Lonely Planet Seoul (Seoul, 4th Ed)

Rating:
Summary: This book is very informative!
Review: I had lived in Seoul for a year without a guide book. When Lonely Planet's new edition of "Seoul" was released I decided to buy the book. At the time, I didn't think I needed the book because I thought I knew pretty much everything. Anyways, the book is turning out to be very helpful and interesting. I'm finding new and different things to do in a city that I thought I knew.

Rating:
Summary: Odd views on the Korean people
Review: I have been to Seoul several times, so my primary interest in using this book was to find places I haven't seen. For that, it was no help whatsoever. In the "places to see" section, it missed a number of interesting sights such as Tongmyo shrine, the Royal Tombs, and a number of others. It also gave threadbare descriptions of excursions outside Seoul. For example, I wanted to know how to get to nearby Kanghwa island. The book gives a few directions but then tells us to "ask how to get to such and such place." Why buy a guidebook with that advice? Even more infuriating, I noticed in the map section that it shows exactly how to get there, but the author failed to refer to his own map. I think this book needs to be fattened-up and re-edited.

Rating:
Summary: A threadbare and poorly written guide
Review: I have been to Seoul several times, so my primary interest in using this book was to find places I haven't seen. For that, it was no help whatsoever. In the "places to see" section, it missed a number of interesting sights such as Tongmyo shrine, the Royal Tombs, and a number of others. It also gave threadbare descriptions of excursions outside Seoul. For example, I wanted to know how to get to nearby Kanghwa island. The book gives a few directions but then tells us to "ask how to get to such and such place." Why buy a guidebook with that advice? Even more infuriating, I noticed in the map section that it shows exactly how to get there, but the author failed to refer to his own map. I think this book needs to be fattened-up and re-edited.

Rating:
Summary: A threadbare and poorly written guide
Review: I have been to Seoul several times, so my primary interest in using this book was to find places I haven't seen. For that, it was no help whatsoever. In the "places to see" section, it missed a number of interesting sights such as Tongmyo shrine, the Royal Tombs, and a number of others. It also gave threadbare descriptions of excursions outside Seoul. For example, I wanted to know how to get to nearby Kanghwa island. The book gives a few directions but then tells us to "ask how to get to such and such place." Why buy a guidebook with that advice? Even more infuriating, I noticed in the map section that it shows exactly how to get there, but the author failed to refer to his own map. I think this book needs to be fattened-up and re-edited.

Rating:
Summary: THIS BOOK IS GREAT!
Review: I planned a 7 day trip to Seoul, Pusan, and Tokyo with this book. I have found very details about places in especially Seoul. I find this book as a valuable when I travel. Recommended backpack, even businessman..

Rating:
Summary: Odd views on the Korean people
Review: Since there are not many guides on Korea and Seoul in particular, there isn't much competition and it shows. This book, relative to Frommers (which doesn't have a Korea guide), has some very brief descriptions of hotels and places to eat. The most unsatisfying part of the book is the outdated/mis-placed view of the Korean people. For example, the author has a brief section called "Macho Posturing" in which he states, "Watch out for aggressive locals [at night]...Some Korean men (like their western counterparts) can get very cocky after a few beers.' Well, if they are like their western counterparts, then why mention it? I doubt you will find a section like this in a guidebook to Canada. Very unfortunate.

Rating:
Summary: Good book, if somewhat dated and biased
Review: The authors' description of Seoul and Korean culture were mostly good and very colorful. However, the description of Itaewon was apparently based on a pre-1993 visit. I agree with most of their other conclusions. However, their presuppositions were showing

Rating:
Summary: Not useful at all
Review: While I usually never go anywhere without an LP guide in my pack, this one really disappoints. Detailed descriptions and directions are totally lacking. I was able to find out more from my own exploring and using the Korea National Tourist info, than from this guide. If you go to Korea, buy the Insight Guide to Korea for a very informative introduction, and not to mention a great read.