Lonely Planet Korea (Country Guide)

 (25 customer reviews)

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 Literally every single time I tried to follow the advice the book gave, the information ended up being incorrect or outdated or amazingly vague.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...Read more

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...Read more

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!!!