Korea, Republic of
festivites
1. Seollal (Lunar New Year) - This is a major holiday in Korea that usually falls between late January to mid-February. It's a time for family reunions, and people travel long distances to be with their loved ones. Traditional foods like tteokguk (rice cake soup) are also eaten to symbolize a year of prosperity and good luck.
2. Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) - This is another important holiday in Korea, typically celebrated in September or October during the harvest season. Families gather together to honor their ancestors and give thanks for the harvest. They prepare traditional foods like songpyeon (rice cakes filled with sesame seeds, beans, or chestnuts) and play folk games like ssireum (Korean wrestling).
3. Buddha's Birthday - This holiday is celebrated on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month (usually around May) to commemorate the birth of Buddha. Temples all over Korea hold lantern festivals where paper lanterns decorated with various designs are lit up at night. People also visit temples to make offerings and participate in ceremonies.
4. Children's Day - This holiday is celebrated on May 5th to honor children and their well-being. Parents often take their kids out for fun activities like going to amusement parks or museums. Schools may also organize special events for their students.
5. Independence Movement Day - This holiday is celebrated on March 1st to commemorate the March 1st Movement of 1919, when Koreans protested against Japanese colonial rule. It's a national holiday and people may attend rallies and demonstrations or visit historic sites related to the independence movement.
6. Christmas - While not a traditional Korean holiday, Christmas has become more widely celebrated in recent years as a secular holiday. Many people decorate trees and exchange gifts, and couples may go on romantic dates or have dinner together.
seasons
In Korea, Republic of, the tourist seasons can be divided into four:
1. Spring (March to May): This is the season when cherry blossoms bloom and the weather is mild. The recommended activities include visiting cherry blossom festivals, hiking, and exploring outdoor markets.
2. Summer (June to August): This is the peak tourist season with hot and humid weather. Recommended activities include beach visits, water activities, and attending summer festivals.
3. Autumn (September to November): This is a popular season for tourists due to its pleasant weather and beautiful fall foliage. Recommended activities include hiking, visiting national parks, and attending cultural festivals.
4. Winter (December to February): This is the least popular season due to cold weather and fewer outdoor activities. However, it is a great time for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, as well as visiting traditional Korean baths and enjoying indoor attractions such as museums and shopping centers.
visa
The special visa rules for visiting South Korea depend on the citizenship of the visitor and the purpose of their visit. Here are some examples:
1. Visa exemption: Citizens of 117 countries can enter South Korea without a visa for stays of up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes. The list of exempted countries can be found on the website of the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
2. Working holiday visa: Citizens of 25 countries between the ages of 18 and 30 (or 35, depending on the country) can apply for a working holiday visa that allows them to stay in South Korea for up to one year and work part-time. The cost varies by country but is generally around $100-$200.
3. Employment visa: Foreigners who have a job offer from a South Korean employer can apply for an employment visa. The cost is about $50-$80, depending on the applicant's nationality.
4. Student visa: Foreign students who have been accepted into a South Korean educational institution can apply for a student visa. The cost is usually around $50-$80.
It's important to note that the visa application fees may vary based on the applicant's nationality and the type of visa they're applying for. It's best to check with the nearest South Korean embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information.
souvenirs
1. Korean cosmetics: Average price varies depending on the brand and product, but expect to pay around ₩15,000 to ₩50,000 or more for a single item. Popular brands include Innisfree, Etude House, Missha, and Laneige. They can be purchased at duty-free shops, department stores, or cosmetic stores like Olive Young and Watsons.
2. Korean snacks: Average price varies depending on the type and brand of snack, but expect to pay around ₩1,000 to ₩10,000 per pack. Popular snacks include Chocopie, Pepero, and Honey Butter Chips. They can be purchased at convenience stores like GS25 and CU, or at supermarkets like Lotte Mart.
3. Traditional Korean clothing (Hanbok): Average price varies depending on the quality of the fabric and design, but expect to pay around ₩100,000 to ₩300,000 or more for a set. Hanbok can be purchased at markets like Namdaemun Market and Dongdaemun Market, or at specialized stores like Goguan Studio.
4. Korean pottery: Average price varies depending on the size and complexity of the piece, but expect to pay around ₩20,000 to ₩100,000 or more for a single item. Pottery can be purchased at markets like Insadong and Gyeongdong Market, or at specialized stores like Kwangjuyo.
5. K-Pop merchandise: Average price varies depending on the type of merchandise, but expect to pay around ₩10,000 to ₩50,000 or more for a single item. Merchandise can be purchased at specialized stores like Kpop Mart and Myeong-dong Underground Shopping Center.
6. Korean tea: Average price varies depending on the type and quality of the tea, but expect to pay around ₩10,000 to ₩50,000 or more for a pack. Popular teas include green tea, barley tea, and citron tea. Tea can be purchased at markets like Insadong and Gyeongdong Market, or at specialized stores like Osulloc.
Note: The prices listed are average prices and may vary depending on the location and time of purchase.
If you have 1 week
Great! There are a lot of amazing places to explore in Korea, Republic of. Here's a one-week itinerary that will give you a taste of the country's culture, history and natural beauty.
Day 1: Start your trip by visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, which is the largest and most beautiful among the five palaces built during the Joseon dynasty. You can watch the royal guard changing ceremony and explore the palace's many halls and pavilions.
Day 2: Visit Jeju Island, which is located off the southern coast of Korea. It is known for its stunning natural scenery, including beaches, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes. You can hike up Mount Hallasan, go swimming at Jungmun Beach, or visit the Manjanggul Cave.
Day 3: Head to Busan, Korea's second-largest city, and visit the famous Haeundae Beach. This is a great place to soak up the sun, swim in the ocean, and enjoy some delicious seafood.
Day 4: Take a day trip to Gyeongju, which was once the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom. You can see historical sites such as the Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto, which are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Day 5: Explore the trendy Hongdae neighborhood in Seoul, which is known for its street art, live performances, and nightlife. You can also shop for unique fashion items and souvenirs at the local markets.
Day 6: Visit the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), which is a buffer zone between North and South Korea. You can take a tour of the area and learn about the history and politics of the Korean peninsula.
Day 7: End your trip with a relaxing day at Nami Island, which is a small island located in Chuncheon. It is renowned for its beautiful tree-lined roads, gardens, and scenic landscapes.
These are just a few of the amazing things you can do during your week in Korea. Each place has its charm and reasons to visit, and I'm sure you'll enjoy exploring them all!
If you have 2 weeks
Welcome to Korea, Republic of! As a DAN, I can suggest a two-week itinerary that will take you on an adventure through this incredible country.
Week 1:
Day 1-2: Start your trip in Seoul and visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. Afterward, take a walk down Insadong Street, which is famous for its traditional Korean handicrafts and souvenirs. You should also try some of the delicious street food such as tteokbokki and hotteok.
Day 3-4: Make your way to Busan, a bustling port city known for its beautiful beaches and fresh seafood. While there, be sure to check out Haeundae Beach and Jagalchi Fish Market. You could also take a trip to Gamcheon Culture Village, also known as "Machu Picchu of Busan" because of its colorful houses and stunning views of the city.
Day 5-6: Head to Jeju Island and explore the natural beauty of this volcanic island. Visit Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, one of the island's most famous attractions, and take a hike up to the peak for panoramic views of the surrounding area. Also, make sure to check out Cheonjeyeon Falls and the Manjanggul Cave.
Day 7: Return to Seoul and spend the day shopping at Myeong-dong. It's a haven for shoppers with countless shops selling everything from makeup to clothing to electronics.
Week 2:
Day 8-9: Take a trip to Gyeongju, a city often referred to as the "museum without walls" because of its numerous historical sites. You'll want to visit Bulguksa Temple, an ancient temple dating back to the 8th century, and the historic district of Yangdong Village.
Day 10-11: Head to Sokcho and visit Seoraksan National Park, a mountainous region with stunning views, fantastic hiking trails, and unique rock formations. Be sure to take the cable car to Gwongeumseong Fortress for breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Day 12-13: Visit Andong, which is famous for its traditional Korean culture, including the Hahoe Folk Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Dosan Seowon Confucian Academy, which was established during the Joseon Dynasty.
Day 14: Return to Seoul and spend your last day exploring Namsan Tower, also known as Seoul Tower, for incredible panoramic views of the city.
This two-week itinerary will give you a taste of Korea's rich history, natural beauty, delicious food, and vibrant culture. Enjoy your trip!
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