ABOUT SOUTH KOREA:
South Korea is an extraordinary country filled with beautiful beaches, thriving cities, ancient temples, remarkable natural scenery and most importantly, friendly people with ancient history. South Korea has come a long way since The Korean War which ended in 1953. Almost all of South Korea was completely levelled during the war which is hard to imagine if you have seen Korea recently.
Korea’s dense urban centers, developed parks and recreation facilities, high tech infrastructure and ultra modern public transportation systems are just some of the things that have made Korea a recognized hotspot for international business and travel. Seoul Olympic Park, located in the capital city of Seoul, preserves the spirit of the 1988 Summer Olympics and is open all day providing multipurpose areas for sports, leisure and a variety of cultural activities.
To this day, South Korea remains one of the world’s most ethnically homogenous countries. It is believed that the people of South Korea are direct descendants of several migratory Mongol tribes who ventured into the Korean Peninsula about a half million years ago. Today South Korea is home to approximately 49 million people making it one of the most densely populated countries in the world. South Korea currently maintains diplomatic relationships with over 170 different nations.
What is South Korea Famous For?
High speed trains, safety and broadband internet users
South Korea is home to an endless number of world class attractions and annual festivals that foreigners and locals alike enjoy each year. South Korea has something for everyone and a person could easily spend years traveling around the country exploring all that it has to offer.
South Korea boasts one of the world’s largest international airports, the third largest subway system and the third fastest land train, the KTX, carrying people from one end of Korea to the other in less than 3 hours at speeds in excess of 360km/hour – Transportation in Korea
South Korea is one of the most law abiding countries in Asia, leaving foreigners to the country, men and women alike, feeling quite safe in rural and metropolitan areas. Koreans are interested in you but not aggressive in nature; however, one should always use caution when travelling alone in a foreign place.
Per capita, South Korea has the highest number of broadband internet users in the world; a token to its achievement as a high-tech economy. South Korea is also the world’s largest cargo ship builder which is part of the reason why Korea is now one of the world’s 12 biggest economies.
At times Koreans may stop and stare at westerners, this isn’t meant to intimidate them, it’s simply because they find westerners intriguing and they’re interested in their appearance, culture and attitudes. It’s not unusual for Koreans to offer you food or drinks at a bar or restaurant in order to hear you speak and practice their English
What is the climate of South Korea?
The climate in South Korea is temperate with 4 distinct seasons. There are heavy monsoon rains in the summer months June through September with temperatures exceeding 35°C. The winter months can see temperatures dropping to -14°C in the northern provinces.
Interesting facts about Korea
Land Mass In Korea – South Korea occupies 98,477 sq kilometers of land mass.
National Holidays In Korea – Korea celebrates 12 Korean national holidays. As an English teacher in Korea you have the benefit of enjoying these days off of work.
Official Language In Korea – The official language of South Korea is Hangul. If you would like to learn more about their official language, or you’re interesting in learning how to read, write and speak Hangul, there are various online courses to help. The language learning program we usually recommend is Beeline.
South Korea Government –South Korea is a republic nation with shared power between the president, legislature and the courts. In 2012 the Korean people elected the first ever female president – Park Geun Hye.
South Korea Sports – South Korean people are very active and many sports that westerners are familiar with are common place. You will find Koreans practicing and playing baseball, basketball, soccer, golf, hiking, rock climbing, skiing, snowboarding, scuba diving, fishing, dance, mountain biking, bowling, table tennis and badminton…just to name a few. South Korea also has an active break-dancing and salsa culture
PLACES:
BUSAN
– Taejongdae
– Spa Land or Daeyung Jimjilbanng
– Gyeongju : Gyeongju National Museum
– Gyeongju : Cheomseongdate Observatory
SEOUL
– Gyeokbok Palace
– Gangwon-Do : Gwangmyeong Cave
– Gangwon-Do : Daepohang Fish Market
– Gangwon-Do : Uiamho Lake SKYWALK
– Gangwon-Do : Experience the Car Racing
– Gangwon-Do : Naksansa Temple & Guan Yin
– Gangwon-Do : Jeongdonjin Station
– Gangwon-Do : Jeongdonjin Time Museum
JEJU ISLAND
– Gwandeogejeong
– The Painters Hero Jeju Theatre
NAMI ISLAND