Asia > South Korea: Weather, Map, Costs and Travel Guide

The Land of the Morning Calm is now in full economic development, after the devastating war in the beginning of the Fifties. A new destination for European tourism, South Korea joins a dynamic modernity with traditional ancestral practices. It has moreover a sumptuous nature that Koreans venerate and which strongly contributes to their identity.

Seoul, the capital city, will surprise you by its contrasts: its palaces and pagodas, its park with its frescos paying homage to independence, the tower of Seoul and the many attractions for tourists including the large southern door, Namdaemum, first national treasure.

From there, you should visit the popular Korean Village, an astonishing place where you will discover different architectural styles and many craftsmen whom you will see at work. There is also a market, a Buddhist temple, a Confucian school, but also processions and dance displays. Another superb place in the centre of the country, the National park of Songnisan, is an ideal place for an excursion, and is home to the splendid temple of Beopjusa, built in 553 B.C., with its fabulous and enormous bronze Buddha that is 33 metres high.

On the north-eastern coast, you will not be able to resist the small white sand beaches appearing from between the rocks, and the more adventurous visitors will wish to visit the island of Ulleungdo in the East with its mountains and forests, its abrupt cliffs and its villages scattered on the plains, to explore by foot or by boat.

You will find a flight for Seoul fairly easily; on the other hand entering Korea by road is almost impossible.

If you are an EU citizen, and stay less than 3 months you do not need a visa if you have a round trip ticket.

The currency in circulation is the won. For your budget, you will be able to align your expenditure according to that of Europe. Plan for between €30 and €100 for the most economical accommodation such as a guest house or motels, and less than €20 per meal, even less if you eat the local food.

For your travel, the buses and the trains are comfortable and safe, and it is undoubtedly the best way for travelling inside the country.

There are no particular health problems to report, except for the mosquitoes, and dodgy tap water which it is better to avoid. You will even have the opportunity to find out more about the traditional Eastern medicine in the hospitals who offer short courses of treatment to tourists.