ME N FRENS PLAN TO GO TO KOREA BY END OF THIS YEAR..is it good/fun to go on our own or go with travel agency?

is south korea tourist friendly? i.e.in terms of public transports and accommodation? (in case, if we're to go by ourself). and how about the budget?..(from Malaysia)

I would definitely recommend the travel agency, unless you speak Korean or have a Korean lined up to help you get around. In that case I'd go on my own with the friends.

South Korea is not tourist friendly at all. The public transportation is cheap, but it's very crowded and not real easy for first-timers to use. There are loads of foreigners living in Seoul, and don't expect Koreans to go out of their way to help you. In fact, the people in Seoul can be quite standoff-ish to out of towners---even Koreans. I don't blame them since it's so damn crowded there. I've found Koreans in smaller cities to be much friendlier.
As far as the budget goes, bring as much as you can afford. Seoul is not cheap and you will find plenty of Koreans happy to take your money.

I've only been on an organised tour, but it just depends on how much of an independent type of traveller you are and for how long you are going. The public transport is easy to use though (in Seoul). However, I wouldn't describe Korea as a touristy place.
I went on a trip there when I lived in Japan. Japanese people like tightly packed schedules so we actually covered alot in five days.
Bear in mind that if you aren't an experienced traveller you can often get better deals through your travel agent and it is less stressful to arrange.

I recommend you to take the tour because your major problem would be the communication. No Korean speaks English/Mandarin/Cantonese/Malay fluently.

Although public transport system is easily accessible and there are some good reasonable accomodation, I would not say that South Korea is very tourist-friendly.

If you are travelling with someone who is Korean or who has been to Korea few times, then it should be ok by yourselves.

Regarding the budget, you need to set your budget first then plan how you are going to spend on the trip with your friends. However, it is most likely that taking a tour package would be much cheaper than your own free & easy trip.

For your first trip, please take my advice and go for a tour package or bring along someone who is familiar with Korea.

well, if it is your first time, better get a tour package.
it's hard to roam around there if you can't speak Korean.

bring a lot of money, because it is kinda expensive there. ^^

oh, don't worry, they are nice and friendly to foreigners ^^

FRENS dont let FRENS go to asia