South Korea is located in Eastern Asia, southern half of the Korean Peninsula bordering the Sea of Japan and the Yellow Sea. Approximately 70 percent of land area of South Korea is mountains and uplands. Principal ranges--T'aebaek and Sobaek range and Chiri Massif. Tallest mountain--Mount Halla at 1,950 meters, a volcanic cone located on Cheju Island. Longest rivers--Naktong River, 521 kilometers; Han River, which flows through Seoul, 514 kilometers; and Kom River, 401 kilometers.
Climate and Weather
The climate in Korea is temperate with four very distinct seasons. Summers are very hot and humid, while in winter temperatures plummet to below freezing. Autumn and spring are the most comfortable seasons to visit South Korea. Most of the rain falls in summer during a monsoon season known as 'jangma'.
Population
The South Korea population is around 49 million. This makes the population density 480 per square kilometer. Seoul, the national capital, is one of the most populated cities in the world with a population of well over 10 million. The South Korea population mostly shares a common heritage both ethnically and linguistically. The only exception is a small group of Chinese community who follows their own tradition and culture. South Korea population has witnessed migration of a large number of South Koreans mostly to United States and Canada. But improvement in political and economic status has been able to bring down the process of emigration.
Transportation
The International Airport of South Korea is located at Incheon, which is 60 kms from the Capital city. Another important airport here is the Gimpo Airport, which nowadays just offers Domestic Sevices. The international airports in Busan and Jeju have flights to and from China and Japan. The Train Services are also available here which are pretty efficient. The South Korean Transportation has several local trains too. The Trains are clean, safe and most importantly punctual.
Driving in South Korea can be difficult, and they are expensive too. Traffic jams are yet another problem. Long Distance share taxis, which are generally called Bullet Taxis, travel in between big cities and major tourist spots. Cycling in Korea is a pleasant way of exploring the rural areas.
Water Babies can also take ferry rides from the mainland to offshore islands and several lakes too. Buses are cheap and convenient here and most opt the local people avail the bus services. This is because of the high fares of the taxis.
The best time to visit South Korea is either autumn (September to November) or spring (April to May). However, to enjoy a crowd-free trip, winters (which are dry and great for skiing) would be a good time to visit the country.
Food and Drink
National specialties:
• Bibimbap (boiled rice mixed with vegetables).
• Kimchi (Korean national dish, highly spiced pickle of Chinese cabbage or white radish with turnips, onions, salt, fish, chestnuts and red pepper).
• Bulgogi (marinated, charcoal-broiled beef barbecue).
• Grilled galbi (seasoned ribs).
• Haemultang (seafood stew).
National drinks: • Yakju (refined pure liquor fermented from rice).
• Soju (like vodka and made from potatoes or grain).
• Korean beer: Cass, Hite and OB.
• Makgeolli and donggongju (milky liquor).
• Ginseng wine is strong and sweet, similar to brandy, but varies in taste according to the basic ingredient used.
• Tea: nokcha (green tea), insamcha (ginseng tea) and many other varieties.
Local Products/Shopping
The country has a reputation as a shoppers’ paradise, with many shops providing special duty free prices for foreigners. Fashion, antiques, medicine, herbs and spices, electronics and wedding clothes feature highly on Korea’s shopping itinerary. The best shopping districts and markets are in the capital, Seoul, and include: Namdaemun (Korea’s largest general wholesale market); Tongdaemun (one of Seoul’s oldest markets, good for bargains); Myong-dong (Korea’s fashion district); Insa-dong (antiques and art); Changanp’yong (one of the largest antiques markets in the Far East); Itaewon (modern shopping district particularly popular with foreign tourists); Noryargjin (fish market); Yongsan Electronics Market (largest electronics and computer market in Korea); Koyndang (Oriental medicine, spices and herbs market); Hwangkhak-dong (flea market, good for second-hand shopping); Ahyon-dong (the ‘wedding street’, featuring over 120 wedding boutiques); and Shinch’on (a shopping street popular with young people, good for accessories and fashion).
Favorite buys to look for are hand-tailored clothes, sweaters (plain, embroidered or beaded), silks, brocades, handbags, leatherwork, gold jewelry, topaz, amethyst, amber, jade and silver, ginseng, paintings, costume dolls, musical instruments, brassware, lacquerware, woodcarvings, baskets, scrolls and screens. Prices are fixed in department stores, but may be negotiated in arcades and markets. Major cities have foreigners’ duty free shops where people can use foreign currency with a valid passport.
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1. Gyeongbokgung Palace.
The best time to visit South Korea is either autumn (September to November) or spring (April to May). However, to enjoy a crowd-free trip, winters (which are dry and great for skiing) would be a good time to visit the country.