It has long been a popular tourist area. This country is characterized by an interesting historical heritage and amazing natural beauty. The great popularity of tours in South Korea received among the Russians. For tourists from Russia there is a visa-free regime in 2020.

Beautiful night panorama of the capital of South Korea - Seoul

Holidays in South Korea are popular among both young people and families with children, the elderly.

Russian citizens do not need a visa to South Korea. The corresponding resolution was adopted on January 1, 2014, after which the Russians were able to visit the Republic of Korea without a visa. This applies to travel or visits to relatives for up to 2 months, you can read about this on the official website of the Russian Foreign Ministry.

The maximum period of stay on the territory of the Republic for Russians is 90 days in one half-year (180 days). However, continuously during this time you can stay in the country for no more than 60 days.

If you plan to stay in the country for the purpose of acquiring education or employment, you will need to obtain a long-term visa of the appropriate category.

See a detailed analysis of how to go through the customs declaration and fill in the Arrival Сard upon arrival in the country.

What do you need to cross the border?

In order to travel to South Korea or visit relatives in 2020, you will need the following papers and documents:

1. Foreign passport, the validity of the passport to enter Korea must be at least 6 months.
2. Return tickets or to a third country.
3. Confirmation of solvency for the period of visiting the country. That is, you need to have with you either a printout confirming the reservation of hotel rooms, or a voucher from a tour operator. The Migration Service of the Republic of Korea does not find fault with tourists too much, and therefore does not require certificates from their place of work and bank statements.
4. Migration card.
5. Completed customs declaration.

Customs declaration to fill out when entering South Korea

These documents are quite enough to have a rest in South Korea or transit through it to a third country, since there is a visa-free regime between Russia and South Korea. If the visitor has other goals that take longer to implement, then obtaining a visa is a mandatory procedure.

Long stay visa to South Korea

Long-term visa can be of several types. Basically, they fall into two broad categories:

1. Long stay visa (D, E, H).

Let's take a closer look at each of these types of visas. We will also determine what papers are needed to obtain them, the procedure for registration, how long it will be valid, the duration and cost of the procedure.

Long stay visa (D, E, H)

Such visas are issued for a period of 3 months to 2 years with the possibility of extension (does not apply to E visas). In order to extend the validity of a visa, it is enough to contact the Immigration Service of the Republic of Korea.

To whom are these visas issued:

1. Students who wish to receive education in one of the educational institutions of the Republic of Korea.
2. Masters and PhD students who wish to obtain the required scientific degree under the program of one of the universities in Korea or undergo a professional internship in the country.
3. On a long business trip.
4. officially employed. This includes both the search for work by unskilled personnel, as well as highly qualified specialists, managers, top managers, and scientists.

The issuance of such a visa is mandatory for everyone who wants to stay in the country legally and get an official job. In order to, you must contact the embassy with the appropriate request, providing a certain package of documents. This will be discussed a little later.

Entry visa for foreign compatriots (F-4)

Visa (F-4) is not available for all ethnic Koreans. It can only be issued by the following foreign compatriots:

1. Qualified specialists who have carried out their professional activities in the Republic of Korea for 6 or more months.
2. Masters, graduate students (and above) who received their academic degree (not lower than master's) in one of the educational universities in South Korea.
3. Highly qualified workers who previously stayed for some time on the territory of the Republic of Korea, without violating the laws and visa regime of the country.

Consulate of South Korea in Moscow at the address: Krasnopresnenskaya embankment, 12

In order to obtain any type of visa, you must contact the South Korean embassy and submit an application and other papers for consideration.

Step-by-step instructions for obtaining a visa by invitation

For more than 60 days simply. The first thing that is necessary for this is that the party from Korea, which will act as your guarantor for the time you are in the territory of the state, submits an application to the Immigration Service of the Republic of Korea.

The guarantor can be a legal entity, such as an employer, or an individual - a relative or friend who is a citizen of the Republic of Korea or has the status of a permanent resident.

After the guarantor submits an application, the applicant must submit to the visa department of the embassy a package consisting of the following documents:

It is worth noting that in some cases it is possible to obtain an e-visa without specifically contacting the embassy for this. This applies to the issuance of visas E-1, E-3, E-5. Visas of these categories are issued online via the Internet.

The visa fee is paid in the same way. By the time of the trip, you need to print the electronic visa. This will ensure unhindered entry into the Republic of Korea and a hassle-free stay in the country.

Before we set off, we talked with Russian expats who now live in Korea and read a couple of blogs, but did not receive significant help, so we decided that we would study the country on our own and find answers to our questions in a practical way.

Visa, currency and language

Citizens of Russia and the CIS do not need a visa to South Korea if the period of stay does not exceed 60 days. The currency of the country is the South Korean won, € 1 - ₩ 1275.

In South Korea they do not speak English at all, people do not know it and do not even try to learn it. And this applies not only to ordinary shops, but also to establishments that work directly with foreigners, for example, the international airport. Having gone through it from and to, we found only one employee who, on his fingers and with the help of basic words, tried to advise us. The further you get to Busan, the less likely you are to meet at least such people.

How to get there?

Getting to South Korea is the most profitable from the countries South- East Asia. The cheapest flights are from China and the Philippines. You can grab tickets from ₩16,958 to ₩84,790 (€13.3 – €66.5). We traveled by low-cost Air Asia from the Philippines. Tickets were bought as soon as they heard about discounts from the airline, and the ticket cost ₩ 59,353 (€ 46.5) per person. The flight lasts 3 hours 20 minutes.

In addition to Air Asia, there are 4 other airlines that most often arrange sales for their flights in Southeast Asia: Air Qatar, Airways Emirates, Korean Air, Cebu Pacific. Tickets from Russia (Moscow, St. Petersburg) start from ₩678,322 (€532) one way, from Siberia (Novosibirsk) from ₩339,161 (€266). It is most profitable to fly from Vladivostok: tickets can be found from ₩135,664 (€ 106) to ₩ 203,497 (€ 160). Most often, we track tickets on the Skyscanner and Aviasales websites, but during our travels we subscribed to all mailing lists of Asian airlines: this makes it possible to be the first to know about ticket sales in different directions and buy them at a bargain price.

Incheon Airport is not located in Seoul, but nearby, on a neighboring island. You can get to the city by bus for ₩ 15,262 (€ 12) or taxi for ₩ 110,227 (€ 86), but the most profitable way is by metro: travel from the airport to the city center will cost ₩ 8,479 (€ 6.5).

Public transport in the country is quite expensive. Bus fares cost ₩ 1,250 (€ 0.9) one way per person, the fare will be slightly less, but not much on a monthly scale. In the subway, you can use a travel card or buy a card with 1 trip, the cost of which includes a deposit for its safety (there are no tokens in Korea). After the trip, you can return the card to a special machine and the money will be returned to you. The cost of the trip depends on the number of stations and starts from ₩ 1250 (€ 0.9).

It is better to order a taxi in Korea through the Uber application or in a specialized company, the cost starts from 2 km - ₩ 1600 (€ 1.25), for each next kilometer - ₩ 650 (€ 0.5). For example, a 15-minute ride will cost no more than ₩8,000 (€6), while a half-hour trip will cost around ₩15,000 (€12). Get ready that if you catch a taxi on the street, then the drivers will turn up the prices 5 or even 10 times higher. There are also frequent cases when taxi drivers, even in specialized companies, tried to inflate the price, since you are a tourist.

Traffic in the country is not very intense. Busan is quiet, there are practically no traffic jams. There are traffic jams in Seoul, but they are not at all comparable to Moscow, and even more so to big cities in other Southeast Asian countries, such as Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City.

When to go?

In South Korea, all seasons are pronounced. In spring, everything blooms and you can enjoy walks under the sakura. In summer, the weather is sunny and it's a good time to visit Jeju Island and the city of Busan (Korea's second city after Seoul). Incredibly beautiful autumn with leaf fall against the backdrop of mountains and walks in national parks. Snowy winter and Christmas-decorated Seoul.

We managed to catch a real Busan autumn and Christmas Seoul. The weather in Busan is warmer than in Seoul, there is much more sun, and therefore the onset of winter is not so strongly felt. When we arrived in Seoul, the first snow fell the next morning. It was very slushy and a strong wind was blowing. It was only -2 outside, but it felt like -20. Petersburgers know firsthand what it is like. The climate is very similar.

Also, smog from China often comes to Korea. At this time, it is better not to appear on the street. In 2019, the smog stood for the first few weeks in January. Here is the answer to the question why Koreans wear masks all the time.

Busan

Usually we mark the places we want to visit on the map in advance and plan the route in such a way that during the day we can see several places that are next to each other.

If you are going to Busan for a week, then there is every chance to get to know him from all sides. And the first thing to do is to start exploring the city with Gamcheon Culture Village(Gamnae 2-ro, Saha-gu, 203). Gamcheon Cultural Village is the most Instagrammable place in Busan. This is a concentration of colorful houses and narrow streets, painted walls and amazing installations. Here you can find a location with the "Little Prince", look into the Grand Budapest Hotel, take pictures with Van Gogh - and this is just the beginning. If you get hungry or want to keep a souvenir from the village, there are many street cafes and cozy restaurants on the territory, as well as cute shops where you can buy souvenirs and notebooks with your favorite Korean bands. It is better to go to the cultural village for the whole day in order to have time to get around all the locations. The place is open from 9 to 17 every day. Entrance to the territory of the village is free, fees are charged separately for entrance to some sites.

In every big city there is a TV tower, which is considered one of the main attractions, Busan is no exception. The 120-meter-high Busan TV Tower is located in a small park Yongdusan Park(Yongdusan-gil, Jung-gu, 37-30). When you climb the tower, you will have a view of the whole city. More spectacular sight it will be if you climb the tower in the evening, when the lights are lit all over the city. Busan Tower is a favorite place for Korean lovers. According to legend, next to the entrance to the building there is secret place where you need to hang a lock to spend your whole life with your loved one. Entrance to the Busan Tower costs ₩10,000 (€8) per person, and the ticket includes popcorn and a drink. The tower is open from 10 am to 11 pm daily.

After the tower, be sure to check out the largest seafood market in Asia Jagalchi Fish Market(Nampo-dong, Jung-gu). There is everything here: huge crabs the size of a 6-year-old child, meter-long squids and sea cucumbers the size of a little finger, moray eels, fish whose name you don’t know. You can not only buy seafood for yourself at home, but also ask for it to be prepared for you on the spot.

“There is everything here: huge crabs the size of a 6-year-old child, meter-long squid and pinky-sized sea cucumbers”

Impressed by the huge amount of seafood, indulge in Korean street food and visit the most popular walking street in Busan BIFF Square(Nampo-dong, Jung-gu). It's clear the best place for shopping. Biff Square has many cafes, shops and small restaurants. Many of them were filmed by Korean celebrities, so each institution already hangs out photos from popular TV shows or series as its business card at the entrance. Let me remind you that in Korea English language they don’t know at all, so if you want to try street food, you have to act blindly, trusting your intuition - no one will explain to you what this or that dish is made of. If you look at the asphalt, at the very beginning of the street you will see the Korean Avenue of Stars with the prints of famous Korean actors and filmmakers.

The nature of Korea is beautiful almost at any time of the year (except for winter), but it opens up especially beautifully in October or April. Mountains and fallen leaves, green trees or pink sakura. Nature, in my opinion, is the main attraction of South Korea. To enjoy it in Busan, you should definitely look into the city parks: Park Taejongdae(Dongsam-dong, Yeongdo-gu) and Igidae Park(Yongho-dong, Nam-gu). It is impossible to single out one, but it is worth going to them for the whole day. From here opens beautiful view on the sea and ships, below the rocks fishermen catch fish, on the very edge of the parks there are lighthouses that you can climb. The territory of city parks is very large, so even a bus runs through them. In the park, you can see how persimmons grow and even pick up a handful of wild berries. Entrance is free around the clock.

In addition to admiring nature and exploring Korean culture, be sure to visit the Shinsegae business district. Take a photo at the famous Busan skyscrapers and walk around Shinsegae Centum City(U-dong, Haeundae-gu, 1495). This shopping center in 2009 was listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest shopping center in the world. To be honest, we got a little lost in it and instead of getting out, we ended up on a glass bridge, from which we once again appreciated Busan at night. In the shopping center you will find stores of world brands (Gucci, Shanel, Louis Vuitton), several food court areas, saunas, spas and separately located entertainment floors.

Not far from the shopping center is one of beautiful bridges throughout South Korea Busan Harbor Bridge(Nam-gu). During the day, it looks like the Brooklyn Bridge in New York, and in the evening it begins to shine with all the colors of the rainbow. It’s definitely worth a look at it, especially since there is a cinema embankment next to it, walking along which you can take photos with Spider-Man or Superman, appreciate modern installations and go to the most beautiful beach Busan Haeundae Beach(Haeundae-gu). It is "alive" at any time of the year. It's nice to walk along the beach and take great photos. Koreans here go in for sports, play backgammon and just enjoy the views. Nearby there are many places to eat, the alley of artists and the secret alley of lovers.

seoul

The main modern attraction of Seoul, in my opinion, is Dongdaemun Design Plaza(Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, 281). This is a futuristic art center. Its design was developed by the famous architect Zaha Hadid. From the outside, it looks like a huge spaceship, but inside it is completely snow-white. This place is a paradise for perfectionists and all lovers of minimalism. The art center hosts exhibitions, shops and cafes. And next to it is an installation of 25,500 LED roses. At night it looks very large, incredibly beautiful and romantic. The center is open every day from 10 am to 7 pm. Admission is free. Some exhibitions require a separate ticket.

It’s worth starting your exploration of Seoul from the most popular shopping district Myeongdong Shopping Street(Jung-gu). This favorite place youth and the best place to get acquainted with modern Korean culture. Here you can try street food, go shopping, even get to a mini-concert of street musicians.

After shopping at Myeongdong, take a walk to Seoul TV Tower YTN Seoul Tower(Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, 105). She is considered a symbol of the city and is depicted on most of the postcards of Seoul. The height of the tower is 236 meters, and the views from it are simply beyond words. In the evening, Seoul is especially beautiful from above. You can visit the tower daily from 10 am to 11 pm, entry ₩ 10,000 (€ 8).

Continuing the evening route through the city, include in your list of places Banpodaegyo Bridge. This is the longest fountain bridge in the world (1140 meters). In the evening, the show begins and it glows with all the colors of the rainbow.

If you want to get closer to the culture and traditions of South Korea, go to a traditional village Bukchon Hanok Village(Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, 37). The national houses of Koreans are called hanok. Walking along the alleys and looking inside the houses, you will get acquainted with the 600-year history of the country and even be able to try on hanbok - the Korean national costume.

Cafe hidden among the modern streets of Seoul 943 King's Cross Harry Potter cafe(Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, 417), which will immerse you in the world of magic and sorcery. Here you can try on the mantle of a Hogwarts student, drink a mug of butterbeer and ask the distributing hat which faculty you will study in. Three floors of photo locations, souvenir dexterity and food in one place. Open from 11.30 to 22.00.

Food

In Korea, food is given a lot of attention - Koreans have a kind of food cult. If you watch them, you will notice that they look at photos of food when they ride in transport; film themselves on the phone when they eat; while talking about food. Even their greeting "siksa haschessoe?" translated into Russian as "Have you eaten yet?".

There is a lot of food in South Korea and it is varied, but national dishes are more popular. Here is a list of the most popular.

In the first place, without which it is impossible to imagine a Korean table is kimchi. Favorite dish of all generations. This is sauerkraut in hot red pepper, most often it is used as a side dish for the main course or as an appetizer. The secret of kimchi has been passed down from generation to generation.

The second most popular dish is bibimbap, a large bowl of rice tossed with vegetables, egg and sauces added to them. For a piquant taste, nori seaweed, kujut, soy sprouts and kimchi are added to the dish.

“Koreans look at pictures of food while riding in public transport; film themselves on the phone when they eat; talk about food while talking

Definitely worth a try for meat lovers. kalbi, bulgogi And samgepsal. Kalbi prepared from marinated beef: pieces of meat are fried in sauce and eaten with spices. Bulgogi is sweet meat fried in sauce and served with various seasonings. Samgepsal are pork cuts that are fried and served with vegetables and traditional Korean snacks. The older generation consumes all these dishes exclusively with soju (rice vodka).

Kimbap These are traditional Korean rolls. Rice and fresh vegetables wrapped in nori sheets are drizzled with sesame sauce and served as a side dish to the main course. Koreans are very fond of meat, so you can often find rolls stuffed with beef or pork instead of the usual fish.

And for dessert, the favorite sweet delicacy of Koreans. Tteok is a pastry made of glutinous rice with a nut or fruit filling. Its taste is very specific, but it's definitely worth a try once.

One dish in any establishment, ranging from ordinary cafes to restaurants, costs at least ₩ 8500 (€ 6-7). But when ordering food, do not forget that in South Korea they serve large portions. One serving can feed two, checked!

Housing

It is better to book accommodation in Korea in advance, at least a few months in advance, and preferably six months in advance. For a bed in the simplest hostel in a room for 10 people, you will pay ₩ 34,000 (€ 27). Rooms on Airbnb and double rooms in hotels start at ₩59,500 (€47) per night.

During the trip, we decided to live in housing from different price categories in order to compare the pros and cons. In Busan we lived in good hotel and were able to assess the level of Korean service. But as I said above, English is difficult in Korea, so we assessed the level, but everything had to be negotiated through an interpreter. Although at the very end of the stay, the receptionist learned one phrase in English - “clean room”.

Service in Korea high level. In the morning, when cleaning your room, you will definitely be given a new bathrobe and a refreshing face mask along with a bottle of water. Breakfast is included in almost every hotel and there is a free vending machine with coffee and popcorn next to the reception. The rooms are all very technologically advanced and clean.

In Seoul, we were less fortunate. We lived in a hostel, the standard of living there is much worse. But what saved us was that the Koreans were good-natured and, even without understanding English, tried to answer our questions and help.

Before moving into the hostel, we spent the first few days in Korean saunas. What are Korean Saunas (Jimchilbang)? Most often, these are large centers where Koreans come to relax with family or friends. The so-called "sanatorium in the city." These centers have it all: spas, steam rooms, entertainment rooms, food, and more. There you can relax and spend the night. Fixed price: ₩ 17,000 (€ 13) for 12 hours. In small areas, this is the place where people come to bathe and spend the night. You are given sleepwear, soap supplies and a key to your closet. You sleep on a yoga mat with a round pillow under your head. This pleasure costs ₩12,000 (€ 9) for 12 hours. Frequent visitors to such places are drunken Koreans and young people who did not have time to go home.

Are you planning trip to Korea? Getting ready for a long vacation? There are many things to take care of before making travel plans and starting to pack your bags. Introducing to your attention some of them.

First of all

For Togo To fully enjoy your time in Korea, you should go on a trip with a good mood. After all, Korea is far from paradise and quiet place where are your Problems they just disappear like magic. Eat Great chance that mistakes made at home, you will repeat in Korea. So stop dreaming and start living.
pass whether your holiday is wonderful or not is entirely up to you. Try to think clearly, understand and embrace Korean culture.

The Republic of Korea (South Korea) is a state in East Asia located on the Korean Peninsula. The Republic of Korea occupies the southern part of the Korean Peninsula, which protrudes 1100 kilometers from the main part of Asia. From the west, the peninsula is washed by the Yellow Sea, from the east - Sea of ​​Japan, and from the south - the Korea Strait and the East China Sea.

Applying for a visa to Korea

For arrival V South Korea foreign guests must have a valid passport and obtain a Korean visa before entering the country. However, people from some countries can visit Korea temporarily without a visa. Additional information about tourist, student and work visas, please visit the section Visas.

flights

Many airlines with international routes regularly fly to Korea. Airlines Korean Air And Asiana Airlines also operate flights from various points around the world. Except In addition, low-cost airlines fly here, with the help of which you can save a lot.

Money

Korean the currency is won (₩). Banknote denominations: 1000 ₩, 5000 ₩, 10000 ₩ and 50000 ₩, as well as coins 10 ₩, 50 ₩, 100 ₩ and 500 ₩.

Money can be exchanged at banks, service centers exchange, or at official currency exchange offices. Prices in banks vary, so it is better to stop your choice at other currency exchange institutions.

Important Please note that with the exception of Citibank bank accounts, only Korean bank accounts are shown when accepting cash from ATMs in Korea.

ATMs(CD) are commonly found in shops, subways, train stations, bus stations and shopping malls. When using international debit cards with the Plus and Cirrus logos, it is possible to access funds from international bank accounts through ATMs with the same logos.

Transfer from the airport and back

Exist various travel options between airports and settlements Korea.

Taxi: despite the comfort, taxis are one of the most expensive modes of transport. By information from the site international airport Incheon (http://www.airport.kr) trip from Seoul to airport, lasting about an hour, a standard taxi will cost approximately 44,000 won, and a luxury taxi will cost 80,000 won.

Buses: various types of buses leave from airports in Korea, including special buses. airport transport, local buses, etc.

Car rent: Car rental is available in Korea for people with international driving certificate. You can rent a car at the airport, major railway stations, and express bus stations.

Voltage and frequency

Voltage The power grid in Korea is 220 volts, 60 Hz. Plugs with two round pins are used. Depending on the voltage of your device and the shape of the plug, you may need to converter voltage or adapter. Both can be purchased at discounted rates at malls such as E-Mart and Home plus or electronics stores.

When crossing the border, you must present the following documents:
a passport valid at the time of entry;
return tickets or tickets to a third country;
confirmation of the availability of sufficient Money for the whole term
stay in the country. If you have a hotel reservation (printouts from the Internet
enough) or a voucher from a travel agency, border guards are rarely interested
availability of financial resources from the tourist;
completed migration card and customs declaration
(issued on the plane, on the ferry or in the arrivals hall in front of the booths
passport control).

Culture and etiquette

your Here is a brief introduction to etiquette and Korean culture that will help you better understand life in Korea.

Bow: bow is the most common form of greeting in Korea. Informal form of bow recalls a nod, and a deep bow is considered the most polite greeting. Koreans sit cross-legged on the floor and bow deeply in front of the elderly.

The usual form of a bow consists of several stages:

stand up right at a distance of 1-2 meters from the person before whom you intend to bow.
take a bow from the waist while keeping the neck straight.
Straighten up.
Say hello: "안녕하십니까" ?

In order to feel natural, you first need to practice this procedure. Bow And words: "안녕하십니까" ? - like most Koreans, as it expresses respect and modesty. It is also important to note that it is considered disrespectful to make eye contact when talking to elders.

Handshake: despite the increased number of handshakes in last years, it is not a traditional part of Korean culture. Shaking hands with a person of a higher position or older yourself, when performing a slight bow, place your left hand on your right forearm. In the West, a very firm handshake is a sign of trust and respect, but if you do this in Korea, your new acquaintance may feel uncomfortable.

Respect for elders: Koreans have a reverent attitude towards age. Seniors are treated with great respect. Young people always greet older people first. Guys call sisters or girls older girls - "Nuna", and younger girls - "Unni". "Hyung" is an older brother or adult male for boys, and "Oppa" is for girls. If a person is over forty or if there are 10- summer age difference, then such men are called "Ajussi", and women - "Ajuma".

Language of the body: touching someone who is not a relative or close friend is considered by Koreans as a violation of his personal space. When communicating, try to avoid touching and patting. Always pass and receive objects with your right hand (with your wrist or forearm should be supported with the left) or with both hands. To call someone, you need to stretch your hand with your palm down, and make “scratching movements” with your fingers. And never guide your index finger. When sitting, do not cross your legs. Keep your feet on the floor, not on your desk or chair.

Attachment: girlfriends and women who are relatives of each other can be recognized by the way they walk holding hands, which is a symbol of close relationships. close friends relationship among men, are also expressed in a tendency to show less personal space in relation to each other, in comparison with the way it is customary in the West. The close relationship is shown through friendly gestures. However, Koreans use hugs as a greeting less often than in Europe. Kissing and other intimate displays of affection in public places are unacceptable.

Public transport: At the end of subway cars and in front of buses, there are special places designed for the elderly, the disabled and pregnant women. If everything busy, then it is customary for these persons to give way to seats in another part of the transport. Older people often categorically refuse such an offer, but the person who conceded, as a rule, insists on his own. With one free seat, Korean women are more likely to let their companions - men sit, while they themselves prefer to ride standing up. Those who are seated are expected to hold their comrades' bags.

Washroom/toilet: not all public places (bars, restaurants, etc.) have latrines, but some use a shared toilet inside the building. It is advisable to carry tissues with you at all times, as All restrooms can provide them. At some stations and other public places, you may find Asian-style toilets where the user must "squat" and throwing away used wipes in specially designed containers. Most restaurants and cafes such as Outback Steakhouse, McDonald's, Coffee Bean, Tea Leaf, Starbucks have western style restrooms.

Street: Usually Koreans walk on the left side of the sidewalk, opposite to the flow of traffic. It's not often you see walkers walking and eating at the same time. In many areas Can meet places where they sell various snacks and light meals. However, it is customary to eat at the same time on the spot, standing in front of the counter. Keep in mind that cars drive on the right in Korea. And on the sidewalks, deliveries on scooters appear from time to time, so be vigilant!

Safety and security

South Korea is a relatively safe country. Until late at night as in big cities, and in the countryside, you can meet people on the street.

You can bring your pets

For that, to bring your pets, you need a certificate of quarantine or vaccination against rabies issued by veterinary clinic or your government. In addition, with a certificate of quarantine contact the National Veterinary Research and Quarantine Service.

Korea is one of the most safe countries in the world: none a large number thefts, no drug addicts, no robberies, and public morality is so developed and strong that it is almost impossible to hear rudeness addressed to you.

If you decide to go to South Korea, namely to, decide in advance on specific dates, because the cost of the flight will depend on them, and not on how far in advance you buy plane tickets. The cheapest tickets to South Korea are, and.

If we talk about transport in Seoul, then you will need an international driving license to rent a car - Russian plastic is not suitable. Whole public transport and orange taxi (public) is paid by the T-money system - a plastic card on which money is deposited through the terminal.

Everything is like in Russia - you put the card to the turnstile, it tells you the balance of funds, and you go on.

The subway is quiet and calm inside the cars, but no one waits for people to leave and enter immediately, so get ready to push a lot and for a long time. If you live in Moscow and think that this will not surprise you, you are mistaken, everything is much tougher in Korea.

There are yellow corrugated paths in the subway and on the streets - landmarks for the blind. In Seoul, everything is quite well equipped for people with disabilities, so if you or your relatives were afraid to face the problem of the unsuitability of Korean streets, then feel free to brush aside all fears.

Money. Don't count on credit cards- they are accepted, but rarely and reluctantly: Koreans are very fond of cash. Therefore, exchange part of the money immediately at the airport, and the rest - in banks. When you go shopping, pay attention to the price tags. If they are not there, the price of the goods is most likely too high, and you will not be able to bargain.

If you smoke, take a supply of cigarettes with you, because Koreans hardly smoke, and it can be difficult to buy cigarettes.

Before the trip, you must also remember the traditional greeting - you need to bow slightly. As a form of gratitude, Koreans also prefer to bow rather than say the word "thank you". Direct eye contact, by the way, can be regarded as a threat and disrespect. You can also shake hands, but this also has a special ritual: they serve and shake both the right and left hands, although preference is given to the right - the left hand is placed under the right. If you do not follow this rule, you will get the impression that you are a very uncultured and far from polite person.

If it turns out that you will be drinking with one of the Koreans, you should never fill your glass - pour it for others, not for yourself.

Since we are talking about alcohol, it is worth mentioning the food. You can’t start a meal until the eldest in age sits at the table. When choosing food, do not think that only dogs and insects are cooked in Seoul, you can find perfectly normal European cuisine there, but the food is often spicier than we are used to. Also, not all cafes and restaurants have tea, but water is always brought free of charge. But be prepared for the fact that in some restaurants and cafes, plates are washed right on the road, and you are watching all this.

South Korea has become a country of contrasts and unexpected ideas for me. Being in Seoul, I felt like I was in Asian America.

Around people with both European and oriental appearance. From food, fast food is very popular, in the summer there are gastromarkets on the street. Everywhere there are shops of famous brands, corners of both Korean and foreign cosmetics, various showrooms. There is even a museum of collectible sneakers here (you can also buy top sneakers there). And on the other side of the country - small villages and abundance Buddhist temples where people don't think about the latest in fashion and music. How can one get to such a contrasting country?

general information

The main thing you need to know: the most convenient way to be in Korea is to fly by plane. By air, the fastest and least problematic. There are 21 airports in South Korea, 7 of which are international. The rest only accept domestic flights. The most popular are the following airports:

• Incheon is the largest airport in the country,
• Gimpo,
• Busan Gimhae,
• Jeju.

Russian citizens flying from their own country usually land at Incheon Airport. Visa problems should also not arise, since citizens of the Russian Federation do not need a visa to visit the country for up to 60 days.

You can also get to Korea by ferry. Indeed, ships from Vladivostok and Zarubilo run to Donghae and Sokcho.

By plane

As I said, the best way to get to South Korea is by plane. This way you can fly to three parts of the country:

1. Seoul,
2. busan,
3. Jeju.

Let's talk about everything in order.

Air travel options

To Seoul

You can get from Donghae to Seoul either by bus (travel time is 4–5 hours, the ticket price is about 35 USD one way), or by train (the trip takes 5 hours, the ticket will cost about 20 USD).

To Sokcho

Also, once a week, a ferry departs from Vladivostok and Zarubino to Sokcho. Sokcho is a city in the northeastern part of South Korea. The transfer is carried out by the ferry company Stena Daea Line.

The ferry departs from Vladivostok on Monday and arrives in the port of Sokcho the next day (about 22:00). A one-way ticket will cost approximately 170 USD. From Zarubino, the ship departs on Thursday, the time is about the same as from Vladivostok. One way ticket from 150 USD.

When is the best time to go to South Korea

The high season in South Korea is from May to September. In May it is about +17 °С and it is dry here. In summer, the temperature is about +25–27 °C. Sometimes it rains, but, as I myself observed, it is short-lived and does not drag on for more than a day. September and October are still quite warm months. At the end of October, about +15 °C.

Of course, in the summer there is a lot more entertainment, open markets and a variety of street culture. But, despite the seasonality, in, I believe, you can go at any time of the year. In winter, there is little precipitation, and the temperature is about 0 ° C. It is better to go to only in summer, as it is a city on the sea, and in winter it is much less remarkable.

Prices for flights to South Korea and accommodation in the summer, of course, are higher. In December - January, direct flights can cost about 25,000. That is, the same as flights with transfers in spring - summer or even lower. But I flew in the summer and did not regret it at all :).

Passing the border

For the Russians there is a visa-free regime, and this greatly simplifies life :). However, do not forget about the rules that still remain. At the airport or seaport when passing the border, they may ask for information about the hotel (booking, address), medical insurance(policy health insurance can be done at any insurance company), tickets for the return flight or the next one after Korea, as well as proof of the availability of funds.

Moreover, at passport control you will need to hand over your fingerprints, as well as take a picture. All these devices are located directly at the control desk, the process will not take much time. It is also necessary to fill out an immigration card and a customs declaration. They are usually issued on the plane.