Several years ago, South Korea canceled visas for Russian citizens. A visa is still required only for students, immigrants and those who intend to work in the country. But tourists can stay in South Korea for 60 days. We found ten reasons to travel to a country that in less than half a century has turned from the most backward corner into one of the most progressive states in the world. But for all the speed of this progress, ancient traditions are still honored in Korea.

Treatment and recovery

South Korea is quite popular with tourists looking to improve their health. The healthcare system here is one of the best not only in Asia, but in the whole world. The main directions of medical tourism: plastic surgery, dentistry, gynecology, oncology. In addition to the newest medical centers, you can undergo treatment in traditional Korean ways - this will certainly appeal to those who dislike doctors and medications, giving preference to traditional methods of treatment.

You can improve your health and immunity in Chimchilbana. On the Internet, such a place is usually called a "Korean bath", which, to put it mildly, does not come close to reflecting its capabilities. As a rule, this is a large complex with a sauna, massage, swimming pool, steam bath, fitness center, cafe and other conditions for have a nice rest for the benefit of the body. Seoul's most famous chimchilbans are Dragon Hill Spa, Sports Club Seoul Leisure, and The Spa in Garden 5.

Seoul is one of those cities that never sleeps. In principle, this can be said about any metropolis, but life in the South Korean capital really does not stop for a second. There are always crowds of people on the streets: during the day they rush on business, in the evening and at night they rush to clubs, bars and restaurants.

There are colorful establishments here at every turn - both inexpensive and top-level, where the bill per night will easily match the budget of the entire trip to South Korea... The most hurricane area in this regard in Seoul is Gangnam. This is the epicenter of the capital's party life. The lover of cocktails, parties until the morning and spontaneous acquaintances should stay here.

In ancient times, this city was the capital of the state of Silla, and now it attracts travelers with many monuments of Korean culture. The national park of the same name is located here, as well as an impressive State Museum Gyeongju, which displays ancient Korean household items, as well as clothing, sculpture and painting.

In the center of the city you will find the fortresses of Mönhwal and Wolson, and a little further - Lake Pomun. You can stay longer near it, because there is the Posum summer theater, numerous resorts, hotels and huge park... The city is considered one of the main tourist destinations in South Korea, so it regularly hosts festivals and exhibitions, including international ones.

The largest island in South Korea is a resort with good climate... There are still few tourists here, and the infrastructure is well developed. There are several resort areas The most famous of them are Seogwipo and Chunmun. They have equipped beaches with all the amenities for vacationers. Here you can also go diving, horse riding and archery.

Jeju is popular with honeymooners and some venues have been created especially for them. If you are not shy, take a look at Love Land Park - there are about 140 sculptures frozen in unambiguous poses. Well, if you prefer classic tourist places, welcome to the traditional Korean village. And the most interesting object Mount Hallasan is considered on the island, this is the highest point (1950 meters) in Jeju and the best place in order to photograph the sunrise.

The Taekebsan Ridge runs through the eastern part of South Korea. Highest point- Daecheonbon peak - 1708 meters in height, it is second only to Hallasan volcano and Chirisan mountain. National park especially popular with tourists in autumn, when the trees turn bright yellow and red.

However, there is something to see here in the summer as well. The park contains unique plants, including dwarf cedar and edelweiss. Animal lovers will be able to get up close and personal with the Korean musk deer, the Himalayan bear and the eastern goral. The site has been on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1994.

It is the second largest city in Korea, home to more than three and a half million people. Here is located largest port, as well as a huge number of resorts and sanatoriums. In 2002, Busan hosted the FIFA World Cup - then there were definitely enough tourists here, but after the high-profile sporting event, the city was not forgotten.

Busan has first class beaches National parks and hot springs. However, the main attraction of the city is Buddhist temple Beomeosa, where the three incarnations of the Buddha are. It was built on Mount Krymcheonsan in 678. The temple is one of the oldest in South Korea.

The long name belongs to a traditional Korean village near Namsan Mountain. Rather, it is a museum located in the center of Seoul. But being here, it is easy to forget that skyscrapers, neon signs, expensive boutiques and pretentious establishments are located within walking distance.

The museum opened in 1998 and includes the Namsan Gugaktan Traditional Korean Music Center, a classic Korean garden, and a time capsule site. You can appreciate the national architecture - there are five hanoks (houses). All of them at one time belonged to people of different social strata, and you can see the difference in decoration and decoration between the houses of wealthy and less wealthy Koreans.

You can buy absolutely everything in the shopping centers of South Korea. And for this you do not have to go to Seoul. For example, Busan is home to the world's largest department store, Shinsege Centum City. You can walk through the halls from morning to evening for several days, which will surely delight travelers and darken the mood of travelers. However, sometimes this can be beneficial: they left their companion in a department store, and themselves - to walk around the city.

In addition to the usual global brands, Sinsega Centum City offers many local Korean brands that specialize in cosmetics and accessories.

This park will captivate you for the whole day, and the attractions will appeal to both adults and children. The roof of Lotte World is said to be visible even from satellites. The park is open on weekends without interruption, every day from morning to evening.

In addition to attractions, you will find shopping center, a cinema, several cafes and a hotel. Lotte World - perfect place for family vacation... It is more focused on children, but adults will not get bored either.

There are five palaces of the Joseon Dynasty in Seoul: Changgyeonggun, Deoksugun, Gyeonghigun, Gyeongbokgun, Changdeokgun. One of them, Gyeongbokgung, was destroyed during the Imjin War in the sixteenth century and was rebuilt in the middle of the nineteenth century. Changgyeonggung also suffered, but mostly from time to time. In 1983 it was completely restored.

And we also have

In Korea, a tourist has the opportunity to stay without a visa for a maximum of two months. In 2020, the price of such a visa was $ 125 if there was a reservation at the hotel, and $ 195 if there was no reservation. The term for issuing a visa is 7 working days. The price increases for urgent visa processing in 3 days.

Itaewon Aliens Street in South Korea

If you want to stay for a longer period, Korea obliges you to register with the local migration service. For long stays and additional permits are required.

Allocate an F-2 visa, which is the essence of a residence permit in a form that is quite familiar to us. It turns out it in several ways. The simplest is the conclusion of a marriage union with a citizen of Korea: to obtain a residence permit, you must submit certain documents, including a marriage certificate.

Sample visa to visit South Korea

For the first time, the right to a long-term stay in the country is issued for three years. After the expiration of the established period, it is necessary to determine whether to renew this visa or immediately apply for an F-5 visa, which is permanent residence.

Another option for obtaining a residence permit in 2020 is rather vague - a residence permit is provided to foreigners who have lived in Korea for a long time and have made a significant contribution to the life of the country.

This path can be called difficult due to the fact that there are no clear criteria by which to assess the contribution to the development of the country.

Another method, not common, but still a good option. We are talking about "professional migration" or residence permit for specialists. An F-2 visa can be issued to foreigners living and working in Korea on the basis of a specific type of visa (engineers, master students, professors, etc.). To apply for a residence permit, you just need to collect the required number of points out of the maximum - 120. The minimum threshold is 80 points.

This is what an ID card looks like in South Korea

Nobody gives a guarantee of obtaining a residence permit, but when the minimum threshold is passed, the chances increase. If you still get this type of visa, then an F-5 visa is issued, which provides the opportunity to live in the country. After a certain time, you can. The advantage of this method is that a professional who has received an F-2 visa can bring his family to Korea on the same visa.
Visa can be renewed after one year, but it is important to show that the company is profitable and provides jobs for Koreans. Otherwise, there is a high probability of visa refusal.
The advantage of this method is that for 2020 the market in the country is not saturated and there is no need to open super-expensive production facilities, you can open, for example, an inexpensive restaurant.

As always, we complete our independent travel to South Korea the final article, from which you will learn how to move around the country on your own and by hitchhiking, where to look for an entry, how to find cheap food and, in general, about our budget and route.

Travel map.

Cheap food and prices.

The monetary unit of South Korea is Korean out. At the time of our stay in the country 1000 won = 1 $ or 35 rubles.

We exchanged currency in one of the bank branches, at the airport the rate is slightly worse than in the city.

Some examples of other prices:

• attractions - purely symbolic no more than 5,000 won ($ 5).
• clothes - on sale you can buy for the same money as we have in Russia from 5,000 won. For example, I bought good quality Korean sweatpants for 40,000 won (I had to haggle hard, though).
• Bus fares average 800 to 4,000 won (varies by distance)
• food in a cafe - average price 4000 or 5000 won can be found both cheaper and more expensive.

Lodging and listings.

Since we are talking about one of the most expensive Asian countries, and we are thrifty travelers, then there can be no talk of hotels. Although once we managed to spend the night in a motel thanks to the compassion of one hospitable Korean. If I read the price tags on the booth correctly, the room cost him up to 60,000 won.

Only once we pitched our tent somewhere in the forest, getting off the motorway late in the evening. The rest of the time I managed to live at a party or in churches. South Korean churches are the best option for a hitchhiker, because more often than not, even if the "padre" is not there, other people try to help us instead.

Only once we were denied an overnight stay in the church, but even then there were guys who helped to find a roof over our heads for as long as 3 days.

In the capital, and in other big cities (if you're lucky), you can use - oh. For example, in Seoul we were lucky, but in the rest settlements I had to think about housing on my own. If you like to think things through in advance, I advise you to use the search for cheap hotels around the world.

Koreans.

If you have carefully read everything that is written above and were not too lazy to read the articles, then you are surely convinced that Koreans are one of the most pleasant Asian peoples.

Very well mannered, cultured, hospitable and reliable. We are ready to sacrifice our personal time and even work to help or “save” the tourist. For all their curiosity, they do not stare and try not to interfere.

It is not difficult for them to treat them with food or even arrange a whole dinner for a guest of the country. And to drive the extra 50 km in the opposite direction is not a problem at all. In this way, they are very similar to the Omanis, and they deserve our love for themselves, as a nation, for a long time!

Personal review.

Although Korea does not cheap country, it is very comfortable to move along it thanks to the sincerity and hospitality of local residents.

In the first couples, you may have to deny yourself something, and after a couple of days you already find cheap options for food, and how to see the sights for free. In addition, Koreans are not too keen on controlling foreigners, as, for example, in Sri Lanka.

If we consider the country from the point of view of an ordinary tourist, then perhaps the most interesting places in Seoul, Gyeongju, and Jeju Island. For the sophisticated traveler, the country will be disposable. Perhaps we have not visited all of them, but we have already seen a lot in other countries.

Today I am as short as ever :). If you have any questions, we can talk in the comments to the article, and we say goodbye, dear friends, to the next country. As I promised further, we will begin to publish articles on the topic of travel to Central Asia... Thank you for your attention!

Korea is one of the most safe countries in the world: neither a large number thefts, no drug addicts, no robberies, and public morality is so developed and strong that it is almost impossible to hear rudeness in your address.

If you decide to go to South Korea, namely to, decide in advance on specific dates, because the cost of the flight will depend on them, and not on how much in advance you buy the plane tickets. The cheapest tickets to South Korea are, and.

If we talk about transport in Seoul, then for renting a car you will need an international license book - Russian plastic is not suitable. The whole public transport and the orange taxi (public) is paid by the T-money system - a plastic card on which money is deposited through the terminal.

Everything is like in Russia - you put your card to the turnstile, it tells you the balance of funds, and you go further.

The metro is quiet and calm inside the carriages, but no one waits for people to leave and enter immediately, so get ready to push for a long time. If you live in Moscow and think that you will not be surprised by this, you are mistaken, in Korea everything is much tougher.

There are yellow fluted paths in the metro and on the streets - landmarks for the blind. In Seoul, everything is quite well equipped for people with disabilities, so if you or your relatives were afraid to face the problem of the inability of Korean streets, then feel free to brush aside all fears.

Money. Don't count on credit cards- they are accepted, but rarely and reluctantly: Koreans are very fond of cash. Therefore, exchange some of the money immediately at the airport, and the rest at banks. When you go to the shops, pay attention to the price tags. If they are not there, the price of the product is most likely greatly overstated, and you will not be able to bargain.

If you smoke, take a supply of cigarettes with you, as Koreans hardly smoke and it can be difficult to buy cigarettes.

Before the trip, you must also remember about the traditional greeting - you need to bow slightly. As a thank you, Koreans also prefer to bow than say the word "thank you." A direct look in the eyes, by the way, can be regarded as a threat and disrespect. You can also shake hands, but this also has a special ritual: they serve and shake both the right and left hands, although preference is given to the right - the left hand is placed under the right. If this rule is not observed, it will be believed that you are a very uncivilized and far from politeness person.

If it turns out that you will be drinking with someone from Koreans, you should never refill your glass - pour it for others, not for yourself.

While we're on the topic of alcohol, it's worth mentioning food. You cannot start a meal until the oldest person sits at the table. When choosing food, do not think that only dogs and insects are cooked in Seoul, you can find perfectly normal European cuisine there, but the food is often more spicy than we are used to. Also, not all cafes and restaurants have tea, but water is always brought free of charge. But be prepared for the fact that in some restaurants and cafes, dishes are washed right on the road, and you are watching all this.

South Korea has become the seventh country in our big trip across Asia. I must say that initially we did not plan a trip to Korea, but shortly before the travel preparations, news appeared about the abolition of tourist visas for citizens of the Russian Federation. After this good news, we began to consider South Korea in the list of possible countries to visit. The trip itself was organized quite spontaneously, being in Malaysia, without clear plans for the further route, we decided that why not dilute Southeast Asia with another Asia, and bought tickets to Seoul.

First impression of Seoul

We arrived in Korea completely unprepared. We didn't have any plans or routes, to be honest, we didn't even know much about the country. Sometimes it is pleasant and useful to dilute carefully planned trips with spontaneous ones.

Seoul

Seoul greeted us with a gloomy sky and a slight coolness (about 20 degrees Celsius), from which we have already managed to get out of the habit in the hot Southeast Asia. In my mind, Korea was supposed to be like Hong Kong, but it turned out to be more like Japan.

Seoul has a lot of faceless utilitarian concrete buildings and monotonous residential areas, but in some places they are diluted with colorful neighborhoods with low houses and shining skyscrapers of business districts.

Accommodation in Seoul

Seoul is not the most cheap city for the budget traveler. The cheapest accommodation we could find was Hostel Korea Original. A night in a private room cost more than $ 30. For the first few nights we managed to get a room with our own bathroom at a special rate, but then had to move to a room with a shared bathroom as the price of ours increased.

Although we dislike hostels, we really liked Hostel Korea Original. The inside of the hostel was clean, quiet and comfortable. There is everything a tourist needs: a kitchen, a washing machine and even free coffee. The rooms are quite small and austere but clean. In the morning, if you got up early, you could have time for a symbolic breakfast in the form of toast with jam, but they were quickly eaten, as they are simply put on the table in the kitchen.

The hostel was located in a nice area with narrow streets and low brick houses; you can get to the center by metro or walk a few kilometers.

Search for hotels in Seoul:

Food

We arrived at the hostel before check-in (check-in) hour, so we decided to go out to eat. Usually we rely on our strength, but then we decided to ask the administrator where it is better for us to eat, so that the food is vegetarian. The administrator guy turned out to be very helpful, and decided to show us off to the cafe himself. We already thought that now they would take us to another tourist point with huge prices, but the guy took us to a democratic in appearance and prices diner with Korean food, and also explained to the workers in Korean that we need food without meat. No one spoke English in the cafe, the whole menu was in Korean.

They brought us two hot pots with rice and vegetables, to which they served broth and kimchi - Korean pickles that are served with almost every meal. Strictly speaking, kimchi is spicy pickled Chinese cabbage, but kimchi snacks are not limited to it. Rice pots are called bibimbap and it is one of the most famous traditional Korean dishes. We liked the food very much, we returned to this place several times.

In Korea, rolls similar to Japanese are popular, but they use rice without vinegar and do not put raw fish. The rolls are wrapped in nori sheets, and the filling is filled with vegetables, omelet, ham and seafood. Such rolls are called gimbap, they appeared during the Japanese occupation of Korea (from 1910 to 1945).

Korean cuisine is quite spicy, but on a personal level, it is much less spicy than Thai or Indian.

Street food is popular in Korea, as in all of Asia. Tents with food are piled up in certain walk-through places, they look very decent in terms of hygiene.

Korea could not do without food that is a little crazy for a European look, for example:

Food prices in Korea far from Southeast Asia, and here a budget tourist cannot roam. In the most democratic places without waiters, you can hardly find dishes for $ 5-8, in the bulk of cafes a meal will cost at least $ 10-15 per person. For at least a couple of weeks, we have not been able to come up with anything cheaper than buying food in the supermarket.