8 reasons to decide on a bike tour of South Korea
Travels / / December 19, 2019
Rather than go back to Europe, Turkey or Thailand, it is time to move on. To try the jelly acorns in Seoul and swim on the black beach, do not even need a visa. Together with the Korea Tourism Organization explains why you will enjoy in this country.
1. Historic and modern architecture Seoul
South Korea - a country with a rich history and attractions here heaps. Right in Seoul among the skyscrapers you can find the temple Chogesa, Hanok village Namsangol with traditional houses and palaces of the Joseon Dynasty.
Themselves and others skyscrapers of Seoul should also see the modern buildings. For example, these three urban character:
- Seoul Tower. One of the main symbols of the city is on Mount Namsan. Climb up to the viewing platform of the funicular you can for 5 euros or free steps.
- "Fountain of the rainbow." The longest bridge in the world with built-in fountain and lighting. In the evening, the waterfront, you can watch an incredible light show.
- Building 63. Skyscraper that day looks like a huge gold bar. For 5 euros you can go upstairs and look at Seoul from above the 63rd floor.
2. Amusement park Lotte World
Lotte World - the largest indoor amusement park in the world. It is located in Seoul, Korea, and looks like Disneyland or Universal. 128 thousand square meters in the Lotte World are located ice rink, shopping mall, movie theater, hotel and, of course, a lot of attractions. The coolest of them:
- Balloon. It is located in a covered area of Adventure. The journey lasts about 20 minutes and resembles a tour of Lotte World. You will be able to view the entire territory and to choose the places you want to visit.
- French Revolution. Large roller coaster with twists 360 degrees, hinges and other pieces.
- Gyro Swing. It is located in an open area and Magic Island will approach fans of extreme entertainment. This lighthouse, which is attached to a spinning disk with a seating area. In one of them, and you go to jail.
- Flume Ride. Water attraction with slides and moving dinosaurs. Be sure to check out if you love the movie "Jurassic Park."
3. Busan, Incheon and other places of interest in addition to South Korea Seoul
Seoul - the main and largest city of South Korea, but not the only one. In every part of this country is something to see. Here are four standing places:
- Busan. "Sea capital" of Korea and the ultra-modern city. There is the world's largest department store Shinsegae Centum City, a bunch of skyscrapers, including the highest in South Korea residential building Doosan Haeundae We've the Zenith Tower A. Communication with roots in Busan also not lost. Look yongdusan park park, the temple-palace of the dragon of the sea haedong yonggungsa Buddha and the temple complex Pomos - it was built in the VII century. Look into booking Nakdon - from October to May there 150 species of birds nest.
- Incheon. Fishing village that turned into a big city with a developed culture and trade. Incheon Center is built low old buildings. They are surrounded by modern quarters with skyscrapers and parks. Be sure to go to the G-Tower: from the top floor of the tower offers incredible views of the city. And yet there is an observatory, so that you can watch the stars.
- Gyeongju. Four historical part of the city - a UNESCO heritage site. There is a Buddhist center, ruins of temples and astronomical tower. And in Gyeongju can be viewed on the Korean traditional wrestling ssireum.
- Jeju Island. A place with stunning nature. In the center of the island is the highest point in South Korea - Hallasan volcano. He had already gone out, and to its top can be reached on foot. The crater is now formed a mountain lake.
4. unusual food
Japanese sushi you probably tried, Chinese wok and Thai tom yum too. But what about the Korean bibimbap and kimchi?
Gastrotur on Korea must be divided into three stages. Let's start with the restaurants. In institutions with local cuisine, try:
- spicy pork cheyuk-Pokka. However, it usually serves kimchi - sauerkraut Korean.
- Kui, He is a Korean barbecue. You will be served raw meat and roasting pan. Will prepare their own meals. By the grill is always served snacks set banchan: mushrooms, herbs, namul (raw / fried greens with seasonings) and again kimchi.
- Bibimbap. Rice with vegetables and herbs, eggs, beef and hot pepper sauce.
- Dotorimuk. Acorn jelly with spices. Excellent snack for alcoholic beverages.
The second part of gastrotura - street food. In Seoul, you can find it on the main pedestrian street, for example Insandon and Myeongdong. It is worth to buy:
- Ttokpokki. Rice dumplings, fried in hot sauce with meat and vegetables.
- TTOK. Rice dumplings, too, only sweet.
- Audin. Boiled fish cakes on skewers. Usually, they add pieces of vegetables, and in addition to offer the broth in which the dish is ready.
- Thvigim. Anything, fried fish, tofu, squid, vegetables, pork and even noodles.
- Hottok. Sweet cakes with bean paste and cinnamon. It is best to have a winter - while baking will help keep warm.
- Punoppan. Muffins with sweet cream or bean filling. They always do in the form of fish - a street food is a sin not zainstagramit.
- Pontegi. Fast food for those who are willing to experiment. Spicy boiled silkworm larvae. Say, the taste and the smell is not very much, but what a strange experience!
Gastrotur of Korea can not be considered complete if you do not visit one of the fish markets. There's fresh fish, shrimp, lobster, squid, scallops and other seafood to buy and cook at home or try on the spot.
5. Shopping centers with Korean cosmetics and clothing
Tinta for lips and cheeks, under eye patches, and BB- CC-creams - all of these cosmetic products have come from Korea. Buy them here can be several times cheaper than in Russia.
At shopping in South Korea three areas:
- Shopping complexes. Seoul is the largest in the Asian underground TRC SOEH. In addition to the brand shops there is a kimchi museum and a large aquarium with tropical fish and sharks. Yeoju Premium Outlet - Outlet Center with constant Closeouts. Shopping Mall Doosan Tower - TRC with 540 shops of clothes, cosmetics, jewelry from Korean and international brands.
- Shopping streets. The best place in Seoul - Myeongdong. There is also the big department stores and shops of all kinds of local cosmetics brands, small and Souvenirs. Want to find rare and unusual designer pieces - go outside Karosukil.
- Markets. The largest in Seoul - Dongdaemun. In its territory of 35 thousand shops with clothing, footwear, accessories, souvenirs and food. More on Russian Dongdaemun has a cafe with traditional cuisine, so if you get bored at home, know where to go. Another major market - Namdaemun. Here outlets 10 thousand, but they are no less varied assortment. There are clothes, ceramics, electronics, food and souvenirs. And check out the flea market in Hongdae - where you can find unique antique trinkets.
6. friendly Koreans
Koreans are very kind and helpful. And yet they are sensitive to the traditions, even though they live in the ultra-modern cities.
If you get lost on the streets in Korea, do not hesitate to come and ask for help: many young residents speak English. And if you ever see a person who does not know the language, he will try to tell the road map.
In the subway, even at rush hour quietly. Each car has a place for pregnant women, and no one will take: it is highlighted in color and cute soft toy, which sits on a chair.
7. Mountains and waterfalls
The Korean peninsula is 70% located in the mountainous region, so it is a paradise for those who love hiking. On the hills there's a lot of national parks, natural and cultural centers.
I enjoy a lot of walking? Go hiking in the countryside:
- In the mountains Seorak (Maximum height - 1708 meters), you can see the waterfall and Seorak Mountain Range Konnon Nynson similar to a dragon's back.
- In national park Jirisan look rock Khalbavi and Buddhist temple Popkesa.
- In the Gulf Sunchhonman - the largest reed beds, Buddhist temples and traditional village of Nagan Ypson.
And if you do not want to spend on climbing and walking all day, climb the mountain in the cities. In Seoul, for example, suitable for hiking and Invansan Bukhansan National Park.
8. sandy beaches
Korea is bordered by three seas and beach vacation there is no worse than in China or Thailand. To lie on the sand and soak up the sun, head to Pusan. Here is the most famous and largest beach in Korea - Haeundae. You can rent deck chairs, air mattresses and other equipment for beach activities. Just move here - along the whole territory passes a broad wooden walkway.
Haeundae - a popular destination not only for tourists but also for the Koreans. If you want privacy, go to Jeju Island with colorful beaches. white Hamdok and Hopche, Black beach Samyan, Gray Iho. Last love windsurfers.
Jeju, you can go diving and see cuttlefish, dolphins, fish Kuzovkov and other marine life. Dives are also involved in the area of islands and Geojedo Namhedo and Busan. Diving centers exist in all major cities: Seoul is a club Aquatic Frontier, Busan - Sea World, Jeju Island - Deep Blue Quest.
How to catch everything at once
Most sights easily accessible by bike: South Korea 2 750 km of bicycle paths. They go through the city, plains, bridges, tunnels and mountain views.
To drive all over the country from north to south, you can tour Zelenski Cycle the World. The route begins and ends in Seoul to Busan.
The two largest cities of South Korea joins the longest cycle route in the world - 633 km. This path is also called "The route of four rivers." It can be overcome in just 12 days.
On the way you will see a Buddhist monastery Suchzhonsa, beautiful counties yangpyeong county and goesan county, lotus pond and other cool places. Each day you will drive through 75 kilometers - about four hours a day. Rest of the time you will see the sights, taste traditional food and enjoy the views of South Korea. Of particular culture will tell you local guides - they will also be on the bike, so that you will pedal and listen to stories on the road.
In the round of Zelenski Cycle the World do you go to the spa with hot springs, learn how to cook Korean dishes, overcome the two biggest mountain passes - and Ihvaron Phalchoron. And still be able to get the gold medal - its local cycling association gives to everyone who has overcome the 'Route of four rivers. "
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