The Republic of Korea (South Korea), referred to as the Land of the Morning Calm, is a mountainous country in northeast Asia. A demilitarized zone serves as a border between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) and South Korea. To the east is the Sea of Japan (East Sea); to the south is the Korea Strait; and to the west, the Yellow Sea (West Sea). Korea is populated by more than 48 million people, a quarter of whom reside in the Seoul metropolitan area.
While investment and industry attracts most international business travelers, South Korea also offers tourists the opportunity to visit ancient temples, royal palaces and museums. Korean cuisine is distinctly different from that of China and Japan, relying heavily on "kimchi," which is made with grated vegetables, chili, garlic and ginger and then fermented. Seoul has a growing number of nightclubs, restaurants, theaters and beer halls. There are also many cinemas, operas, concerts and recitals.
The national language, Korean, is spoken by all and provides for a cohesive national identity. English, Japanese and Chinese are not widely spoken languages, but are more often used in areas frequented by tourists.
Korea has four distinct seasons with varied weather. Winters are cold and summers are hot and humid with an average temperature range of 21-27C (69-81 F). Summer also brings monsoon rains.
South Korea has a well-developed transportation system. A new, modern international airport opened in Seoul in March 2001. Korea Air is the national flag carrier but other popular airlines include JAL, United Airlines, British Airways, Northwest Airlines, Air France and Cathay Pacific Airlines.
Buses, trains and domestic airlines link South Korean cities, as does an extensive road system; drive on the right. Seoul's subway system is efficient and used heavily by commuters and visitors. Bus service is available in all cities and taxis are readily available. Korea also has a relatively new bullet train system, the KTX, which offers two routes, both originating in Seoul.
Major credit cards are widely accepted, although smaller stores and restaurants may impose a surcharge for their use. ATMs are available in larger cities, but instructions are in Korean. Note that the highest cash denomination is 10,000 won. The cost of living in Seoul is among the highest in all of Asia, behind Osaka and Tokyo in Japan.
South Korea's telephone and postal systems are efficient and reliable. Major international package delivery services also are available. Internet access is widely available at Internet cafes (called PC bangs) in many cities.
South Korea has a low crime rate. Labor and political demonstrations occur frequently in Seoul and Busan, but could occur in other major cities, such as Daegu and Gwangju. Avoid large crowds that could turn violent. Exercise the same degree of caution in cities as you would in visiting any industrialized country.
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