SOUTH
KOREA
PLORE NEWSLETTER MAY 2015
SEOUL
The Land Of Morning Calm Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is a sprawling metropolis where hyper-modern skyscrapers, high-tech subways and pop culture meet Buddhist temples, palaces and street markets.
SOUTH KOREA
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SEOUL
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BUSAN
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JEJU
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MORE IN THIS ISSUE
JEJU
Jeju's temperate climate, natural scenery, and beaches make it a popular tourist destination for South Koreans as well as visitors from other parts of East Asia.
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SOUTH
KOREA
The Korean Peninsula is divided between north and south, making Korea one of the only divided countries in the world. The following information is about the Republic of Korea.
Introduction
FAST FACT Population 48,294,000 Capital Seoul; 9,592,000 Area 99,250 square kilometers (38,321 square miles) Language Korean, English (widely taught)
Korea has four distinct seasons, each with their own stunning scenes. In the spring, forsythia, cherry blossoms, azaleas and many other flowers are in full bloom; in the summer, vacationers head to the coasts to enjoy time at the beach; autumn brings crimson colors to mountain foliage, and in the winter, land is covered with a blanket of white snow.
Religion Christian, Buddhist
The Korean economy is driven by the manufacturing and exports including ships, automobiles, mobile phones, PCs, TVs, and a wide range of other electronics. Korea has enjoyed rapid economic growth thanks in large part to its export-focused strategy. In 2013, Korea’s GDP was USD$1.19 trillion based on IMF statistics. The nation boasts the world’s 15th-largest economy (IMF 2013). Recently, Korean dramas and movies are also widely exported thanks to the popularity of Korean pop culture. K-pop stars are also active on the world stage.
Life Expectancy 76
Currency South Korean won
GDP per Capita U.S. $19,600 Literacy Percent 9
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Korea is geographically situated in a temperate climate zone at medium latitude. As a result, it has four distinct seasons. Spring
Spring season in Korea is usually between March and May. The warmer weather causes trees and grass to bud, but the temperature can also vary greatly, causing seasonal occurrences like spring colds*. The daily temperature range* varies greatly in the spring and the weather can be dry*. The Asian dust phenomenon* and northeasterly winds* are most prominent during this time. Various flowers bloom in the mild and warm spring weather; azaleas, forsythias, and royal azaleas are the forerunners of spring in Korea. In April and May, the flowers are in full bloom, attracting people to mountains and parks. In rural areas, spring is the time to start planting rice and potatoes, sow vegetable seeds, and
4 SEASONS IN
SOUTH KOREA
prune the branches of fruit trees.
The weather is cool and crisp, and the sky is blue with few clouds.Autumn is also a season of beautiful falling Summer Summer is usually between June and leaves. Ginkgo trees and maple trees August, with the hottest month being throughout Korea change their hues to August when the mean temperature yellow and crimson. During this time, is between 23 to 26 degrees Celsius. Koreans love to go hiking in the mountains to enjoy the picturesque landThe dryness characterizing winter scape created by autumn leaves. and spring disappears in summer, Mountains and famous autumn foliage replaced by high temperatures and spots around the nation are bustling humid air. In the summer, there are lots of fruits like watermelons, melons, with people during this time of the year. and peaches, as well as vegetables, Autumn is also the season of bountiful harvest, with rice, sweet potatoes, and the fields and mountains are apples, pears, and jujubes ripening all covered in green. To escape the around the nation scorching heat, people go to the mountains, sea, or valleys to spend Winter their summer holidays. Winter in Korea is usually between December and February, with the Autumn average temperature in January, the The autumn season in Korea is between September and November. coldest month, ranging between
minus six degrees and three degrees Celsius. Major holidays between the months of December and February are Christmas, New Year, and Lunar New Year, and the months of February and early March are the time for graduation ceremonies and the start of school. In rural areas, arable land is left to rest until farming resumes in the spring while some vegetables are grown in vinyl greenhouses. A unique practice in the winter between November and December is gimjang*, which is the preparation of large quantities of kimchi to eat throughout winter.
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SEOUL
The Land Of Morning Calm
INTRODUCTION Seoul is the capital of Korea with over 600 years of history. It is the heart of Korea’s culture and education as well as politics and economics. Seoul is home to many old historic sites like Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung Palaces, and places of traditional culture like Bukchon Hanok Village, Insa-dong, and Namdaemun Market. The shopping and entertainment districts of Myeongdong and Apgujeong, and Asia's largest underground shopping center COEX Mall also draw a large number of tourists every year. The Hangang River, which runs through the center of the city, is also a distinctive landscape of Seoul that offers a myriad of resting areas for citizens.
POPULAR NEIGHBORHOOD Myeong-dong Myeong-dong is Seoul’s shopping mecca and is a must-see for tourists, but it is not just a shopping destination; Myeong-dong is also a center of commerce, banking and culture with a daytime population of 1.5-2 million. For shoppers there is a mixture of street stalls and retail outlets selling everything from high fashion to casual attire as well as many Korean cosmetics stores offering high-quality
Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is a sprawling metropolis where hyper-modern skyscrapers, high-tech subways and pop culture meet Buddhist temples, palaces and street markets.
products at competitive prices. Myeong-dong is very popular with international visitors and fills with Japanese tourists during the Japanese holiday period known as
“Golden Week” which runs from the end of April to the beginning of May. Part of Myeong-dong’s popularity stems from the more affordable prices here compared to Apgujeong-dong and Cheongdam-dong.
Dongdaemun Market Dongdaemun Market is a large commercial district comprised of traditional markets and shopping centers that covers the entire area around Dongdaemun (Gate), a prominent landmark in Korea. It is Korea’s largest wholesale and retail shopping district featuring 26 shop-
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ping malls, 30,000 speciality shops, and 50,000 manufacturers. All kinds of goods can be found here including silks and fabric, clothes, shoes and accessories, electronics, leather goods, sporting goods, office supplies, pet products and toys. Insa-dong Nowhere exudes more local and traditional charm than Insa-dong, a quaint neighborhood in the center of Seoul that transports visitors back to a time when women wore hanbok and men rode horses. With its wooden tea houses, boutique galleries and street vendors selling traditional snacks, a stroll through Insa-dong is mandatory for all
visitors, especially on Sundays when the streets become traffic free and come alive with street performances, buskers and throngs of young and old who have come to experience one of Seoul’s most fascinating and creative neighborhoods. While the entertainment here is free, Insa-dong is also one of the best places in Seoul to purchase traditional Korean art, products, and other souvenirs, as it is filled with antique shops, art galleries, traditional stationery shops, handicraft shops, pottery and porcelain shops, bookstores, and art supply stores. Insa-dong is also home to many traditional restaurants and teahouses. Bukchon Hanok Village Bukchon Hanok Village sits between the two palaces of the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung. Unlike other hanok villages, Bukchon was not created for tourists
but it is a living village inhabited by Seoulites, comprising about 900 hanoks spread across 11 dongs (administrative sections). The reason there are so many traditional houses in this area is that many yangbans (people from the ruling class) lived here during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). With its recently-opened hanok gallery, craft workshop and hanok restaurant, the village is increasingly important as a
center for culture and the arts. There are also a number of museums of traditional Korean culture including the Gahoe Museum, the Han Sangsu Embroidery Museum, the Museum of Korean Art and many more.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: http://www.visitseoul.net/
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BUSAN
Bexco Exhibition and Convention Center in Busan brings in people from all over the world for international conventions and exhibits. Shopping in this port city has also become quite popular. Lotte Department Store, Choryang Arcade for Foreigners, Nampo-dong Street, Gukje Market, and Seomyeon market, located in the center of the city, are sought after places by Japanese and other foreign tourists.
Surely Busan's most charming tourist point is its beautiful sea vistas. The southeastern beach areas have amazing views of the fantastically shaped rocks and islands, which are a must see. The famous beaches of Haeundae, Gwangalli, and Songjeong are enjoyed by many. Boating, jet skies, and banana boats are just among a few of the water recreation activities visitors can take advantage of. Amnam Park, Igidae, and Haean Park offer views of nature's masterpieces.
Sighting in Busan (Pusan) can typically be classified into two groups: seashore and interior land sighting. Seashore sightseeing includes such sights as the beach areas, islands, and Hae Ahn Park. While interior land sightseeing includes such sights as downtown Busan, historical
The natural beauties of Busan can also be taken in by riding the cruise boats in the harbor. The summer months offer an array of festivals on almost every beach, while in the fall, the Jagalchi Fish market holds a cultural festival for foreign tourists.
Busan is known for its beaches, hot springs, nature reserves and events such as the city's renowned international film festival held each fall. Busan is a good destination for those seeking a more laid back atmosphere than Seoul.
Situated on the most south-eastern portion of the Korean peninsula, Busan is Korea's second largest city and the number 1 trading port. Korea's first truly international city, Busan (Pusan) connects Asia, Europe, and North America. This geopolitically situated harbor city sits adjacent to the Korean Straits and Japan, bringing about an interchange of trade and tourism. This intercultural current has made Busan into the international metropolis it is today. Busan has hosted such international events as the 2002 14th Asian Games, the final match of the Korea/Japan World Cup, and since 1995 has annually hosted the Pusan International Film Festival. Additionally, the
ruins and sites, Dongnae Shrine, Busan World Cup Stadium, and Bexco Exhibition and Convention Center.
The Nakdong Estuary Seasonal Bird Migration Site is a famous tourist spot in the winter. Since the release of the movie 'Chingu' (friend), which was filmed in Busan, Yongdusan Park and Jagalchi Fish Market have become popular areas for tourists as well. The Busan area has a plethora of places to dine. There is one street that is lined with Dongnae Pajeon (Korean style pancakes) and raw fish restaurants. Additionally, some nearby museums include the Busan Marine Museum, Bokcheon Museum, Busan Metropolitan Art Museum, Busan Museum and many other cultural facilities.
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Located southwest of the Korean Peninsula, Jejudo Island (제주도) is a volcanic island in the shape of an oval that measures 73km from west to east, and 31km from north to south. As Korea’s most southern region, the weather on Jejudo Island remains significantly warmer than the mainland even during the cold winter months. Jejudo Island is sometimes referred to as “Samdado Island” (삼다도, meaning the “three many”) because of its abundance of rocks, women, and wind. Wind from the ocean blows steadily throughout the year and past volcanic activity has littered the island with an assortment of beautiful and unusually-shaped black rocks. The island’s reputation of having an abundance of women points back to the time when fishing was the primary means of income and many men were lost at sea. The island was cut off from the mainland, the people on the island developed their own unique
culture and dialect. Out of this culture was born a set of unusual icons that demonstrate the uniqueness of the island: "Haenyeo,” "Dolhareubang," "Galot," and "Bangsatap." Back in the days when Jejudo Island was a land of fishing villages, the local women were responsible for a large part of the family’s income. "Haenyeo” (해녀, female divers) often went diving to collect shellfish and edible seaweed, filling the quiet sea air with whistles announcing their catch. Every visitor to Jeju is sure to see their fair share of Dolhareubang (돌하르방, literally "old grandfather stone statues”). Sometimes serious-looking, sometimes almost comical, these statues dot the landscape and have become one of the most widely-recognized symbols of the island. The word “Galot” (갈옷) refers to traditional Jeju clothing that is dyed with persimmon juice. Often associated with the area’s agricultural way of life, these orange-hued, lightweight pieces
JEJU
Jeju Island, also known as the "Island of the Gods," is a popular vacation spot for Koreans and many Japanese. It remains one of the top honeymoon destinations for Korean newlyweds. of clothing are a trademark of Jeju. Another special sight are the Bangsatap (방사탑) piled all around the island: at houses, beaches, and even tourist attractions. These small, round towers made of many stones were thought to ward off evil, protect the village, and bring prosperity to the people. It is because of this deep-seated belief that one can still see Bangsatap near the entranceways of many buildings. In addition to having its own unique culture, Jeju is full of breathtaking sights and unusual attractions: World Heritage Sites (such as Hallasan Mountain and Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak) and sandy beaches alongside
turquoise waters. Small mountains ((called Oreum (오름) in Jeju dialect)) are found all across the island. There are said to be more than 365 oreums, more than one for each day of the year! The "Jeju Olle" paths offer a great opportunity to explore this unique landscape, leading visitors among quiet places off the beaten path. Jeju’s phenomenal natural beauty, historical legacies, quirky museums, and array of water sports make it one of the best vacation spots in Korea.
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MT.JIRI OR JIRISAN
Jirisan is a mountain in the southern region of South Korea. Some Koreans see it as one of the three most important mountains in South Korea, with Hallasan and Seoraksan being the other two.
INTRODUCTION Jirisan National Park is the largest - and perhaps most famous national park in South Korea. It spans three provinces: South Jeolla, North Jeolla and South Gyeongsang. Within the park is Jiri mountain, which is considered one of the three holy mountains on the Korean peninsula. It offers some of Korea's best hiking and is the beginning of the Baekdu Deagan (백두대간) Ridge, the "spine" of Korea, which extends all the way to Baekdusan (백두산) on the border of China and North Korea. The park has 12 peaks over 1,000m with a 40km ridge. The highest peak is Cheonwangbong (1,915m), which is South Korea's second largest mountain. FLORA AND FAUNA The 1915m-high mountain is located in Jirisan National Park. The park spans three provinces (North, South Jeolla and South Gyeongsang) and is the largest in Korea. The largest proportion of the national park is in the province of South Gyeongsang. The highest peak of the mountain, Cheon-
hwangbong is also located in this province. Another well-known peak is Samshin-bong (Three Spirits Peak). Jirisan is at the southern end of the Sobaek and Baekdudaegan mountain ranges, the "spine" of the Korean Peninsula incorporating the Sobaek mountain range and most of the Taebaek mountain range. There are seven major Buddhist temples on Jirisan. Hwaeomsa is the largest and best-known temple among these. It contains several national treasures, mostly stone artworks from about 600–900 CE. The mountain is also home to the Cheonghak-dong (Azure Crane Village) alpine valley, which includes the Samseonggung (Three Sages Palace), which is a site celebrating one of Korea's foundation myths. Every year more than 280,000 people visit Jirisan. Summer and autumn are the most popular visiting seasons. The mountain is listed is advertised as having 10 scenic views. These are ‘Sunrise from Cheonwang-bong peak’, ‘Nogodan Sea of Clouds’, 'Banyabong’s Nakjo’, ‘Full moon at Byukso-ryung’, ‘Piagol Autumn Leaves’, ‘Royal Azalea Blossoming’,
‘Chilseon Valley’, ‘Seomjincheongryu’, ‘Buril water fall’, ‘Yeonha-Sunkyung’. Jirisan National Park has several hiking routes. Jirisan National Park spreads over 320km2. Numerous peaks are folding out like a screen in the center with the Cheonwangbong (1,915m), Banyabong (1,732m), and Nogodan (1,507m) peaks. Many valleys are situated between the over 20 ridges. Jirisan is the cause for the cultural differences and varieties between regions to its east and west. With 4,989 flora and fauna inhabiting its grounds, Jirisan is a treasure chest of nature. Various vegetation from warm-temperate forests and temperate central forests to cold forests populate jirisan. Continental climate is present in Jirisan National Park with strong winds along the mountain ridges. HOW TO GET THERE Jirisan is best accessed by car or bus. From Busan many buses depart from Seobu Terminal - two buses daily to Ssanggyesa (35°13'55.7"N 127°38'34.0"E), four buses daily (two in the early
morning) to Jungsan-ri (35°17'30.1"N 127°45'16.8"E), and one every other hour to Gurye (35°12'41.6"N 127°28'15.8"E). These places can also be reached from other cities like Jeonju, Gwangju, and Daegu. In addition, consider any buses going to Hadong, Namwon, Hamyang, Sancheong, or Jinju, wherever your starting point, and take another local bus from there. Buses from the nearby cities usually run pretty regularly, but some routes stop earlier than others. The bus from Hadong for Ssanggyesa leaves at 8:00, 9:15, 12:40, 14:00 and 15:50 and comes back at 9:10, 10:15, 15:00, 16:35, 17:00 and 18:45. If possible, call ahead or visit your local tourist information to determine the bus schedule for those cities. The return directions behaves similarly.