Sumber tulisan ini dari: asia-planet.net; wanderplanet.com; Korea

Sumber tulisan ini dari: asia-planet.net; wanderplanet.com; Korea Travel Guide; Korea National Tourism Corporation

Advertorial: KIA TOUR

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Welcome to South Korea

South Korea's tourism industry has grown rapidly over the past 10 years in line with the country's impressive economic achievements.

In fact, the country, with a population of 48.59 million, has become one of the most favorite tourist destinations in Asia, in addition to China and Southeast Asian countries.

South Korea offers an array of possibilities for those who take the time to discover them. Visitors to this country are also impressed with the kindness of its people.

Located on the southern Korean peninsula in East Asia and separating the East and Yellow seas, South Korea is roughly 1,000 kilometers in length and measures only 216 kilometers across at its narrowest point.

The peninsula is one of the world's most mountainous regions and the solid granite and limestone base of the mountain chain, which begins in the mainland, is lifted and folded into some of the most magnificent scenery in the world.

The country has four distinct seasons; spring from late March through May, summer from June to early September, autumn from September through November, and winter from December to mid- March.

While Korea is fascinating in any season, most visitors come in spring and summer, the time when people say the country is the most beautiful.

Where to go

South Korea is a land of fascinating contrasts, offering traditional Korean delights and a variety of modern forms of entertainment.

With a rich and unique culture and art and many museums, temples, historic attractions, and advanced industries, South Korea has become one of favorite business and leisure destinations in Asia.

Among the most favorite tourist spots in the country are the capital Seoul, and the cities of Jeju-do (Cheju), Busan and Gyeongju.

Seoul: As the capital city of South Korea, Seoul is the the center of politics, economy and culture in the country. In addition to its numerous historic sites such as the Gyeongbokgung Palace, the modern, bustling city is a landmark of development with many must-see attractions, including Lotte World; an amusement park, the Seoul Tower and many flash shopping centers, hip restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

Phoenix Park, a resort complex equipped with every amusement facility located within two hours' drive from Seoul, is also an important tourist destination in South Korea.

Many Indonesians visit this resort in winter season for enjoying the snow and other winter sports. The Phoenix Park is outstanding since it has every thing including swimming pools, ski slopes and well-designed golf courses.

Jeju-do (Cheju): This resort island, with stunning natural scenery and superior tourist amenities, is one of the premier tourist destinations in Korea. Scenic beaches, waterfalls, cliffs and caves and the mild weather makes Jeju-do an ideal spot for a relaxing holiday. Mount Hallasan in Jeju-do has flora and fauna of both temperate and tropical varieties.

Busan: As the second-largest city and the main port in South Korea, Busan, previously known as Pusan, is the gateway to the Hallyeo Maritime National Park. As an international port city with a population of 3.8 million, Busan boasts the beautiful Nakdonggang River that flows down to the southern ocean. The coastline near the city is blessed with pretty beaches, scenic islets and tall mountains. The Pusan International Film Festival (IPFF) is held annually in the city, which attracts movie enthusiasts from around the world.

Busan, of course, also has many first-class hotels and restaurants.

Gyeongju: As the capital of the Silla Kingdom for almost a thousand years, in Gyeongju boasts many significant and fascinating cultural heritage sites. Along with the Bulguksa Temple and the Seokguram Grotto, the Gyeongju Historical District has been designated as a World Heritage spot by Unesco. Due to the bountiful historical, natural and cultural attractions, this region has long been a major tourist destination.

Getting There

If you intend to arrange a trip on your own, getting to Korea is easy, with a number of different airlines available to take you at any time.

Many people, however, prefer to join a tour package arranged by a local travel agency, not only to save costs but also to ensure they enjoy their trip without having to bother about the details of transportation and accommodation.

KIA Tours and Travel is one of the most-experienced travel agencies in providing tour packages to Korea. In cooperation, with local operator Four Seasons Tour (handled by Mr. David Kim, phone: 82-2-7309374), KIA Tours has the expertise to send you and your family on an unforgettable travel adventure.

KIA Tour has arranged a seven-day tour package to several tourist destinations in Korea for between US$599 and US$1,089 per person, depending on the program requested.

The package, which has been specially tailored to give travelers the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Korea during the spring, covers several tourist destinations in the country, including Seoul, the famous Everland flower festival, and to Cheju, one of the top spots for honeymooners in Korea.

The departure time is every Thursday and Saturday. Don't miss the opportunity, and Bon Voyage!

For more information please call Korea Indonesia Agency Tours Travel -- Head Office, Jl Panglima Polim, South Jakarta, Phone: (021) 722 5988; Fax: (021) 722 5988. -- Branch Office, Kelapa Gading, East Jakarta, Phone: (021) 458 51838; Fax: (021) 458 51833 -- Branch Office, Jalan Suryopranoto, Central Jakarta; Phone: (021) 344 8886; Fax: (021) 344 2586 The Ascott Apartments: Phone: (021) 391 5128/319 01051; Fax: (021) 392 5054