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Asian Tiger, a seriously wired country or the world\u2019s most heavily fortified border? All are accurate descriptions of South Korea though none fully captures the essence of this fascinat- ing, complex nation. Social relations may be grounded in ancient Confucianism but South Korea is most decidedly a forward thinking country thanks to its hurry-hurry approach to everything, an insatiable appetite for technological advancement and an indomitable can- do attitude. No one knows where the country is headed, but it\u2019s fast-forward all the way. That\u2019s what makes South Korea so exiting and at times unnerving; it\u2019s a country of endless possibilities with limits imposed only by you.

New York might be the city that never sleeps, but Seoul is the city that never stops. Late night traditional markets, early morning cinemas and 24-hour public baths are all available before and after you\u2019ve visited the galleries and toured the palaces. There\u2019s an infectious energy in Seoul and it\u2019s easy to get caught up in the Koreanjoie de vivre, one best experi- enced with a group over a barbecue dinner and several bottles ofsoj u (the local, distilled brew) to bridge cultural gaps, nullify language barriers and build a spirit of conviviality that could last well into the morning, and perhaps a lifetime.

Few international travellers explore the countryside, which is a tragedy and a blessing. Se- rene temples, picturesque mountains, lush rice paddies, unspoiled fishing villages and endless hiking opportunities are so far off the beaten track, it\u2019s unlikely you\u2019ll meet any Westerners on the road less travelled. English-language services are rare in the countryside, but that\u2019s part of the charm. Come as an explorer, seek out adventure, cut your own trail. Challenge yourself and you may develop an appreciation for South Korea\u2019s rich cultural tapestry and a newfound sense of personal freedom, the hallmarks of any truly great journey.

Kor ea
4\u00a9 Lonel y Pl anet Publ i cat i ons
THI S I MAGE
NOT AVAI LABLE
INPICK& MIX
\u00a9 Lonel y Pl anet Publ i cat i ons
5
Content s
9
The Aut hors
12
Getting Started
14
Itineraries
18
Snapshot
25
Hist ory
26
The Culture
43
Environment
57
Food & Drink
62
Korea Out doors
73
Seoul
79
History

80 National & Provincial Parks 80 Getting There & Around

80
Orientation
80
Information
81
Sights
83
Activities
114
Walking Tours
116
Courses
118
Seoul for Children
118
Tours
119
Festivals & Events
119
Sleeping
120
Eating
124
Drinking
128
Entertainment
130
Shopping
133
Getting There & Away
136
Getting Around
137
Gyeonggi-do
139
Seoul Grand Park
141
Bukhansan National Park 141
Suraksan
143
Seoul Racecourse
143
Namhan Sanseong
Provincial Park
144
Suwon
144
Korean Folk Village
147
Everland
147
Icheon
147
Incheon
149
Island Hopping in
t he West Sea
153
Ganghwado
156
Panmunjom &
the DMZ Tour
158
Odusan Unification
Observatory
160
Gang\u00b7won-do
161
Chuncheon
163
Around Chuncheon
165
Gangchon
166
Soyang Lake
167
Inje
167
Sokcho
167
North of Sokcho
171
South of Sokcho
172
Seoraksan National Park
172
Alps Ski Resort
174
Gangneung
174
Odaesan Nat ional Park
177
Yongpyong Ski Resort
179
Jeongdongjin
179
Donghae
180
Samcheok
182
Around Samcheok
183
Taebaek
184
Taebaeksan Provincial
Park
184
Jeongseon
184
Wonju
184
Chiaksan National Park
185
Gyeongsangbuk-do187
Daegu
189
Around Daegu
194
Gyeongju
197
Around Gyeongju
208
Pohang
210
Ulleungdo
212
Andong
217
Hahoe Folk Village
220
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