Hi, i just came back from Korea. Went Yeouido Park and was a bit disappointed. I find that the sight of cherry blossoms trees not so spectacular. The park is not fully lined with cherry Blossom trees. It's like 1 or 2 full bloom trees at this corner, 3 or 4 trees at that corner, another 2 trees at this end.
I think those in Tokyo much nicer...even some roads in Seoul or Jeju look better than the park. Some roads are fully lined with cherry blossom trees.
Here are some of my other feedbacks
Myeongdong:
Personally, I lurve this place. I like the clothes there. But things are not cheap. I did manage to get a few pieces of clothes at 10,000 won or less (about S$16). It's a very vibrant place and there are lot of restaurants/eateries here. Even if you are not into their kind of fashion, i think it's worth a look here just to soak into their atmostphere.
If you pass by Hotel Savoy in the heart of Myeongdong itself, there is this restuarant selling Ginseng chicken and roasted chicken. Can't recall the name of the rest. but they have this window displaying all the roasted chicken. Ginseng chicken costs 10,000 won (abt S$16) and the roasted chicken set (not whole chicken) costs 6900 won. Not bad.
If you pass by this shop with two large teddy bears sitting on a bench near their entrance, you can buy the teddy bears from them if you're into it. The bears are from the Teddy bear musuem in Jeju. Been to the musuem in jeju and whatever the musuem have, this shop also sells. I haven had a chance to try their ice cream, but looks yummy.
Another point, Myeong dong may appear a bit messy and maze like. But if you have a strong sense of direction or have spent a whole day there, it's not difficult to navigate.
Dongdaemun
Basically 3 or 4 big shopping malls are the main attraction here. Migliore, Doota (at Doosan Tower), Freya Town etc.
Inside these malls are made up of little stalls. Not our typical shopping centre with different departments. Do note that most stalls sells repetitive merchandise. So you can ask for the price then look around to compare. Must remember your way back though. And you can bargain. It's worth comparing prices as the price difference can be quite a fair bit.
There are no fitting rooms. So either you try to slip it on under your skirt/over your pants or guage the size. My advise is that, once you've gone back to the hotel to check that the skirt fits you. The next few days when you go shopping, bring that skirt with the perfect fit. Then you use that skirt as a bench mark.
I find that the things here are all exp. At least in Myeongdong, there are a lot of pushcarts/stalls with cheaper priced clothes/shoes.
Migliore and Doota open till 5am in the morn. But Migliore is closed on Mon or Tue. Not sure of Doota. Nev been to Freya..so no comments. There's another Migliore at Myeongdong but the operating hour is different.
Namdaemun
It's a mix of clothes (mostly tees and not that much fashion wear), fake bags, snacks, food, dried goods, accessories etc. This is an open air huge market. Some of my friends prefer this place to Dongdaemun. But personally I feel otherwise.
Itaewon
I hate this place. Hamilton Shopping centre is downright boring. The whole area mostly selling leather jackets, fur coats, clothes with leopard prints etc..a handful of pubs but don't look very safe to me. A lot of foreigners...to me, this place absolutely sucks.
Sinchon/Ewha Women Univeristy area
It's like a small town on it's own. Cafes, little shops selling clothes and accessories in the area. Very nice ambience. I think it's worth coming here for a look see.
Gangnam area
A little out of the way. But if you do pass by here (if you're going to take a bus from here to Everland or Mt Seorak), it's quite a crowded place..with shops and restuarnts etc.
Do try their streetside snacks. Their version of pizza not bad. They have this deepfried hotdog pastry which my fren adores but i don't. I do not like their rice cake (you will see a lot of vendors selling at the subway). Do try Lotteria, korean fastfood. Not bad. Their shrimp burger is nice.
Overall, very enjoyable trip. I like Korea! But it's quite costly. If you like their fashion, you're going to shop till you drop there. Right now, they wear a lot of high heels. With jeans/pants/short skirts (it's cold but yes, they wear short skirts).
I feel that travelling F&E in Seoul city is pretty easy. Their metro system is quite easy. Not as difficult as Tokyo. However, out of seoul, transportation not so accessible. Mostly have to take buses with long journey hours, if not gotta take domestic flights which is so exp.
But i agree that package tour is so much cheaper then F&E. Ultimately, it depends on individual budget and travelling style. I have this adventurous streak in me and i hate rigidity so package tours are out for me. Cost wise, it's better to take package or take basic package and extend on your own.
Hope the above is informative