I noticed we have been having a lot of travel threads here recently… must be that time of the year again! Everyone thinking about how to get out of their winter-y towns. 
Anyways, my plan is to head for South Korea–in about a month. I live in Japan now, and South Korea is one of the closest and cheapest destinations around–I’ve always wanted to go there. I’ve already been to Taiwan and I think it will be interesting to see a comparison of these three most highly developed East Asian nations.
I don’t know how many people have traveled to South Korea for sight-seeing purposes, but I am pretty sure some people on the board have lived there… so feel free to chime in, anyone!
Anyways, I will be leaving on March 25th and spending about a week there. I will be going with my little sister who is coming to visit me in Japan, so I won’t be alone this time! I actually have to consider other people’s plans… Oh well. 
We have tentatively planned to spend about half the time in Seoul and then head down to Gyeongju/Kwangju (also known as Kwangju?) for a few days. I majored in East Asian art history and did a class on Korean art once, and Gyeongju is supposed to be like an “open air museum” of ancient Korean history, which is the main appeal for me. I’d also like to see the more rural and non-Seoul side of Korea.
Other than that, any recommendations for my trip? What kind of food should I eat? What should I see in Seoul and the surrounding areas? I am especially interested in history, good food, museums, etc. and my sister likes shopping and pop culture type things a great deal. Any advice about how to travel in Korea? Any particular things we should see? Are the tours to the DMZ worth it? (I am not exactly a big military history buff… but I do think North Korea is interesting.) Anything to watch out for?
Thanks a lot, in advance!