|
 |
|
|
▶ LOCATION |
|
 The Korean Peninsula extends southward from the eastern end
of the Asian continent. Korea is roughly 1,000 km (600 miles) long and 216 km (135 miles) wide at its narrowest point.
Mountains cover 70% of Korea's land area, making the peninsula one of the most mountainous regions in the world.
The lifting and folding of Korea's granite and limestone base has created breathtaking landscapes of scenic hills
and mountains. The mountain range that traverses the entire length of the east coast plunges steeply into the East
Sea. Along the southern and western coast, the mountains descend gradually to the coastal plains. Korea's
99,434 square km (24,860 acres) is populated by 47.7 million people. Administratively, the Republic of Korea consists
of nine provinces (Do) ; one Special City,
Seoul
; and the six Metropolitan Cities of
Busan,
Daegu,
Incheon,
Gwangju,
Daejeon,
and Ulsan.
In total, there are 68 cities (Si) and 103 counties (Gun) in the nine provinces .
|
| ▶
CLIMATE
|
|
|
Korea lies in the temperate zone and has four
distinct seasons. In late March or early April, the trees burst into leafy splendor to mark the beginning of spring.
Occasional showers can be expected from March to May. During the relatively hot and rainy Summer season, the
vegetation is green and lush. The monsoon rains usually begin at the end of June, however the heaviest rainfall
occurs in July. The coming of autumn in late September brings continental winds and clear, dry weather, making the
fall months the most pleasant time of year. The vivid golds and vibrant reds of the changing leaves create a colorful
panorama. December to February are cold and dry with occasional rain or snow. During the winter months, the cold
is normally punctuated by a few warmer days.
Before you leave for Korea, if you would like to know how is the weather like at the time of your expected visit, you may
visit the site of Korea Meteorogical Administration or
Weather Map.
|
| ▶
LANGUAGE
|
|
|
Koreans all speak and write the same language, which has been a
key factor in their strong national identity. The Korean language, like Hungarian, Mongolian, and Finnish, is classified
as a Ural-Altaic language. 한글 (Hangul), the Korean alphabet, is composed of 10 vowels and 14 consonants.
A group of scholars, under the patronage of King Sejong, invented Hangul in 1443. If you have more interest in
the Korean language, you could learn it at the site of
Let's Learn Korean or
Introduction to Korean.
In July of 2000, the New Romanization System for the Korean language has replaced
the old system proclaimed in 1984. According to the new system, many names of cities and provinces will be changed in Romanization.
However, since all maps and road signs cannot be changed at once, you can still see the old romanization system.
Thus, when you locate a certain city, you could be confused. Busan will be used instead of Pusan in romanizing 부산.
Kyonggi-do and Gyonggi-do are the names for the same province. So, as long as pronunciation is similar, please
consider they're different romanization for the same place in many cases with some exceptions.
Since English is a required course from the 3rd grade at the elementary school in Korea, many Koreans, especially those educated and
younger generation, can also speak some English, with the limited proficiency, though.
|
| ▶
FOOD
|
|
|
Boiled rice(Bop), either plain or cooked with other grains, is the main dish at the Korean meals. Rice is
accompanied by a variety of side dishes that vary greatly according to the region and the season. Next to rice
comes "kimchi", a spicy vegetable dish generally comprised of celery, cabbage and turnips or cucumbers
seasoned with salt, garlic, onions, ginger, red pepper and shellfish. Soup is also a vital part of almost every meal.
Other dishes include seafood, meat or poultry, greens, herbs and roots. Each person has his own rice and soup
bowls but all other dishes are placed in the center of the table for everyone to partake of. A spoon and chopsticks
are used for eating. One of the most popular and favorite dish among foreigners is "Bulgogi," strips of beef
roasted on a barbecue grill at the table after being marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, sesame seeds,
garlic, green onions and other seasonings. Koreans generally like hot, spicy foods, so red pepper is an
indispensable seasoning.
In big cities like Seoul, Daegu and Busan, you might not worry about food.
You can find all kinds of western fast food on almost any street corner (Burger King, McDonald's, KFC, Subway,
CoCo's, T.G.I Fridays, Bennigan's, Baskin Robbins, Pizza Hut, etc.). In downtown Seoul and some hotel restaurants provide
French, Mexican, Indian, German, and Vietnamese. However, it is not easy to find food exactly like it is at your home.
There are a lot of Chinese and Japanese restaurants but the style of dishes is adjusted to Korean tastes.
|
| ▶
TRANSPORTATION
|
|
|
What is the public transportation system like? All cities in Korea have a public bus and taxi system. Buses run about
every 5-10 minutes and have their destination signs on each side and on the front but only in Korean letters. Since
each city has its own bus system and fees, let's look in detail at the system in Seoul because most foreigners hit
Seoul first.
--Bus--
There are two kinds of buses running in Seoul. One is local city buses (Ilban Bus)
which are common in Seoul. They cover the entire city and inexpensive. The adult fare is 900 Won.
Bus cards (only in Seoul) are available at booths near bus stops. You can pay with coins, but you will receive
receive a discount with a bus card. (this is not always the case in other cities, though.) Some of the local buses are old and are not well
equipped, but this is changing quickly.
The second type of bus is city express buses (Jwaseok Bus)
which are more comfortable and air conditioned. Fares are 1,700 Won or 2,500 Won (depending on the type of buses).
You can pay with cash or bus card. Change is provided. There are some express buses bound for the suburbs of Seoul
such as 'Bundang' and 'Ilsan' for a higher fare.
--Taxi--
There are also two kinds of taxis in Korea, one is Medium-size Taxi (Ilban Taxi) and the other
Deluxe Taxi (Mobeom Taxi). Fees are charged by distance and time. You can catch cabs in the streets or at
taxi stops near the bus stops. Basic Fare of the Medium-size taxi is 1,900 Won and Deluxe taxi starts at 3,500 Won.
However, at the Inchon International Airport
or Kimpo Airport where you can see a long line of the Medium-size Taxis waiting for passengers for
a long time, it is not unusual for a taxi driver to ask you more fare than the expected one by taxi meter, espcially
when you have luggages. If you take a Medium-size Taxi, the reasonable fare from the Incheon airport to the downtown
would be 50,000-60,000 Won, depending on your destination and number of luggages you carry, as well as traffic condition. If you don't like to
deal with this, you are recommended to take a Deluxe Taxi, which costs you 80,000-90,000 Won (equivalent to U$ 90).
Most Medium-size taxi drivers do not speak English well and do
carpool (Hapseung) when they can find other
passengers on the street with the same destination as yours. A few Medium-size taxi drivers occasionally cheat
foreign passengers and do not obey the traffic rules, so you might feel uncomfortable during the ride. Medium-size
taxis with drivers in yellow uniforms, , however, can be trusted for a safe ride. Deluxe Taxis cost more, but drivers
are kind and drive safely. They also speak a little Japanese and English. They do not Hapseung. You can find
Deluxe Taxis near hotels, transportation terminals, and on major city streets.
--Subway--
The easiest way for foreigners to get around is to take the subway. Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Daejeon and Incheon have subway systems.
You can find more information at
Seoul Subway.
Both subway systems are well known for their safety, cleanliness, ease-of-use and convenience. Stations, lines,
and transfer points are all identified in English. The fare depends on the distance you travel, however, it cost you
900 Won in most cases. If you need the line map of subway, please click here.
Note: When you use public transportation you might be bumped into, especially on crowded buses and subways.
Korean people often run into each other without expressing "Excuse me". It's not that Koreans are not nice, but
instead that, culturally, they are rather carefree with strangers and not so sensitive about such physical contact in
the crowded places.
|
| ▶
NIGHT LIFE
|
|
|
What is the night life of Seoul like? There are
many bars, taverns, and singing rooms (karaoke) in Korea, especially such large cities as Seoul and Busan.
Drinking plays an important role in the business and social relationship in Korea. When you drink with Korean people,
Koreans will habitually fill your glass. This comes out of customary courtesy. This just means that they care for you.
You do not have to empty the glass. However, Koreans feel more friendly with you, if you pour them drinks.
Also, there are dancing clubs but they charge a cover fee. So-called rock cafes also allow dancing but do not
require a cover charge as they are popular with youngsters. Most dance clubs, pubs, and singing rooms close
at two o'clock in the morning. However. some places run after 4 a.m.
|
| ▶
OTHER TIPS
|
|
|
--Shopping--
There are many duty free shops for foreigners. Some common electronic devices like TVs,
cellular phones, computers, telephones, cassette recorders, and VCRs are expensive than abroad normally.
Luckily, membership warehouses offering reasonable prices are increasing.
If you are interested in traditional markets where you can buy cheap and exotic goods as well as all daily
necessities, you are recommended to visit Tongdaemoon Market or Namdaemoon Market, which has
become very popular places among foreigners.
When it comes to clothes, be prepared for problems if your size is very large.
It is not easy to find large sizes in Korea. You can find some in Itaewon (a special place for foreigner shoppers) or
shops near the U.S. army base; but do not expect much of a variety.
--Tax System--
You don't have to pay sales tax when you shop at stores. All taxes are already included in the retail price.
If you dine at a restaurant, you pay only menu price which also includes taxes. However, at some fancy and expensive
restaurants and at hotels, value added tax (10%) and a service charge will be added on your check.
Also, you do not need to pay tips separately in most restaurants and shops.
--Office Hours--
Government offices are open between the hours of 9:00 and 18:00 form March to October and between 09:00 and
17:00 from November to February. Saturday hours are always from 09:00 and 13:00. Banks open at 9:30 and close
at 16:30 on the weekdays. On Saturday, they are open from 09:00 to 13:30.
Most general businesses open at 9:00 and close around 18:30. Foreign based companies and diplomatic
missions open from 09:00 to 17:00 on weekdays and are closed Saturdays.
Shops and markets usually open between 10:30 and 11:00 and close at between 20:00 and 21:00.
--Telephone System--
Public pay phones are available in banks, nearby public transportation stations,
and on main streets. There are three types of public payphones in Korea. Some phones accept only a telephone
card. There are other types which accept both coins and credit cards. Coin telephones indicate what type of coins
they accept. You can not get change from coin telephones. A local call costs 50 won for three minutes. For English
speaking operators, dial 080-211-0114 (toll-free).
|
| ▶
THINGS YOU NEED TO BRING
|
|
|
Note: Both 110 and 220 volt outlets are available in Korea :
- Deodorant - Koreans are not familiar with deodorant. And, it is not easy to find.
- Home seasonings - There are shops which have foreign seasonings, but they are very expensive and the
variety is somewhat lacking.
- Hobby items - Just bring the items you enjoy.
- Notebook computer - You can buy it in Korea. But, if you have one, bring it.
- Tampon - Few Korean women use tampons. There are some in Korea but they are expensive and only a few
brands and types are available.
- Razor (for women) - Normally, Korean women do not shave their legs. Some do shave, but it is unusual.
Ladies are advised to bring razors and shaving solutions from home because these products are not widely
available in Korea, particularly outside of Seoul.
- Home town pictures and photographs of yourself - Just in case you feel like having homesick and it might be a
good idea to have pictures of your home country on hand to show your local friends.
- Things you do not need to bring
- Film - You can get a roll of film (27 shots) for $3.50 here. If you want to buy a dozen or more rolls of film, you can bargain and get them at a better price.
- Batteries - You can get batteries for a good price from street vendors or convenience stores.
|
|
|
