Archive for the ‘South Korea’ Category

Busan

Wednesday, January 27th, 2010

Busan (부산, 釜山) locally also known as Pusan is a city located in the province of South Gyeongsang, South Korea. It’s South Korea’s second largest metropolis after it’s capital Seoul. It also houses the largest port of the country, ranked 5th worldwide. As of latest measurement the city Busan has a population of 3.6 million people.

Busan is situated roughly 280 miles south eastern of the South Korean capital Seoul, and about 93 miles north eastern of Japan’s main island. The city of Busan is large, and makes it profit from industry and it’s port. Though, it does have an touristic side with for example its beaches Gwangalli, Haeundae and Songjeong situated in the east, it’s active nightlife with lots of night markets, discotheques and bars in the Seomyeon area. The daytime shopping district Nampodong in the south, and the main entertainment area in downtown Busan, and of course it’s internationally known ruins of mountain fortress Geumjeong guard in the north.

Nowadays the city of Busan is mainly visited by tourists from Japan, China and Russia. International tourism has been slow for several years. Although this is for no particular reason, the city fits perfectly for any type of traveler. May you be traveling alone, searching for romance as a couple or with the entire family. It’s laid back ambiance, the natural and cultural scenes, the friendly local environment and lower prices than elsewhere in South Korea is what draws Russian, Chinese and Japanese tourists to the city.

American citizens just need a valid passport for a trip to Busan which allows them to stay for maximum of 30 days. There after a visa is required. Other nationalities may require a visa when visiting Busan. Spring, from April till June is the best time period for traveling to Busan.

Daegu

Tuesday, January 26th, 2010

Daegu (대구, 大邱) locally also known as Taegu is the 3rd largest in South Korea, after Seoul and Busan. It’s official name is Daegu Metropolitan City, and is the capital and principal city of Gyeongsangbuk-do or simply Gyeongbuk, the surrounding province of the city, although it’s not legally part of the province. As of latest measurement the city of Daegu has a population of 2.5 million people.

Traveling to Deagu is rather easy, especially as it has its own airport named Daegu Airport (TAE/RKTN) which has daily flights coming from Seoul, China, Philippines and Bangkok. Once arrived in the downtown area you can get around using car, taxi or bus. Please note that Daegu is a very big city so it’s easy to get lost, keep a hotel card and phone number always with you. The city is split up in several areas for shopping, nightlife, markets and history. Daegu city is situated in a valley and experiences some of the hottest summers, and mildest winters, of mainland Korea.

Deagu city’s most popular sightseeing destination is Mount Palgong situated just outside the city. The mountain offers stunning views of the countryside and the city itself. It’s also home to various Buddhist temples. Tourists can find several restaurants, coffee shops and jimjilbang sauna’s throughout the region. The attractions are accessible through day trips and offered in any travel agent through the city.

American citizens just need a valid passport for a trip to Daegu which allows them to stay for maximum of 30 days. There after a visa is required. Other nationalities may require a visa when visiting Seoul. Spring, from April till June is the best time period for traveling to Daegu.

Seoul

Monday, January 5th, 2009

Seoul is the capital and largest city of South Korea. The city is located on the basin of the Han River in the country’s northwest. Seoul’s influence as a leading business and cultural center contributes to it’s major global city status. The population of over 10 million people ranks the city to one of the biggest in the world.

The city of Seoul contrast lies in the heart of the city and has given the Korean capital its distinctive character. Where else on this globe you will find a modern city walled by 14th century gates? New age technology has built this city and plays a larger role among the youth, while old school merchants and fortunetellers still earn their living on the busy streets.

Travelers interested in Seoul’s history can find it the many museums and palaces spread over the city. Those who want to go fashion shopping in the sparkling malls or hunt bargains on the street markets. Food is widely available and diverse, from local foods to international and vegetarian cuisine. For entertainment lovers there’s plenty of destinations as well, you won’t have to be bored from morning till late night.

American citizens just need a valid passport for a trip to Seoul which allows them to stay for maximum of 30 days. There after a visa is required. Other nationalities may require a visa when visiting Seoul. Spring, from April till June is the best time period for traveling to Seoul.