South Korea

[Prawn_86]

South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea and often referred to as Korea is a presidential republic in East Asia, occupying the southern half of the Korean Peninsula. Also known as the "Land of the Morning Calm", it is neighbored by China to the west, Japan to the east and borders North Korea to the north. South Korea's capital is Seoul, a major financial and cultural hub in Asia and the second largest metropolitan city in the world

[Prawn_86]

In July this year i spent 3 weeks on Korea on a uni study trip.

I have to say its a lot different to the rest of Asia and the thing that surprised me the most was the pretty much complete lack of english from anyone over 25. We were all paired with a Korean 'buddy' student, so they spent the whole time acting as our translators.

We stayed in Busan, which is the 2nd biggest city and is essentially a shipping city. Every spare bit of land is full of shipping containers.

Pic is view off our dorm balcony:

[Prawn_86]

Couple more photos.

These ones are from the top of the lookout/tourist tower in Busan. Its a huge sprawling city that sits between the coast and the mountain ranges

[kennas]

Yes, lots of ships. And smog. Is that smog?

eeeeek!

[Prawn_86]

Yes, lots of ships. And smog. Is that smog?

eeeeek!


Yes its the distinct haze you get in virtually every big Asian (and non Asian) city.

It wasnt a choking smog, probably just a bad day and a crap camera, but it was definitely noticeable most days.

[Prawn_86]

Gumby,

I know you are somewhere in Korea. Are you in Busan? If i can ask

[johnting101]

Yet again, sorry for the bump.

I've been to South Korea before. First day there, we ate the famous Korean noodles :D. They were great because I was really hungry at that time after such a long flight. I noticed that the food in Korean are mostly "huo guo" as in Hotpot. The koreans really eat very healthy food most of the time(vegetables and fruits).

I forgot most the of scenery in Korea since I went there when I was pretty young but I will update if I remember it again. =]

[Prawn_86]

A few things to do in Busan:

Go to the fish markets. Busan is a shipping city so has a large coastal culture. The amount of seafood there was amazing, some animals and fish that i have never even seen or heard of before. While your near the fish markets go for a wander up to Busan Tower. Go to the top and you will get a great 360 degree view of the city.

Haeundai Beach is a must. Its the most popular beach in Busan, and is a bit touristy but is still nice. While there you can go for a walk down one end and check out the UN centre where one of the major UN world meetings were held.

I have also added some more Korean pics to my gallery which can be found here... (http://www.aussietravellersforum.com.au/forums/album.php?albumid=2)

[chrissylewis03]

hi guys,

i'm desperately searching for an adventure tour in south korea, does anyone know of any other tour companies that go through south korea other then wendy wu and apt??

cheers.

[CWBush]

Things are quiet in here!

I had two wonderful years in Gwangju, South Korea from 2007 to 2009. I'm headed back for a third tour of duty early next year and looking forward to seeing a lot more of the country.