From the moment I decided to use kimkim for a...
South Korea
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May 25 - Jun 6, 2024
From the moment I decided to use kimkim for a trip to South Korea for myself and a son who graduated, it was the best decision made!
Jessica Wang worked with me over the many months before our travel date. She provided recommendations and insights on hotels and cultural experiences, while kindly changing the itinerary based on additional requests we had.
It was a seamless experience from the planning stages to our time in Korea. There was even a room issue with our hotel on Jeju Island and she reached out to hotel staff and got us upgraded to a better room.
What I loved about Jessica while we were in Korea, were her daily check-ins and reminders. She worked hard and professionally to make sure our experience was exceptional—and it truly was! I'll actually miss our communications.
I'd like to mention our private tour guide Mr. Micky Park when we were in Seoul. He was funny, informative, patient, on time, and surprised us with our lunch menu both days we were with him. He also got us to our destinations safely and he takes the best pictures ever! I highly recommend visiting the Demilitarized Zone in South Korea.
A shout out to Kayla Kim for our large group tour to Gyeongiu Palaces during our time in Busan. She had high energy and wonderful suggestions for lunch and souvenir shopping. She took photos of our entire group and individually. I was amazed at how well she managed a group of 39 people.
Lastly, our small group tour guide Henry, in Jeju. This was a special moment of our trip because we were his only clients on the 2nd day with him. He tailored the trip per my request to see some sites from a Kdrama that was filmed on Jeju Island. He discovered new areas he hadn't been to on the Island and loved it. They weren't huge touristy areas, so it was more peaceful and seemingly breathtaking. We also met a local Jeju native, who mentioned eating at a local village restaurant that ended up being fabulous. Henry said the cooking was authentic and reminded him of his mother's cooking. We got to share a special bond with Henry we will never forget.
All three guides checked in with us a day or two before our tour took place, to include pickup location and drop-off, along with the itinerary.
South Korea is a wonderful country to visit, from tasty cuisine and hospitality to advanced technology and cultural experiences. We knew basic phrases in Korean and got around just fine, since there are Korean-English signs in most of the big cities. Many Koreans speak English (although, they don't want to admit it). Both my son and I loved it there so much we could live there.
I will definitely use kimkim for another trip to Japan. Hopefully, Jessica Wang will still be there!
Hotel Reviews
The hotel could benefit from updating their rooms. The first night we were there, we were placed on the 8th floor. There was a stong mildew smell and the insulation isn't the best, so you can easily hear your neighbors. We reached out to Jessica and she contacted the hotel staff. They kindly upgraded us to a 17th floor room that was slightly larger, cleaner and odor free. We were extremely grateful! If you stay at this hotel, it appears the higher floors are cleaner and better maintained. We also had a window we could crank open for ventilation.
This was a budget friendly, 4-star hotel, yet surprisingly nice! The location was central and close to subway stations. The staff were warm, inviting and professional. From the time we checked in, the front desk staff, house cleaning and restaurant staff maintained a welcoming and friendly attitude. The breakfast was good. I highly recommend this hotel.
Location, location, location! I really feel this was the best located hotel in Busan. It is right on the beach in Haeundae. It's a little pricy, but worth every penny spent! The staff are so kind, and they really want to make sure you have a wonderful stay. We especially loved the bell boys. I left my phone in a lobby bathroom and realized it 40 mins later, so I ran back to the hotel and there was a staff member in the lobby waiting with my phone! I thank the guest who kindly turned it into the front desk.
Activity Reviews
Everyone should add this to their itinerary when visiting Seoul. It is unforgettable.
This was our favorite day on Jeju Island. We were the only tourists booked this day for the small group tour, so our guide, Henry, was able to tailor the experience (per my request) to visit sites from a Kdrama that was filmed in Jeju. Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak was a nice hike and vantage point of Jeju. If your lucky, you might see Hayneos (women see divers), which we did this day. Loved the foot bath at the end of our day. Henry made this day a truly unforgettable experience. Even he, loved it because it wasn't his usual itinerary.
Although it was a large group tour, the tour guides managed it well. It starts and ends later, but there is a surprise that is worth the later hours!
Small group tour. We loved climbing the stairs up Eoseungsaengak Trail, visiting a Buddhist temple, waterfalls, then ending the day at a green tea farm. We packed a lot, but it was worth it.
The palace is majestic. We learned there are centuries of drama surrounding it. Our tour guide also told us some funny stories. Side note: If you get there at the right time, there is a changing of the guard ceremony.
