| Seoul |
| Pusan |
| Daegu (Taegu) |
| Kwang-ju (Gwang-ju) |
| Incheon |
| Ulsan |
| Islands |
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Population - 12 Million
Much of Seoul bears the distinct stamp of the 21st century -- 12-lane freeways carry a constant stream of traffic between steel-and-glass skyscrapers. If you look closer, you'll find ancient temples miraculously spared destruction in the Korean War, as well as painstakingly restored historic palaces, whose designs date back centuries. Great effort has gone into preserving Korean history and culture despite what seems like a headlong rush into the future. Mere steps away from the bustle of commerce, you can find yourself in the serenity of a traditional garden or a market overflowing with ginseng, jade and dried squid.
Although it's located in the northwest corner of the country, Seoul is the center of South Korea, the hub of the nation's government, economy, education and culture. Thus, it's where everyone wants to be, and the city's population has grown from less than 1 million shortly before World War II to nearly 10 million today. That growth helped Seoul become a major player in the world economy, but its rapid expansion hasn't come without a price. Transportation, housing, utility and recreation resources have been severely strained. Nevertheless, Seoul has plenty to offer the traveller, including luxurious modern accommodation, excellent public transportation and an array of colorful cultural experiences.
Population - 4 million
It is located on the southeastern tip of the Korean Peninsula. Pusan with a population of nearly 4 million people is Korea's second largest city and one of its most beautiful. It is a large port city surrounded by mountain making it a very attractive city.
It has been exposed to foreigners for a long time as a major sea port and this has shaped the city and it is now a centre of international tourism, trade and industry
It is in an ideal location for visiting the southern islands and temples to the north and west of the city. It is known for its world-famous Haeundae Beach and the lively Gukje Market is definitely worth a visit. Only a forty minute subway ride from the downtown you'll find Beomeosa Temple, which is set in a tranquil forest area.
Population 2.5 million
Daegu (Taegu) is Korea's third largest city and is located in the south east of the peninsula. It is an important economic centre. It is a busy city with a lively youth culture. Here you will find a bustling city with lots to offer, restaurants, bars and an exciting night life. It has a large ex-pat community and excellent shopping and entertainment facilities.
It is home to the Oriental Medicinal Herb Market, the largest of it's kind in the country. It is an ideal starting point for visiting one of Korea's most famous temples, Haeinsa in Gayasan National Park, which is a UNESCO world heritage site.
It is 1 and 3/4 hours from Pusan and 3 and 3/4 hours from Seoul
Population - 1.5 million
Kwangju is the capital of the Jeollanam-do province. It is ideally located for visiting the nearby national parks and also only about 1.5 hours from the coast. It is a modern medium sized city full of restaurants, bars, cinemas etc. You'll never be bored.
Kwangju is famous for the high quality of it's food and every October hosts it's annual kimchi festival. Here you can take part in the making, tasting and buying of Korea's famous dish.
It is 4 hours by bus from Seoul and near the southern coast for visiting islands and parks.
Population - 2.5 Million
Now home to Koreas International airport and the neighbouring city to Seoul, Inchon is a large port city, and is the gateway for sea transport to China.
It has a population of 2.5 million and is a very cosmopolitan city with its mix of Chinese and Russian tourists and traders who blend in with the locals to make this a booming city. The city is being developed to house large shopping malls and the infrastructure is being improved continuously to make Incheon one of Korea’s fastest growing cities.
Population - 500,000
Ulsan is a city, north of Pusan ( approx. 1 hour ) on the east coast of Korea. It has a large ex-part community. It is a lively sea-side city, and is known for its fish restaurants.
Ulsan is home to Hyundai Motors and Hyundai heavy vehicles. It is one of Korea’s most important cities economically.
Jeju Island
Population 540,000
Jeju is Korea's largest island located 85 km off the south coast. The island is a very popular tourist destination mostly because of it's beautiful scenery. The island has many amazing geographical features, the most famous Mount Hallasan- a 2000m high extinct volcano, the highest mountain in Korea. You can find many beautiful beaches around the island.
Jeju is an interesting place because of it's own unique culture. In spite of it's close proximity to the mainland, the island was little visited for hundreds of years. As a result, it has developed it's own traditions, dress and dialect. Tourism is the main industry of the island, it is especially popular with honeymooners.
Ulleungdo
Population - 11,000
This amazingly beautiful island is located 135km off the east coast of Korea. It is the remains of an extinct volcano, it's rugged, mountainous landscape is breath-taking. It is an excellent place for snorkelling and diving, but only for those with a lot of experience. It also has wonderful hiking routes if you prefer to stay on dry land.The island is very sparsely populated so it is a real break from the hustle and bustle of mainland Korea. You really feel like you are in another world.
Ferries leave from Pohang and Mukho, beware delays are common due to rough sea conditions.