KOREA

Korea is a country of two distinct aspects, the traditional and historic as well as the sleek and the new. The country is determined to leave its troubles behind and has entered the new millennium with a renewed optimism and passion.

Despite the ever widening gap between these two, the former has not completely displaced the latter. These days most towns consist of a new, fashionable area, where discos, karaoke bars, coffee shops and stores sell a variety of goods - everything from designer-label clothing to freshly baked French bread. But in these same towns you will also find the Korea of old; street markets formed in an intriguing maze where vendors sell everything from food, fruits, vegetables and seafood just as they have done for hundreds of years before.

Korea has much to offer the avid traveller and many believe it to be the unspoiled gem of Asia. It possesses largely untouched natural landscapes, a vibrant history with traditional culture and local people who are friendly, welcoming and curious.

Time - GMT + 9 hours. 

Entry Requirements - No visas are required by South African passport holders if travelling for tourism purposes up to 30 days. If travelling on business a visa is required.

Seoul

Seoul is the capital of South Korea and is home to 11 million of the nation’s 46 million people. As well as being one of the oldest cities, Seoul is also the country’s financial, political, commercial and cultural centre. Old and new mix in this dynamic city offering the visitor with plenty of sightseeing options such as the famed Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul Tower and Insadong antique alley.

Gyeongju

The historic town of Gyeongju was capital during the mighty Silla Dynasty and as such provided Korea with many cultural developments. The town is a virtual open air museum, housing a seemingly endless array of tombs, temples, shrines, castles and gardens. Further inland, the mountains are surrounded by thousands of Buddhist statues and frescoes.

Busan

Busan is Korea’s second largest city and principal port with ferries departing to Jejudu Island and Japan. The city is located between a series of mountain peaks and ridges, with the town centre nestled between these narrow strips of land. The town possesses an atmosphere of endless tranquility and has much to offer.

Panmunjeom

The village of Panmunjeom is located 56kms north of Seoul and is the site of the ceasefire line following the Korean War in 1953, hence earning it the nickname of ‘truce village’. It is the only place in the DMZ where visitors are permitted as well as being situated at a close distance to North Korea.
 

Getting around Korea

Below is some helpful information on public transport to help assist you in getting around Korea.

Limousine Transfers;

There are two types of buses that run from Incheon international airport to Seoul; the City limousine buses run along various routes from around 5am to 1130pm.The Kal limousine buses (25 seats) run along several routes and take passengers to 18 major hotels in Seoul. Buses usually run every 15 minutes and take up to 90 minutes to the city centre, depending on traffic conditions. Limousine transfers can not be pre booked however you can purchase tickets from ticket booths on the first floor at Incheon international airport.

Private car transfers

This service is fantastic as it offers travelers a hassle free arrival and meet and great service however due to the distance, tolls and the duration of the transfers you may find them to be very expensive.

Prices are from $115.00 per person one-way with a minimum of 2 passengers traveling and $229.00 Single traveler one-way.

Taxi

There are 2 types of metered taxis which operate in Korea. The general taxi and the more expensive black deluxe taxi. Few drivers can speak English, but some taxis offer a free interpretation service – whereby an interpreter talks to the passenger and the drive by phone.

 

Country Map

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Images from KOREA

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