South Korea. The Republic of Korea

is a state in northeast Asia, occupying the southern part of the Korean Peninsula. In the north it borders with the Korean People's Democratic Republic, in the east it is washed by the Sea of ​​Japan, in the south and southeast - by the Korea Strait, in the west - by the Yellow Sea. South Korea also owns several islands, the largest of which are Jeju, Jedo and Kojedo.

The name comes from an ethnonym used in the X-XIV centuries.

Official name: The Republic of Korea

Capital: Seoul

The area of ​​the land: 98.5 thousand sq. km

Total Population: 50 million people

Administrative division: 9 provinces and 5 cities under central jurisdiction.

Form of government: Republic.

Head of State: The president.

Population composition: 99% are Korean, there is also a small Chinese minority.

Official language: Korean.

Religion: 51.2% are Buddhism, 34.4% are Christians (Protestants), 10.6% are Catholics, 1.8% are followers of shamanism and Confucianism.

Internet domain: .kr

Mains voltage: ~110 V/220 V, 60 Hz

Country dialing code: +82

Country barcode: 880

Climate

Moderate monsoon. The average annual temperature is up to +5 C in the north and +14 C in the south. Summer is hot - 21-24 C (up to +35 C), with frequent and heavy rains brought by the monsoons from June to July. Winter is cold - up to -10 C on the coasts and -20 C in the central regions, with fairly little snow. Thaws are frequent. Precipitation averages up to 2000 mm. per year (in the north - up to 5000 mm, in Seoul - about 1500 mm), mainly in summer. The best time to visit the country is from June to October.

Geography

The state with a total area of ​​98.5 thousand sq. km is located in the southern part of the Korean Peninsula in northeast Asia. In the north it borders with the DPRK. In the east it is washed by the Sea of ​​Japan, in the south and southeast by the Korea Strait, in the west by the Yellow Sea.

The country's landscape is very diverse, 70% of the territory is occupied by low mountains stretching from north to south in the chains of the Sobek ridges ( highest point- Chirisan city, 1915 m), Gyeongsan (Nanmin Mountains, 2014 m), Kumgang (1638 m), Sorak (1780 m) and Taebaek (1546 m). The most high mountain point of the country - the city of Hallasan (1950 m), located at the very big island countries - Jeju.

The coastline is quite indented and framed big amount(more than 3 thousand) islands, especially along the western and southern coasts of the country. In the east the coastline is rocky and relatively straight, with small beaches at the river mouths.

Flora and fauna

Vegetable world

Thanks to the mild climate, Korea's vegetation is very diverse. In the mountains of Korea there are broadleaf and oak forests, which alternate with mixed forests and coniferous species. The most common tree species in forests are oaks, hornbeams, birches, lindens and other species, some of which are valuable.

There are fewer forests in South Korea itself. Ginseng is very common here in the foothills. And oaks, maples, and ash trees grow in the mountains. Lianas and lemongrass, as well as wild grapes, are often found on tree trunks. Below, along the bottom mountain belt Dense pine forests grow. On the territory of the subalpine belt there are beautiful alpine meadows, near which many shrub trees grow. By the way, Korean pine, found in the forests of Korea, is the most expensive tree species.

In southern Korea there are many evergreen trees, such as the Japanese camellia. Summer green trees such as chestnut are also very common. In total, the flora of Korea has more than 4 thousand varieties. This despite the fact that in the twentieth century they were cut down large areas forests Bamboo grows in the valleys, the shoots of which grow up to 10 meters.

Animal world

The forests of South Korea are inhabited by foxes, wild boars, gorals, roe deer, sika deer, wapiti, weasels, otters, squirrels, and sometimes you can see tigers, leopards, lynxes and Ussuri and white-breasted bears. Coastal areas have the greatest diversity of birds: passerines, herons, cranes, storks, geese, ducks, waders, gulls, cormorants, razorbills, guillemots and guillemots.

In addition, on the territory of South Korea there are such birds of prey as the Kamchatka eagle, and large birds of the gallinaceous order - pheasants, black grouse and hazel grouse. In coastal and inland waters The country is home to several hundred species of fish.

Attractions

Korea, with its picturesque nature, mountains, beaches and rivers, with a rich cultural and historical heritage, is one of the most interesting countries in terms of tourism South East Asia. Here you can see ancient Buddhist monasteries, royal palaces, sculptural monuments, pagodas, archaeological sites, forts, folk villages and numerous museums. And the picturesque nature and carefully preserved habitat give the country a special charm.

Banks and currency

Vaughn (W, KRW). In circulation are banknotes of 50,000, 10,000, 5,000 and 1,000 won (often called simply "jeon", meaning "thousand") and coins of 500, 100, 50 and 10 won (coins of 5 and 1 won are now almost are not used and after the 2009 denomination are taken out of circulation).

Banks are open on weekdays from 9.30 to 16.30, on Saturdays until 13.30. Closed on Sunday. ATMs are open from 9.30 to 22.00, and some are open 24 hours a day.

Money can be exchanged at specialized banks exchange offices and in large hotels. US dollars are accepted in many small shops and markets on the same basis as local currency, but department stores and large stores do not accept dollars at all.

VISA, American Express, Diners Club, Master Card and JCB credit cards are accepted everywhere. Travel checks can only be cashed at banks or offices of large international transport and travel companies.

Bank checks with denominations of 100 thousand won or more are also used, but when paying with them, you need to indicate your passport number, address and telephone number in Korea on the reverse side, so if you do not have a residence permit, payment by checks is almost impossible.

Useful information for tourists

The traditional system of hierarchy and respect for elders is still of great importance in all walks of life. Direct questions about age and marital status are considered commonplace, as they allow the Korean to get an idea of ​​the interlocutor and his place in the hierarchical system of society. Koreans avoid expressing emotions in public or laughing loudly in front of older people.

Greetings are always pronounced with a slight bow, the depth of which depends on the position of the speakers. When meeting, both the right and left hands are presented and shaken, although preference is given to the right - the left hand is placed under the right. Failure to comply with this rule may be considered impolite. More common is a simple nod of the head, as well as a slight or respectful bow (depending on who is greeting whom). Usually they don’t look you directly in the eyes - it is perceived, rather, as a threat or an attempt to exert psychological pressure.

Here they almost never say “thank you” or “you’re welcome”, so as not to embarrass the person doing the favor. When gifts are brought, they are quietly left at the entrance, rather than shown to the person for whom they are intended. No one will also apologize if they accidentally push someone they meet on the street or step on someone’s foot. Public displays of affection, such as kissing and hugging, are considered obscene.

They don’t start eating at the table until the oldest person arrives, and everyone stands up when he leaves the table.

You should not leave chopsticks in the rice during a meal, as this is associated with funerals. You cannot write names in red ink - this is how the names of the dead are written. Traditionally, Koreans sit, eat and sleep on the floor. Therefore, when entering a Korean home, you must always take off your shoes. You cannot stand on the threshold to prevent evil spirits from entering.

You cannot talk about divorce, death or ruin even as a joke, so as not to incur evil fate on yourself. It is considered rude to be bare-legged in the presence of elders, so it is recommended to always wear socks or stockings when visiting a Korean family.

Tips are not accepted in restaurants; payment is made not with the waiter, but at the cash register, which is located at the exit. There is usually no menu as such in Korean restaurants; all the names of dishes and their prices are indicated on a special table that hangs on the wall. Tipping is only given in large international hotels.

In elevators of multi-story buildings there is no fourth floor (the word “sa” - “fourth” sounds the same as “death”), so it is usually designated by the letter “F” or the third is immediately followed by the fifth floor.

A relatively small country with its history, picturesque nature, and cultural heritage has a lot to offer tourists. Set against the backdrop of a beautiful natural landscape, there are numerous ancient monasteries and temples, royal palaces, sculptural monuments, pagodas, archaeological sites, fortresses, archaeological sites, folk villages and museums. Nowadays South Korea is a country of the future that has firmly established its high position in the international arena. Its semiconductors, automobiles, shipbuilding, steel and IT industries occupy leading positions in global markets. This country hosted the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul and the 2002 FIFA World Cup, which was held jointly with Japan. IN Lately Korean television dramas, films and music are gaining more and more fans in Asian countries, creating a phenomenon called the “Korean Wave.” Korea's new position in the international community was further strengthened when the country became the first Asian country to chair the G20 Summit and then host the G20 Summit in Seoul.

Information

• Independence date: August 15, 1945 (from Japan)
• Official language: Korean
• Capital: Seoul
• Largest cities: Seoul, Busan, Incheon, Gwangju, Daegu, Daejeon, Ulsan
• Form of government: presidential republic
• Territory: 100 210 km²
• Population: 51,413,925
• Internet domain: .kr
• ISO code: KR
• IOC code: KOR
• Telephone code: +82
• Time zones: KST (UTC+9)

Geography

Situated on a peninsula, South Korea boasts picturesque valleys, mountains, rivers and sea ​​beaches. The country stretches from north to south for more than 1000 km. The total area of ​​the Korean Peninsula is 223 thousand 170 square meters. km, which is approximately equal to the territory of Great Britain or Ghana. The Republic of Korea occupies an area of ​​100 thousand 32 square meters. km or about 45% of the total area. Mountainous areas occupy two-thirds of the entire territory and are comparable in area to Portugal, Hungary or Ireland.

Population

As of April 2014, the population of Korea was approximately 51 million 202 thousand 130 people (source: Ministry of Administration and Security). Most of population lives in major cities. In order for the population concentrated in large cities to move to the regions, the Korean government has been conducting a program to transfer government institutions to the provinces from 2012 to 2014.
The most famous Koreans today are the first female president of the Republic of Korea, Park Geun-hye, singer PSY, who conquered the world with the hit “Gangnam Style,” as well as figure skater Kim Young Ah, who became the champion of the Winter Olympics in Vancouver in 2010 and the World Championships. figure skating in 2013. Thanks to the widespread spread of the Korean Wave, groups of popular performers such as Girls’ Generation, SHINee, actors Kim Soo-hyun, Song Joong-gi, etc. have become popular all over the world.

Climate

The climate is characterized by a clear division into seasons. Spring and autumn are quite short and warm, with the most sunny days occurring from March to May. Summers are hot and humid, temperatures can reach up to +35 °C. In summer, people enjoy going to the beaches to escape the heat and have a good time. The monsoon season ("chanma") usually begins in late June and continues until mid-to-late July. August is hot and humid. In autumn, the mountains are dressed in a multi-colored blanket of crimson and gold foliage - this is the most beloved time of year for Koreans. Winters are cold (up to −10 °C) and dry, with periodic precipitation in the form of snow or rain. Best time to visit the country - the period from the end of April to October. The ski season opens at the end of November and lasts until April.

Currency

The monetary unit is the won. There are banknotes in denominations of 1000, 5000, 10000 and 50000 won and coins of 10, 50, 100 and 500 won. Banks are usually open from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ATMs operate 24 hours a day. Most major department stores, hotels and restaurants in the country accept major international credit cards for payments. However, tourists are advised to carry some cash with them, as smaller establishments and shops may not have the equipment to process credit card payments.

Difference in time

Time in South Korea is 5 hours ahead of Moscow.

Language

The main language is Korean. IN tourist areas speak English calmly.

Religion

The main religions in South Korea are traditional Buddhism and Christianity, which has recently entered the country. Both of these movements were strongly influenced by Confucianism, which was the official ideology of the Joseon Dynasty for 500 years, as well as shamanism, which was the main religion of the common people of Korea. According to statistics collected by the South Korean government in 2003, about 46% of the country's residents do not follow any religion. Christians make up 29.3% of the population (18.3% Protestants, 10.9% Catholics), and Buddhists make up 22.8%. Seoul is home to the most visited Christian church in the world -
Yeouido Full Gospel Church, with over 750,000 weekly members and visitors, adherents of other religions make up about 2.5% of the religious population. These are mainly followers of the Wonbulgyo school (Won Buddhism), and the Cheondogyo school, which combines elements of Taoism, Confucianism and Christianity. Confucianism is practiced by a small number of believers, but features of its influence can still be seen in the way of life of Koreans. About 0.5% of the population adheres to the Unification Church, founded by Sun Myung Moon. There are also about 40 thousand Muslims in South Korea (0.1% of the population). There are also Orthodox Christians in Korea. Historically, the mission of the Orthodox Church began its existence at the end of the 19th century. The first leader of the mission who made significant efforts to establish Orthodoxy here was Archimandrite Chrysanthus (Shchetkovsky). Currently, the Orthodox Church in Korea is under the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Constantinople. The head is Metropolitan Sotirios. The parishioners are mainly Orthodox people who came to Korea for temporary work, as well as women from Russia who married Koreans. Also, Koreans who moved from Russia to historical homeland and a number of native Koreans

Relief

The highest point in South Korea is the Hallasan volcano (1950 m), located on Jeju Island. The east and center of the country are occupied by the East Korean Mountains. They consist of axial (Taebaek, Gyeongsang) and lateral (Sobaek, Noryong, Charyong) mountain ranges. Highest altitudes have mountains Chirisan (1915 m) on the Sobaek ridge and Seoraksan (1708 m) on the Taebaek ridge.
In the west and south of the country there are small plains and lowlands, in which most of the population of South Korea is concentrated.
Korea has only small deposits of gold, silver, tungsten, iron ore, lead, zinc, graphite, etc. Most of the resources have to be imported from abroad.

Vegetation

Only about 3,400 species of higher vascular plants are found in North and South Korea. Most of the country lies in the zone of subboreal (typical and pre-subtropical) landscapes with predominantly broad-leaved, coniferous-deciduous and pine forests. In the coastal regions and low mountains of the peninsula, anthropogenic landscapes and secondary forests, poor in composition, have spread in place of rich indigenous vegetation. On Jeju Island there is a zone of subtropical landscapes with remnants of subtropical forests, in which, in addition to deciduous trees, there is a significant proportion of evergreen and heat-loving coniferous species.
Due to the cold “breath” of Siberia in the subtropics of Korea, the native species of palms, citruses, bananas and mangroves that survived in Japan became extinct. Currently, palm trees, citrus and bananas are used in urban landscaping and gardens in the country. There are also artificial forest plantations of metasequoia, cryptomeria, kuningamia, cypress and podocarp, some of which grew here before the Ice Age.
However, a large number of coniferous, deciduous and evergreen tree species were able to survive the Pleistocene cooling. Read more about them in the article: Geography of the Republic of Korea.

Story

The history of South Korea begins with the Soviet-American agreement in the late summer of 1945 on the division of spheres of influence on the peninsula. According to this agreement, the part of Korea south of the 38th parallel came under the jurisdiction of the United States, while the northern part came under the jurisdiction of the Soviet Union.
Under the Constitution of the Republic of Korea, the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea in exile during the Japanese occupation is considered the legitimate government of the country between 1919 and 1948. The country's history alternated between periods of democratic and authoritarian governance. The civil governments in the country are numbered from the First Republic of Syngman Rhee to the current Sixth Republic. The First Republic, democratic at the beginning, became increasingly autocratic until its end in 1960. The Second Republic was based on democratic principles, but was overthrown in less than a year, after which a military government took over the country. The Third, Fourth and Fifth Republics were nominally democratic, but are believed to have been continuations of military rule. With the establishment of the Sixth Republic, the country's governance returned to democratic lines.
Since its founding, South Korea has come a long way in the development of its education, economy and culture. In the 1960s, the country was one of the poorest in the region, while now it is a developed industrial state. Since the 1990s, Korean popular music, television dramas and cinema have become increasingly popular in other countries around the world, especially in Southeast Asia - a phenomenon known as the "Korean Wave".

Entertainment

Everland Park- that's three amusement park in one.

Festival World- a park where various attractions operate all year round and large-scale performances take place. And also, this is a place where you can fully enjoy the extraordinary beauty of the seasons. A number of festivals are held here, highlighting the beauty of each season: "Tulip Festival", "Rose Festival", "Summer Music Festival", "Autumn Festival" and "Winter Festival". The "World of Entertainment" consists of five theme parks: Global Fair (World Fair) - a town where you can do various shopping, American Adventure, Magic Land ( Wonderland), European Adventure and Equatorial Adventure.
Grandiose shows, the most incredible attractions changing one after another, you can find all this 365 days a year in Festival Word.

Caribbean Bay- This is a park water activities, foaming with the excitement of tropical seas and shores. Caribbean Bay is a world-class water theme park under... open air(and partially covered), where you can relax all year round. Here you will be transported to the distant 17th century seaport on the Caribbean coast, filled with tropical plants, shipwrecks, and other scenes associated with these exotic places and time. The water park is most famous for its artificial wave pool, which creates waves high enough for real surfing, and the “Lazy River”, which meanders past various attractions water park, and breathtaking descents along the chutes, where you will test your nerves to the limit.

At Speedway Park You will enjoy real car racing. Everland Park also houses the Ho-Am Art Museum, located on a picturesque hill - this is the largest private art museum in Korea, visiting which you will get the most complete understanding of the country's art history dating back 5,000 years ago.

Hot Springs- In Korea you will also find healing hot springs. Since ancient times, they have been considered an effective remedy for many diseases: arthritis, neuralgia, intestinal problems and skin diseases. But even if your health is completely fine, relaxing in the hot waters of a natural spring is an indescribable pleasure!

Skiing- Korea is rich and numerous ski resorts quite high level.

The largest number of ancient monuments is concentrated in Gyeongju, a city in the southeast of the country, the capital ancient kingdom Silla (57 - 935 AD). There is the oldest Buddhist temple, Bulguksa ("Monastery of the Kingdom of Buddha"), with the world famous Emille Bell (3.78 m in height and a little over two meters in diameter), built in 751-774, the main pavilion of Daeungjeon, as well as Tumuli Park, Oneun (Five Tombs), Cheomseongdae (the oldest surviving observatory), the tomb of the commander Kim Yu Sin and Namsan Mountain with pagodas and ruins of monasteries, Gyeongju National Museum and resort complex on Lake Pomun.
The unique cave temple Seokguram on top of Mount Thokhamsan, which served Silla as a natural defense against raids. The temple consists of a main domed hall, a small square antechamber and a fan-shaped corridor connecting them. The main figure in the center of the round hall is a statue of Buddha sitting cross-legged on an octagonal pedestal. This is the only cave temple in Eastern Asia where the main figure is located in the center of the hall. The main figure is surrounded by 39 bodhisattvas, 10 nahans (disciples of the Buddha), as well as devas and celestial commanders, symbolizing " Pure Land" - the abode of Buddha.

Haeinsa Monastery in Gyeongsangnam-do Province houses the Tripitaka Koreana (the most complete collection of Buddhist scriptures preserved in East Asia). Registered as a national treasure, the Tripitaka Koreana repository consists of two long buildings on the north and south that, together with two small outbuildings on the east and west, form a square. These buildings in the style of architecture of the early Joseon period are notable not only for their elegance, but also for their particularly unique design - their creators were able to ensure optimal ventilation in the buildings without any special devices, thanks to which the printed cliché boards were perfectly preserved after many centuries.

Seoul has four royal palaces from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) - Gyeongbokgung, Deoksugung, Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung - as well as the Piwon, or Secret Garden, adjacent to Changdeokgung Palace, with its superbly designed gardens and classical architecture. Currently, all palaces have been turned into museums and are open to the public (entrance fee is about $1). Next door to palace complexes The Jongmye Royal Memorial Temple is located where the memorial tablets of the monarchs of the Joseon Dynasty are kept. The main pavilion is called Jeongjeong (the longest wooden structure in South Korea), and a similar building built by King Sejong the Great (reigned 1418-50) was called Yeongnyeongjeong ("Pavilion of Eternal Peace"). Nowadays, memorial ceremonies in the main sanctuary are held once a year, on the first Sunday in May.
Also in Seoul are the National Museum of Korea, the Institute of Korean Classical Music, the National Museum of Folk Art, the Cultural Center named after. Sejong is the largest performing arts center (home to the Seoul Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra, Seoul City Traditional Music Orchestra, Seoul Municipal Dance Troupe, Seoul Municipal Choir and Seoul Municipal Youth Choir), Hoam Arts Center, Namsan Tower.

For lovers military history The large Military History Museum will be of considerable interest. The folk village, which is located 50 minutes from Seoul, offers tourists everything that is associated with the traditional way of life, it consists of houses typical of different Korean provinces. Regularly (especially on weekends) the village hosts all kinds of street performances, wedding ceremonies, funeral processions, circus acts, kite flying competitions, folk dances, and competitions in traditional sports.

Located on the coast Sea of ​​Japan(approximately 200 km east of Seoul) Seoraksan Mountains, are part of the Kumgangsan (Diamond Mountains) range, considered one of the most picturesque places in the world. The Seoraksan Mountains are stunning with the pristine beauty of their landscapes. Thanks to winter sports, the area has become a year-round resort. Besides alpine skiing, the most popular sports are swimming in the summer and mountaineering in the fall.

In the ocean, about 100 km. from south coast peninsula, located Jeju Island- a popular resort that has a mild tropical climate, its vegetation and landscape are strikingly different from the mainland of Korea. The main attraction is Mount Hallasan, the highest on the island (1950 m.), which is an extinct volcano with a crater on top. Flows of solidified basaltic lava formed many tunnels, pillars and other bizarre formations on the slopes, as well as numerous volcanic caves.

Ganghwa Island in the Yellow Sea is famous for its historical monuments and magnificent nature. Among the main attractions of the island are the altar, built according to legend by Tangun, the legendary founder of the nation, fortress walls and forts of the 15th-19th centuries, an ancient oven of the 13th century. for the production of celadon, dating back to the Goryeo period, Jeongdeungsa Monastery. Beaches east coast, located along shallow waters with weak coastal currents, are considered the best in Korea.

Seoul is one of largest cities world - famous for its amusement parks, many of which are rightfully considered the best in the world.

Lotte World Park - indoor Disneyland. One of 4 located in Seoul. An entrance ticket allows children to have fun all day long on any of the attractions, of which there are more than 60 in the park. "Roller Coaster", a raft ride along underground river, active volcano with a waterfall, travel to hot-air balloon, skating rink with artificial ice(skate rental is free), a laser show, a boat trip in the footsteps of Sinbad the Sailor, a huge number of shops, cafes, a carnival of cartoon characters twice a day - all this captivates people of any age.

Seoul Land is an open Disneyland located in the suburbs of Seoul, surrounded by mountains. The "oldest" amusement park. Fountains, a river with rapids and a sea of ​​chrysanthemums in all colors of the rainbow, a roller coaster with 2 loops, a water slide, a shooting gallery, monsters, electronic games, a cinema hall in which any visitor has the opportunity to take part in "star wars" while on board the spacecraft. Next to the park there is a large zoo, which you can explore not only by walking through it, but also from above cable car. Cost - 30 USD/person, incl. admission ticket for all attractions during the day.

Caribbean Bay is the world's best water amusement park. A complex system of countless outdoor and indoor pools, including those with artificial waves, dizzying turns water slides, the excitement of windsurfing - not every adult can resist such temptations. There is only one problem with children in this park: they don’t want to leave here. Here you can also visit a sauna and a jacuzzi with water from mineral springs, and a solarium.

Everland is the largest park in Seoul - a kaleidoscope of exciting experiences. Here you can visit the zoo and medieval castle, watch a flower festival, safari and even fly in a helicopter! There are also many incredible attractions here - roller coaster, whirlpools, haunted castles.

The Chunhyang Festival is held in Namwon in May, 70 km northeast of Gwangju. On an improvised stage, the actors reenact the ancient Korean legend about the unhappy love of the daughter of a simple artist Chunhyang and the son of a local ruler, who got married secretly from everyone, but soon, by the will of evil fate, were forced to separate forever. During the Chunhyang Festival, a song competition is held that tells the tragic story of this love.

Documentary about South Korea

Source. karlson-tourism.ru, wikipedia.org, panasia.ru

Excursions in Korea from private guides and travel agencies.
Online ordering on Pomogator.Travel: no intermediaries or prepayments!

Republic of Korea or South Korea, consists of the southern part of the Korean Peninsula in East Asia and many islands located off the western and southern coasts. South Korea's largest island, Jeju, is also home to the country's tallest mountain, measuring 1,950 meters (6,398 feet). The country's terrain is mountainous. The main demographic and industrial centers are located in the northwest (Seoul-Incheon region) and southeast of the country.

It has been established that Koreans descended from the Mongolian race. Periods of occupation also added Chinese and Japanese blood to the country's gene pool. But, despite all the borrowings from other cultures, Koreans have retained their language, culture and customs. The Korean language belongs to the Ural-Altaic family of languages, which also includes Turkish and Mongolian dialects. Although the Korean language contains many words borrowed from Chinese, structurally the two languages ​​are very different. Linguistically, the Korean language is rather closer to Japanese.

South Korea is generally often called the “land of opposites” - it combines ancient Eastern traditions, age-old wisdom of many generations and the most modern achievements of science and technology. So, being in the center of Seoul, you can easily experience the country's 5,000-year history through colorful palaces and temples, while South Korea remains a rapidly developing country in terms of industry, trade and commerce.

The best regions, cities and resorts of Korea

Although South Korea is a small country, it has something to see for tourists from every corner of the world. One of the 7 new natural wonders of South Korea is considered an island that all visitors strive to visit, but sea ​​waters, the surroundings are full no less interesting islands with breathtaking scenery and rich fishing opportunities.

Gangwon Province is famous for its pristine nature and national parks, of which rocky Seoraksan is the most visited. Also, while in South Korea, you can go to pristine beaches and visit the mysterious caves that surround the small town of Samcheok.

Everything in this country is interesting and colorful - shopping centers and markets, ancient palaces and Imperial gardens, numerous provinces and islands. However, if you try to visit one local island per day, it can take more than nine years (South Korea has 3,358 officially designated islands along its entire coastline).

Tourists are curious about the demilitarization zone of Korea, the folklore of the villages of Andong and Hahoe, National Museum and historical sites of Gyeongju Province and much more. After all, South Korea is a place where tradition and modernity coexist, respect for the culture and history of the country, worship of the heritage of ancestors and a thirst for constant development.

A popular place to visit is the Korean Village. Visiting it is an opportunity for a unique insight into the past. Here are fully functioning houses of farmers, nobles, and reconstructed houses from every province in Korea. It is home to a community of blacksmiths, potters, weavers and many other artisans who continue to live...

Video from Korea

How to get to Korea?

Unable to travel to Korea by road or by rail, the vast majority of travelers arrive at the sparkling Incheon International Airport; which is on international flights often referred to as "Seoul Incheon". The country's two largest airlines are Korean Air and Asiana, which operate direct flights to a number of destinations around the world. Seoul is increasingly being offered as a stopover for trips around the world, and South Korea itself is served by dozens of international carriers. Fares increase during the summer months and at Christmas. An exit tax applies when leaving Korea, but this will almost certainly be factored into the ticket price.

The only way to get to South Korea by sea is from China and Japan. A number of Chinese ports from which ferries operate serve Incheon, and Japanese carriers offer sea delivery to Busan. Those arriving by ferry will be rewarded with the most beautiful panoramas of the Korean coastline around Incheon.

Although South Korea is part of Eurasia, and is technically connected to the rest of it by rail, the presence of a demilitarization zone (DMZ) and North Korean customs means that the country is currently inaccessible by land. However, if you're heading to or from China or Japan, you can use a combination train and ferry ticket, which offers significant discounts.

vaccinations: Tourists do not need to be vaccinated.

How to comfortably move around Korea?

traffic: car rental: Taxi: The most popular type of transport. Seoul taxis are divided into regular and luxury. A regular taxi charges 1,000 won (a little more than a dollar) for boarding and the first 2 kilometers, then 100 won for 400 meters. From midnight to 4.00 - 20% extra charge.

buses: On intercity buses you can get to any city in the country.

hitch-hiking: airports: international Airport Incheon. The airport is located very close to the border with North Korea - only 40 km. This revealed the cunning idea of ​​the South Koreans: on the one hand, the location for the airport was, of course, not chosen by chance; such proximity to the most strategically important transport hub in South Korea was supposed to demonstrate a level of trust to North Korea and become a kind of sign of friendship.

airlines: railway: The national railway company provides passenger services between the main cities of the country.

ports: Marine passenger ships ply between cities located on the coast.
Sea cruises are one of the most interesting ways to travel around Korea. Ferries connect Busan and Jeju-do, Mokpo and Hongdo, Pohang and Ulleungdo waterways.

Where is the best place to stay when traveling around Korea?

Korean hotels are divided into classes - super deluxe, first class, second class and third class. Connoisseurs of comfortable living in South Korea, of course, are offered expensive hotels, which can be found in all cities and major tourist areas of the country - in every major...

Climate in Korea

When traveling around Korea, you need to take into account the distinctive features of the local weather conditions. Thus, winters here can be especially harsh, summers can be filled with heavy rains, and spring and autumn sometimes amaze with yellow dust storms that fly from all over the Yellow Sea. The weather can sometimes seem apocalyptic, but Koreans deal with it simply by wearing the right clothes.

Plan your trip to Korea according to seasonal changes, and this country will not disappoint you. Korea's climate is colder than most countries located along the 38th parallel. Like most countries in the northern hemisphere, it has four seasons, with colder weather in December and January and warmer weather in June and July. Naturally, cities in the north such as Seoul and Incheon have climates that are several degrees cooler than cities in the south such as Busan.

In contrast, Jeju Island in the southern Korean Peninsula has a subtropical climate. Here, as a rule, it is always 5-10 degrees warmer than in the mainland. Winters in Korea are long, dry and very cold, with regular snowfalls and average temperature low of 14 degrees Fahrenheit in January. Summers are usually warm, humid and rainy. Most tourists prefer milder weather and visit South Korea in spring and autumn, when rainfall is lower and temperatures are comfortable and pleasant. The rainy season in Korea is called changma and lasts from July to August. This is typhoon season, which can bring severe storms and cause serious flooding. Seasonal yellow dust appears in South Korea in spring and autumn. The dust comes from Mongolia and China, from the Gobi Desert during seasonal winds and hangs in the air for several days. During this time, Koreans wear surgical masks when going outside to protect themselves from dust.

National cuisine of Korea

Korean food is one of the healthiest on earth, with the main emphasis being on vegetables, rice, meat and spices. Dishes are usually prepared quite quickly, simply and without a lot of oil, but with a generous addition of kimchi, beloved by Koreans. Most of the food that exists in Korea today comes from royal and traditional cuisines.

The food is usually a harmonious combination of fresh ingredients, just the right temperature and spices. The cornerstone of Korean food is rice, which is the basis of almost every meal, although sometimes it is replaced by noodles (though also rice noodles). Since Korea is a peninsula, seafood is also very popular here.

Beginning with a ritual bowl of rice and soup, the main meal is built around numerous side dishes. The number of side dishes can vary from two to a dozen or more, but daily meals will include at least some of them. All dishes are served at once - for example, a Korean banquet consists of many dishes prepared in various ways, including steamed, simmered, fried and stewed, and sometimes served raw.

Tourist safety in Korea

South Korea is one of the most safe countries for tourists, however, there are nuances that should be taken into account when traveling:

Typhoon season in South Korea usually lasts from June to November. Visitors to the country should monitor the progress of approaching storms and follow the instructions of the authorities;

Dust pollution is quite common in South Korea during the spring months. When dust particle levels are high, residents and visitors are advised to stay indoors as much as possible, close windows and drink plenty of water. This is especially important for older people and people with respiratory problems;

If you want to enter North Korea from South Korea, you will need a special permit.

South Korean authorities sometimes conduct nationwide civil emergency drills. At this time, sirens sound everywhere, transport stops, and people take refuge in metro stations or basements.

History of Korea

According to Korean legend, the god-king Tangun founded the Korean nation in British Columbia back in 2333 BC. By the first century AD, the Korean Peninsula was divided into the kingdoms of Silla, Goguryeo, and Baekje. The Kingdom of Silla unified the peninsula in 668 AD. ...

South Korea: souvenirs

The best way remembering a place means buying memorable souvenirs. When visiting South Korea, you can find many interesting items to purchase that will remind you of your trip for a long time. People usually bring from Korea local porcelain, leather goods, paper fans and lanterns, calligraphic...

South Korea: fun facts

• Like many Asian countries, South Korea uses solar and lunar calendars and celebrates holidays based on both systems.
• The country uses the same time zone and is 9 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, the same as Japan.

• Most Koreans work Monday to Friday and then half a day on Saturday morning. Regular business hours are 9:00-6:00 during the week and 9:00-1:00 on Saturday.
• During national holidays, government offices and most businesses are closed, although many private shops and large department stores may remain open. The exceptions are the 3-day Lunar New Year (Seol-NAL) and Harvest Moon Festival (Chuseok) holidays, when almost everything except public transport is switched off.
• Although most people prefer Western clothing (suits and jeans), the national costume, hanbok, is still worn by many during national holidays.
  White clothing is preferred on a daily basis, while colored clothing is reserved for the upper class or for festive occasions.

The southeastern region of Korea is the richest in historical and cultural monuments. The Buddhist culture of the Silla era and the Confucian culture of the Joseon era are perfectly preserved here. In addition, you can better understand the history and culture of the country by visiting Korean museums. IN state museums a rich assortment of imperishable artifacts is presented, confirming the rich five-thousand-year history of Korea.

The hot summer in Korea occurs from June to early September. Among sea ​​resorts the most popular is Jeju Island. The mild tropical climate, lush vegetation and well-groomed natural beaches of the island are famous far beyond the country's borders.

Korea is an incredibly mountainous country with a lot of first-class ski resorts. Heavy snowfalls in the northern and eastern regions of the country annually attract millions of tourists who want to enjoy the view of snow-covered mountain hills and high-altitude slopes. The alpine town of Pyeongchang (Gangwon-do province) was selected as the venue for the Winter Olympic Games in 2018.

There are a great variety of hot springs throughout the country. Travelers can choose the best option for them from a wide variety of sources, ranging from city spas combining saunas and jimchilbangs (Korean public baths) to open-air hot springs located within water parks.

Korea has a large number of amusement parks and special theme parks. Lotte World in Seoul is one of the largest indoor amusement parks in the world, and Everland is renowned as one of the world's most visited theme parks.

Although Korea has a huge variety of shopping options in the form of department stores, shopping centers and duty-free shops, the true Korean shopping experience can only be experienced in traditional markets throughout the country.

If you are the type of person who enjoys picturesque natural landscapes, then Korea is ideal for your trip. There are about 21 national parks, including three marine park. Korea is truly real paradise for hiking lovers.

South Korea: Oops, gangnam style!

South Korea ( official name countries - Republic of Korea) famous ancient history And rich culture, royal palaces ancient dynasties and numerous fortresses, Buddhist monasteries and temples, healing mineral springs and attractive sandy beaches.

The amazing beauty of Korea's natural, historical and cultural heritage persists despite the country's difficult history. From megalithic ruins and ancient tombs to magnificent palaces and secluded Buddhist temples, a huge number of attractions and centuries-old traditions are included in the UNESCO list of protected World Cultural Heritage. These cultural assets represent a valuable inheritance from ancestors and serve as a reminder to future generations of the importance of national relics. Particularly noteworthy are the 40 royal tombs of the Joseon Dynasty, Changdeokgung Palace, Gyeongju Historical Areas, Seokguram Cave Temple and Bulguksa Temple, volcanic island Jeju and lava tubes.

But very close by you can see another Korea, whose life dynamics violate traditional stereotypes. A country where advanced IT technologies flourish, where life bustles day and night, where tradition and ultra-modernity coexist in interconnection.

The Korean economic miracle is called so deservedly. In the middle of the last century, South Korea was a poor state; the population here lived significantly worse than in neighboring North Korea. Now the South is one of the dozen largest economies peace, but there is no desire to even mention the North. Koreans themselves try not to think about their northern neighbor. According to the laws of the Republic of Korea, there is no such state as the DPRK at all. The Korean Peninsula is depicted on local maps as a single country, the media also avoids this topic, but the demilitarized zone near the border and the tunnels dug in the rocks by militant northerners to move tanks are one of the main tourist attractions of South Korea.

The Land of Morning Freshness, as Koreans like to call their homeland, invariably continues to amaze travelers. Ecological green tourism has recently become a hotly debated topic in Korea. Many regions of the country began to offer special walking and cycling tours, and also began to strive for slow development, implying the preservation of local natural values ​​and traditional way of life.

Of particular interest to tourists traveling in South Korea are such traditional events as Templestay and Hanokstay. Templestay is a unique opportunity to learn Buddhist culture by experiencing it own experience. This program offers you to break out of the shackles of hectic everyday life and feel inner peace. Cozy mountain temples, green forests and refreshing breezes are what makes temples in Korea so special. The Jogye and Cheongtae orders of Korean Buddhism provide the opportunity to live in Buddhist monasteries and join the ascetic lifestyle of monks.

Travelers interested in traditional accommodations and wanting to experience Korean hospitality should definitely try spending a night in a traditional Korean hanok house. Such houses are called living museums because they represent an outstanding example of architectural traditions ancient korea and social life of that era.