Expatriate Forums in South Korea

South Korea tourism · Guest Home Country: countryx

SOUTH KOREA TOURISM GUIDE

KOREA (REPUBLIC OF)

Introduction

South Korea is a mountainous peninsular which divides the Chinese Yellow Sea from the Sea of Japan. Alpine to the north, the southern Island of Cheju basks in an almost subtropical climate. The country has several dozen National and Provincial Parks and a ruggedly scenic coastline. Despite some moves towards a political thaw, the border with Korea (Dem Rep) is closed and is likely to remain so for the foreseeable future.

NOTE: The Korea National Tourism Organisation offers a special English language Travel Phone service for overseas visitors. The number is 1330 (advertised as ‘thirteen thirty’) and can be called from all over the country (daily 0900-1800). If calling from overseas the number is (0082) 2 1330.
A ‘Goodwill Guide’ service is also available (website: www.goodwillguide.com), by which registered volunteers provide free interpretation services, guided tours of sights and festivals and advice about making the most of your trip to South Korea. To take advantage of this service overseas visitors must register at least 7 days in advance.

REGIONS OF SOUTH KOREA

Seoul

Seoul’s many attractions and excellent transport links make it South Korea’s number one destination for foreign visitors and the logical place from which to embark on a tour of the country. The capital since 1394, it is a bustling, sophisticated commercial centre, which nevertheless retains numerous reminders of its rich heritage. Seoul’s greatest attractions are perhaps the royal residences, several of which are UNESCO-listed. Changdokkung Palace is surrounded by the picturesque Secret Gardens, while the nearby Chongmyo Shrine, set in wooded grounds, contains the ancestral tablets of the Kings of the Yi Dynasty. A colourful Confucian ceremony takes place here annually on the first Sunday in May. The Museum of Modern Arts is within the grounds of Toksukung Palace, a former royal villa which presents an interesting contrast with the surrounding skyscrapers. Kyongbokkung Palace, the most impressive of the palaces, dates in part to 1394 and has within its grounds the excellent National Folk Museum and temporary displays of treasures from the fantastic collection of the National Museum of Korea (currently being reconstructed). Symbol of Seoul, the Great South Gate (Namdaemun) was the main gate in the city’s 15th-century defences. Pagoda Park (Tapkol Park) commemorates the 1919 Korean Declaration of Independence and is a good place for people-watching. For fine city panoramas it is worth ascending Seoul Tower which sits atop landscaped Namsan Mountain in the heart of the city. The War Memorial and Museum on Yongsan-gu military base traces the history of conflict on the Korean Peninsular. Seoul is a great place to see performances of Korea’s vibrant performing arts. For those interested in finding a unique souvenir, the traditional shopping area of Insadong offers everything from antiques to calligraphy brushes. Bargain hunters will enjoy the city’s huge markets such as the daily East Gate (Dongdaemun) Market, while for fashion shopping and nightlife the Itaewon district is the place to head for. Lotte World is a massive entertainment complex featuring everything from a major theme park to sports facilities and a luxury hotel.

EXCURSIONS: Just north of the capital, the forests and cliff-top temples of Pukansan National Park offer great hiking and recreational facilities. One hour from Seoul, on the border with North Korea, is the truce village of Panmunjom where the 1953 armistice negotiations took place. Access is possible only on an official tour, but many will find the sight of the North Korean landscape and soldiers well worth it. The Everland leisure complex, one hour from Seoul, features a huge theme park, a zoo and a speedway-racing track. Also part of the complex, the superb treasures of the Hoam Art Museum will appeal to anyone interested in Korean art. South of Seoul is the Suwon Korean Folk Village, a functioning rural community and wonderful reconstruction of the past. Craftsmen can be observed at their trades and there are daily performances of traditional folk dances and entertainments. The impressively preserved city walls and defences of nearby Suwon City are UNESCO-listed. Southeast of Seoul, Icheon is a traditional centre of Korea’s ceramics industry. Attractions include the Haegang Ceramics Museum and nearby hot springs. Incheon, the location of South Korea’s new International Airport, is a major seaport and famous for the 1950 ‘Incheon Landings’ of UN troops during the Korean War. These days visitors flock to the many shopping malls and the amusement park and waterfront attractions of the Wolmido area.

The East

Eastern Korea provides breathtaking mountain and coastal scenery, a blaze of colour in autumn and a fine setting for wintersports with modern, fully equipped ski centres. The mountains run down to the sea along much of the 390km (240mile) east coast but are interspersed by harbours, fishing villages and long, sandy beaches, such as the popular resort of Hwajinpo. The beautiful beaches of the Samchok area range from tiny, undiscovered coves to large resorts. The incredibly scenic volcanic island of Ullungdo lies 130km (80miles) off the coast and is accessible by ferry. Three of Korea’s National Parks, Soraksan, Odaesan and Chuwangsan, are accessible from the East Coast highway. Soraksan National Park, the northernmost, is widely considered to offer the most beautiful scenery in Korea with its rugged peaks, waterfalls, forests and temples. Excellent tourist facilities range from hiking trails and campsites to the Osaek Springs luxury hot spring resorts. The resort village of Soarkdong is a popular starting point for climbing expeditions and a cable car runs from the village to the ancient Kwongumsong Fortress from where there are spectacular views. For wintersports, the nearby Alps Ski Resort is well known. Odaesan National Park is famous for its ski resorts, as is the Dragon Valley (Yongpyong) area further south. Rock climbers will enjoy the challenges of the Chiaksan area.
Towards the centre of the country, Songnisan National Park is another area renowned for its natural beauty. The famous Popchusa Temple dates back to AD 553 and has an impressive pagoda, and a number of art treasures such as an immense standing Buddha. Rural Andong district retains much of its traditional culture and the Musil Folk Village and Museum is well worth visiting. The nearby Hahoe Folk Village is particularly known for its mask makers and dancers. The annual Andong Folk Festival and Masked Dance Festival takes place in October.

KYONGJU: Known as Korea’s ‘Museum without walls’, Kyongju is a repository of ancient Korean history and Buddhist culture and has been designated by UNESCO as one of the world’s ten most historically significant sites. Capital of the Shilla Kingdom from 57 BC to AD 935, many traces of the temples, palaces and monuments of that era still remain. The most impressive structure to survive is undoubtedly the seventh-century Chomsongdae, an observatory that ranks amongst the oldest in Asia. Nearby Tumuli Park contains 20 tomb mounds of Shilla Royalty, one of which, the Heavenly Horse Tomb, can be entered. Many treasures of the area, including golden crowns excavated from the tombs, can be seen in the Kyongju National Museum. The Anapji Pond and Gardens are a reconstructed pleasure garden complete with pavilions. The surrounding hills are dotted with ancient monuments and temples and laced with scenic hiking trails.

EXCURSIONS: Within easy reach of Kyongju is the Pomun Lake Resort, a complex of hotels, a convention centre, golf courses, sports facilities, a casino, marina and shopping centres. Nearby Pulguksa Temple is one of the country’s most famous and a major tourist draw. This large wooden temple is beautifully painted and very atmospheric and the stone foundations and pagodas date back to the eighth century. High on the mountain above Pulguksa is the fascinating Sokkuram Grotto, an ancient and highly complex cave-like structure containing a large granite Buddha and wall carvings of guardian deities, all of great artistic importance.
Fifty kilometres west of Taegu City is the Kayasan National Park, at the centre of which is Haeinsa, Korea’s best-known temple. Built in AD 802, it houses the extraordinary Tripitaka Koreana, a set of over 80,000 wooden printing blocks engraved with the complete Buddhist scriptures. Completed in 1252 after 16 years of work, they are still in perfect condition.

The South

Busan, on South Korea’s southeastern coast, is the country’s largest sea port. There are great views from the Busan Tower, and the city’s attractions include Pomosa Temple, Kumjongsansong Fortress and the large, busy fish market. The nearby coast boasts two major beach resorts, Haeundae and Songjong. Haeundae is the more popular and has a long, sandy beach with a good range of hotels and restaurants. Additional attractions are sightseeing boat tours and the nearby medicinal hot springs. Another hot-spring resort in the area is Tongnae, while Kumgang Park features unusual rock formations and historic monuments, including a pagoda and several temples. The superb Ulsukdo Bird Sanctuary offers world-class birdwatching.
Chirisan National Park is known as a fine hiking and mountaineering destination. Located on the flank of Mount Chirisan, Hwaeomsa Temple is famous for its ancient pagodas and annual lantern festival.
Korea’s southwestern area offers dramatic coastal scenery, most notably the 1000 plus islands that make up the Tadohae Haesang Marine National Park. Of the islands that offer accommodation and facilities for visitors, scenic Hongdo and craggy Huksando are two of the most popular. The area is famous for its beautiful sunsets. The coastal town of Mokpo is the location of the excellent new National Maritime Museum and departure point for ferries to many of the National Park’s islands and also for Cheju-do Island.

CHEJU-DO ISLAND: Lying off the southwest coast of South Korea, the scenic resort island of Cheju-do is dominated by Mount Halla, Korea’s highest mountain at 1950m (6400ft). Just a one-hour flight from Seoul, the island’s warm, sunny climate and myriad leisure facilities mean that it is the country’s most popular honeymoon destination. Hikers will enjoy following the trail to the summit of Mount Halla while those in search of a beach holiday will find sandy beaches, warm waters and sports facilities. The Chungmun tourist complex offers watersports, a golf course and a ‘Pacific’-themed leisure centre. In addition, a major new amusement park, ‘Cheju World’ has recently opened. Numerous natural attractions include the Samsonghyol Caves, three spectacular waterfalls and the volcanic scenery of Songsanilchulbong Park. Tours of the many tangerine orchards and visits to Songup Folk Village are also popular. Cheju-do is famous for its seafood, some of which is still harvested by traditional haenyeo women divers.

The West

South of Seoul, South Korea’s western area is known for its jagged scenic coastline and numerous National and Provincial Parks. Particularly notable is the Kyeryongsan National Park which includes the two beautiful temples of Kapsa and Dongkaksa. Thirty-five kilometres (20 miles) apart, both Kongju and Puyo were once capital of the ancient Paekche kingdom. Today numerous burial mounds are still to be found in the area and both towns boast branches of the National Museum featuring fine displays of artefacts dating back over 1000 years. The Kongju National Museum also houses the crowns and other treasures excavated from the tomb of King Muryeon. Nearby, a reconstruction of the tomb is open to visitors. Not far from Puyo, the Nakhwaam Rock is renowned for the tragic suicide of 3000 women of the Paekche court during the last days of the Paekche dynasty in the seventh century AD. Further south, Teogyusan National Park has numerous waterfalls and is famous as the southernmost skiing area in South Korea. The temple of Tapsa, located at the base of Mount Maisan, is renowned for its 80 unique pagodas, built of thousands of small stones by a Buddhist hermit.

ACCOMODATIONS

HOTELS: There are many modern tourist hotels in the major cities and tourist areas. All of these are registered with the Government. Most rooms have private baths as well as heating and cooling systems. Facilities in most tourist hotels include dining rooms, convention halls, bars, souvenir shops, cocktail lounges, barber and beauty shops and recreation areas. For further information and reservations, contact the Korea National Tourism Organisation (see Contact Addresses section) or the Korea Hotel Reservation Center, PO Box 1099, Fort Lee, NJ 07024, USA (tel: (845) 426 7335; fax: (845) 426 7338; website: www.khrc.com). A service charge of ten per cent and ten per cent VAT are included in hotel bills; tipping is not necessary. Grading: All registered hotels are classified according to their standard and quality of service. The Rose of Sharon, the national flower of Korea, is used as a symbol of quality, and hotels range from 5 Sharons (deluxe) to 2 Sharons (third class). For further information, contact Korea National Tourism Organisation (see Contact Addresses section).

YOGWANS: These are Korean inns, very reasonable and considered by many travellers as the ‘only place to stay’. Sleeping arrangements consist of a small mattress and a firm pillow on the ondol, the hot floor-heating system which is traditional in Korea. There are also Western-style rooms. Korea National Tourism Organisation can provide a list of yogwans throughout Korea (see Contact Addresses section).

SELF-CATERING: Cottages are available for rent at seaside resorts, but fees are high and few services are provided.

HOMESTAY PROGRAMME: Programme supported by the KNTO offering visitors the chance to stay with a host family in Korea. For more information, contact the KNTO (see Contact Addresses section).

CAMPING: Campsites are located throughout the country. Contact Korea National Tourism Organisation for details.

YOUTH HOSTELS: At present there are 51 youth hostels in Korea, mainly located in Seoul, Kyongju, Busan, Puyo, Sokcho and vicinities. For more information and reservations, contact the Korean Youth Hostels Association, Room 409, Chokson Hyundai Building, 80 Chokson-dong, Chongno-gu, Seoul (tel: (2) 725 3031; fax: (2) 725 3113; e-mail: inform@kyha.or.kr; website: http://yh.kyha.or.kr).

TEMPLE STAYS: There is also a Temple Stay Programme where visitors can, as the name suggests, stay in temples and see what goes on. Further information can be obtained online (website: www.templestay.net) or from KNTO (see Contact Addresses section).

SPORT & ACTIVITIES

The Republic of Korea has considerable experience in hosting major international sporting events, notably the 1986 Asian Games, the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, the 2002 Asian Games and the 2002 Football World Cup which it co-hosted together with Japan – the first time this major sporting event took place in an Asian country. Sports facilities are therefore generally of a high standard, particularly in Seoul and in the larger cities.

Watersports: Visitors will find plenty of facilities for watersports along the southern coast and islands. The best time is from June to November, but swimming, paragliding and whitewater rafting are possible all year round. There are numerous scuba diving centres along the coast, with diving classes, equipment rental and air tanks all provided. Cheju-do Island (one hour by plane from Seoul) is the most popular destination for scuba diving enthusiasts; the waters surrounding the island are also considered exceptionally good for deep-sea fishing and a number of hotels and companies offer organised fishing trips. Standard facilities for windsurfing, water-skiing and boating are widely available in all coastal resorts. (For further details on the most important beach resorts, see the Resorts & Excursions section). Following a massive clean-up during the 1980s, Seoul’s Han-gang River now provides a range of watersports facilities and is a popular destination for those wishing to escape a busy city life.

Golf: There are more than 80 golf courses in Korea, the best ones located near Seoul, Kyongju and Chejudo. Many of them can be reached within an hour by car. Facilities for accommodation and other sports (such as swimming pools) are often also integrated within the golf complex. Reservations (which should be made at least one week in advance) can be made directly to the golf course or through a travel agent. Players should note that personal golf clubs must be declared to customs officials upon entering the country. For details of membership and fees, contact the Korea National Tourism Organisation (see Contact Addresses section).

Skiing: There are 13 ski resorts all within 4 or 5 hours of Seoul. The principal ones are the Yongpyong Ski Resort (Dragon Valley International Ski Resort) at Tackwallyong Area and Chonmasan Ski Resort near Seoul.

Traditional sports: T’aekwondo is the main martial art practised in Korea. The traditional Korean sport Ssirum (Korean wrestling), is similar to Sumo wrestling and is a big spectator sport in Korea. Kite-flying and archery are also popular traditional games.

Festivals: Korea’s rich cultural, historic and religious heritage is celebrated throughout the year in a myriad festivals, some in honour of religious figures (such as Buddha’s birthday), others focusing on nature (eg the changing seasons). For dates of festivals and special events, see the Public Holidays and Social Profile sections. A full and detailed list can be obtained from the Korea National Tourism Organisation (see Contact Addresses section). The KNTO also organises a variety of theme tours, focusing on history, religion, shopping and crafts as well as nature and health.

Historical and cultural tours: A variety of these is available, with particular focus on Korea’s Buddhist heritage. The country has over 10,000 temples and 20,000 monks. Given the increasing worldwide interest in Buddhism, Korean monks are now opening their temples and monasteries to tourists. Ceremonies, traditional dining rituals and tea parties are organised to cater for spiritual tourism, while more dedicated seekers can enrol in Buddhist retreats to practise silence, meditation and prayer for periods lasting anything from 3 weeks to several years.

Souvenir tours: More material-minded visitors may go on one of Korea’s souvenir tours, which are based on the country’s reputation as a shoppers’ paradise, with many shops providing special duty-free prices for foreigners. (For further details on shopping, see the Social Profile section). Fashion, antiques, medicine, herbs and spices, electronics and wedding clothes feature highly on Korea’s shopping itinerary; organised tours often combine souvenir and bargain hunting with sightseeing. The best shopping districts and markets are in the capital, Seoul, and include Namdaemun (Korea’s largest general wholesale market); Tongdaemun (one of Seoul’s oldest markets, good for bargains); Myong-dong (Korea’s fashion district); Insa-dong (antiques and art) and Changanp’yong (one of the largest antiques markets in the Far East); Itaewon (modern shopping district particularly popular with foreign tourists); Noryargjin (fish market); Yongsan Electronics Market (largest electronics and computer market in Korea); Koyndang (Oriental medicine, spices and herbs market); Hwangkhak-dong (flea market, good for second-hand shopping); Ahyon-dong (the ‘wedding street’, featuring over 120 wedding boutiques); and Shinch’on (a shopping street popular with young people, good for accessories and fashion).

Pottery and ceramics centres: Organised tours to Korea’s pottery and ceramics centres (such as the Yoju ceramic art village and the Kangjin Koryo Celadon kiln site) are also available, offering visitors the opportunity to participate in ancient pottery-making techniques.

Nature tours: Focusing on seasonal changes and festivals, the most popular itineraries for nature