Sunday, October 16, 2011

Korea here we come;-)

Korea (한국 – Hankuk), is located in Korean Peninsula, bordered by China to the northwest and Russia to the northeast. It is a territory of East Asia that was formerly under one state until 1948 when it was split into 2 states (North Korea and South Korea). South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, is a capitalist, democratic and developed country whereby North Korea is officially the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, is a single-party Juche country.

Korea is a country of four seasons where it is a dry, cold winter from November to March, and is the coldest in January. From September to November, autumn in Korea is beautiful and sunny with mild temperature and little rain. Spring, which is around April and May is also very pleasant, but with more rain. It is extremely hot and humid during the summer from July to September.Visitors can find many things to do at night in Seoul as there are numerous parks and recreational activities available after dark. Visit a theme park for discounted evening admission and to enjoy colorful light shows, performances and rides. Another option is 24-hour gaming at casinos exclusively for international visitors. Theses gaming establishments are housed in deluxe hotels that offer top-notch accommodations. Also at select hotels are seasonal ice-skating rinks that attract those seeking some family fun or a little romance on the ice.

Korea Fast Facts:
Ethnic Groups: Homogeneous (except for about 20,000 Chinese)
Religion: The population’s religious and spiritual beliefs are: 25% Christian, 25% Buddhist, Confucius, Shaman, and 50% none.
Language: Korean
Currency: Won (KRW)
Flag: Taegeukgi
National Flower: Mugunghwa (Rose of Sharon)
Korea Cultural Facts:
Take off your shoes when entering someone's home. There is usually a shelf or ample space for every guest's shoes.
Koreans believe that direct eye contact during conversation shows boldness, and out of politeness they concentrate on the conversation, usually avoiding eye-to-eye contact.
Koreans shake hands and bow at the same time. The depth of the bow depends on the relative seniority of the two people.
While dining, the eldest at the table eats first. No one even picks up their chopsticks until the eldest does.
During the meal, rest your chopsticks and spoon on top of a dish. When you have finished eating, lay the chopsticks or spoon on the table to indicate that you have completed the meal. Never stick chopsticks or spoons in a bowl of rice (this is done only during ancestral memorial services).
When eating with Koreans, refrain from blowing your nose (even though the spicy food may make your nose run) or coughing. If you have to cough, turn away.
Korea Immigration and Customs:
Visas are not required for tourist or business stays up to thirty days. For longer stays and other types of travel, visas must be obtained in advance.

Nightlife in Seoul
Seoul is certainly one of the most lively and dynamic nightlife capitals of the world. Even after midnight, throngs of people wander the streets in major shopping districts and popular downtown areas. The top attractions at nighttime are Dongdaemun Market for late-night shopping and the Hongik University (Hongdae) neighborhood with its concentration of nightclubs. For fabulous night views of Seoul, visit the observatory in N Seoul Tower or 63 City on Yeouido Island. Many visitors enjoy 63 City’s museums and dining facilities in the afternoon and stay past sunset to catch a glimpse of Seoul at night from high above in the skyscraper. If traveling with children, some options include recreational parks that open until 8 or 9pm or an exciting non-verbal show. Those with an interest in Korean traditional liquor can try some of the establishments serving Korean makgeolli. Check out the following list of popular nighttime activities Seoul has to offer.

In Korea there’s plenty to do: visiting famous tourist attractions, eating Korean foods and going shopping.
However, VisitKorea recommends that you do something unique during your trip and experience Korean traditional culture at firsthand. There are a variety of activities available for travelers, such as making traditional handicrafts, Korean cooking classes, ceramic making, and programs to help you experience the culture of Korea’s royal palaces. If you are interested in sports you could try learning Taekwondo, Korea’s famous national martial art.

Medical tours are available where you can relax and sample some of Korea’s traditional treatments, or you can learn what it was like to live in a traditional Korean house in a hanok stay program.

VisitKorea introduces seven activities and tours to help you fully experience the culture of Korea.
Spring lasts from late March to early May. Temperatures are mild and pleasant. It is the ideal season to witness cherry blossoms, forsythia, azaleas, magnolias and lilacs blooming during the peak season between March and May.
▒ Related Articles
▶Spring Festivals 2010 (March - May)
▶The 2009 Lotus Lantern Festival
▶Best Spring-time Destinations
▶The Scent of Green Tea
▶VisitKorea Recommended Places to Visit in April and May

Summer in Korea runs from June to early September. It is usually hot and humid. Half of the annual rainfall occurs during the monsoon season from late June to early July. Mid-July through mid-August is the hottest period and the most popular time for Koreans to go on vacation.
▒ Related Articles
▶Beach Holiday in Korea!
▶Fun in the Sun!
▶A Leafy Retreat!
▶Festivals from June to August
▶Enjoy Summer Sports - Rafting, Flyfish Rides, Bungee Jumping, and Windsurfing
▶Korea’s Summer Dishes
▶Korea’s Valleys: A Refreshing Summer Destination
▶Enjoy the Waves and Spas at the Seorak Waterpia

In Korea Fall lasts from September through November. Mild days and clear weather make the autumn months the most pleasant time of the year. The temperature varies greatly from day to night. The mountains, when decorated with vivid golden and red autumnal leaves under the clear blue sky, make for a magnificent spectacle.
▒ Related Articles
▶Chuseok – Korean Thanksgiving Day
▶Autumn, the Season of Festivals
▶Recommended Hiking Course! The Seoraksan Mountain Autumn Foliage Hiking Course
▶Autumn Getaways - Recommended Travel Highlights For The Autumn Seaso
Winter lasts from December to early March. The temperature fluctuates considerably with three days of cooler weather followed by four days of slightly warmer conditions. Heavy snow in the north and east makes for great skiing conditions.
▒ Related Articles
▶Winter Festivals 2009/2010
▶Recommended Winter Getaways - Part 1. Ski Resorts in Korea
▶Recommended Winter Getaways - Part 2: Spa Trips in Korea
▶Enjoy Winter Activities Around Seoul
▶The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival
▶2008-2009 A Chance to Watch the Sunrise on New Year’s

p/s:http://asiaenglish.visitkorea.or.kr/ena/AK/Photo_Gallery.jsp?new_photo_gallery=0
Sangat teruja untuk pergi ke Korea,walaupun terasa sedih tapi akan ku jejak jua di tempatmu;-) ku cari damai di hati walaupun kamu tiada lagi di dunia ini...

No comments: