Since your conference is in Seoul, you probably get to see a bit of it during that time. Why not spread out your wings a bit and see other places after the conference?

sanmich · 05-22-2012

hehehe...

Not that kind of tourist I'm afraid...

Quote:

Originally Posted by I Love Film

If you're single (or maybe even if you're not) Bangkok can be a lot of fun.

Forget the heavy cameras, bring a point and shoot. Eat, meet girls, walk around, enjoy yourself.

As far as English, do what I do. Before you leave, print out the names of your hotel, flights, ID, places you want to visit, etc etc, and carry them around with you to show taxi drivers, etc.

Google Translate on your Android Phone is also fantastic, buy a local SIM card.

On a weekend, go to Chatuchak market in BKK.

Don't worry about your English with your new girlfriends. They will figure out how to communicate with you.

sanmich · 05-22-2012

Jon, Michael, thanks for the tips. I will have a deep look into these links.
Sunti, thanks, but the trick is that it has to be a "logical" connection from the west.
I am considering India too...

meven · 05-22-2012

I would stay in Seoul if I was you. You would save money by staying in Seoul and it is as interesting (if not more) as Bangkok. I assume both cities would be new to you anyway.

BTW, nice quote from Monsieur George Brassens.

dogbunny · 05-22-2012

I've lived in both places. I would just assume stay in Seoul. They are really different experiences, but if your time is limited why spend time getting to an airport, sitting on a plane etc? If you have never been to either, either one will be new, exciting and interesting. Eat some Bosintang, hang out in a soju tent--lots of modern and traditional stuff around Seoul. Have fun!

db

sanmich · 05-25-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by meven

I would stay in Seoul if I was you. You would save money by staying in Seoul and it is as interesting (if not more) as Bangkok. I assume both cities would be new to you anyway.

BTW, nice quote from Monsieur George Brassens.

Thanks. Deprosges is certainly up there with Maitre Georges for excellent quotes

Peter Wijninga · 05-25-2012

Another suggestion: Ho Chi Minh City aka Saigon. Direct flights from Seoul, relatively cheap, easy to navigate and interesting to photograph. Downside: you'll need to pre-arrange a visa.

Peter^ · 05-25-2012

Once or twice a year, I end up having to spend a weekend in Seoul alone - and I always dread it, both from a photographic perspective (no pun intended) as well as from the social side. Nothing worse than a Korean BBQ all by yourself.

Lauffray · 05-25-2012

I visited Thailand a very long time ago as a kid, all I can remember is that the food is delicious