Korea. About South Korea What kind of country is Korea?

is a state in northeast Asia, occupying the southern part of the Korean Peninsula. In the north it borders with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, 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 Sobaek ridges (the highest point is the city of Chirisan, 1915 m), Gyeongsan (Nanmin Mountains, 2014 m), Kumgang (1638 m), Seorak (1780 m). m) and Taebaek (1546 m). The highest mountain point in the country is Hallasan (1950 m), located on the largest island of the country - Jeju.

The coastline is quite indented and framed by a large number (more than 3 thousand) of 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 lower 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 is despite the fact that in the twentieth century large areas of forests were cut down. 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. Several hundred species of fish live in the coastal and inland waters of the country.

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 Southeast Asia in terms of tourism. 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 in banks, specialized exchange offices and 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.

Brief information about the country

Date of foundation

Official language

Korean

Form of government

Presidential republic

Territory

99,720 km² (109th in the world)

Population

48,955,203 people (25th in the world)

South Korean won (KRW)

Timezone

Largest cities

Seoul, Incheon, Gwangju, Busan, Daegu

$1.457 trillion (12th in the world)

Internet domain

Telephone code

South Korea– this is what is usually called a beautiful, prosperous and distinctive country located on the eastern edge of Asia, in the southern part of the Korean Peninsula. The official name of the state is the Republic of Korea.

Video: Korea

Basic moments

Korea boasts an outstanding history, rich culture and stunning nature. Its shores are washed by the waters of three seas included in the Pacific Ocean - the Yellow, the Japanese and the Southern, as the Koreans themselves call the Korea Strait. Along the coast of the Sea of ​​Japan stretch the East Korean Mountains, whose numerous spurs cover the entire eastern half of the peninsula, creating intricate labyrinths. Closer to the southern shores, the mountain landscapes become so amazing that they have earned the reputation of the most picturesque places on the planet.

In the mountainous regions of the country, surrounded by dense forests, mountain rivers and lakes, there are ancient monasteries and pagodas, original villages. The natural wonders of South Korea are protected by the state and are part of national parks and reserves, without visiting which no trip around the country is complete.

The coastline of South Korea is literally dotted with numerous bays and bays; it is incredibly picturesque, which gives the local beaches a special charm. There are 3,000 islands scattered off the coast of the peninsula. Many are uninhabited, some have nature reserves or secluded beaches, and the largest island, Jeju, is the country's main resort.

The unique landscape and climate of South Korea have made it one of the popular skiing centers in the Asian region. Modern ski resorts have been built here, most of which turn into sports and fitness centers in the summer.

Many attractions located in the historical cities of Korea are on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and modern metropolitan cities amaze with their modern architecture and luxurious parks. Here you can have a pleasant time in entertainment centers, restaurants serving national cuisine, go shopping, and wander through numerous museums.

History of Korea

The history of the Republic of Korea begins in 1945. Then, after the fall of Nazi Germany, a conference was held in Potsdam with the participation of the leaders of the three largest powers of the anti-Hitler coalition - the USSR, the USA and Great Britain. Here it was decided to divide the territory of the Korean Peninsula into two zones - its northern part temporarily came under the control of the USSR, and the southern part found itself in the sphere of influence of the United States. In 1948, the division of the once united country was formalized legally, resulting in two states on the peninsula: the Republic of Korea (South Korea) and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea).

These countries, today unfriendly to each other, nevertheless have a common history. Archaeological finds discovered on the territory of both states indicate that even in the Stone Age, the Korean Peninsula was inhabited by related tribes. The first major political formation of these ancient peoples was the state of Joseon (VII–II centuries BC), which in historical literature is usually called Ancient Joseon (Kuchoson). Its territory extended to the northern lands of the Korean Peninsula and the south of Manchuria.

The poetic names of Korea - “Land of Morning Freshness”, “Land of Morning Coolness”, “Land of Morning Calm” - are a translation of the hieroglyphic spelling of the word “Joseon”.

In 108, Joseon was captured by the Chinese Yan Dynasty. However, the struggle of the local population against the invaders here did not stop for several centuries. Three hundred years later, several feudal states were formed in the south of the peninsula. The most powerful of them, Silla, conquered neighboring territories in the 7th century, and a state was formed on the Korean Peninsula with its capital in the city of Gyeongju. In the 9th century, as a result of civil strife, Silla broke up into several fiefdoms, but by the 10th century state unity was restored. The new Korean state was named Koryo.

In 1232, the peaceful development of the country was interrupted by the Mongol invasion. In the 14th century, after liberation from the Mongol yoke, the military leader Ri Seong-gye came to power, under whom Korea again began to be called Joseon. Beginning in the 16th century, the peninsula was repeatedly invaded by Japanese and Manchu troops, which led to the decline of the state. In 1910, the Korean Empire - the name the state received in 1897 - was annexed by Japan. Colonization continued until 1945

The last hostilities on the Korean Peninsula broke out in 1950. This time they were fought between North and South Korea. Three years later, both countries concluded a ceasefire agreement, and since then they have been separated by a demarcation zone, the width of which is 4 km and the length is 250 km.

In the post-war era, South Korea experienced periods of military dictatorship, authoritarian rule, and democratic rule. The modern period, called the Sixth Republic, began in 1987, when the country held direct presidential elections and restrictions on the activities of a number of parties were lifted. Despite political crises, the country's economy has grown at a high rate since the 60s of the last century, and today South Korea, along with neighboring Singapore, Taiwan and Hong Kong, is called an “economic tiger” that has made an incredible leap in development.

Religion and culture

The main religions in South Korea are traditional Buddhism and Christianity, which came here in the 18th century. Most Christians are Catholics and Protestants. One of the oldest religious movements on the Korean Peninsula - shamanism - today is represented mainly by ritual rites. Tourists can see such mystical acts during folk festivals and folk holidays. However, the ancient cult is not forgotten by Koreans of all religions: many of them, in times of trial, turn to shamans for advice and help.

More than half of the country's inhabitants are not adherents of any religion. However, the worldview of Koreans, regardless of whether they are religious or not, is based on the traditions of Confucianism, widespread in East Asia, an ethical and philosophical teaching developed in the 5th century BC. e. Chinese thinker Confucius. In the Republic of Korea, Confucian ethics mainly manifests itself in relationships between people. Standards of behavior in modern Korean society are based on the Five Rules of Relationships: between ruler and subject, father and son, husband and wife, old and young, between friends.

At first glance, you may think that Koreans are somewhat aloof and arrogant, but in fact they often simply do not notice people who are outside the framework of this system. But as soon as you are introduced to a Korean, the rules of relationships with friends will apply to you, and his indifference will be replaced by sincere goodwill.

The culture of South Korea also preserves ancient traditions. Korean music, although very similar to Japanese and Chinese, has its own structure, melody, rhythm and harmony. Traditional Korean music is based on two traditional genres: jonggak and minsogak. Chongak is the so-called “intellectual music”, which is characterized by a very slow tempo, the sound of one note lasts 3 seconds. Minsogak - music is fast, cheerful, full of drama. Improvisation in it, as in jazz, is a completely familiar technique.

The most famous Korean dances are mugo (an expressive couples dance in which participants accompany themselves on drums that hang from their necks), seungmu (dance of monks) and salpuri (spiritual cleansing dances). A separate genre of classical art are theatrical performances, during which masked artists dressed in bright costumes perform dances and stage plays, their plots based on folklore.

Music festivals and colorful performances are held in different regions of Korea throughout the year. They are especially often held from May to September. This period successfully combines traditional Korean holidays associated with the agricultural calendar with the peak tourist season.

South Korean culture has a strong presence in the visual arts. Chinese motifs and elements of calligraphy prevail in traditional painting; the best sculptural works of Korean masters are those depicting Buddha, and the influence of shamanism is evident in beautiful examples of wood carving.

Korean pop culture has been actively conquering the world lately. Countless series and films are shot in Korea, which are very popular not only in Southeast Asia, but also in other countries where people from this region live.

Tourism seasons

At any time of the year, the nature of South Korea is infinitely beautiful. Already in April, forsythia, azaleas, and cherries bloom here in magnificent colors, the weather is clear and warm, around +17 °C during the day. This month is one of the best for excursions around the country. In May, educational travel can already be combined with a beach holiday: the sea temperature on the southern coast at this time reaches +19 °C, and the air warms up to +22 °C.

Summer in Korea is warm but capricious. The first half of June is usually sunny and dry, but then the rainy season begins, which lasts until almost the end of July. But in August it gets hot. At this time, the country's beaches and resorts are especially crowded, because Koreans themselves go on vacation this month. In summer, daytime air temperature ranges from +27 to +30 °C, sea water temperature from +24 to + 27 °C.

In September, summer is not yet losing ground. This month is usually clear, but typhoons sometimes hit the southern coast of Korea. In October, the air temperature drops to +20 °C, and the mountains gradually dress up in decorations of crimson and gold foliage. It is at this time that it is pleasant to travel to national parks and mountainous areas.

In November, it gets significantly colder, and at the end of the month, resorts in South Korea begin to welcome winter sports enthusiasts. In the mountainous regions of the country in winter, the daytime air temperature fluctuates around 0 °C, at night it is usually –10...–8 °C. There are frequent snowfalls here, and in 1-2 days the snow cover sometimes reaches 50-60 cm. In the north-west of Korea, in the flat areas, it is several degrees warmer. In the south, winter is even milder. During the day it is +8...+10 °C, at night about 0 °C.

Cities and attractions of South Korea

The best place to start getting acquainted with the historical and architectural sights of Korea is from the capital of the country, its main economic and cultural center - Seoul. The city is located on the banks of the Han River, in the area where in the 14th century there was a small settlement of Hanyang, which eventually became the capital city of the ancient state of Joseon. The Korean capital has had its modern name since 1945.

The old district of the city is located on the right bank of the river, and it is here that most of the historical monuments are concentrated. First of all, it is worth visiting five famous palaces from the Joseon era: Gyeongbokgung Palace - the first of those built here (today the National Folklore Museum and the Museum of Royal Relics are located here), Changdeokgung Palace, reputed to be the most beautiful palace in Seoul, as well as the equally beautiful Deoksukung Palaces, Kenhikun and Changenkun.

The original Dongdaemun city gate, an example of the architectural style of the late Joseon era and a recognizable symbol of the capital of the Republic of Korea, also deserves attention.

On the right bank of the river there are also the royal temple-tomb of Jongmye, the main Catholic temple of the country Myeongdong, the Korean House, which hosts traditional performances and dinners with tasting of national Korean dishes, the Namsan folk village, the largest Buddhist temple of Seoul Chogyesa.

In the capital, it is worth checking out the Nyanjin market and wandering around the Amsadon archaeological park, located on the site where archaeologists discovered a site of primitive people. This area of ​​Seoul is home to the Grand Park Seoul entertainment center, which houses one of the world's largest zoos, the Seoul Land amusement park, and shopping and entertainment complexes. A popular evening entertainment among tourists is a cruise on an excursion ferry along the Han River.

From Seoul you can make an interesting journey to the demilitarized zone that separates South Korea from North Korea. The excursion includes visits to the city of Panmunjom, where negotiations took place between representatives of the two warring states during the Korean War, and a ceasefire agreement was signed.

Geographically, Seoul is located in the center of Gyeonggi Province, but administratively it is not included in it. The capital of the province is Suwon. From the main city of South Korea you can get here very simply - by subway. The historical center of Suwon is under UNESCO protection. The Hwaseong Fortress, built in the late 18th century by King Jeongjo, and the royal garden are located here. The dominant feature of the ancient stronghold is Hwaseong Hangkun Palace. Since 1789, it served as a place where royalty came to relax. Of the original buildings of the palace complex, only the Uhwagan Pavilion has survived. Today, a colorful spectacle takes place near its walls - the changing of the guard, intended for tourists. In the fortress itself, tourists have the opportunity to feel like ancient warriors: they are given the opportunity to shoot with a bow, light one of the 5 signal pipes installed on the stone fortress wall. In September there is a magnificent historical festival with a theatrical re-enactment of the royal procession.

Not far from Suwon there is a folk village, a kind of open-air museum where local craftsmen present their products. Shows with national dances are periodically organized here, and national rituals are demonstrated. In the village, tourists can taste Korean cuisine and shop at a local souvenir shop.

Very close to Suwon is the Everland amusement park. Here visitors can enjoy many attractions, a safari park, a water park, a race track, and an art museum. You can spend more than one day in Everland, and those who decide to stay here can stay in guest houses specially equipped for tourists.

West of Seoul, on the coast of the Yellow Sea, is located one of the largest port cities in Korea - Incheon. It is famous for its history. In 1904, in the neutral seaport of Chemulpo, as the city was called in those days, the Russian cruiser Varyag was on the roadstead among ships from different countries. In January, it came under attack from a dozen ships of the Japanese navy. Russian sailors, not wanting to surrender to the enemy, decided to sink the ship. This episode served as one of the casus belli for the beginning of the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905. And in the middle of the last century, during the Korean War, an American landing force landed in Inchon, subsequently breaking through the defenses of the North Korean army, which allowed the UN coalition forces to capture Seoul. This event became a turning point in the course of the war. You can learn more about the city's history by visiting the Incheon City Museum and Incheon Memorial Hall.

Incheon is home to Korea's largest airport, and the city's sea harbor is called the “Gateway of Seoul.” In 2003, a free economic zone was created here.

Incheon is a metropolitan city that includes several islands. Among them is Ganghwa Island, rich in attractions. On the island you can see ancient stone dolmens - burials of the Bronze Age, crowned with marvelous structures made of grandiose boulders.

In the Middle Ages, when the country was rocked by civil strife, unrest and military conflicts, Incheon became a refuge for the royal family and its retinue, becoming for a time the second capital of the state. Over the centuries, many defensive structures, monasteries, and palaces were built here. One of the most famous monasteries is Jeongdeunsa, founded in 327. From the 13th to the 14th centuries, within the walls of this temple, located on the slopes of Mount Jeongjok, the monks kept the sacred Korean scripture Tripitaka Koreana - the oldest and most voluminous set of Buddhist canons. Engraved on almost meter-long tablets, the sacred texts were the second “edition” of the Tripitaka Koreana, since the originals were lost during the invasion of the Mongol hordes. Among the most ancient attractions of the monastery is a huge pavilion, built in the 17th century, where you can see an original sculpture of a naked woman carved from wood, created by one of the craftsmen who took part in the construction of the temple. An ancient Chinese bell from the 11th century also attracts attention.

The city of Icheon is located in the southeast of Gyeonggi Province. It was glorified by the masters of pottery, which has ancient traditions here. In the city you can visit the exhibition pavilion, where original pottery products are presented and a craft village, where local craftsmen exhibit their creations and demonstrate the stages of production of products.

In the northeast of the Republic of Korea, along the coast of the East Sea, lies the Gangwon Province, known for its magnificent mountain landscapes, beautiful national parks, winter resorts and a picturesque coastline with magnificent beaches.

While traveling through this region, visit the city of Sokcho. By the way, it is well known to Russian tourists arriving at its port by ferry from the Far Eastern city of Zarubino. Sokcho is an attractive modern city with beaches, shopping centers, fish markets, hotels, and restaurants. Its main avenue stretches along the coastal strip from the Dongmyeon Passenger Marine Terminal to the south. Near the port there is a noisy fish market, the original Yonggeum-jeong gazebo, where romantics love to watch the sunrise, an ancient lighthouse with an observation deck and the picturesque Yengnan Lake. Along the banks of the reservoir there is a park - a favorite vacation spot for citizens and tourists. At the southern end of the avenue there is another beautiful lake - Choncho. Sorak Sunrise Park is located in this area, with fish restaurants nearby.

From Sokcho you can go to the Geumgangsan Mountains (Diamond Mountains). This area is located on the territory of North Korea, but, according to an agreement between the two countries, a special tourist zone has been established here, which has the status of a special province. It is impossible to get to Kumgangsan individually, so if you want to admire the local beauty, join an organized tourist group.

The peak of the mountain range is at an altitude of 1638 m. The slopes of the Diamond Mountains, falling almost vertically to the sea, are cut by canyons in which streams of water rushing along the rocky bottom form numerous cascades and waterfalls. The originality and beauty of the Kumgangsan Mountains is emphasized by the luxurious mixed forests of cedar pine, oak, hornbeam, maple, covering most of the mountains. In their central part there are ancient Buddhist temples, blue lakes, and mineral springs.

South of Gangwon Province is Gyeongsangbuk-do Province. In its northern part is the ancient city of Andong. During the existence of the Silla state, it was called Chinhan and was known as a stronghold of Buddhism in the country. There are many ancient monuments and Buddhist shrines preserved here. In Andong, it is worth visiting the Bonjeong Monastery, built at the end of the 7th century, the Museum of Soju - an ancient national alcoholic drink made from sweet potatoes, rice and wheat, the Hahoe folk village and the Tosanseowon Confucian Academy.

In the southeast of the province is the city of Gyeongju, which was the capital of the state of Sila from the 4th to the 10th centuries. The city is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Among the many historical sites located here is Cheomseongdae Observatory, built in 647. It is the oldest surviving observatory on the planet. Not far from the building is Tumuli Park, where the royal tombs are located, the oldest of which date back to the 3rd century AD. e.

Gyeongju is home to seven sacred mountains, the most famous of which is Namsan. Here the beauty of nature is harmoniously combined with man-made masterpieces. To explore Buddhist temples, pagodas, and images of Buddha carved in stone, inquisitive travelers will need more than one day.

In the north of Gyeongju, near Lake Pomun, there is a resort area with hotels, golf courses, shopping centers, and restaurants. In the vicinity of the city there is the Bulguksa Monastery and the Seokguram Cave Temple, built in the 8th century.

On the southeastern tip of Korea is the city of Busan. It is the second largest city in the country. Busan has long been known as the shopping center of Korea. Today its seaport is the main one in the country and ranks 4th in the world in terms of cargo turnover. One of the symbols of Busan is the grandiose Gwanan Suspension Bridge, which connects the two main districts of the city, located on both banks of Suenman Bay. Its total length is almost seven and a half kilometers.

Busan is also famous for its Jagalchi fish market. It consists of endless galleries of counters where you can buy fish that splashed in the sea waters just a couple of hours ago. There are also many cozy restaurants where you can taste the most delicious seafood dishes in Korea.

Not far from Busan there are two sacred places for Buddhists: Haeinsa and Thondosa monasteries. Haeinsa Monastery, founded in 802, houses more than 80,000 wooden tablets with the sacred texts of the Tripitaka Koreana, transported here from Jeongdeungsa Monastery. Every year the temple hosts the Tripitaka Koreana festival. Only on these days can one examine the sacred scriptures in close proximity. Thondosa Monastery, founded in 646, is famous for the fact that the teachings of Buddha have been transmitted to monks here for a long time. Even today, Buddhists preparing to take ordination undergo certification in the monastery.

The main Buddhist temple of Korea, Songwangsa, is located in South Jeolla province, near the city of Suncheon. The monastery, founded in 1190, houses Buddhist relics: a huge wooden rice porridge bowl, two giant junipers and a finely handcrafted temple bowl. There are many legends associated with these artifacts.

Summer rest

The sandy beaches of the Republic of Korea are renowned as some of the best in Southeast Asia. The only drawback of the beach season is that it is not very long: most beaches open in late June - early July, when the rainy season ends, and close in late August - early September. However, no one will forbid you to sunbathe and swim, it’s just that after the end of the holiday season, rescue services, showers, toilets no longer work on the beaches, and there is no opportunity to rent umbrellas and sun loungers.

The coastlines and seascapes of the western, eastern and southern coasts of Korea vary, but each coastline is beautiful in its own way and has its fans. Popular resort areas are also located on several islands located near the mainland coast.

It is worth noting that in South Korea there is no concept of a “hotel’s own beach.” All beach areas here are municipal. In addition, due to the continuous hilliness, only a few dozen hotels are located directly on the coast. Entrance to all beaches is free, and each has the same rates for renting beach equipment. Renting a table with an umbrella, a chaise longue and four chairs will cost you approximately $40. You can rent just one umbrella for $15, but if you don’t need all this, you can safely sit directly on the sand.

One of the most famous resort cities in the Republic of Korea is Gangneung. It is located in the east of the country, on the coast of the Sea of ​​Japan. There are two popular beaches here - Jumunjin and Chendongjin. Chumunjin is a fairly quiet place, mainly couples with children relax here: the entrance to the water is gentle, and the sand is fine and very soft. On Chendongjin Beach the crowd is more diverse and noisy. Directly in the beach area there is one of the local railway stations, which, due to its location, is included in the Guinness Book of Records. There are several beautiful parks located near the beach.

The city of Gangneung has another wonderful, well-maintained beach. It is located on the shores of Lake Kenpo, where, by the way, there is excellent fishing.

Beautiful beaches are located on the southern coast of Korea - in Busan and its surroundings. The most popular of them are Haeundae and Gwanalli.

In the west of Korea, on the coast of the Yellow Sea, not only tourists, but also residents of the capital love to relax, because it is very easy to get here from Seoul. The most popular beaches on the west coast are Eurwangni and Daecheon. 8 km from Daecheon Beach is the country-famous Muchangpo Beach. It stretches for almost one and a half kilometers along the sea coast, bordered by pine forests, and is known for its “Moses Road”. Once a month, during low tide, a sandy bottom is exposed in the coastal waters, forming a kind of path to the uninhabited island of Soktaedo located near the coast.

Despite all the attractiveness of the resort areas of mainland Korea, they are inferior in popularity to Jeju Island, located in the Korea Strait in the south of the country. The island, which is a popular tourism center, is famous for its volcanic landscapes, luxurious nature, incredibly beautiful rugged coastline, fashionable hotels and restaurants. Local beaches with snow-white, like flour, or, on the contrary, asphalt-black volcanic sand, are well equipped and are ready to receive tourists from July to the end of September.

Jeju Island is also known for its unique tradition of catching marine life. Women here have been doing this for a long time; they can dive to a depth of 10 meters! For another half century, the “army” of divers-hunters numbered about 30,000 of the fair sex. Today, only a few thousand sea hunters are engaged in this fishery. Their average age is 60 years, some are already over 80. In Korea they are called “hyene”, that is, “women of the sea.” UNESCO included such an amazing custom in its list of intangible cultural heritage.

In Jeju, the main city of the island where the airport is located, tourists usually do not stay long and head to the coast. The southern part is most popular among guests of the island. The center of this region is the city of Seogwipo, located in a picturesque area surrounded by tangerine plantations. In its southeastern part is Chonban, the only waterfall in Asia that pours its waters directly into the depths of the sea.

The island's main diving centers are located in Seogwipo. From here, organized groups of divers go to small islands located off the southern coast of Jeju. The maximum diving depth in the local waters is 40 meters.

From Seogwipo Port you can go fishing on a rented boat. The main catch here is tuna and sea bass.

West of Seogwipo is the largest resort in South Korea - Chunmun. Not far from its snow-white beaches there are places of interest to guests of the island: Pacific Land Park, Yemizhi Nursery, where about 4,000 species of trees and flowers are grown, and Cheonjeen Waterfall. In the western part of the Chunmun resort, you can admire the fantastic landscape - here volcanic rocks rise in pillars from the coastal sea waters, creating a kind of natural fortress, as if protecting the island shore. In this romantic corner it is pleasant to welcome and see off the sun.

The most famous beach in the eastern part of Jeju is Pyeoseon. This place, which is a shallow lagoon, is an excellent place for relaxing with children. To the north lies another popular beach among tourists - Kimnen. Not far from it is one of the main natural attractions of the Republic of Korea - Manjangul Cave, formed by lava flows. Its tunnels stretch for thirteen and a half kilometers, and it is the largest lava cave on the planet.

Winter holidays

In South Korea, skiing and snowboarding have long been national sports. Korean ski resorts are well equipped, and most of them are not inferior in level to European ones. In the mountainous regions of the country there are trails of varying levels of difficulty, many of which are illuminated around the clock. The resorts have chairlifts and snow cannons. There are centers everywhere where experienced instructors give lessons to beginners. By the way, the infrastructure of most resorts is designed to welcome guests at any time of the year: their territories include golf courses, amusement parks, bowling alleys, indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

Most of Korea's ski centers are located in Gangwon Province. The most famous resort in Korea, Yeonpyeong, is also located here. At the disposal of athletes there are 31 ski slopes with different levels of difficulty, 15 lifts. There is a half-pipe for snowboarders. The Alps resort is also popular among skiers, where snow cover lasts until mid-April.

Those who have just begun to master winter sports should pay attention to the Temyun Vivaldi Park resort. There are no risky sections on the ski slopes laid here.

The most respectable resort in Korea, Phoenix Park, is also located in Gangwon Province. Here the ski slopes are designed for both experienced athletes and beginners. The resort complex houses hotels, villas, small motels, and also has an ice skating rink, a swimming pool, a sauna, bowling and billiards halls, restaurants, and a night club.

Muju Ski Center

Thermal spas

On the territory of the Republic of Korea there are about 70 thermal springs with healing mineral water. Resorts and spa centers have been created on their basis. Several famous resorts are located in the mountainous province of Gangwon-do, between the city of Sokcho and Seoraksan National Park. Among the most popular health complexes in these places is Khanva Sorak. There are hotels, open-air swimming pools, baths, saunas, and a water entertainment center with attractions. Local mineral waters with a sodium-calcium-magnesium composition are effective in the treatment of arthritis, neuralgia and skin diseases.

Nearby is another popular thermal resort, Cheoksan, where treatment is carried out using mineral waters of a similar composition.

In Gyeonggi Province, the springs are concentrated in the vicinity of the city of Icheon. Around them there are thermal complexes with baths, saunas, swimming pools and water parks with attractions. Healing water is also supplied to many local hotels that offer their guests health spa services.

Thermal resorts are also located in South Jeolla Province and on the mountain slopes near Busan.

National parks and reserves

The most outstanding natural attractions of South Korea are united into specially protected areas. Almost every national park or reserve in the country has its own “highlights” - ancient monasteries, which even more attracts tourists to such places.

Some of the most famous national parks in Korea are Seoraksan and Odaesan, located in the densely forested mountains of Gangwon Province. Seoraksan Park has hotels and campsites, so you can stay here for several days. At the entrance to the park, a cable car begins that leads to the Gwonggeum mountain peak (700 m). Climbing to it is an indispensable ritual for all travelers who want to admire the magnificent panoramas from a bird's eye view. There are hiking trails throughout the park. Traveling along them, you can get to the famous Biren and Towanseong waterfalls, the ancient Sinheungsa monastery, Anyang and Naewon temples. Visit Gyejo Shrine - this temple is located in a cave.

Odaesan Park is located northwest of the resort town of Gangneung and is a mountain forest with lakes and waterfalls. In the park it is interesting to visit the botanical garden, which is divided into several thematic zones. Here you can see indoor pavilions with indoor plants, an extensive ecological garden with wild plants, and an herb garden with mountain flowers and herbs. On the territory of the park there are 9 Buddhist temples built during the era of the Silla state.

In the vicinity of Busan, at the mouth of the Naktong River, there is an extensive migratory bird reserve. In its coastal part there are sand dunes, and in the river delta there are small picturesque islands. In spring and autumn, here you can watch migratory waterfowl - snipe, ducks, swans. About 150 species of birds fly here. Tourists travel around the park on special boats.

In the south of Korea lies the largest mountain park on the mainland of the country, Chirisan. A dozen mountain peaks rise above its territory, creating landscapes of incredible beauty.

Another famous national park, Hallasan, is located in the center of Jeju Island. It was created in 1970 to protect the ecosystem on the slopes of the extinct Hallasan volcano. Its crater is the highest point in the Republic of Korea (1950 m). The last volcanic eruption occurred in the 11th century. A reminder of its activity is the many tunnels, pillars and other strangely shaped formations formed by solidified basaltic lava. The natural attractions of the park are included in the UNESCO World Natural Heritage List.

The reserve is home to about 2,000 species of plants and many species of animals. There are hiking routes of varying difficulty levels here, but there are no places to spend the night in the park.

Korean cuisine

Modern cuisine of South Korea is a kind of symbiosis of the gastronomic traditions of Korea itself, Japan, China and Europe. Japanese restaurants are considered the most prestigious and, accordingly, expensive here. In establishments with simpler Chinese cuisine “yeri”, gourmet food is a little cheaper, but the portions are noticeably larger. In Chinese "sixa" restaurants, where everyday food is on the menu, prices are quite economical. The most affordable restaurants are those that serve Korean dishes. But restaurants with European cuisine in Korea are considered exotic.

The cost of a three-course lunch in a mid-range restaurant is usually $20-25 for two.

The main dish of a Korean meal is rice. It is served with a variety of accompaniments, depending on the region and time of year. Other traditional dishes include kimchi (spicy sauerkraut or radish); hwe (a dish based on raw fish: miniature fish pieces are immersed in vinegar, pepper, salt, garlic, chopped carrots or radishes are added, and after 20 minutes they are served to guests); kuksu (homemade noodles made from unleavened dough, served with meat or chicken broth). A popular Korean dish is bulgogi, which is slices of beef cooked in a special fryer, which is placed right on the table. Pieces of meat are pre-marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, sesame seeds, garlic, young onions and other seasonings, including hot red pepper.

A Korean meal is not complete without first courses, which are usually generously seasoned with spices and herbs. Separate cups for soup and rice are placed on the table in front of each guest, and all other dishes (fish, meat, seafood) are placed in the middle of the table, from where everyone takes the desired portion of food. During meals, Koreans use spoons and special chopsticks. For dessert, it is customary to serve apples, pears, peaches, persimmons, and dates.

Where to stay

In South Korea, hotels are classified into five categories. Deluxe and super deluxe are prestigious hotels with luxurious rooms equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Their infrastructure includes cafes, restaurants, conference rooms, fitness centers, spas, and shops. This is followed by first class hotels (in terms of service level they correspond to European 3* plus hotels), second and third class – 3* and 2* plus, respectively.

The highest prices for accommodation are in Seoul. A room in a top category hotel will cost an average of $200-250, in a first class hotel (3* plus) - $90-100 per day.

Those wishing to get to know the country's culture better can stay in traditional guest houses, which are called “hanoks”. The interiors of these dwellings are made in the style of ancient Korean houses. This type of accommodation is popular in historical cities. In South Korea, there are also traditional boarding houses - minbak. These are unique family hotels where it is convenient to stay with children.

There are many roadside and suburban motels in the country. They are generally well equipped, with many including cable TV, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a jacuzzi or sauna.

Tourists who want to save money should pay attention to the so-called “yegvans” - city hotels with small but cozy and clean rooms with air conditioning, TV, telephone, shower and toilet. The room may not have a bed, since hotels of this type are usually visited by local residents, many of whom adhere to the tradition of sleeping on the floor. Daily accommodation here costs $22-27.

In South Korea, tourists have a rare chance to live in a Buddhist monastery, although not every temple offers this opportunity.

Shopping

The best places for shopping in Korea are the capital of the country and large cities, where there are a huge number of shopping centers, supermarkets, boutiques, and markets. In Seoul and Busan, it is convenient to make purchases in duty-free shops - you will recognize them by their “tax free shopping” signs. Keep your receipt and the 10% VAT will be refunded to you at the airport.

Tourists often buy electronics in local stores, but do not buy mobile phones - they are not compatible with Russian standards.

As souvenirs from South Korea, travelers traditionally bring trinkets inlaid with mother-of-pearl, porcelain, and ceramics. You can also buy some good leather goods here. And, of course, do not forget to purchase healing ginseng products. In the country that is the leader in the cultivation of this magical plant, you can buy ginseng tinctures, tea, and many cosmetics created on its basis.

In Korea, there is no clear delineation of store opening hours. Most of them open at 9:00 and close after 19:00, but many shops in popular tourist areas can stay open until midnight. Some cafes and markets are open 24 hours a day.

Transport

South Korea is a small country; you can cross it in just 4-5 hours. However, the transport infrastructure here is at a high level. Railway transport is developed here, and there are several types of trains: express trains, high-speed and simple trains, and even a leisurely tourist train-hotel with a cozy restaurant, comfortable rooms and an observation deck.

The provinces are also connected by regular bus services. Even ordinary buses are equipped with an air conditioning system, and in de-luxe transport, each seat is equipped with a telephone and a TV screen.

Passenger ships and ferries ply between coastal cities.

Seoul, Daegu, Busan and Incheon have subways. All taxis in Korea are equipped with electronic navigators, terminals for paying with bank cards and digital simultaneous translators - there will be no problems with communication.

You can rent a car in Korea if you are over 21 years old and have at least a year of driving experience. Please note that in Seoul and other large cities, traffic jams are quite common, and parking is quite difficult to find.

Practical information

Russian citizens can stay in South Korea for 60 days without visas in their passports.

The official currency of the country is the won. International name – KRW.

It is more convenient to change money in banks and specialized exchange offices. In hotels in Korea, exchange is not profitable. US dollars are readily accepted in most small shops and markets; you can also pay in foreign currency in Tax free shopping stores. Large shopping centers and museums only accept won.

Korean banks serve clients on weekdays from 9:30 to 16:30, on Saturdays - until 13:30. They are closed on Sunday. You can use the ATM from 9:30 to 22:00.

How to get there

Most often, tourists from Russia arrive by plane to Seoul, and from there head to resorts or other cities in Korea. There are direct regular flights from Moscow and Vladivostok, seasonal flights from St. Petersburg and Irkutsk.

You can get from the Primorsky Territory of Russia to South Korea by ferry. For example, a ferry departs from Vladivostok once a week. Travel time – 20 hours. One-way ticket costs from $180.

Calendar of low prices for air tickets

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The Republic of Korea (South Korea) lies in the northeastern part of Asia, in the south of the Korean Peninsula. In the west the country is washed by the waters of the Yellow Sea, and in the east by the Eastern Sea. In the northwest, the Korean Peninsula is adjacent to China, and in the southeast, South Korea is separated from Japan by the Korea Bay. At one time, this geopolitical situation brought the country many troubles: Japanese colonial rule, the tragic division into North and South Korea and the devastating Korean War. Moreover, at the moment, the Democratic Republic of Korea and the DPRK (North Korea) have many political contradictions and are separated by a demilitarized zone. And yet, despite all the past adversities, to date, South Korea has achieved significant economic and political development, which is reflected in the standard of living of its population.

South Korea attracts tourists with an abundance of Buddhist temples and monasteries, as well as many delightful palaces and statues that can tell about the interesting history of this country. The local natural landscapes are also noteworthy, thanks to which Korea is called the “land of morning freshness.” By the way, here you can not only spend time on the pristine beaches and hot springs, but also engage in any winter sports at one of the high-class ski resorts.

Capital	Seoul
Population	50,004,441 people
Population density	480 people/km²
	Korean
Religion	Buddhism and Christianity
Form of government	presidential republic
	South Korean won (KRW)
Timezone
International dialing code
Domain zone
Electricity

Climate and weather

South Korea lies in the zone moderate monsoon climate, so all seasons of the year are clearly visible here. Autumn and spring here are quite warm and short, with most of the sunny days occurring in the spring months. The summer season is characterized by high humidity and hot weather. The air temperature during this period is +21...+25 °C, but sometimes rises to +35 °C. The monsoon season lasts from late June to mid-July, which is called here. chanma" The wettest and hottest month is August. The end of September is characterized by clear and dry weather, making this period the most pleasant time of the year. The winter season is quite cold (up to −10 °C) and dry.

The most comfortable and enjoyable time to visit this country is the period from April to mid-October, and the ski season here lasts from November to April.

Nature

The country's landscape is quite diverse; 70% of its territory is occupied by low mountains and hills. The main mountain range, which is called East Korean mountains, lies parallel to the east coast. There are many small islands around the peninsula, the largest of which is Jeju.

The main rivers of South Korea are considered Nekhtongan And Hangan, on which Seoul stands. Among other significant rivers of the country it is also worth mentioning Kumgang, Imjingan, Bukhangan And Somjingang. The local flora is represented by mixed coniferous and deciduous forests, as well as subtropical forests in the south and bamboo thickets on the coast.

Attractions

South Korea is an amazing and multifaceted country where ancient architectural monuments, modern skyscrapers and amazing nature are harmoniously combined, so the excursion program here is very rich.

Most of the attractions are concentrated in Seoul. First of all this four royal palaces of the Joseon Dynasty And Gyeongbokgung era royal palace. Also worth highlighting:

• Myeongdong Catholic Cathedral,
• theater "Nanta"
• Posingak bell tower,
• Sungkyunkwan Institute,
• concert hall of the Munhwa Ilbo newspaper,
• a great many museums.

Other cities in the country are no less interesting. For example, Incheon is a center of pottery production. In addition, it is famous for its thermal springs, magnificent parks and Munhaksanseong Fortress.

The city of Suwon is famous for its ancient Hwaseong Fortress, Everland Amusement Park, Sillux Temple and Tomb of Sejong the Great.

Also notable is the city of Gyeongju, which is the capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla. It houses the oldest Buddhist Bulguksa Temple, Oneung (“Five Tombs”), Cheomseongdae Ancient Observatory and Seokguram Cave Temple.

No less interesting is the city of Andong, which is recognized as the cradle of Confucianism. A great many Confucian temples and schools have been preserved here, as well as the traditional homes of ancient noble families.

It is also worth noting cities such as Busan and Daegu, where you can visit many ancient temples, tombs and monasteries.

Another remarkable place in the country is Ganghwa Island, where there are a great many dolmens, as well as Tangun altar, Chondynsa Monastery, ancient fortress walls and forts.

Also, having visited South Korea, you can’t help but see demilitarized zone And Seoraksan Mountains which are considered one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Nutrition

Traditional South Korean cuisine is distinguished by an abundance of spicy dishes, which are based on rice, fish and fresh vegetables. The most typical local treats are unleavened rice porridge " dad", pilaf " bibimbap", rice cakes " chhaltok"and sandwiches made from rice, vegetables and omelettes. Well, for greater variety, they are served with all sorts of snacks: pickled vegetables, a spicy dish of radish or sauerkraut “ kimchi", bean curd " tuba", acorn jelly " tothorimuk" and etc.

Soups also occupy a very important place in South Korean cuisine. For example, spicy seafood soup " haemul thang"or soybean soup with clams and egg yolk" sundubu jige" It is also impossible to imagine the local cuisine without fish and seafood. Among the treats made from these ingredients, it is worth noting fried fish " sanseong gui", finely chopped raw fish " hwe", abalone porridge " jeonbokjuk" and seafood solyanka " Haemul Jeongol" Well, among meat dishes, preference is given to pork and beef. Most often they are used to prepare kebabs " bulgogi", fried ribs " kalbi"and dumplings" pussy».

The role of desserts in local cuisine is played by fresh and candied fruits, as well as walnut-shaped cookies called “ hokwachja" They practically don’t drink tea in South Korea; instead they use various decoctions and herbal tinctures (“ chha"), as well as rice and barley broth. Well, the choice of alcoholic drinks - both local and imported varieties - is quite large here. The most popular traditional drinks are rice liquor " I think"and rice wine" McCory" Local beer is also most often made from rice and has a rather unique taste, but high-quality imported beer is always on sale.

If we talk directly about restaurants, here they are most often Korean, Chinese, Japanese and European. Moreover, Japanese restaurants are considered the most expensive and prestigious, but European establishments are suitable for middle-income travelers.

Accommodation

South Korea has a very developed tourism infrastructure. Today there is a great variety of hotels and hotels. It is worth saying right away that the local hotel classification differs significantly from the European one. All Korean hotels are divided into five categories: super-deluxe and deluxe, as well as first, second and third class hotels. Hotels of the first two categories offer luxurious rooms, restaurants, bars, conference rooms, fitness centers, swimming pools, tennis courts, spas and shops; first class hotels correspond to European hotels of the 3*+ category, and hotels of the second and third classes - 3* and 2*+.

For those who prefer an economical holiday, we recommend staying at one of the small city hotels called “ yegwans" The rooms in such establishments are small, but they always have a TV, air conditioning, telephone, shower and toilet. Also in Korea there is a developed network of youth hostels, which are analogues of European hostels.

Well, those who want to get acquainted with the Korean way of life and the culture of the country should check into a traditional guest house “ hanok"or even to a Buddhist monastery.

Entertainment and relaxation

South Korea will appeal to both fans of active entertainment and lovers of a relaxing pastime. In winter, the country is attractive for its ski resorts Phoenix Park, Muju And Yeonphen, as well as themed festivals, such as the Snow and Ice Sculpture Festival. Well, in the summer, resorts with thermal springs and wide beaches are in great demand here ( Jeju, Busan And Namsam). By the way, Jeju Island is popular both among family vacation lovers and among fans of diving and fishing.

For vacationers with the whole family, we recommend visiting grand amusement parks (for example, Lotte World or Seoul Grand Park), and lovers of educational recreation should come here from mid-March to June, when the magnificent time of flowering trees begins.

Fans of nightlife will also like it in South Korea, since its large cities have entire areas with a sea of ​​lights, huge nightclubs, noisy bars, karaoke and other entertainment venues. And for fans of various types of art, Korea has interesting museums, modern cinemas, concert halls, art galleries and theaters.

South Korea is also famous for many interesting holidays and festivals. Among them, it is worth especially noting Sol (Lunar New Year), Liquor and Rice Cake Festival, Buddha's Birthday, Chunghyangje Festival (Korean Romeo and Juliet), Wild Green Tea Festival, Shamanic Tan-O Festival, Ginseng Festival, traditional Chuseok Festival (harvest festival) and the International Biennale of Contemporary Art.

Purchases

With a wide variety of shopping malls, department stores, markets, duty-free shops and specialty shopping areas, South Korea is considered a shopping paradise. Moreover, the selection of goods here is simply colossal, and their prices are moderate.

Of course, the largest department stores and shops are located in Seoul, or rather in the shopping area Myeongdong, where a whole network of underground shopping galleries is located. In addition, the capital has a great variety of small antique and art shops, as well as specialty markets such as the Yongsan Consumer Electronics Market.

The most popular goods among tourists are cosmetics, household appliances, jewelry, furs, outerwear, silk and leather goods. Traditional souvenirs here include porcelain, ceramics, jewelry, masks, shell products, fans, dolls in traditional costumes and lacquerware with mother-of-pearl. You should also not forget about ginseng products, including tea, extracts, tinctures, ginseng chocolate and much more. We recommend that you pay attention to Korean antiques, which are valued all over the world. However, it should be noted that the export of items older than 50 years is prohibited here.

Transport

The main international airport, Incheon, is located 52 kilometers from Seoul and is connected to it by a high-speed highway. Within the country, the most convenient way to travel is by railways, which connect all major settlements. There are four types of trains: Mugunghwa high-speed, KTX super-fast, Thong-il passenger and Saemaeul express. There are also many intercity buses in South Korea, both standard and deluxe.

Public transport in the country is very well developed and is low in cost. It is represented by buses and taxis, and in Incheon, Seoul, Daegu and Busan there are also extensive subway systems. Tickets for any type of public transport are sold in vending machines, special kiosks and metro ticket offices.

Taxis in Korea are divided into 2 types: regular and deluxe. Deluxe taxis are equipped with special devices for simultaneous translation.

Companies offering car rentals are most often located in hotels and airports. To use their services, you will need to present a driver's license and passport. Moreover, the driver must be at least 21 years old and have 1 year of driving experience.

Connection

South Korea boasts a modern and high-quality communication system. Payphones are found on every corner here and are divided into three types: those that operate on magnetic cards, those that operate on international credit cards, and “coin-operated” ones. A call abroad can be made from any “card” payphone or from a hotel.

Mobile communication works as standard CDMA-1800. A phone that supports this range can be rented at the international airport.

Internet access is available in most hotels, as well as in gaming rooms and internet cafes.

Safety

South Korea is recognized as one of the safest countries in the world: drug addiction is practically absent here, cases of robbery and pickpocketing are very rare, and car theft is considered a real sensation. Moreover, the traditional morality of society in a given country is so strong that cases of rudeness or open rudeness are excluded here. The attitude towards tourists in Korea is very friendly, although there may be problems with understanding, since there are still very few English-speaking people here.

This idyll also has its own fly in the ointment. The thing is that Korea ranks first in the world in terms of the number of victims of car accidents. Therefore, you should cross the streets here very carefully.

No special vaccinations are required to visit Korea, but international health insurance is required.

Business climate

Economically, South Korea is a highly developed country with favorable conditions for doing business and a high level of per capita income. The country's main economic sectors are litigation, the automotive industry, mechanical engineering, high-tech manufacturing and oil refining. Moreover, large industrial conglomerates dominate here (“ chaebols"), which are engaged in production, trade and provision of services. The largest and most influential chaebols are Samsung, Hyundai, Daewoo and LG.

Opening your own company in South Korea is quite simple, and the most promising areas for private business here are the service sector, trade, tourism and finance.

Real estate

A stable financial and political environment, as well as a high standard of living, make South Korean real estate a very attractive investment. The consequence of this is high demand for both housing and commercial space. Today, non-residents of the country can buy local real estate using a simple scheme. To do this, the buyer will need to obtain permission from the municipal authorities. And in the case of the purchase of a commercial property, proof of the legal origin of the invested funds may also be required.

When entering the country, you will need to present a written customs declaration to the customs official. All arriving passengers pass through the customs area along the red, white or green corridor. Those who do not have items that are subject to mandatory declaration use the green corridor. Those who carry items that are not exempt from duty pass along the white corridor. Well, those who are suspected of transporting any prohibited items or have allegedly submitted an inaccurate declaration are sent to the red corridor. Detailed information about goods that are subject to declaration, as well as about all items prohibited for import, can be obtained from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea or from the Incheon Airport Customs Information Bureau.

Visa information

To travel to the Republic of Korea, citizens of the Russian Federation need a visa. Visa-free stay for up to 30 days is allowed only to those who have previously visited the country at least 4 times in the past 2 years, or 10 times in total. Also, citizens of the Russian Federation are allowed visa-free stay on Jeju Island, but entry into other regions of the country is prohibited.

Korean visas come in several types: short-term (C), long-term (D, E, H) and special visas for foreign compatriots (F-4).

Moscow Embassy of the Republic of Korea located at st. Plyushchikha, 56.

The consulates of the Republic of Korea are located in St. Petersburg(Nekrasova str., 32A), Irkutsk(Gagarin Boulevard, 44) and Vladivostok(Pologaya st., 19).

The Republic of Korea (대한민국) is located in the northeastern part of the Eurasian continent on the Korean Peninsula. The Korean Peninsula stretches from north to south for 1,000 km and from west to east for 300 km, and also includes 3,167 adjacent islands (2004 data).

The coordinates of the territory are as follows: the southernmost continental point - 33 at 06'43" north latitude, the extreme northern -43 at 00'42" north latitude, the westernmost point - 124 at 11'04" east longitude, the extreme eastern - 131 at 52'21 ″ eastern longitude, the territory of the peninsula is located in a geographical sector with a width of 10° from north to south and a longitude of 8° from west to east.

The Amnokkan (Yalujiang, cor. 압록강) and Tumangan (Tumannaya) rivers form the northern border with China and Russia, in the east the peninsula is separated from Japan by the East Sea.
The East Sea is located east of the Korean Peninsula, and this name for the sea has been in use for over 2,000 years. In the earliest historical materials of Korea, Samguk Yusa, there are records that in 37 BC. the sea was called the “East Sea”, the same information is carved on the monument to King Gwanggato, erected in 414 BC.

Korea Square

The total area of ​​the Republic of Korea and the DPRK on the Korean Peninsula is 220 thousand square meters. km. South of the military demarcation line is the Republic of Korea, whose area is approximately 45% of the area of ​​the two states, or 99.7 thousand square meters. km. The total area of ​​South and North Korea is comparable to the area of ​​Hungary, Portugal, Iceland and amounts to 0.07% of the total area of ​​the countries of the world and 0.31% of the territory of the Asian part of the mainland.
The area of ​​Japan is 3.8 times larger than the area of ​​the Republic of Korea, the area of ​​China is 96 times, and the area of ​​Russia is 171 times.

Administrative divisions and main cities

Sejong

The Republic of Korea, like North Korea, consists of 9 administrative divisions. These include the following provinces of the Republic of Korea: Gyeonggi-do, Gangwon-do, Chungcheongbuk-do, Chungcheongnam-do, Jeollabuk-do, Jeollanam-do, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Gyeongsangnam-do and Jeju Special Autonomous Province.

The Chuncheon region is located in the center of the Republic of Korea, with Gyeonggi-do and Gangwon-do to the north, and Jeolla, Gyeongsang and Jeju Island to the south. Provincial boundaries mainly follow mountain ranges or river beds. In addition to the 9 provinces in the Republic of Korea, 7 main cities have a special status; Among them, one city is designated as a special administrative zone and 6 cities are designated as a metropolitan administrative zone.

A special city is , and metropolitan cities include Busan, Daegu, Incheon, Daejeon, and Sejong Special Autonomous City. Seoul is the central administrative unit of Gyeonggi-do Province, Daejeon is the center of Chungcheong-nam-do province, Daegu is the center of Gyeongsang-buk-do province, Busan and Ulsan are the central cities of Gyeongsang-nam-do province, Gwangju is the center of Jeollanam-do province.

Seoul is the capital of the Republic of Korea

and is located in the center of the Korean Peninsula. The city is divided by the Han River into northern and southern parts. Seoul became the capital of the state in 1394 during the Joseon Dynasty. Over time, it turned into the largest political, economic and socio-cultural center of the country with a well-developed industrial and transport infrastructure.

In 1986, the Asian Games were organized in Seoul, and in 1988 the XXIV Summer Olympic Games were held.

Terrain

Autumn in Taebaek

Approximately three-quarters of the Republic of Korea's area is mountainous. The highest mountains are located in the east of the country, and in the west the height of the mountains above sea level is much lower.
High mountains are more concentrated in the east coast region. This is a chain of Taebaek mountain ranges in South Korea and the Nangnim Ranges in North Korea. The peninsula is washed by seas on three sides. The length of the coastline is approximately 17 thousand km (including islands).

The eastern, western and southern coasts differ significantly from each other in their characteristics.

On the east coast, the steep spurs of Mount Taebaek and Mount Hamgyong plunge into the ocean. The coastline takes on smooth contours, and the coastal waters are very deep. There are a large number of natural sandbanks and lagoons along the coast.
Distinctive

A special feature is the crescent-shaped sandy bays, usually used by the population as natural beaches. At a considerable distance from the shore, far out to sea, there are the volcanic islands of Ulleungdo and.

More than 2,000 islands are concentrated in the western coast area, forming one archipelago. In the South Sea, 100 kilometers from the peninsula, the largest island of Korea, Jeju, is located.

The relief of the western coast is relatively flat, there is a very high amplitude of tidal fluctuations, so over time, many drained lands have formed in the coastal area, occupying a significant area.

Climate of Korea

The Republic of Korea is located in mid-latitudes. The country has a temperate climate with clearly defined seasons. In winter, under the influence of an anticyclone, it is cold and dry, but in summer, under the influence of an anticyclone that forms in the northern regions of the Pacific Ocean, the weather becomes predominantly humid and accompanied by high air temperatures, and in spring and autumn, with the arrival of a moving anticyclone, there is usually clear, dry weather.

The average annual temperature ranges from +10 C to +16 C, with the exception of the central mountainous regions, in which in August, the hottest month, the average annual temperature reaches 23 ~ +27 C, in May - +16 ~ +19 ° From, October - +11 in

19°C, and in the coldest month of January - -6°~ -7°C.

The average annual precipitation in the southern regions is 1,000-1,800 mm, in the middle regions - 1,100-1,400 mm. In summer, about 50-60% of annual precipitation falls. In July and August there is a very high humidity throughout the country - about 80%, in September and October - 70%.

The rainy season begins in mid-June, first on Jeju Island, then gradually moves to the central part of the peninsula and lasts about a month.

In the western part of the North Pacific Ocean, approximately 28 typhoons originate per year, the impact of 2-3 of them directly or indirectly extends to the Korean Peninsula.