South Korea is a fascinating and vibrant country with a rich cultural history. Located in East Asia, South Korea is a great destination for both leisure and business travelers. From its impressive cities to its ancient shrines, the country has something to offer travelers from all walks of life. In this text, we will take a closer look at South Korea, exploring its unique culture, its colorful attractions, and its lively atmosphere. We'll explore South Korea's vibrant cities, the scenery of its mountains and countryside, and the culinary delights that make its cuisine so delicious. So, join us on this journey as we explore the wonders of South Korea!
Getting to Know South Korea
South Korea is a densely populated developed country located in East Asia. According to World Bank figures, the population of South Korea was estimated to be 51,269,185 as of 2019. South Korea is located in two different time zones: Korean Standard Time (KST) and Korean Daylight Time (KDT). KST is 9 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and KDT is 8 hours ahead of UTC.
The official language of South Korea is Korean and the country also recognizes sign language as its official language. English is the second biggest language spoken in South Korea, however, its usage is concentrated mainly in urban areas.
The unit of currency used in South Korea is the Korean won (KRW). The currency is convertible and is actively traded on the global market. It is made up of units called 'jeon', which are valued at 1/100th of a won.
Climate and Weather
South Korea is located in the temperate zone, and its climate is influenced by the monsoon. The land has four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter, with winter being the most extreme season.
Spring is mild, with some periods of rain. Summer is hot and humid, and can sometimes become extreme, with temperatures regularly reaching 33°C (91°F) during the day and rain almost every day. Autumn is pleasant, with cooler days and clear skies. Winter is cold and dry with temperatures regularly reaching -10°C (14°F) and snow commonly occurring in the northern part of the country.
South Korea also experiences typhoons in summer and autumn months, however they tend to have a lighter impact than in other Asian countries due to its location.
Touring South Korea: Airport and Transportation
There are four international airports in South Korea: Incheon International Airport (ICN), Gimpo International Airport (GMP), Jeju International Airport (CJU), and Daegu International Airport (TAE).
You can get from Incheon International Airport to downtown Seoul by bus, taxi, or train. The bus costs approximately 8,000 KRW (around 7 USD) and takes about 90 minutes. The taxi costs around 60,000 KRW (around 50 USD) and takes around 62 minutes. The train cost about 4,250 KRW (around 3.50 USD) and takes about 43 minutes.
Yes, you can change money at South Korea airport. There are currency exchange offices available at all four international airports in South Korea.
Exploring the Rich History and Culture of South Korea
- South Korean culture has been shaped by a unique combination of ancient, Buddhist, Confucian, and modern influences. It is an interesting mix of traditional and modern, with a strong emphasis on the importance of family and community.
- For more than 5,000 years, South Koreans have celebrated their unique festivals, traditional holidays, and important ceremonies. Among the most well-known holidays include Chuseok, Dragon Boat Festival, and Seollal.
- Korea also boasts one of the most fascinating and complex histories in the world. From the ancient Gojoseon Dynasty all the way through to the modern era, visitors can experience a range of landmarks, from royal palaces to ancient shrines
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