South Korea

Description of South Korea

The Korean peninsula is located in the eastern part of the Asian continent, stretching from south to north. Its length is about 1030 km, and the width at the narrowest point of the peninsula - 175 km. To the west of the peninsula behind the Yellow Sea, China is situated, and to the east of the East Sea - Japan. 70% of the territory is covered by mountains. Along the coast of the peninsula lie 3,000 islands. The Korean peninsula is divided into two parts along the 38th parallel. Southward of the 38th parallel is the Republic of Korea, and northward - the Democratic People's Republic of Korea; between them is a demilitarized zone. The Korean Peninsula is located in the temperate zone, which is characterized by a clear distinction for four seasons. Springs here are quite short, but sunny and pleasant. Summers are hot and humid, especially in July, in the period of monsoon rains. Autumn is a particularly beautiful time of year, because the nature is beautifully painted with bright gold and red colors. Winters are cold and dry, with occasional snowfalls. The Jeju Island, which is located to the south-west of the peninsula, is characterized by a mild subtropical climate. The ups and bizarre piles of granite and limestone form the breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys. The mountain ranges occupy almost the entire east coast, entering the East Sea, while in the west they fall aslope, forming vast valleys, where the main Korean crop – rice – is grown.

South Korea with its scenic beauty, rich cultural and historical heritage is of great interest to tourists. The country, located on a peninsula, is proud of picturesque valleys, mountains, rivers and sea beaches. Against a background of a beautiful natural landscape are numerous ancient monasteries and temples, royal palaces, sculptural monuments, pagodas, castles, archaeological sites, museums of folk life and many other attractions. In recent years, a tourism project began to develop between North and South Korea.

Koreans come from one ethnic family and speak the same language. It is believed that Koreans are descendants of Mongol tribes, who moved to the Peninsula in the Neolithic Era of the Bronze Age. The Korean language, as well as Hungarian, Turkish, Mongolian and Finnish, belongs to the Ural-Altaic group. Korean alphabet Hangul consists of 10 vowels and 14 consonants. In 1443, a group of scientists led by King Sejong the Great, created this system of writing, because before Koreans had to use Chinese characters to write, learn and teach, although they spoke a language that was different from the Chinese and Japanese languages.

Thanks to well-equipped facilities and favorable geographical conditions and climate, the Republic of Korea has gained recognition as a popular winter holiday destination among fans of winter sports, especially among the people of South East Asia. The fact that in October 2000, the Republic of Korea successfully conducted a summit of Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), in September 2001 - the General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization, and in November 2005 Korea cordially greeted the leaders of the countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation of the countries of the Pacific Rim, has also contributed to the increasing of popularity and to attraction of tourists.

Some facts about South Korea

Gallery of South Korea

South Korea video guide

More information about South Korea

Top cities of South Korea