An introduction to Korea Travel and your holiday with Wendy Wu Tours

SOUTH KOREA Overview

South Korea is a country determined to leave its previous troubles behind and has entered the new millennium with renewed optimism and passion. This region has distinct features; the traditional and the historical, as well as the sleek and the cosmopolitan. Despite the ever-widening gap between the two cultures, the latter has not completely replaced the former.

These days most towns consist of a new fashionable area with coffee shops, nightclubs, karaoke bars and stores selling a variety of goods - everything from designer-label clothing to freshly baked French bread. But in these same towns you will also find the Korea of old; alleyways and street markets in an intriguing maze where vendors sell everything from fruits, vegetables and seafood, just as they have done for hundreds of years.

South Korea has much to offer the avid traveller and many believe it to be the unspoiled gem of Asia. It possesses untouched natural landscapes, a vibrant history with traditional culture and local people who are friendly and welcoming.

Time - South Korea is 2 hours behind Australian EST

Language - The official national language is Korean

Entry Requirements - Passports must be valid for six months beyond the length of stay. Visas are not required for Australian passport holders for entry into Korea for stays of up to 90 days

SEOUL

Seoul is the capital of South Korea and home to 11 million of the nation’s 46 million people. As well as being one of the oldest cities, Seoul is also the country’s financial, political, commercial and cultural centre. The old and new mix in this dynamic city, offering the visitor
plenty of sightseeing opportunities such as the famed Gyeongbok Palace, Seoul Tower and Insadong Antique Alley.

JEJU ISLAND (JEJU-SI)

Jeju Island is Korea’s largest sub-tropical island located off the south coast. It boasts a treasure chest of tourist attractions including many spectacular geographical features such as the Hallasan Volcano, beaches, impressive waterfalls and fauna. Its culture, traditions
and dialect are also remarkably different to that of the mainland.

Getting around Seoul

Below is some helpful information on public transport to assist you in getting to and from Seoul Incheon International Airport.

LIMOUSINE BUS TRANSFERS

There are two types of buses that run from Incheon Airport to Seoul; the City Limousine Buses (operate between 0500-2230hrs) and the Kal Limousine Buses (operate between 0530-2130hrs); both of which take passengers to a selection of the major city hotels in Seoul. Buses usually run every 15 minutes and take approximately 90 minutes to reach the city centre. Limousine bus tickets cannot be pre-booked, however, tickets can be purchased from ticket booths on the first floor at Incheon Airport.

PRIVATE CAR TRANSFERS

This service is convenient as it offers travellers a hassle-free arrival and a ‘meet and greet’ service. However, due to the tolls and the distance of the transfer, you may find them to be very expensive. Prices are from approximately $110 per person one way (based on a minimum of two passengers travelling together).

TAXIS

There are two types of metered taxis which operate in Seoul; the general taxi and the more expensive black deluxe taxi. Few drivers can speak English, however, some taxis offer a free interpretation service, whereby an interpreter talks to the passenger and the driver by phone.