Asia// admin

South Korea

The Republic of Korea is a country in the southern part of the Korean Peninsula with a developed economy and high population density. It is washed by the Sea of ​​Japan, the East China Sea and the Yellow Sea, and borders North Korea (DPRK) by land.

Video about South Korea   

Why go to the country?

South Korea is a country of white beaches and healing mineral springs, ski resorts and perfectly preserved architectural monuments. In terms of living standards, it can compete with the countries of Europe and the USA, and in terms of exoticism, it is not inferior to Australia, China and Brazil. Tourists from all over the world come to South Korea to relax, improve their health, make a pilgrimage to Buddhist temples and Orthodox monasteries, and also to buy branded items and high-quality South Korean cosmetics in numerous Seoul boutiques.

The main thing about the country

  • Air tickets from Moscow to Seoul will cost 70-100 thousand rubles round trip.
  • To feel comfortable financially, the daily budget for a trip per person should be planned at 12-15 thousand rubles.
  • The time difference between Moscow and Seoul is 6 hours.
  • The country has two official languages ​​- Korean and Korean Sign Language, and many locals speak English.
  • South Korea is a mono-ethnic state, 95% of whose population are Koreans. The country is also home to Chinese and Japanese.
  • Half of the country’s residents consider themselves atheists, the most common religions are Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, and Taoism. In remote areas of South Korea, shamanic cults are developed.
  • Until 1945, South Korea was part of a Japanese colony and was an agrarian country with a low standard of living. Today, thanks to the scientific and technological revolution, it is one of the world’s leading countries with a developed economy and an average income of over 3 thousand US dollars per person.
  • The form of government in South Korea is a presidential republic.

Visa and entry

Citizens of the Russian Federation can enter South Korea without a visa for up to 60 days by obtaining an electronic entry permit  K-ETA . Note: it is not recommended to buy tickets before receiving the permit, as there is no guarantee of receiving this permit. In addition, when entering with a K-ETA, it is recommended to have return tickets and a hotel reservation. The permit is valid for 3 years. In addition to the electronic permit, which is entered into a single database, to cross the border you will need:

  • international passport;
  • It is recommended to have health insurance.

The fingerprinting procedure is mandatory for foreigners over 17 years of age, which is carried out at customs.

From July 3, 2023,   tourists under 17 and over 65 years of age  will no longer need to obtain an electronic entry permit K-ETA .

Customs

Fish, meat and dairy products, fresh fruits, plants and soil samples, any materials of pornographic content, any products that undermine the country’s state foundations (for example, books and newspapers from the DPRK) are prohibited from being imported into the country.

There are quotas for certain groups of goods, which can be summed up if a family enters the country. All goods above the quotas are subject to declaration. Without declaration, you can import gifts worth up to $600 USD and cash in any currency, the total amount of which does not exceed $10,000 USD.

When to go

It all depends on the purpose of the visit. If you are interested in a beach holiday, the best time to travel is from May to October, when the air temperature is plus 25-28 degrees, and the water warms up to plus 24 degrees. For those who want to ski in the mountains, it is worth planning a trip in November-March. Spring and autumn, when the heat subsides, are considered the ideal time for excursions, shopping and health improvement.

National holidays

  • January 1st – New Year
  • January or February (three days) – Lunar New Year
  • March 1st – Independence Movement Day
  • April-May (lunar calendar) – Buddha’s Birthday
  • May 5th – Children’s Day
  • June 6 – Memorial Day
  • August 15 – Korean Revival Day
  • September-October (3 days according to the lunar calendar) – Chuseok (Thanksgiving Day)
  • October 3rd – Korea Foundation Day
  • October 9 – Korean Written Language Day
  • December 25th is Christmas.

Currency

The national currency is the South Korean won. Large banks accept more than a dozen types of foreign currency, but the most common are US dollars, which can be exchanged at any exchange office.

Prices

South Korea is considered to be a rather expensive country. A budget hotel here can be booked for 50-75 US dollars per day, a place in a hostel will cost from 15 US dollars. Apartments up to 40 square meters with two beds are rented for 25-50 US dollars per day.

Food is more expensive than in Russia. You will have to pay 2.5 US dollars for 1 liter of milk, 8 US dollars for 1 kg of chicken fillet, 4 US dollars for 1 kg of oranges, 0.5 liter bottle of still water – 0.8 US dollars. However, many supermarkets constantly organize food tastings, where you can get free fresh buns, cheese, fruits, drinks for free and in unlimited quantities. Not only tourists, but also local residents take advantage of this.

Cooking your own food is more profitable than eating in cafes and restaurants, where the cost of meals starts from 10 US dollars, and a standard business lunch will cost 25-30 US dollars.

All prices are valid for January 2022.

How to get there

There are direct flights from Moscow to Seoul, from other cities you can get there with transfers via Istanbul, Beijing, Shanghai, Abu Dhabi. Flights from Russia are received by the international airports of Incheon, Busan, Jejudo, located at a distance of 10-15 km from the nearest settlements.

Almost all hotels provide transfers, you can get from the airport to the city by regular buses, taxi. It is possible to rent a car.

There is a ferry between Vladivostok and the South Korean port city of Donghae; the journey takes 24 hours. Roundtrip flights to South KoreaThe prices are for tickets per person departing from Amsterdam.

Hotels

View hotel prices2 million hotels and apartments worldwideFind hotels

Beaches

There are comfortable beaches on the coast of all three seas that wash South Korea. Their distinctive features are white fine sand, clear water, and a flat bottom. On site, you can rent not only sun loungers and umbrellas, but also inflatable rings and diving equipment. The most popular beaches are Daecheon, Haeundae, Irwanni, Naksan, and Sokcho. Tourists often go to the Jeju Islands, which are famous not only for their shallow beaches, but also for their unique pearl-fishing industry.

Resorts

Alpine skiing is one of the favorite sports of Koreans. Therefore, in winter they often go to the mountains with the whole family; the resorts have slopes not only for adults, but also for children. Skiing or snowboarding in South Korea is not cheap – the price of a daily ski pass is from 60 US dollars. However, the costs are justified by the high level of service and well-equipped slopes. The most popular ski resorts are Yongpyeong, Hyundai-Songgu, Yangzhi-Pine, Star-Hill.

Medical tourism is one of the popular holiday destinations in South Korea. The country is famous not only for its medical centers with modern equipment, but also for its sanatoriums with thermal springs. One of the most popular balneological complexes is located in Incheon near Seoul. Health and spa treatments are available in Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, Chungbuk, and Jeju. The National Forest Therapy Center operates in Gyeongbuk. Many health resorts have their own water parks.

Attractions

South Korea is often called the country of the Five Great Palaces. These are religious buildings in different parts of the country, built at least 400 years ago. They are located in Seoul and are open to tourists.

The capital of South Korea organically combines the past and the present.

An example of modern architectural solutions is the Moon Rainbow fountain.

Pilgrims usually visit Buddhist temples in the mountains, the most famous of which is Haeinsa, located on the top of Kayasan. Orthodox believers perform prayers at St. Nicholas Cathedral in Seoul, St. Paul’s Church in Incheon, and are sure to visit the convent in Gyeonggi-do.

In addition to architectural monuments, South Korea is known for its natural attractions. Among them are the bamboo forest in Damyang County, the cherry blossom park in Jinhaegu, the tea plantations in Boseong, and the extinct volcano Seongsan Ilchulbong.

The Korean Demilitarized Zone, located on the border with the DPRK, is considered a cult tourist destination. From its observation post, you can see the border area of ​​North Korea, which is closed to tourists.

Entertainment

South Korea is rightfully considered a country of water parks, of which there are about a hundred. Therefore, water slides are one of the most popular entertainments in the country after diving and skiing. Amusement parks are open all year round, the most famous of which is Everland.

Among the available entertainments are yachting, parachute jumping, fishing, and drunken bullfights. The country hosts many different festivals, including a week-long sea festival in Busan. You can spend the evening in a casino or dance club, which is very prestigious by local standards, since entry to such an establishment costs about 50 US dollars.

Kitchen

South Korean cuisine is spicy and savory rice dishes with fish or seafood, which are often soaked in vinegar. Popular meat dishes include spicy chicken or pork in soy sauce with bulgogi vegetables, manti with red pepper, pickled vegetables, kimbap – a type of roll stuffed with ham.

A local delicacy is boiled silkworm larvae, often served with soju, a potato vodka. Wooden chopsticks are used for eating. The traditional dessert is strong coffee with aromatic buns.

Souvenirs

In addition to traditional magnets from South Korea, it is worth bringing ceramic dishes, green tea, delicate paper lanterns, national hanbok clothing, and pearl jewelry. Local vodka, spicy sweets, and South Korean cosmetics are among the most popular goods among tourists.

Transport

Subways and buses are the most popular forms of public transport in major cities. However, the cost of a ride varies from 2 to 7 US dollars. In Seoul, you can get a part of the money for the ride back in the subway by inserting the used ticket into a special machine.

To quickly get to your chosen location in Seoul, it is worth ordering a taxi – the trip will cost about 4-5 US dollars. If you have an international driver’s license and at least 1 year of driving experience, you can rent a car for 15-30 US dollars per day.

South Korea has very well-developed interregional transport links – there are high-speed trains and buses, and there are flights between some cities.

Safety

South Korea has a very low crime rate, but there are terrorist groups operating in the country. There are no areas closed to tourists, but if the conflict with the DPRK escalates, access to the demilitarized zone may be restricted.

Medicine

All medical services, including calling an ambulance, are paid. The cost of emergency hospitalization can be several tens of thousands of US dollars. Therefore, medical insurance for tourists is mandatory, it should be chosen so that it covers expenses in the amount of 15-20 thousand US dollars.

Traditions

  • In South Korea, there is a cult of elderly people, who are treated with great respect in public places – they are let in front of others, and given up their seats on public transport.
  • Deceased relatives continue to be considered family members up to the fourth generation; they are given a place at the common table and cutlery is set.
  • Koreans try to avoid physical contact – handshakes and hugs among strangers are not accepted here. In between, people usually greet each other with a nod of the head.
  • Koreans eat and sleep on the floor, so some hotels may not have furniture.

Internet

South Korea has the fastest mobile Internet in the world, its speed is more than 75 Mbps. To use it, you should purchase a SIM card from the SK Telecom, LG U operators using your passport. Free Wi-Fi is available not only in hotels, restaurants and institutions, but also in public transport.

Useful facts

  • The voltage in local power grids is 220 V, adapters for electrical appliances are not required.
  • At Incheon Airport you can rent not only a car, but also household appliances, including a mobile phone.
  • Public toilets are free and are located in the metro, shopping centers, and on busy streets.
  • You can call any country in the world from a street payphone using a special card.
  • Tipping is not customary in Korea.

Local laws

You must always have identification documents with you.