|
|
|
On the Northeast Asian mainland, just across from Japan, it is a relatively small country, at 93,000 sq km, with a mainly Buddhist population of over fifty percent. Close to a third are atheists, with the remaining being mainly Christians and a mix of Confucians and Muslims. It is a hilly country, with a ‘moderate’ climate. Winters, from mid-November to early March can be chilly, while summer, which coincides with the rainy season between July and August, is hot and muggy.
Seoul, its capital city, is also it’s largest. It is located very close to the closed border with North Korea, a one time enemy which is now extending the olive branch. Citizens of both Australia and New Zealand do not need a visa if they plan to stay for 90 days or less. By and large, most visitors fly in and land at Incheon International Airport, rated the best airport in the world since 2005, some 70 km from Seoul, a popular destination full of tourist attractions and a base for short duration excursions. Everybody is in a hurry; you will rarely see a local person ambling casually or dining at leisure. The work ethos is all-pervasive and its industry truly dynamic. It has overtaken Japan in the small car segment and is competing in the sedan segment. |
Seoul has a number of palaces, with Kyongbokkung Palace more than 600 years old and which houses the National Museum. Most palaces are surrounded by well maintained gardens. There are shrines aplenty, each steeped in its own fascinating colourful history. Though English is spoken in most parts of the country as such, and in Seoul in particular, you might need a guide to give you best value for money; these guides can be booked in advance. Car boot sales are on daily at Dongdaemun Market, and night-life hunters will find plenty of areas that come to life only under neon lights. Seoul has its own ‘Tower’, from where you can get a bird’s eye view of all that comprises Seoul.
South Korea is at UTC +9 hours. Excursions include half-day trips to Pukansan National Park, with its temples; the Everland complex with the world-renowned Hoam Art Museum, a zoo and a theme park; and the ancient Suwon fortress cum city.
South Korea’s natural features like the peaks of the Baekdudaegan hill range, along with the historical caves of Danyang and Hwanseongul, draw many tourists. Beaches on its own coast and on the many small islands dotting the country see many visitors. The other popular spots are Andong, where the famous Folk Festival and Masked Dance Festivaltakes place every October and Busan (Pusan), the country’s largest port as you travel Eastwards from Seoul. During this trip, you will come across perhaps twenty National and Regional parks. Mount Halla, its highest mountain at 1950m is one hour from Seoul by air and thronged by the lovelorn. In the South lies the Temple of Haeinsa, on Mount Kaya, housing the Tripitaka Koreana, the most complete collection of Buddhist texts, engraved on 80,000 woodblocks between 1237 and 1248, and safely ensconced in buildings dating back from the 15th century.
Though the staple food is rice, South Korean cuisine is very different from that of China and Japan. For one, its soups and side dishes of vegetables, fish, poultry, eggs, bean-curd and sea plants are far spicier. You could try out its national dishes of Kimchi or Bulgogi, with a glass of Yakju, brewed from rice.
The country has two international airports and many domestic. Travel is facilitated by a good rail, taxi and bus services, good roads and an efficient car-hiring set up. Ferries are used to cross over to the many islands along the coast. Accommodation is not a problem, with a multitude of hotels in the two-five star categories. As always, booking in advance is recommended.
The South Korean Currency is the Won (KRW; ₩). Notes are in denominations of ₩100,000, 50,000, 10,000, 5,000 and 1,000. Coins are in denominations of ₩500, 100, 50 and 10. 1.00 USD=1,147 KRW. |
