Binding: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 915
EAN: 9781566914185
ISBN: 1566914183
Label: Avalon Travel Publishing
Manufacturer: Avalon Travel Publishing
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 860
Publication Date: 2003-11-26
Publisher: Avalon Travel Publishing
Studio: Avalon Travel Publishing

South Korea is a marriage of ancient and modern: a shopper's paradise where secluded palaces hide amidst skyscrapers, and Buddhist figurines stand tall along hiking trails. How do you create your own mix of new and old? Moon Handbooks South Korea offers thorough coverage not only of major destinations like modern Seoul and the DMZ border area, but also of the country's 3,000 years of history nestled in its quiet temples, secluded palaces, majestic peaks, and emerald-green islands. Thoroughly revised and updated, this guide is packed with fresh information on sights, recreation, accommodation and dining options that cover a broad range of budgets and personal interests. Complete with detailed maps, fascinating sidebars, a newly expanded phrasebook, and a thorough introduction to the country's political and cultural history, Moon Handbooks South Korea is an intelligent choice for independent travelers wishing to experience everything this fascinating destination has to offer.

Customer Rating:
Summary: A LOT of information but maybe not for everyone..
Comment: There's sometimes something as too much information.
This book is definitely not short on facts, history and other bits of information about the country. It provides a wealth of information about Korea in general.

As far as a guide book goes though, I think it provides too many facts and bits and history and forgets that it's not a history book or a fact book but in fact, is a guide book which should highlight and review things for people that are going to that country for a visit.

Also, while this is South Korea, you would think a good amount of space would be for Seoul since that's where you're likely to spend most of your time or at least a portion of the trip but the Seoul section is in fact, quite short.

The book is an interesting read...definitely a good book. I don't quite think I'd consider it a guide book though..

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Customer Rating:
Summary: South Korea Handbook
Comment: This is a great book. Everything you need to know about the history, culture, etiquette, etc. is included. There are sections on all of the major cities with tons of detailed info on each city. Easy to follow transportation info is also provided. This book doesn't overlook a single detail!

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Don't buy this guide
Comment: I've been all over the world and have used Frommer's, Fodor's, Footprints. Lonely Planet, Let's Go, etc.Unless you want the details of Korean history and hiking trails, I found this to be the worst guide that I've ever used. Half of the web sites are defunct, there are almost no hotels and restaurants and the maps are the worst.If you DO want historical information about a country that you're about to visit, then get the Insight Guide--at least they have great pictures!

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Moon Handbooks South Korea Rocks
Comment: This thick little guide book is so concise, you'll find explicit descriptions of even the tiniest locale. Included with the detailed descriptions of hundreds of towns and cities throughout South Korea are directions on getting to various highlights (train/bus stations, tourist sites, restaurants, hotels) the only only issue being that this book needs an update to reflect inflation. My edition was published in 2003, five years before my purchase. Even so, this book far outdoes its equivalents in detail. One might say the only thing missing are a few color pictures for those desiring a more photographic approach to the tourist handbook. All in all, a highly recommended guidebook for those considering an extended stay or a vacation in South Korea.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Moon Handbooks South Korea
Comment: I bought this book before a one-week trip to the university of Pohang, Korea. I was hoping to find an introduction to the country and its culture, and also some information about sightseeing in Seoul and near Pohang.

I found the background information about South Korea a bit lacking. The book begins with a historic overview of Korea and South Korea, which is probably the traditional way of beginning a travel guide, but which is not the most interesting part. There are small pieces of information about South Korean culture here, but this doesn't always agree with what I observe on the roads (e.g. about clothing -- the book sounded as if Korea was very conservative, but people dress almost in Western style), and is also incomplete (e.g. no information about whether and when and what kind of tips to give).

There is no large map of Korea describing which cities are described in what part of the book, so I had to look through all chapters to find Pohang on the maps which begin each chapter.

I didn't find the book very useful. Browsing the web, looking e.g. at the CIA facts and Wikipedia entry about Korea, was almost as informative as this book.

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