The country of morning freshness has long been firmly entrenched in the "five" of the most popular holiday destinations among the residents of our Far East..Whatever the week, the charters stuffed by Russian tourists rush from Primorsky Krai to the first-class beach and ski resorts of South Korea with a periodic flight to 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 .Tinted with a 24-carat gold skyscraper, a two-headed turtle, fights of drunken bulls, 50 varieties of mandarins, old ducks for pearls, toilets 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 surprisingly picturesque and diverse country .But do not be scared: the 22nd century that has come for them does not mean that in South Korea there will be nothing to do for tourists accustomed to more conservative entertainment..They are waiting for the luxurious beaches of the island of Jeju, well-equipped slopes of the South Korean Alps, ancient monasteries and pagodas .
The capital is Seoul. The major cities are Busan, Daegu, Incheon, Jeju Island. Ski resorts of South Korea: Yongpyong, Phoenix Park, Hyundai-Songu and others.
A full list of the cities of the country can be found on the city page and the resorts of South Korea.
Tours to Seoul for independent tourists from 238 USD + а / б .
Combined tours with Japan, Fiji and the Mariana Islands!
All of Korea from 1,520 USD + ą $ а / б (hotels 4 *)!
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How to get to South Korea
Direct flights Moscow - Seoul are operated daily by Aeroflot and Korean Air. A number of airlines offer flights with transfers in different cities of Europe and Asia.
Search for airline tickets to South Korea - $
Visa to South Korea - $
From January 1, 2014, Russian citizens are not required to enter South Korea for up to 60 days.
Customs
Import and export of national and foreign currency is not limited, cash amounts over 10 000 USD must be declared. The declaration of entry must be filled in when importing jewelry, expensive watches, photographic equipment, furs, firearms, knives and expensive items of foreign production.
Persons over 19 years of age are allowed to import duty-free one liter bottle of alcohol, 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 g of 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: st. Plyushchikha, 56, p. 1; phone: (495) 783-27-27
The Russian Embassy 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 for foreigners: (02) 790-75-61
Police: 112, fire brigade 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, Seoul's capital 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, while the first Korean state, according to legend, was founded in 2333 to the present day,.e .In the 4th-3rd centuries to n .e in the north of the Korean peninsula and the Liaodong peninsula, there was the state of Ancient Choson, after the dissolution of which three tribal unions were formed - Mahan, Chinhan and Pyeonghan, from which at the beginning of our era three early feudal states - Silla, Paekche and Koguryo .At the end of the first millennium, the state of Silla broke up into the Later Three Korean States, and then in 935 it reunited under the name of 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 the Second World War, the Korean Peninsula was divided between the US and the USSR .
The modern history of South Korea began only in 1948, when two states were created - the DPRK in the north and the Republic of Korea (or South Korea) in the south. For several decades South Korea was ruled by military dictators, and only in the late 1980s the country became a democratic state.
| Sunset in the reserve of migratory birds on the island of Hondo |
| The road near the Han River in Seoul is |
| Autumn in Korea is |
South Korea's culture
Originally, Korean art was strongly influenced by Buddhism and Confucianism, which can be found in traditional Korean paintings, sculptures, ceramics and porcelain, as well as in the performing arts - Korean tea ceremony, Korean dance puchhachhum and Korean opera pansori. br>
For example, for the 1960s-1970s, the blossoming of modern South Korean art characterized by the interest of artists in geometric forms, intangible subjects, and the creation of harmony between man and nature is blossoming. A new phase of development was expected in the post-war years and South Korean architecture, modern trends are concentrated on the balance of traditional Korean philosophy (harmony with nature) and the urbanization experienced by the country in recent years.
Transport of South Korea
South Korea - a relatively small country: from Seoul to the most distant major city, Pusan, 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, Samaıl express, high-speed Mugunkhwa and passenger Thongil (very slow and not too comfortable) ą $ .Tickets are better to buy in advance, especially on Sundays and local holidays days .You can do this at the ticket offices of train 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 .
Also there are 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.
Between the cities on the coast, marine passenger ships cruise, the ferry links Busan and Jeju, Mokpo and Hondo, Pohang and Ulleungdo.
Public urban transport
Public transport in Korea is very well developed 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 in ticket offices and the designations of transitions are duplicated in English.
Taxis in Korea are many, they are safe, perfectly 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 system for locating a car.
Rent a car
To take 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.
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.
The climate of South Korea is
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, most sunny days fall between March and May .Summer is hot and humid, the temperature can reach +35 ° C .The season of monsoon rains ("changma") usually begins at the end of June and continues until the middle or end of July .August - hot and humid $$ .Autumn at the end of September brings continental winds and clear, dry weather, which makes it the most pleasant time of the year..Winter is cold (down to -10 ° C) and dry, with occasional precipitation in the form of snow or rain .The best time to visit the country is from the end of April to October .The ski season in Korea opens in late November and lasts until April .See also the weather forecast for major resorts and South Korean cities .
South Korea hotels - $
The national agency assigns five classes to Korean hotels: 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 sold, usually without food.
The attendants are very friendly and polite, always meet the client and are ready to help. In high-level hotels, the entire staff is perfectly schooled.
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 old Korean houses .Finally, tourists in Korea are given a rare opportunity to live in existing Buddhist monasteries, side by side with 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 plus 10% - "for service."
Book hotel in South Korea at the best price
Banks and exchange points
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 sites and work from 9:30 to 22:00, some - around the clock.
VISA, American Express, Diners Club, Master Card and JCB credit cards are accepted in large hotels, department stores and restaurants.
Shopping and South Korean shops
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 operate from 10:30 to 20:00, small stores open earlier and close later any day of the week.
Traditional souvenirs: embroidery, porcelain, textiles and macrame, bijouterie, paintings, masks, wood products and shells, dolls in traditional costumes, fans .The country sells very beautiful lacquer wares 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, every day, in any weather, descending to the bottom of the sea without any scuba diving .It is not difficult to guess that in the families of these ladies absolute matriarchy reigns: the fragile Korean men have no chance to withstand the psychological pressure from their mighty faithful 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 lollipops.
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 pick up 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 exporting items older than 50 years is prohibited.
South Korea's cuisine and restaurants
In Korea, there are four national cuisines at once: Korean, Chinese, Japanese and European .In all settlements of the country - a lot of restaurants, canteens and eateries of a variety of profiles: what is called, for every taste and wallet .Japanese restaurants - the most expensive and prestigious .Chinese - simpler, all the dishes there are divided into two categories: "siksa" and "yori" ."Siksa" - relatively cheap and easy to cook dishes ."Yori" is noticeably more expensive, often refined dishes, which are prepared only in large portions, calculated at least for two, .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 casserole" - a kind of schnitzel baked in a thin layer of dough .
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 is
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 the 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 a magnificent time of flowering, and from September to November - golden autumn is the best time for excursion trips around the country.
- Is there a beach holiday in South Korea?
Treatment
The availability of the most modern equipment and an acceptable price for diagnosis - perhaps the main factors of the popularity of treatment in South Korea is .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 more..In addition, South Korean clinics use the methods of oriental medicine, for example, when treating diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and spine .
Entertainment, excursions and attractions of South Korea
South Korea boasts a remarkable number of interesting attractions.
In Seoul, there are four royal palaces of the Joseon Dynasty and the oldest royal palace of the Gyeongbokgung era. Western tourists, after being in South Korea, first go to the border with North Korea, in the DMZ - the Demilitarized Zone, or to one of the ten objects 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, the 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 are the altar of Tangun, the legendary founder of the nation, fortress walls and forts of the 15th and 19th centuries, the monastery of Chondyns.
Suwon is famous for the ancient fortress Hwaseong (1794-1796 gg.). Other attractions include the Everland amusement park, the huge aquapark with artificial waves and water slides Karibien Bay, the folk village, the Silluksa Temple in Yoju, the Sejon the Great's tomb 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 well-known in the world.
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 cinema forums.
Daegu: Haeins monastery and its trepet of the Tripitaka Koreana (the most complete collection of Buddhist canons in East Asia), the Buddhist monastery of Chikchis with millennial columns and thousands of small Buddha statues.
Andon - the cradle of Confucianism .In the past, this city was famous for great scientists and numerous Confucian temples and schools, today such temples survived 26 .Also, Andon was also the place of "Yangban" (Korean noblemen), so here are their traditional dwellings, which were guarded by descendants for centuries .Some of these traditional noble houses now operate 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 masks museum of Hahoe, the Confucian temples of Dosan and Bonsang, the Bonjon's 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
South Korea's photo (69)
Thermal springs and water parks of South Korea
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 there are pools with jasmine extract, a cave pool, a yellow clay sauna and a large outdoor swimming pool.
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 springs.
"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 a real cave.