Korea Travel Guide

Overview

Republic of Korea (South Korea) gaining popular recently with its cultural exports such as K-Pop, and their immensely popular TV drama such as Iris and Winter Sonata. In addition, South Korea is getting popular with the huge success of Samsung smart phones such as Galaxy and Notes. Samsung mobile phones now is a serious threat to Apple's Iphone and that is enough to get more attention about the producer itself. Their cars such as Hyundai and KIA, and their brand of consumer electronics spanning from washing machines to the the LED TV is penetrating houses all over the world. What is so amazing about this country and the people? Why they are so successful ?

Country History

Through some complicated history, the country “Korea” is now splitted between “South” and “North” during the World War II. North Korea was influenced by USSR and still a Communist country, whereas South Korea is a Republic. The Republic of Korea is the one producing all sorts of devices for the world. The origin of the name “Korea” comes from the ginseng name originated from Korea.

Economy

South Korea attained their economic might through the need to survive. Because of Korean War, which involves foreign powers such as China, Japan, USSR, and USA, South Koreans realized that they need to be at least economically independent. If they are very poor, they will be at the mercy of these foreign powers. Therefore, they have no choice but to use whatever that they have to be standing tall among the rich countries.

If we look around us in Seoul, we will see there are just a few big companies who dominate South Korea. The South Korea economic model ( which give rise to the economic miracle normally referred to as “Miracle of the Han River”) , is to nurture a few big corporations which has close link with the government and make them successful. The government gave the citizens good education and they will become knowledge workers. They teach students essential subjects like Math and English in schools and also the television . They then ask the companies to treat the people like families.

Democracy

When engineering the comeback of South Korean economy after 1961, the then President Park Chung Hee introduced near authoritarian rule and nurture big corporations to compete globally.

South Korean attains much more democracy after the death of their President Park Chung Hee. It is normal to see protest on the streets in the form of banners, gatherings, or candle light demonstration. Their university students are also active demonstrators. Democracy is thriving in South Korea.

Culture

Korea has its own traditional custom called “Han Buk”. The traditional custom slightly resembles Japanese traditional customs. In fact, we can detect a lot of similarities between Korean and Japanese culture. For example, to show respect, Korean will bow while saying “Thank you”. They also sleep on the floor with minimal mattress. They eat with chopsticks while sitting on the floor. Although they share much of these cultural similarities, however, for historical reason, they are rivals. It is interesting to note that Korean used steel for their chopsticks whereas Chinese and Japanese use bamboos.

“Han Buk” is normally being worn during the wedding ceremony. It has a kimono-like shirts, a cap and pants. The women has slightly similar shirts like men, only a little bit more decorative.

People

The people of Korea is very hardworking. They do not have a lot of natural resources and therefore, they have to depend on pure hard work to produce various products for them to sell. What they have are granites. Their buildings are largely made of trees and granites.

Because they have limited resources, and they have four seasons to deal with every year, the environment made them go extra mile in terms of survival skills. For example, they display quite an ingenuity in terms of engineering when dealing with winter seasons through their chimney designs.

The engineering skills they acquire through hardships are now displayed in their products which is now wildly popular not only because of their quality, but also because of their affordable price.

In addition to that, they have various neighbors who historically overpower them. We can see the impact of the influence from the widespread usage of Chinese characters (kanji) across the old temples.

Food

Two popular food in Korea are kimchi and ginseng. Kimchi was created to preserve various vegetables throughout winter seasons, and ginseng are natural healthy food supplement.

Korean eat sticky rice, fish, vegetables and kimchi in their daily servings.`They also have some soups and seaweed. We can eat the rice and seaweed together when you wrap them. You must also try kimchi when you go to Korea. You should prepare a special budget to buy special ginseng products which are not available anywhere else in Korea in their Ginseng Center.

Korean ginseng takes years to cultivate. The best ginseng takes 6 years and kept and sold only in Korea, whereas, those less than 6 years are normally exported out of Korea. Korean ginseng are claimed to contains both Yin and Yang element so it is good for health.

Kimchi is the famous Korean dishes. It is made of variety of spices and ingredients such as chilli and garlic. Its main purpose traditionally is to preserve the vegetables but nowadays is being the national side dish for Korean. Kimchi usually made with napa cabbage. However, there are also squid kimchi, reddish kimchi, or even ginseng kimchi. Kimchi is actually a healthy food.

Places

The capital of Korea is Seoul. Seoul is a traditional capital since a long time ago. Inside Seoul there is a place called “Ittawon”. This is where we can find the international food, including Muslim “Halal” eateries such as kebab, halal mart, etc. They also have a beautiful mosque as well on the hill of Ittawon.

Seoul is also where President's Palace (Blue House) and the historical Royal Palace located. The historical Royal Palace is a must visit because it displays the beautiful Korean traditional architecture and how the Royal families lives. There are in fact a big portion of Royal Palace has been destroyed by Japanese army long time ago. The remains are still beautiful.

Nami island is an island where the drama Winter Sonata was shot. Before the TV Drama Winter Sonata, Nami island is a relatively unknown island for camping site. Right now, it is full of tourists.

This is a must visit because the place has many beautiful trees planted all over. To get to Nami island, you have to board a boat and it is about 10 minutes ride.

If you enjoy theme park, Everland is a theme park just like Disneyland. Like Disneyland, you have to spend at least one full day to enjoy all the rides and visiting all the attractions there. If you have been to Disneyland and have limited time in Korea, I don't recommend this place. Because the theme parks and rides are more or less the same like everywhere else. However, Everland has a famous ride called T-Express. You might want to try that.

Another interesting place is Mount Sorak. This is considered the most beautiful mountain in Korea. Mount Sorak is about 3 hours drive from Seoul and you have to plan your trip very carefully. Try to get there early because there are many people over there. The weather is windy and cold so make sure you bring extra clothings with you. If you get there early, you can board a cable car to the peak of the mountain. Of course, you can always climb up to Mount Sorak but cable car is the fastest way to go. You have to get the cable car before the sun set because if not, you won't see much on top of the mountain. The cable car is a short ride, about 5 to 10 minutes. You need to climb up a trail (stairs) a bit more before reaching the top.

You usually want to stay at Del Pino hotel because you are in the middle of nowhere. Or, you can go back to Seoul after that.

Shopping Places

Korean are famous for its ginseng and kimchi, but that doesn't mean that they don't have anything else. In fact, you can buy various things ranging from cheap and affordable, to super expensive like those in Shinsegae mall. If you are particular about products made in Korea, you have to be careful. Some of the products are cheap but it is actually made in China. Usually, you do not really bargain with Koreans. Either you purchase with their price and discounts, or you simply find other places.

You can prepare USD or Japanese Yen, because some shops can do business in USD and Yen. But to be sure, just convert your cash into Korean Won.

Cars

Korean has various strong car brands such as Hyundai, Kia and Ssangyong. Samsung also produces cars as well, but Hyundai is very popular in Seoul. The quality of Korean cars are quite good, but the strong point for purchasing Korean cars are actually they are reliable and affordable. Because cars nowadays are not meant for long term, cheap and affordable cars seems to be perfect fit for students and middle class. Hyundai and Kia benefits from the market demand with the introductions of affordable cars. One interesting point to note about various car models from Korea are the outer designs of some of their cars are starkly similar to some of the European cars. However, they have their own designs as well.

Samsung

Samsung is very big in South Korea. They are everywhere from car manufacturers, maker of mobile phones, owner of theme park Everland, and even insurance. It is a very important company in South Korea and plays vital role in South Korean economy.

Pop Culture

K-Pop recently got famous after the J-Pop crazed. K-Pop, which refers to the Korean-style pop dancing groups, took Asian by the storm. The cultural export of K-Pop is really successful and brings a lot of influence in the young generation into getting to know Korean people and culture.

The TV drama, which usually has romantic elements, become the new phenomena to the young generation in Asia. Many watch the series, and fell in love with the Korean actors and actresses. Many fans now are trying to see Korea a little closer. Korean tourism suddenly booming.

Gangnam, which is a place popularized by rapper “Psy” in his song “Gangnam Style” takes South Korea to another level in the pop-culture. Already popular with TV Drama and K-Pop in Asia, Gangnam style introduces South Korean pop culture to the rest of the world. The western countries are now starting to get excited with Gangnam style dancing and therefore, starting to take a peek at this beautiful country.