Anyone been to South Korea?

[kass]

I'm going to be going to South korea, most likely Seoul, for a year to teach english. I was wondering if anyone has recently visited there and has any advise/ anything that I should know. Also, the main thing, how is the cigar scene there?? I'm hoping I won't have a problem bringing all my cigars over.

[The Korean-cl]

I visited there once, unfortunally, I was 7 yrs old, so my Mom wouldn't let me smoke many cigars.

[happy1]

I was stationed there in 1985 US ARMY,my son is over there now.God I loved it but I was 18 and single,hell of a nightlife scene

[JoeyBear]

I have a student from there. He goes back 3-4 times a year because most of his family is still there. I'll ask him about cigars and whatever else you're wondering about. Shoot me a pm if you have a bunch of questions. I know golf is expensive and the teenage girls are easy<--his words not mine.

[my first was a villiger]

little tip dont travle up north it ant very nice up there

[Jughead]

I watched them watching me in my sniper tower for a year in 1976. Had a good time there when I wasn't in my tower.

[kass]

Originally Posted by JoeyBear

I have a student from there. He goes back 3-4 times a year because most of his family is still there. I'll ask him about cigars and whatever else you're wondering about. Shoot me a pm if you have a bunch of questions. I know golf is expensive and the teenage girls are easy<--his words not mine.

Hahaha..well I'm going with my girlfriend..so I may not be able to see if he's right or not.
The main thing I wanna know rigth now is if I can bring all my cigars over without having to pay. I think I'm gonna try calling the embassy or whatever it is that would be able to answer that question.

[mansonicman]

Yeah i have been there as well, can't tell you why or when i was there nor can i say how long i was there. I will tell you this, don't let any of the bar girls sit at your table, and don't talk to any of the bar girls.(i.e.) bar whores. You will get into very serious trouble, because you will be expected to pay to talk to them or for them to sit with you. It may have changed now i am not sure. If you are not sure of yourself and your ability to protect yourself stay in at night. Do not drink in bars period!!! Buy libations and leave them in your room and take a nip before going out at night. You may want to find a local usually a teenager to show you around, they are very loyal if you pay them well enough. You will recieve many and i mean many marrige proposals for god sakes man don't do it. Lastly, before you do anything else when you get there go straight to the U.S. Embassy and register with them, let them know you are visiting and for how long. You may want to ask them if they can make a copy of your passport. Keep your american I.D. on you at all times no matter where you go,passport as well. Tie them both around your neck and keep tucked under your shirt. Allways let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back......
Better yet go to the U.S. Embassy first before anything else....


P.S. have a great time !!!


Respectfully,

[12stones-cl]

Was in Pohang for a month back in 2000. Dirty place. Glad I never had to go back. Be careful in the streets as kids go to the bathroom in them, so watch where you're walking.

Beautiful mountains though. Lots of pretty country to see.

[my first was a villiger]

can you get into north korea atall and i mean anyone just wondering

also ope you havea great time and keep away from those chicks that just look TOO good to be true cos there prolly men

[havanitascigars-cl]

I had a great time in Pusan and Seoul. No cigar scene to speak of, but a lot of cigarettes. Beware of the champagne... nasty hangover, but it is only $1.25 per bottle! Drink local beer. Some of the Budweiser is preserved with formaldehyde... also leaves you with a nasty headache. The food is great, just do not look in the pot.

People are very friendly and you should not have any problems. I found no more crime there than anywhere else I have been, and I have been everywhere. As in any other country, get to know the local customs and do not act like an arrogant/ignorant American and you will be fine. Walk like you know where you are going and you belong and you will also be left alone. Just be aware of your surroundings.

[kass]

Originally Posted by mansonicman

Yeah i have been there as well, can't tell you why or when i was there nor can i say how long i was there. I will tell you this, don't let any of the bar girls sit at your table, and don't talk to any of the bar girls.(i.e.) bar whores. You will get into very serious trouble, because you will be expected to pay to talk to them or for them to sit with you. It may have changed now i am not sure. If you are not sure of yourself and your ability to protect yourself stay in at night. Do not drink in bars period!!! Buy libations and leave them in your room and take a nip before going out at night. You may want to find a local usually a teenager to show you around, they are very loyal if you pay them well enough. You will recieve many and i mean many marrige proposals for god sakes man don't do it. Lastly, before you do anything else when you get there go straight to the U.S. Embassy and register with them, let them know you are visiting and for how long. You may want to ask them if they can make a copy of your passport. Keep your american I.D. on you at all times no matter where you go,passport as well. Tie them both around your neck and keep tucked under your shirt. Allways let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back......
Better yet go to the U.S. Embassy first before anything else....


P.S. have a great time !!!


Respectfully,

Thanks for the heads up man!

[kass]

Originally Posted by havanitascigars

I had a great time in Pusan and Seoul. No cigar scene to speak of, but a lot of cigarettes. Beware of the champagne... nasty hangover, but it is only $1.25 per bottle! Drink local beer. Some of the Budweiser is preserved with formaldehyde... also leaves you with a nasty headache. The food is great, just do not look in the pot.

People are very friendly and you should not have any problems. I found no more crime there than anywhere else I have been, and I have been everywhere. As in any other country, get to know the local customs and do not act like an arrogant/ignorant American and you will be fine. Walk like you know where you are going and you belong and you will also be left alone. Just be aware of your surroundings.

Thanks. This makes me feel a bit better after reading mansonicmans post.
No worries about the arrogant/ignorant american business, I'm Canadian!

[Itsme-Speedy-G]

Originally Posted by kass

Thanks. This makes me feel a bit better after reading mansonicmans post.
No worries about the arrogant/ignorant american business, I'm Canadian!

(SARCASM)
oflmao:
Oh great, more people saying things like: Eh?, a boot, hoser...etc...hoohoo: oflmao:

I am just kidding!!!!


Have a great time. My best buddy's wife is from there. They have been back twice and love it.

[TobaccoBarn]

I was in Seoul on business about 3 or 4 years ago. Had a great time but unfortunately only had about 2 days to play.

Spent one day wandering around Seoul checking out some museums and shopping. Enjoyed the war museum as it had a really great static airplane display outside. Lots of neat stuff inside as well.

Also took the time to get sized for custom made clothing. Got my wife (from her measurement) a great long camel's hair coat for a song fit to her dimensions that I brought with me. One of the guys with me got a tuxedo and a suit for a song. There are any number of custom tailors in town. Ask your concierge for a suggestion.

Food was phenominal, no matter where we went. I'm partial to eating locally and had some bibum bop (sp?) down some back alley that was amazing on a rainy afternoon.

Don't forget to take a side trip to Pusan so you can look over toward North Korea. Very eery reminder of the cold war. If you can, try and get tour of one of the many tunnels that North Korea built under the no-man's land. Really puts it all into perspective.

Above all, travel with an open mind and you'll have a great time!