Often referred to as the “Land of the Morning Calm,” Korea is located at a major crossroads of Northeast Asia. Its 5,000-year history has helped shape not only the peninsula located between China and Japan but the world as a whole. It has become an economic force through modernization while preserving its traditional heritage and cultural roots. The land of the Morning Calm is among the world’s most “Inspiring” destinations.

Beautiful nature and wonderful tourist attractions, timeless Korean culture, and ‘HanStyle’ are examples of the attributes that differentiate Korea from other advanced tourist destinations. ‘HanStyle’ refers to the elegant and refined aspects of Hansik (Korean style food), Hanok (traditional Korean style houses), Hanji (Korean paper), Hanguk eumak (Korean traditional music), Hangeul (Korean alphabet) and Hanbok (traditional Korean clothes), which have turned everyday Korean culture into a brand.

We invite you to visit Korea to experience ‘HanStyle’ and see all that Korea has to offer. Rest assured, you will return with a personalized understanding of why Korea is “Korea, Inspiring.”

10 THINGS TO DO

  • 1

    Seoul City Tour - Seoul, Korea’s capital city, is a tourist destination with a host of activities to enjoy, from traditional royal palaces to shopping districts boasting the latest fashion trends. To get the most out of your stay, hop on a Seoul City Tour Bus.

  • 2

    DMZ: The Demilitarized Zone - Korea is the only divided country in the world. After the Korean War, South Korea and North Korea negotiated and designated the DMZ 2km away from the truce line on each side of the border. As one of the last relics of the Cold War, the DMZ attract a great deal of public interest.

  • 3

    Temple Stay - A Temple Stay is a cultural-experience program designed to help people better understand Korean Buddhism. Temple stays offer various kinds of practicing methods such as Yebul (ceremonial service chanting), Chamseon (Zen meditation), Dado (tea ceremony) and Baru Gongyang (communal Buddhist meal service.)

  • 4

    Gyeongju City - Known as The Museum Without Walls this popular attraction houses a vast amount of shrines, tombs, and Buddhist sculptures. It is considered by UNESCO to be on of the top 10 most historically significant places in the world.

  • 5

    Jeju Island – A UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, this volcanic island located in the South of Korea is a recreational and leisure sport heaven. For travelers hoping to get away and explore this beautiful island, the newly opened Jeju "Olle" walking paths offer a unique opportunity.

  • 6

    Palaces in Downtown Seoul - Changdeok-gung Palace – Listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, visitor access is limited to guided group tours to safeguard the palace. Gyeongbokgung Palace - Seoul's most prominent palace. Although situated in the middle of the city, once inside the gates of the palace, you quickly forget the hustle and bustle of city life.

  • 7

    Performance – Nanta – Cookin’ as it is known in the state, Jump Seoul – a taekwondo performance, B-Boy – modern breakdancing, Kim Duk-soo’s traditional Yeonhui performance, changing of the Royal Guard Ceremony, and Korean traditional stage “MISO.”

  • 8

    Korean Cusine - learn why people around the world are crazy about Korean food by tasting Korea's best delights, from palace cuisine to street food.

  • 9

    Korean Folk Village – is a living museum that recreates the lifestyle of several centuries ago. There are potters, weavers, blacksmiths and other artisans who practice their trades in a traditional fashion. There are also 270 traditional houses and a small amphitheater for traditional folk music and dance performances.

  • 10

    Medical Tourism – Korea provides world-class healthcare services accompanied by highly advanced facilities and cutting-edge technology. At 20% of the cost of treatment in the United States, visitors can seek treatment in several areas including health screening, cosmetic surgery, dental care, and infertility treatments.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Korea experiences four distinct seasons. During the autumn months, Korea’s weather is typically sunny, skies are cobalt blue, and the spectacular foliage is a big draw. In the spring, visitors are struck by the beautiful cherry blossoms, while winter brings great opportunities to take part in winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding.

TOP BUYS

 

• Tailor made suites and dresses
• Traditional food and liquors
• Leather goods and sports wear
• Jewelry and Accessories (Amethyst, white jade, eyeglasses, etc.)
• Folk Arts and Antiques

For those into high fashion, Lie Sang-bong’s Hanbok inspired clothing is being picked up by Hollywood elite.

BEST SHOPPING AREAS
• Downtown Shopping Area (Myeongdong Street, Namdaemun Market, Insadong Street,
  Dongdaemun Market)
• Duty Free Shops (Airports and Downtown)
• COEX Mall
• Techno Electronics Mart
 

KEY WORDS

No - Aniyo
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Yes - Ye
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Nice to meet you - Mannaseo bangawoyo
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Please help me - Dowa-juseyo
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Good morning, afternoon, evening - Annyeong-haseyo
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Thank you - Gamsa-hamnida
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You’re welcome - Cheonmaneyo
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Excuse me - Sillye-hamnida
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I’m sorry - Mian-hamnida
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Please take me to... - Euro gajuesyo
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How much is it? - Geugeoseun eolma-imnikka?

FAQ

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FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT THE KOREA TOURISM ORGANIZATION