Friday, December 9, 2022

South Korea

South Korea Flag



Why visit South Korea?
For travelers seeking to enjoy architecture, beaches, birdwatching, cultural performances, hiking, hot springs, mountain climbing, mountain trails, museums, national parks, palaces, shopping, snow skiing, spas, temples, traditional culture, and unspoiled scenery. 



Seoul, South Korea. Photo Credit: csk/Pixabay



At a Glance
  • Souvenirs to Buy: Amethyst, athletic shoes, bamboo goods, brassware, calligraphy goods, ceramics, custom-made clothes, cutwork paper crafts, dolls, furs, ginseng, jewelry, lacquer ware, leather goods, musical instruments, painted gourds, paintings, porcelain, pottery, silks, topaz, and wood carvings.
  • Local Cuisine to Try: Bibim Nengmyun (cold noodles). Bibimbap (rice dish). Bulgogi (marinated beef). Galbi (marinated ribs). Hotteok (fried cakes). Jajangmyeon (noodles). Jeyuk Bbokeum (sauteed pork). Jjigae (stew). Kalguksu (noodle soup). Kimchi Jjiage (stew). Mandu Guk (dumpling soup). Samgyetang (stewed chicken). Seolleongtang (beef soup). Yukgejang (beef soup).
  • Local Drink to Try: Banana Milk. Bokbunja Ju (wine). Boricha (tea). Makgeolli (spirit). Milkis (milk/yoghurt soda). Sikhye (sweet). Soju (spirit). Sujeonggwa (drinkable dessert).


Sejong, South Korea. Photo Credit: choe yongwoo/Pixabay 


Fun Facts
  • Women keep their maiden name, and their children take their father's last name.
  • World's 5th largest nuclear power producer.
  • Hosted the 2018 Winter Olympics (Pyeongchang).
  • Middle and high school aged students wear uniforms.
  • Home to the world's second best healthcare system.
  • "Korean Wave" reflects their influential pop music and TV dramas.
  • Esports reflects their competitive video gaming. 


Gamcheon Culture Village, Busan, South Korea. Photo Credit: Pixabay 



Special Holidays/Occasions
  • Annual Events: (January) Hwacheon Mountain Trout Festival, Jaraseom Singsing Winter Festival, (February) Inje Ice Fishing Festival, (March) yeongju Traditional Drink & Rice Cake Festival, Jeongwol Daeboreum Fire Festival, (April) Gochang Green Barley Festival, Gunhangje Cherry Blossom Festival, Gwangalli Eobang Festival, Hi Seoul Festival, Icheon Ceramic Festival, Jeju Fire Festival, Jeonju International Film Festival, Jindo Miracle Sea Parting Festival, Yeouido Spring Flower Festival, (May) Boseong Green Tea Festival, Gangneung Danoje Festival, Lotus Lantern Festival, (June) Haeundae Sand Festival, Muju Firefly Festival, (July) Boryeong Mud Festival, Taebaek Sunflower Festival, (August) Busan International Rock Festival, Muan White Lotus Festival (September) Harvest Festival, (October) Icheon Rice Cultural Festival, Jagalchi Festival, Jeonju Bibimbap Festival, Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF), (November) Gwangju Kimchi Festival, and Seoul Lantern Festival.
  • Holidays: New Year's Day, Seollal Holiday, Independence Movement Day, Presidential Election, Labor Day, Children's Day. Buddha's Birthday, Local Election Day, Memorial Day, Liberation Day, Chuseok Holiday, National Foundation Day, Hangeul Proclamation Day, and Christmas Day.


Hyangwonjeong Pavilion, Seoul, South Korea. Photo Credit: csk/Pixabay 



Good to Know
  • Southern tip (Jeju island) is known as the "Hawaii of Korea".
  • Cease an opportunity for an overnight temple stay to cleanse your body, mind, and spirit. 
  • Birdwatching is best between December - March.
  • Best hiking trails are in Hallasan (Jeju Island), Jirisan (north Jeolla-do), and Seoraksan National Park (Gangwon-do).
  • Ski Season is from December - February.
  • Antiques prior to 1910 may require a certificate to export.
  • Duty-Free stores are in Cheongju airports, Gimhae, Incheon, Jeju, and  seaports.
  • Monsoon Season is June - August.
  • Authorities may arrest, detain, and imprison persons believed to have committed acts intended to endanger the “security of the state”.
  • Typhoon Season is May - November.
  • Avoid tap water consumption.
  • Strict enforcement of regulations on exporting and importing: firearms, gold, narcotics, non-prescription health supplements, prescription drugs, and radio equipment.
  • Dust and pollution is an issue in Seoul.
  • Be prepared to use chopsticks.
  • Amphetamines are illegal.
  • Avoid demonstrations and rallies.
  • Motorcyclists may drive on sidewalks.
  • Keep currency-exchange receipts for departure exchange.
  • Known tensions with North Korea.
  • Requires an International Driving Permit.
  • Buildings tend to be heated via pipes embedded in the floor.
  • Culturally avoid blowing your nose in public.
  • Visiting Panmunjeom avoid wearing jeans, sandals or shorts.
  • Don't write a citizen's name in red ink; this indicates the person is deceased or your desire for them to be.
  • Seat belts are mandatory.
  • Car ferry and hydrofoil services between Korea and Japan.
  • Blood alcohol content of 0.03%/+ is considered legally intoxicated.


Dodamsambong Peaks, Danyang County, South Korea. Photo Credit: Pixabay



This international destination requires:
  • A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.
  • Tourist VISA required.


Yuldong Park, eongnam, South Korea. Photo Credit: friscii/Pixabay 


Subject to high humidity, high temperatures, monsoons, typhoons, and yellow dust storms.


Gold Crown Tomb (Geumgwanchong), Gyeongju, South Korea. Photo Credit: Nabin Mewahang/Pixabay 


  • Best Time to Visit: March - May & September - November
  • Coldest Months: November - March
  • Hottest Months: May - September
  • Peak Season: June - August


Jeju Island, South Korea. Photo Credit: Evaldas Daugintis/Pixabay 



Your Must-See & Do
  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Baekje Historic Areas, Changdeokgung Palace Complex, Getbol Korean Tidal Flats, Gochang Hwasun and Ganghwa Dolmen Sites, Gyeongju Historic Areas, Haeinsa Temple Janggyeong Panjeon, Historic Villages of Korea, Hwaseong Fortress, Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes, Jongmyo Shrine, Namhansanseong, Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty, Sansa, Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple, and Seowon.

Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul, South Korea. Photo Credit: Pixabay



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                                        All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.   

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