Situated in Northeast Asia, Korea has a fast growing economy and a lifestyle that harmonizes the old and the new. Once known as the Land of Morning Calm, the peninsula now thrives with commerce and trade, showing a great resilience following the 1997 financial crisis. The county has hosted many major global events such as the 2002 FIFA World Cup Soccer.

The Korean Peninsula extends southward from the northeastern part of the Asian continent between latitudes from 33 to 43 degrees North, and longitudes from 124 to 131 degrees East. The standard meridian of the peninsula is 135 degrees, 9 hours ahead of GMT. The Amnok and Tuman Rivers border both China and Russia to the north, and Japan lies just across the East Sea. Since 1945, as a result of the Cold War, the peninsula has been divided into two parts: the democratic Republic of Korea, or South Korea, and communist Democratic People's Republic of Korea, or North Korea.

Korea 's climate is regarded as a continental climate from a temperate standpoint and a monsoon
climate from a precipitation standpoint. The climate of Korea is characterized by four distinct
seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter. (Temperature ranges from 25'C to 16'C in May)

lasts from late March to May and is warm. Various flowers, including the
picturesque cherry blossom, cover the nation's mountains and fields
during this time. It is the best season for visiting Korea.

lasts from June to early September. It is a hot and humid time of the year.

lasts from September to November, and produces mild weather.

lasts from December to mid-March. It can be bitterly cold during this time due to the
influx of cold Siberian air. Heavy snow in the northern and eastern parts of Korea
makes favorable skiing conditions

The Korean language is classified as a Ural-Altaic language, a group which also includes Mongolian, Hungarian, and Finnish. The Korean character system, Hangeul, is completely different from Japanese. "Hangeul" was developed by a group of scholars under the patronage of King Sejong in 1443 of the Joseon Dynasty.

Korea's traditional dance, like its music, can be classified into either court dances or folk dances. The slow, gracious movements of the court dances reflect the beauty of moderation and the subdued emotions formed as a result of the strong influence of Confucian philosophy. In contrast, the folk dances, mirroring the life, work and religion of common people, are exciting and romantic, and aptly portray the free and spontaneous emotions of the Korean people.

Women's hanbok is comprised of a wrap-around skirt and a jacket. It is often called chima-jeogori, 'chima' being the Korean word for skirt and 'jeogori' the word for jacket. Men's hanbok consists of a short jacket and pants, called 'baji', that are roomy and bound at the ankles. Both ensembles may be topped by a long coat of a similar cut called 'durumagi'. Hanbok worn today are patterned after those worn during the Confucian-oriented Joseon Dynasty.

A diverse array of foods and dishes can be found throughout Korea. Korea was once primarily an agricultural country, and has cultivated rice as their staple food since ancient times. These days Korean cuisine is characterized by a wide variety of meat and fish dishes along with wild greens and vegetables. Various fermented and preserved food, such as kimchi (fermented spicy cabbage), jeotgal (matured seafood with salt) and doenjang (fermented soy bean paste) are notable for their specific flavor and high nutritional value. The prominent feature of a Korean table setting is that all dishes are served at the same time. Traditionally, the number of side dishes varied from 3 for the lower classes to 12 for royal family members. Table arrangements can vary depending on whether a noodle dish or meat is served. Formal rules have developed for table setting, demonstrating the attention people pay to food and dining. Compared to neighboring China and Japan, a spoon is used more often in Korea, especially when soups are served. Known for its sumptuous array of cool and spicy pickles, the richly aromatic barbeques, and the boldly flavored red-hot spicy stews, Korean cuisine is one of the most fascinating cuisines in the world today. You can have a variety of opportunities to explore Korean food during your stay.

Although Han River once marked the southern boundary, the city has sprawled across to the southern side with some 2 dozen bridges crossing it and one subway tunnel underneath. As Korea's capital and most populous city, Seoul represents the country's center for business, education, and modern culture. It offers many activities for everyone, including museums and palaces, parks and mountains, and amusement parks and night clubs.

Visitors have many opportunities to sample Korea's long and rich culture, whether it be in the form of visiting museums, folk villages, and historical sites or attending traditional music recitals and dance performances. Traditional holidays always bring out many examples of traditional life. Various festivals allow people to watch and participate in many traditional sports and games.

Korea has a lively night life scene, with bars, singing rooms, night clubs, and cabarets. Most areas have a midnight closing time. However, that does not stop the true die hards from going underground and continuing to party! Additionally, Korea offers many Western activities such as movies and amusement parks. Here are some nightlifespots: Bangbae-dong Cafe Street, Daehang-no ( University Street), Dongdaemun (Nightlife), Gangnam (Nightlife), Hongdae ( Hongik University area), Itaewon-dong (Nightlife), Sinchon-dong (Nightlife).

      

Ideal place for visitors who want to experience the true character of Korean art, with its subtle, enduring beauty

Buy everything you need at a reasonable price and in one convenient location. A cheap and crowded conventional market selling second-rate goods 24 hours.

Feel the cultural richness and prosperity, evidenced by the skyscrapers and the huge number of passers-by that crowd the streets.

Itaewon-dong

Seoul 's most cosmopolitan area with its largest number of ethnic restaurants.

Seoul ’s No. 1 Fashion Street. Home to many of Korea's richest families, it showcases the reckless indulgence of the upper class.

Yongsan Electronics Market

Made up of over 20 buildings housing 5,000 stores that sell appliances, stereos, computers and peripherals, office equipment, telephones, lighting equipment, electronic games and software, and videos and CDs.

Customers will find anything their hearts can possibly desire as stores deal in a huge number of products, ranging from haute couture to inexpensive clothes, and from electronic goods to furniture.