The demilitarized zone is a 4 km wide area that divides the Korean Peninsula into approximately two equal parts: northern and southern. It was officially recorded on July 27, 1953. The DMZ is the last vestige of the Cold War, the penultimate one was the Berlin Wall, which was destroyed on November 9, 1989.

Citizens of South Korea are forbidden to enter the territory of the North, and northerners to the South. In fact, a piece of land 4 km wide. does not belong to either one. But here is the only place where the delegations of both countries can meet - the village of Phanmunjom. The building for negotiations is arranged in such a way that the southerners and northerners each sit down from their part of the peninsula, without crossing the border.

A symbolic sculpture has been installed on the territory of the DMZ: two families are trying to connect the halves of a disintegrating ball, in the section of which there is a map of the Korean Peninsula.

On the this moment 17 underground passages dug from North Korea to South Korea are known. In 1978, a particularly large tunnel 1,635 meters long was found at a depth of 73 meters. 30,000 heavily armed North Korean soldiers in full uniform can overcome it in an hour and get out in just 44 km. from Seoul. Today, the tunnel is a safe place for tourists to visit - a concrete wall has been installed exactly on the border with its northern neighbor.

For those wishing to take a look at North Korea, the Dorasan observation site was built on the territory of the DMZ: if you look closely, you can see the city of Kaesong from here. A common economic zone was once created on its territory. 15 South Korean companies have placed their technological (peaceful!) production there, and North Koreans have contributed in the form of labor. But after another test of North Korean missiles this year, the island of peace was closed.

The northernmost station on the territory of the South Korean Peninsula is the Dorasan railway station. Its appearance confuses all tourists: the ticket office, the souvenir shop, the waiting room - everything works perfectly. It seems that you can buy a ticket and drive off to Pyongyang. The southerners are sure that the station will not forever remain an extreme point and will again connect not only South and North Korea, but also the Korean Peninsula with China, Russia and Europe.

The people and government of South Korea are very keen to unite with the brotherly people, so much so that officials have even been appointed who will take office immediately after the unification of the two Koreas.

Gastro Korea 2.0: street food

Have you ever been to Montmartre in Paris? This is a real Mecca of street French cuisine: roasted chestnuts, waffles exuding vanilla aromas, the thinnest pancakes with nutella, baguettes known all over the world with a variety of toppings...

Well, Korean street food cannot even compare with European food - you will not find such a variety anywhere else. You come to Myeongdong in Seoul (it’s something like our Moscow Arbat) and drown in culinary polyphony…

Going to Korea and not trying street food is the same as coming to Minsk and not tasting potato pancakes with sour cream, being in Kyiv and giving up borscht with dumplings… In general, a gastronomic crime! Today we will talk about those street dishes that every self-respecting tourist should try.

Kimbap, Korean rolls, the easiest way to have a tasty and inexpensive snack. Usually the roll contains 4-5 favorite colors of Koreans - red, green, yellow, white and black. Looks very cheerful. Kimbap differs from Japanese rolls in that often a beaten egg fried like a pancake is used as a filling. And kim (algae) does not envelop the roll according to the snail principle, but only “bandages” it from the outside.

Tteokbokki are spicy rice flour flatbreads (similar to dumplings) that are usually stewed with vegetables and spicy gochujang sauce. By the way, for Koreans, the spicier the tteokbokii, the tastier, as, in fact, with all other food. So be careful and don't look at Korean schoolchildren who are happy to snack on them on the street and don't spew flames - they are used to it.

So kkochi will appeal to meat lovers. And it’s also perfect for soju (this is Korean vodka, however, it’s not at all strong). Fire-fried chicken pieces are served with a variety of sauces: sweet and sour, spicy… You will definitely come back for more.

If you come to Seoul in winter, don't miss the wonderful carp-shaped pies (poonoppan). Their floury interior hides an unusual red bean filling, very popular in Korea. Real jam!

And in summer, phatbinsu is especially popular - a dessert made from ice flakes, again red beans, various fruits, rice flour cakes with filling and ice cream, all this splendor is poured abundantly with syrups and cream. Ice cream cones are also sold on the streets (sometimes up to 30 centimeters in height - eating such a masterpiece alone is a real challenge). And exotic lovers can try ice cream in huge corn tubes.

Oh yeah, almost forgot about the manta. Simply put, manti. The Koreans love them too. Only unlike ours, the basis of the filling is not meat, but vegetables or noodles. They are prepared from a variety of ingredients: wheat and buckwheat flour, pumpkin, fish, meat, vegetables.

In general, if you drink in St. Petersburg, then you definitely have it in Korea. Come to us, we will be glad!

South Korea at MITT: Medical Tourism and Winter Olympics

The National Tourism Organization of Korea (KOTK) took part in the 24th Moscow International Exhibition MITT "Travel and Tourism", which was held from March 14 to 16, 2017 at the Expocentre Fairgrounds. Most of the stand of South Korea was devoted to the peculiarities of medical (health) tourism, which in last years is gaining great popularity and has a high potential in the international arena.

Within the framework of the MITT exhibition, representatives of 17 leading Korean clinics worked at the stand: plastic surgeons and cosmetologists, specialists in the field of modern and traditional medicine. Among the doctors are real world luminaries: Kim Ha Neul, rehabilitation doctor of oriental medicine, doctor medical sciences, chief physician of the international clinic of the center of Korean medicine "Jaseng", Kang Yong Lee, professor of colorectal surgery, head of the department for improvement and quality management medical services Yonsei University College of Medicine and other eminent doctors.

In addition, doctors made presentations at the medical seminar, which took place on the basis of the First Moscow State Medical University named after I.M. Sechenov on March 17.

Part of Korea's booth was also dedicated to the 2018 Winter Olympics, which will be held in PyeongChang, Korea. The capital of the Olympics is part of the province of Gangwon-do, whose representatives could be seen at the stand of Korea. In order for visitors to plunge deeper into the atmosphere of the upcoming Olympics, an interactive structure equipped with virtual reality glasses was installed at the Korea booth: everyone could feel like a real skier.

“Discover your Korea!” is one of the slogans of our stand. We put a lot of meaning into these words, because we are sure that Korea is such an amazing and multifaceted country that everyone will find something of their own in it: beautiful historical sights, the possibility of quality treatment, business connections, sports resorts, amazing gastronomy,” says Ekaterina Lopukhina, marketing manager of the Moscow office of NOTK.

Reference

National Tourism Organization of Korea was founded in 1962 and currently has 26 offices in different countries peace.

MITT is the largest international tourism exhibition in Russia, which annually gathers the best representatives tourism business in Russia and around the world. It has been held since 1994 and has been awarded the sign of the World Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI). For 20 years, industry experts have recognized MITT as the premier event for the country's tourism industry.

Gastrokorea

The wonderful aromas of Korean cuisine attract tourists not only from neighboring Asian countries, but also from all over the world. What is so special about her? Let's figure it out.

The basis of the foundations of Korean national cuisine is rice, in Korean “pub”. And not a single meal is complete without numerous appetizers (“panchkhan”). Sometimes there are so many of them that tourists, dazed from satiety, are surprised that 5 more options of the “second” and “third”, dessert and even compote await them ahead!

The most famous Korean dish is kimchi, pickled Beijing cabbage. Travel the entire Korean peninsula up and down and you will not find two identical kimchi. A comparison with borscht begs: how many housewives - so many tastes. Kimchi is a spicy, spicy snack that can whet the appetite of even the most sophisticated gastronomic tourist.

Kimchi also has its own worthy competitor - white Korean radish (“kaktuggi”). It has been noticed: as soon as this dish appears on the table, tourists become like Pavlov's dog. By the way, dogs in Korea have not been eaten for a long time, even in Seoul you will not find such establishments during the day with fire.

The second "gastronomic myth" is the Korean carrot (in Korean, "kore-saram"). The legendary snack, which is sold in all supermarkets in our country, has nothing to do with Korean national cuisine- This is a dish of "Soviet Koreans". The fact is that the Koreans deported to the USSR really missed their native kimchi, and in the country of the Soviets it was tight with Beijing cabbage, so they invented a kind of replacement for it from what it was.

But let us leave the country of victorious socialism and return to Korea. There is a fundamental rule in gastronomic tourism - eat the same as the locals. But there is an exception to every rule, in our case it is "bibimbap". The dish is boiled rice, on which vegetables and fried meat are laid out, then mixed and generously seasoned with spicy gochujang pepper paste. In other words - spicy pilaf.

But Korean soups can be devoted to a whole poem. These are true works of gastronomic art. Imagine a cauldron. Mentally put a chicken carcass in it, stuff it with rice, garlic, generously sprinkle with seasonings and add ginseng root as a “cherry”. Yes, yes, just a piece of the root - you can't go wrong. Pour it all with fragrant broth, add fresh herbs, throw in a couple of chestnuts. Now eat. Yes, all this splendor is for you alone - the national Korean soup "samgyetang" is ready.

If supam is a poem, then Korean beef is a four-volume novel. Try "bulgogi" and you will forever become a hostage of this delicious dish. Close your eyes and imagine: thinly sliced ​​pieces of marbled beef, pre-soaked in a sweet marinade consisting of soy sauce, honey, green onions and garlic, fried over a fire until golden brown. Do you smell? How are you still not hooked? Then here's a fact for you: beef grown in the fields of the country of morning freshness costs 2 times more than imported from Australia. And this, for a moment, 10 hours by plane!

So pack your bags and head to South Korea the next time you feel like tasting something special. Gastronomic ecstasy guaranteed!

10 Unusual Facts About Koreans

Fact 1: Kimchieeiz!

When Koreans take pictures, they say “kimchiiii” instead of “syyyyr”, which is familiar to Europeans. And not a single photo is complete without traditional Korean gestures: “pee” or a heart on the top of your head.

Fact 2: Entertaining arithmetic

A newly born baby among Koreans is considered nine months old, and a three-month-old baby by the standards of Europeans is considered a one-year-old.

Fact 3: Hello, what did you eat?

When meeting Koreans, it is customary to ask the interlocutor his age, and when meeting with a friend, it is considered good form to ask “How did you eat today?”.

Fact 4: Sit down and sit!

A Korean worker will never leave the office before his boss, even if he is at the workplace until midnight.

Fact 5: Korean Protectionism

Koreans are not entitled to hire a foreigner unless they can prove that there is no necessary specialist in their country.

Fact 6: South Korea? No, haven't heard

The people of Korea call their country "Hanguk", which translates as "The First State".

Fact 7. They like it hot

Koreans practically do not salt their food, but they never spare pepper.

Fact 8: Big Boss is watching you

Residents of the country of morning freshness calmly leave expensive phones, tablets, wallets on the tables in restaurants, and still do not lock the cars with a key. And all because in Korea it is very rare to steal, as there are cameras everywhere. It usually takes only a couple of hours to apprehend a thief who stole someone else's iPhone.

Fact 9: All cities are like cities, but Vladivostok is European

Vladivostok in South Korea is considered a European city.

Fact 10: Capital Capital

Seoul translates from Korean language as "capital". Original, right?

Olympic Games in Pyeongchang: Passion. connected

A year later, in February 2018, the XXIII Winter Olympic Games will start in South Korea. The successor to the crowned Sochi will be the city of Pyeongchang, located in the province of Gangwon-do, famous for its ski resorts. Pyeongchang has put forward its candidacy for hosting the Winter Olympics three times. In 2011, he overtook French Annecy and German Munich and was chosen by the International Olympic Committee as the capital of the 2018 Winter Olympics.

Interestingly, in contrast to France and Germany, where residents opposed the Olympic Games, the Koreans were enthusiastic about this idea. I must say, they had a serious motivation: the province of Gangwon-do is considered one of the lagging behind in the country - the infrastructure in it is far from ideal, and the Olympics will help to improve it.

Korea has already twice become the host of the largest sporting events: in 1988 the country hosted the Summer Olympic Games in Seoul, and in 2002 the World Cup (together with Japan). The head of the Organizing Committee of the 2018 Olympic Games, Lee Hee-bum, believes that if the 1988 Olympics were a turning point in turning Korea into an attractive country for tourists, then the 2018 Olympics in Pyeongchang is designed to take Korea's attractiveness for tourists to a new level.

The biggest and most interesting infrastructure innovation concerns the construction of a new railway. Now the journey from Incheon International Airport to the Olympic venues takes more than 4-5 hours by bus, and from Seoul at least 3 hours. In the second half of this year, high-speed trains will be launched that will connect Seoul and Pyeongchang - the journey will take only 70 minutes, and from Incheon to Pyeongchang can be reached in 110 minutes.

The leadership of the Olympic Committee hopes that the 2018 Olympics will allow winter sports in Asia to reach a new level, and the high-speed railway will work for the benefit of tourism development: tourists from Singapore, Malaysia and other nearby countries will be drawn to Pyeongchang, for whom snow is a curiosity, and also Europeans and Americans. By the way, the Olympic slogan Passion. connected perfectly fits this idea: the passion for winter sports really unites.

In addition, 12 new facilities were built specifically for the Winter Olympics in Korea, which are planned to be tested by 26 test competitions, most of which have already taken place successfully. According to Mr. Bohm, the results of tests carried out by international experts showed high quality snow and tracks.

Of course, the 1988 Summer Olympics cannot be compared with the forthcoming Winter Olympics in many respects. Most of its facilities were built from scratch, and subsequently, after the event, large expenditures were required to maintain the built infrastructure. As for the Olympic Games in PyeongChang, most of the sports facilities were already successfully functioning at the time of the decision to host the Olympics and the management of the 2018 Olympics is confident that the new Olympic venues will not only be actively used, but will also become a catalyst in the promotion of Asia and South Korea, in particular as a convenient and high-tech place for winter sports.

Building on the experience gained from hosting the 1988 Olympics and the 2002 FIFA World Cup, the organizers plan to surpass the success of these two events both in terms of return on investment and in terms of raising South Korea's prestige with visitors from all over the world.

About what sights and festivals to visit in the province of Gangwon-do and in Seoul, what authentic dishes to taste, in what ski resorts to try new skis during the Olympics and at other times, read the following articles of our blog. Do not miss!

In the meantime, check out our exciting Olympic 2018 infographic

One year left before the Winter Olympics in Korea

In February 2018, the XXIII Winter Olympic Games will start in the Korean city of Pyeongchang. Very soon, tourists from all over the world will go to the country of morning freshness to not only watch the Olympic Games, but also enjoy the multifaceted Korean culture, taste national delicacies and forever be imbued with love for Asia. We took this opportunity to talk to Park Chulhyun, Head of the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Games Department of the National Tourism Organization of Korea, about the preparations for the Olympics.

Mr. Park, could you please tell us about the preparations for the Olympic Games in Korea?

The construction of stadiums is proceeding according to plan and is currently in its final stages. Test competitions are held one after another in order to check and improve the work of finished objects. We strive to make facilities as convenient as possible for both athletes and spectators.

The construction of the Ice Arena in Gangneung (a city in Gangwon Province), which will host short track and figure skating competitions, was completed in December last year, and so far the test competitions have already been successfully completed.

The Gangneung Skating Stadium and other facilities are 96.4% complete. "Olympic Plaza", where the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympics will be held, International Center Broadcasting (IBC) and other support facilities are planned to be completed by September, and at the moment we are not deviating from the schedule.

Of the 12 stadiums (7 in the mountain cluster, 5 in the coastal cluster), 6 are under construction and 6 additional stadiums are under construction. As of February 2017 middle level progress on the construction of all 12 stadiums is 96% (progress on the construction of 6 new stadiums is 98%).

Since the countdown began on February 9, the Olympic torch relay has started, ticket sales for the competition will open soon, countdown events will be held in Korea and other countries to the Olympics.

Why was it so important for your country to host the Olympics (Pyeongchang was nominated 3 times)?

Gangwon Province, in which Pyeongchang is located, lagged behind other regions of the country in terms of infrastructure. The inhabitants of the province hoped that the holding of the Olympics would allow the region to reach a new level.

Winter Olympic sports were not as popular as summer sports, but thanks to the success of figure skater Kim Young Ah, interest in winter sports began to grow in Korea. We will increase the potential and elevate the status of Korea in winter sports through the use of high technology during the Winter Olympics. The Korean government and the entire nation are now working to rediscover the Korea known for the 1988 Seoul Olympics and the 2002 FIFA World Cup to the world.

What are your hopes for the Olympics? How will it affect the tourism industry?

At the national and regional level, the holding of the Olympics will primarily help strengthen the brand of the country, Korea will have the opportunity to join the ranks of developed countries and strengthen diplomatic relations in the field of sports.

An important goal is the uniform development and distribution of innovative infrastructure throughout the country: the construction of roads, the railway system, stadiums and related infrastructure. Since the start of preparations for the Olympics, a large number of work places. Increasing the value of the local brand will provide an opportunity to increase private investment, as well as qualitatively improve the development of the leisure and sports industry.

In 2016, 17 million 240 thousand people visited South Korea, this figure is a record. Our goal for 2018 is 20 million tourists.

How do you assess the economic efficiency of the upcoming Olympics?

The economic efficiency of hosting the Olympics in Korea, according to the Hyundai Center for Economic Research, is estimated at USD 56.6 billion. USD 18.4 billion, indirect effect (increase in the influx of tourists, improvement of the country's image, etc.) - USD 38.2 billion.

Are you familiar with the Sochi experience? Will you use it somehow?

The Sochi Olympics cemented in the minds of viewers around the world the title of Russia as a cultural power, showing not only beautiful nature, but also history and centuries-old traditions. It should be noted that thanks to thorough planning and strong state support, Sochi, previously known as a summer resort, has been revived in a new quality - a resort that is attractive to tourists all year round.

I heard that from the mountains, where the stadiums of the mountain cluster were located, there was an excellent view of the sea. And from the Olympic village to the ice arena could be reached by bus in just 15 minutes. I also know that it was cold on the ski slopes in the mountains, but down in the coastal cluster it was quite warm, which ensured a comfortable viewing of the competition.

Using the experience of Sochi, we plan to raise the status of Korea in the international arena, demonstrating our magnificent culture and traditions, arts, cuisine, and modern technologies. Also, after the Olympics, we will organize various cultural events in order to increase the attractiveness of Pyeongchang as a tourist city.

Could you please tell us more about the new technologies that were used in the preparation of the Olympic venues?

The Gangneung Skating Stadium is the first structure in the country without central pillars, and is also the first indoor stadium in the country with a zigzag “theater” seating arrangement, providing a perfect view from any point of the spectator stand.

We are the second in the world after Calgary (Canada) to build an indoor training complex for such sports as bobsleigh, skeleton (97 m track), luge (64 m track).

In the Allied Hockey Center in Gangneung, for the first time in the country, each of the spectator seats (9310 pieces) at the back will be equipped with a heating source, which will ensure the most comfortable viewing of the competition.

During the construction of the tracks of the Alpensia Luge Center, we replaced the usual technologies with factory ones, which made it possible to reduce the construction time to 18 months. And also increased the efficiency of production of artificial ice.

How do you plan to use the facilities after the Olympics?

Sports facilities are the main legacy of the Olympics, they are becoming an important part of local culture, tourism, and the economy. We will actively develop them after the end of the games.

Previously, there were precedents when, due to insufficiently competent management of large sports facilities, financial difficulties arose for states and local governments after the competition.

However, an extensive exchange of experience in organizing large-scale sports events between Korea, China, Japan and Russia will make the practical use of the Olympic venues in Pyeongchang the most effective.

Korea is known for its mild climate, will there be any problems organizing the Olympics in such weather conditions?

In February, when the Olympics begin, average temperature in Korea is from -8 to -3 degrees, so holding competitions in mountain views sports, such as skiing, which will be held in Pyeongchang, will be comfortable. On the other hand, in Gangneung, where the Coastal Cluster is located and where the ice competitions will be held, the climate is much milder, the temperature in February is above zero.

Climatic and geographical features Pyeongchang and Gangneung, which will host the Olympics, made it possible to clearly divide the territory into clusters. We hope that athletes and spectators will enjoy competitions held in venues appropriate to the nature of the competition itself.

Will doping checks be tightened due to recent events?

The Korean government and the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Organizing Committee are in constant discussions with the IOC regarding the doping program regarding the operation and management of the doping control center, recruitment and training of personnel, improving the quality of sample analysis, drawing up a plan for conducting doping tests, and are conducting careful preparation to comply with WADA rules.

The doping control center will be located in Pyeongchang, and we also plan to place one doping laboratory at each of the Olympic venues. We plan to appoint the most experienced doping officers to control during test competitions in order to increase their level.

How do you assess the preparation of your athletes for the Olympics? Are you up for gold medals? In what sports?

Only a year left before the start of the Olympics. And I am very glad that our athletes showed good results in the last winter sports competitions. At the World Short Track Speed ​​Skating Championships held in Gangneung in December last year, our athletes competed with Victor Ahn (Ahn Hyun-soo), in connection with which the interest was huge.

The Korean team this time counts on 8 gold, 4 silver, 8 bronze medals and 4th place in the medal standings. Total gold medals in short track speed skating and speed skating, which we are counting on - 7. This is not an easy task, but we believe that hosting the Olympics in our country will allow athletes to show the best results.

What new sports will be included in the 2018 Olympics?

For the first time, snowboarding competitions in big air will be included in the program of the Olympics. As far as I know, all over the world big air is the most popular competition. For the first time in Asia, such competitions were held in 2009 in Seoul, recently, as part of test competitions, we held the Snowboard World Cup in Big Air, and now we are trying to prepare the infrastructure and services to the highest quality for the convenience of athletes.

What sports are the most popular in Korea?

Korea shows excellent results in speed skating, short track and other ice sports, which ensures great popularity among fans. Figure skating is especially popular, thanks to the success of athletes Kim Yong Ah and Cha Jun Hwan.

Thanks to good achievements in recent international competitions in bobsleigh and skeleton, Koreans became interested in these sports. We also expect sports that are not well known in Korea, such as skiing, snowboarding, curling, and others, to be properly appreciated and become popular in our country.

How many guests is the country ready to host at the Olympics? Tell us where they will be placed, will additional facilities be built for this?

Providing comfortable and enjoyable accommodation and food along with the improvement and expansion of tourism infrastructure will revive the economy of the region, at the moment we are in the process of improving this system.

There are about 5,000 hotels in the cities in which the games will be directly held - Pyeongchang, Jeongseon, Gangneung, as well as Yangyang, Wonju, Sokcho and others located an hour away - there are about 5,000 hotels, which is about 85,000 hotel rooms. The Organizing Committee plans to complete the construction of 21,000 rooms by the end of 2017 for participating teams, representatives of the IOC and IPC, journalists and other participants in the Olympics.

By the end of 2017, it is planned to launch a direct railway communication KTX on the route Incheon Airport - Pyeongchang - Gangneung. If now this journey takes about 4-5 hours, then KTX will allow you to get there in 1.5 hours. The Korean government provides comprehensive support to the Olympic Pyeongchang, Gangneung and surrounding regions with the aim of transforming them into popular tourist areas where you can relax throughout the year. Just 2 hours by plane from Pyeongchang, there are 1 billion Asians. Given the scale of Asia's economic development, as well as population growth, Pyeongchang has every chance of becoming the mecca of winter sports in Asia.

Also, for the convenience of tourists, we are developing a special mobile application through which you can get everything necessary information about accommodation, nearby attractions, restaurants and cafes, transport and much more. The information on the app will be available in Korean, Chinese, English and Japanese, avoiding the inconvenience that tourists may experience.

What would you advise to visit for those who come to watch the Olympics, in addition to the Olympic venues?

In addition to the Olympic venues, there are 18 interesting cities in Gangwon Province. Important tourist attractions include the one-of-a-kind Demilitarized Zone, the Changneung Royal Shrine in Yeongwol-gun, a World Heritage site, and Taebaek City, made famous by the TV series Descendants of the Sun.

In Gangneung, you can visit the birthplace of the poetess Ho Nanseolheon, Ojukheon, where the artist Sin Saimdang lived, as well as the former coal mine, now a museum.

Separately, it is worth highlighting business card of Gangwon-do province - the ancient Buddhist temple of Woljeongsa, whose history goes back more than 1000 years, as well as the path in the fir forest that leads to this temple from the very first temple gate. The picturesque grounds of the temple, as well as the Templestay program held in it, will allow tourists to look into themselves and give them peace of mind.

South Korea expects to receive 20 medals and $56 billion during the Olympics

Exactly one year later, in February 2018, the XXIII Winter Olympic Games will be held in Pyeongchang, South Korea. Now in Korea, preparations for the Olympics are in full swing: the construction of facilities is currently 96% completed, test competitions are being held to check and improve the work of finished facilities.

Korea, famous for its innovative technologies brought them to the Olympic venues. So, for example, the Koreans were the second in the world after Canada to build an indoor training complex for bobsleigh, skeleton and luge competitions. The skating stadium in Gangneung (a city in the province of Gangwon-do, one of the tourist centers of South Korea) became the first building in the country to be built without central pillars.

On the eve of the Olympics, the Korean authorities have taken seriously the now acute problem of doping: the Korean government and the Pyeongchang Olympic Organizing Committee are constantly negotiating with the IOC on doping issues, striving to comply with WADA rules.

According to the Head of the Department of the Olympic Games PyeongChang 2018 of the National Tourism Organization of Korea, Mr. Pak Cheolhyun, 17 million 240 thousand people visited South Korea in 2016, and 20 million tourists are expected in 2018. In cities located near the Olympic capital, there are now about 85 thousand hotel rooms, by the beginning of the Olympics it is planned to build another 21 thousand.

“By the end of 2017, it is planned to launch a direct KTX (Korean high-speed railway) service on the route Nunchon Airport - Pyeongchang - Gangneung. If now this journey takes about 4-5 hours, then KTX will allow you to get there in 1.5 hours,” Mr. Pak said.

The economic efficiency of hosting the Olympics in Korea, according to the Hyundai Center for Economic Research, is estimated at USD 56.6 billion.

Also, Mr. Park believes that holding the Olympics in Korea will allow local athletes to show the best results and count on 8 gold, 4 silver, 8 bronze medals and 4th place in the medal standings.

Reference

Pyeongchang applied for the Olympics three times, this time the city bypassed Annecy in France and Munich in Germany. The application of South Korea reached the final vote three times: in 2014, Pyeongchang lost only 4 votes to Sochi, and in 2010 it was 3 votes behind Canadian Vancouver.

Gangwon Province, in which Pyeongchang is located, lagged far behind other regions in infrastructure development. Unlike the French and Germans who opposed hosting the Olympics, the Koreans gladly accepted the opportunity, hoping that hosting the Olympics would take the Gangwon region to the next level and become an international ski resort.

And we invite our readers today to feel in the place of the passengers of the Seoul-Busan train, however, under more pleasant circumstances. Sim Jong-Bo, President of the Busan Regional Tourism Office, will be our guide on the trip, who will tell you in detail about the peculiarities of the Korean railway communication.

Mr. Sim Jong-Bo, please tell us what mode of transport do Koreans prefer to use? How do they usually get to Busan? Are high-speed trains to Busan popular with foreigners?

The transport preferences of Koreans are the same as in most countries: short distances they usually travel by metro or city buses, and travel outside the city using trains, planes, express buses and suburban buses. For a trip to Busan, high-speed trains are usually chosen, because the journey takes only 2.5 hours.

Foreigners, of course, more often come to South Korea by plane. As of September 2016, 800,000 foreigners arrived in Busan by plane, 600,000 by sea, and another 800,000 by other modes of transport, including by train. Since it is convenient to get from Busan to Incheon International Airport, a lot of foreigners travel from Busan to Seoul and back by rail.

Can you please tell me what type of train is featured in the movie "Train to Busan"?

In the movie "Train to Busan" you can see the KTX high-speed train with a capacity of 930 passengers. It can reach speeds of over 300 km/h. Today, KTX trains make 133 trips per day on the Seoul-Busan route.

What interesting things can you tell about the history railway station Busan? How long has it existed? What is its passenger traffic? Where do Busan residents most often go on a trip? How many people are employed at the station? How often do trains run?

The official opening of Busan Station took place on January 1, 1905, but due to heavy fires, the station burned to the ground. As I said, many sights of the city are located near it. I also recommend that you participate in one of the many sightseeing tours, you can buy a ticket for which you can right at the station building.

The average passenger flow of the station is 60,000 people per day. The Busan station has a staff of 100 people.

You can buy a train ticket directly at the nearest station ticket office, through the KoRailTalk mobile application and on the company's official website (English, Chinese and Japanese are supported). I would recommend that you buy a ticket online to avoid queues and unexpected situations.

Are there any special features of Busan Station?

The main advantage of Busan Station is that from there it is very convenient to get to the main attractions of the city, such as Haeundae and Gwanalli beaches and Jagalchi fish market.

Busan Station does not leave indifferent the director of the film "International Market", which was watched by more than 10 million viewers. It features famous sights such as Yeongdo Bridge, Hingyeul Cultural Village, Songdo Beach, and Gamcheon Cultural Village. I strongly recommend that you take the train to Busan Station. This is the place where you can see the past, present and future of Korea all at once.

According to sources, Daegu Station and Daejeon Station were involved in filming the film. Can you tell something about them? How far are they from Busan?

Daegu is a metropolis, which is considered the third largest regional center after Busan and Ulsan. The time it takes to get there will depend on the type of train. For example, KTX will take you to Daegu in 50 minutes, and to Daejeon in 1 hour and 40 minutes. If you are planning to ride KTX, be sure to visit these two cities.

Daegu is not only the largest industrial city in the Republic of Korea and the center of Buddhist culture, but also the country's oldest transport hub (it acquired this status back in 757, when the great Yeonnam road ran through Daegu, along which travelers from Seoul to Busan moved). Daejeon is also a major industrial city and a center of contemporary Korean art and technology. Near Daejeon are the ancient city of Pue and the Yusong resort area, where the annual hot spring festival takes place.

Are there any bonuses for foreign tourists when traveling by train to Busan?

For foreign tourists, there is a special travel ticket from the Korail company (korail pass). This travel document is the most advantageous from an economic point of view: it provides the holder with an unlimited number of trips and transfers within a pre-selected travel period. To learn more about the types of travel cards, prices and other information you are interested in, please visit the official website of the company (www.letskorail.com). The site is available in English.

Where would you advise a person who first arrived in Busan to go?

So many in Busan interesting places It would be very difficult to recommend just one. Since Busan is a maritime city, I advise you to go to the sea, in particular, to the most famous and picturesque beaches - "Haeundae" and "Kwanalli". In total, there are 7 beaches in Busan, which form a single coastline. Each of the beaches has its own charm. In addition to admiring the scenery, you can go surfing at Songjeong Beach or go sailing on a yacht at Gwanalli Beach. The view of Busan at night from the sea is an unforgettable sight. I recommend that you take a yacht ride along the coast at night and enjoy the view of the shining lights of the metropolis.

On weekends, I usually walk along the Kalmat-kil and Hepharan-kil walking paths. During these walks, I feel my mind and body heal and my mood immediately improves. In my opinion, the most charming thing about Busan, along with the cultural component of the city, is the combination of sea and coastal scenery.

South Korea is one of the most developed Asian countries. This country is one of the world's main suppliers computer technology, along with mighty China. It is located next to the most closed state in the world - the DPRK, or North Korea. The country was divided during a civil conflict, and so much time has passed since then that the northern and South Koreans can rightfully be considered already different, albeit kindred, peoples.

1. Koreans believe that the son of a woman and a bear was the founder of their country.
2. Residents of South Korea, according to official data, have the highest level of intelligence among the entire population of the Earth.
3. In South Korea, there is the most visited Christian temple in the world - the Full Gospel Church receives about 20 thousand parishioners every week.
4. South Korea is one of the five largest automakers in the world, and also ranks first in the construction of ships.
5. Employees national university Seoul were the first scientists to succeed in cloning a dog.
6. On the territory of South Korea there was a place for more than two dozen national parks.
7. The largest building on the Korean Peninsula is the residence of the President of South Korea, which is called the "Blue House".
8. Video game competitions, like the very concept of eSports, originated in South Korea.
9. Korea is the birthplace of the martial art of taekwondo.
10. The inhabitants of South Korea are not indifferent to alcohol, in the local cuisine there is even a special “hangover soup” made with pork broth. Drinking alcoholic beverages is accompanied by a lot of conventions - for example, pouring alcohol into your glass is indecent, and the first person from the company to drink is the one who is older.
11. South Koreans are extremely negative about red ink - it is believed that if you write the name of a person in red, misfortune or even death awaits him in the near future. The reason for this superstition is that earlier the names of the dead were displayed in red on gravestones.
12. In South Korea, there is a special handshake culture, according to which you can only greet with one hand with peers or friends, and to greet respected or older people, you must use both hands and bow slightly.
13. In South Korea, private educational establishments where the quality of education is very high. Parents of South Korean students annually spend $17 billion on their offspring's education. Teaching is a prestigious profession, a truly good teacher in private school can earn several million a year.
14. Despite external prosperity, South Korea has the highest suicide rate in the world.
15. The city of Suwon has an unusual amusement park entirely dedicated to toilets. You can visit this place for free.
16. In South Korea, plastic surgery is very popular - many parents give their daughters a trip to the surgeon for graduation. One of the latest fashion trends is the artificial lifting of the corners of the lips, which creates the illusion of a permanent slight smile.
17. In South Korea, they hold their own bullfights, only bulls fight not with people, but with their own kind. The fight is over when one of the animals leaves the arena.
18. South Korean scientists have developed a special robot to fight jellyfish that interfere with fishing and tourists' recreation.
19. Almost the entire population of South Korea (90%) has some vision problems since birth.
20. South Koreans believe that the essence of a person is closely related to his blood type. Based on this indicator, a decision is often made about the success or failure of the marriage.
21. In South Korea there is own system calculating the age of a person - in this country it is customary to count the year spent by the child in the womb, and then add the age at each calendar change of year.
22. The most common Korean surname– Kim.
23. Korean Cha Sa Soon was able to pass the theoretical part of the exam for driving license after 950 failed attempts. When she finally achieved success, she was 69 years old.

South Korea is one of the few countries where old traditions are preserved and revered. The traditions of Korea regarding relations in society are specific. The younger are obliged to respect and listen to the elders, and powerful people, are an authority for ordinary citizens. Before getting to know you better, Koreans will ask you questions about family, age and social position in society. This is necessary so that the Korean knows in what form he should contact you.

It is not customary for Koreans to hug or kiss when meeting, it is enough to shake hands or bow. But you shouldn’t shake your hand too hard, as a strong handshake can be regarded as rude. You should also know that when greeting a person older than you, you must definitely bow.

All Koreans like to drink, they do it well and with their own traditions. You can't pour yourself. Drinking a glass, you need to turn away from people older than you.

Koreans are very superstitious, one of the sayings is that writing a person's name in red ink entails a lot of trouble, illness, and possibly even death.

All Koreans are afraid of the number "4" like fire. The pronunciation of this number is consonant with the word "death". Instead, they write English letter"F" or even skip.

Unlike Russia, there are very few surnames in Korea, but a large number. Meeting people with the same name is quite difficult.

All Koreans carry a toothbrush or dental floss. Dentistry in Korea is very expensive, so Koreans take care of their teeth with great responsibility.

If you want to call a Korean to you, you should not do it with your palm up or your finger - only animals are called like that.

Many Koreans cannot swim.

When entering a Korean home, you should take off your shoes. It is considered bad form and disrespect if your feet are bare, it is best to wear socks or stockings.

All Korean houses have electrically heated floors, so households go barefoot at home.

Korea is one of the safest countries in the world. You can safely walk the streets in late hour, not being afraid to run into robbers or hooligans.

All Korean girls love to wear mini skirts. When they struggled with this for a long time, but then they spat, now it is considered absolutely normal. However, wearing sweaters or dresses with a deep neckline is considered vulgar.

Divorce among Koreans is considered a shame for the whole family of a divorced son or daughter.

Many Koreans suffer from myopia. However, young people also wear glasses as a fashion accessory, without glasses.

There are many different coffee shops and bakeries in Korea, as Koreans are avid coffee lovers.

South Korea - beautiful country with a rich cultural heritage. Today, the centuries-old wisdom of Taoism coexists with innovation. And, despite the love for the Western way of life, its inhabitants have preserved many customs that are incomprehensible to us.

10 facts about South Korea: interesting and downright strange

Once a Boston consulting group called her one of the promising in the field of innovation. Agree, not bad for a state that has been on the world stage since 1948. It is curious that with such results the country does not lose its "interesting" traditions.

1. Alcohol. An interesting fact about South Korea is associated with drinking - for them it is quite an important part of the culture, helping to get to know each other better. Therefore, at least once a week, the inhabitants of the country must gather with friends to have a glass. Such gatherings even have their own name - hoesik. However, when it comes to liquor, there are rules. For example, if the person pouring the drink is older, then you should hold the glass with both hands.
2. Red ink. Every society has its own superstitions: if Europeans bypass black cats, then the inhabitants of the Land of Morning Calm hate red ink. They believe that a name written in this color will bring misfortune and even death to its owner. This unusual fact about South Korea ancient tradition. Previously, the name of the deceased was written in red on the tombstone, believing that this would scare away demons.

   

3. Proper handshake. When Bill Gates met with President Park Geun-hye, the people of the country were shocked by the behavior of the American and his gesture. The fact is that during the handshake, Bill's hand was in his pocket, which is unacceptable. Good manners and respect for the traditions of another country, despite financial status, have always been held in high esteem. Therefore, if you have a Korean older than you, do it with both hands.

   

4. Education. Students and schoolchildren in Korea are very smart. According to statistics, 93% of students graduate from a university, which puts the quality of education in the country in second place in the world. What is it connected with? Through private institutions (hagwons), children have the opportunity to learn many subjects, from math to belly dancing or taekwondo. On average, the country's parents spend up to $17 billion a year on educating their children. But this technique also has its drawbacks. Firstly, only rich families can afford education, while the poor are content with little. Secondly, hagwons classes are held in the afternoon, which means that children go to school twice and come home tired.
   

   

5. Which is better: Japan or Korea? If there are many examples of friendly rivalry (Australia - New Zealand) or warlike rivalry (India - Pakistan) in the world, then these Asian countries are the "golden mean". Even if they don't point at each other nuclear weapon, relations between them are always tense. This fact about South Korea and Japan is due to the fact that in the past the latter had bad habit- infiltrate the territory first. Decades later, the situation has certainly changed, but the Koreans believe that the Japanese still have not officially apologized.
   

   

6. Skirt discussions. It's strange to see a lot of bare legs in a conservative country. But miniskirts are the norm in South Korea. Even a business woman is allowed to wear an outfit that barely covers her ass to a business meeting, and no one will regard this as vulgarity.

   

7. Toilet themed amusement park. There are many strange attractions in the world, but this place in South Korea literally outdid them all. A park with an "interesting" theme, located in the city of Suwoni, was opened in honor of the beloved ex-mayor, nicknamed Mr. Toilet. The official was obsessed with sanitation and his main goal was to provide the population with good toilets and teach them how to properly maintain them.

   

8. Plastic surgery. Everyone wants to be beautiful, especially South Koreans. According to a survey conducted back in 2009, every fifth woman in the country went under the knife. Basically, the requests are the same: a V-shaped chin, a small nose and big eyes.

   

9. Bullfights. No, it's not about the red rag or the bullfighter. Cattle fight in Korea Ranchers are constantly on the lookout for good "fighters". More often choose massive, with a thick neck and long horns. The fight ends when one bull leaves the arena. The winner receives a cash prize, and the loser goes to drown his grief in rice wine.

   

10. Terminator jellyfish. Perhaps the most interesting fact about South Korea, more like a sci-fi movie scenario. The oceans are teeming with jellyfish, so a group of scientists created a robot specifically to deal with them. Due to the invasion of marine animals, the country lost $ 300 million, and in Sweden the nuclear power plant had to be closed. In this regard, the Koreans have created and are actively using terminator jellyfish that destroy real ones. Now the robot is capable of exterminating up to 900 kg of marine animals, but soon, according to scientists, the figure will reach 2000 kg.

    

Traditions and customs

Home is a sacred place, so Special attention is given to cleanliness, where dirt and even more so disorder are completely unacceptable. It is customary to be indoors without shoes (barefoot) or, in extreme cases, in socks. If in summer period Since the rule does not cause discomfort, then in winter additional heating is required. Therefore, in the construction of houses, modern technologies are used in the form of underfloor heating.

Another interesting fact and custom of South Korea is associated with the ceremony of commemoration of ancestors - Chere. According to Korean belief, the soul does not leave immediately, but remains with the descendants for another 4 generations. Therefore, the deceased is also considered a member of the family, and on New Year, Thanksgiving Day and the anniversary of death, the rite of the Chere is held. Also, Koreans sincerely believe that if the ancestors bless them, then life will be happy.

The next interesting fact about South Korea has to do with gestures. When you call the other person, raise your hand with your palm down and wave, moving your fingers. Never make this gesture with your palm up and even more so with your index finger - only dogs are called that in the country.

Facts Proving South Korea Is Beyond Our Understanding

Residents of the country are especially careful about oral hygiene, as dentist services are very expensive. Here it is customary to brush your teeth after every meal, and you can often find a brush in a lady's bag. In addition, in the restrooms of some establishments there is always a free disposable toothbrush.

The following interesting fact about South Korea and Koreans is based on statistics. Many residents have myopia, so they wear glasses or lenses from childhood. This fact gives the impression that they are all born with poor eyesight. But it's not. As mentioned earlier, Koreans are very smart and most spend time studying, buried in their favorite gadgets. It is worth noting that the disease does not concern everyone. For example, Lim Dong Hyun (double Olympic champion) sees only 20% of normal. But the irony is that a man competes in archery!

Korean cosmetics has long conquered Western and domestic fashionistas, and here everyone uses it, regardless of gender or age. Korean women are very careful appearance hair and skin, so they buy unimaginable amount funds. They never go out without makeup. Young Koreans also take care of appearance. It is almost impossible to see a man with a sloppy or disheveled hairstyle on the street.

Contrary to popular belief, few people in South Korea have tasted dog meat. Moreover, a movement to abandon the traditional dish is gaining popularity in the state. The youth, brought up to treat animals as friends, provided wide support. By the way, public policy also discourages the consumption of dog meat.

Now about In any city in the world, cafes, bars and restaurants come across at every step, but the speed of service in Korea is simply amazing. The order is delivered literally within 10 minutes, and some establishments even send delivery men again to pick up dirty dishes. Here, instead of the usual "How are you?" you will be asked "Did you eat well?", and skipping any meal for a Korean is akin to a sin.

Let's talk about sexual touch. If in Europe two men holding hands are considered representatives of the LGBT movement, then in Korea everything is different. In society, a couple of opposite sexes who demonstrate feelings in public are extremely disapproving. But playing with hair or sitting on a friend's lap is quite acceptable for men.

Korea is the cradle of esports. At the beginning of the noughties computer game Star Craft has become a real cult. Esports players are real stars. Thousands of fans come to meet them, and stadiums with large screens are allocated for the games. And this, in turn, is another interesting fact about South Korea: a computer game is a real sport, for which players spend many sleepless nights while training.

And a few words about compulsory military service. According to the law, every Korean must complete a 21-month military training course. This ironclad rule is observed regardless of social position resident. Only the incompetent and those who defend the honor of the country in the international arena can get away. For example, from military service Ki Sung-young (Swansea) and Park Ji-song (Manchester United) have been released.

The beginning of a relationship

If in Russia and in many other countries first love is most often met at school, then in the Land of Morning Calm this is more difficult. An interesting fact about life in South Korea is connected with the fact that for every child, studies always come first. And if hyperactive children manage to start a relationship at school, then for the rest there is simply no time for amorous affairs - from 9 to 5 lessons, then electives, tutors, classes ... When to fall in love?

But once you enter university, everything changes. Education is not so diligent, so many students live for their own pleasure: on Fridays they gather with a company and drink soju, join circles and interest clubs. This is the best time, because after graduation, almost all of them will work from morning until late evening for many years.

So romantic relationship young Koreans begin precisely during their studies at the university.

What then

Continuing the story, here are a few facts about South Korea related to further development:

1. The first date is already the beginning of a relationship, and after the meeting is over, the guy and the girl "officially" become a couple. In addition, she always comes to the meeting with an older friend in order to look favorably against her background.
2. After a while, "witnesses" are not needed, and lovers can walk around holding hands, but kissing and hugging in public in Korea is inappropriate.
3. Another trend of couples is the same style. The phenomenon is called Couple Look - clothing stores make good money on it.
4. An important date for lovers is the hundredth day from the date of the meeting. Girls expect from guys not flowers and sweets, but designer jewelry, clothes, cosmetics, shoes, a bag. According to the calculations of one of the Korean bloggers, an average gift costs $ 800.
5. To move on to a closer relationship, the couple must meet for at least a year.

Family matters

It's time to learn the facts about relations in South Korea.

A home warms hearts, and every person must have a family. The opinion of the oldest member of the family is dominant. Not a single South Korean will dare to create a new family without the consent of the older generation and parental blessing. Of course, now the freedom of action is much wider, but neither a young man nor a girl can do without the guidance of his mother and father. And excessive parental control, on the contrary, is welcome.

The main priorities are inextricably linked with the family hearth. Previously, several generations of relatives lived together in traditional small houses. But times are changing, and spacious apartments have come to replace them. The only thing that has remained unchanged is the statutory rules.

When meeting with parents, the names are not called - only "mother" and "dad". This treatment is connected with another interesting fact about South Korea. According to the sign, the meaning of the name, having a great weight, affects the fate, making a person more vulnerable. Therefore, the names of the inhabitants of an Asian country are extremely rare.

Family relations in South Korea have always been distinguished by mutual respect and understanding. Despite the fact that a woman has the same rights as a man, the duties between spouses are clearly demarcated.

The wife is responsible for coziness and comfort, keeps the hearth, resolves disagreements, and the man, being the head, ensures the existence of the family. However, despite his authority, he never interferes in matters of home improvement and conflict resolution. Even in the most difficult situation, the husband always remains on the sidelines.

About kids

Another interesting fact about South Korea is related to the birth of a child. Since the country has a peculiar chronology, the baby is born already at the age of one. This is due to the fact that the child spends 9 months in the mother's womb (almost a year). But that's not all. On the first New Year (January 1), the baby is added one more. Thus, the children here are older than their actual age by as much as 2 years.

To combat discrimination, the government passed a law according to which both son and daughter are considered equal heirs, so the attitude towards the sex of the child is neutral. But Confucian traditions are still preserved. Accordingly, special attention is paid to the elder.

show business world

For many years the country was famous for its "slave contracts". This fact about South Korea is connected to the popular K-pop mainstream. For example, an ex-Super Junior member stated in 2009 that the owners of SM Entertainment did not allow him to take sick leave when he was diagnosed with gastritis and kidney problems.

And this is not the only such case. Major labels justify their actions by saying that if a young artist really wants to become popular, he must overcome all difficulties - sleep no more than 4 hours a day, not start a relationship while the contract is in effect, not go on sick leave and much more.

Bad number "4"

An interesting fact about South Korea based on superstition. Residents have a "special" attitude towards the four. The problem is that the transcription of the number 4 is consonant with the word death.

Superstition has reached the point that in buildings after the third floor immediately comes the fifth. Not even in hospitals. Agree, few Koreans want to be treated on the floor called "death", especially if the disease is dangerous.

In some elevators, the "4" button has been replaced with the English letter F (four). However, in everyday speech, the four sounds without exception.

Let's go back to the past

And finally, I would like to give a few historical facts about South Korea:

1. "Taehan minguk" 대한 민국 - this is how the people call the country, but most often the abbreviation Hanguk is used in conversation, and sometimes Namhan.
2. The word "Korea" comes from the name of the state "Koryo", which existed in 918-1392.
3. The history of North and South Korea began in 1945, when the Soviet-American agreement was signed. According to the agreement, the first passed under the jurisdiction of the USSR, and the second - the United States.
4. Although it lasted until 1953, there was no official announcement of the end of hostilities.
5. The older generation of Koreans does not like the Japanese, as the country's colonization policy rising sun still not forgotten.

South Korea is a state "covered" with high-rise buildings and narrow-eyed residents. Well, that's it, in a nutshell, without going into details at all.

How Koreans live, how they work and relax - read about all this below interesting facts about Korea

Korea is considered one of the safest countries in the world. In any case, at night you can safely walk alone and not be afraid that some parasite will complain about you or your property.

Baseball and golf are the most popular games in Korea. And those who are no longer allowed to run with a stick - welcome to the mountains. Hiking in the mountains can rightfully be considered the third type of "game".

Koreans are not just narrow-eyed, they are also in the majority and wear glasses. By the way, regardless of age. Well, they're not born that way, are they? Although, perhaps they have an altered gene responsible for vision.

The dentist is the most expensive doctor in Korea. Therefore, residents do not just constantly chew gum, they also carry toothbrushes with them and can start cleaning their mouths in any toilet with a washbasin.

Koreans never rest. And the word "vacation" in their everyday life is generally absent as such.

Maximum - a few days "at your own expense." And then - or study, or to work, be kind.

Motels in Korea are like ants at every turn. And all because guys do not have the right to invite a girl to their house.

For Koreans, food is sacred. No one here cares how anyone is doing and who has been doing what all day. The first question is always "Did you eat?" And if the answer is "no", consider that you have committed an insane sin.

Here are some more interesting facts about Korea. Family expanses in the form of male infidelity here as "hello." Wives hardly work here, and young girls do not shy away from the geisha profession.

In Korean beer bars, it's impossible to just walk in and order a glass of steamed hops. Beer snacks are a must here.

You will never believe what kind of park exists in Korea! This is not even a park, but an area "dotted" with male phalluses.

Korea is famous for its cult of small dogs. Porket dog is everywhere. And they are necessarily painted in different colors, and in general they make a complete "dog fashion".

The male half of the population of Korea is very addicted to alcohol. And each representative knows a lot of games "for a feast", the ultimate "goal" of which is to get drunk and forget.

The people of Korea are very kind and polite to everyone. And to tourists, and to "their own". They, just like us, love to visit coffee corners and treat themselves to good coffee.

But, unlike us, they do it several times more often, almost after every meal. So far, we are clearly inferior to them in this.