The country of the morning freshness has long been firmly entrenched in the "five" of the most popular holiday destinations among the inhabitants of our Far East . No matter what the week, the charters chartered by Russian tourists rush from Primorsky Krai to the first-class beach and ski resorts of South Korea with a periodic meeting in Seoul . The rest of Russia enviously exhales, because for them, South Korea is as cheap as exotic, like Japan, Australia or the Philippines . However, choosing a vacation from these countries, it is worth ten times to think about Korea . Toned 24- car golden skyscraper, two-headed turtle, fights of drunken bulls, 50 varieties of mandarins, old ducks for pearls, toilet bowls on control consoles, ubiquitous Wi-Fi and sauerkraut ... No, this is not a crazy list of desires, but the everyday reality of this small but surprising picturesque and diverse country . But do not be scared: the 22nd century that has come for them does not mean that South Korea will have nothing to do for tourists who are accustomed to more conservative entertainment . They are waiting for the luxurious beaches of Jeju Island, well-equipped slopes South Korean Alps, ancient monasteries and pagodas .

Capital - Seoul (Seoul). The major cities are Busan, Daegu, Incheon, Jeju Island. Ski resorts in South Korea: Yongpyong, Phoenix Park, Hyundai-Songu, etc.

For a complete list of the cities of the country you will find on the city page and South Korean resorts

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Content

How to get to South Korea

Direct flights Moscow-Seoul are daily operated by Aeroflot and Korean Air. A number of airlines offer flights with transfer in different cities of Europe and Asia

Visa to South Korea

From January 1, 2014, Russian citizens to enter South Korea for up to 60 days visa is not

Customs

Import and export of national and foreign currency is not limited, cash amounts over 10 000 USD must be declared. The entry must be filled in when importing jewelry, expensive watches, photographic equipment, furs, firearms, knives and expensive items of foreign production.

Persons over the age of 19 are allowed to import duty-free one liter bottle of alcohol, 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 grams tobacco, 60 ml of perfumery, gifts worth up to 400 USD. It is forbidden to export antiques without special permission.

How to call

Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Moscow: ul. Plyushchikha, 56, p. 1; phone: (495) 783-27-27

Embassy of Russia in Seoul: Jung-gu, 11-gil, Seosomun-ru, 43; tel .: (2) 318-21-16, 318-21-17, 318-21-18.

The Consulate General in Busan: Busan, Jung-Gu, Jungang-Daero 94 (Jungang-Dong 4-Ga, Korea Exchange Bank Bldg., 8th fl.); tel .: (51) 441-99-04, 441-99-05.

Reference (English speaking operator): 144 or 080-211-01-14; phone of the tourist information: 1330; the center of reception of complaints and offers from tourists: (02) 735-01-01; information on the exchange rates of currencies: (02) 729-05-28; international emergency service to foreigners: (02) 790-75-61

Police: 112, fire service and ambulance: 119

Codes of some cities: Seoul - 2, Pusan ​​- 51, Daegu - 53, Incheon - 32

Geography

Korea is located on the Korean peninsula, which stretches from north to south for 1100 km. From the west the country is washed by the Yellow Sea, from the east - by the East. The Democratic Republic of Korea (South Korea) and the Communist North Korea are divided by a demilitarized zone. 70% of the country's territory is occupied by mountains. Administratively, South Korea consists of 9 provinces, the capital of Seoul and six metropolitan cities: Busan, Daegu, Incheon, Gwangju, Daejeon and Ulsan.

History of South Korea

According to archaeological finds, the first settlements on the Korean peninsula appeared about 70 thousand years ago, whereas the first Korean state, according to legend, was founded in 2333 BC . e . In the 4-3 centuries BC . e in the territory of the north of the Korean peninsula and the Liaodong peninsula, there was the state of Ancient Chosun, after the decay of which was formed three tribal alliances - Mahan, Chinhan and Pyeonghan, from which in the beginning of our era there were three early feudal states - Silla, Paekche and Koguryo . At the end of the 1st millennium, the state of Silla broke up into the Later Three Korean States, and then in 935 again united under Koryo . In 1392 Koryo replaces the Joseon dynasty, which ruled 518 years until 1910, when Korea became a Japanese colony . After the defeat of Japan in World War II, the Korean peninsula was divided between the US and the USSR .

The modern history of South Korea began s in 1948, when the two states were created - North Korea in the north and the Republic of Korea (or South Korea) to the south. For several decades South Korea was ruled by military dictators, and it was only in the late 1980s that the country became a democratic state.

Sunset in the reserve of migratory birds on the island of Hondo

South Korea

Autumn in Korea

Cult South Korean art

Despite the fact that the traditional culture of South and North Korea was similar, after the division of the Korean peninsula into two parts, these countries managed to develop their own unique cultural idea Another example is the flourishing of modern South Korean art, characterized by the artists' interest in geometric forms, intangible subjects, as well as the creation of harmony between man and nature, for the 1960s-1970s. A new phase of development awaited South Korea's architecture in the post-war years, whose current trends are concentrated on the balance of traditional Korean philosophy (harmony with nature) and the urbanization experienced by the country in recent years.

South Korea's Transport

South Korea is a relatively small country: from Seoul to the farthest large city, Busan, you can get there in 4-5 hours . Railways connect all major cities of the country . There are 4 types of trains: high-speed KTX, Samayl Express, Mugunkhwa and na (very slow and not too comfortable) . Tickets are better to buy in advance, especially on Sundays and days of local holidays . You can do it at the ticket offices of railway stations and at travel agencies . At the main railway stations of the country there are special ticket offices in which common tickets for foreigners are sold - KR Pass .They act as a "single pass", giving the right to travel to any distance on all types of trains, except the metro, without restrictions on the number of trips .

There are also intercity buses, where you can reach any city. Buses are comfortable and clean, in the summer - air-conditioned, between large cities go very often, every 15-30 minutes. Express buses of luxury comfort ("deluxe") are more expensive than usual, but are popular. The seats for passengers in them are equipped with all amenities, including mobile phones, TVs and VCRs. Tickets are also better to book in advance.

Sea passenger ships are cruising between the cities on the coast, Pusan ​​and Jeju, Mokpo and Hondo, Pohang and Ulleungdo are connected by ferry.

Public transportation

Public transportation in Korea is very developed good and also very cheap. It is difficult to use city buses for foreigners: all announcements and inscriptions are only in Korean, so the main types of transport for tourists are taxis and metro. Extensive systems of metro lines are in Seoul, Busan, Daegu and Incheon. Tickets can be bought at the usual ticket office, as well as in vending machines. The names of stations, tables at ticket offices and signage of transitions are duplicated in English.

Taxis in Korea are many, they are safe, well equipped and inexpensive. They are divided into ordinary and deluxe. Taxi with Kind Call Taxi and KT Powertel are equipped with simultaneous translation devices, cash registers and even a terminal with an electronic car location system

Car Rental

To rent a car in South Korea, you must be over 21 years old, have at least one year's driving experience, show your driving license and passport. Rental offices are usually located in airports and hotels. The largest rental agencies are Camho renta and AVIS.

The safety of tourists in South Korea

South Korea is one of the most prosperous in terms of street crime in the world. But hanging alone in parks and back alleys or defiantly stuffing a wallet into the back pocket of trousers there still is not worth it. The main caveat: the country occupies an inconspicuous first place in the world in terms of the number of victims of car accidents, so the streets should be moved with the utmost care.

South Korea's climate

Most of the country is located in a temperate climate zone where the seasons are clearly felt . Spring and autumn are rather short and warm , the most sunny days fall between March and May . Summer is hot and humid, the temperature can reach +35 ° C . The season of monsoon rains ("chanma") usually begins at the end of June and continues to the middle or the end July . August - hot and humid . Autumn at the end of September brings the continent winds and clear, dry weather, which makes it the most pleasant time of the year . Winter is cold (up to -10 ° C) and dry, with periodic precipitation in the form of snow or rain . The best time to visit the country is from the end April to October . The skiing season in Korea opens in late November and lasts until April . See also weather forecast at major resorts and in South Korean cities .

South Korea Hotels

National Agency assigns to Korean hotels five classes: from "superlux" to the third. Differences in the degree of comfort of rooms and the level of service between institutions of the same class are minimal. There are also so-called "condominiums" - small business hotels with a small territory, one bar and a restaurant. They are usually sold without food.

The staff is very friendly and polite, always going to meet the client and ready to help. In high-level hotels, all staff is perfectly trained.

The country has a well-developed network of youth hostels - analogues of European hostels, and traditional guest houses "hanok" are opened in architectural reserves, the interior of which is entirely modeled on the old Korean houses .Finally, tourists in Korea are given a rare opportunity to live in existing Buddhist monasteries, side by side with the monks .In addition to spiritual food, the guest is also provided with three meals a day and interpreter services .In South Korea, there are two mains: 110 V and 220 V, but most of the houses are connected to 220 V .

Prices in hotels largely depend on the season and location. In hotels above the "suite" there is usually a fitness center, sauna, business center, restaurants and cafes. In such places, you need to pay an additional tax of 10%, and another 10% - "for service."

Banks and exchange offices

Money can be exchanged in banks, specialized exchange offices and large hotels. The difference between the official and the market exchange rate of the dollar is insignificant.

The network of banks in South Korea is very developed. They work on weekdays from 9:30 to 16:30, on Saturday - until 13:30, Sunday - the day off. ATMs are installed in hotels, department stores, subway stations, tourist facilities and work from 9:30 to 22:00, some - around the clock.

Credit cards VISA, American Express, Diners Club, Master Card and JCB are accepted in large hotels, department stores and restaurants.

Shopping and shopping in South Korea

Large department stores operate from 10:30 to 20:00, small stores open earlier and close later on any day of the week. In Seoul and other major cities in Korea for shopping, the most extensive opportunities: open a lot of arcades, department stores, duty-free shops, specialized shopping areas, finally, markets (where most purchases are made). Large department stores work from 10:30 to 20:00, small stores open earlier and close later on any day of the week.

Traditional souvenirs: embroidery, porcelain, textiles and macrame, costume jewelery, paintings, masks, wood and shell products, dolls in traditional costumes, fans .Very beautiful lacquer products are on sale in the country, encrusted with mother of pearl (boxes, snuffboxes, etc.) .By the way about mother-of-pearl and pearls in general .Korea is the only country in the world where women are dragged from the seabed of shells and other valuables to the light of God from time immemorial ."Heneu", or "women of the sea" - stocky and broad-shouldered pomorki, daily in all weathers descending to the bottom of the sea without any scuba divers .As it is easy to guess, in the families of these ladies absolute matriarchy reigns: the fragile Korean men have no chance to withstand the psychological pressure from their mighty blessed swimmers .

Korean ceramics are a very elegant gift. When buying it, you should consider the color, sound (we are not sealed) and the quality of the workmanship. If the ceramic has a transparent surface, a clear sound and a smooth surface, it is considered a quality one. Do not forget about ginseng. It can be bought in different kinds: tea, tinctures and extracts, dried, dried in honey, ginseng in syrup, in alcohol, there is even ginseng chocolate and sugar candies.

Another worthy souvenir from Korea is the traditional Hanbok costume. They can be bought at the markets of Dongdaemun, Gwangzhang, Namdemun and in the Insadong area. These markets are good at their reasonable prices, and on Insadon, in addition, you can choose the "hanbok" of the most fashionable design.

It is worth paying attention to the Korean antiques: interior items, calligraphy, ceramics, books, etc. The greatest accumulation of valuable goods is observed on the Seoul Changanpong Market. However, digging into antiques, it should be remembered that to remove items from the country over 50 years is prohibited.

Cuisine and restaurants of South Korea

In Korea there are four national cuisines: Korean, Chinese, Japanese and European .In all the settlements of the country there are a lot of restaurants, canteens and snack bars of the most diverse profile: what is called, for every taste and wallet .Japanese restaurants are the most expensive and prestigious .Chinese - simpler, all the dishes there are divided into two categories: "siksa" and "yori" ."Sixa" - relatively cheap and easy to prepare dishes ."Yori" is noticeably more expensive, often refined dishes, which are prepared only in large portions, calculated for at least two persons .The European restaurant in Korea is a place where an average person goes when he wants to eat something unusual .The menu in most of these restaurants does not differ in variety: the main and often the only dish is "thin" - a kind of schnitzel baked in a thin layer of the test .

In Korea, they eat a lot of rice, pickled vegetables under the collective name of "kimchi" and soups, and fish and seafood dishes are also popular. Dessert is usually served fruit, and instead of tea, drink a variety of decoctions and tinctures. Of the drinks with a degree the most popular is rice wine "makkori", as well as rice liqueur "sozhu."

Korean restaurants are the most universal and democratic: both in terms of prices and in terms of the public. Man and designer Artemy Lebedev tells doubting tourists: if you want to dine in a guaranteed good restaurant - look for the official facade of the institution with a white flower, where it says: Good Restaurant.

Holiday in South Korea

South Korea with its ski resorts, beautiful beaches and a rich cultural heritage will be "to the liking" both for fans of outdoor activities and for those who want to relax. In winter, South Korea attracts its popular ski resorts Enphen, Phoenix Park, Muju, as well as numerous festivals such as the Snow and Ice Sculpture Festival in the Tebaksan Nature Park and the trout fishing festival in the province of Kavon-do.

In summer, there are great demand in South Korea for seaside resorts with their wide beaches, numerous shops and restaurants of traditional Korean cuisine. Vacationers with children will enjoy the rest on Jeju-do Island, and club regulars will enjoy the resorts of Busan and Namsam.

Even lovers of cognitive rest will not remain indifferent, because in the middle of March to June in South Korea the magnificent time of flowering, and from September to November - the golden autumn - is the best time for excursions around the country.

• Is there a beach holiday in South Korea

Treatment

The availability of the most modern equipment and an acceptable price for diagnostics are perhaps the main factors of the popularity of treatment in South Korea .At the same time, South Korean clinics and medical centers provide a wide range of services, including facelift, eyelid plastic, abdominoplasty, mammoplasty and blepharoplasty, vision correction, in vitro fertilization, delivery and much more .In addition, South Korean clinics use methods of oriental medicine, for example, in the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and spine .

Entertainment, excursions and attractions of South Korea

South Korea boasts a remarkable number of interesting sights.

In Seoul, there are four royal palaces of the Joseon Dynasty and the oldest royal palace of the Gyeongbokgung era. Western tourists, having arrived in South Korea, first go to the border with North Korea, in the DMZ - the Demilitarized Zone, or to one of the ten sites included in UNESCO.

Soraksan Mountains on the coast of the East Sea, 200 km east of Seoul, are part of the Kumgangsan Ridge ("Diamond Mountains"), considered one of the most picturesque places in the world.

Incheon is the center of pottery production. Its main attractions: the village of potters, thermal springs, the Museum of Ceramics; "Chayu Park", the fortress of Munkhansanson, Confucian school created in the Joseon period, the park "Sondo-Vonji" with two artificial lakes and a nice beach on one of them.

The island of Ganghwad lies in the Yellow Sea to the northwest of the center of Incheon. There are 120 dolmens on it, including the largest in the country (7, 1 m wide and 2, 6 m high). The main attractions - the altar of Tangun, the legendary founder of the nation, the fortress walls and forts of the 15-19th centuries, the monastery of Chondyns.

Suwon is famous for the ancient fortress Hwaseong (1794-1796 gg.). Other attractions are the Everland amusement park, a huge water park with artificial waves and water slides, the Caribbean Bay, a folklore village, the Silluksa Temple in Yoju, the tomb of Sejon the Great in the vicinity of Yoju.

Gyeongju in the south-east of the country is the capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla. Here are the oldest Buddhist temple of Pulgux ("Monastery of the Kingdom of the Buddha") with the world famous bell "Emile", the park Thumuli, Onyn ("Five Tombs"), Chkhomsonde (the oldest surviving observatory to date), Gyeongju National Museum and a resort complex on Lake Pomun. The unique cave temple of Sokkuram near the top of Thohamsan mountain is also famous worldwide.

Busan: Taejonde Park on Cape Yondo, Yondusan Park, Hale National Marine Park, Haeundae and Kwanalli beaches, Thondos Monastery - it contains Buddhist relics, many beautiful statues. In the northern part of the city there is the park of Kumgang and the hot springs of Tonne. Every October, Busan hosts the International Pusan ​​Film Festival, one of the most influential Asian film forums.

Daegu: Haeins monastery and its storehouse Tripitaka Koreana (the most complete collection of Buddhist canons in East Asia), Buddhist monastery of Chikchisa with millennial columns and thousands of small Buddha statues.

Andon is the cradle of Confucianism .In the past, this city was famous for great scientists and numerous Confucian churches and schools, today such temples are preserved 26 .Also, Andon was also a place of "Yangban" (Korean noblemen), so here are their traditional dwellings, which were protected by descendants for centuries .Some of these traditional noble houses now act as hotels .The most famous among them are "Zhire Yusulchon" and "Musil Zhongtak at Jeong Chu Ryu" .The main attractions are the traditional Korean village of Hahoe, the museum of masks of Hahoe, the Confucian temples of Dosan and Bongsang, the Bonjongs temple .

Golf is a very popular sport in South Korea. Now there are 156 golf clubs on the mainland and 16 on the island of Jeju (no wonder this place is famous for the "Golf Islands").

• Is it possible to make a trip on the route Moscow - Jeju Island - Shanghai - Moscow

Photos of South Korea (69)

South Korea's thermal springs and water parks

The main and favorite entertainment of all Koreans is to luxuriate in natural hot springs, alternating relaxed bliss with crazy descents on water slides. So the water park "Sorok Votopia", located near the mountains of Soraksan, one of the main attractions of the east coast of Korea, does not complain about the lack of public. There they come to relax in hot springs, get well in a spa or take a massage course.

"Sorak Aquaworld" - a real water resort, consisting of an open water park, a resort with mineral springs and a recreation area. It has a breathtaking 70-meter water slide.

"Asan Spavis" - hot springs in the open air, where you can swim even in cold weather. In this center, pools with jasmine extract, cave pool, yellow clay sauna and a large outdoor swimming pool.

A park with hot springs and several pools Incheon SpaPlus is located just an hour's drive from the center of Seoul.

"Bugok Hawaiian Island" is located in Changwon-gun and has been known since ancient times. In its pavilion there is a standard swimming pool, water slides, children's pool, a steam cave, a cave of chiropractors, an infrared ray cave, a hot spring steam bath, a waterfall, a steam bath and an outdoor bath filled with hot spring water.

"DONIAN AquaWorld" is open all year round, it consists of two parts: the health zone of the pools and the entertainment zone. One of his "chips" is the "Sahoe Underground Bath", which creates the illusion of swimming in this cave.