Temperatures in South Korea by month. South Korea

The Republic of Korea (pronounced Taehan Minguk in Korean), or informally South Korea, is a country located in East Asia, in the south of the Korean Peninsula, with its capital in the city of Seoul.

South Korea shares a border to the north with North Korea—the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The so-called demilitarized zone runs along this land border. On all other sides, South Korea is surrounded by sea (length coastline- 2,413 km): the Yellow Sea in the west, the East China Sea in the south, the Japanese Sea in the east.

People settled in Korea already in the Neolithic era. At the beginning of our era, three rival kingdoms developed on the Korean Peninsula - Goguryeo, Silla and Baekje. The largest and strongest was the kingdom of Goguryeo, which was in a state of permanent war with the Chinese Song and Tang dynasties. In the 5th - 7th centuries, the kingdom of Silla gained influence, capturing the entire territory of the Korean Peninsula, forcing the remnants of the troops of the kingdom of Goguryeo to take refuge in the territory of the current Chinese province of Jilin in Manchuria, where they founded the state of Parhae in 698, destroyed by the Chinese in 926. All three kingdoms were united during the Goryeo dynasty, which came to power in 918. Founded in 1392, the Joseon Dynasty ruled Korea until 1910. Between 1592 and 1598, Japan tried to conquer Korea, and in the 1620s, Manchuria, which was soon in turn conquered by the Chinese Ming dynasty. After this, the Joseon Dynasty came under the rule of the Chinese Qing Dynasty.

In 1876, Japan forced Korea to open to foreign trade. Japan has always sought to suppress Korean national identity, and in 1910, Korea signed an annexation treaty with the Land of the Rising Sun. After the defeat of Japan in 1945, according to the UN plan, the northern part of Korea was given over to the control of the USSR, and the United States received the southern zone of influence, which led to the emergence of two separate states on the Korean Peninsula - North and South Korea.

This was followed by a period of military conflicts, coups and revolutions - the so-called period of the six republics, which ended with the victory of democratic forces in South Korea: democratic elections were held in the country in 1987, and the first civilian president was elected in 1992.

Current time in Seoul:
(UTC +9)

Today, South Korea is a state with a fairly developed economy, becoming a new interesting tourist destination, attracting thousands of guests from all over the world from year to year. The country is famous for its protected areas that are suitable for ecotourists; ancient Buddhist buildings, interesting to lovers of cultural and educational tourism; sandy beaches of Jeju Island, which attract fans of beach holidays, diving and surfing.

How to get to South Korea

Airplane

In the vast majority of cases, tourists arrive by plane to Seoul. The capital of South Korea is served by two airports - Incheon and Gimpo, international flights arrive at the first.

You can fly directly from Russia to Seoul from Moscow (flights of Aeroflot and Korean Air), Khabarovsk and Vladivostok (Asiana), as well as St. Petersburg (seasonally) and Irutsk (Korean Air). From other cities of Russia to the Asian metropolis on this moment can be reached by regular flights with connections in the listed cities.

Almost direct flights are available to residents of St. Petersburg - Finnair operates non-stop flights on the Helsinki - Seoul route. And thanks to Allegro trains, the Northern Capital is only a couple of hours away from the Finnish capital. However, this option is only suitable for those who have Schengen, otherwise it is better to use the same Finnair, but in a connecting version, since Helsinki Airport is quite comfortable and pleasant.

Naturally, you can fly through Moscow; this option is most suitable for the cities of central Russia, right up to the Urals. There are other options, we have listed them below. In addition, many European airlines with a presence in Russia fly to Seoul (Lufthansa, Czech Airlines, KLM and others), but flying with them seems illogical due to the large “hook”, but it may make sense if you participate in various loyalty programs European carriers.

Ferry

Cities and regions

South Korea is administratively divided into 9 provinces (1 of them autonomous), 1 city of special status and 6 metropolitan cities. These units, in turn, are subdivided into a number of smaller entities: cities, counties, municipal districts, towns, parishes, urban areas and villages.

Seoul is the capital of South Korea, founded on the site of a late 14th century settlement called Hanyang. The settlement in which it was located Royal Palace Gyeong-bok was soon fortified. In 1910 - 1942, the city was called Gyeongsong, and received its current name - Seoul (from Korean - “capital”) in 1945. Since 1948, Seoul has been the official capital of the Republic of Korea and its main economic, political and cultural center.

Incheon is a large metropolitan city (the third largest city in Korea) and a port on the Yellow Sea coast. Incheon with its large port is the “gateway of Seoul”, and to some extent belongs to Greater Seoul. Transport systems of Seoul and Incheon (particularly subway lines) connected to each other. There is a free economic zone in Incheon, established in 2003.

People settled on the territory of Incheon already in the Neolithic era. From the end of the 4th century. Soon the city became a major trading center in Korea, and remained so throughout the Middle Ages. In 1883, the port of Chemulpo was founded in the city, which was one of the first to open for trade with foreigners. Incheon Harbor is famous for the fact that it was started in 1904 Russo-Japanese War- here the Japanese squadron attacked to a Russian cruiser"Varyag", which was sunk, but did not surrender to the enemy. In 1950, Inchon was also the site of the American landing, which was a turning point in the Korean War.

The composition of e Incheon includes Yeongjeong, Wolmi and Mui Islands. Yeongjeong Island Attracts Mountain Tourists Baegung-san with Yonggun Monastery-sa and mineral springs with a SPA complex.

Gwangju is the capital of South Jeolla Province, a metropolitan city located in the central part of Korea surrounded by picturesque natural landscapes. Gwangju is a famous cultural and scientific center of the country. The city was founded in 57 BC. e. Since 370, the city, then called Hanam Wireseong, has been the capital of the state of Baekje. The name Gwangju was adopted in 940.

One of the suburbs of Gwangju, Pungwonni, is a ceramic production center known since the 15th century; it is here that most of the Korean white porcelain has always been produced.

Recently, Gwangju has become a modern metropolis with developed infrastructure. It still remains a major center of the Korean ceramic industry. The city has many attractions, including christian temple Chongjinam (18th century), Namhanseong Fort (1626), State Museum with an extensive archaeological and ceramic collection.

Gwangju's events include the Tomato Festival with fairs and competitions, the World Ceramics Exhibition and the annual White Ceramics Festival in September.

Busan is the second largest city in the country, having the status of a metropolitan city, located on the southern coast of Korea. Busan is home to a large city port, ranking fourth in the world in terms of cargo turnover.

Daegu is the fourth largest city in South Korea (after Seoul, Busan and Incheon), the capital of Gyeongsangbuk-do province. Administratively, it is a city of direct subordination. Throughout its history, Daegu has been a major transport hub, located on the route from Seoul to Busan.

People have been settling in Daegu since 1500-3000. BC e. The city was founded in 261. According to the chronicles, during the Three Kingdoms, Daegu was called Dalgubel, and was part of the Silla Kingdom. The city received its modern name, Daegu, in 757. Market trade developed in Daegu from the 15th century. The most famous of the ancient markets is Yangnyeongsi, the medicinal herbal market, which still operates today.

Tourists in Daegu are attracted by the following attractions: Apsan Park with Buddhist temples and the Korean War Museum; Phalgongsan Park with many monasteries; Talson Park, located in an ancient fortress; Turyu amusement park.

Gyeongju is a large Korean city located in the southeastern part of Gyeongsangbuk-do province on the shores of the Sea of ​​Japan. Due to its cultural and historical heritage, Gyeongju has been a recognized tourist center in Korea for many years, is included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List, and attracts many tourists.

The first documentary evidence of the existence of a city on the site of present-day Gyeongju dates back to the beginning of our era. The city was probably founded in 57 BC. e. In the 4th - 10th centuries, the city was the capital of the Silla state, and from the 7th century it was a recognized cultural center of the country. In 940, Gyeongju received its current name, and soon lost its importance. Until the 20th century, when archaeological research began in the city, Gyeongju's historical monuments were repeatedly destroyed and looted. The city received new development as an industrial and tourist center only in the 1970s.

Today, tourists visiting Gyeongju experience Silla's cultural heritage at the Gyeongju National Museum, which boasts a rich collection of archaeological objects. In addition, among the local attractions, the grotto ruins of the once large Hwannyeon-sa temple with the surrounding sculptures of Buddhas and bodhisattvas and the remains of the Bunhwan-sa monastery (7th century) stand out; the royal necropolis of Kerim in the city center, the ancient Cheomseongdae Observatory (647). In addition, in the city it is worth visiting the Sokku-ram cave temple (8th century) and the ancient Bulguk-sa monastery (528), rebuilt on the Toham-san hill, as well as several fortresses from the times of the Silla state.

Jeju, or Jejudo, is the largest island of Korea and at the same time the smallest province of the country with the administrative center of the same name in the city of Jeju. The island is located in the Korea Strait 100 km from the southern coast of the country, and is considered one of best resorts Korea. The island is home to the legendary haenyeo divers, who dive to depths of up to 10 m.

Jeju Island was formed as a result of the eruption of the Halla-san volcano (height 1950 m), now considered extinct. Flows of solidified lava formed bizarre reliefs in the form of grottoes, caves, tunnels and pillars on the slopes of the volcano. Was educated here National Park, which is home to about 2,000 plant species and 4,000 animal species. For its uniqueness, the island was included in the UNESCO World Natural Heritage List.

Until 662, Jeju, then called Thamna, was a separate state, after which it was conquered by Silla. In 938, after the fall of Silla, the island came under the rule of Goryeo. During the period of Japanese protectorate in 1910, Jeju was renamed Saishu (for ease of pronunciation by the Japanese), and after the liberation of Korea from the Japanese, it became part of it. In the second half of the 20th century, Jeju Island began to develop as a major tourist center.

The island, whose holiday season lasts from July to September, is famous for its beaches. There are beaches with both fine white sand and black volcanic sand. The coastal waters abound with a wealth of flora and fauna, making the island a center of attraction for diving enthusiasts. In addition to diving, windsurfing, snorkeling and fishing are popular in the coastal waters of Jeju Island.

On the southern coast of the island there is a fairly large city, Sogipo, surrounded by tangerine plantations. There it is worth visiting the Tangerine Museum and the Jeongban Waterfall - the only waterfall in Asia that pours water into the ocean. Another resort on the island, Chunmun, is famous for its beaches and the nearby Chusan Cheolli-dae volcanic pillars. Near the Gimnyeon resort, it is worth seeing the Monchan-gul cave - a lava cave that is the longest in the world: its length is 13422 m and its height is about 10 m.

Sights of South Korea

Attractions in Korea can be found in abundance throughout its territory. UNESCO world cultural heritage sites are of particular interest to tourists.

• Megalithic structures - dolmens
• Hwaseong Fortress (Diamond Fortress)
• Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty
• Seokguram Cave Temple and Bulguksa Temple Complex
• Gyeju National Museum
• Demilitarized Zone and Panmunjeong Peace Village

If you decide to limit yourself to the capital of South Korea, or your path will go through it (and in most cases this happens), then we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the list of attractions in Seoul, and with the page of the city as a whole.

Where to go in South Korea

Attractions

Museums and galleries

Entertainment

Parks and Recreation

Leisure

Transport

Wellness holiday

Private guides in South Korea

Russian private guides will help you get acquainted with South Korea in more detail.
Registered on the Experts.Tourister.Ru project.

Things to do in South Korea

Beaches of South Korea

Due to its geographical location, Korea is a recognized Asian destination for beach holidays. Listed below the most interesting beaches in South Korea, using the links you can get detailed information - location, photographs, infrastructure and other nuances.

Alpine skiing in South Korea

Skiing is a very popular active pastime in Korea. There are more than ten famous ski resorts in the mountains, all of them located near Seoul. The ski season in the country lasts from December to March, but the rest of the year the ski resorts are also crowded with summer entertainment: golf courses and amusement parks. Below are the main ski resorts South Korea, follow the links for more information.

Wellness in South Korea

Korea is famous for its thermal springs, next to which SPA and wellness centers are open. In total, there are about 70 health centers and about 100 traditional Korean chimchilbang bath complexes in the country.

Below is a list of some popular thermal centers in South Korea, following the links you will find more complete information - location, description, websites, and so on.

Treatment in South Korea

In addition, Korea is becoming a recognized destination in Asia medical tourism, the popularity of which is determined by two main factors: the tourist attractiveness of the country as a whole and high quality offered medical services.

Medical centers in South Korea:

• Center of Oriental Medicine at Sangzhi University
• East-West Medical Center at Keng Hee University

Diving in South Korea

Diving in South Korea is most developed on Jeju Island. The main dive sites are around small islands off the southern coast of Jeju, located in the sea 15-20 minutes by boat from the city of Seogwipo. Depths from 40 to 70 m are observed here.

The coastal waters of Jeju at the junction of the Yellow Sea, the Sea of ​​Japan and the East China Sea form a unique hydrodynamic complex, characterized by a huge variety of underwater fauna (lionfish, triggerfish, tetradon, silver tuna, butterfly and angelfish, orange starfish) and richness flora (soft corals, anemones, sponges).

The best season for diving is considered to be from June to December. The water temperature in summer is + 24 - +26°C, in some cases warming up to +28.8°C, in winter and autumn - +19 - +23°C. January and February bring cool weather and many dive centers close.

In addition to diving, snorkeling is popular in the coastal waters of southern Jeju Island.

Getting around South Korea

Within the country you can travel by plane, bus, train or rented car.

Aircraft

All major cities in South Korea are connected by airlines. Within the country, two Korean airlines - and - operate flights between 14 cities of the country, including Seoul, Busan, Jeju, Daegu, Gwangju, Wonju, Ulsan.

Trains

You can also travel around South Korea by train. Net railways covers almost the entire country.

There are four types of trains in Korea: KTX (Korea Train Express) - high-speed (two high-speed railway lines that connect Seoul with Busan and Mokpo, comfortable trains reach speeds of up to 300 km/h), Saemaeul express trains, Mugunghwa fast trains. (quite comfortable) and Thongil passenger trains (slow and not very comfortable). The carriages come in classes I and II; ticket prices depend on class and distance. On all trains except express trains, passengers are allowed to travel standing if there are no seats available. Tickets are sold at station ticket offices.

On all main railway stations There are special ticket offices selling single travel tickets for foreigners - KR Pass. They give the right to travel any distance on all types of trains without restrictions on the number of trips. Tickets come in different durations - for 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 days. You can check the current cost and book KR Pass tickets at.

After purchasing the KR Pass online, the tourist is sent a voucher, which should be exchanged for a ticket upon arrival in Korea at the station ticket office.

Buses

You can also get around Korea by bus - the country has a well-established intercity bus service. All buses, regardless of class, are very comfortable.

Buses are divided into regular (ilban) and first class (udyn), and the difference in ticket prices is unreasonably large, given the small difference in comfort.

Intercity buses depart from Seoul to other cities in the country from three major bus stations:

Intercity buses across the country depart at intervals of 15 - 20 minutes. Bus fares depend on the distance of the trip. Current information on bus schedules and fares can be found at.

Within cities you can travel by city buses. They come in different comfort levels, the routes are marked with numbers, but the information is written only in Korean. Fare, as a rule, is 600 - 1300 won and does not depend on the distance of the trip. The fare can be paid in cash or with a transport card, which is also valid in the metro.

Metro

There are subways in Korea in four cities: Seoul, Busan, Daegu and Gwangju. The Seoul metro is quite large; it connects the capital with the suburbs. Subway tickets can be purchased at subway ticket offices and ticket machines that accept 10, 50, 100, and 500 won coins and 1,000 won bills. In the Korean metro, the names of stations and all basic information are duplicated in English.

Auto

To travel around the country, you can rent a car. The quality of roads in Korea is at top level. To rent a car, the driver must be over 21 years old, have more than 1 year of driving experience, and have a foreign passport and an international driving license. Rental offices can be found at airports and hotels.

Taxi

Tourists often travel within Korean cities by taxi. Taxis can be ordered by phone or found on the street. There are many taxi cars in Korea, they are very safe, comfortable and inexpensive. Many taxi drivers speak English. An available taxi is marked with a yellow or blue light on the roof.

Taxis are standard and deluxe. Cars with Kind Call Taxi and KT Powertel plates have devices for simultaneous interpretation with Korean language, counters and navigators.

The fare for a regular taxi is calculated as follows: payment for landing and the first 2 km is 1600 won, then for every 150 m of the journey - 100 won. If the car travels less than 14.75 km in an hour, an additional 100 won will be added to the total for every 41 seconds of travel. The cost of a night trip (24:00 - 4:00) increases by 20%.

Deluxe taxis are usually black with a yellow stripe on the side, a yellow sign on the roof and the corresponding Deluxe Taxi logo. The toll is calculated as follows: 4,000 won for the first 3 km and 200 won for every subsequent 205 m or 50 seconds of travel (if the speed drops below 15 km per hour). Night fares do not increase. Drivers issue a receipt when paying for the fare.

All taxis operate within the city limits, and when traveling to the suburbs the cost can double. Therefore, it is worth informing the driver of the destination address before the start of the trip.

Water transport

South Korea has several hundred islands connected by ferry lines. A large number of Ferries connect Jeju Island with the ports of Mokpo, Yeoso and Incheon, Ulleung Island with the ports of Pohang and Sohkcho, and the islands of Pennyeon and Techcheon with Muncheon.

Korean cuisine

Korean cuisine, which is very reminiscent of Chinese and Japanese, is varied, it contains dishes from meat, fish, seafood, eggs, rice, soy, and vegetables.

Korean cooking is distinguished by the abundance of spices used. Thus, Korean food is very spicy - most dishes contain red pepper, garlic and onions. The spiciness of dishes seasoned with pepper has developed historically: the country has a hot and humid climate, which is not conducive to the preservation of food. Among the sauces with which dishes are seasoned, the traditional Asian one stands out soy sauce.

The main place on the Korean table is occupied by rice, from which they prepare pabi porridge, chhalteok rice cakes, bibimbap spicy rice pilaf with vegetables, and kimbap rice rolls. Rice must be served with dishes under the general name “kimchi” - various kinds of pickles and spicy vegetable snacks, marinated meat and seafood.

Fish and seafood, the richness of which is due to geographical location Koreans are also very often present in the menu of the country's residents. Here, as in Japan, they eat raw fish - “hwe”. There are many dishes prepared from such types of fish as cod, pollock, flounder, from the pulp of shellfish, squid, shrimp, oysters, sea cucumbers, octopus, seaweed, etc. Traditional Korean dishes are fried fish “senson gui”, stew seafood “haemul jongol”, pancakes with seafood and green onions “pajeon”, seaweed salads, squid (“ogino”) and octopus (“nakji”) dishes.

One of the main dishes in Korea is guksu noodles, which are made from wheat, buckwheat, corn and even potato flour. The noodles are served with stewed, fried or marinated meat, and poured with hot or cold broth.

Korean cooking includes first courses, in particular soups. They are eaten both for breakfast and dinner. There are a huge variety of types of soups: solyanka, meat, fish, vegetable soups. Soups are often flavored with soy sauce. Among the most popular soups are beef rib soup “galbi tang”, soybean soup with egg and shellfish “sundubu jigae”, spicy seafood soup “haemul tang”, spicy fish soup “maeungtang”, soybean sprouted soup “khonnamulguk”, etc. d.

Among the meat dishes that appear on the Korean table, it is worth mentioning first of all “bulgogi” - finely chopped beef, marinated in soy sauce and sesame oil, and then fried in a wok. Other popular dishes include grilled beef ribs kalbi, pork or beef rib stew kalbichim, chicken stew takkalbi, mandu dumplings, etc.

Tourists have an ambiguous reaction to dog meat dishes, which are occasionally (contrary to the prevailing opinion of foreigners) present on the Korean table. In particular, we are talking about dog meat soup “bosintang” (bosintang - “stewed dog meat with spices”, as well as “soup that strengthens the body”). In this light, it is worth saying that dog meat in Korea is not considered a product for preparing everyday food - rather, it is a dietary and medicinal food. In addition, in Korea, a dog is not perceived as a “friend of man”; it is not assigned any role different from other animals in society. Following the lead public opinion West, today the Korean authorities have introduced a number of legislative measures that, if not completely prohibit the use of dog meat in cooking, then largely regulate this process.

Among vegetable dishes on the Korean menu, the leading place is occupied by dishes made from legumes. Legumes come in a variety: soybeans, peas, beans, green beans “noktu”, red beans “phatch”, etc. Sprouted soybeans are often a substitute for meat in dishes. The same soybeans are used to produce soy milk, cottage cheese, soy sauce and paste.

Desserts and sweets are also present on the Korean table. The most popular of them are “kvadul” - a dessert made from rice dough, “tothorimuk” acorn jelly, “hangva” cookies, “tasik” - candies made from honey, chestnuts, beans, sesame seeds and medicinal herbs. Among fruits, persimmons and tangerines are actively consumed.

Koreans, as a rule, end their meal with sweet rice broth “sikhye” or a decoction of cinnamon and persimmon “sujeongkwa”, herbal teas, and coffee. Alcoholic drinks in Korea are represented mainly by the results of rice processing - rice wine "makkori" or "nonju", rice beer, rice vodka.

Table etiquette

Residents of Korea do not often host feasts at home, mostly inviting guests to restaurants. In a Korean restaurant, people usually eat while sitting on the floor on cushions. In winter the floor is heated. Shoes are left at the entrance.

Traditional rules of behavior at the table, the order of serving dishes, methods and doses of alcoholic beverages were formed several centuries ago. The rules for eating and setting the table are worth special mention.

So, for example, Koreans eat not only with chopsticks, but also with spoons (for liquid dishes), which are a symbol of life (they say about the deceased that he “put down his spoon”; the number of eaters is referred to as the number of spoons, not mouths, as in Russian). Unlike other cultures that used chopsticks when eating, Koreans have been using a spoon since the 5th century. Chopsticks (“chotjarak”, “jeotgarak”) and a small spoon with a long handle (“sutjarak”, “sutgarak”) together make up the “sujeo” cutlery set (“sujeo”, short for “sutgarak” and “jeotgarak”), they are made made of stainless steel or silver. According to Korean etiquette, when using chopsticks, a spoon is placed on the edge of a bowl with a liquid dish, and when using a spoon, the chopsticks are simply placed on the table.

There are no personal plates on a Korean table. The entire surface of the table, in the center of which the main dish of meat or fish rises, is lined with small bowls with salads and sauces. Participants in the meal eat from all plates at once. Asking your table neighbor to serve you something is impolite; you should try to reach the desired dish yourself. Cutlery that has fallen on the floor should never be picked up - you need to ask the waiter to bring new ones.

When it comes to alcohol consumption, Koreans have a lot in common with Russians: they drink a lot at the Korean table; you cannot refuse to drink (this can offend the pourer and the host of the table); you cannot pour it for yourself (this is also considered an insult to the owner - he will not be able to express his respect to you), etc. You need to drink while holding the glass in your right hand.

The restaurant bill includes only the main course and alcoholic drinks; everything else (soups, salads, sauces) is free. Service is also included in the bill, so there is no need to leave a tip.

Shopping in South Korea

Tourists visiting South Korea cannot help but pay attention to shopping. The best shopping opportunities are in Seoul and other large cities: there are many large shopping centers, supermarkets, department stores, boutiques, shops, and markets.

Large department stores are open daily 10:00 - 20:00, shops - 9:00 - 22:00, large supermarkets, shopping centers and markets - often around the clock, every day.

Particularly convenient for tourists is that there are duty-free shops in Seoul and Busan (they are marked with tax free shopping signs). You can pay in foreign currency, and VAT of 10% on purchases over 30,000 won can be refunded at the airport. The only caveat: to make purchases in such stores, you need to show the sellers your return air ticket. In addition, some types of selected and paid for goods (alcohol, perfumes, cigarettes) are not handed over to the buyer, but are carefully packaged and transported to the airport exactly in time for the flight.

It is worth bringing ginseng products from Korea, first of all, since the country is one of the world leaders in the cultivation and processing of this magical root. So, you can buy ginseng concentrate, ginseng root tincture, ginseng tea, and cosmetics based on it.

Other traditional souvenirs from Korea include lacquerware decorated with mother-of-pearl inlay - boxes, powder compacts, business card holders; fine quality porcelain, ceramics, embroidery, macrame. Korean textiles and leather goods are also famous - outerwear, bags and haberdashery. Everyone is also familiar with Korean electronics, and, undoubtedly, they are worth buying in the country - all of them, except for mobile phones that support standards incompatible with Russian ones. Collectors and ethnic lovers should pay attention to the traditional Korean costume “hanbok”, which can be bought in souvenir shops and markets.

Shopping in Seoul."

Communications in South Korea

You can make a call in South Korea, first of all, using pay phones, which are available on the streets of many cities. The machines operate using special telephone cards, credit cards or by coins. Phone cards can be bought in shops, shops, tobacco and newsstands, and in hotels. Almost all pay phones can call other countries.

To make a call from South Korea to Russia, you need to dial 001 (002 or 008) - 7 - area code - subscriber's phone number.

To call from Russia to Korea, you need to dial 8 - 10 - 82 (Korea code) - region code - subscriber number.

Some Korean city codes: Seoul - 02, Incheon - 032, Daejeon - 042, Busan - 051, Jeju - 064.

Please remember that GSM mobile phones do not work in South Korea. In this case, tourists can be advised to temporarily exchange their phones at the airport for local CDMA and IMT2000 models. The average cost of renting a Korean phone with your own phone as collateral is on average 3,000-4,000 won per day.

Useful phone numbers

Tourists in Korea will not have any problems with the Internet. Internet access points are available everywhere. Back in 2010, South Korea took an honorable first place in the ranking of countries in the world for the quality of Internet access (according to scientists from the University of Oviedo and the University of Oxford). Free wi-fi is available in all city centers, in large shopping centers, in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and tourist areas.

Safety

South Korea is one of the safest Asian countries for tourism, but one should not forget about basic safety rules. Tourists are advised to leave cash and valuables in hotel safes and keep a close eye on their personal belongings in crowded and tourist areas.

Among some local traditions, tourists should remember the following:

• local residents do not like to be photographed too much: before taking pictures of them, you must ask permission;
• when entering a Korean temple or house, you must take off your shoes and wear socks;
• It is indecent to sunbathe topless on the country's beaches.

Where to stay

Hotels

In South Korea, the following classification of hotels is accepted: super-lux (corresponding to 5*), luxury (corresponding to 5*), first class (corresponding to 4*), second class (corresponding to 3*) and third class (corresponding to 2*). Hotel prices depend on the season and location. On our website you can book a hotel in Korea

Hostels and guest houses

In South Korea you can also find guest houses, which are an inexpensive accommodation option. Most guest houses are converted from regular residential apartments, so several rooms often share a shared bathroom. They are usually located in city centers and near tourist attractions. The price for staying there for one night is about 15,000-40,000 won.

Apartments and condominiums

Condominiums are ordinary apartments, self-catering apartments located in large complexes with swimming pools, laundries, and restaurants. Condominiums are most often located at ski resorts, next to national parks And beach resorts. The cost of living in a condominium depends on the season, length of stay, level of service, and is approximately 30,000 - 100,000 won per night. On our website you can rent an apartment in South Korea, this may be convenient for some categories of tourists - families with several children, who prefer to cook for themselves, and so on.

Residence

Another type of accommodation in Korea is a residence. This type of housing is most suitable for foreigners who have arrived in the country on a work visit, because it is a room for living and working at the same time, with a kitchen and an office. Residence complexes usually have Gym, laundry, lounges and conference rooms, restaurants, cafes, etc.

CLIMATE

South Korea is a country located in eastern Asia in the south of the Korean Peninsula. Officially, it is called the Republic of Korea, and its capital and largest city is Seoul. Country area: 99,720 km2. The only country with which South Korea has a land border is North Korea. The country's shores are washed by the Sea of ​​Japan and the Yellow Sea.

South Korea's topography consists mainly of hills and mountains, but there are large coastal plains in the western and southern parts countries. The highest point in South Korea is Halla-san, an extinct volcano that rises to an altitude of 1950 m. It is located south of the mainland on South Jeju Island. South Korea is a mountainous country, but there are currently no active volcanoes and there have been no major earthquakes in modern times.

South Korea has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. There is more rainfall in summer than in winter due to the presence of the East Asian monsoon. Winters are cold and temperatures fluctuate depending on altitude, while summers are hot and humid. Autumn and spring are the best times to visit Seoul as the temperatures are mild and the skies are cloudless. More details about weather conditions in South Korea can be found in the monthly weather calendar.

Weather in South Korea in January

January temperatures are the coldest of the year, but the further south you go, the warmer it gets. The average temperature during the day in the north (in Seoul) drops to -4°C, and at night to -6°C. In the south of the peninsula (Busan), during daylight hours the air warms up to +8°C, and at night it drops to -1°C. In the city of Jeju on the southernmost island of Jeju, +8°C during the day and +3°C at night. In the capital, up to 20 mm of precipitation will fall in a month. Wind speed 9 km/h, humidity - 67%. The water off the northern coast is warmed up to +5°C, and on the southern coast - up to +14°C.

Weather in South Korea in February

At the beginning of February in the north during the day +3°С...+4°С, at night -4°С...-6°С. In the south, the air warms up to +9°С, and at night it cools down to 0°С…+4°С. The water on the coast is invigorating: in the north +5°C, in the south +13°C. In 6 stormy days, 25 mm of precipitation falls in the capital. Wind speed 10 km/h, humidity - 64%.

Weather in South Korea in March

March is characterized by an increase in daily temperatures throughout the country. In the north, during daylight hours it is expected to reach +10°С, and at night the temperature drops to 0°С…+1°С. In March, 7 bad weather days will bring 45 mm of precipitation to Seoul. Wind speed 11 km/h, humidity - 64%. By the end of the month, the water warms up to +6°C in the north and to +13°C in the south.

Weather in South Korea in April

April is considered one of the best months for holidays in South Korea. In the capital, the air warms up to +17°C during the day and +7°C at night. In the south of the country, air temperatures are expected to be +18°C during the day and +10°C at night. There are no more than 8 rainy days per month, during which the amount of precipitation will reach 75 mm. Wind speed 11 km/h, humidity - 64%. The water on the northern coast warms up to +8°C, and in the south - up to +14°C.

Weather in South Korea in May

May brings heat high temperatures and low humidity. On average, in the country the air masses are warmed up to +22°C...+23°C during daylight hours and up to +11°C...+14°C at night. In the capital, 100 mm of precipitation will fall in 9 rainy days. Wind speed 10 km/h, humidity - 69%. By the end of May, the water temperature on the southern coast is +17°C, and on the northern coast +13°C.

Weather in South Korea in June

The daytime air temperature in the country in June does not fall below +24°С…+27°С, and at night +16°С…+19°С. In the capital, 135 mm of precipitation falls in 10 bad weather days. Wind speed 9 km/h, humidity - 75%. Sea water within a month it manages to warm up to +17°С…+20°С.

Weather in South Korea in July

In July, the air warms up throughout the country during the day to an average of +27°C...+29°C, and at night to +21°C...+23°C. It rains in Seoul every other day and brings up to 330 mm of precipitation to the ground. Wind speed 10 km/h, humidity - 83%. The sea water temperature this month reaches +22°С…+23°С.

Weather in South Korea in August

In August, the capital receives the most precipitation: in 14 days the level reaches 350 mm in the capital. Wind speed 9 km/h, humidity - 88%. In South Korea during the day the air temperature reaches +28°С…+30°С, at night +20°С…+24°С. The water in the seas warms up to +24°С…+26°С.

Weather in South Korea in September

In September, the air temperature across the country is +24°С…+26°С during the day and +15°С…+20°С at night. In the capital this month, 9 days of rain are expected with a precipitation level of 140 mm. Wind speed 8 km/h, humidity - 77%. The sea water temperature this month is +23°С…+24°С.

Weather in South Korea in October

In October, daytime air temperatures throughout the country range from +18°C to +22°C. After sunset, the thermometers drop to +8°С…+15°С. The water temperature in the seas drops to +19°С…+21°С. In October, 7 bad weather days are expected, which will bring up to 50 mm of precipitation to the ground. Wind speed 8 km/h, humidity - 73%.

Weather in South Korea in November

In November, the air temperature continues to decrease, reaching an average of +10°C...+16°C during the day, and +3°C...+10°C at night. Precipitation occurs 7-9 days a month, the amount of precipitation reaches 55 mm. Wind speed 9 km/h, humidity - 71%. The water in the seas cools from +14°C in the north to +19°C in the south.

Weather in South Korea in December

December brings rainfall and lower temperatures. In the north during the day +2°С...+4°С, at night -3°С...-5°С. In the south during daylight hours +10°С…+11°С, and after sunset +2°С…+5°С. First in the capital winter month brings 25 mm of precipitation in 7 bad weather days. Wind speed 9 km/h, humidity - 69%. Sea water cools to +9°C in the north and to +16°C in the south.

Before you go on a trip, you should thoroughly familiarize yourself with the climate and weather in Korea. Basically, this country has a temperate climate similar to Russia. But there are also areas of the country where a subtropical monsoon climate reigns. South Korea has distinct seasons, which allows you to choose the right time to travel.

Summer

In summer in Korea it is very hot and humid, the air warms up to +35° C. Due to the close location of the sea, in summer period The season of heavy rains is passing. It usually begins at the end of June and can last until the end of July. Every year, South Korean weather forecasters compile an analysis of weather observations, which talks about the duration of the rainy season in Korea.

Autumn

In Korea, autumn lasts from September to October, the temperature during this period ranges from + 25° C to + 12° C. Many tourists prefer to visit Korea in the fall, as the country experiences a warm and dry climate. During this “golden” period, the country’s parks and streets fascinate with their splendor of colors. Many Koreans, when gathering with their families, go hiking in the mountains.

Winter

Winter in the country of “Morning Freshness” is dry and cold. It lasts from the end of November to the end of March, in the south of the country winter period ends at the end of February. The air temperature in winter in different parts of the country usually ranges from + 2° C to - 10° C. Winter in Korea good time for lovers of ski resorts. During this period, you can enjoy snowboarding and skiing to your heart's content.

Spring

One of the most fascinating times of the year in Korea is spring. Spring here is warm and sunny, lasting from April to May. The prevailing air temperature is from +8° C to +24° C. During this period, the most long-awaited and stunning spring event occurs - cherry blossoms in Korea and many other trees and flowers. A large number of tourists come from different parts of the world to witness this exciting action.

IN last years is rapidly gaining momentum. The country is developing cultural and recreational leisure activities, beach, leisure and ecotourism. In this regard, tourists who have never visited the country before first of all have the question of when is the best time to vacation in and why is it worth going there in a particular season. These are the questions our article will answer for you.

Climate in South Korea

The country has a predominantly temperate monsoon climate. Summer in Korea is hot and humid. For example, in July-August the air temperature usually reaches +29°C or more. Winter here is quite long, cold and dry. The lowest temperatures are observed in January, when the thermometer drops below 0°C. In winter, mainly northwest winds blow, and in summer, southeast winds prevail. It should be noted that in April-May the weather often changes sharply, and after the cold comes a sharp heat. The same thing happens in October, when winter comes into its own again. So autumn and spring here are very short. The rainy season in South Korea lasts from late June to early September.

Types of tourism in South Korea

Before planning a trip to the Republic of Korea, you need to decide what you primarily want to get from your holiday here.

Tourism in Korea is very diverse, and the following are available to visiting tourists:

• beach holiday;
• cultural and recreational recreation;
• ecotourism;
• extreme tours.

Choosing a vacation time in South Korea

So, if you prefer to bask in the sun and swim in the gentle waters of the three seas, then you should definitely go to the Republic of Korea from the end of June to September, which is considered the beach holiday season in South Korea. You can choose, for example, as a resort for this purpose. Beach holiday in South Korea in September has undeniable advantages for those who do not tolerate heat and high humidity very well.

A cultural, recreational or sightseeing tour should be planned for spring or autumn, i.e. in April-May or September-October. In spring, sakura blooms here, and in autumn you can watch the clearest skies and colorful falling leaves. In addition, during the spring-autumn period, several events take place in South Korea, including Children's Day, Buddha's Birthday, Harvest Day and others.

Also, September-October is the most favorable period for ecotourism and mountain hiking, because... summer heat I was already asleep, and there was no rain anymore, but it was still warm. Holidays in South Korea in December can be chosen by amateurs - this type of tourism is also represented in the country.

Thus, we can conclude that if you want to combine different types leisure, then the best time to go on vacation to South Korea is from September to October.

Korea's climate is a mixture of continental and maritime climates. The four seasons clearly follow one another, and if summer is characterized by heat and humidity, then winter is characterized by cold and dry weather.

Four seasons

Summer The hottest months of the year are June-August. The average temperature in August is 25.4℃. This is the ideal time for a holiday at sea. The beach season is July-August. Winter The coldest time of the year is from December to February. In the north of the peninsula average temperature during these months it drops to –8℃. The temperature on the southern coast at the same time is 0℃. This is the time for winter sports or contemplation winter landscapes. The mountainous regions located in the eastern part of the country have a lot of snow, so in winter there are ski resorts everywhere. The ski season in Korea lasts from December to February. Spring and autumn From March to May it is spring in Korea, and from September to November it is autumn. At this time the weather is neither hot nor cold, ideal for outdoor recreation. There are more rainy days in spring in Korea than in autumn. But the weather is mild, and nature pleases with its beauty: young greenery and spring flowers. Spring in Korea is the best time for walking. Korean autumn is clear, the air is clean. This is the best time to spend time in nature. Numerous sporting events and regional festivals are held at this time of year.

Precipitation

The annual rainfall in Korea is 1,260 mm. From June to early September, over 50% of the annual precipitation falls in the country. The climate of the Korean Peninsula is characterized by monsoon rains, which begin in the second half of June and last until mid-July.

Natural disasters

Characteristics of natural disasters in Korea Natural disasters of a geological nature such as earthquakes are rare in Korea. Most emergencies of natural origin are represented by meteorological natural disasters. These include typhoons, torrential rains, heavy snowfalls, unprecedented warm winters and crop-destroying cold in the summer. Typhoons Every year in the northern part Pacific Ocean About 28 typhoons occur. Of these, two or three fly over Korea, often bringing with them a lot of trouble. Heavy rains Heavy rains cause damage mainly in the summer. Currently, there is an increasing trend in the number of heavy rainfall events. Floods Although river levels are well regulated in Korea by multi-functional dams, there are times when rivers overflow their banks due to heavy downpours or prolonged monsoon rains.