What are the best things to do in Korea in spring? Best time to travel to Korea. Entertainment and attractions
There are many more reasons to visit South Korea than just the cancellation of visas.
- Firstly, this is a very distinctive country with a rich history and unique cultural monuments.
- Secondly, stunning nature and many options for recreation - hot springs, beaches, ski resorts.
- Thirdly, South Korea keeps up with the times, and sometimes gets ahead of it. A rare fusion of tradition and innovation awaits you, so there are activities and entertainment to suit every taste.
In addition, South Korea is still not the most popular or even exotic destination, so if you are looking for off-the-beaten-path routes, urgently book a ticket for a Moscow-Seoul flight.
When to go:
You can go to South Korea all year round, but remember that the country is located in a temperate climate zone, so the seasons there are very distinct. Winter is a time for skiers, but not only. Koreans brighten up the cold with a variety of winter-themed festivals. For example, the Tebaksan Natural Park hosts the Snow and Ice Sculpture Festival. Want to bask in the sun? Then you need to plan your trip for the summer and choose seaside resorts. At this time the temperature rises to +35C.
Sightseeing lovers should go to South Korea in the spring, from mid-March to June. At this time it is already warm, there are many sunny days, and the monsoon season has not yet arrived. Spring is the time of cherry blossoms. But autumn is also good in South Korea - bright, colorful, without precipitation until the end of September.
How to get there:
Aeroflot and Korean Air fly direct from Moscow to Seoul. The flight will take about 10 hours. The cost of a round-trip ticket is from 30,700 rubles. It will be cheaper (from 26,242 rubles) to fly with a transfer in Dubai with Emirates airlines or in Helsinki with Finnair airlines. From Incheon International Airport, located 52 km from Seoul, the city can be reached by express bus or taxi.
How to get around:
South Korea is a small country, so it’s worth taking advantage of this and traveling outside the capital. Getting around is very convenient: the main cities are connected by rail, and traveling to the sound of wheels in South Korea, which values advanced technology, is very pleasant. Trains are divided into 4 types according to speed and level of comfort. The very best are the super-fast KTX. Then there are the Saemaeul express trains, the Mugunghwa high-speed train and the Thong-il passenger train.
For foreigners, there are special general KR Pass tickets, which can be purchased online. This is a kind of pass for all types of trains, except the metro, with no restrictions on the number of trips. In addition, for tourists, the Haeran train runs with compartments similar to hotel rooms, a restaurant and an observation deck.
Suburban buses are also very convenient. They run frequently, are equipped with air conditioning, and sometimes even have free wireless Internet. Do you want complete freedom? Rent a car. Well-known rental agencies operate in South Korea, for example, AVIS. However, keep in mind that traffic in the country is on the right and in large cities it is very heavy. Road signs are written in Korean and are duplicated in English in small print.
Where to go and what to see:
The first thing that comes to mind is, of course, Seoul. The capital and largest city of South Korea. This is where acquaintance with the country usually begins. Are you planning a cultural program? Seoul is perfect for you. There are four royal palaces from the Joseon Dynasty and the oldest royal palace from the Gyeongbokgung era. The spirit of the past is still felt in the palaces, and magnificent ceremonies are still held today.
You can travel back in time by walking along Insadong Street, a piece of old Seoul. There you will find many cozy cafes and tea houses, restaurants with local cuisine and traditional souvenirs.
In addition to antiquities, one of the most popular attractions among tourists is a trip to the Demilitarized Zone on the border of South and North Korea. Foreigners are allowed to climb through a secret tunnel dug 70 meters below the border. You can only enter the Demilitarized Zone with an organized tour.
But you can safely go to 4DX, a 4D cinema. It was in South Korea that the first such cinemas appeared. They are strikingly different from the 3D to which we are already accustomed: in addition to visual effects, in 4DX you can feel movement and smells, feel the wind and splashes of water.
You can easily spend a week or even more in Seoul, but the impression of South Korea will not be complete, so go to other cities, and on the way, do not deny yourself the pleasure of visiting small villages.
By the way, two historical Korean villages, founded back in the 13th-14th centuries, are even included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as important monuments of Confucian culture. This is the village of Hahoe in the city of Andong (Gyeongsangnam-do province) and Yangdong in the city of Gyeongju (Gyeongsangbuk-do province). Andong is known not only as the cradle of Confucianism, but also as the home of the yangban, the Korean nobles. Some of their traditional dwellings have survived to this day and function as hotels.
The entire historical center of Gyeongju, the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom, is a UNESCO site. The ancient Buddhist temple of Bulguksa and Cheomseongdae, the oldest observatory that has survived to this day, have survived.
Busan, the country's second largest city and also the sea capital of South Korea, is famous for its skyscrapers, and the world's largest department store located there Shinsegae Centum City will delight shopaholics.
Tired of big cities? Busan has many beautiful parks: Taejeongdae, Hale National Marine Park, Haeundae and Gwanalli Beaches, Geumgang Park and Monnae Hot Springs. In search of peace, quiet and perhaps the meaning of life, go to Thondos Monastery, where Buddhist relics are kept.
Daegu is beautifully located in a valley surrounded by low mountains and is a major Buddhist center with numerous temples. The main attraction and pride of Daegu is the highly revered Haeinsa Temple, in whose repository is the Tripitaka Koreana, the most complete collection of Buddhist canons in East Asia. Don't miss the Chikchisa Monastery with its ancient columns and thousands of small Buddha statues.
The city of Suwon is also interesting. Hwaseong Fortress, although not very ancient (only the end of the 18th century), is very beautiful, and the Korean Folk Village is located nearby. Suwon itself enchants with its harmonious combination of new and old, this is especially noticeable on the street of restaurants, where the aroma of kalbi, grilled ribs, simply drives you crazy.
The islands deserve special attention. In the Yellow Sea lies the island of Ganghwado, and on it there are as many as 120 dolmens, ancient burial structures. There is also an altar to Tangun, the legendary founder of the nation, and other younger landmarks.
Jeju Island is a popular seaside resort with a mild tropical climate. If you are into golf, then Jeju is a must. It is home to 16 golf clubs and is known as the Island of Golf, one of South Korea's most popular sports.
Are you dreaming of a winter fairy tale? For snow, skiers need to go to Yeonpyeong, Phoenix Park and Hyundai Songgu.
But the most important thing you cannot leave South Korea without are natural hot springs. An hour and a half drive from Seoul are “Asan Spavis”, open-air thermal springs - you can swim in them even in cold weather. Pamper yourself with unusual treatments such as a pool with jasmine extract or a yellow clay sauna.
Koreans themselves love to soak in hot water, but they won’t refuse to go down the water slide with the breeze. One of the most popular water parks, Seorak Wotopia, is located near the Seoraksan Mountains on the coast of the East Sea. Even if you don't really like water activities, it's worth a visit: Seoraksan is part of the Kumgangsan mountain range, which means “Diamond Mountains,” and is considered one of the most picturesque places in the world.
What to do:
In addition to hot springs and golf, there are other entertainments in Korea that, at the mention of which, the heart of every Korean begins to beat faster. Oddly enough, this is baseball. The favorite American pastime was so loved in the East that it became almost a national sport. If you have never been to the USA and have not seen this game, be sure to go, just study the rules in advance, otherwise it may be a bit boring.
The second is walking in the mountains. This is probably one of the secrets of Korean longevity: fresh air, physical activity and contemplation of picturesque views greatly contribute to increasing life expectancy.
What to try:
Koreans eat a lot of rice, but they also really like soups and seafood dishes. An obligatory component of the meal is kimchi, that is, pickled vegetables. Fruits are usually served for dessert, and infusions and makkori rice wine are popular drinks.
Koreans love to eat and take food very seriously, but fat people are rarely seen. Probably the whole point is that all dishes, according to the Koreans themselves, are extremely healthy.
What to buy:
South Korea has a lot of things that are an everyday item for locals, but exotic and a good gift for foreigners. Here you can find very beautiful pearl products, boxes inlaid with mother-of-pearl, fans, embroidery, masks, wooden and ceramic products.
The special pride of South Korea is ginseng. It is sold in different forms - tea, tinctures, extracts, dried and sun-dried ginseng, in honey, in alcohol, in syrup. There are even chocolates and candies with ginseng. Original and, as they say, useful.
Several years ago, South Korea abolished visas for Russian citizens. A visa is still required only for students, migrants and those who intend to work in the country. But tourists can stay in South Korea for up to 60 days. We found ten reasons to travel to a country that, in less than half a century, has transformed from the most backward corner into one of the most progressive states in the world. But with all the speed of this progress, ancient traditions are still respected in Korea.
Treatment and recovery
South Korea is quite popular among tourists who want to improve their health. The healthcare system here is one of the best not only in Asia, but throughout the world. The main directions of medical tourism: plastic surgery, dentistry, gynecology, oncology. In addition to the latest medical centers, you can undergo treatment using traditional Korean methods - this will certainly appeal to those who do not like doctors and medications, preferring traditional methods of treatment.
You can strengthen your health and immunity in a chimchilban. On the Internet, such a place is usually called a “Korean bathhouse,” which, to put it mildly, does not even come close to reflecting its capabilities. As a rule, this is a large complex with a sauna, massage, swimming pool, bathhouse, fitness center, cafe and other conditions for a good rest with benefits for the body. The most famous chimchilbans in Seoul 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 to run errands, 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 can easily be equal to the budget of the entire trip to South Korea. The most hurricane-prone area of Seoul in this regard is Gangnam-gu. This is the epicenter of the capital's party life. Lovers of cocktails, parties until the morning and spontaneous acquaintances should settle here.
In ancient times, this city was the capital of the Silla state, and now attracts travelers with many monuments of Korean culture. It is home to the national park of the same name, as well as the impressive Gyeongju National Museum, which displays ancient Korean objects, as well as clothing, sculpture and painting.
In the city center you will find the Myonghwal and Wolseong fortresses, and a little further away you will find Pomun Lake. You can stay longer near it, because there is the Posum summer theater, numerous resorts, hotels and a 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 of South Korea is a resort with a good climate. There are still few tourists here, and the infrastructure is well developed. There are several resort areas, the most famous of which are Seogwipo and Jungmun. They have equipped beaches with all amenities for vacationers. Here you can also go diving, horse riding and archery.
Jeju is popular among honeymooners, and some places are designed especially for them. If you are not the shy type, take a look at the Love Land park - there are about 140 sculptures frozen in unambiguous poses. Well, if you prefer classic tourist spots, welcome to a traditional Korean village. And the most interesting object on the island is Mount Hallasan, this is the highest point (1950 meters) on Jeju and the best place to photograph the sunrise.
The Taekabsan Range runs through the eastern part of South Korea. The highest point is Daecheonbong Peak - 1708 meters in height, it is second only to Hallasan Volcano and Mount Chirisan. The national park is especially popular among tourists in the fall, when the trees turn bright yellow and red.
However, even in summer there is something to see here. 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, Himalayan bear and eastern goral. The site has been a candidate for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1994.
It is the second largest city in Korea and is home to more than three and a half million people. The largest port is located here, 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 even after the high-profile sporting event, the city was not forgotten.
Busan has world-class beaches, national parks and hot springs. However, the main attraction of the city is the Buddhist temple of Beomeosa, where three incarnations of Buddha are located. It was built on Mount Krimjeongsan in 678. The temple is one of the oldest in South Korea.
The long name belongs to a traditional Korean village near Namsan Mountain. Or rather, it is a museum located in the center of Seoul. But being here, it’s 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 classical Korean garden, and a time capsule site. You can appreciate the national architecture - there are five hanoks (houses) here. All of them at one time belonged to people of different social classes, and you can see the difference in decoration and decoration between the houses of wealthy and less wealthy Koreans.
In shopping centers in South Korea you can buy absolutely everything. And you don’t have to go to Seoul to do this. For example, Busan is home to the world's largest department store, Shinsegae Centum City. You can walk through the halls from morning to evening for several days, which will certainly delight female travelers and darken the mood of travelers. However, sometimes this can be beneficial: they left their companion in a department store, and they themselves walked around the city.
In addition to the usual global brands, Shinseg Centum City features many local Korean brands that specialize in cosmetics and accessories.
This park will keep you busy for the whole day, and the attractions will appeal to both adults and children. They say that the roof of Lotte World is visible even from satellites. The park is open without breaks on weekends, every day from morning to evening.
In addition to attractions, you will find a shopping center, a cinema, several cafes and a hotel. Lotte World is a great place for a family holiday. It is more aimed at children, but adults will not be bored either.
There are five palaces of the Joseon Dynasty in Seoul: Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, Gyeonghigun, Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung. One of them, Gyeongbokgung, was destroyed during the Imjin War in the sixteenth century, and was restored in the mid-nineteenth century. Changgyeonggung also suffered, but mostly due to time. In 1983 it was completely restored.
" From afar in the darkness of the night
There was a spring aroma,
It smelled like the coming spring..."
(I. Bunin).
This is how spring begins in South Korea. .One day, returning from work, you will see that the buds, still wrapped in winter fur coats, have suddenly become large. And forgetting about business, you begin to understand “that in young life the secret came into the world under the cover of darkness, that spring has returned - and the first flowers are growing invisibly.”
The eternal secret of young life is revealed like a delicate, mysterious flower. It seems that its petals are made of elastic silk.
And the next day, clouds of white flowers fly into the sky like giant butterflies. And the butterfly in Korea is a symbol of joy.
Yulan magnolia blooms.
Even at the dawn of our era, in 600, these snow-white flowers served as a symbol of purity. If you write their name in Khancha language, i.e. using Chinese characters, the name of the flower will be read as "mogen kott". Translated into Russian it is “forest flower”. And in Vietnam these flowers are called “forest lotus”. Their Latin name is Yulan magnolia. But students translate their name into English as “innocent” - innocence. 
And in Europe these flowers are known as Magnolia denudata, translated as “naked Magnolia”. Only it is not a flower that is exposed, but a tree with no leaves yet. Flowers open at the end of winter, when there is still snow in the mountains, and other trees are in no hurry to open their buds. The homeland of these unusual flowers is the valleys of the high mountain gorges of the Himalayas.
Remember the valley lost in the mountains from Mine Reid's novel The Plant Hunters. Unfortunately, 18th century hunters were armed only with guns and did not have 21st century cameras.
“The natives are convinced that their gods live in lonely valleys, lost among the inaccessible peaks. At that moment, the travelers were ready to believe this legend.... The hunters finished their day's trek and settled down on the edge of a small grove, in the shade of a spreading talaum - a type of magnolia with very large leaves. The transition was difficult, as they approached the foot of the main chain of the Himalayas. And although it seemed to them that there were as many descents as there were ascents, in fact they were climbing all the time and by evening they were already at an altitude of more than five. thousand feet above the plains of India. The character of the vegetation has changed: they have entered the forests of magnolias that encircle the foothills of these mountains. In this mountainous country, the greatest number of varieties of the wonderful family of magnolias are found; entire forests of magnolias cover the slopes of the lower Himalayas. At an altitude of four to eight thousand feet, magnolias. white flowers are beginning to be replaced by another variety - with magnificent purple flowers - this is the most beautiful type of magnolia; She often dresses the hillsides with a continuous purple carpet."
The one Mine Reed wrote about is Mulan magnolia, also known as Magnоlia liliflora, Lily magnolia, Tulip magnolia. And in Europe it is often called the “Tulip Tree”.
Today purple magnolia Mulan magnolia came from the slopes of the lower Himalayas to the University of South Korea.
Purple magnolia is also called red magnolia. And in Indochina, red is the color of love and life.
One of the fairy tales says that an old parrot told a poor flower girl the secret of how to bring paper flowers to life. To do this, it was enough to sprinkle them with a drop of your blood. Fresh flowers were expensive, and the girl had money. One day she met a selfish young man, a student. He wanted to live in wealth, and the flower girl gave more and more of her blood for the sake of the groom. The moment came when she gave her last drop of blood. This last flower turned red. He was the most beautiful.
Translated from Korean, this red flower, a symbol of selfless female love, is now called “red magnolia.” In Europe, these flowers were given a French name. This happened at the end of the 18th century, during the Age of Enlightenment, when plant hunters, exploring Asia, or rather, captured colonies, assigned European names to long-known local plants. There were no photographs then; they were replaced by herbariums, inaccurate descriptions and hand-drawn drawings. The first Asian plants exported to Europe under new names were Magnolia denudata and Magnolia liliiflora. But their Western name does not come from the word "magic".
The magnolia genus was discovered for Europe by Charles Plumier (1646-1704), a Franciscan, physicist, mathematician, draftsman, painter, turner, Royal botanist under Louis XIV. As a true Franciscan monk, Charles Plumier did not call the flowers he saw his estate. Pluimier gave the new flower the name of another great French botanist - Pierre Magnol, director of the Royal Botanical Garden. It must be said that Charles Plumier first saw and sketched a flowering tree with giant snow-white flowers not in Asia, on the island of Martinique during his voyage in the Caribbean in 1703. But it was a different magnolia - the evergreen Magnolia grandiflora. And in 1753, Carl Linnaeus used Charles Plumier's descriptions and the name of the Magnoliaceae plant family in his publication Species plantarum.
But, as Main Reed wrote, “I dare to say that the most humble plant hunter has brought more benefit to humanity than the great Linnaeus. Plant hunters not only introduced us to the vegetation of the entire globe, but also showed us its rarest species, allowed us to inhale the aroma of wonderful flowers, which, if it were not for these unknown workers, would bloom invisibly." (For a Westerner.) “The diversity and brightness of your gardens is the work of his plant hunters. The lush dalia swaying over the flowerbed; the peony sparkling with bright colors; the lovely camellia pleasing your eyes in the greenhouse; kalmias, azaleas, rhododendrons, white jasmine stars , geraniums and thousands of other beautiful flowers were given to us by the plant hunter. With their help, England - cold, foggy England - was transformed into a garden full of flowers, more varied and vibrant than those that bloom in the famous valley of Kashmir. The beauty of our landscape, most of the beautiful bushes that decorate our villas and cottages are the fruits of the labors of plant hunters."
Together with fearless plant hunters, magnolias first came to eastern Nepal, southwestern China, and northern Burma, and then to Korea and Japan. And now in southern China, Magnolia denudata blooms in mid-February for the Lunar New Year holiday, which signifies the arrival of spring. These white flowers have been used in Chinese medicine and cosmetics for centuries. And the smell of Yulan magnolia is divine: gentle, like the spring wind, bitter, like life itself, and refreshing, like the smell of lemon.
Now Yulan magnolia flowers are used by Oriflame as natural Swedish cosmetics. And I invite you to move from the cold and foggy West to the warm East. And look at South Korea. In South Korea, these flowers appear in mid-March, when there is still snow in the mountains. And in the mountain Buddhist monasteries of Korea, Yulan magnolia blooms next to ancient pagodas, testifying to the purity of thoughts, just like one and a half thousand years ago.
Yulan magnolia decorates the mountain Buddhist monasteries of South Korea
In the Far East, white is a symbol not only of innocence, but also of death. Or maybe immortality?
There is such an ancient Chinese legend. A small village was attacked by robbers. They killed almost all the inhabitants, leaving only one hundred beautiful girls alive, they were killed gradually. When the last girl was killed, she prayed: “Native land, don’t let us die completely.”eat, leave us at least part of life!" And a miracle happened: in the morning, at the place of execution, a tree grew on which a hundred white flowers bloomed. The robbers tried to cut down this tree, but wherever the branches fell, a new tree grew from them, on which a hundred blossomed. large white flowers.
In modern South Korea, purity and innocence coexist with the exact sciences. At our Cwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), the white flowers of Yulan magnolia do especially well near the student dormitory. 
Yulan magnolia is a symbol of innocence. And the inscription on the building in Korean means the dormitory building of a student dormitory.
But in Korea, virginity does not mean poverty. The largest magnolia, called the "forest lotus", blooms in the spring under the windows of our dormitory for married students. In Korea, a child wearing a lotus flower symbolizes not only Buddha's birthday, but also Children's Day. And at our GIST University, in the shade of the “forest lotus”, students’ cars, as well as their small children, feel comfortable.
,
Yulan magnolia is also blooming in the student parking lot.
Meanwhile, golden rain descends on Korean soil. The "canary wife" is blooming. On the mountain slopes, among the stones and snow, streams of its dazzling yellow bushes flash. And the city walls are covered with an openwork of branches bending in the dance of small flowers. 
In a gentle choir, in a light dance. "Canary wives."
And against a background of thin gold, evergreen camellias reveal their rich flowers.
In the south of South Korea, camellia grows everywhere: in courtyards, in the mountains, on the streets.
Camellia is called "dongbaek" in Korean. And unlike the West, where after the famous novel by Dumas, the camellia became a symbol of consumptive beauty, in its homeland in Southeast Asia, the camellia is a symbol of health. After all, camellia is a tea tree. Do you like good tea? Then take a look at its flowers.
Indeed, both white and red camellias can bloom on one bush at the same time. Whatever some journalists write about 28 days, it depends not on them, but on the vaccine. But camellia flowers do not live a human life, but their own pure life. Although white symbolizes death in Korea and red symbolizes life, camellia is an evergreen plant. In place of dying flowers, seeds appear, followed by new flowers. Camellia, unlike the Lady with Camellias, does not die, although both of them are immortal due to their beauty.
As for symbols, red stripes on a pink background of camellia petals can mean passing stripes of love and tenderness that live even “in the bustle of cities and the flow of cars.”
Stop, look around. Against the background of last year's dry grass, pink camellia flowers look at you
These soft pink camellias bloom in the shade from our GIST University administration building.
They remind me of Korean students with their purity and modesty.
But in the stormy symphony of oriental flowers, the subtle aroma of our native gardens appears. This wild apricot opens its first buds. They glow on dry and dark branches, dispelling the morning fog and the last cold of the passing winter.
Awakening.
Wild apricots are called “meshil” in Korean; in the North Caucasus and Moldova they are called “zherdela” or “zarzary”. And in Korea, small bitter-sour mechil fruits help withstand monsoon rains and heat in the summer. Well, in the spring, meshil means awakening, the beginning of the most tender, thoughtful and vulnerable time of flowering of plums and cherries.
Following the apricots, Korea is filled with white waves of plum blossoms.
And after magnolias, camellias and plums, wild cherry blossoms begin in Korea. In the West, this tree, covered with delicate and festive flowers, is also called mountain cherry, or wild cherry. And in Japan it is "sakura". But it’s better not to say this word in Korea. It’s better to say that you are simply admiring a flower. Better yet, call this tree “pot kkot” in Korean. 
Wild cherry waterfall in our yard
After the Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895) and the period of the Armed Occupation of Korea by Japan (1910-1945), Japanese flower names seem bloody. For example, at dawn on October 8, 1895, a group of armed Japanese, so-called "mercenary swords", killed Queen Ming in her own bedroom at Changdekung Palace. After which, in front of the court ladies and servants paralyzed with horror, the Japanese chopped the queen into pieces and threw her into the royal pond to be devoured by fish. In diplomatic circles, Queen Min was compared to Elizabeth I. The organizer of the conspiracy was the Japanese envoy to Korea. The murder was carried out in deep secrecy, and the world would never have known about its circumstances if not for the testimony of two foreigners, including a Russian subject who served as a watchman in the palace.
And I am reminded of the death of Queen Ming and her courtiers by an old tree that has been preserved in the secret royal park of Changdekung Palace, now protected by UNESCO. This is "shidarezakura", translated from Japanese as "crying sakura". But it’s better to call it “pot kkot” in Korean.
Weeping wild cherry "pot kkot" in the secret park of the Changdekung Royal Palace.
But there is also a bright red wild cherry, i.e. red sakura, or red flower "pot kkot". The red wild cherry tree is associated with the tragic fate of a Japanese child.
There is a legend: in order to prove to the ruler Shogun the cruelty of Prince Hotta, the brave elder of the village of Sakura brought his children to him and showed them their backs, covered with scars from the beatings of the prince’s servants. Hotta was punished, but harbored a mortal grudge against the complainant. He managed to secretly capture Sakura and the children. He then tied them to a wild cherry tree and ordered them to be flogged to death. Since then, some cherry trees in Japan have bloomed with bright red flowers, it is believed that they were sprinkled with the blood of Sakura's innocent children.
But my next photographs were taken not in Japan, but in the center of Seoul, albeit next to the Japanese consulate. And Japan and Korea are eternal enemies and rivals. It’s good that flowers are always above political and economic strife.
Red wild cherry
In Korea, these red trees are also called "pot kott". They are not as popular as the delicate white and pink "pot cotta" and decorate business and modern residential areas.
"Pot kkot" on Korean streets.
In general, there are about 16 species and approximately 400 varieties of wild pot kkot cherries.
But in Korea, the Land of Morning Freshness, white and pink flowers are most loved. Maybe they remind Koreans of the pink foam of the sea surf at dawn?
For two weeks, the mountains and lengths, ancient monasteries and modern avenues of South Korea are buried in the foam of the flowering wild cherry "pot kkot".
"Sweat kkot" in the coolness of a mountain stream.
"Sweat kcott" at your eyes.
Trembling beauty. This is also “pot kkot”.
But there is one more tree that you cannot pass by with your head down - this is the Yoshino Cherry. In Latin Prunus Уedoensis, in Japanese Somei-yoshino.
Cherry Yoshino
This is a hybrid of cherries and several types of plums, which was cultivated for many years in the Japanese city of Yoshino, where its name comes from.
In the spring, all of Korea is buried in the white and pink foam of Yoshino Cherries; here they are also called “pot kkot”. The dense alleys of Yoshino Cherry also surround the building of the Korean parliament - the National Assembly. You can go there freely, as long as there is no opposition on that day. On one of these days, leaving the modest building of the South Korean Parliament, I, like the entire Korean people, raised my head. And I forgot about politics. A sea of Yoshino Cherries boiled above me.
Heavenly beauty
It's a pity that real beauty is vulnerable and short-lived. The spring wind knocks down the delicate petals, and in two weeks the mountain slopes and streets will be covered with them like snow. And the pot kkot trees themselves will become simply green.
But spring is getting brighter. New trees are blooming to replace the flying wild cherries.
Flowering tree "chelchuk".
What about the smells? What is it like for allergy sufferers in this paradise? Nature has thought of everything here too. Flowers in Korea do NOT smell. True, there are exceptions to this rule.
I have already written about Yulan magnolia. But the subtle "lemony" scent of white magnolia is nothing compared to the thick, honeyed, intoxicating scent of wisteria. Waves of sweet southern aroma float over Korean squares, evoking the words of a Russian romance:
The nightingale whistled to us all night long,
The city was silent and the houses were silent,
White acacia fragrant clusters
They drove us crazy all night long...
Fragrant clusters of lilac wisteria are reminiscent of our white acacia, our spring southern streets and all the good things that come with it. Only wisteria is even larger, even more fragrant. The word "wisteria" comes from the Greek "sweet", its Russian name is wisteria, or Chinese wisteria, the Latin Wisteria. This is a subtropical plant from the Legume family, widespread in China, Korea, and Japan. It’s a pity that the photo doesn’t convey the smells, but take a look at the wisteria that grows near our store.
Sweet wisteria clusters are fragrant...
All the gazebos and bicycle stands of our university bathe in the same lilac shade in the spring.
And at this time, a parade of flowers begins on earth. Seedlings are sold everywhere, even in Down Town Seoul. Spring in Korea, as elsewhere, is not only an office struggle with the crisis and competitors. This is eternal work in rice fields, orchards, and vegetable gardens. And, of course, planting and replanting flowers. Check out Jongno Shopping Street in the heart of Seoul. In spring, it is famous not only for its “golden” shops, but also for the sale of seedlings. You move along its flowering sidewalks with difficulty, but with great pleasure.
The sidewalks of Jongno's business street are filled with seedlings.
And here is the apotheosis of spring. The azaleas, “chin-tale,” begin to bloom. Scarlet, white, red waves fill palaces, courtyards, streets and mountains
.
Our street in spring
Our lake in spring
And not a single children's or women's dress is complete without pink - the color of spring azaleas.
Spring silks
And there is an even brighter May ahead, with lotuses blooming and flower festivalsand happy holidays. There are still many good things ahead.I wish that this will be good, and that even in bad weather, for you:
From afar in the darkness of the night
There was a spring aroma,
It smelled like the coming spring... April 2009
You can find other stories about Korea in the e-book: "Remembering Korea"
To be fully prepared for your trip to the Land of Morning Freshness and get answers to all possible questions before your trip, use our tips.
1. How and when to fly
South Korea is a pleasant travel destination all year round. If you want to bask by the sea, the ideal month for this is August: the rainy season will already end and the air will warm up to 27–30 °C. In autumn, Korea is warm and dry, you can walk through numerous national parks, enjoying the bright autumn colors, admiring the famous red maples, and the best time for this is the end of September - beginning of November. In winter, temperatures rarely drop below -6°C, making this excellent weather for skiing and snowboarding. Spring in Korea is warm and sunny, with very little rainfall. And in the spring, cherries, dogwoods, and azaleas bloom, and this is worth admiring. Peak flowering occurs in April. Read more about what to do in different seasons in South Korea.
There is a seasonal direct flight from St. Petersburg to Seoul from the largest airline in South Korea, Korean Air, which means that from spring to autumn you can fly to the capital of Korea without unnecessary headaches and transfers. Departures are carried out daily, except Monday and Wednesday, the flight time is 8 hours 50 minutes.
2. How to get around the city
Seoul has a problem, like any other modern metropolis - traffic jams. Therefore, if possible, it is better to use the metro and other public transport. It's easy with a single T-money card, which will help you save 10% on each trip compared to a single ticket.
T-money and Cashbee transport cards are valid on buses and subways in Seoul and other regions of Korea (all major cities have subways), and you can also use them to pay for taxi fares.
City buses operate in all regions of Korea and have a specific color. All buses in Seoul are painted in four colors: yellow - roundabouts, green ones operate within one area between metro stations, blue ones serve several areas, red ones carry out suburban services. Read more about Seoul buses and other types of transport in the “Transport” section on the website of the National Tourism Organization of Korea.
Sometimes it is more convenient to take a taxi. A lot of them. More budget taxis are orange (in Seoul; in satellite cities - silver), luxury taxis are black with a yellow sign on the roof.
3. Where to change money and should you tip?
The Korean currency is the won. The rate may change, but at the moment 1000 Korean won (KRW) = 57.6 rubles, or just under $1. Almost everywhere, except for small shops and markets, cards of international payment systems are accepted.
It is best to exchange cash at Korean banks or specialized points located in tourist areas such as Insadong, Itaewon, Myeongdong. You can also exchange money in large hotels or directly at the airport (Incheon or Gimpo), but the commission will be higher than in the city.
Save your documents - you can exchange local currency that was not useful during your trip back into dollars only if you present a certificate from the bank.
Tipping is not customary in Korea. Trying to tip is perceived negatively by Koreans. However, in European or American bars in South Korea, where there are no Koreans among the staff or management, such a gesture will be appreciated as usual.
4. How and what to buy
Korea is called a shopaholic's paradise. Large department stores stock the world's high-end brands Chanel, Gucci, Prada, Hermes, Bulgari and many others. There are interesting clusters with clothes from local designers. Excellent cosmetics, beautiful products made of mother-of-pearl and pearls and, of course, souvenirs. The most popular are the Korean national costume hanbok, dozhagi ceramics, puchae fan and pok jumoni lucky bag.
Large shopping centers and markets are often open 24 hours a day.
And more good news for shopping lovers: Duty Free, that is, a duty-free shopping zone, is available not only at airports and ports in Korea, but also in department stores of large brands (for example, local majors Lotte and Huindai).
In Korea, there is also a familiar tax refund on goods purchased in the country - Tax Refund. Look for blue star stickers. If you don’t find such a sticker, ask the staff about Global Blue, Tax Refund or Tax Free. The minimum purchase amount is 30,000 won. The purchase price per purchase should not exceed 500,000 won, including tax. You will be able to return from 10 to 20% for jewelry. Save the receipts, fill out the Tax Free Form, prepare your passport and purchased items and go to the return point, which is not only at the airport, but also in the city center - they are indicated on receipts and at duty-free points. If you can't wait, use the Global Blue post office box located next to Customs. Drop in your completed, stamped Tax Free form with your receipts to receive a refund on your credit card.
And yet, every summer in Seoul there is a big summer sale (Seoul Summer Sale), where tourists can get up to 50% discount if they get a special card at the airport in advance.
5. What language to speak
Before traveling to a non-English-speaking country, the question always arises whether you need to acquire a phrasebook in order to somehow communicate with the locals if necessary.
The official language in South Korea is Korean. If you want to be known as a polyglot among your local acquaintances, remember a few useful phrases. “Hello” - “anyon haseyo”. In a more informal dialogue with friends, you can say “anyon” - “hello.” “It’s very nice to meet you” - “mannaso pongauyo.” “Thank you” - “kamsahamnida”. “Goodbye” - “annenyonhi keseyo” - is said to the one who remains. In order to make a good impression, these phrases will be quite enough.
But don’t be shy to ask directions or ask any other questions in English, because Koreans devote a lot of time to learning this language and will not mind practicing. If you don’t know who to contact on the street, look for the tourist police, whose representatives are distinguished by their blue uniforms and black berets. Its staff will help you find your way around or translate the sign on the sign (although most are dubbed into English). Information support is also part of their responsibilities.
6. How not to be left without communication
South Korea is famous for the fastest Internet in the world - 26.1 Mbit/sec, as well as its accessibility to the population. Free Wi-Fi is available in many establishments and hotels in Seoul, in museums, train stations and airports, and even on the subway, but outside the capital it is somewhat more difficult to find. Therefore, local operators offer portable Wi-Fi routers (also called Wi-Fi eggs), which allow you to access the Internet wherever there is a cellular connection. You can rent a Wi-Fi router at the airport, although it is quite expensive.
Those who want to purchase a SIM card from a local operator can do so online in advance and then pick up the SIM card at the airport. Particularly popular among foreign tourists are 5, 10 and 30-day SIM cards that provide unlimited access to the Internet. SIM cards are also sold in large supermarkets and specialty stores. Don't forget to check if your phone is unlocked for use abroad.
It is worth noting that electricity in Korea is standard - 220V, 60Hz, sockets are the same as in Russia. So you don't need to buy any special adapters.
7. Where to live
In Korea, like almost anywhere in the world, there is housing to suit every taste and budget. In addition to luxury hotels that offer fitness centers, luxury rooms and restaurants, there are also budget motels and resorts. In the second case, you will be offered a room with an ondol (heated floor) and a set of bedding (but no bed!). If you are not ready for such exotic accommodation, it is better to check in advance whether there are regular rooms. In addition, in Korea you can take advantage of the special Hanokstay program and sleep in a traditional Korean hanok house. Apart-hotels or condominiums are located near ski resorts, beaches, and national parks. This is comfortable apartment-like housing and is in great demand.
Dos and don'ts
In the house it is customary to take off shoes and walk barefoot.
It is not customary to pierce food with chopsticks like a fork. Chopsticks should not be left upright on a plate, especially stuck into rice. And you shouldn't use them as a pointer during a conversation.
Saying a categorical “no” is considered bad manners. Here evasive answers are accepted and there is practically no imperative mood.
In Korean culture, personal space is highly valued, so it is not customary to pat people on the back, hug strangers, or generally touch strangers.
It’s better not to gesticulate: gestures that we are used to may have a completely different meaning in Korean culture and may even seem offensive.
In Korea, elders are respected - by age and position. There are many things you cannot do in front of your elders, and besides, you are supposed to treat them in a special way: bow deeply, wait for someone to give you a hand, and always return the handshake with both hands. Pouring wine and passing objects to the elder must also be done with both hands or holding the other by the wrist.
It is not customary to blow your nose in public, but you are supposed to sneeze loudly. And you can even slurp to show that you are enjoying the food.