Safest Country so far - and I travel a hell of a lot
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I worked in the Republic of Korea and took my MA degree there - lived in Seoul in the north and PoHang in the South.
It's safer than London, or many parts of the USA, no violent crime or knife crime, although there are some perverts. Dress as you would if you want poeople to believe that you are a sober and modest young woman and you will be absolutely fine. Do not get drunk - the firewater "soju" is nearly free and very powerful, does bad things to you if you aren't used to it, and even worse things to if you become used to it. Most foreigners head for Itaewon where everyone speaks English - but beware there - a lot of dodgy areas and your biggest danger will come from foriegners, NOT native Koreas.
If you get the chance, check out the south of Korea - Keong-ju and other places there which didn't get flattened during the Korean war. Koreans are by in large helpful, friendly, and keen to practice their English, learning a few phrases such as please, thank you etc will be appriciated. You will be asked all the time if you are an American "Miguk"- the word for Englang is Yunguk. So to say you are from England is "Yunguk saram".
Korean public transport is the best I have ever seen - cheep, comfortable and you can get anywhere using it. Take the bus service into Seoul - ask how do do this at the airport when you arrive - rather than take the dodgy taxis.
I have a blog which covers some of this - google the Scottish Boomerang.Lucy 30 Jan 2009, 11:42 - Report