Explore South Korea – Quick Travel Guide For A Good Trip

Geographical position and Climate of South Korea

South Korea is located in East Asia, on the southern half of the Korean Peninsula, which juts out from the Asian mainland. The country is bordered by North Korea to the north, the Yellow Sea to the west, the Korea Strait and Japan to the southeast, and the East Sea (Sea of Japan) to the east.

South Korea has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons:

  1. Spring (March to May)
    • Characterized by mild temperatures and a profusion of cherry blossoms across the country.
  2. Summer (June to August)
    • Hot and humid with monsoon rains typically starting in late June and lasting until July or August.
  3. Autumn (September to November)
    • Generally sunny and cool, considered one of the best times to visit due to the pleasant weather and colorful fall foliage.
  4. Winter (December to February)
    • Cold and dry with snowfall, especially in the mountainous regions. The temperatures can drop significantly below freezing.

Brief History of South Korea

The history of South Korea, officially known as the Republic of Korea, begins with its establishment in 1948 following the end of World War II. After centuries as a unified kingdom under various dynasties, Korea was annexed by Japan in 1910. Post-World War II, the Korean Peninsula was divided along the 38th parallel, with the Soviet Union occupying the north and the United States occupying the south.

In 1950, the Korean War broke out when North Korean forces invaded South Korea. The conflict lasted until 1953 and ended with an armistice agreement, but no formal peace treaty was signed, leaving the two Koreas technically still at war.

Post-war, South Korea experienced political turmoil while rapidly developing its economy during the latter half of the 20th century. The country transitioned from a military dictatorship to a democratic government in the late 1980s.

South Korea’s “Miracle on the Han River” refers to its transformation from the ruins of the Korean War to becoming one of the world’s leading economies. Today, it is known for its advanced technology, automotive, and entertainment industries, as well as its vibrant culture and democratic society.

Religion

Religion in South Korea is diverse and includes a variety of beliefs and practices. The main religions are: Buddhism, Protestantism, Catholicism, Confucianism, Shamanism, Cheondoism and Won Buddhism. In addition to these, there are also small populations of Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs. Many South Koreans also identify as non-religious or atheist, reflecting a trend towards secularism in contemporary society.

Language

The official language of South Korea is Korean. It is a language isolate, meaning it does not have any direct linguistic relatives, although there are some theories that suggest historical links to the Altaic languages. South Koreans also commonly study English as a second language, and it is widely taught in schools as part of the curriculum.

South Korea map and flag
South Korea map and flag

Places to visit in South Korea

Before you visit South Korea

Travel to South Korea

  1. By Air
    • The most common and convenient way to enter South Korea is by air. Incheon International Airport (ICN), near Seoul, is the main international gateway and one of the largest and busiest airports in the world.
    • Other international airports include Gimpo International Airport (GMP) in Seoul, which handles some flights from China and Japan, and regional airports like Gimhae International Airport (PUS) in Busan and Jeju International Airport (CJU) on Jeju Island.
  2. By Sea
    • South Korea can also be reached by sea. There are ferry services from neighboring countries such as China and Japan that dock at various ports including Incheon, Busan, and Jeju.
    • Major international cruise ships also make stops at South Korean ports.
  3. By Land
    • Currently, it is not possible for tourists to enter South Korea by land due to the closed borders with North Korea.

When planning a trip to South Korea, it’s important to check visa requirements as they vary depending on the country of origin. Most visitors will need a valid passport, and some may require a visa or an electronic travel authorization prior to arrival.

Visas for South Korea

South Korea has a structured visa system that caters to various types of visitors. Here are some common visa categories:

  1. Tourist Visa (B-2)
    • For individuals who wish to visit South Korea for sightseeing, visiting friends or relatives, or other personal affairs.
  2. Business Visa (C-2)
    • Intended for those entering the country for short-term business activities such as meetings, conferences, or contractual negotiations.
  3. Work Visa (E-series)
    • There are several types of work visas depending on the nature of employment, including teaching (E-2), professional employment (E-1, E-3, E-4, E-5), and more.
  4. Student Visa (D-2)
    • Issued to individuals intending to undertake undergraduate or postgraduate studies at Korean educational institutions.
  5. Family Visitation Visa (F-1)
    • For family members of foreigners residing in South Korea who wish to visit for an extended period.
  6. Spouse or Child of a Korean National (F-6)
    • Granted to the foreign spouse or underage child of a Korean citizen.
  7. Working Holiday Visa (H-1)
    • Allows young people from certain countries to live and work in South Korea for up to one year.
  8. Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA)
    • As of 2021, travelers from visa-exempt countries must obtain a K-ETA before boarding flights or ships to South Korea.

Visa requirements and exemptions can change, so it’s important to check the latest information from the official website of the Korean embassy or consulate in your country or the Korea Visa Portal. Some nationals are allowed to enter South Korea without a visa for short stays, usually for up to 30 or 90 days, depending on the bilateral agreements between their home country and South Korea.

Best time to visit South Korea

The best time to visit South Korea largely depends on your preferences for weather and cultural events. Here are some highlights throughout the year:

  1. Spring (March to May)
    • The weather is warm and pleasant, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities.
    • Cherry blossom season, particularly in April, is a major draw for tourists.
  2. Summer (June to August)
    • It can be hot and humid, with the monsoon season bringing heavy rains.
    • Summer is a good time for beach vacations, especially in coastal cities like Busan.
  3. Autumn (September to November)
    • Regarded by many as the best time to visit due to mild temperatures and stunning fall foliage.
    • Cultural festivals such as the Seoul International Fireworks Festival take place during this period.
  4. Winter (December to February)
    • Cold and snowy, perfect for winter sports enthusiasts looking to enjoy ski resorts.
    • Festivals like the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival offer unique winter experiences.

Ultimately, the best time to visit South Korea is during the spring or autumn when the weather is most favorable and the natural scenery is at its best. However, if you’re interested in specific festivals or seasonal activities, planning your trip around those events might provide the most rewarding experience.

Important Information

Capital – Seoul

Territory – 100,363 km2

Currency – Korean Republic won (KRW)

Time Zone – UTC+9 (KST)

Population – 52,081,799

Demonym – South Korean / Korean

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