Before I begin my review, I would like to preface by stating that I was born in Seoul and raised there until I was 7. It has been six years since my last visit. The book overall is informative. It's probably the best short reading book for a tourist, which is unfortunate. I found some of the information to be incorrect, such as pronunciations of words and cultural observations. The book also gave me an impression that the recommendations made were given by an unsophisticated traveler. Again, it's easy reading and a good summary.

I was lucky enough to live in Korea for a year teaching English and while I was there, the LP Korea was pretty much my travelling "Bible". While other people may not consider it indepth in locations to visit, it still has more than sufficient details for your average visitor who is going to travel around for a month or two. I was working so my travelling time was limited to weekends, so as it was, the LP Korea was perfectly adequate for my needs. There was always plenty to see and do. I wanted to see the most important and interesting stuff, which typifies what Korea is all about. If you are going to be visiting Korea for an extended period of time, or living there, then maybe after a while the guide book may appear to be superficial. However, all the major regions are covered, including Jejudo Island (and North Korea gets its own section at the back). All the usual hotels, resturants and transport details are there, as well as the bog standard travel advice. So if you are a short term visitor, then the LP Korea will, in my opinion, be more than sufficient.

Besides, if LP does not meet your needs, the KNTO is reasonably well developed, with tourist maps and info of most destinations at railway stations, bus stations, and airports. At major tourist points, guides will speak english, and advise you of other interesting features of the area you are in. University students wanting practice their english are also good travel guides. I had my first introduction to Daegu in this manner.

I disagree with some of the opinions expressed by other reviewers of this book. To be realistic, the minute this title came off the printing press it was out of date. For example, one cannot expect all the eateries listed to still be there by the time an individual gets to Korea. When I lived in Kumi (or Gumi, which ever way you prefer) for a year, there was a resturant down the street from where I lived that changed ownership three times, being reincarnated as something different each time it reopened. Some places stay, some go. Nor can one expect all interesting destinations to be featured; what would people want more; a small compact book with sufficient info for tourists planning to be in country for 2 months or so or alternatively an immense brick like book jammed with enough destinations to keep a traveller travelling for years and which cost a bomb and throws your back out every time you lift it. I know which I prefer.

Some reviews of this book make it sound terrible. In fact, it's alright. You'll get the cultural and architectural information in much, much greater detail from the Moon Guide to Korea, and I think that's worthwhile. But you'll get lost if you use that guide; LP has better maps and practical information. So, with apologies to your wallet, I suggest getting both. If you're not going to leave Seoul, maybe just buy the Moon Guide and a map of Seoul; but still, you'll be missing LP's very practical recommendations.

I read a very positive review of this book in the newspaper, so I bought it for my granddaughter. The idea is good, but we are very disappointed in the quality of the book. There are various tabs to pull and a child can't pull them. One page can't even be pulled by an adult. Made sturdier, I think it could be a useful book.