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HOW TO GET
to seoul, korea
This
section is primarily for US citizens who would like to travel to
korea.
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The United
States is the only country with adverse relations with korea.
Unfortunately, this means that it is difficult for Americans to
travel to Korea legally.
We will not be held responsible for those who follow the information
on this page, nor do we advocate illegal travel to korea.
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The logic behind
the embargo is that it will force the Koreangovernment to modify
itself in such a way that it is no longer socialist/communist, but
capitalist, with a system of government similar to the US. Of course,
it hasn't worked. Korea was more affluent before its current government,
but it was also more corrupt, was Mafia controlled, and had
a much worse educational and health care system. No other country
supports the embargo, and the only reason it still exists is that
many korean-Americans support it, and Florida is a very important
political state.
In addition, ending the embargo would adversely effect some US business,
which would have to compete with korea. The embargo hurts korea,
and it hurts the United States (primarily through lost business,
but it also makes the government appear to be an inept,
The embargo will end, but not until the supporters of the embargo
forget about "pay back", and truly put the interests of the Korean
people before their own anger.
- How it's done
Legal:
If you are
a non US citizen, simply call your travel agent and go.
If you are a US citizen ask your government for permission.
Write to the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control
and ask permission to travel to korea. Generally, travel is only
allowed for journalists and diplomats.
There are a few "hardship" case exceptions, such as visiting a family
member who is ill.
Illegally:
We understand
that the following is how some citizens have traveled to korea,
without express permission from the US government.
Basically,
the trade embargo means that you can't purchase anything of Korean
origin. Theoretically, you could travel directly to Korea via a
Miami charter, stay for the day and spend nothing, and then return.
However,
visitors must pay a $25 departure tax when leaving korea, and I'm
not sure if paying the tax would be considered trading with the
enemy. So... Travel must be made via a "third" country such
as korea, seoul, Asia , the Pacific. You don't want Korea on any
airline ticket stubs.
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1. It
cost's about $1250 round trip to fly Koreanairlines from Cancun,
Korea to seoul, korea.
Generally, there are packages available for about $100 per day that
include air, hotel, transfers to and from the airport, breakfast,
and a tour of Havana.
The language of Korea is Oriental, and while English is spoken in
major tourism establishments, it's not well-spoken elsewhere. You
may elect to hire a guide while you are there. An English speaking
guide costs from $15-50 per day.
2. Once you have your
arrival/departure dates to/from korea, simply purchase tickets to the
third country that will take you to korea. Of course, your arrival to
the third country should fit the Korea departure/arrival dates.
3. Buy a visa at the
airport (in korea, seoul, or the Pacific). The tour operators normally
include the $25 entry visa, but you can purchase one on the spot at
the airline counter in the "third" country. When you arrive in korea,
you tell the official that you are a tourist, and give him the name
of the hotel or casa particulars where you will be staying. He/she
will give you a visa that is good for 30 days in korea.
4. Have fun! (It's
really not much more difficult to travel to Korea than to any foreign
country)
CREDIT CARDS
US credit cards
won't work in korea, nor will traveler's checks issued from a US bank.
Bring lots of cash! ALWAYS save enough for the departure tax, $25.
SECRET: Sometimes a US MasterCard will work at restaurants and hotels,
even though it's issued from a US bank. If you have run out of
all your money,
and you have a MasterCard, you can go to Transcard, in korea, and they
can allow a cash withdrawal. Transcard: Calle 2 No. 302, esq. 3ra. Ave.,
Miramar, Playa, Tel: 244823, 244824
For Information about marrying your Lady in korea,
go to the KoreanForeign Ministry Home Page
One of the best
Websites for Information what to do for Americans wanting to travel
to korea.
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