What country is called “The Land of the Morning Calm”?
The answer is Korea.
As the interest of Korea increases due to the influence of the K-Pop and K-Dramas, the number of foreigners visiting Korea is increasing. Why tourists want to visit South Korea? Because South Korea boasts abundant tourist attractions. As tourists, you can explore and enjoy Korean cultures, natural environments, and delicious food.
In this post I’m going to explain 5 things to know before you are going to South Korea.
1. Four Distinct Seasons In South Korea
You can experience four seasons in South Korea.
In, general, April through June is a lovely spring, July through August is a humid and wet summer, September through November is a refreshing autumn, and December to March is a cool, snowy, but dry winter.
In January, Seoul’s average temperature ranges from -5 to -2 degrees Celsius (23 to 28 degrees Fahrenheit), whereas in July, it ranges from 23 to 26 degrees (73 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit).
South Korea is less at risk from typhoons than its neighbors. Only one to three typhoons should be anticipated annually. Typically, typhoons deliver heavy rains to South Korea in late summer, especially in August.
2. One of the Safest Countries on Earth
South Korea has one of the lowest crime rates in the modern world.
Even while its metropolitan areas occasionally have drunken brawlers, petty thieves, and con artists, they are generally safe at any time of day as long as you are aware of your surroundings. South Korea is secure. In general, there is no violent crime or petty theft, especially against tourists.
Yes, nobody will take your phone if you unintentionally leave it on a table at a restaurant or coffee shop.
3. Unique and Delicious Food In South Korea
Have you heard of Kimchi, Tteokbokki, Bibimbap, and Korean Fried Chicken already?
Korean food is so unique and delicious.
You can get Korean food virtually everywhere in vibrant cities like Seoul and Busan, from street vendors to classy restaurants within 5-star hotels. Korean food has become so popular that tourists describe them as savory, spicy, hearty and nutritious delights that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Many of tourists spend an entire day roaming street markets trying those rich and delicious flavors. Visit South Korea and enjoy as much as you can.
The cherry on top is that despite the generally good service provided at restaurants, tipping is not required or expected.
4. World-Class Public Transportation System
South Korea’s public transit is so clean, convenient, and efficient that subways, trains, and buses will take you to every corner of the country.
Public transportation is cheap: the cost of a bus or subway ride begins at around $1 (1300 won). Korea’s public transportation system is easy to use, has a lot of English information, and is well-designed.
The city bus is one of the most convenient and readily available means of transportation. In Seoul, buses are divided into three categories based on their color:
- Blue buses (Mainline bus) run on long distance routes and usually operate at higher speeds than the other colored buses.
- Green buses (Branch bus) run on short distance routes and move more slowly as they stop at most major subway stations and bus stations outside the center of Seoul.
- Red buses (Rapid bus) operate on express routes and connect places outside of downtown Seoul, just like the blue bus route does.
- Yellow buses (Circulation bus) run on routes that circle areas within downtown Seoul. Yellow bus routes stop at railway stations, tourists sights, shopping and business areas, and blue bus stops.
As a convenient mean of transportation, subways are arguably the ones that both Koreans and foreign tourists prefer the most. Seoul Metropolitan Area subway system covers an expansive area, including Line 1 to 9 with additional lines, branching throughout the metropolitan area. Each subway line has a specific color to make it easier for passengers to use the subway.
5. Shopping Heaven
Korea has established itself as one of the most popular fashion destinations in the world with its latest trends and unique styles. You can buy clothing, accessories, shoes, bags and even food products in Seoul which is the center of shopper’s paradise.
For example, when it comes to cosmetics, you can stock up on masks, treatments, make-up etc. Korean skincare and makeup products are great value for money, and highly popular among foreign tourists.
The 5 best shopping areas are Myeong-dong, Dongdaemun, Starfield COEX Mall, Hongdae, and Gangnam.
In Conclusion
South Korea is a fantastic country to explore because of the friendly people, the fashion, K-Pop, nature and delicious food.
I hope this post makes you want to visit to this wonderful country.