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Holidays in South Korea: features, climate and recommendations for tourists. Climate of south korea Water temperature in korea

Most (northern) part of South Korea is in a temperate monsoon climate, the southern part and Jeju Island are in a subtropical monsoon climate. The mountainous regions in the east of the country have severe weather conditions, for which temperature fluctuations are common from +25, +27 ° C during the day, to +13, + 15 ° C at night in the summer, and from 0 ° C during the day to -8, -10 °C at night in winter.

The climate of Korea is characterized by the influence of extratropical monsoons, the onset of the winter monsoon is associated with the movement of air masses from the Asian anticyclone to the Aleutian and Equatorial depressions, with which cold air invades from the expanses of Siberia and Mongolia. The Yellow Sea and the Sea of ​​Japan, the subtropics and the Manchurian-Korean mountains, which wash the shores of Korea, have a moderating effect on the climate. The movement of the summer monsoon is influenced by the trade winds, which are formed as a result of the movement of air masses from the Pacific anticyclone to the Asian depression. During this period, tropical sea air dominates the country, carrying heavy rainfall. Sometimes, in the first weeks of summer, the monsoon can move from the Sea of ​​Okhotsk and the Sea of ​​Japan, bringing with it moderate sea air. In summer and autumn, typhoons periodically form on the Pacific coast of the seas, which cause great harm to the country's economy.

Weather in South Korea now:

The seasons in South Korea are clearly defined (of which the Koreans are very proud), they change smoothly, without sharp fluctuations. The country's climate is especially influenced by air masses moving from Southeast Asia, where there are mainly two seasons: dry and wet, while South Korea stands apart in this sense.

Climate of South Korea by months:

Starts in March-April and is one of the most pleasant and mild seasons in South Korea. It is warm here in spring (average temperature is +15, +20 °C), dry, clear and sunny, with much less precipitation than in summer. A lot of plants, herbs, shrubs and trees bloom, for example cherries, parks and gardens become emerald green, buried in variegated and bright colors.

One of the main attractions of the south of the country is the yellow rapeseed flowers that bloom in spring. Both locals and tourists from all over South Korea come to admire their amazing beauty. April 5 is Arbor Day in South Korea.

It is characterized by an insignificant duration, high temperatures (up to +30, +35 °С), heat and stuffiness, and a large amount of precipitation. The average temperature of the hottest month in the year of August in the east is +24 ° C, on about. Jeju and southwest - +26 °С. In mountainous areas, the heat decreases with increasing altitude, and summers are shorter and cooler there.

On the mainland zone, most of the average annual precipitation, and their 1000-1500 mm per year, mainly falls on the summer period (the rainy season is the second half of June-beginning of August), on the island zone - more than 1800-2000 mm falls per year, and also most of them occur during the rainy season. In summer, the air humidity here reaches up to 80%, gradually dropping to 70% in September and October. The water in the sea warms up to a temperature of +24, +26 °C. One of the most comfortable places for a full-fledged summer vacation after the end of long heavy rains (mid-July) is the resort island of Jeju, which is also called the “Korean Hawaii”.

Just like spring is one of the best periods to visit the country, it is not as hot as summer, in September the rainy season ends and the monotonous green expanses are replaced by a riot of gold and purple-crimson colors and shades. It is during this period filled with peace and tranquility that locals, Korean artists and poets prefer to spend more time outdoors, walking in parks, making trips to the forest and mountains, enjoying all the delights of wild untouched nature.

Under the influence of the Asian anticyclone, winter in South Korea is distinguished by its duration, a large number of relatively sunny and dry days (snow usually falls in small amounts, precipitation is from 20 to 50 mm), and frost. On the resort island of Jeju and the east coast, which are under the influence of subtropics, winters are more humid.

In the central and western parts of the country, the average temperatures of the coldest month of the winter of January are 0, -4 °С, in the mountainous regions and in the northeast - -4, -7 °С, in the east and south - -1, +3 °С , on Jeju Island - +6 °С. Bright blue skies and sunny winter days greatly brighten up the cold season in this country. Water on the northern coast in winter warms up to +5 °С, on the southern coast - up to +14 °С. In the first month of winter, lovers of skiing and snow go to the comfortable ski resorts of South Korea, and Christmas is very colorful and solemn here, which Koreans love and celebrate on a grand scale.

It is a country located in the south of the Korean Peninsula in East Asia. Since the country is located on a peninsula, it has only one land border (with North Korea (DPRK)), along which there is a demilitarized zone.

Almost all of South Korea is surrounded by water, the coastline stretches for 2,413 kilometers. From the south side, the country is washed by the South China Sea, from the western side by the Yellow Sea, from the eastern side by the Sea of ​​Japan.

The total area of ​​South Korea is 98,480 km2, of which 290 km2 is occupied by water resources.

The peninsula stretches in the eastern part of Asia for about 1000 kilometers from north to south. There are more than 3.5 thousand islands around the peninsula, most of which are uninhabited.

The northern part of the peninsula is formed by the Tumangan and Yalujiang rivers, which separate the country from the northeastern Chinese provinces.

Most of the peninsula is covered with mountains. The highest point in South Korea is the Hallasan volcano (1950 meters), located on Jeju Island.

The longest river in the country is the Naktong River, reaching a length of 521 kilometers. Other major rivers in South Korea are the Hangang (514 kilometers), Geumgang (401 kilometers), Imjdingan, Bukhangan and Somjingang. The rivers are quite shallow, the water level in them depends mainly on seasonal changes.

Vegetation in South Korea due to the mild climate is very diverse. Oak and broad-leaved forests grow in the mountainous regions of the country - hornbeam, oak, birch, linden and others are common. Ginseng is widespread in foothill areas. Dense pine forests can be found along the lower mountain belt.

Climate

South Korea has a monsoon temperate climate type. Each season in the country has its own characteristic bright features. Every season here passes smoothly, changing one after another. Air masses moving from Asia have a special influence on the climate.

Winter in the country is relatively dry, long and cold, summer is humid, short and hot. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant times of the year.

The temperature in the northwestern part of South Korea in January averages -2 ... -5 °С, in July - +23 ... +26 °С.

Winter on Jeju Island, unlike other areas, is the mildest. The average temperature in January is +1…+3 °С, in July up to +25 °С.

On average, more than 100 centimeters fall annually in the country. In drier years, the mark drops to 75 centimeters. The greatest amount of precipitation - the rainy season - falls between June and September.

South Korea, unlike Japan, the Philippines, Taiwan and China's east coast, is less affected by typhoons. Every year, up to three typhoons pass over the country, causing floods.

Big cities South Korea: Daegu, Busan, Incheon, Daejeon, Gwangju.

Known ski resorts South Korea: Hyundai Songgu, Yangji Pine, Yeonpyeong, Phoenix Park, Alps, Muju, Ganchor, Taemyun Vivaldi Park.

South Korea has long become popular among the inhabitants of the Russian Federation. Increasingly, domestic tourists are choosing the country of "morning freshness", abandoning the annoying Egypt, Greece and Bulgaria. Often they visit beaches, ski resorts and directly the capital - Seoul. However, it should be noted that Korea is exotic, which not everyone can afford. The same expensive countries can be called Japan, Australia and the Philippines. Most of the travelers, choosing among the listed states, still prefer South Korea. What is it that attracts Russian-speaking tourists? Bullfights, many varieties of tangerines, skyscrapers, toilets controlled by special remotes, open Internet access points and sauerkraut, which has long become a national dish. All this can be found on the territory of an interesting and diverse Korea. Do not be afraid of all of the above. The state is open to any tourists who can choose a recreation area for themselves: monasteries, pagodas, slopes, beaches. Holidays in South Korea, reviews of which are excellent, will appeal to many, if not all.

Tourists in Korea

South Korea has long been ranked among the safest countries in the world. However, as they say, the medal has two sides. The republic ranked first among all states in terms of the number of deaths as a result of car accidents. That is why tourists should be as careful as possible. In addition, even with the fact that the country is calm, it is still not recommended to walk alone through the parks at night and alleys.

The locals treat tourists well. However, there may be some problems with understanding (communication), as not everyone knows English.

Shopping in the Land of the Morning Calm

The largest stores are open from 10:30 to 20 pm. Smaller scale outlets start their day much earlier and end late at night. All necessary conditions have been created for shopping in Korea. There are specialized areas, many markets, arcades, department stores and centers, duty-free shops are open. Spending holidays in South Korea, you definitely need to visit popular outlets.

The most common souvenirs include paintings, various goods made of wood, dolls, fans, and so on. Quite a lot of interesting items decorated with mother-of-pearl can be found in stores. Since we have already talked about shells and other things, it should be said that Korea is the only state on Earth where only women are engaged in the extraction of valuable items from the bottom of the sea.

General information about the rest

The Republic of Korea is famous for its ski resorts and beaches. It has a huge cultural heritage that it is proud of. All available recreation areas are suitable for those who want to relax and escape from problems, as well as for those who come for active adventures. In winter, the following ski resorts are the most popular: Muju, Phoenix and Yongpyeong. Often tourists visit local festivals.

As for the summer period, they have gained fame. They have many beaches, near which shops and restaurants are located. If a tourist comes with a child, then relaxation on Jeju Island should be preferred, but if without, Busan and Namsan will do. South Korea will seem very interesting to every tourist. Beach holidays will be described in more detail below.

Those who love sightseeing trips can come to the state at any time from September to November. It is this period that is considered the most favorable for various educational activities. If a tourist just wants to walk the streets of Seoul and admire the beauty of the scenery, you need to come to Korea from mid-March to June.

Climate in Korea

The vast majority of the country is located in the temperate climate zone, so the change of seasons and their influence is felt quite strongly. Traditionally, spring and autumn are short, not cold. Most of the warm days fall between March and May. Summers are often extremely hot, with average temperatures reaching +35°C in some parts of the country. Frequent rain. Chanma (or monsoonal rainfall) begins in June and lasts until July. August is also hot. Autumn is considered the most pleasant and comfortable season in Korea, as there are slight winds and the weather is dry. In winter, the average air temperature reaches -10°С, and there is little precipitation.

It is best to visit a country like South Korea from April to October. A beach holiday, the season of which opens during this period, will definitely give an unforgettable experience. Ski resorts open their "doors" for tourists from November to mid-spring.

western sea

If a tourist decides to stay in Seoul and wants to enjoy the beach, you can pay attention to the western border. This is where Taecheon Beach is located. A mud festival is most often held on its territory. The Western Sea, on the coast of which the beach is located, is shallow, the waves are small. The sand is soft but coarse. Relaxation in mud baths is available.

south sea

Traveling to a state such as South Korea is considered popular. Rest on the sea is one of the common activities.

Haeundae is considered to be the best beach in Korea. In summer it is so crowded with both locals and foreigners that it is difficult to find a free place. But it's not worth getting upset about it. The southern coast is rich in islands, which you can quickly get to and have a good rest. One of these must be called Jeju. It is popular due to its interesting and picturesque view, which will allow you to have a good vacation in South Korea. The water is emerald in color, there are black rocks, sand of different shades. And not far from the beach you can find a cave, near which exotic plants have sprouted. There is also a waterfall and a botanical garden. One can visit the village which has traditional houses. The coast on Jeju is more suitable for those who prefer outdoor activities. This is due to the fact that the sea is restless here, and the waves are rather big.

East Sea

The east coast is in great demand among tourists, as it offers beautiful and picturesque views. Many travelers suggest giving preference to Sokcho Beach. It has become popular due to the fact that it is located on the coast of the East Sea, which has clear waters. A pine forest is located nearby, and the sand covering the surface of the earth is snow-white. Not far from the beach is Seoraksan Park, on the territory of which there are mountains. You can also go to Chodo. This island is popular with fishermen. In general, holidays in South Korea by the sea, reviews of which are very good, are the most popular. Especially on the east coast.

Sanho beach

This beach is also popular among Koreans. Located on Udo Island, Sanho makes you feel like you're in Hawaii. White sand, turquoise water. Such a place is suitable for a wedding or just a romantic getaway in South Korea. At sea, prices are much higher than in the city, so you should buy all the accessories (towels, swimwear) in advance.

Gujora beach

On the island of Geojedo, Gujora Beach is the most popular. The land is connected to Busan by a unique "bridge". The bay is as quiet as possible. The sand covering the wide beach is small in size. If you don’t want to spend too much time outside of Busan, but have a desire to retire, this beach will be a great solution.

Getting to the coast is easy. This can be done either by ferry or by bus.

Sejong

Busan has its own beach. It is considered as calm as possible during "rush hour" (in summer). The fact is that the beach is located far from the city center, so it is not in great demand among the local population. However, tourists are not uncommon. After all, everyone likes to relax in a country like South Korea. Rest on the sea will give a lot of sensations.

You can get to the beach either by bus or by taxi. It will also be easy to walk.

Gwangalli

Another beach located in Busan. It will allow you to have a good rest in South Korea. In terms of size, it ranks second in the city. It offers a beautiful view of the bridge connecting Busan with another island. You can get to it using the metro.

The sand on the beach is fine, the climate is favorable. Next to it you can find theaters, exhibitions, museums. The fact is that the beach is located in the cultural center of the village. Of course, cafes and restaurants are nearby. There are bars and nightclubs.

"Korean wave"

Korea means getting to know the local culture. The "Korean Wave" was the name given to the spread of local musical traditions to other countries of the world. K-pop has gained the most popularity in Southeast Asia. Previously, only music belonged to such art and the “wave”, but now cinema, cuisine, and so on are considered to be such art. A sufficient number of local actors have long been filmed abroad, mainly in America, which indicates success. Some were able to break into Hollywood. It is safe to say that Korea clearly has someone to show and something to be proud of.

Food cost

Any tourist will want to eat while spending holidays in South Korea. Let's look at the prices below. In inexpensive cafes, the average cost per dish is about the same: from 7 to 12 thousand won. If you buy food in the parks, you will have to pay a little more. The cost is fully justified, because the dishes are usually large, have special snacks. Water is not sold in the cafe, it is issued free of charge. Coffee will cost 5,000 won, the same amount will have to be paid for various rolls, cakes or burgers.

In Myeongdong (one of them you can buy sweets. For example, ice cream will cost about 2 thousand won, cotton candy - the same.

Entertainment cost

If you need to get to any attraction, you can always use the metro. If desired, it is allowed to buy a single ticket, although it will be more profitable - a transport card. It sells for 2,000 won. If you buy it at the airport, it will come out a little more expensive, about 4 thousand rubles.

The fare depends on the distance of the "travel". Average fares: 450 won for a child with a transit card, 1,000 won for an adult. Holidays in South Korea by the sea, the prices for which are high, even despite the considerable expenses, will bring a lot of impressions.

The Republic of Korea (pronounced in Korean as taehan minguk), or unofficially South Korea, is a country located in East Asia, in the south of the Korean Peninsula, with its capital in the city of Seoul.

South Korea shares a border to the north with North Korea, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The so-called demilitarized zone runs along this land border. On all other sides, South Korea is surrounded by the sea (the length of the coastline is 2,413 km): the Yellow Sea in the west, the East China Sea in the south, and the Sea of ​​Japan in the east.

People settled in Korea already in the Neolithic era. At the beginning of our era, three rival kingdoms developed on the Korean peninsula: Goguryeo, Silla, and Baekje. The largest and strongest was the kingdom of Goguryeo, which was in a state of permanent war with the Chinese Song and Tang dynasties. In the 5th-7th centuries, the kingdom of Silla gained influence, seizing the entire territory of the Korean Peninsula, forcing the remnants of the troops of the kingdom of Goguryeo to take refuge in the territory of the present Chinese province of Jilin (Jilin) ​​in Manchuria, where they founded the state of Parhae in 698, destroyed by the Chinese in 926. All three kingdoms were united during the Goryeo Dynasty, which came to power in 918. Founded in 1392, the Joseon Dynasty ruled Korea until 1910. Between 1592 and 1598, Japan tried to conquer Korea, and in the 1620s, Manchuria, soon conquered in turn by the Chinese Ming dynasty. After that, the Joseon Dynasty came under the rule of the Chinese Qing Dynasty.

In 1876, Japan forced Korea to open up to foreign trade. Japan has always sought to suppress Korean national identity, and in 1910 Korea signed an annexation treaty with the Land of the Rising Sun. After the defeat of Japan in 1945, according to the UN plan, the northern part of Korea was given to the control of the USSR, and the United States got the southern zone of influence, which led to the emergence of two separate states on the Korean peninsula - North and South Korea.

This was followed by a period of military conflicts, coups and revolutions - the so-called period of six republics, which ended with the victory of democratic forces in South Korea: in 1987, democratic elections were held in the country, and in 1992 the first civilian president was elected.

Current time in Seoul:
(UTC+9)

Today, South Korea is a state with a fairly developed economy, which is becoming a new interesting tourist destination, and attracting thousands of visitors from all over the world from year to year. The country is famous for nature conservation areas that are suitable for ecotourists; ancient Buddhist buildings, interesting for lovers of cultural and educational tourism; sandy beaches of Jeju Island, which attract fans of beach holidays, diving and surfing.

How to get to South Korea

Airplane

In the vast majority of cases, tourists arrive by plane in Seoul. The capital of South Korea is served by two airports - Incheon and Gimpo, international flights arrive at the first.

You can fly directly from Russia to Seoul from Moscow (flights of Aeroflot and Korean Air), Khabarovsk and Vladivostok (Asiana), as well as St. Petersburg (seasonally) and Irutsk (Korean Air). From other cities of Russia, the Asian metropolis can currently be reached by regular flights with connections in the cities listed.

Almost a direct flight is at the disposal of residents of St. Petersburg - Finnair operates non-stop flights on the route Helsinki - Seoul. And thanks to the Allegro trains, the Northern Capital is only a couple of hours from the Finnish capital. However, this option is only suitable for those who have Schengen, otherwise it is better to use the same Finnair, but in a connecting option, since Helsinki Airport is quite comfortable and pleasant.

Naturally, you can fly through Moscow, this option is most suitable for cities in central Russia, up to the Urals. There are other options, we have listed them below. In addition, many European airlines, represented in Russia (Lufthansa, Czech Airlines, KLM and others), fly to Seoul, but flying with them seems illogical due to the big “hook”, but it can make sense if you participate in various loyalty programs European carriers.

Ferry

Cities and regions

South Korea is administratively divided into 9 provinces (1 of them autonomous), 1 city of special status and 6 metropolitan cities. These units, in turn, are subdivided into a number of smaller entities: cities, counties, municipalities, towns, townships, urban areas and villages.

Seoul is the capital of South Korea, founded on the site of a late 14th century settlement called Hanyang. The settlement that housed the Gyeong-bok royal palace was soon fortified. In 1910 - 1942, the city was called Gyeongsong, and its current name - Seoul (from Korean - "capital"), received in 1945. Since 1948, Seoul has been the official capital of the Republic of Korea and its main economic, political and cultural center.

Incheon is a large metropolitan city (the third largest in Korea) and a port on the coast of the Yellow Sea. Incheon, with its major port, is the "gateway to Seoul", and to some extent refers to Greater Seoul. Transport systems of Seoul and Incheon (in particular, subway lines) interconnected. Incheon has a free economic zone established in 2003.

People settled in the territory of Incheon already in the Neolithic era. From the end of the 4th century eka, the city turned into a major trading center of Korea, and remained so throughout the Middle Ages. In 1883, the port of Chemulpo was founded in the city, which was one of the first to open for trade with foreigners. Incheon Harbor is known for being the site of a 1904 Russo-Japanese War- here the Japanese squadron attacked and to the Russian cruiser"Varyag", which was sunk, but did not surrender to the enemy. In 1950, Inchon was also the site of an American amphibious landing, which was a turning point in the course of the Korean War.

In the composition of e Inch hon are Yeongjeong, Wolmi and Mui islands. Yeongjong Island attracts tourists Baegun-san with Yongun Monastery-sa and mineral springs with a spa complex.

Gwangju is the capital of the South Jeolla province, a metropolitan city located in the central part of Korea, surrounded by picturesque natural landscapes. Gwangju is a famous cultural and scientific center of the country. The city was founded in 57 BC. e. Since 370, the city, then called Hanam Vireson, was the capital of the Baekje state. The name Gwangju was adopted in 940.

One of the suburbs of Gwangju, Punwonni, has been a well-known center for the production of ceramics since the 15th century; it was here that most of Korean white porcelain has always been produced.

Recently, Gwangju has been a modern metropolis with a developed infrastructure. It still remains a major center of the Korean ceramics industry. The city has many attractions, including the Chongjin Christian Temple (XVIII century), Namhanseong Fort (1626), the National Museum with an extensive archaeological and ceramic collection.

Among the events of Gwangju, the Tomato Festival with fairs and competitions, the World Pottery Exhibition and the annual September White Pottery Festival stand out.

Busan is the second largest city in the country, having the status of a metropolitan city, located on the southern coast of Korea. Busan has a major city port, which ranks fourth in the world in terms of cargo turnover.

Daegu is the fourth largest city in South Korea (after Seoul, Busan and Incheon), the capital of Gyeongsangbuk-do province. Administratively, it is a city of direct subordination. Throughout its history, Daegu has been a major transportation hub, on the way from Seoul to Busan.

People have settled in Daegu since 1500-3000. BC e. The city was founded in 261. According to chronicles, during the Three Kingdoms, Daegu was called Delgubel, and was part of the kingdom of Silla. The modern name - Daegu - the city received in 757. From the 15th century, market trade developed in Daegu. The most famous of the ancient markets is Yangnyeongsi, the market for medicinal herbs, which is still open today.

Daegu attracts tourists with the following attractions: Apsan Park with Buddhist temples and the Korean War Museum; Phalgongsan Park with many monasteries; Talson Park, located in an ancient fortress; amusement park Turyu.

Gyeongju is a large Korean city located in the southeastern part of Gyeongsangbuk-do province on the coast of the Sea of ​​Japan. Due to its cultural and historical heritage, Gyeongju has been a recognized tourist center of Korea for many years, included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List, and attracts many tourists.

The first documentary evidence of the existence of the city on the site of the current Gyeongju dates back to the beginning of our era. The city was probably founded in 57 BC. e. In the 4th-10th centuries, the city was the capital of the state of Silla, and since the 7th century it has been a recognized cultural center of the country. In 940, Gyeongju received its current name, and soon lost its meaning. Until the 20th century, when archaeological research began in the city, the historical monuments of Gyeongju were repeatedly destroyed and looted. The city received new development as an industrial and tourist center only in the 1970s.

Today, tourists visiting Gyeongju get to know Silla's cultural heritage at the Gyeongju National Museum, famous for its rich collection of archaeological items. In addition, among the local attractions, the grotto of the ruins of the once large Hwangnyeong-sa temple with the sculptures of Buddhas and bodhisattvas surrounding it and the remains of the Bunhwan-sa monastery (7th century) stand out among the local attractions; the royal necropolis of Kerim in the center of the city, the ancient Cheomseongdae observatory (647). In addition, the city is worth seeing the cave temple of Sokku-ram (8th century) and the ancient Bulguk-sa monastery (528) rebuilt on the Toham-san hill, as well as several fortresses from the times of the Silla state.

Jeju, or Jejudo, is the largest island of Korea and at the same time the smallest province in the country with the administrative center of the same name in the city of Jeju. The island is located in the Korea Strait, 100 km from the southern coast of the country, and is considered one of the best resorts in Korea. The island is home to the legendary haenyo divers, who dive to depths of up to 10m.

Jeju Island was formed as a result of the eruption of the Halla-san volcano (height 1950 m), now considered extinct. Solidified lava flows formed bizarre reliefs on the slopes of the volcano in the form of grottoes, caves, tunnels and pillars. A National Park was formed here, in which about 2,000 species of plants grow and 4,000 species of animals live. For its uniqueness, the island was included in the UNESCO World Natural Heritage List.

Until 662, Jeju, then called Thamna, was a separate state, after which it was conquered by Silla. In 938, after the fall of Silla, the island came under Goryeo rule. During the period of the Japanese protectorate in 1910, Jeju was renamed Saishu (for ease of pronunciation by the Japanese), and after the liberation of Korea from the Japanese, it became part of it. In the second half of the 20th century, Jeju Island began to develop as a major tourist center.

The island, where the holiday season lasts from July to September, is famous for its beaches. There are beaches with both white fine sand and black volcanic sand. The coastal waters abound with a wealth of flora and fauna, making the island a center of attraction for diving enthusiasts. In addition to diving, windsurfing, snorkeling and fishing are popular in the coastal waters of Jeju Island.

On the southern coast of the island is a fairly large city of Sogipo, surrounded by tangerine plantations. There, it is worth visiting the Tangerine Museum and the Chonbang Waterfall, the only waterfall in Asia that rushes water into the ocean. Another resort of the island - Chungmun - is famous for its beaches and nearby volcanic pillars of Chusan Cholli-de. Near the Gimnyeon resort, it is worth seeing the Monchang-gul cave - the longest lava cave in the world: its length is 13422 m and the height is about 10 m.

Sights of South Korea

Attractions in Korea can be found in many throughout its territory. Of particular interest to tourists are objects of world cultural heritage of UNESCO.

  • Megalithic structures - dolmens
  • Hwaseong Fortress (Diamond Fortress)
  • Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty
  • Seokguram Cave Temple and Bulguksa Temple Complex
  • Gyeju State Museum
  • Demilitarized Zone and Phanmunjeong Peace Village

If you decide to limit yourself to the capital of South Korea, or your path will lie through it (and in most cases it happens), then we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the list of attractions in Seoul, and with the page of the city as a whole.

Where to go in South Korea

Attractions

Museums and galleries

Entertainment

Parks and recreation areas

Leisure

Transport

Wellness vacation

Private guides in South Korea

Russian private guides will help you get acquainted with South Korea in more detail.
Registered on the Experts.Tourister.Ru project.

Things to do in South Korea

The beaches of South Korea

Due to its geographic location, Korea is an established Asian beach destination. The following are the most interesting beaches of South Korea, follow the links to get detailed information - location, photos, infrastructure and other nuances.

Alpine skiing in South Korea

Skiing is a very popular outdoor activity in Korea. There are more than ten well-known ski resorts in the mountains, all located near Seoul. The ski season in the country lasts from December to March, but the rest of the year the ski resorts are also crowded with summer entertainment: golf courses and amusement parks. Below are the main ski resorts in South Korea, follow the links for more information.

Wellness in South Korea

Korea is famous for its thermal springs, next to which SPA and wellness centers are open. In total, there are about 70 health centers and about 100 traditional Korean bath complexes "chimchilbang" in the country.

Below is a list of some of the popular thermal centers in South Korea, the links you will find more complete information - location, description, sites, and so on.

Treatment in South Korea

In addition, Korea is becoming a recognized destination in Asia for medical tourism, whose popularity is determined by two main factors: the tourist attractiveness of the country as a whole and the high quality of the medical services offered.

Medical centers in South Korea:

  • Oriental Medicine Center at Sangzhi University
  • East-West Medical Center at Qeng Hee University

Diving in South Korea

Diving in South Korea is most developed on Jeju Island. The main diving sites are the surroundings of small islands off the south coast of Jeju, located in the sea, a 15-20 minute boat ride from Seogwipo. Here, depths from 40 to 70 m are observed.

The coastal waters of Jeju at the junction of the Yellow Sea, the Sea of ​​​​Japan and the East China Sea form a unique hydrodynamic complex, characterized by a huge variety of underwater fauna (lionfish, triggerfish, tetradon, silver tuna, butterfly and angel fish, orange starfish) and richness flora (soft corals, anemones, sponges).

The best season for diving is from June to December. The water temperature in summer is + 24 - + 26 ° С, in some cases warming up to + 28.8 ° С, in winter and autumn - + 19 - + 23 ° С. January and February bring coolness with them, many dive centers close.

In addition to diving, snorkeling is popular in the coastal waters of the southern part of Jeju Island.

Traveling in South Korea

Inside the country, you can travel by plane, bus, train or rental car.

Aircraft

All major cities in South Korea are interconnected by airlines. Domestically, two Korean airlines - and - fly between 14 cities in the country, including Seoul, Busan, Jeju, Daegu, Gwangju, Wonju, Ulsan.

Trains

You can also travel around South Korea by train. The railway network covers almost the entire country.

There are four types of trains in Korea: KTX (Korea Train Express) - super-high-speed (two super-high-speed railway lines that connect Seoul with Busan and Mokpo, comfortable trains reach speeds of up to 300 km / h), Saemaeul express trains, Mugunhwa fast trains (quite comfortable) and Tong-il passenger trains (slow and not very comfortable). Cars are of I and II classes, the cost of tickets depends on the class and distance. On all trains except express trains, passengers are allowed to travel standing up if there are no seats available. Tickets are sold at the box office of the stations.

At all main railway stations there are special ticket offices selling single travel tickets for foreigners - KR Pass. They give the right to travel any distance on all types of trains without restrictions on the number of trips. Tickets come in various durations - for 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 days. You can check the current cost and book KR Pass tickets at.

After the online purchase of the KR Pass, the tourist is sent a voucher, which should be exchanged for a ticket upon arrival in Korea at the box office of the stations.

Buses

You can also travel around Korea by bus - the country has a well-established intercity bus service. All buses, regardless of class, are very comfortable.

Buses are divided into regular buses (ilban) and first class buses (udyn), while the difference in ticket prices is unreasonably large, given the small difference in comfort.

Intercity buses depart from Seoul to other cities in the country from three major bus stations:

Intercity buses across the country depart at intervals of 15 - 20 minutes. The bus fare depends on the distance travelled. Up-to-date information on bus schedules and fares can be seen at.

Inside cities, you can travel by city buses. They come in different comfort levels, the routes are marked with numbers, but the information is written only in Korean. Fare, as a rule, is 600 - 1300 won and does not depend on the distance of the trip. The fare is paid in cash or with a transport card, which is also valid in the metro.

Underground

Subway in Korea is available in four cities - in Seoul, Busan, Daegu and Gwangju. The Seoul subway is quite large, it connects the capital with the suburbs. You can buy a subway ticket at the subway ticket office, from ticket machines that accept 10, 50, 100 and 500 won coins and 1,000 won bills. In the Korean subway, station names and all basic information are duplicated in English.

Auto

You can rent a car to travel around the country. The quality of roads in Korea is at the highest level. To rent a car, the driver must be over 21 years old, have driving experience of more than 1 year, have a passport and an international driver's license. Rental offices can be found at airports and hotels.

Taxi

Often, tourists move inside Korean cities by taxi. Taxis can be ordered by phone or found on the street. There are many taxi cars in Korea, they are very safe, comfortable and inexpensive. Many taxi drivers speak English. A free taxi is marked with a yellow or blue light on the roof.

Taxis are ordinary and deluxe. Cars with Kind Call Taxi and KT Powertel signs have devices for simultaneous translation from Korean, counters and navigators.

The fare in an ordinary taxi is calculated as follows: payment for landing and the first 2 km - 1600 won, then for every 150 meters of the way - 100 won. If the car travels less than 14.75 km per hour, an additional 100 won will be added to the total amount for every 41 seconds of the trip. The cost of a night trip (24:00 - 04:00) becomes 20% higher.

The deluxe taxis are usually black with a yellow stripe on the side, a yellow badge on the roof and the corresponding Deluxe Taxi logo. The fare is calculated as follows: 4,000 won for the first 3 km and 200 won for each subsequent 205 m or 50 seconds of travel (if the speed drops below 15 km per hour). The fare does not increase at night. Drivers issue a check when paying for the fare.

All taxis run within the city limits, and when traveling to the suburbs, the cost can double. Therefore, it is worth telling the driver the address of the destination before the start of the trip.

Water transport

South Korea has several hundred islands connected by ferry lines. A large number of ferries connect Jeju Island with the ports of Mokpo, Yeoso and Incheon, Ulleung Island with the ports of Pohang and Seokkcho, Pennyeon and Techeon Islands with Muncheon.

Korean cuisine

Korean cuisine, which is very reminiscent of Chinese and Japanese, is diverse, it contains meat, fish, seafood, eggs, rice, soy, vegetables.

Korean cooking is distinguished by the abundance of spices used. So, Korean food is very spicy - in most dishes there is red pepper, garlic and onions. The sharpness of dishes seasoned with pepper has developed historically: the country has a hot and humid climate, which does not contribute to the preservation of products. Among the sauces that season dishes, soy sauce, traditional for Asia, stands out.

The main place on the Korean table is occupied by rice, from which pabi porridge is prepared, chhaltok rice cakes, spicy rice pilaf with bibimbap vegetables, and kimbap rice rolls. Rice is always served with dishes under the general name "kimchi" - various kinds of pickles and spicy snacks from vegetables, marinated meat and seafood.

Fish and seafood, whose wealth is due to the geographical location of Korea, are also very often present on the menu of the country's inhabitants. Here, as in Japan, they eat raw fish - “hwe”. There are many dishes prepared from fish such as cod, pollock, flounder, from the pulp of mollusks, squid, shrimp, oysters, trepang, octopus, seaweed, etc. Traditional Korean dishes are fried fish "sanson gui", stew sea ​​food "hemul chongol", pancakes with seafood and green onions "bajeon", seaweed salads, squid ("odjino") and octopus ("nakji") dishes.

One of the main dishes in Korea is guksu noodles, which are made from wheat, buckwheat, corn and even potato flour. Noodles are served with stewed, fried or marinated meat, poured with hot or cold broth.

In Korean cooking, there are first courses, in particular, soups. They are eaten for both breakfast and dinner. There are a lot of types of soups: hodgepodges, meat, fish, vegetable soups. Often soups are seasoned with soy sauce. Among the most popular soups are beef rib soup “kalbi than”, soy soup with egg and shellfish “sundubu jigae”, spicy seafood soup “hemul than”, spicy fish soup “maeuntang”, soybean sprouted soup “khonnamulguk”, etc. d.

Among the meat dishes that appear on the Korean table, it is worth mentioning first of all "bulgogi" - finely chopped beef marinated in soy sauce and sesame oil, and then fried in a wok. Other popular dishes are grilled beef ribs “kalbi”, pork or beef ribs stew “kalbichim”, chicken stew “takkalbi”, dumplings “mandu”, etc.

An ambiguous reaction of tourists is caused by dishes from dog meat, occasionally (contrary to the established opinion of foreigners) present on the Korean table. In particular, we are talking about dog meat soup "Posintang" (bosintang - "stewed dog meat with spices", as well as "soup that strengthens the body"). In this light, it is worth saying that dog meat in Korea is not considered a product for the preparation of everyday food - it is rather a dietary and medicinal food. In addition, in Korea, the dog is not perceived as a "man's friend", it is not given any role in society that is different from other animals. Following the lead of Western public opinion, today the Korean authorities have introduced a number of legislative measures that, if not completely prohibiting the use of dog meat in cooking, then to a large extent regulate this process.

Among the vegetable dishes in the menu of Koreans, the leading place is occupied by dishes from legumes. Legumes are presented in a variety: soybeans, peas, beans, green “noktu” beans, red “phatch”, etc. Sprouted soybeans are often a substitute in meat dishes. From the same soybeans produce soy milk, cottage cheese, soy sauce and pasta.

Desserts and sweets are also present on the Korean table. The most popular of them are "quadul" - a dessert made from rice dough, acorn jelly "tothorimuk", cookies "hangwa", "tasik" - sweets made from honey, chestnuts, beans, sesame and medicinal herbs. Among fruits, persimmon and tangerines are actively consumed.

Koreans, as a rule, end their meal with sweet rice water "sikhe" or a decoction of cinnamon and persimmon "sujeongkwa", herbal teas, coffee. Alcoholic beverages in Korea are mainly represented by the results of rice processing - rice wine "Makkori" or "nonju", rice beer, rice vodka.

Etiquette at the table

Residents of Korea do not often arrange feasts at home, mainly by inviting guests to restaurants. In a Korean restaurant, people usually eat while sitting on the floor with cushions. In winter the floor is heated. Shoes are left at the entrance.

The traditional rules of behavior at the table, the order of serving dishes, the methods and doses of consuming alcoholic beverages developed several centuries ago. The rules for eating and table setting are worth a separate mention.

So, for example, Koreans eat not only with chopsticks, but also with spoons (for liquid dishes), which are a symbol of life (they say about the deceased that he “put his spoon down”, about the number of eaters - as the number of spoons, not mouths, as in Russian). Unlike other cultures that used chopsticks when eating, Koreans have been using a spoon since the 5th century. Sticks (“chotjarak”, “jeotgarak”) and a small spoon with a long handle (“sutjarak”, “sutgarak”) together make up the table set “sujo” (“sujeo”, short for “sutgarak” and “jeotgarak”), they are made stainless steel or silver. According to Korean etiquette, when using chopsticks, a spoon is placed on the edge of a bowl with a liquid dish, and when using a spoon, the chopsticks are simply placed on the table.

There are no personal plates on the Korean table. The entire surface of the table, in the center of which rises the main dish of meat or fish, is lined with small bowls with salads and sauces. Participants in the meal eat immediately from all plates. It is impolite to ask a table neighbor to serve something, you need to try to reach the desired dish yourself. Cutlery that has fallen on the floor should never be picked up - you need to ask the waiter to bring new ones.

In terms of alcohol consumption, Koreans have much in common with Russians: they drink a lot at the Korean table; you can’t refuse to drink (this can offend the pourer and the owner of the table); you can’t pour for yourself (this is also considered an insult to the owner - he will not be able to express his respect to you), etc. You need to drink, holding a glass in your right hand.

Only the main course and alcoholic drinks are included in the restaurant bill, everything else (soups, salads, sauces) is free. The bill also includes service, so tipping is not required.

Shopping in South Korea

Tourists visiting South Korea cannot help but pay attention to shopping. The best shopping opportunities open up in Seoul and other large cities: there are many large shopping centers, supermarkets, department stores, boutiques, shops, markets.

Large department stores are open daily 10:00 - 20:00, shops - 9:00 - 22:00, large supermarkets, shopping centers and markets - often around the clock and daily.

Especially convenient for tourists is that there are duty-free shops in Seoul and Busan (they are marked with tax free shopping signs). You can pay in foreign currency, and VAT in the amount of 10% on purchases in the amount of 30,000 won can be returned at the airport. The only caveat: to make purchases in such stores, you need to present your return ticket to the sellers. In addition, some types of selected and paid for goods (alcohol, perfumes, cigarettes) are not handed over to the buyer, but are carefully packed and transported to the airport exactly at the time of the flight.

From Korea, it is worth bringing, first of all, ginseng products, since the country is one of the world leaders in the cultivation and processing of this magical root. So, you can buy ginseng concentrate, ginseng root tincture, ginseng tea, cosmetics based on it.

Other traditional souvenirs from Korea are lacquerware decorated with mother-of-pearl inlay - boxes, powder boxes, business card holders; fine quality porcelain, ceramics, embroidery, macrame. Korean textiles and leather goods are also famous - outerwear, bags and haberdashery. Everyone is also familiar with Korean electronics, and, of course, it is worth buying in the country - everything, except for mobile phones that support standards that are incompatible with Russian ones. Collectors and lovers of ethnicity should pay attention to the traditional Korean hanbok costume, which can be bought in souvenir shops and markets.

Shopping in Seoul.

Communications in South Korea

You can make a call in South Korea, first of all, using pay phones, in many cities on the streets. The machines work with special phone cards, credit cards or coins. Phone cards can be bought in shops, shops, tobacco and newsstands, in hotels. Almost all public telephones can make calls to other countries.

To make a call from South Korea to Russia, you need to dial 001 (002 or 008) - 7 - area code - subscriber's phone number.

To call from Russia to Korea, you need to dial 8 - 10 - 82 (Korea code) - region code - subscriber number.

Codes of some Korean cities: Seoul - 02, Incheon - 032, Daejeon - 042, Busan - 051, Jeju - 064.

It should be remembered that GSM mobile phones do not work in South Korea. In this case, tourists may be advised to temporarily exchange their phones at the airport for local CDMA and IMT2000 models. The average cost of renting a Korean phone with your own phone left on bail is on average 3,000-4,000 won per day.

Useful phone numbers

There will be no problems with the Internet for tourists in Korea. Internet access points are everywhere. Back in 2010, in the World Ranking for the Quality of Internet Access (according to scientists from the University of Oviedo and Oxford University), South Korea took the honorable first place. Free wi-fi is available in all city centers, on the territory of large shopping centers, in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and in tourist areas.

Security

South Korea is one of the safest Asian countries for tourism, but one should not forget about basic safety rules. Tourists are advised to leave cash and valuables in hotel safes, and keep a close eye on their personal belongings in crowded and touristy places.

Among some local traditions, tourists should remember the following:

  • locals are not too fond of being photographed: before photographing them, you must definitely ask for permission;
  • when entering a Korean temple and house, you need to take off your shoes, while socks must be on your feet;
  • on the beaches of the country it is indecent to sunbathe topless.

Where to stay

Hotels

In South Korea, the following classification of hotels has been adopted: super-lux (corresponding to 5 *), deluxe (corresponding to 5 *), first class (corresponding to 4 *), second class (corresponding to 3 *) and third class (corresponding to 2 *). Prices for accommodation in hotels depend on the season and their location. On our site you can book a hotel in korea

Hostels and guest houses

In South Korea, you can also find guest houses, which are an inexpensive accommodation option. Most guest houses have been rebuilt from ordinary residential apartments, so a shared bathroom is most often offered for several rooms. They are located, as a rule, in the center of cities and near tourist attractions. The price of staying in them for one night is about 15,000-40,000 won.

Apartments and condominiums

Condominiums are ordinary apartments, self-catering apartments located in large complexes with swimming pools, laundries, restaurants. Condominiums are most often located in ski resorts, near national parks and beach resorts. The cost of living in a condominium depends on the season, length of stay, level of service, and is approximately 30,000 - 100,000 won per night. On our website you can rent an apartment in South Korea, it can be convenient for some categories of tourists - families with several children who prefer to cook for themselves and so on.

Residence

Another type of residence in Korea is a residence. This type of housing is most suitable for foreigners who arrived in the country on a working visit, because it is a room for housing and work at the same time, having a kitchen and an office. Residence complexes usually have a gym, laundry, lounges and conference rooms, restaurants, cafes, etc.

CLIMATE

South Korea is a country located in the eastern part of Asia in the south of the Korean Peninsula. Officially, it is called the Republic of Korea, and its capital and largest city is Seoul. Area of ​​the country: 99720 km2. The only country with which South Korea has a land border is North Korea. The shores of the country are washed by the Sea of ​​Japan and the Yellow Sea.

The topography of South Korea consists mainly of hills and mountains, but there are large coastal plains in the western and southern parts of the country. The highest point in South Korea is Halla-san, an extinct volcano that rises to a height of 1950 m. It is located south of the mainland on South Jeju Island. South Korea is a mountainous country, but there are currently no active volcanoes, and there have been no major earthquakes in modern times.

South Korea has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. There is more precipitation in summer than in winter due to the presence of the East Asian monsoon. Winters are cold and temperatures fluctuate with altitude, while summers are hot and humid. Autumn and spring are the best times to visit Seoul as the temperatures are mild and the skies are cloudless. More details about the weather conditions in South Korea can be found in the weather calendar by month.

Weather in South Korea in January

January temperatures are the lowest of the year, but the farther south the warmer. The average temperature during the day in the north (in Seoul) drops to -4°C, and at night to -6°C. In the south of the peninsula (Busan), during the daytime, the air warms up to +8°C, and at night it drops to -1°C. In the city of Jeju, the southernmost Jeju Island, +8°C during the day and +3°C at night. In the capital, up to 20 mm of precipitation will fall in a month. Wind speed 9 km/h, humidity - 67%. The water near the northern coast is warmed up to +5°С, and near the southern coast - up to +14°С.


Weather in South Korea in February

In early February in the north in the daytime +3°С…+4°С, at night -4°С…-6°С. In the south, the air warms up to +9°С, and at night it cools down to 0°С…+4°С. The water on the coast is invigorating: +5°С in the north, +13°С in the south. For 6 rainy days, 25 mm of precipitation falls in the capital. Wind speed 10 km/h, humidity - 64%.


Weather in South Korea in March

March is characterized by an increase in daily temperatures throughout the country. In the north, during daylight hours, it is expected to reach +10°С, and at night the temperature drops to 0°С…+1°С. In March, 7 bad weather days will bring 45 mm of precipitation to Seoul. Wind speed 11 km/h, humidity - 64%. By the end of the month the water warms up to +6°С in the north and up to +13°С in the south.


Weather in South Korea in April

April is considered one of the best months to visit South Korea. In the capital, the air warms up to +17°C during the day and +7°C at night. In the south of the country, the air temperature is expected to be +18°С during the day and +10°С at night. There are no more than 8 rainy days per month, during which the amount of precipitation will reach 75 mm. Wind speed 11 km/h, humidity - 64%. The water on the northern coast warms up to +8°C, and in the south - up to +14°C.


Weather in South Korea in May

May brings heat, high temperatures and low humidity. On average, the air masses in the country are warmed up to +22°С…+23°С during the daytime and up to +11°С…+14°С - during the dark time of the day. In the capital, 100 mm of precipitation will fall in 9 rainy days. Wind speed 10 km/h, humidity - 69%. By the end of May, the water temperature on the southern coast is +17°С, and on the northern coast is +13°С.


Weather in South Korea in June

Daytime air temperature in the country in June does not fall below +24°С…+27°С, and at night +16°С…+19°С. In the capital, 135 mm of precipitation falls in 10 bad days. Wind speed 9 km/h, humidity - 75%. Sea water during the month has time to warm up to + 17 ° С ... + 20 ° С.


Weather in South Korea in July

In July, the air warms up throughout the country during the day to an average of + 27 ° С ... + 29 ° С, and at night up to + 21 ° С ... + 23 ° С. Rains pour in Seoul every other day and bring to the ground up to 330 mm of precipitation. Wind speed 10 km/h, humidity - 83%. Sea water temperature this month reaches +22°С…+23°С.


Weather in South Korea in August

In August, the most precipitation falls in the capital: in 14 days, their level reaches 350 mm in the capital. Wind speed 9 km/h, humidity - 88%. In South Korea during the day the air temperature reaches +28°С…+30°С, at night +20°С…+24°С. The water in the seas warms up to +24°С…+26°С.


Weather in South Korea in September

In September, the air mass temperature in the country is +24°С…+26°С during the day and +15°С…+20°С at night. In the capital this month, 9 days of rain are expected with a precipitation level of 140 mm. Wind speed 8 km/h, humidity - 77%. Sea water temperature this month is +23°С…+24°С.


Weather in South Korea in October

In October, the daytime air temperature throughout the country is kept at +18°С…+22°С. After sunset, the thermometers drop to +8°С…+15°С. The water temperature in the seas drops to +19°С…+21°С. In October, 7 bad weather days are expected, which will bring up to 50 mm of precipitation to the earth. Wind speed 8 km/h, humidity - 73%.


Weather in South Korea in November

In November, the air temperature continues to decrease, reaching an average of +10°С…+16°С during the day, and +3°С…+10°С at night. Precipitation falls 7-9 days a month, the amount of precipitation reaches 55 mm. Wind speed 9 km/h, humidity - 71%. The water in the seas cools from +14°C in the north to +19°C in the south.


Weather in South Korea in December

December brings rainfall and lower temperatures. In the north during the day +2°С…+4°С, at night -3°С…-5°С. In the south during daylight hours +10°С…+11°С, and after sunset +2°С…+5°С. In the capital, the first winter month brings 25 mm of precipitation in 7 bad weather days. Wind speed 9 km/h, humidity - 69%. Sea water cools down to +9°С in the north and up to +16°С in the south.