Holidays in South Korea. National cuisine of Korea

Southeast region Korea is richest in historical and cultural monuments. The Buddhist culture of the Silla era and the Confucian culture of the Joseon era are perfectly preserved here. In addition, you can better understand the history and culture of the country by visiting Korean museums. State museums display a rich assortment of imperishable artefacts, confirming Korea's rich five-thousand-year history.

The hot summer in Korea falls on the period from June to early September. Among the seaside resorts, Jeju Island is the most popular. Soft tropical climate, lush vegetation and well-groomed natural beaches the islands are famous far beyond the borders of the country.

Korea is an incredibly mountainous country with big amount first class ski resorts. Heavy snowfalls in the northern and eastern regions of the country annually attract millions of tourists who want to enjoy the view of mountain hills covered with snow and high mountain slopes. The Alpine town of Pyeongchang (Gangwon-do) has been selected as the venue for the 2018 Winter Olympics.

There are a great many hot springs throughout the country. Travelers can choose the most suitable option for them from a wide variety of sources, ranging from urban spas that combine saunas and jimchilbang (Korean public baths) to open-air hot springs located within water parks.

Korea has a large number of amusement parks and special theme parks. Lotte World in Seoul is one of the largest indoor amusement parks in the world, and Everland Park is famous for being one of the world's most visited amusement parks.

Although Korea has huge selection shopping destinations in the form of department stores, malls and duty-free shops, authentic Korean shopping can only be experienced in traditional markets throughout the country.

If you are one of the people who like picturesque natural landscapes then Korea is perfect for your trip. There are about 21 national parks including three marine parks. Korea is true real paradise for lovers of hiking.

South Korea: Oops, gangnam style!

South Korea ( official name country - the Republic of Korea) is famous ancient history and rich culture, royal palaces of ancient dynasties and numerous fortresses, Buddhist monasteries and temples, healing mineral springs and attractive sandy beaches.

The amazing beauty of Korea's natural, historical and cultural heritage has been preserved despite difficult story countries. Starting from megalithic ruins and ancient tombs, ending magnificent palaces and solitary Buddhist temples, a huge number of sights and centuries-old traditions are included in the list of protected World cultural heritage by UNESCO. These cultural assets represent a valuable heritage received from the ancestors and serve as a reminder to future generations of the importance of national relics. Of particular note are the 40 Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty, Changdeokgung Palace, historical districts Gyeongju, Seokguram cave temple and Bulguksa temple, Jeju volcanic island and lava tubes.

But very close you can see another Korea, whose dynamics of life violates traditional stereotypes. A country where advanced IT technologies flourish, where life is seething day and night, where tradition and ultramodernity coexist in interconnection.

The Korean economic miracle is so well-deservedly called. In the middle of the last century, South Korea was a poor state, the population here lived much worse than in neighboring North Korea. Now the South is one of the dozen largest economies in the world, and there is no desire to even mention the North. The Koreans themselves also try not to think about their northern neighbor. According to the laws of the Republic of Korea, there is no such state as the DPRK at all. The Korean Peninsula is depicted on local maps as a single country, the media also bypass this topic, however, the demilitarized zone near the border and the tunnels dug in the rocks by warlike northerners to move tanks are one of the main tourist attractions. South Korea.

The land of morning freshness, as the Koreans like to call their homeland, invariably continues to amaze travelers. Ecological "green" tourism in Lately has become a hotly debated topic in Korea. Many parts of the country have begun to offer special walking and cycling tours, and have also begun to strive for slow development, which implies the preservation of local natural values ​​​​and traditional ways of life.

Of particular interest to tourists traveling in South Korea are traditional events such as templestay and hanokstey. Templestay is a unique opportunity to learn Buddhist culture by experiencing it firsthand. This program invites you to escape from the shackles of everyday life and feel inner peace. Cozy mountain temples, verdant forests, and refreshing breezes are what make Templestay in Korea so special. The Orders of Chogye and Cheongthae of Korean Buddhism provide the opportunity to live in Buddhist monasteries and join the ascetic lifestyle of monks.

Travelers who are interested in traditional accommodation and want to experience Korean hospitality should definitely try spending the night in a traditional Korean hanok house. Such houses are called living museums because they represent an outstanding example of the architectural traditions of ancient Korea and the social life of that era.

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 with the country rising sun annexation treaty. 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.

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 beach holiday, 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 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 to the Asian metropolis on this moment can be reached by regular flights with connections in the listed cities.

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 Allegro trains Northern Capital only a couple of hours separate 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.

Find flights to South Korea

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 his major port is the "gateway to Seoul", and to some extent refers to Greater Seoul Wu. 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 - Pungwonni - is a well-known center for the production of ceramics since the 15th century, it was here that most of Korean white porcelain

Recently, Gwangju has been a modern metropolis with a developed infrastructure. He still remains major center Korean ceramic industry. The city has many attractions, including the Chongjin Christian Temple (XVIII century), Namhanseong Fort (1626), State 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 the city began archaeological research, the historical monuments of Gyeongju have been 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 the cultural heritage of Silla at the Gyeongju National Museum, which is famous for its rich collection of archaeological items. In addition, among the local attractions, the grotto of the ruins of the once large temple of Hwangnyeong-sa with 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 Sokku-ram (8th century) and the newly built on the hill Toham-san ancient monastery Bulguk-sa (528), as well as several fortresses from the time of the Silla state.

Jeju, or Chejudo, is the most large island Korea and at the same time the smallest province of the country with the same name administrative center in Jeju city. The island is located in the Korea Strait, 100 km from the southern coast of the country, and is considered one of the the best resorts 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.

Island, holiday season which lasts from July to September, is famous for its beaches. There are beaches with both white fine sand and black sand. 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 island resort - Chunmun - is famous for its beaches and nearby volcanic pillars of Chusan Cheolli-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: tourist attraction 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.

Coastal waters of Jeju at the junction of the Yellow Sea, Japan and East China Seas form a unique hydrodynamic complex, characterized by a huge variety of underwater fauna (lionfish, triggerfish, tetradon, silver tuna, butterfly fish and angel fish, orange sea ​​stars) and rich 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. Net railways 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 (very comfortable) and passenger trains"Thong-il" (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.

On all major railway stations there are special cash desks 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.

Metro

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, the richness of which is determined geographic location Koreans are also very often present on the menu of the inhabitants of the country. 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 thang”, soy soup with egg and shellfish “sundubu jigae”, spicy soup from seafood “hemul than”, spicy fish soup “maeuntang”, soybean sprouted soup “khonnamulguk”, etc. d.

Among the meat dishes that end up 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. Best Opportunities for shopping are opened 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 signs tax free shopping). 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, undoubtedly, 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 Cell phones GSM standard does 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 ranking of countries in the world 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.

Safety

South Korea is one of the safest for tourism Asian countries However, you should not forget about elementary 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, therefore, 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 on 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 living and working at the same time, having a kitchen and an office. Residence complexes usually have a gym, laundry, lounges and conference rooms, restaurants, cafes, etc.

- a state in northeast Asia, occupying the southern part of the Korean Peninsula. In the north it borders on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, in the east it is washed by Sea of ​​Japan, in the south and southeast - by the Korea Strait, in the west - by the Yellow Sea. South Korea also owns several islands, the largest of which are Jeju, Chedo and Geojedo.

The name comes from the ethnonym used in the X-XIV centuries.

Official name: The Republic of Korea

Capital: Seoul

The area of ​​the land: 98.5 thousand sq. km

Total population: 50 million people

Administrative division: 9 provinces and 5 cities of central subordination.

Form of government: Republic.

Head of State: The president.

Composition of the population: 99% are Korean, there is also a small Chinese minority.

Official language: Korean.

Religion: 51.2% - Buddhism, 34.4% - Christians (Protestants), 10.6% - Catholics, 1.8 - followers of shamanism and Confucianism.

Internet domain: .kr

Mains voltage: ~110 V/220 V, 60 Hz

Phone country code: +82

Country barcode: 880

Climate

Moderate monsoon. The average annual temperature is up to +5 C in the north and +14 C in the south. Summer is hot - 21-24 C (up to +35 C), with frequent and heavy rains brought by the monsoons from June to July. Winter is cold - up to -10 C on the coasts and -20 C in the central regions, with little snow. Frequent thaws. Precipitation falls on average up to 2000 mm. per year (in the north - up to 5000 mm., in Seoul - about 1500 mm.), mainly in summer. The best time to visit the country is from June to October.

Geography

State with total area 98.5 thousand sq. km, located in the southern part of the Korean Peninsula in northeast Asia. It borders North Korea in the north. In the east it is washed by the Sea of ​​Japan, in the south and southeast by the Korea Strait, in the west by the Yellow Sea.

The landscape of the country is very diverse, 70% of the territory is occupied by low mountains stretching from north to south along the chains of the Sobek ridges ( highest point- Chirisan city, 1915 m), Gyeongsan (Nanmin mountains, 2014 m), Geumgang (1638 m), Seorak (1780 m) and Taebaek (1546 m). The highest mountain point of the country is the city of Hallasan (1950 m), located on the largest island of the country - Chechzhudo.

The coastline is quite indented and framed by a large number (more than 3 thousand) of islands, especially along the western and southern coasts countries. in the east coastline rocky and relatively straight, with small beaches at the mouths of the rivers.

Flora and fauna

Vegetable world

Due to the mild climate, the vegetation of Korea is very diverse. In the mountains of Korea, broad-leaved and oak forests grow, which alternate with mixed forests and conifers. The most common tree species in the forests are oaks, hornbeams, birches, lindens and other species, among which there are valuable ones.

There are fewer forests directly in South Korea. Ginseng is very common here in the foothills. And in the mountains grow oaks, maples, ash trees. Lianas and lemongrass are often found on tree trunks, as well as wild grapes. Below, along the lower mountain belt, dense pine forests grow. On the territory of the subalpine belt, beautiful alpine meadows are spread, near which many shrubs grow. By the way, Korean pine, found in the forests of Korea, is the most expensive tree species.

In the south of Korea, there are many evergreen trees, such as the Japanese camellia. Summer green trees, such as chestnut, are also very common. In total, the flora of Korea has more than 4 thousand varieties. This is despite the fact that large areas of forests were cut down in the twentieth century. Bamboo grows in the valleys, the shoots of which grow up to 10 meters.

Animal world

Foxes, wild boars, gorals, roe deer, spotted deer, red deer, columns, otters, squirrels live in the forests of South Korea, sometimes you can meet tigers, leopards, lynxes and Ussuri and white-breasted bears. IN coastal areas noted greatest variety birds: passerines, herons, cranes, storks, geese, ducks, waders, gulls, cormorants, auks, guillemots and guillemots.

In addition, on the territory of South Korea there are such birds of prey as the Kamchatka sea eagle, and large birds of the order of chickens - pheasants, black grouses and hazel grouses. In coastal and inland waters The country is home to several hundred species of fish.

Attractions

Korea, with its picturesque nature, mountains, beaches and rivers, with a rich cultural and historical heritage, is one of the most interesting countries in Southeast Asia in terms of tourism. Here you can see ancient Buddhist monasteries, royal palaces, sculptural monuments, pagodas, archaeological sites, fortresses, folklore villages and numerous museums. And the picturesque nature and carefully preserved habitat give the country a special charm.

Banks and currency

Won (W, KRW). There are banknotes of 50,000, 10,000, 5,000 and 1,000 won (often referred to simply as "chon", which means "thousand") and coins of 500, 100, 50 and 10 won (coins of 5 and 1 won are now practically are not used and are withdrawn from circulation after the denomination of 2009).

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 22.00, and some - around the clock.

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 with a face value of 100,000 won or more are also in use, however, when they are calculated for reverse side you need to provide your passport number, address and phone number in Korea, so if you do not have a residence permit, it is almost impossible to pay by checks.

Useful information for tourists

The traditional system of hierarchy and respect for elders is still of great importance in all spheres of life. Direct questions about age and marital status are considered commonplace, as they allow the Korean to get an idea about the interlocutor and his place in the hierarchical system of society. Koreans avoid expressing emotions in public or laughing out loud in the presence of older people.

Greetings are always pronounced with a slight bow, the depth of which depends on the position of the speakers. At a meeting, both the right and left hands are served and shaken, although the right hand is preferred - the left hand is placed under the right. Failure to comply with this rule may be regarded as a manifestation of impoliteness. More common is just a nod of the head, as well as a slight or respectful bow (depending on who greets whom). Usually they do not look directly into the eyes - this is perceived, rather, as a threat or an attempt to exert psychological pressure.

Here they almost never say "thank you" or "nothing" so as not to embarrass the person who has shown the courtesy. When gifts are brought, they are quietly left at the entrance, and not shown to the person for whom they are intended. No one will also apologize by inadvertently pushing someone they meet on the street or stepping on their foot. Public displays of affection, such as kissing and hugging, are considered obscene.

At the table, they do not start eating until the eldest in age arrives, and everyone rises when he leaves the table.

During the meal, do not leave chopsticks in rice, as this is associated with a funeral. You cannot write names in red ink - this is how the names of the dead are written. Traditionally, Koreans sit, eat and sleep on the floor. Therefore, when entering a Korean home, you must always take off your shoes. You can not stand on the threshold, so as not to let in evil spirits.

It is impossible to talk about divorce, death or ruin, even as a joke, so as not to invite evil fate on yourself. It is considered indecent to be bare-legged in the presence of elders, so it is recommended to always wear socks or stockings when visiting a Korean family.

Tips are not taken in restaurants, the calculation is made not with the waiter, but at the checkout, which is located at the exit. There is usually no menu as such in Korean restaurants; all the names of dishes and their prices are indicated on a special table that hangs on the wall. Tips are only given on large hotels international class.

In the elevators of multi-storey buildings there is no fourth floor (the word "sa" - "fourth" sounds the same as "death"), so it is usually denoted by the letter "F" or the third is immediately followed by the fifth floor.

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

• Hot tours to South Korea
• Tours for May Worldwide

The country of morning freshness has long and firmly entered the top five popular places recreation among the inhabitants of our Far East. Whatever the week, then stuffed Russian tourists charters 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 skyscraper tinted with 24-carat gold, a two-headed turtle, drunken bullfights, 50 varieties of tangerines, an old woman-divers for pearls, 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 luxurious beaches Jeju Islands, 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, 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 Dongne-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. Season monsoon rains("chanma") usually begins at the end of June and continues until the middle or end of 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 being imported.

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 at the checkout for a special form, 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 at different types: 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 finally 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.

European restaurant in Korea - the place where is going a middle-class person when he wants to eat something unusual. 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.

Of the meat treats, it is worth trying 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 "koloboks" for 2000 KRW, battered shrimp for 4000 KRW - tasty, 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 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 institution, 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 - royal residences in the traditional Korean style, united in the Five Great Palaces group. The largest is Gyeongbokgung Palace, built in 1395, almost immediately after the ascension to the throne of the Joseon Dynasty.

The throne room of Geunjeongjeong is full of colorful paintings and animal figures, the Gyeonghoeru pavilion rises on 48 granite columns, and on main square Like many centuries ago, there is a changing of the guard every day.

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 swimming 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 website 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 lunar calendar happy birthday to Buddha: 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, Korean New Year in late January - mid-February, until it became an official holiday, but is celebrated with love and respect for traditions. Families get together and hold a “sebe” ceremony: young people in national costumes bow to their older 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. Trees are planted on April 5, the birth of the state is remembered on October 3, and on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar (usually in September-October), celebrations are held in royal palaces Seoul in honor of Chuseok Harvest Festival.