South Korea Travel Guide

People

South Korea has a population of about 49 million people, as of 2009. This country is considered one of the densest in Asian and world standards, with 494 people per square meters. The majority of Koreans live in the western and southern parts of the country. Ever since the 1960's, urbanization has been a trend, and a majority of the people are emigrating from rural to urban areas for better living opportunities.

Geography

South Korea comprises the southern part of the peninsula of Korea. North and South Korea are separated by a two-and-a-half demilitarized zone. South Korea covers about 99,000 square meters of land or about 44 percent of the total area of Korea. The most prominent island in South Korea is the Jeju Island, with a land area of 1,825 square meters. Two other major islands are Ganghwa and Ulleung.

The geography of South Korea is ideal for the production of tungsten, graphite, coals and lead and has enough resources to provide hydropower. Additionally, there is enough rainfall throughout the year for the cultivation and development of agriculture and, unlike many neighboring countries, typhoons are not that frequent.

History

According to early history, Korea was discovered back in 2333 B.C. During this time, both North and South Korea were united by the son of the god spirit Hwanung. The Korean War, however, divided Korea into two separate states, each with their own governments and very different political systems.

During the following years, South Korea had alternating governments, going from autocratic to democratic. During the 6th Republic, South Korea was able to attain a liberal democracy and gradually became a stable country. In the 1950's South Korea received financial support from the United States, who attempted to strengthen the Southern state in counter to its northern sister.

Today, South Korea has come a long way and has progressed greatly. It is socially active among Asian countries and is economically doing well. In fact, it now ranks 11th on the list of the most economically progressive countries in the world. The diligent inhabitants of South Korea contribute much to its rapid progress.

Famous Attraction

One of the largest emerging aspects of the South Korean economy is its tourism. In fact, today, it is truly one of the hottest destinations in the world, and very popular with Americans who want to discover the beauty of this Asian country. It has gained much popularity ever since it started progressing economically. Some famous attractions include:

1. Jeju-Do - this place has become a popular destination especially for honeymooners. The people of Jeju have maintained a long list of traditions that have long disappeared from the mainland of South Korea. The climate in the Jeju Island is relatively warmer and more humid than the rest of South Korea.

2. The Korean Folk Village - this place gives tourists a complete view of the Korean folklore, ideal for those who do not have much time to explore the whole of South Korea. It has a Buddhist temple, a Confucian school, blacksmiths and traditional farmhouses, weaving and pottery workshops.

3. Kyongju - this is a museum without walls, and was designated by the UNESCO as one of the 10 most historical places in the world. Many traces of early temples and palaces still remain in this destination.

Nightlife

Nightlife in Korea is all about excitement and has a certain magic to it. There is fascinating entertainment and music for everyone. There are restaurants and bars that cater to all ages, and a whole range of activities are available from the young to even the elderly. Today, however, restaurants are required to close before midnight.

Additionally, Koreans are lovers of music, and this ranges from folk to rap, pop to rock. South Korea also has a fun way of celebrating the New Year, which beckons more and more tourists to visit this fun-filled country. The nightlife in South Korea is comparable to the best in Asia.

Culture

Korean society gives much importance to the value of family and, additionally, puts heavy emphasis on a vibrant and rich artistic community. There is a prevalent culture of creative dancing, art, music, drama, theatre, poetry and literature. The Korean culture is inspired by Confucianism, which is evident in the belief system, housing, architecture and the way of life. Although traditional, South Korea is able to cope with and integrate international trends and cultures, while still maintaining its unique identity.

Cuisine

Unlike many other Asian countries whose cuisines are influenced by other cultures, South Korean cuisine has developed its own varieties of flavors that suit its climate, characteristics and history. Its distinct seasons have influenced the flavors of their dishes. Koreans believe that food, although flavored with strong spices, should be in harmony and balanced. They are also concerned about overall health, which explain why the cuisine includes a heavy combination of fresh vegetables, meats and fish. One typical Korean meal is called pekpan, which consists of rice, soup and side dishes such as kimchi. On a side not, South Koreans are very particular about table settings and food preparation.

South Korea Airports infomation

Flights to South Korea

Hotels in South Korea

Articles in South Korea

Busan, South Korea - Hotel Commodore Busan

Busan, South Korea 8 Sep, 2020

The first thing that strikes the tourist about the Commodore Hotel in Busan is its magnificent architecture. Designed by George Frew, the hotel interiors are opulent with its famed Dragon handrails and the lotus ceilings. The hotel has 314 guest rooms that have automatic heating or cooling devices, a personal safe, refrigerators, satellite television, IDD call systems, internet access and an in room movie system for your viewing pleasure. The Pagoda style building was said to be influenced by the Palace of the Joseon Dynasty. The largest port city in the Republic of Korea, Busan gained international prominence by hosting the 2002 Asian Games. It is also the fifth busiest seaport in the world, with transportation and shipping dominating the local economy. The city is also the second largest metropolitan area in the Republic of Korea. Since it is a shipping point to the rest of the world, the importation of many goods into the city makes it one of the prime shopping areas in the Republic of Korea, with Seomyeon and Gwangbok-dong/Nampo-dong as its central business districts while shopping for goods and services can be done in Seomyeon, Gwangbok-dong, Busan Dae Hakap in Jangjeon-dong and Haeundae. The hotel also gives an unobstructed view of Daecheong Park and Kim-hae airport is a short distance from the hotel. The hotel is one of the gems of the Busan skyline and their accommodation is the envy of many in the industry. So when you are in the city, make the Commodore Hotel Busan your home away from home. Search for discounted hotel rooms around Asia on Asia.com's hotel search engine and save up to 70% on your hotel. Asia.com is not affiliated with nor sponsored by The Commodore Hotel Busan. This article is provided for informational purposes only.

Busan, South Korea - Hotel Novotel Busan Ambassador

Busan, South Korea 8 Sep, 2020

Previously known as the Marriot, the Hotel Novotel Busan Ambassador is a beachfront hotel in the metropolitan city of Busan. This five-star hotel is located right on Haeundae Beach and stands a towering sixteen stories with a selection of 326 guestrooms and 36 suites with choices of either a king bed or two twin beds. The room amenities include air conditioning, private telephones, a mini bar and safe. The hotel is also one of the premiere locations for business and conference activities in the city. The city of Busan is the largest port city in Korea, making it a confluence of commerce and culture. As the second largest metropolis in the country, Busan has an international flair and gained prominence when it held the 2002 Asian Games and the 2005 APEC Conference. The city is also a university town, with the many large universities that are located in the area such as Pukyong National University and Kyungsung University. The hotel is very much at the center of tourism of the city, as it is located on the best beach in the city, Haeundae Beach. The city is eight miles from downtown Busan and thirty-one miles from Gimbae International Airport. There are many other tourist destinations nearby, namely the Chungnyeolsa Shrine, Beomeosa Temple, Samgwangsa Temple, Yungongdan, Jeongongdan, Songgongdan and Jaseongdee. So if you want to have a room overlooking one of the most popular beaches in Busan, then the best five-star accommodations is the Hotel Novotel Busan Ambassador. The hotel's location, amenities and services make it the best one in the metropolitan hub of Busan. Search for discounted hotel rooms around Asia on Asia.com's hotel search engine and save up to 70% on your hotel. Asia.com is not affiliated with nor sponsored by The Hotel Novotel Busan Ambassador. This article is provided for informational purposes only.

Busan, South Korea - The Westin Chosun Hotel

Busan, South Korea 8 Sep, 2020

The Westin Chosun is one of the most popular hotels, housing room accommodations like the Executive Club Room with a king-sized bed with goose down pillows. The minibar includes vintage wines, video recorder and player, and an in-room refrigerator. The hotel also hosts fine dining from sushi to continental cuisine together and bars offering the best cocktails and entertainment. The city of Busan is the second largest metropolis in the Republic of Korea owing to being the fifth largest port city in terms of volume and traffic in the world. The bustling city is 294.8 square miles with a population of nearly four million people. The city not only hosts many international travelers but also has hosted many international events such as the 2002 Asian Games, the 2005 APEC Korea and the 2002 FIFA World Cup. It is now actively bidding to host the 2020 Summer Olympics. The Lotte Departmental Store is less than a kilometer away from the hotel. Other prime locations for shopping are the Sogong Underground Shopping Center, the Seoul Plaza, The Namdearmun Market and the Shinsegae Departmental Stores. The hotel is also a short twelve-minute drive to the Seiong Cultural Center that is the prime cultural venue of the city. A few minutes from the beach location is Seoul Grand National Park and the Jisan Ski Resort that are favorite habitues for tourists. One of Busan's jewels is the Westin Chosun Beach Hotel for its location, services and accommodations. Being billeted in the Westin Chosun Beach Hotel can best experience your trip to Busan. Search for discounted hotel rooms around Asia on Asia.com's hotel search engine and save up to 70% on your hotel. Asia.com is not affiliated with nor sponsored by The Westin Chosun Beach Hotel Busan. This article is provided for informational purposes only.

Busan, South Korea - The Lotte Hotel

Seoul, South Korea 8 Sep, 2020

The Lotte Hotel in Busan is one of the most spacious five-star accommodations in the city, with nearly nine hundred rooms for its guests and visitors. The rooms have amenities such as air conditioning, telephones, private bathrooms, radio, satellite television and a minibar. The hotel also hosts a multi-cuisine in-house restaurant, a cafe, cocktail bar, a fitness center and a swimming pool. The city of Busan is the largest trading harbor city of Korea, making it both a commercial and financial hub. The city has a population of nearly four million making it the country's second largest metropolis after Seoul. The city lies between the Nakdong and Suyeong Rivers and became the host city for the 2002 Asian Games, the 2002 FIFA World Cup and the 2005 APEC. This five-star hotel is located near the Masan-Changwon and Ulsan-Pohang industrial complex, making the hotel a good location for business guests. The city is on the Buieoung-dong in Pusanjin-gu making the harbor city as one of the prime locations for tourists from all over the world. The international airport at Gimhae is a short drive away while the metro and railway stations are but a stone's throw distance from the hotel. The other areas for tourists to enjoy nearby are the Hanryu National Sea Park and the ancient city of Kyungju. So if you are visiting the city of Busan for business or for pleasure, the Lotte Hotel is one of the best five-star accommodations in the city. Asia.com's hotel search engine and save up to 70% on your hotel. Asia.com is not affiliated with nor sponsored by The Hotel Lotte Busan. This article is provided for informational purposes only.

Seoul, South Korea - The Hotel PJ

Seoul, South Korea 8 Sep, 2020

The Poongjun Hotel or the Hotel PJ is one of the best three-star hotels in the city of Seoul. The rooms come with a king sized bed, television, telephone, reading table, and music system. There are also other classy amenities such as 24-hour room service, complimentary beverages, family restaurants, multi-gyms and beauty spas. Guests can find the most luxurious accommodations in the Royal Suite or Ondol Suite in all the 250-rooms. The suites offer Korean heated stone culture for its VIP guests. The renowned heart of Seoul is the historic Joseon Dynasty district, which is now located as the downtown area of the city. Many of the palaces, government offices, corporate headquarters, hotels and traditional markets have been set up there over the course of the city's history. This is the financial, commercial and political hub of the capital city of Seoul and of South Korea. The convenience of the hotel's location to the Seoul airport makes the hotel a prime destination for tourist accommodations. Also, since the hotel is located in the heart of the city, the popular tourist destinations of Mayungdong and Dongdaemun are within easy distance of the hotel. The City Hall of Seoul is but a three-minute drive away, making it easy for you if you are in a business trip to Seoul. If you are on a budget but you do not want to feel shortchanged with your accommodations, then the best hotel for you is the Hotel Poongjun or Hotel PJ. The comfort and affordability of this three-star accommodation makes it the best in its class. Search for discounted hotel rooms around Asia on <a href='http://www.asia.com/hotel'>Asia.com hotels</a> search engine and save up to 70% on your hotel. <a href='http://www.asia.com/'>Asia.com</a> is neither affiliated with nor sponsored by The Hotel PJ. This article is provided for informational purposes only.

Seoul, South Korea - The Lotte City Hotel

Seoul, South Korea 8 Sep, 2020

The Lotte City Hotel in Seoul is one of the most acclaimed attractions for travelers in the city. It boasts of the most modern and state of the art facilities like Internet access, in-room satellite television, safe, and a coffee or tea maker. The bathrooms are complete with toiletries, bidets, slippers and hair dryers. The hotel also houses an on-site restaurant, a coffee shop and bar. The total package includes a swimming pool, a fitness center and spa and laundry facilities. The city of Seoul is one of the foremost metropolitan areas in the world. The city is located in the basin of the Han River and was one of the three kingdoms of ancient Korea. Now, it is a global city that is home to some of the world's largest corporations, including giants Samsung, LG and Hyundai-Kia. Forbes.com has named Seoul as number six in the list of the most economically powerful cities in the world. The Lotte City Hotel Seoul is found in the Gongduk-Dong district of Seoul and is located near the city's major clothing and accessories shops like the Namdaemun Market. The Incheon International Airport is located 53 kilometers from the hotel and the Gimpo airport a short 13 kilometers away. Also located near the hotel are the Olympic Park, the Namsan Park, the Seoul Tower, the Kyongbok Palace and Lotte World. The city of Seoul offers itself to enrich the soul of the traveler. One of the best accommodations in the city as you enrich yourself is the Lotte City Hotel as it is complete haven for all your needs while in the city. Search for discounted hotel rooms around Asia on Asia.com's hotel search engine and save up to 70% on your hotel. Asia.com is not affiliated with nor sponsored by The Lotte City Hotel in Seoul. This article is provided for informational purposes only.

Seoul, South Korea - The Park Hyatt Hotel

Seoul, South Korea 8 Sep, 2020

The Park Hyatt Hotel is one of the most sophisticated and comfortable hotels in the bustling metropolitan city of Seoul. The hotel's 186 rooms, the most spacious in the city that measure at least 52 square meters, are lavishly furnished with all the amenities of a top-notch hotel within an affordable budget. It also houses the Cornerstone Restaurant and Bar and the Timber House, two of the famous restaurants in the city. The hotel further boasts of an indoor pool, a spa and fitness center. The city of Seoul is one of the most technologically advanced cities in the world. It is the only city with Digital Mobile Television technology and a wireless high-speed mobile Internet service for all its city residents. The city also houses the third largest subway and bullet train system, providing for the transportation needs for over two billion people. Located near the hotel are both historic and modern landmarks that dot the city of Seoul. These include the Korea Finance Building, the N Seoul Tower and the World Trade Center. The Myeongdong Cathedral, the Wongduan and the Castle Walls of Seoul are but some of the other historic landmarks that make the city vibrant in its past and alive with the future. If you are in the city of Seoul and is seeking a place to rest after a long day, then the best location to pamper you and within easy distance of the important landmarks of the city would be the Park Hyatt Hotel Seoul. Search for discounted hotel rooms around Asia on Asia.com's hotel search engine and save up to 70% on your hotel. Asia.com is not affiliated with nor sponsored by The Park Hyatt Hotel. This article is provided for informational purposes only.

Seoul Hotels - Seoul Plaza Hotel

Seoul, South Korea 8 Sep, 2020

Formerly known as the Radisson Seoul Plaza Hotel, the hotel has 480 rooms and is a study in both luxury and comfort. The rooms are divided into the Normal Floor, the Club Floor and Suites. All the rooms have the amenities of modernity like satellite television, radio, Internet access, on-demand in-room movies, refrigerator, IDD and DDD activated phones, voicemail and 24-hour room service. The baths in each room have separate showers, bathtubs, bathrobes, hot and cold water, slippers, towels and other toiletries. Seoul ranks sixth in the world with the number of transnational companies calling the city its home. Many of the world's biggest financial institutions like LG and Samsung have branches in the city. This is a testament to the city as the country's financial district and commercial capability. It is also the political capital of Korea, centering all the lifeblood of the country flowing through the streets of Seoul. The hotel can be reached from both the Incheon and Gimpo International Airports. There are shuttle services to the airport as well as to the commercial centers, entertainment hubs and shopping centers in the city. The hotel also is a short distance from well-known tourist destinations such as Changdeokgung, the Jongmyo War Memorial, Deoksugung, Munmyo, the Gyeongbokgung, the National Museum of Korea, the Seoul Forest and The National Folk Museum. So once in Seoul, whether be it for business or pleasure, make your stay in the city as comfortable and luxurious as you can by billeting with the Seoul Plaza Hotel. Search for discounted hotel rooms around Asia on Asia.com's hotel search engine and save up to 70% on your hotel. Asia.com is not affiliated with nor sponsored by The Seoul Plaza Hotel. This article is provided for informational purposes only.