Planning to travel to South Korea anytime soon? Then perhaps a quick guide will help you learn more about the country like interesting facts that more than six million foreign tourists have visited the country in 2006. In 2006 alone, foreign travelers have spent $2.92 billion dollars on tours and sightseeing while business trips totaled to about $2.31 billion. Imagine how the tourism in South Korea is booming! That’s how South Korea got into number 31 in tourism in that year with Seoul as its principal tourist destination. Among the foreigners who visited the country were from Japan, China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Let’s get to learn more facts about the country today in case you plan to travel to South Korea.
Tourist Destinations
Some of the popular tourists’ spots in the country include Seorak-san National Park, semi-tropical Jeju Island, and the historic city of Gyeongju. Let’s take a look at South Korea’s tourists’ attractions in more detail.
Seoraksan – you’ll find the most popular historical tourist attractions of South Korea here. These include the ancient capitals of Seoul, Gyeongju, and Buyeo. But don’t worry because it’s not all historical. You’ll also discover Korean Culture’s classical and modern aspects here. Seoraksan or also known as Seroak-san, together with Jiri-san are the peaks for Baekdudaegan which are among the most important natural landmarks of the country. Aside from that, there’s also Danyang and Hwanseongul Caves plus thet Haeundae and Mallipo beaches.- Jeju Island and, Ullueng-do, and Liancourt Rocks or Dokdo – a trip to South Korea won’t be complete without going on excursion ferries to the smaller islands of the country. Go along the south and west coasts of the country to enjoy the view and the beach.
- Changdokkung Palace – if you’d like to see great Korean architecture, then a visit to the Changdokkung Palace is a must. The Secret Gardens surrounding the palace will surely leave you mesmerized not to mention the wooded grounds of Chongmyo Shrine nearby. It’s where you’ll find the ancestral tablets of the Joseon Dynasty Kings. If you visit this area on the first Sunday of the month of May, you can check out the colorful Confucian ceremony held each year.
- Museums – if you are an art lover, then make sure to drop by the Museum of Modern Arts. It is located within the grounds of what was once a royal villa, the Toksukung Palace. However, the excellent National Folk Museum and temporary displays from the national Museum of Korea can be found at the most impressive of palaces, the Kyongbokkung Palace.
Festivals
- Boryeong Mud Festival
- Cheongdo Bullfighting Festival
- Aside from these popular festivals, South Korea has already hosted a number of large international events including the World Cup in 2002, APEC Conference in 2005, Taejon Expo in 1993, and the Summer Olympics in 1988.
Getting There
BY AIR. You can travel by air through Asiana Airlines and Korean Air for international travel. There’s no departure tax. The main airports are:
- SEL – Seoul International Airport, main domestic airport with limited international flights
- ICN – Incheon International Airport, main international airport
- PUS – Busan Airport, receiving flights from Osaka, Tokyo, and Fukuoka
- CJU – Jeju Island Airport, domestic airport
- GMP – Gimpo Airport, main domestic airport
- BY WATER. Travel through ferries from Japan, China, and USA through the main ports of Busan and Incheon.
- BY RAIL. Korea-China and Korea-Japan are available through rail.
