The advantages of South Korea are healing mineral springs and clean sandy beaches, magnificent monuments of ancient dynasties and excellent ski resorts. Modern Seoul, colorful Incheon and Jeju resort islands - all about South Korea: visa, map, tours, photos.

• Hot tours to South Korea
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The country of morning freshness has long and firmly entered the top five most popular holiday destinations among the inhabitants of our Far East. Every week, charters full of Russian tourists rush from Primorsky Krai to first-class beach and ski resorts in South Korea with occasional flights to Seoul. The rest of Russia exhales enviously, because for them this is the same expensive exotic as Japan, Australia or the Philippines. However, when choosing a vacation from such countries, it is worth thinking about Korea 10 times.

A 24-carat gold-tinted skyscraper, a two-headed turtle, drunken bullfights, 50 varieties of tangerines, an old woman pearl diver, toilets with remote controls, ubiquitous Wi-Fi and sauerkraut ... No, this is not a wish list of a madman, but an everyday reality this small, but surprisingly picturesque and diverse country. But do not be afraid: the 22nd century that has come for them does not mean at all that tourists who are used to more conservative entertainment will have nothing to do in South Korea. They are waiting for the luxurious beaches of Jeju Island, the well-equipped slopes of the South Korean Alps, ancient monasteries and pagodas.

Regions and resorts of South Korea

It is Gangnam that the song Gangnam Style is dedicated to, the video for which was included in the Guinness Book of Records for an unprecedented number of views and "likes" on YouTube.

Insadong Street is famous for its antique and handicraft shops, where you can buy everything from ceramic dishes to antique clocks. With art galleries, vintage shops and trendy nightclubs in Hongdae, Itaewon is a gourmet paradise with a string of colorful restaurants. The Apgujeong district is home to expensive boutiques and department stores, and on the bustling Myeongdong Street is Korea's first Catholic cathedral.

The second largest after the capital - Busan with magnificent beaches. They are sandy, well-groomed and very picturesque here, the most popular is Haeundae with classic resort entertainment and a large aquarium. It is better to go on an excursion to the Geumjong-gu area, where the impressive Pomosa temple complex is located, for shopping - in central Busanjing-gu, and for recovery - in Dongnae-gu with its famous spas.

Time difference with Moscow

6 hours

• with Kaliningrad

• with Samara

• with Yekaterinburg

• with Omsk

• with Krasnoyarsk

• with Irkutsk

• with Yakutsk

• with Vladivostok

• with Severo-Kurilsk

• with Kamchatka

Climate of South Korea

Most of the country is located in the temperate zone, where the seasons are clearly felt. Spring and autumn are rather short and warm, with the most sunny days from March to May. Summers are hot and humid, temperatures can reach up to +35 °C. The monsoon rainy season ("chanma") usually starts in late June and lasts until mid or late July. August is hot and humid. Autumn in late September brings continental winds and clear, dry weather, making it the most pleasant time of the year. Winters are cold (up 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 at the end of November and lasts until April.

Visa and customs

Citizens of Russia do not need a visa to enter South Korea for up to 60 days. But it is still worthwhile to issue a medical insurance policy for the entire duration of the trip in advance.

Import and export of national and foreign currency is not limited, cash over 10,000 USD must be declared. The amounts allowed for export are not exceeding those indicated in the declaration, which must be kept until leaving the country. The limit for the import and export of local currency is 8,000,000 KRW. When leaving, unspent funds can be exchanged for dollars, but only if there is a receipt from a local bank confirming the previous exchange for won. If there is none, a maximum of 100 USD will be exchanged at the border. Prices on the page are for November 2018.

Jewelry, expensive watches, photographic equipment, fur, firearms, knives and expensive foreign-made items are also subject to declaration. 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 perfume, gifts worth up to 400 USD.

Coins, seeds, fresh fruits, walnuts, soil, potted plants, as well as pornography, political materials and any printed, audio and video products from communist countries are prohibited from importation.

Pets require an international veterinary certificate issued no earlier than 30 days before entering South Korea, and a certificate of vaccination against rabies.

The export of antiques, precious metals and archaeological finds without special permission is prohibited.

tax free

South Korea has a Tax-free system: for purchases in the amount of 30,000 KRW, 10% VAT is returned. If the store is marked with the Global Blue logo, it is enough to ask for a special form at the checkout, enter your personal data and stamp it at customs upon exit, presenting the purchased goods in undamaged packages.

Tax-free refund counters are located at the capital's Incheon and Gimpo airports, as well as at the airport in Daegu. If the tax amount does not exceed 3,000,000 KRW (in Gimpo - 177,000 KRW), cash will be issued directly at the counter. Otherwise, stamped Tax-free receipts will have to be sent to the Global Blue office by mail and wait for the funds to be credited to a bank card.

How to get to South Korea

shopping

Traditional souvenirs: embroidery, porcelain, textiles and macrame, costume jewelry, paintings, masks, woodwork and shells, dolls in traditional costumes, fans. In the country they sell very beautiful lacquerware inlaid with mother-of-pearl (caskets, snuff boxes, etc.). Korea is the only country in the world where women have been pulling shells and other valuables from the bottom of the sea for centuries. "Hene", or "women of the sea" - stocky and broad-shouldered skuas, every day in any weather sinking to the bottom of the sea without any scuba gear. As you might guess, absolute matriarchy reigns in the families of these ladies: fragile Korean men have no chance to withstand the psychological pressure from their mighty swimmers.

Korea is the only country in the world where women have been pulling shells and other valuables from the bottom of the sea for centuries.

Korean pottery is a very elegant gift. When buying it, you should consider color, sound (we did not seal) and workmanship. If the ceramic has a transparent, smooth surface and clear sound, it is considered to be of high quality. We should not forget about ginseng. It can be bought in different forms: 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. It can be bought at Dongdaemun, Gwangjang, Namdaemun and Insadong markets. These markets are good for their moderate prices, and at Insadong, on top of that, you can pick up hanbok of the most fashionable design.

It is worth paying attention to Korean antiques: interior items, calligraphy, ceramics, books, etc. The largest accumulation of valuable goods is observed in the Seoul Changanpyong market. But it should be remembered that it is forbidden to export items older than 50 years from the country.

Large department stores are open from 10:30 to 20:00, small shops open earlier and close later on any day of the week. In Seoul and other major cities in Korea, there are ample opportunities for shopping: many arcades, department stores, duty-free shops, specialized shopping areas, and markets (where most purchases are made) are open.

South Korea

Cuisine and restaurants of South Korea

In Korea, 4 national cuisines are presented at once: actually Korean, Chinese, Japanese and European. In all settlements of the country there are many restaurants, canteens and eateries of various profiles. Japanese restaurants are the most expensive and prestigious. Chinese - simpler, the dishes there are divided into two categories: "siksa" and "eri". "Sixa" - relatively cheap (3000-6000 KRW) and easy to prepare, "eri" - noticeably more expensive (10,000-40,000 KRW), complex, prepared only in large portions - enough for at least two.

A European restaurant in Korea is the place where a middle-class person goes when they want to eat something out of the ordinary. The menu in most of these meals is not very diverse: the main and often the only dish is "tonkasy", a kind of schnitzel baked in a thin layer of dough.

In Korea, they eat a lot of rice: they make chhaltok bread, pabi porridge, spicy pilaf with vegetables bibimbap, gimbap rolls and other goodies. They are most often served as a side dish "kimchi" - all kinds of pickled, salted and pickled, spicy seasoned vegetables. The most popular soups are soy "sundubu-chige" with clams and eggs, spicy "hemulthan" with seafood, rich "galbithan" with beef ribs and burning fish soup "meunthan".

The main extreme of Korean cuisine is Posintang dog meat soup. True, now it is prepared extremely rarely - the indignation of the West has yielded results.

Among the meat treats, you should try marinated beef "bulgogi" in sesame oil and soy sauce, grilled beef "kalbi" ribs, chicken "takkalbi" stew and dumplings "mandu". Seafood dishes are also held in high esteem: raw hwe fish, fried sanseong gui, hemul jeongol stew, bajeong flatbread, odjino bokkeum squid and nakji octopus.

For dessert, fruits are usually served, and instead of tea, they drink a variety of decoctions and tinctures. Of the drinks with a degree, the most popular are McCory rice wine and Soju rice liquor.

The cheapest food is sold on the streets: tortillas for 500-1000 KRW, dumplings for 2000-3000 KRW, octopus "buns" for 2000 KRW, battered shrimp for 4000 KRW - delicious, satisfying and safe. In unpretentious cafes, it is also inexpensive for locals: 5,000-10,000 KRW for lunch for two. A burger in a Western fast food restaurant will cost 9000 KRW, a coffee in a coffee shop - 4000-5000 KRW. Dinner with alcohol in a good restaurant - 30,000-50,000 KRW per person.

Korean restaurants are the most versatile and democratic, both in terms of prices and audience. Man and designer Artemy Lebedev tells doubting tourists: if you want to dine in a guaranteed good restaurant, look for the official sign with a white flower on the facade of the establishment, where it says: Good Restaurant.

Guides in South Korea

Entertainment and attractions

Multifaceted South Korea is an incredible mix of ancient sights and modern monuments. It is better to start acquaintance with them in Seoul - the impressions will definitely last for a long time.

The most spectacular architectural structures are the royal residences in the traditional Korean style, united in the Five Grand Palaces group. The largest is Gyeongbokgung Palace, built in 1395, almost immediately after the ascension to the throne of the Joseon Dynasty. exactly preserved the original appearance despite all wars and disasters. 14th century Jongmyo, dedicated to the memory of the kings of the Joseon Dynasty.

Another iconic location is the Demilitarized Zone, a sad memorial to the split of the peninsula. Its most obvious symbol is a sculptural group depicting two families, personifying the South and the North, and trying to connect the halves of a large ball. The main points of the tour are the Unification Park, an underground tunnel and an empty border station.

Thermal springs and water parks in South Korea

Koreans take care of their own health and love to combine business with pleasure. Proof of this is the unique water parks, where there are baths in healing thermal springs, and all kinds of attractions. For example, "Seorak Waterpia" (off. site in English) at the foot of the Seoraksan Mountains is famous for its 49-degree water with alkaline components and negative ions, useful for arthritis, geriatric and neuralgic diseases. And after relaxing in hot tubs, you can have fun on steep slides, seething waterfalls, playgrounds and wave pools.

The pride of the water park "Danyang Aquaworld" (off. site in English) - outdoor baths with magnificent views of the mountains. For children there is a separate pool, for couples in love - special spas and saunas, for those who want to improve their health - baths with mineralized water, hydromassage and other procedures.

Asan Spavis Water Park (Chungcheongnam-do Province) offers relaxation in saunas with yellow clay and aroma baths with jasmine.

The famous “SpaPlus” was opened in Incheon (official site in English), where traditional Korean saunas (amethyst, jade, oxygen, clay, coal) and unusual pools (herbal, fruit, pine and even wine) are equipped. In the park "Bugok Hawaiian Island" (Gyeongsangnam-do province) they relax in the caves, and in the "Greenland" (Gwangju) - in the baths with healer fish.

Holidays and events

Holidays in South Korea are celebrated noisily and brightly. On the 8th day of the 4th month of the lunar calendar, they congratulate Buddha on his birthday: hang paper lanterns symbolizing enlightenment, decorate houses with flowers, arrange theatrical processions. And be sure to water the Buddha figurines with sweet flower tea, washing away all the bad things that happened during the year.

Seollal, the Korean New Year in late January - mid-February, has not yet become an official holiday, but is celebrated with love and tradition. Families get together and hold the “sebe” ceremony: young people in national costumes bow to their elder relatives as a sign of honor, and they, in turn, reward their descendants with money.

Traditional New Year's dishes are tteok glutinous rice cakes and tteokguk soup with these dumplings.

On August 1, the Busan Sea Festival starts: a week of general fun on city beaches. Concerts, exhibitions, sports competitions, master classes, free lessons in rowing, scuba diving and kayaking - there are interesting activities for everyone. On April 5, trees are planted, on October 3, the birth of the state is remembered, and on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar (usually in September-October), celebrations are held in the royal palaces of Seoul in honor of the Chuseok harvest festival.

Today, the country is officially called the Republic of Korea, and the name "South" is used in journalism, in the media. The now presidential republic was formed in 1945 after the division of the formerly united Korea into two states following the results of the Great Patriotic War: the northern one - the DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) under the jurisdiction of the USSR, and the southern one - the Republic of Korea (South Korea) under the jurisdiction of the United States. Relations between neighboring countries remain tense.

Geographic characteristics

The modern state occupies the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula. The total area is a little over 100 thousand sq. km. At the same time, about 3.5 thousand islands belong to South Korea, stretching along the coast, but for the most part small in size and uninhabited. Only 200 km separate the country from Japan through the Korea Strait. On land, there is a border only with the DPRK. There are maritime borders with neighboring China.

Only 25% of the territory is plains, and the rest is mountainous. There are several extinct volcanoes, for example, Jeju, 1950 m high. This has left its mark on the economy and lifestyle of the population. The state is divided into 9 large provinces and 6 metropolitan cities, as well as 1 city of special status - the capital Seoul. The indigenous people are Koreans. According to the latest census, the total number is about 50 million people, among which up to 5% are foreigners living on long-term visas.

Nature

From the headwaters of the Amnokkan River to the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula, numerous spurs of mountain ranges stretch, which are usually divided into North Korean, East Korean and West Korean. In total, there are about 1000 peaks, each of which is higher than 1000 m above sea level.

Even near the plains, the average mark is 200 m above sea level. Many of the mountainous areas have been declared national parks, such as Seoraksan, Jirisan, Odaesan. The highest point is the potentially active Paektusan volcano with a height of 2744 m. The country is considered moderately seismically active, earthquakes are not uncommon here, although they do not differ in any noticeable destruction ...

There are no natural lakes on the Korean Peninsula, but there are reservoirs and other artificial reservoirs formed by dams on the largest rivers. For example, the most famous lake Cheonzhi (Sky Lake), formed by a crater, but located on the border with the DPRK. Many myths and legends are associated with it.

The main rivers flow from east to west and flow into the Yellow Sea: Nakdong - the longest, Hangang - crosses Seoul (its two parts are connected by 27 bridges), Kumgang - 401 km in length, Imjingang - it is inhabited by a rare fish Hemibarbus mylodon, which in Korean culture is a symbol of parenthood...

On three sides, the country is washed by the waters of the Yellow and Japan Seas, as well as the Korea Strait. The Koreans themselves prefer to call the entire water area simply the South Sea. Given the relief of the country, it is not surprising that the sea has played a dominant role in the life of the population from time immemorial. It supplied fish and seafood, which are the basis of the national cuisine. And today, beach tourism and shipbuilding are the most important components of the Korean economy.

The northern tip of the peninsula is washed by the cold Schrenk current, so the local waters are warm only 2 months a year. However, the beauty of the mountainous coast has made it a real mecca for eco-tourism. The coast of the Yellow Sea is very shallow, at low tide it leaves the coastline for 15 km. Most of the islands are concentrated here. The famous beach resort of the Korea Strait - Bussan...

The flora and fauna belong to the pre-subtropical monsoon forests. At one time, the ecology of the region suffered greatly due to massive deforestation. But since the 60s. of the last century, the country's leadership is actively restoring the ecosystem and has achieved great success in this. Today, on the mountain slopes above 1100 m, there are extensive coniferous forests. Korea is a world supplier of Korean pine, bamboo, ginseng, laurel.

Tourists can admire the nature of the peninsula in national parks, nature reserves, as well as numerous zoos. In the wild forests and today there are tigers, lynxes, leopards, Ussuri and brown bears...

Depending on the proximity to the coast, the climate is divided into temperate and subtropical monsoon. Winters are usually sunny and with low rainfall. Summers are hot, especially near the sea. The direction of the wind changes twice a year from north to south. The average January temperature rarely drops below -4 0 C. In summer, the average temperature in August is about +24 0 C. At the same time, the sea waters warm up to air temperature ...

Resources

Today, the economy of the Republic of Korea occupies the 12th place in the world ranking. Agriculture produces rice for domestic consumption and for export (80% of the cultivated area is occupied for it), fruits and vegetables, livestock products (pork, beef, poultry). There are about 96 thousand vessels in the fishing fleet, and fishing is carried out not only by catching, but also by growing fish in nurseries (mackerel, sardines, flounder, anchovies, shellfish).

Leading industries: electrical engineering, shipbuilding, automotive, construction. The textile industry is focused on the production of goods for export - more than 60% of products are produced for sale outside the garde...

culture

It is customary to say about Koreans that this is a nation of highlanders and fishermen. In addition to ethnic Koreans, there are Chinese, people from the DPRK, as well as representatives of other nationalities, but in very small numbers.

Painting and dancing are important components of the national culture. The artistic tradition has deep roots. Dance is both a reflection of customs and historical sketches. In many universities of the country, dance is one of the academic subjects. The policy of the state is aimed at preserving national traditions revered in every family...

Useful data for tourists about South Korea, cities and resorts of the country. As well as information about the population, the currency of South Korea, the cuisine, the features of visa and customs restrictions in South Korea.

Geography of South Korea

The Republic of Korea is a country in East Asia located on the Korean Peninsula. The unofficial name of the country, widely used in the Russian-language press, is South Korea. It borders on North Korea. It is washed by the Sea of ​​Japan and the Yellow Sea.

Two-thirds of the territory is occupied by low mountains, stretching from north to south in chains of ridges. The highest mountain point of the country is the city of Hallasan (1950 m). The coastline is quite indented and framed by a large number (more than 3 thousand) of islands, especially along the western and southern coasts of the country. In the east, the coastline is rocky and relatively straight, with small beaches at estuaries.

State

State structure

Democratic state with a strong central government. The head of state is the president. The highest body of state power is the unicameral National Assembly (National Assembly).

Language

Official language: Korean

There are several dialects in modern Korean, but nowadays most Koreans use a literary language based on the Seoul dialect. Almost all signs on the streets, transport, etc. are dubbed in English, but most Koreans do not speak English.

Religion

Most of the population professes Buddhism (51.2% of believers), but recently the influence of Christianity has been growing rapidly - both Protestantism (34.4%) and Catholicism (10.6%). A small number of believers are followers of shamanism and Confucianism (1.8%). About 40% of the population are atheists.

Currency

International name: KRW

In circulation there are banknotes of 10,000, 5,000, 1,000, 500 won and coins of 5,000, 1,000, 500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1 won (coins of 5 and 1 won are practically not used at present).

Money can be exchanged at banks, specialized exchange offices and large hotels. US dollars are accepted in many small shops and in the market on a par with local currency, however, in department stores and large stores, dollars are not accepted at all.

VISA, American Express, Diners Club, Master Card and JCB credit cards are accepted everywhere. Traveler's checks can only be cashed at banks or offices of major international transport and travel companies.

Bank checks of 100,000 won or more are also in use, but when paying with them, you need to indicate your passport number, address and telephone number in Korea on the back, so if you do not have a residence permit, it is almost impossible to pay with checks.

History of South Korea

The first settlements in Korea arose more than half a million years ago. The first state of Ko-Joseon was formed around 2333 BC. Later, in the first century AD, the three ancient Kingdoms that existed in Korea - Goguryeo, Pekje and Silla united and occupied the entire Korean peninsula and most of Manchuria. The period of their reign (57 BC - 668 AD) is known in history as the era of the reign of the Three Kings.

Goguryeo, Baekje were removed from power by Silla in 668 AD. In 676 AD Silla unified the entire peninsula. This time - 676-933 AD - was the golden age for Korean culture. In 918-1392 AD. Buddhism becomes the state religion, and influences all aspects of life in the state.

The next dynasty of rulers is Joseon, which ruled from 1392-1910. AD, carried out serious political and economic reforms. The most important of these was the adoption of Confucianism as the state religion. In 1443, the Korean alphabet appeared, and wonderful literary works were born.

The city of Hanyang, now known as Seoul, becomes the capital of the state (1394). Until now, palaces and gates built at that time have been preserved. The Japanese invasion of the peninsula in 1910 ended the rule of the Joseon Dynasty. Korea was ruled by Japan for 35 years until the outbreak of World War II. On August 15, 1945, Japan and its allies in World War II capitulated, and since then Korea has been divided into South - communist and North - democratic. Three years later, South Korea becomes a republic.

In the post-war period, all efforts were directed to the restoration of the country, national prosperity and the establishment of stability.

The first settlements in Korea arose more than half a million years ago. The first state of Ko-Joseon was formed around 2333 BC. Later, in the first century AD, the three ancient Kingdoms that existed in Korea - Goguryeo, Pekje and Silla united and occupied the entire Korean peninsula and most of Manchuria. The period of their reign (57 BC - 668 AD) is known in history as the era of the reign of the Three Kings....

Popular Attractions

South Korea Tourism

Where to stay

South Korea is a country with a well-developed tourism industry. A huge selection of hotels is provided for vacationers, depending on taste and financial capabilities.

Unlike the generally accepted European one, the South Korean hotel classification system consists of five categories. Deluxe and super deluxe, these are first-third class hotels with luxurious rooms equipped with modern technology. In such hotels there are necessarily cafes, restaurants, conference rooms, fitness centers, SPA-salons and shops. First-class hotels correspond to European hotels of the three-star plus and three-star super categories in terms of the level of services provided, and hotels of the second and third classes correspond to two-star plus and three-star hotels.

For lovers of the exotic, who want to get to know the culture of Korea better, accommodation is offered in traditional guest houses - hanok, the interior and furniture of which is made in the style of ancient Korean houses. Basically, these are small boarding houses, which are located in historical cities. Also in South Korea there are traditional guest houses - minbak, like family hotels, which offer additional amenities for children.

Local roadside and suburban motels deserve special attention in the country; they are often equipped with cable TV, Internet access, jacuzzis or saunas, and other additional services.

For tourists who prefer an economical vacation, their services are provided by the so-called yogvans - city hotels, which offer small, but cozy and clean rooms with air conditioning, TV, telephone, shower and toilet. It is worth noting that not all rooms have a bed, since hotels of this type were originally designed for local residents who prefer to sleep on the floor. Youth hostels are very popular in South Korea - an analogue of European hostels.

In addition to traditional accommodation options, tourists have a rare opportunity to live in Korean Buddhist monasteries.

Korean cuisine is in many ways similar to Chinese, rice, vegetables, flour products, and fish are also used. Soy is widely used. Koreans don't eat dairy products.

Tips

Tips are not taken in restaurants, the calculation is made not with the waiter, but at the checkout, which is located at the exit.

Visa

Office Hours

Banks are open on weekdays from 9.30 to 16.30, on Saturday until 13.30. Day off - Sunday. ATMs are open from 9.30 to 22 hours, and some - around the clock.
In Korea, there is no clear delimitation of opening hours for retail outlets. Most shops and markets open until 9 a.m. (sometimes at 5 a.m.) and close after 7 p.m., but many shops in busy neighborhoods remain open until midnight. Eateries and some markets can be open around the clock.

The Republic of Korea (South Korea) lies in the northeastern part of Asia, in the south of the Korean Peninsula. In the west, the country is washed by the waters of the Yellow Sea, and in the east - by the East. In the northwest, the Korean Peninsula is adjacent to China, and in the southeast, South Korea is separated from Japan by the Gulf of Korea. At one time, this geopolitical situation brought a lot of troubles to the country: Japanese colonial rule, the tragic division into North and South Korea, and the devastating Korean War. Moreover, at the moment, the Democratic Republic of Korea and the DPRK (North Korea) have many political contradictions and are separated by a demilitarized zone. And yet, despite all the past hardships, to date, South Korea has achieved significant economic and political development, which is reflected in the standard of living of its people.

South Korea attracts tourists with an abundance of Buddhist temples and monasteries, as well as many delightful palaces and statues that can tell about the interesting history of this country. The local natural landscapes are also noteworthy, thanks to which Korea is called the “land of morning freshness”. By the way, here you can not only spend time on the cleanest beaches and hot springs, but also do any winter sports at one of the high-class ski resorts.

Capital	Seoul
Population	50,004,441 people
Population density	480 people/km²
	Korean
Religion	Buddhism and Christianity
Form of government	presidential republic
	South Korean won (KRW)
Timezone
International dialing code
Domain zone
Electricity

Climate and weather

South Korea lies in the zone moderate monsoon climate, so all seasons are clearly traced here. Autumn and spring here are quite warm and short, with most of the sunny days occurring in the spring months. The summer season is characterized by high humidity and hot weather. The air temperature during this period is +21...+25 °C, but sometimes rises to +35°C. From late June to mid-July, the monsoon season lasts, which is called here " chanma". August is the wettest and hottest month. The end of September is characterized by clear and dry weather, which makes this period the most pleasant time of the year. The winter season is quite cold (up to -10°C) and dry.

The most comfortable and pleasant time to visit this country is the period from April to mid-October, and the ski season here lasts from November to April.

Nature

The landscape of the country is quite diverse, 70% of its territory is occupied by low mountains and hills. The main mountain range, which is called East Korean mountains, lies parallel to the east coast. Around the peninsula there are many small islands, the largest of them is Jeju.

The main rivers of South Korea are considered Nekhtongan and Hangang on which Seoul stands. Among other significant rivers of the country, it is also worth mentioning Geumgang, Imjingan, Bukhangan and somjingan. The local flora is represented by mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forests, as well as subtropical forests in the south and bamboo thickets on the coast.

Attractions

South Korea is an amazing and multifaceted country, where ancient architectural monuments, modern skyscrapers and amazing nature are harmoniously combined, so the excursion program here is very rich.

Most of the attractions are concentrated in Seoul. First of all, this four royal palaces of the Joseon Dynasty and Gyeongbokgung era royal palace. Also worth highlighting:

• catholic Cathedral Mendon,
• theater "Nantes"
• posingak bell tower,
• Sungkyunkwan Institute,
• concert hall of the Munhwa Ilbo newspaper,
• a great many museums.

Other cities of the country are no less interesting. For example, Incheon is the center of pottery production. In addition, it is known for its thermal springs, magnificent parks and Munkaksanseong Fortress.

Suwon is famous for its ancient Hwaseong Fortress, Everland Amusement Park, Syllux Temple and Sejong the Great Tomb.

Also noteworthy is the city of Gyeongju, which is the capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla. It houses the oldest Buddhist Bulguksa Temple, Oneung ("Five Tombs"), Cheomseongdae Ancient Observatory and Seokguram Cave Temple.

No less interesting is the city of Andong, which is recognized as the cradle of Confucianism. A great number of Confucian temples and schools, as well as traditional dwellings of ancient noble families, have been preserved here.

It is worth noting cities such as Busan and Daegu, where you can visit many ancient temples, tombs and monasteries.

Another notable place in the country is Ganghwa island, where there are a great many dolmens, as well as tangun altar, Chongdynsa Monastery, ancient fortress walls and forts.

Also, having been in South Korea, one cannot fail to see demilitarized zone and Seoraksan mountains which are considered one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Food

The traditional cuisine of South Korea is characterized by an abundance of spicy dishes, which are based on rice, fish and fresh vegetables. The most typical local treats are unleavened rice porridge " dad", pilaf " bibimbap", rice cakes" chhaltok and sandwiches of rice, vegetables and scrambled eggs. Well, for more variety, they are served with all kinds of snacks: pickled vegetables, a spicy dish of radish or sauerkraut " kimchi", bean curd" tube", acorn jelly " tothorimuk" and etc.

Soups play a very important role in South Korean cuisine. For example, spicy seafood soup " hamul than» or soy soup with clams and egg yolk « sundubu chige". Also, the local cuisine cannot be imagined without fish and seafood. Among the treats made from these ingredients, it is worth noting fried fish " sanson gui", finely chopped raw fish " hwe", abalone porridge" jeonbokchuk"and seafood hodgepodge" hamul jeongol". Well, from meat dishes, pork and beef are preferred here. Most often they are used for barbecues. bulgogi", fried ribs " kalbi"and dumplings" mandu».

The role of desserts in local cooking is played by fresh and candied fruits, as well as walnut-shaped biscuits called " hodkwaja". Tea in South Korea is practically not drunk, instead of it they use various decoctions and herbal tinctures (“ cha”), as well as rice and barley broth. Well, the choice of alcoholic drinks - both local and imported varieties - is quite large here. The most popular traditional drinks are rice liquor. soju and rice wine mccory". Local beer is also most often made from rice and has a rather peculiar taste, but high-quality imported beer is always on sale.

Speaking directly about restaurants, here they are most often Korean, Chinese, Japanese and European. Moreover, Japanese restaurants are considered the most expensive and prestigious, while European establishments are suitable for middle-class travelers.

Accommodation

South Korea has a highly developed tourism infrastructure. Today there is a great variety of hotels and hotels. It should be said right away that the local hotel classification is significantly different from the European one. All Korean hotels are divided into five categories: super deluxe and deluxe, as well as first, second and third class hotels. Hotels of the first two categories offer luxury rooms, restaurants, bars, conference rooms, fitness centers, swimming pools, tennis courts, spas and shops, first class correspond to European 3 * + hotels, and hotels of the second and third classes - 3 * and 2*+.

For those who prefer an economical vacation, we recommend staying at one of the small city hotels called " egvans". The rooms in such establishments are small, but they always have a TV, air conditioning, telephone, shower and toilet. Also in Korea, a network of youth hostels is developed, which are analogues of European hostels.

Well, those who want to get acquainted with the Korean way of life and culture of the country should check into a traditional guest house " hanok or even to a Buddhist monastery.

Entertainment and recreation

South Korea will appeal to both fans of active entertainment and lovers of a relaxing pastime. In winter, the country is attractive for its ski resorts. Phoenix Park, Muju and Yongpyeong, as well as themed festivals such as the Snow and Ice Sculpture Festival. Well, in summer, resorts with thermal springs and wide beaches are in great demand here ( Jeju-do, Busan and Namsam). By the way, Jeju Island is popular with both family vacation lovers and fans of diving and fishing.

We recommend that family vacationers visit grand amusement parks (for example, Lotte World or Seoul Grand Park), and lovers of cognitive rest should come here from mid-March to June, when the magnificent time for flowering trees comes.

Fans of nightlife will also like it in South Korea, as its large cities have entire areas with a sea of ​​lights, huge nightclubs, noisy bars, karaoke and other entertainment venues. And for the fans different types art in Korea, there are interesting museums, modern cinemas, concert halls, art galleries and theaters.

South Korea is also famous for its many interesting holidays and festivals. Salt (Lunar New Year), Liquor and Rice Cake Festival, Buddha's Birthday, Chunghyangje (Korean Romeo and Juliet) Festival, Wild Green Tea Festival, Tan-O Shamanic Festival, Ginseng Festival, Traditional Chuseok Festival deserve special mention among them. (harvest festival) and the International Biennial of Contemporary Art.

Purchases

With a wide variety of malls, department stores, markets, duty-free shops and specialty shopping areas, South Korea is considered a shopper's paradise. Moreover, the choice of goods here is simply colossal, and the prices for them are moderate.

Of course, the largest department stores and shops are located in Seoul, or rather in the shopping area. myeongdong, where a whole network of underground shopping galleries is located. In addition, the capital has a great variety of small antique and art shops, as well as specialty markets, such as the Yeongsan consumer electronics market.

Among tourists, the most popular products are cosmetics, household appliances, jewelry, furs, outerwear, silk and leather goods. Traditional souvenirs here include porcelain, ceramics, bijouterie, masks, shell items, fans, dolls in traditional costumes and mother-of-pearl lacquerware. Also, don't forget about ginseng products, including teas, extracts, tinctures, ginseng chocolate, and more. We recommend paying attention to Korean antiques, which are valued all over the world. However, it should be noted that the export of items older than 50 years is prohibited here.

Transport

Incheon's main international airport is located 52 kilometers from Seoul and is connected to it by a high-speed highway. Inside the country, it is most convenient to travel by rail, which connects all the main settlements. There are four types of trains: high-speed Mugunghwa, super-high-speed KTX, passenger Tong-il, and Saemaeul express trains. Also in South Korea, there are many intercity buses, both standard and deluxe.

Public transport in the country is developed very well and is notable for its low cost. It is represented by buses and taxis, and in Incheon, Seoul, Daegu and Busan, by extensive subway line systems. Tickets for any type of urban transport are sold at vending machines, special kiosks and subway ticket offices.

Taxis in Korea are divided into 2 types: regular and deluxe. Taxi "deluxe" are equipped with special devices for simultaneous translation.

Car rental companies are most often located in hotels and airports. To use their services, you will need to present your driver's license and passport. Moreover, the age of the driver must be at least 21 years old, and driving experience - 1 year.

Connection

South Korea boasts a modern and high-quality communication system. Payphones here are found on every corner and are divided into three types: working with magnetic cards, working with international credit cards and "coin". Calls abroad can be made from any "card" payphone or from a hotel.

Mobile communication works in the standard CDMA-1800. You can rent a phone that supports this range at the international airport.

Internet access is provided in most hotels, as well as in gaming halls and Internet cafes.

Safety

South Korea is recognized as one of the safest countries in the world: drug addiction is practically absent here, cases of robbery and pickpocketing are very rare, and car theft is considered a real sensation. Moreover, the traditional morality of society in this country is so strong that cases of rudeness or open rudeness are excluded here. The attitude towards tourists in Korea is very friendly, although there may be problems with understanding, since there are still very few English-speaking people here.

This idyll also has its own “fly in the ointment”. The thing is that in terms of the number of victims of car accidents, Korea ranks first in the world. Therefore, the streets here should be crossed very carefully.

No special vaccinations are required for a visit to Korea, but international health insurance is required.

Business climate

In economic terms, South Korea is a highly developed state with favorable conditions for doing business and a high level of income per capita. The main economic sectors of the country are the judiciary, the automotive industry, mechanical engineering, high-tech production and oil refining. And now it is dominated by large industrial conglomerates (“ chaebols”), which are engaged in production, trade and provision of services. The largest and most influential chaebols are Samsung, Hyundai, Daewoo and LG.

Opening your own company in South Korea is quite simple, and the most promising areas for private business here are the service sector, trade, tourism and finance.

Real estate

A stable financial and political environment, as well as a high standard of living make South Korean real estate a very attractive investment. The consequence of this is a high demand for both housing and commercial space. Today, non-residents of the country can buy local real estate in a simple way. To do this, the buyer will need to obtain permission from the municipal authorities. And in the case of the purchase of a commercial facility, proof of the legality of the origin of the invested funds may also be required.

When entering the territory of the country, you will need to present a written customs declaration to the customs officer. All arriving passengers pass through the customs area along the red, white or green corridor. Those who do not have items that are subject to mandatory declaration use the green corridor. Those who carry items that are not exempt from duty pass along the white corridor. Well, those who are suspected of carrying any prohibited items or allegedly presented an unreliable declaration are sent to the red corridor. Detailed information about goods that are subject to declaration, as well as about all prohibited items, can be obtained from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea or the Customs Information Bureau of Incheon Airport.

Visa information

Citizens of the Russian Federation need a visa to travel to the Republic of Korea. A visa-free stay of up to 30 days is allowed only for those who have previously visited the country at least 4 times over the past 2 years, or 10 times in total. Also, citizens of the Russian Federation are allowed visa-free stay on Jeju Island, but entry to other regions of the country is prohibited.

There are several types of Korean visas: short-term (C), long-term (D, E, H) and special visas for overseas compatriots (F-4).

Moscow Embassy of the Republic of Korea located at st. Plyushchikha, 56.

Consulates of the Republic of Korea in are located in St. Petersburg(Nekrasova st., 32A), Irkutsk(Gagarin Boulevard, 44) and Vladivostok(St. Pologaya, 19).

The demilitarized zone is a 4 km wide area that divides the Korean Peninsula into approximately two equal parts: northern and southern. It was officially recorded on July 27, 1953. The DMZ is the last vestige of the Cold War, the penultimate one was the Berlin Wall, which was destroyed on November 9, 1989.

Citizens of South Korea are forbidden to enter the territory of the North, and northerners to the South. In fact, a piece of land 4 km wide. does not belong to either one. But here is the only place where the delegations of both countries can meet - the village of Phanmunjom. The building for negotiations is arranged in such a way that the southerners and northerners each sit down from their part of the peninsula, without crossing the border.

A symbolic sculpture has been installed on the territory of the DMZ: two families are trying to connect the halves of a disintegrating ball, in the section of which there is a map of the Korean Peninsula.

At the moment, 17 underground passages dug from North Korea to South Korea are known. In 1978, a particularly large tunnel 1,635 meters long was found at a depth of 73 meters. 30,000 heavily armed North Korean soldiers in full uniform can overcome it in an hour and get out in just 44 km. from Seoul. Today, the tunnel is a safe place for tourists to visit - a concrete wall has been installed exactly on the border with its northern neighbor.

For those wishing to take a look at North Korea, the Dorasan observation site was built on the territory of the DMZ: if you look closely, you can see the city of Kaesong from here. A common economic zone was once created on its territory. 15 South Korean companies have placed their technological (peaceful!) production there, and the people of North Korea have made a contribution in the form of labor. But after another test of North Korean missiles this year, the island of peace was closed.

The northernmost station on the territory of the South Korean Peninsula is the Dorasan railway station. Its appearance confuses all tourists: the ticket office, the souvenir shop, the waiting room - everything is functioning perfectly. It seems that you can buy a ticket and drive off to Pyongyang. The southerners are sure that the station will not forever remain an extreme point and will again connect not only South and North Korea, but also the Korean Peninsula with China, Russia and Europe.

The people and government of South Korea are very keen to unite with the brotherly people, so much so that officials have even been appointed who will take office immediately after the unification of the two Koreas.

Gastro Korea 2.0: street food

Have you ever been to Montmartre in Paris? This is a real Mecca of street French cuisine: roasted chestnuts, waffles exuding vanilla aromas, the thinnest pancakes with nutella, baguettes known all over the world with various fillings...

Well, Korean street food cannot even compare with European food - you will not find such a variety anywhere else. You come to Myeongdong in Seoul (it’s something like our Moscow Arbat) and drown in culinary polyphony…

Going to Korea and not trying street food is the same as coming to Minsk and not tasting potato pancakes with sour cream, being in Kyiv and giving up borscht with dumplings… In general, a gastronomic crime! Today we will talk about those street dishes that every self-respecting tourist should try.

Kimbap, Korean rolls, the easiest way to have a tasty and inexpensive snack. Usually the roll contains 4-5 favorite colors of Koreans - red, green, yellow, white and black. Looks very cheerful. Kimbap differs from Japanese rolls in that often a beaten egg fried like a pancake is used as a filling. And kim (algae) does not envelop the roll according to the snail principle, but only “bandages” it from the outside.

Tteokbokki are spicy rice flour flatbreads (similar to dumplings) that are usually stewed with vegetables and spicy gochujang sauce. By the way, for Koreans, the spicier the tteokbokii, the tastier, as, in fact, with all other food. So be careful and don't look at Korean schoolchildren who are happy to snack on them on the street and don't spew flames - they are used to it.

So kkochi will appeal to meat lovers. And it’s also perfect for soju (this is Korean vodka, however, it’s not at all strong). Fire-fried chicken pieces are served with a variety of sauces: sweet and sour, spicy… You will definitely come back for more.

If you come to Seoul in winter, don't miss the wonderful carp-shaped pies (poonoppan). Their floury interior hides an unusual red bean filling, very popular in Korea. Real jam!

And in summer, phatbinsu is especially popular - a dessert made from ice flakes, again red beans, various fruits, rice flour cakes with filling and ice cream, all this splendor is poured abundantly with syrups and cream. Ice cream cones are also sold on the streets (sometimes up to 30 centimeters in height - eating such a masterpiece alone is a real challenge). And exotic lovers can try ice cream in huge corn tubes.

Oh yeah, almost forgot about the manta. Simply put, manti. The Koreans love them too. Only unlike ours, the basis of the filling is not meat, but vegetables or noodles. They are prepared from a variety of ingredients: wheat and buckwheat flour, pumpkin, fish, meat, vegetables.

In general, if you drink in St. Petersburg, then you definitely have it in Korea. Come to us, we will be glad!

South Korea at MITT: Medical Tourism and Winter Olympics

The National Tourism Organization of Korea (KOTK) took part in the 24th Moscow International Exhibition MITT "Travel and Tourism", which was held from March 14 to 16, 2017 at the Expocentre Fairgrounds. Most of the stand of South Korea was devoted to the peculiarities of medical (health) tourism, which has been gaining great popularity in recent years and has a high potential in the international arena.

Within the framework of the MITT exhibition, representatives of 17 leading Korean clinics worked at the stand: plastic surgeons and cosmetologists, specialists in the field of modern and traditional medicine. Among the doctors are real world luminaries: Kim Ha Neul, rehabilitation doctor of oriental medicine, MD, chief physician of the international clinic of the Jasaeng Korean medicine center, Kang Yong Lee, professor of colorectal surgery, head of the department for improving and managing the quality of medical services Yonsei University College of Medicine and other eminent doctors.

In addition, doctors made presentations at the medical seminar, which took place on the basis of the First Moscow State Medical University named after I.M. Sechenov on March 17.

Part of Korea's booth was also dedicated to the 2018 Winter Olympics, which will be held in PyeongChang, Korea. The capital of the Olympics is part of the province of Gangwon-do, whose representatives could be seen at the stand of Korea. In order for visitors to plunge deeper into the atmosphere of the upcoming Olympics, an interactive structure equipped with virtual reality glasses was installed at the Korea booth: everyone could feel like a real skier.

“Discover your Korea!” is one of the slogans of our stand. We put a lot of meaning into these words, because we are sure that Korea is such an amazing and multifaceted country that everyone will find something of their own in it: beautiful historical sights, the possibility of quality treatment, business connections, sports resorts, amazing gastronomy,” says Ekaterina Lopukhina, marketing manager of the Moscow office of NOTK.

Reference

National Tourism Organization of Korea was founded in 1962 and currently has 26 offices around the world.

MITT is the largest international tourism exhibition in Russia, which annually gathers the best representatives of the tourism business in Russia and around the world. It has been held since 1994 and has been awarded the sign of the World Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI). For 20 years, industry experts have recognized MITT as the premier event for the country's tourism industry.

Gastrokorea

The wonderful aromas of Korean cuisine attract tourists not only from neighboring Asian countries, but also from all over the world. What is so special about her? Let's figure it out.

The basis of the foundations of Korean national cuisine is rice, in Korean “pub”. And not a single meal is complete without numerous appetizers (“panchkhan”). Sometimes there are so many of them that tourists, dazed from satiety, are surprised that 5 more options of the “second” and “third”, dessert and even compote await them ahead!

The most famous Korean dish is kimchi, pickled Beijing cabbage. Travel the entire Korean peninsula up and down and you will not find two identical kimchi. A comparison with borscht begs: how many housewives - so many tastes. Kimchi is a spicy, spicy snack that can whet the appetite of even the most sophisticated gastronomic tourist.

Kimchi also has its own worthy competitor - white Korean radish (“kaktuggi”). It has been noticed: as soon as this dish appears on the table, tourists become like Pavlov's dog. By the way, dogs in Korea have not been eaten for a long time, even in Seoul you will not find such establishments during the day with fire.

The second "gastronomic myth" is the Korean carrot (in Korean, "kore-saram"). The legendary snack, which is sold in all supermarkets in our country, has nothing to do with Korean national cuisine - this is a dish of "Soviet Koreans". The fact is that the Koreans deported to the USSR really missed their native kimchi, and in the country of the Soviets it was tight with Beijing cabbage, so they invented a kind of replacement for it from what it was.

But let us leave the country of victorious socialism and return to Korea. There is a fundamental rule in gastronomic tourism - eat the same as the locals. But there is an exception to every rule, in our case it is "bibimbap". The dish is boiled rice, on which vegetables and fried meat are laid out, then mixed and generously seasoned with spicy gochujang pepper paste. In other words - spicy pilaf.

But Korean soups can be devoted to a whole poem. These are true works of gastronomic art. Imagine a cauldron. Mentally put a chicken carcass in it, stuff it with rice, garlic, generously sprinkle with seasonings and add ginseng root as a “cherry”. Yes, yes, just a piece of the root - you can't go wrong. Pour it all with fragrant broth, add fresh herbs, throw in a couple of chestnuts. Now eat. Yes, all this splendor is for you alone - the national Korean soup "samgyetang" is ready.

If supam is a poem, then Korean beef is a four-volume novel. Try "bulgogi" and you will forever become a hostage of this delicious dish. Close your eyes and imagine: thinly sliced ​​pieces of marbled beef, pre-soaked in a sweet marinade consisting of soy sauce, honey, green onions and garlic, fried over a fire until golden brown. Do you smell? How are you still not hooked? Then here's a fact for you: beef grown in the fields of the country of morning freshness costs 2 times more than imported from Australia. And this, for a moment, 10 hours by plane!

So pack your bags and head to South Korea the next time you feel like tasting something special. Gastronomic ecstasy guaranteed!

10 Unusual Facts About Koreans

Fact 1: Kimchieeiz!

When Koreans take pictures, they say “kimchiiii” instead of “syyyyr”, which is familiar to Europeans. And not a single photo is complete without traditional Korean gestures: “pee” or a heart on the top of your head.

Fact 2: Entertaining arithmetic

A newly born baby among Koreans is considered nine months old, and a three-month-old baby by the standards of Europeans is considered a one-year-old.

Fact 3: Hello, what did you eat?

When meeting Koreans, it is customary to ask the interlocutor his age, and when meeting with a friend, it is considered good form to ask “How did you eat today?”.

Fact 4: Sit down and sit!

A Korean worker will never leave the office before his boss, even if he is at the workplace until midnight.

Fact 5: Korean Protectionism

Koreans are not entitled to hire a foreigner unless they can prove that there is no necessary specialist in their country.

Fact 6: South Korea? No, haven't heard

The people of Korea call their country "Hanguk", which translates as "The First State".

Fact 7. They like it hot

Koreans practically do not salt their food, but they never spare pepper.

Fact 8: Big Boss is watching you

Residents of the country of morning freshness calmly leave expensive phones, tablets, wallets on the tables in restaurants, and still do not lock the cars with a key. And all because in Korea it is very rare to steal, as there are cameras everywhere. It usually takes only a couple of hours to apprehend a thief who stole someone else's iPhone.

Fact 9: All cities are like cities, but Vladivostok is European

Vladivostok in South Korea is considered a European city.

Fact 10: Capital Capital

Seoul is translated from Korean as "capital". Original, right?

Olympic Games in Pyeongchang: Passion. connected

A year later, in February 2018, the XXIII Winter Olympic Games will start in South Korea. The successor to the crowned Sochi will be the city of Pyeongchang, located in the province of Gangwon-do, famous for its ski resorts. Pyeongchang has put forward its candidacy for hosting the Winter Olympics three times. In 2011, he overtook French Annecy and German Munich and was chosen by the International Olympic Committee as the capital of the 2018 Winter Olympics.

Interestingly, in contrast to France and Germany, where residents opposed the Olympic Games, the Koreans were enthusiastic about this idea. I must say, they had a serious motivation: the province of Gangwon-do is considered one of the lagging behind in the country - the infrastructure in it is far from ideal, and the Olympics will help to improve it.

Korea has already twice become the host of the largest sporting events: in 1988 the country hosted the Summer Olympic Games in Seoul, and in 2002 the World Cup (together with Japan). The head of the Organizing Committee of the 2018 Olympic Games, Lee Hee-bum, believes that if the 1988 Olympics were a turning point in turning Korea into an attractive country for tourists, then the 2018 Olympics in Pyeongchang is designed to take Korea's attractiveness for tourists to a new level.

The biggest and most interesting infrastructure innovation concerns the construction of a new railway. Now the journey from Incheon International Airport to the Olympic venues takes more than 4-5 hours by bus, and from Seoul at least 3 hours. In the second half of this year, high-speed trains will be launched that will connect Seoul and Pyeongchang - the journey will take only 70 minutes, and from Incheon to Pyeongchang can be reached in 110 minutes.

The leadership of the Olympic Committee hopes that the 2018 Olympics will allow winter sports in Asia to reach a new level, and the high-speed railway will work for the benefit of tourism development: tourists from Singapore, Malaysia and other nearby countries will be drawn to Pyeongchang, for whom snow is a curiosity, and also Europeans and Americans. By the way, the Olympic slogan Passion. connected perfectly fits this idea: the passion for winter sports really unites.

In addition, 12 new facilities were built specifically for the Winter Olympics in Korea, which are planned to be tested by 26 test competitions, most of which have already taken place successfully. According to Mr. Bohm, the results of tests carried out by international experts showed the high quality of snow and tracks.

Of course, the 1988 Summer Olympics cannot be compared with the forthcoming Winter Olympics in many respects. Most of its facilities were built from scratch, and subsequently, after the event, large expenditures were required to maintain the built infrastructure. As for the Olympic Games in PyeongChang, most of the sports facilities were already successfully functioning at the time of the decision to host the Olympics and the management of the 2018 Olympics is confident that the new Olympic venues will not only be actively used, but will also become a catalyst in the promotion of Asia and South Korea, in particular as a convenient and high-tech place for winter sports.

Building on the experience gained from hosting the 1988 Olympics and the 2002 FIFA World Cup, the organizers plan to surpass the success of these two events both in terms of return on investment and in terms of raising South Korea's prestige with visitors from all over the world.

About what sights and festivals to visit in the province of Gangwon-do and in Seoul, what authentic dishes to taste, in what ski resorts to try out new skis during the Olympics and at other times, read the following articles of our blog. Do not miss!

In the meantime, check out our exciting Olympic 2018 infographic

One year left before the Winter Olympics in Korea

In February 2018, the XXIII Winter Olympic Games will start in the Korean city of Pyeongchang. Very soon, tourists from all over the world will go to the country of morning freshness to not only watch the Olympic Games, but also enjoy the multifaceted Korean culture, taste national delicacies and forever be imbued with love for Asia. Taking this opportunity, we talked with Park Cheolhyun, Head of the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Games Department of the National Tourism Organization of Korea, about the preparations for the Olympics.

Mr. Park, could you please tell us about the preparations for the Olympic Games in Korea?

The construction of stadiums is proceeding according to plan and is currently in its final stages. Test competitions are held one after another in order to check and improve the work of finished objects. We strive to make facilities as convenient as possible for both athletes and spectators.

The construction of the Ice Arena in Gangneung (a city in Gangwon Province), which will host short track and figure skating competitions, was completed in December last year, and so far the test competitions have already been successfully completed.

The Gangneung Skating Stadium and other facilities are 96.4% complete. Olympic Plaza, where the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympics will be held, the International Broadcasting Center (IBC) and other ancillary facilities are planned to be completed by September, and at the moment we are not deviating from the schedule.

Of the 12 stadiums (7 in the mountain cluster, 5 in the coastal cluster), 6 are under construction and 6 additional stadiums are under construction. As of February 2017, the average progress rate for the construction of all 12 stadiums is 96% (the progress for the construction of 6 new stadiums is 98%).

Since the countdown began on February 9, the Olympic torch relay has started, ticket sales for the competition will open soon, countdown events will be held in Korea and other countries to the Olympics.

Why was it so important for your country to host the Olympics (Pyeongchang was nominated 3 times)?

Gangwon Province, in which Pyeongchang is located, lagged behind other regions of the country in terms of infrastructure. The inhabitants of the province hoped that the holding of the Olympics would allow the region to reach a new level.

Winter Olympic sports were not as popular as summer sports, but thanks to the success of figure skater Kim Young Ah, interest in winter sports began to grow in Korea. We will increase the potential and elevate the status of Korea in winter sports through the use of high technology during the Winter Olympics. The Korean government and the entire nation are now working to rediscover the Korea known for the 1988 Seoul Olympics and the 2002 FIFA World Cup to the world.

What are your hopes for the Olympics? How will it affect the tourism industry?

At the national and regional level, the holding of the Olympics will primarily help strengthen the brand of the country, Korea will have the opportunity to join the ranks of developed countries and strengthen diplomatic relations in the field of sports.

An important goal is the uniform development and distribution of innovative infrastructure throughout the country: the construction of roads, the railway system, stadiums and related infrastructure. Since the start of preparations for the Olympics, a large number of jobs have been created. Increasing the value of the local brand will provide an opportunity to increase private investment, as well as qualitatively improve the development of the leisure and sports industry.

In 2016, 17 million 240 thousand people visited South Korea, this figure is a record. Our goal for 2018 is 20 million tourists.

How do you assess the economic efficiency of the upcoming Olympics?

The economic efficiency of hosting the Olympics in Korea, according to the Hyundai Center for Economic Research, is estimated at USD 56.6 billion. USD 18.4 billion, indirect effect (increase in the influx of tourists, improvement of the country's image, etc.) - USD 38.2 billion.

Are you familiar with the Sochi experience? Will you use it somehow?

The Sochi Olympics cemented in the minds of viewers around the world the title of Russia as a cultural power, showing not only beautiful nature, but also history and centuries-old traditions. It should be noted that thanks to thorough planning and strong state support, Sochi, previously known as a summer resort, has been revived in a new quality - a resort that is attractive to tourists all year round.

I heard that from the mountains, where the stadiums of the mountain cluster were located, there was an excellent view of the sea. And from the Olympic village to the ice arena could be reached by bus in just 15 minutes. I also know that it was cold on the ski slopes in the mountains, but down in the coastal cluster it was quite warm, which ensured a comfortable viewing of the competition.

Using the experience of Sochi, we plan to raise the status of Korea in the international arena, demonstrating our magnificent culture and traditions, arts, cuisine, and modern technologies. Also, after the Olympics, we will organize various cultural events in order to increase the attractiveness of Pyeongchang as a tourist city.

Could you please tell us more about the new technologies that were used in the preparation of the Olympic venues?

The Gangneung Skating Stadium is the first structure in the country without central pillars, and is also the first indoor stadium in the country with a zigzag “theater” seating arrangement, providing a perfect view from any point of the spectator stand.

We are the second in the world after Calgary (Canada) to build an indoor training complex for such sports as bobsleigh, skeleton (97 m track), luge (64 m track).

In the Allied Hockey Center in Gangneung, for the first time in the country, each of the spectator seats (9310 pieces) at the back will be equipped with a heating source, which will ensure the most comfortable viewing of the competition.

During the construction of the tracks of the Alpensia Luge Center, we replaced the usual technologies with factory ones, which made it possible to reduce the construction time to 18 months. And also increased the efficiency of production of artificial ice.

How do you plan to use the facilities after the Olympics?

Sports facilities are the main legacy of the Olympics, they are becoming an important part of local culture, tourism, and the economy. We will actively develop them after the end of the games.

Previously, there were precedents when, due to insufficiently competent management of large sports facilities, financial difficulties arose for states and local governments after the competition.

However, an extensive exchange of experience in organizing large-scale sports events between Korea, China, Japan and Russia will make the practical use of the Olympic venues in Pyeongchang the most effective.

Korea is known for its mild climate, will there be any problems organizing the Olympics in such weather conditions?

In February, when the Olympics begin, the average temperature in Korea is -8 to -3 degrees, so the mountain sports competitions, such as skiing, which will be held in Pyeongchang, will be comfortable. On the other hand, in Gangneung, where the Coastal Cluster is located and where the ice competitions will be held, the climate is much milder, the temperature in February is above zero.

The climatic and geographical features of Pyeongchang and Gangneung, which will host the Olympics, made it possible to clearly divide the territory into clusters. We hope that athletes and spectators will enjoy competitions held in venues appropriate to the nature of the competition itself.

Will doping checks be tightened due to recent events?

The Korean government and the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Organizing Committee are in constant discussions with the IOC regarding the doping program regarding the operation and management of the doping control center, recruitment and training of personnel, improving the quality of sample analysis, drawing up a plan for conducting doping tests, and are conducting careful preparation to comply with WADA rules.

The doping control center will be located in Pyeongchang, and we also plan to place one doping laboratory at each of the Olympic venues. We plan to appoint the most experienced doping officers to control during test competitions in order to increase their level.

How do you assess the preparation of your athletes for the Olympics? Are you up for gold medals? In what sports?

Only a year left before the start of the Olympics. And I am very glad that our athletes showed good results in the last winter sports competitions. At the World Short Track Speed ​​Skating Championships held in Gangneung in December last year, our athletes competed with Victor Ahn (Ahn Hyun-soo), in connection with which the interest was huge.

The Korean team this time counts on 8 gold, 4 silver, 8 bronze medals and 4th place in the medal standings. The total number of gold medals in short track and speed skating that we expect is 7. This is not an easy task, but we believe that hosting the Olympics in our country will allow athletes to show the best results.

What new sports will be included in the 2018 Olympics?

For the first time, snowboarding competitions in big air will be included in the program of the Olympics. As far as I know, all over the world big air is the most popular competition. For the first time in Asia, such competitions were held in 2009 in Seoul, recently, as part of test competitions, we held the Snowboard World Cup in Big Air, and now we are trying to prepare the infrastructure and services to the highest quality for the convenience of athletes.

What sports are the most popular in Korea?

Korea excels in speed skating, short track and other ice sports, which makes it very popular among fans. Figure skating is especially popular, thanks to the success of athletes Kim Yong Ah and Cha Jun Hwan.

Due to good achievements in recent international competitions in bobsleigh and skeleton, Koreans have become interested in these sports. We also expect sports that are not well known in Korea, such as skiing, snowboarding, curling, and others, to be properly appreciated and become popular in our country.

How many guests is the country ready to host at the Olympics? Tell us where they will be placed, will additional facilities be built for this?

Providing comfortable and enjoyable accommodation and food along with the improvement and expansion of tourism infrastructure will revive the economy of the region, at the moment we are in the process of improving this system.

There are about 5,000 hotels in the cities in which the games will be directly held - Pyeongchang, Jeongseon, Gangneung, as well as Yangyang, Wonju, Sokcho and others located an hour away - there are about 5,000 hotels, which is about 85,000 hotel rooms. The Organizing Committee plans to complete the construction of 21,000 rooms by the end of 2017 for participating teams, representatives of the IOC and IPC, journalists and other participants in the Olympics.

By the end of 2017, it is planned to launch a direct KTX train service on the route Incheon Airport - Pyeongchang - Gangneung. If now this journey takes about 4-5 hours, then KTX will allow you to get there in 1.5 hours. The Korean government provides comprehensive support to the Olympic Pyeongchang, Gangneung and surrounding regions with the aim of transforming them into popular tourist areas where you can relax throughout the year. Just 2 hours by plane from Pyeongchang, there are 1 billion Asians. Given the scale of Asia's economic development, as well as population growth, Pyeongchang has every chance of becoming the mecca of winter sports in Asia.

Also, for the convenience of tourists, we are developing a special mobile application through which you can get all the necessary information about accommodation, nearby attractions, restaurants and cafes, transport and much more. The information on the app will be available in Korean, Chinese, English and Japanese, avoiding the inconvenience that tourists may experience.

What would you advise to visit for those who come to watch the Olympics, in addition to the Olympic venues?

In addition to the Olympic venues, there are 18 interesting cities in Gangwon Province. Important tourist attractions include the one-of-a-kind Demilitarized Zone, the Changneung Royal Shrine in Yeongwol-gun, a World Heritage site, and Taebaek City, made famous by the TV series Descendants of the Sun.

In Gangneung, you can visit the birthplace of the poet Ho Nanseolheon, Ojukheon, where the artist Sin Saimdang lived, as well as the former coal mine, which is now a museum.

Separately, it is worth highlighting the visiting card of the province of Gangwon-do - the ancient Buddhist temple of Woljongsa, whose history goes back more than 1000 years, as well as the path in the fir forest that leads to this temple from the very first temple gates. The picturesque grounds of the temple, as well as the Templestay program held in it, will allow tourists to look into themselves and give them peace of mind.

South Korea expects to receive 20 medals and $56 billion during the Olympics

Exactly one year later, in February 2018, the XXIII Winter Olympic Games will be held in Pyeongchang, South Korea. Now in Korea, preparations for the Olympics are in full swing: the construction of facilities is currently 96% completed, test competitions are being held to check and improve the work of finished facilities.

Korea, known for its innovative technologies, has brought them to the Olympic venues as well. For example, the Koreans were the second in the world after Canada to build an indoor training complex for bobsleigh, skeleton and luge competitions. The skating stadium in Gangneung (a city in the province of Gangwon-do, one of the tourist centers of South Korea) became the first building in the country to be built without central pillars.

On the eve of the Olympics, the Korean authorities have taken seriously the now acute problem of doping: the Korean government and the Pyeongchang Olympic Organizing Committee are constantly negotiating with the IOC on doping issues, striving to comply with WADA rules.

According to the Head of the Department of the Olympic Games PyeongChang 2018 of the National Tourism Organization of Korea, Mr. Pak Cheolhyun, 17 million 240 thousand people visited South Korea in 2016, and 20 million tourists are expected in 2018. In cities located near the Olympic capital, there are now about 85 thousand hotel rooms, by the beginning of the Olympics it is planned to build another 21 thousand.

“By the end of 2017, it is planned to launch a direct KTX (Korean high-speed railway) service on the route ??Ncheon Airport - Pyeongchang - Gangneung. If now this journey takes about 4-5 hours, then KTX will allow you to get there in 1.5 hours,” Mr. Pak said.

The economic efficiency of hosting the Olympics in Korea, according to the Hyundai Center for Economic Research, is estimated at USD 56.6 billion.

Also, Mr. Park believes that holding the Olympics in Korea will allow local athletes to show the best results and count on 8 gold, 4 silver, 8 bronze medals and 4th place in the medal standings.

Reference

Pyeongchang applied for the Olympics three times, this time the city bypassed Annecy in France and Munich in Germany. The application of South Korea reached the final vote three times: in 2014, Pyeongchang lost only 4 votes to Sochi, and in 2010 it was 3 votes behind Canadian Vancouver.

Gangwon Province, in which Pyeongchang is located, lagged far behind other regions in terms of infrastructure development. Unlike the French and Germans who opposed hosting the Olympics, the Koreans gladly accepted the opportunity, hoping that hosting the Olympics would take the Gangwon region to the next level and become an international ski resort.

And we invite our readers today to feel in the place of the passengers of the Seoul-Busan train, however, under more pleasant circumstances. Sim Jong-Bo, President of the Busan Regional Tourism Office, will be our guide on the trip, who will tell you in detail about the features of the Korean railway.

Mr. Sim Jong-Bo, please tell us what mode of transport do Koreans prefer to use? How do they usually get to Busan? Are high-speed trains to Busan popular with foreigners?

Koreans' transportation preferences are the same as in most countries: they usually cover short distances by subway or city buses, and for travel outside the city they use trains, planes, high-speed and suburban buses. For a trip to Busan, high-speed trains are usually chosen, because the journey takes only 2.5 hours.

Foreigners, of course, more often come to South Korea by plane. As of September 2016, 800,000 foreigners arrived in Busan by plane, 600,000 by sea, and another 800,000 by other modes of transport, including by train. Since it is convenient to get to Incheon International Airport from Busan, a lot of foreigners travel from Busan to Seoul and back by rail.

Can you please tell me what type of train is featured in the movie "Train to Busan"?

In the movie "Train to Busan" you can see the KTX high-speed train with a capacity of 930 passengers. It can reach speeds of over 300 km/h. Today, KTX trains make 133 trips per day on the Seoul-Busan route.

What interesting things can you tell about the history of Busan Station? How long has it existed? What is its passenger traffic? Where do Busan residents most often go on a trip? How many people are employed at the station? How often do trains run?

The official opening of Busan Station took place on January 1, 1905, but due to heavy fires, the station burned to the ground. As I said, many of the sights of the city are located not far from it. I also recommend that you participate in one of the many sightseeing tours, you can buy a ticket for which you can right at the station building.

The average passenger flow of the station is 60,000 people per day. The Busan station has a staff of 100 people.

You can buy a train ticket directly at the nearest station ticket office, through the KoRailTalk mobile application and on the company's official website (English, Chinese and Japanese are supported). I would recommend that you buy a ticket online to avoid queues and unexpected situations.

Are there any special features of Busan Station?

The main advantage of Busan Station is that from there it is very convenient to get to the main attractions of the city, such as Haeundae and Gwanalli beaches and Jagalchi fish market.

Busan Station does not leave indifferent the director of the film "International Market", which was watched by more than 10 million viewers. It features famous sights such as Yeongdo Bridge, Hingyeul Cultural Village, Songdo Beach, and Gamcheon Cultural Village. I strongly recommend that you take the train to Busan Station. This is the place where you can see the past, present and future of Korea all at once.

According to sources, Daegu Station and Daejeon Station were involved in filming the film. Can you tell something about them? How far are they from Busan?

Daegu is a metropolis, which is considered the third largest regional center after Busan and Ulsan. The time it takes to get there will depend on the type of train. For example, KTX will take you to Daegu in 50 minutes, and to Daejeon in 1 hour and 40 minutes. If you are planning to ride KTX, be sure to visit these two cities.

Daegu is not only the largest industrial city in the Republic of Korea and the center of Buddhist culture, but also the country's oldest transportation hub (it acquired this status back in 757, when the Yeonnam Great Road ran through Daegu, along which travelers from Seoul to Busan moved). Daejeon is also a major industrial city and a center of contemporary Korean art and technology. Near Daejeon are the ancient city of Pue and the Yusong resort area, where the annual hot spring festival takes place.

Are there any bonuses for foreign tourists when traveling by train to Busan?

For foreign tourists, there is a special travel ticket from the Korail company (korail pass). This travel document is the most advantageous from an economic point of view: it provides the holder with an unlimited number of trips and transfers within a pre-selected travel period. To learn more about the types of travel cards, prices and other information you are interested in, please visit the official website of the company (www.letskorail.com). The site is available in English.

Where would you advise a person who first arrived in Busan to go?

There are so many interesting places in Busan that it would be very difficult to recommend just one. Since Busan is a maritime city, I advise you to go to the sea, in particular, to the most famous and picturesque beaches - "Haeundae" and "Kwanalli". In total, Busan has 7 beaches that form a single coastline. Each of the beaches has its own charm. In addition to admiring the scenery, you can go surfing at Songjeong Beach or go sailing on a yacht at Gwanalli Beach. The view of Busan at night from the sea is an unforgettable sight. I recommend you take a boat ride along the coast at night and enjoy the view of the shining lights of the metropolis.

On weekends, I usually walk along the Kalmat-kil and Hepharan-kil walking paths. During these walks, I feel my mind and body heal and my mood immediately improves. In my opinion, the most charming thing about Busan, along with the cultural component of the city, is the combination of sea and coastal scenery.