Korea – South – Fathom Asia

Welcome to South Korea – a land of ancient ruins, romantic legends, natural wonders, breathtaking landscapes, and modern cities . It’s history dates back to more than 4,300 years and is home to one of the oldest ongoing civilizations in existence.

South Korea is located at the south end of the Korean Peninsula, between the Sea of Japan and the Yellow Sea. Separated from Japan by the Korea Strait and demarcated from the state of North Korea by Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), South Korea’s terrain is a mix of flat lowlands and forested mountains. The coasts of South Korea are rocky and jagged, with thousands of islands (mostly inhabitable) scattered off the coastline. South Korea is home to 50 million people who are spread across its nine provinces, concentrated in seven mega-cities.

Largest of the metropolis, and the area most frequented by visitors, is the capital Seoul – the world’s tenth largest city, where ancient shrines nestle beneath soaring skyscrapers. This vibrant city, surrounded by mountains, offers hundreds of attractions and experiences, vibrant nightlife and unforgettable dining.

Busan is the second largest city only in size to Seoul, being known for its busy port. The ancient attractions of Daegu and Gyeongju serve as something of a tourist attraction, along with the beautiful beaches of Jeju Island. Also worth a visit in South Korea is Chuncheon, Daejeon, Jeonju, Guinsa, Panmunjeom, the Seonyu Island and the sprawling Seoraksan National Park.

Visitors to South Korea who are keen on history and archaeological treasures should head to the south-eastern region.
Gyeongju, ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom, is an open-air museum boasting tombs, temples, pagodas and ruins dating from as early as 57 BC. The Bomun Lake Resort is a fine base from which to explore the area.

The least populated area of the country is Gangwon-do Province, on the eastern side of the peninsula, where remote forested mountains and valleys are studded with small towns. This area, which played host to the Asian Winter Games in 1999, is fast becoming one of the world’s most sought after skiing destinations. The rest of the year visitors are drawn to the province’s magnificent beaches and scenic hiking trails.

Those seeking a romantic getaway should head for South Korea’s resort island, Jejudo, known as ‘little Hawaii’ because of its subtropical vegetation, volcanic landscape, sandy beaches and sparkling waterfalls. The island is dominated by the towering Mount Halla volcano, but visitors need not fear a natural disaster – the volcano was last active in 1007.

Information & Fast Facts
Country:South Korea
Population: approximately 50 million
Capital city: Seoul(approximately 10.5 million)
Biggest city: Seoul
Language: Korean
Area: 38,620 square miles / 100,030 square kilometres
Currency: South Korean Won (KRW)
Country dialling code: +82
Religion: around 45 percent not religious, remainder follow Buddhism and Christianity

More Information

When to go
The climate in Korea is temperate, with four very distinct seasons.

Spring is a great time of year to be in Korea. The temperatures are warm but not hot and there’s not much rain either. This is also the time many hills in Korea come alive with soft pink cherry blossoms.

The summer season starts with the rainy season in June and temperatures head up to as high as 35°C (95°F) in July and August. These are the ideal months to be in Korea if you are planning on heading to the beach.

Autumn starts in September and this perhaps is the best time to be in Korea. Temperatures and humidity become more tolerable and justly renowned fall colours make their appearance.

Winter is a good time to go skiing or hot-spring hopping. Expect the months of January and February can be bone-biting cold due to Siberian winds from the north.

Where to go
Most international flights arrive in Seoul and spending a three or four nights in Seoul is highly recommended.

Seoul is one of the largest and most technically advanced cities in the world. Seoul offers a great combination of the modern and the old. Like with most major cities around the world, Seoul too has many skyscrapers, impressive shopping malls and of course an extensive collection of restaurants, bars and places to enjoy the nights in Seoul irrespective of your age. Within all this, you’ll also find fourteenth-century palaces, imperial gardens, colourful markets and quaint tearooms. All of the country can be reached within a day from Seoul, so this makes Seoul the ideal place to base your-self.

The province that surrounds Seoul is Gyeonggi. The city of Suwon is home to a UNESCO listed fortress dating from the late eighteenth century . Before you make your way to the islands of the West Sea, stop at the cosmopolitan Incheon where you can eat some of the best food in the country.

Those seeking to explore some unspoilt parts and an array of attractions should head to the province of Gangwon. Here there are a number of national parks, unspoilt beaches, caves and sleepy fishing villages.
Stretching down from Gangwon to the South Sea lie the traditional Gyeongsang provinces, home to some of the peninsula’s most popular attractions. A visit to Gyeongju is a must. This is where you’ll find grassy burial tombs of the many kings and queens who ruled here as this is where the capital of the Silla dynasty was for almost a thousand years.
Take your time to explore this area. A must place to visit is Namsan. This is a small mountain area with trails, tombs, the elegantly decorated Bulguksa temple that is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Get to the charming village of Hahoe to experience traditional Korean life.
Busan, Korea’s second city, is well worth visiting. It has a number of excellent beaches on its outskirts, a vibrant nightlife and one of the best fish markets.

It may be a very touristy place but the island of Jeju, lying within a ferry ride of the mainland’s southern shore, is also well worth visiting.

Extended Tours

4 Day Tour (A)

4 Day Tour (B)

7 Day Tour

A Guide to South Korea

Busan

Gangneung