South Korea
| The Republic South Korea | |
| AREA: 99,392 sq km (38,375 sq miles, excluding demilitarised zone). POPULATION: 45,545,282 (official estimate 1996). POPULATION DENSITY: 458.8 per sq km. CAPITAL: Seoul. Population: 10,229,262 (1995). LANGUAGE: Korean. RELIGION: Mahayana Buddhism with a large Christian minority. TIME: GMT + 9. ELECTRICITY: 110/220 volts AC, 60Hz. Policy is to phase out the 110-volt supply. Korea is one of the so-called ‘Tiger economies’ of the Pacific Rim, which have undergone rapid growth and industrialisation since the 1960s and have forged a major presence in world export markets. |  |
| Seoul City Namdaemun (Great South Gate) Namdaemun is one of the 4 main gates of the old city wall. Completed in 1398, it underwent a major restoration in 1447 and again in 1997. It is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Korea. |  |
 | Toksu Palace Located in downtown Seoul across the street from City Hall, Toksu Palace vividly contrasts modern Seoul with traditional Korea. Built during the mid-fifteenth century, it is the smallest of Seoul’s palaces. |
| Kyongju CityKyongju was the capital of the Shilla Kingdom for over 1,000 years. Pulguk-sa Originally built in 528, Pulguk-sa provides an excellent example of architecture from the Shilla Dynasty. Literally meaning “Buddha Land,” it remained intact for more than 1,000 years before the Japanese destroyed it in 1593. Only a few of the buildings were rebuilt until the 1970s when it was completely reconstructed. |  |
 | Pusan is Korea’s second largest city The area has two important beach resorts, Haeundae and Songjong. Haeundae is probably the most popular resort in the area and has a long, sandy beach. Nearby is Kumgang Park which boasts some unusual rock formations and historic relics, including a pagoda and several temples. |
 | Korean specialty food: | |
| Baech’u Kimch’i, Baek Kimch’i, Chonggak Kimch’i, Dong Ch’imi, Kkaktugi, Nabak Kimch’i, Possam Kimch’i, Yolmumul Kimch’i |  | |
| sinsollo | (meat, fish, eggs and vegetables such as chestnuts and pinenuts cooked in a brazier chafing dish at the table). | |
| kalbichim | (steamed beef ribs), fresh abalone and shrimps (from Cheju do Island, served with mustard, soy or chilli sauces) | |
| sanjok | (strips of steak with onions and mushrooms) | |
| Pulgogi | (marinated, charcoal-broiled beef barbecue) | |
| Saengson-gui Deungshim-gui Ansihm-gui Tak-gui Yang Kobchang-gui Todok-g | (Grilled Fish) (Grilled Sirloin) (Grilled Tenderloin) (Grilled Chicken) (Broiled Beef Tripe and Chitterlings) (Grilled Toduk Root) | |
| Kalbi-gui Changeo-gui | (Broiled Short Ribs) (Broiled Eel) | |
Magnificent sights of Korea:
| Seoul: | |
| Changdokkung Palace, which has been used for royal functions since the 17th century | |
 | Secret Gardens, a picturesque area of lakes and woodland |
| Kyongbokkung Palace, which dates back to 1394, was burned during the Japanese invasion of 1592 |
| Kyongju : | |
| National Museum |
| Pulguksa Temple, one of Korea’s most important Buddhist sites. |
| The Sokkuram Grotto, with its huge granite Buddha |
| The Pomun Lake Resort |
| Ganj Nameh (700-330 BC) |
| Pusan: | |
| Haeundae and Songjong |
| Tongnae; nearby |
| Kumgang Park which boasts some unusual rock formations and historic relics, including a pagoda and several temples. |
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