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58 of 59 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
Avoid at all costs, January 6, 2008
I've used Lonely Planets for years. I like some more than others, and there's a few issues I have with the series, but they've always been a useful general guide to my travels.
However this book is a new low and I can't recommend people away from it enough. Literally every single time I tried to follow the advice the book gave, the information ended up being incorrect or outdated or amazingly vague.
A quick example is the Sa Rang Chae guest house in Gyeongju - it didn't give an address, and the phone number didn't work, but the description and location on the map indicated a general area to look. When I got to this general area, the guesthouse was nowhere to be found. I later learned that the guesthouse had moved locations four years ago, and had been e-mailing and mailing LP for several editions, trying to get them to update their information. Similarly, the restaurants and cafes they recommended for that city were nowhere to be found - it was worse than useless.
Their maps are terrible, particularly in Seoul. They generally don't list street names on the map. They also tend to skip a large number of smaller streets - but without names, it's hard to guess if the street was skipped or not. So trying to use an LP map involves an awful lot of guesswork. Korean people were often very kind helping confused tourists such as myself, but they also couldn't understand the maps, because even if the street had names on it, there was no Hangul, only Roman characters.
Addresses were very rarely given. So finding their recommendations boiled down to trying to use a small map with no street names. If using this book, make sure to confirm every single destination with a google search.
The KNTO releases very excellent free travel books, they can either be ordered, viewed on the web (unfortunately it requires Active-X), or picked up at the information booth in the Seoul/Incheon airport - google tour2korea and go to "e-books." That and wikitravel (which is sparse and often vague, but at least generally accurate) is definitely a better option than Lonely Planet. Don't waste any money on this.
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35 of 38 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Does the job adequately, October 15, 2005
This review is from: Lonely Planet Korea (Lonely Planet Korea: Travel Survival Kit) (Paperback)
I always buy Lonely Planet guidebooks for the destinations I go to. They are informative, organised, well laid out, list a number of activities which most visitors to the Land of the Morning Calm would be hard pressed to complete. The latest edition of the Korea guide book is no exception, and is a great introduction to this amazingly deceptive country. South Korea is full of contradictions, sprawling metropolises juxtaposed with ancient Buddhist and Confucian temples. The book helps visitors explore those contradictions. Those planning on living in the country (ESL teachers) may find it lacking after they have exhausted all the sights and activities, but for visitors staying a few months or less, and travelling around Korea (not just sticking to Seoul) will find it plenty sufficient.
I reviewed the last edition, and cross referenced the new with old, and it has been thoroughly updated, accomodations, prices, eateries, and so on. No doubt this was aided by the fact that this was one of the first travel guidebook editions to come out in Lonely Planet's new format. A previous reviewer commented on the lack of personality (for lack of a better word) in this edition of the book, and I would have to say I agree with that assessment. The older edition is a little more personable. But hey, this one still does the job, and gets you from A to B. However, note that at the time of review (mid October 2005), the guidebook has been out for well over a year, and thus is already out of date. Realistically, it was out of date that day it rolled off the printing presses, things can change quite rapidly in Korea!
My own personal recommendation for Korea highlights is that visitors should try and do a tour of the DMZ, and make sure it includes Panmunjom - it's a surreal experience, and proves the Cold War is not quite over yet. Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul is definitely worth a visit, and make sure you visit the museum next door. Another must see is the Buddhist temple complex Bulguksa at Gyeongju.
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24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Solid job, just not spectacular, July 29, 2004
This review is from: Lonely Planet Korea (Lonely Planet Korea: Travel Survival Kit) (Paperback)
Took this freshly minted book with me to Korea in June. It services all the main sights well, but there's a general lack of humor and real gritty insight throughout. For example, the Seoul chapter is a perfunctory list of sights, then a list of accomodation, then eating places, etc. etc. Much listing is to be found.
Very different from the main part of the book are the informative chapters on culture and history. These chapters, particularly the one about the North, are fascinating and very well done. Read the history sections for great context.
All in all, this will get you through korea. But once there, utilize tourist information and any locals willing to give you a hand. And hold on to those subway tickets!!!
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