By plane
There are direct flights Moscow-Seoul (Aeroflot, Korean Air). Some airlines operate flights with transfers in different Asian and European cities. Incheon International Airport is located 52 kilometers from Seoul. It is connected to the capital by an expressway. You can get to Seoul from the airport by taxi and express buses.
Transport
According to Country Plus, transport in South Korea works like clockwork, it is clean, comfortable and safe. The service staff is courteous and polite, in some places there are English-speaking employees.
In large cities of the country, a lot of cars drive, so there are traffic jams. Road signs are signed in Korean (there are small English inscriptions).
Local public transport is affordable and well developed, however, it is difficult for tourists to use city buses (express and regular options), because all signs and announcements are made in Korean.
Much more convenient for guests of the country are the metro and taxis. Subway lines are available in Seoul, Daegu, Busan, Incheon, Daejeon and Gwangju. Signs of transitions, stations and tables at the box office are duplicated in English.
Taxis in South Korea are cheap, clean and safe. Their parking lots are in busy parts of the city, but you can also stop a car on the street. Some taxis can be ordered, but it will cost more.
Many taxi drivers speak English.
Money
The official currency of South Korea is the South Korean Won. There are denominations of 1,000, 5,000, 10,000 and 50,000 won, coins in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 won (coins of 1 and 5 won are rare, so the amounts are often rounded up to 10 won).
Large cities are equipped with exchange offices on almost all streets. Currency exchange is also possible in hotels and tourist shops, but there is a less favorable exchange rate compared to banks.
Exchanging the South Korean Won outside the country is almost impossible, so it’s best to exchange the remaining local money before leaving South Korea.
Cuisine and restaurants
The country’s cuisine is mainly represented by spicy seafood and vegetable dishes, soups.
National cuisine of South Korea
South Korean cuisine is based on rice cooked in every possible way. For example, rice is used to make chaltook (rice chops) and pap (pressed rice porridge). Korean soups also occupy an important niche in the local cuisine. These include sundubu chigae (egg white and shellfish soy soup), maeuthang (spicy fish soup), and doenjang chigae (thick soup based on fermented soybean paste). For lovers of desserts in South Korea, hodwakja biscuits are prepared, as well as fruits boiled in syrup and candied.
Other popular South Korean dishes with a traditional twist:
- This is the name of a sandwich made of vegetables, rice and scrambled eggs.
- Grilled beef dish
- So in the country they call fried beef or pork ribs
- It’s fried sea bass
- Delicious chicken stew with rice, vegetables and potatoes
- Hamul Chongol. This is the name of the local seafood-based hodgepodge.
Where to try Korean food
If you order food in South Korean restaurants, be aware that the dishes are usually served with noodles or rice, as well as salad and soup (often marinated beef, quite spicy). If they brought you a plate of red-colored food, this indicates a large amount of pepper in it, which is dangerous for the European stomach, which is unusual for very spicy dishes. If you dare to try food from dog meat, contact expensive establishments where special breeds of dogs are used for cooking, which are subsequently intended for slaughter.
In Seoul, you should visit Myeongdong Kyoja, where the most popular local dishes are served, set meals, as well as Si-Wha-Dam, where the most delicious rice cakes, noodles and kimchi are served.
Souvenirs
Among the souvenirs in South Korea, a variety of crafts, wooden masks, handicrafts, original seals, and paper lanterns are especially in demand.
Tojan seal
In South Korea, it is worth buying a personalized tojang seal, which has long been made using a special method. Such seals in the past served as an analogue of a personal signature.
Paper lanterns and puche fans
Interesting holiday items are paper lanterns and puche beliefs.
handicrafts
The handicrafts of local craftsmen are in great demand. If you are interested in authentic interior items, take a look at the original chairs, carved tables or handmade wooden masks, as well as beautiful products of Korean potters.
Tea blends
A particularly delicious blend of young tea leaf jakseolcha
Alcohol
It is worth trying soju rice vodka, makgeolli rice wine, moonbaeja strong drink made from African millet and wheat. Local flower, ginseng, apple and fruit tinctures are no less tasty.
Green tea
These are various varieties of green tea, and ginseng, and drinks from local herbs.
local dishes
For example, kimchi made from fermented vegetables that can be stored for a long time
Hanbok
Hanbok – the national costume of South Korea, as well as interior items will be a great souvenir.
Cosmetics
Korean cosmetics, thanks to the use of the latest scientific achievements and attractive designs, are in demand among women all over the world. The country produces face masks, compact powders and creams for various purposes based on extracts of herbs, fruits and vegetables.
Jewelry made of gold and crafts made of decorative stones
The most popular beauty products from South Korea
Visa and customs
Russian citizens wishing to visit South Korea require a visa. Visa-free entry for a month is allowed for citizens who have already visited the country at least 4 times over the past two years, or who have visited this country at least 10 times in general.
Customs rules are standard – alcohol and cigarettes are subject to duties, currency and jewelry must be declared. It is forbidden to import drugs, weapons and other dangerous substances.
