|
SOUTH KOREA TRAVEL GUIDE
If you want a holiday that offers a mix of sightseeing, beach relaxation, outdoor activities and cultural experiences, then South Korea will not disappoint. Big cities such as Seoul offer plenty of manmade eye-candy, while the country’s islands, coastal locations and national parks teem with natural beauty.
The hosting of the 1988 Olympic Games by the capital city Seoul helped bring the country to the attention of Western visitors, whose numbers have increased progressively over the last two decades. South Korea (aka Republic of Korea) has plenty going for it, presenting a mix of historical and cultural attractions, excellent cuisine, and scenic beach resorts.
* * * * * * * *
SOUTH KOREA WEATHER - When to Go
South Korea experiences a varied climate with four seasons in which weather conditions are markedly different. The summer season sees hot weather and high levels of humidity (Seoul experiences highs of up to 35°C), while winter can see temperatures of below freezing. Rainfall can occur throughout the year, but the majority of it is restricted to the monsoon period known as Jangma, which occurs between June and September.
Spring and autumn are the best seasons in which to take a holiday in South Korea, as temperatures are comfortable, generally no higher than the mid-20s (°C). Most parts of the country enjoy clear blue skies and little or nothing in the way of heavy rainfall at this time.
* * * * * * * *
SOUTH KOREA HIGHLIGHTS - Places to Visit
Seoul: home to some 10 million permanent residents, Seoul is South Korea’s capital and its largest city by a wide margin, a centre for business, economics, culture and technology. Sightseeing enthusiasts will revel at the chance to check out popular landmarks and attractions such as the palaces (of Gyeongbok-gun, Changdeok-gung, Deoksu-gung, ChangGyeong-gung and Geyonghui-gung), the Inwang Temple and the Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower). Nature lovers can enjoy the delights of the city’s greenbelt areas, which include Olympic Park. Seoul is home to the best shopping in the country. Brand name and designer clothing is especially popular among young, affluent ‘Seoulites’ so the city has some excellent clothing outlets including Lotte Young Plaza and Utoo Zone, both located in Myeongdong - the best shopping district in the city. Seoul also has several attraction-packed theme parks to entertain family visitors, including Everland.
Busan: this is the country’s second biggest city and though not quite as attraction-packed as Seoul, it has its fair share of places of interest. Few visitors miss out on the Beomeo-sa Temple, a religious structure that dates to 678 BC and is classed as one of Korea's Great Five Temples. The Busan Tower located in Yongdusan Park also draws many visitors and offers great views over the city from the top. The beaches are also popular, with Haeundae Beach among the best of the seven on offer. Busan is well known as a good hiking destination, with a number of established trails available.
Gyeongju: also written as Kyongju, this city was once the capital of the Silla Kingdom and consequently has a rich history and cultural heritage. City attractions include the Bunhwangsa Temple, the Bulguksa Temple, the Gyeongju National Museum, the Seokguram Grotto and the Cheomseongdae Observatory in Tumuli Park. One of the greatest appeals of Gyeongju is that it isn’t overrun with tourists, maintaining the ambience of a small city with friendly, inquisitive locals.
Jeonju: this is the North Jeolla province’s capital city and it can be reached in just under 3.5 hours from Seoul by bus. The city is home to a number of museums, the most famous of which is the National Jeonju Museum, with its collection of relics dating back to the era of the Baekje Kingdom. The Traditional Korean Wine Museum and the Hansol Paper Museum are also both worth a visit. For a slice of history, be sure to check out the 15th century Gaeksa building in the heart of the city; now a popular meeting place, the building was once used for royal functions and entertaining VIPs.
Jeju: both the name of an island and its capital city, Jeju is one of South Korea’s most popular vacation destinations. Besides having gorgeous beaches and coastal scenery, the island is perhaps most famous for the Jeju Fire Festival (Jeongwol Daeboreum), an annual event (held in February) that has grown out of agricultural traditions. Attractions on the island include ancient ruins, pretty waterfalls, the unique Bonsai Gardens and the fascinating Folklore and Natural History Museum. Jeju offers an ideal setting for water-based activities, with the period from June through November offering the best conditions.
Seoraksan National Park: located in Gangwon and designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the Seoraksan National Park is one of South Korea’s greatest visitor attractions. The park’s unique ecosystem supports an equally unique selection of plants and animals, many of which cannot be found elsewhere on the planet. The mountains within the park feature numerous hiking trails that are popular with domestic and overseas visitors alike.
Chonmasan Ski Resort: within four to five hours’ drive from Seoul is the Chonmasan Ski Resort, among a dozen or so other winter sports resorts where skiing and snowboarding can be pursued. Chonmasan is one of the largest and most established of the collection and offers great powder and facilities.
Jirisan Mountain: hiking and climbing fans will enjoy the challenging conditions found on Jirisan Mountain, where overnight stays are possible. Elsewhere in the country, there are more than 1,700 recognised hiking trails, with the easy terrain of parks such as Daedunsan and the Muryeong Valley being popular among hikers.
Korea’s Beaches: Do a spot of island hopping so you can see the best of the country’s beaches, including those at Samcheok, Geundeok, Yongwha and Imwon. Or spend a few days scuba diving at Ulleungdo Island.
* * * * * * * *
SOUTH KOREA HOSPITALITY - Eat, Drink, Sleep
Food and eating out: Korean social and dining culture is based on eating out and consequently the country abounds with eateries, with everything from roadside noodle vendors to upmarket restaurants available. Food prices are cheap, and you can easily eat well on a shoestring budget, with some of the most authentic cuisine found in the busy budget establishments heavily frequented by the locals.
Entertainment and nightlife: Seoul offers the widest choice of entertainment venues in the country, with everything from bars and nightclubs to lively karaoke lounges. Most large cities offer a good selection of after-dark options, with many restaurants and bars hosting live entertainment.
Accommodation: availability depends on the destination in Korea. Seoul and other major tourist destinations are not lacking in terms of numbers and variety of hotels, whereas the choice becomes more restricted in smaller towns and cities.
* * * * * * * *
SOUTH KOREA FLIGHTS - Flying from the UK
Direct fligths are available between London and Seoul with Korean Airlines and Asiana.
Cheaper and more flexible options may be available by using a connecting flight (possibly in Germany, flying with Lufthansa; or in Hong Kong, flying with Cathay Pacific).
Try Expedia.co.uk, Netflights or ebookers for flight options to South Korea, including direct flights from London to South Korea as well as flights from regional UK airports with a connecting flight via Europe or elsewhere to reach South Korea.
|
