Geographical Make-up

Mountains cover 70% of Korea's land mass, making it one of the most mountainous regions in the world. The lifting and folding of Korea’s granite and limestone base create a breathtaking landscape of scenic hills and valleys. The mountain range that stretches the length of the east coast falls steeply into the East Sea, while along the southern and western coasts, the mountains descend gradually to the coastal plains that produce the bulk of Korea’s agricultural crops, especially rice.

Weather information

Korea has four seasons, with a wet monsoon/summer in the middle of the year, and a cold winter from November to March. The island of Jeju off the southern coast is the warmest and wettest place in the country. The most ideal time to visit Korea is during the autumn months (September~November). During this time, the country experiences warm, sunny weather, skies that are cobalt blue and spectacular foliage that is perhaps the biggest draw. Winters are cold and dry and remain a good time if you are interested in winter sports as there are numerous ski resorts. Spring (April~May) is also beautiful with all the cherry blossoms in bloom. However, it is very busy and one needs to book in advance to ensure accommodation is available. The summer months are muggy and hot, and rather crowded. It is also when the monsoon begins so many activities are subject to the fluctuations of heavy rain.

Temperature in Degrees Centigrade

History

Korea's history is characterised by occupations and conflicts both internal and with its near neighbours. According to the semi-mythological history of the nation the first dynasty was founded in around 2,300BC in what is now North Korea, not far from the capital P'yongyang. This period of rule was known as the Ko Joseon Dynasty.

TripitakaIn around 100BC the Ko Joseon Dynasty died off to be replaced by the establishment of several separate kingdoms, which occupied regions around the Peninsula. Famously this period is called the "Three Kingdoms" in Korean history but in fact there were four dynasties of note. The oldest was Korguryo in the north, marching with Chinese Manchuria and to a large extent a buffer zone for invasion from the larger nation. Silla (Southeast) and Paekche (Southwest) followed and within fifty years were joined by the fourth of the Three Kingdoms, Kaya. For centuries the Three (four) Kingdoms co-existed uneasily, although the nation shared Buddhist beliefs and culture.

Silla eventually quelled all opposition in the 7th century, and the peninsula was united for the first time. Most of the temples and shrines that are still extant were built at this time according to the Silla style of architecture, hence the uniform design. The Goryeo Kingdom, from which the name "Korea" is derived, replaced Silla in 918. The Tripitaka Koreana dates from this period.

Goryeo collapsed under the Mongol invasion of the 13th century, but the country was united again under the Joseon Dynasty, which ruled from 1392 until 1910. The period was one of cultural progress, with the invention of the Hangul Korean Alphabet among the achievements of the time. Japan invaded in 1592, and left their mark on several of Korea's temples. Aided by the Chinese Ming Dynasty, Korea repelled the invaders. However, in the early-17th century, China (now under the Manchus) itself usurped the territory, making it a vassal of the Empire. The Chinese closed Korea's borders completely, thus creating the so-called "Hermit Kingdom".

The Japanese completely annexed the peninsula in 1910, destroying Korea's monarchy. The occupation was marked by brutality and was only to end after World War Two. Following the war the USSR took control of North Korea and the USA supported the South. Under the guidance of these two world superpowers the Korean people fought a bloody civil war viewed simply as a struggle between communism and capitalism. By the end in 1953 two million people had died and the Peninsula was divided by a swathe of land called the Demilitarised Zone or DMZ. The border is constantly manned by a standing army on either side, bolstered by foreign troops. You can still see them facing off through the barbed wire in the town of Panmunjom.

The South became independent but was flung into turmoil by the imposition of martial law by President Chun. Things came to a head in 1980 with the brutal massacre of hundreds of students at Gwangju but, amazingly, rather than escalating into civil war the government backed down and acceded South Korea as a wholly democratic state.

World Cup maniaSeoul hosted the Olympics in 1988, a year that also heralded the election of Roh Tae-woo to president. Although Roh did institute several reforms, by 1992 he'd been replaced by Kim Young-Sam, who promptly had both Roh and President Chun arraigned for corruption. Kim's rule saw a downturn in the economy and he was replaced in 1998 with Kim Dae-Jung, a former political dissident. Kim's policies since have seen South Korea's economy grow, but most notably his tenure has seen the nation re-establish international relations. Famously President Kim has visited his North Korean counterpart Kim Jong II, and continues to develop relations with the USA and Japan, with whom South Korea co-hosted the 2002 World Cup. His actions towards North Korea garnered Kim the Nobel Peace Prize in 2000, and reunification is a viable possibility in the coming decade.

South Korea's progressive policies saw the appointment of the country's first ever female Prime Minister, Chang San, and the national football team's performance and nation's generosity during the Football World Cup brought Korea international acclaim. As of 2007 President Roh Moo-hyun holds office.

Culture

The South Korean culture is epitomised in the enthusiasm of the people during the 2002 World Cup finals, held in partnership with neighbouring Japan. Korean society is based around Confucian values where a great deal of emphasis is placed on mutual respect. Certainly in more traditional rural regions you'll find that the tenets of Confucian philosophy are very much adhered to, particularly with regard to respect for older people. In the more Westernised cities and especially the capital Seoul you may find the culture slightly less formal, but the basic underlying principles remain.

The overriding sense is one of innate politeness and you'll find it pervasive. Foreign visitors quite often adopt the same customs as the locals. There are exceptions when tourists find themselves the centre of attention from hawkers and traders, some of whom can appear quite excitable and forceful in their sales technique.

Currency

Currency: Korean Won (KRW)
Notes: KRW1000, 5000 and 10000
Coins: KRW10, 50, 100 and 500

Credit cards: Korea is largely a cash-based society and you should carry more cash than you would if you were in a Western society. If Korean won are not available you are advised to carry US dollars.

Credit cards, including Visa, American Express and MasterCard are accepted in large department stores and major hotels but not in smaller hotels, or many shops and restaurants.

Language

Korean is an ancient language having been spoken in the region for the last 5,000 years. The official national script is called Hangul, a syllable based alphabet of 24 letters that although quite easy to learn, may require too much time for the casual visitor to Korea. Instead try these few words and phrases below:

For more information, please visit Octopus Travel