Lonely Planet Korea (LONELY PLANET KOREA)

Rating:
Summary: Solid job, just not spectacular
Review: 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!!!