See the dazzling former royal palaces of Seoul, drink in the culture at the capital’s funky/historic Insadong lane, with its teahouses and restaurants, or get away from it all on peaceful Jeju Island. A room for a song is yours at HotelTravel.com.
The fascinating country of South Korea is one of the oldest civilizations in the world, with its foundation dating back to 2333 BC. Also known as the "Land of the Morning Calm", it occupies the southern half of the Korean Peninsula, which extends some 1,100 kilometres from the Asian mainland. This mountainous peninsula is flanked by the Yellow Sea to the west, and the Sea of Japan / East Sea to the east. About 3,000 islands lie off the western and southern coasts, including the popular holiday island of Jeju with its scenic beaches, beautiful waterfalls, and unique lava caves.
A major economic powerhouse, South Korea is one of the wealthiest countries in Asia. It boasts the 12th largest economy in the world and the third largest in Asia, forming the ""Big Three"" Asian economies along with China and Japan. It is a world leader in electronics and information technology. A network of trains and subways connects the country’s cities and suburbs. Yet under its modern exterior South Korea retains centuries-old customs and traditions, such as its cuisine, ancestor worship, and Confucius ideals. The country also has several dozen national and provincial parks, renowned for their natural beauty and numerous temples.
Surrounded by powerful neighbours, it has come under attack on numerous occasions over the millennia and responded by turning its back on the world and developing its own unique culture in isolation, an enticing element which draws thousands of tourists still today.
Seoul, its capital is the world's second largest city, a thriving and exciting metropolis of futuristic high-rises, chic hotels, fabulous restaurants, stylish shops and beautifully renovated palaces still worthy of the kings who built them. The Korean ambition to come to terms with a turbulent past is most apparent in Seoul. Wherever you travel, you'll see Koreans out in the open air, clad in the latest adventure fashions, pushing ever onward and upward.
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South Korea's mountains, national parks and islands are more than accommodating when it comes to hiking and mountain biking. If golf is your game you'll be pleased to hear that there are over 60 manicured courses throughout the country. Indoor activities on offer include billiards, hot spring soaking and taekwondo, the national martial art.
Buddha's Birthday
(April or early May) Check out the great lantern parades and other festivities during this wonderful occasion.
Andong is a fascinating area to visit and a centre for the Yangban (aristocrat) class. When the Andong Dam was built in 1976, many of the cultural relics would have been destroyed. Luckily these were moved to the Andong Folk Village and Folk Museum, both located near the foot of the dam, which visitors can now enjoy viewing today.
A number of international carriers fly to South Korea. The international airport is in Incheon, 60km (37mi) from the capital; Gimpo airport in Seoul now operates domestic services only. The international airports in Busan and Jeju have flights to and from China and Japan. If you're flying from Japan, Tokyo is the best place for cheap fares. Departure tax on international flights is to be paid in won and costs in the vicinity of USD10.00.
Korea has four distinct seasons, with a wet monsoon/summer in the middle of the year and a very cold winter from November to March. Time your visit to South Korea for autumn (September to November). It's sunny, the skies are blue, and Korea's spectacular autumn foliage is a real draw. Winter is cold but dry, and a good time to visit if you like skiing, snow-draped temples, a dearth of tourists and below freezing weather. Spring (April to May) can be beautiful, but its also the most popular time with many tourists and you'll have trouble getting mid to top-end accommodation. Summer is hot, muggy, crowded, wet, typhoon-prone and expensive.
Room was extremely small. Bed was extremely hard. No wi-fi in room. Great price and location. Wi-fi in lobby worked great. They have a sign that says no visitors allowed in the room, only guests allow...
