Holidays to South Korea

Officially the Republic of Korea, and also known as South Korea, this is a country of vast variations. In downtown Seoul alone tourists will be amazed to see 5,000 year old temples, palaces and city gates amongst some of the nation’s more modern trade, commerce and industrial buildings.

South Korean holidays will not leave visitors short of things to do. The country has many incredible summer hiking trails as well as winter skiing trails. More than 70 per cent of Korea’s land is mountainous, with the eastern regions being the most rugged as the land cuts deep valleys and ranges into the surrounding landscape.

For this reason, many people enjoy trekking across the foothills of the 37 mountains that make up this unique region. Mt. Bukhansan is the tallest, challenging climbers at 837 metres. Both Mt. Suraksan and Mt. Dobongsan offer hikers more than 600 metres to climb, while the other ranges are generally marked with trails, making day hikes much easier.

The country is also known for its great fishing opportunities. Most bodies of water, including large lakes and rivers, can be found in the western portion of Korea. The coastline is also filled with many quaint bays and provides some of the highest tides in the world. However, if you seek beaches for your holidays in South Korea, local sun and sand will be found along the eastern coastline.

Any holidays to South Korea will ensure travellers are exposed to the country’s rich and long culture through historical sites and folk villages. Museum visits and traditional cultural festivals of food, dance and music will give a first-hand glimpse into the amazing culture and history of South Korea.

Koreans themselves are descendants of the Mongolians; however periods of occupation have seen both Japanese and Chinese blood mixed into the gene pool. While experiencing holidays in South Korea, you will notice that the country has adopted many cultural features from both Japan and China. However, South Korea has maintained its own customs, culture and language. This society – heavily based in Confucianism – remains very family orientated.

Shopping will no doubt be on the list of things to do during your holidays in South Korea. Even though many Koreas prefer western clothes, it is easy enough to find a hanbok, which is the national costume that is worn during national holidays.

Climate

From summer hiking and fishing to snow skiing, you simply cannot go wrong with holidays to South Korea. The country is known to have four distinct seasons. The summers, which are generally hot and humid, will see temperatures soar to 35 C, while the winters are generally cold and dry, dipping down to –12 C. Changma, which means ‘rainy season’, begins in late July and continues until mid-August.

Currency

The currency is the Korean Won. In some tourist areas, travellers may be able to spend Japanese yen or even US Dollars.