Country of Contrast

In 2012 Yeosu, South Korea will host the world. The southwestern, oceanside city is home to the 2012 World Expo, which will mean an influx of tourists, international congregations and worldwide media exposure. Expos, or “World’s Fairs,” have been taking place at various global locations for more than 150 years, and an Expo is widely regarded as the event with the third largest economic and cultural impact, after FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games.

Expo 2012 Yeosu will focus on the ocean and the coast, and will strive for world co-operation in the marine sector. Korea — a world leader in technology — will also showcase the latest in marine science technologies. In the lead-up to the Expo, Korea has launched Visit Korea 2010-2012, giving the dynamic, culturally rich country even more tourist appeal than usual.

When western tourists think of Asian travel, South Korea isn’t always the first destination that comes to mind. Neighbouring China and Japan have massive appeal and are generally front and centre in North American consciousness. South Korea, however, has its own unique history and culture. Though perhaps less celebrated in the West (we see fewer books and films set in Korea than its famous neighbours, for example), South Korean culture is equally intriguing and desirable.

“Korea has a culture developed over 5,000 years. This is tempered with an image of being very modern and having a very high-tech society,” says Sootaek Lee, the Korea Tourism Organization’s director for Canada. “The country also has one of the fastest growing economies throughout Asia, and with the help of major international events such as the 1988 Seoul Olympics and the 2002 FIFA World Cup, we have seen quite an increase in the interest and understanding of what Korea offers as a travel destination.”

A visit to Korea differs from any other Asian vacation. Since its arrival in the fourth century, Buddhism has had an incredible influence on the country, and over the years, has dotted its landscape with now-ubiquitous Buddhist temples, buildings and artwork. Overnight stays in Korean temples have recently become very popular, allowing foreigners to experience the calming, serene life of a monk for a day or two.

Grand, sprawling palaces are also a staple in both the Korean countryside and massive cities. In the capital city Seoul there are five ancient royal palaces — Gyeongbokgung Palace, built in the 14th century, ranking highest in grandiosity. Its breathtaking courtyards, pavilions, gateways and bridges can be explored solo or by guided tour.

Tourism is up in Korea, despite the slow global economy, and the number of Canadian visitors to South Korea has grown steadily in recent years; there was a 6% increase in Canadian tourists in 2008 alone. Improved flight service from Korean Air and Air Canada will soon mean daily service between the two countries.

And air travel isn’t the only way that Canada and Korea are working together. Planning your Korean adventure now, rather than later, will allow you to take advantage of the Cheongju International Craft Biennale, which takes place in September and October, 2009. It features Canada as the official guest country, showcasing contemporary Canadian fine crafts. “The Biennale is the largest fine-craft-based event in the world; it’s the craft equivalent of the Cannes Film Festival,” says Lee. “In 2007 it attracted 560,000 visitors from 50 countries and involved a $6 million budget.” All told, the Cheongju (capital city of Chungcheongbuk-do province) event will feature over 1,000 artists from over 40 countries.

If sports, rather than the arts, is more your style, rest assured: Korea will host Formula One international auto racing events for the first time between 2010 and 2016. Not content with sitting on the sidelines? Seoul, along with the World Tae kwon do Headquarters (Kukkiwon) has organized a tourist program for South Korea’s national sport. The tae kwon do experiential program teaches the sport’s basics, plus self-defence and wood breaking.

A trip to South Korea truly isn’t complete without a foray on Jeju Island. Recently named a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, the island boasts beautiful scenery and spectacular volcanoes and lava-tube systems. While there, tourists can lie on the beach, horseback ride, golf, fish or mountain-climb. Don’t miss April’s Jeju Cherry Blossom festival — a spectacular showing of rich blossoms and gorgeous spring blooms.

When – and if – you’re ready to get back to civilization, Korea boasts impeccable internet connection, high speed trains and great subway systems to keep you connected. “Korea is also the epicentre of IT industries,” says Lee. “Renowned companies such as Samsung, LG and Hyundai call Korea home.”

Lee is convinced that South Korea fulfills the needs of any potential tourist. “We have different temple stay programs, traditional Korean village home stays, oriental medicine, traditional Korean cooking classes and pottery classes in Incheon (a major city),” he says. “When people travel today they really want to be able to experience what is local — Korea is no different in this regard.”

From the field…
Lifestyle staffers share their memories of Korea

Sojourn in Seoul
So often we come back from a “vacation” feeling more worn out than when we left. Although I spent my entire stay in Seoul, Korea’s capital city, with a population of over 10 million people, I associate my experience in Korea with calm and serenity. The peaceful Korean vibe and laid-back solo touring tempered the excitement of a new city, with new sites and uncharted nightlife. I spent my first night in the expat-filled Itaewon, which has a distinctly American feel as a result of the country’s continued military presence in South Korea. The vibe was friendly and fun, but I was happy to leave the next day, and even happier to find myself strolling the quaint, cobblestone streets of Insadong, lined with art galleries, shops and traditional Korean restaurants. I picked up the pace a little in busy Namdaemun market — the biggest retail market in Seoul (it really is sprawling), and equally animated Myeongdong — one of the main shopping areas in the city with lots of familiar chain stores and high-end boutiques.

Among many, the highlight of my week was hiking up to the base of Seoul Tower, which sits atop the peak of Namsam. At 237 metres, the tower provides an awesome view of the huge, modern metropolis. You can take a cable car, but the walk in early spring was beautiful — the best part of the day — and not too taxing. — JL

Night City
Recently I went to Toronto’s Korea Town neighbourhood and memories of South Korea came rushing back to me: neon signs, people laughing and holding hands, and the abundance of little, independent shops, restaurants and soju bars (soju is traditional Korean distilled alcohol made from rice).

I taught English in South Korea for two years. The first year I lived and worked in Anyang — a 45-minute subway ride from Seoul. It was still a very large city booming with all sorts of businesses, restaurants, salons, karaoke bars, pubs, cafés, private DVD theatres, boutiques, and toy shops — anything and everything you could possibly need or want is within walking distance.

The second year I moved to Yeongdeungpo, a neighbourhood in the western part of Seoul. I absolutely loved the nightlife. Any night of the week, the local restaurants and bars would be abuzz with laughter, the clinking of glasses and cries of “Kombay!” (That’s Korean for “Cheers!”) If you are looking for clubs and high-energy nightlife that doesn’t end until sunrise, Hongdae is the neighbourhood of choice in Seoul. Party among locals, foreign tourists and English teachers.

The transportation system in Korea is by far the best I’ve experienced. At first glance, it seems overwhelming as the Seoul subway map looks like a giant bowl of coloured spaghetti. But once I had ridden it a couple of times, I found it very easy to get anywhere.

If you need to get out of Seoul’s hustle and bustle, hit the beach in Busan and make sure to check out the aquarium while you’re there.

No matter where you find yourself in Korea, don’t miss the many wonderful restaurants and make sure you try all different sorts of items on the menu, as they are so affordable. Kimchi is everywhere and a staple in most Korean meals – even breakfast! The pickled, spicy cabbage is an acquired taste, but I learned to love it. Try drinking soju, go to a karaoke bar and visit any local street arcade, all flavours necessary for a true taste of Korean life. — Chantelle Thompson •