South Korea, knows as the ‘Italy of Asia’ is a vibrant, dynamic and warm hearted country. Unlike its Japanese neighbour, South Korea feels much more authentic and human even though their traditions are still very much alive.
South Korea has experienced an incredible boost in the last two decades notably due to the Football World Cup and mind-sets have changed a great deal. Last decade it would have been inimaginable for a couple to divorced without being booed by the family.
Although traditions still mean a lot and people still follow them, they have taken a new meaning and have been adapted to this technological world. For example, for a child’s first birthday, the young one is placed in front of a needle and thread (symbolizing long life), a bank note or money (symbolizing a rich life), a pen and paper ( symbolizing the child will become a writer) and so on. Nowadays parents have also added a computer mouse symbolizing the child will become a computer/technology wizard. Let’s not forget that South Korea has one of the more advanced technological developments.
Places
Once again the inevitable capital, Seoul! Very much a big city and proud to be one, Seoul is yet another of these cities that never sleep. Bars, karaoke, clubs and even the public baths are open at all times of day and night. The public transport is very reliable and like many Asian cities you can find corridors of underground shops with loads of funky, cheesy and of course kitch clothes and accessories. If you want to make the most of the day light whilst shopping and find nice affordable Korean souvenirs, the best place to go is the market in Isadong. Traditional masks, green porcelain and calligraphy can all be found. I suggest that you maybe check out the Lonely Planet for the more historical aspect that Seoul has to offer including the Seoul Tower ( best panorama in town when the sky is blue), Kyongbokkung Palace or Pagoda Park.
Travelling around Korea is fairly easy, most people will be happy to try out their English and Koreans will always try to help you as much as they can. But be aware that it isn’t called the Italy of Asia for nothing, people like to talk and even though they don’t know they might send you in the completely opposite direction ( they genuinely wanting to help you though). Very much worth visiting is the Cheju-do Island. This volcanic island hosts the highest mountain in Korea at 1950m, Mount Halla. The usually warm, sunny climate makes it a nice escape from Korea’s big cities. It’s also possible to see women diving for pearls, one of Cheju’s specialities.
Talking of specialities, if you like your fish, I suggest you wizz of to Pusan (now pronounced Busan), in South East Korea with one of the largest harbors in Korea. It has one of the most impressive fish and shellfish markets’ divided into dried seafood and fresh seafood. Don’t be startled when you see sea cucumbers for the first time in buckets of water, they look like penises.. You can also find nice, relaxing hot-springs in the area of Tongnae and if you feel like a bit of culture you should look around Kumgang Park for temples and geographical beauties.
One of the best seasons to go to Korea is spring or autumn which both have they own particularities to offer.
Food:
Korean food is one of the healthiest foods you can have. Restaurants will serve not only your main but also several little bowls of vegetables including the famous fermented cabbage,Kimchi. This traditional dish, varies from region to region and can be very spicy. If you are an amateur of meats bulgogi is a must have. Bibimbap is also one of the national dishes that you will regularly find in small and big restaurants. It is a rice dish served with vegetable and a raw egg that will cook once you mix it up with the rest of the food 9 caution hot!).
The national drink is soju. The Koreans grave about it. Although is it not usually well perceived for woman to drink, I think that as foreigners ladies, you can get away with it. Be aware though, qualities vary and the bad ones can be pretty lethal for your stomach and your hangover the next morning.
Recommended books, websites, films:
Lifeinkorea.com gives a good, general overview of what foods and events there are in the various regions of Korea as well as culture, education and life style.
Ida au pays du matin calme ( translated into Ida in the land of the Calm Morning) by Ida Daussy, is a huge recommendation is you can find it in English ( or French or Korean…). Ida Daussy has been living in Korea for over a decade and she shares in her autobiographical book all the unusual experiences a foreigner can pick up in Korea. Easy-reading and entertaining, it took me back to my years in Korea even bringing back to smell of raw garlic and hot spice that transpires in the underground at rush hour.
Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring by Kim Ki-Duk the story of an elderly monk welcoming a mischiavous child into his calm life.
