The energy in the ocean can be subtle, but it is indisputable. Just think about what you saw in the videos of the huge tsunami in Southeast Asia in 2004. There is an absolutely huge amount of energy in tides as the flow to and fro. Even better, we can predict how big the tides will be every day and how much energy is in both the incoming and outgoing tides. It makes for a perfect energy platform if we can figure out how to tap it.

Well, the South Koreans obviously feel that they can. This has become clear with the announcement that Korea Western Power Corp will build and operate no less than 20 tidal power plants along the coast of the country. The plants will go up fast with the final one being completed no later than 2014. The total cost? A cool one billion dollars. In short, the South Koreans are getting very serious about tidal energy and this project will make them the biggest tidal energy producers in the world…by far.

Tidal energy gets a minute fraction of the publicity of the other alternative energies. If the South Koreans new technology is successful, that could change very quickly.

1. The Cities – The capital of South Korea, Seoul is one of the most important cities in the world. It is the perfect mix of industrial development and culture, with a number of different sightseeing attractions that tourists can visit. Seoul has a great number of activities on offer and it is also a great place to visit with family, as it boasts amusement parks and other attractions for children as well.

2. Culture – The culture of South Korea has developed its own distinctive characteristics, and boasts several great dance forms, art exhibitions, dramatic performances and musical genres unique to this region. The music and dance forms are especially famous, with each region in the country having its own style of music and dance. Visitors to the country will be able to view an authentic South Korean dance performance in any of the major cities.

3. Korean Food – South Korean food has gradually become one of the most popular cuisines in the world, with people setting up South Korean food restaurants in different countries. While rice is the staple ingredient used in South Korean cuisine, a typical meal consists of a variety of meats and vegetables along with the rice dish. South Korean food experiments with seafood and rice along with a range of fresh ingredients. Kim chi, Bibimbap and Bulgogi are some of the most famous local dishes that visitors should try.

4. Scenic Beauty – South Korea has so much more to offer than its culture and cuisine, with a number of extraordinarily beautiful natural wonders that are located across the country. The most famous of these places is the Checju-do Island, off the coast of the country, which is host to Mount Halla, the tallest mountain in Korea. Apart from this, there is also Tongnae, which is a hot spring in the South East of Korea.

5. Hospitality – The people in South Korea are well known for their hospitality and they not only have opened up their country but also their hearts to visitors. Tourists to this country will find it hard to find an inhospitable Korean, and it is not uncommon for tourists to be invited to locals’ homes to experience the Korean way of life.

In a Chinese college in Korea, people can hear the loud reading of Chinese at 7:00 am every day. For most South Koreans who are accustomed to nightlife, 7:00 am is sleeping time. But in this relatively small classroom are Koreans eager to study Chinese. Most of them are white-collar workers, they are using their short time before work to learn Chinese. The majority of South Korean universities have opened Chinese language courses, but it is far short of needs.

China and South Korean are geographical proximity and have similar cultures, the historical roots are very deep. After the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992, the economic and trade exchanges, as well as personnel exchanges between the two countries are increasing year by year. But more importantly, with China’s growing national strength, paying attention to China and understanding Chinese have become fashionable in South Korea.

After the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and South Korea, the number of Korean students to China to study Chinese has increased every year. The parents who sent their children to study in China several years ago are now celebrating the worthwhile investment. In face of the unemployed social reality, giving priority to people who understand Chinese language can inspire the enthusiasm of Korean people to study Chinese.

In terms of practical considerations of parents, the cost of sending their children to China to study is much cheaper than sending to Japan or USA. China and South Korea are in geographical proximity, it is more convenient when their children encounter problems etc. What’s more, Chinese schools have a strict management. More importantly, with the rapid economic development, the relationship between China and South Korea will be healthier.

Printing and Literature
One of Korea’s great achievements was the 15th-century invention of Hangul, the Korean phonetic alphabet. Hangul is relatively easy to learn, with 24 letters that are combined into blocks of syllables. The accessibility of Hangul has contributed to Korea’s high literacy rate. Another great Korean innovation was the first use of movable metal type, in 1234.

Korea’s long literary history grew not only from its innovations in printing, but through the tradition of telling folk tales and legends at festivals and other gatherings. These stories outlined the kingdom’s mythical origins and stressed Korean values. The National Folklore Museum in Seoul preserves an extensive collection of Korean cultural and folklore relics.

Painting
Korea’s first paintings, found on the walls of tombs in Manchuria, are 17 centuries old! Traditional painting has tended to celebrate nature or religious themes, although in the 18th century some artists branched out into depicting the dramatic landscape or daily life. During the Japanese occupation (1910–45), Korean artists were introduced to Western oil painting. Contemporary South Korean artists have continued to produce work in this vein as well as rediscovering classical Korean styles and themes, producing work of genius and originality.

Sculpture, Metal Craft, and Ceramics
The introduction of Buddhism in the 4th century spurred the development of sculpture in Korea. Artisans carved graceful, intricate Buddha images and pagodas in bronze, stone, and wood. Buddhist sculpture declined in the late 14th century, when Confucianism became ascendant over Buddhism, and has not enjoyed a resurgence until recently. Schools of modern sculpture have been quite active since the 1960s, and examples are abundant in city streets, parks, and plazas as well as in museums.

Metalcraft has an ancient and honorable history in Korea. Decorated bronze figures dating from the Bronze Age have been found all over the country. Shilla artisans (57 BC–AD 935) crammed the tombs of the aristocracy with gold and jade. They also produced beautiful, intricately carved bronze bells, some of which are huge. The largest of these, the Divine Bell of King Songdok, or the Emille Bell, dates from the 8th century.

Ceramics may be the most famous of Korea’s three-dimensional art forms. The technology for producing blue-green celadon vases came from China, but by the 12th century Korean artisans had made the technique their own. They added the innovation of inlaid designs, following motifs from nature.

Lying adjacent to the Korean Straits and Japan, this bustling city is also credited to be the first international city in Korea, and connects continents such as Asia, North America, and Europe. Located on the coast of the East Sea, Busan boasts of a stunning landscape comprising beautiful shorelines, gorgeous beaches, secluded islets, towering mountains, and lush green areas. Hence, it is not a wonder why Busan is sometimes referred to as ‘the San Francisco of Korea.’

Included in the seashore sightseeing are incredible islands and beaches such as Haeundae, Songjeong, and Gwangalli Beach. All of these beaches are a haven for enjoying a number of water sport activities such as jet skiing, boating, diving, banana boat rides, and much more. When comes to the interior land sightseeing, it covers downtown Busan, interesting museums, ancient shrines, historical monuments as well as ruins, stadiums, and cultural centers.

Some of the most popular museums in the area are Fisheries Museum, which is the first of its kind in the museum; Busan Marine Natural History Museum – the country’s largest marine natural history museum; Busan Museum of Modern Art, which has on display artworks done by artists of Busan as well as Yungnam areas; Korean Tea Museum, exhibiting more than 100 varieties of teas; and Suyeong Historical Relics Folk Art Center, which contains such cultural displays as Suyoung Nonchong-nori and Jwasuyoungbang-nori.

If you are a spiritual traveler, then your trip to Busan would not be complete without taking a tour to such shrines in the area as SamGwang Temple, which is one of the most remarkable Buddhist shrines in the area; Tongdosa Temple, which is probably the prominent of all Buddhist temples in the country; and Beomeosa Temple Complex, with a Buddhist nunnery. Equally fabulous is the historical sites in the country such as Kumjongsanong, which is the country’s largest walled mountain fortress. A segment of a park, the fortress is attached with a Buddhist Temple, apart from several pavilions and botanical gardens.

Further, your visit to Busan would be incomplete without taking a visit to some of its beautiful parks and gardens such as Busan Aquarium – a marine park featuring more than 250 species of marine animals; Yongdusan Park, which is one of the most scenic areas in the city with more than 70 species of trees; Olympic Park, which is a treasure trove of several magnificent sculptures.

Geumgang Botanical Garden, one of the largest botanical gardens in the country; and UN Memorial Park, which commemorates the soldiers of more than 15 countries who sacrificed their lives in the Korean War. For those looking for fun-filled vacation, Busan comes with a number of amusement parks like APEC Theme Park; Amusement Garden in Grand Children’s Park; Taejongdae Amusement Park; and Jayu Land.

Other not to miss attractions in Busan are the Busan Tower, which is about 118 meters high and located within Yongdusan Park; Jalgalchi Fish Market, a must-visit spot in the city; Tongnae Hot Springs, boasting of two huge pools, of which one is hot spring water and another with cold water; Dongbaek Island, an ancient island which is home to camellias as well as pine trees; and Dalmaji Hill, a picturesque area located to the southeast of Haeundae Beach. Above all, Busan hosts a variety of festivals and events including sea festivals, fishing festivals, polar bear swimming festival, tourism festival, and film festival.

The most famous historical tourist attractions in South Korea include Seoul, Gyeongju and Buyeo. There are many landmarks, peaks, caves, islands and beaches that have attracted tourist from the world across and for their accommodation, hotels in South Korea has brought up remarkable developments with several facilities and amenities.

The most popular cultural hub in South Korea is its capital city, Seoul, which is one among the top 20 world class cities. Seoul has many tourist attractions such as 63 building, which is one of the tallest buildings around Han River. It is multi-tourists complex with varies ways to gather fun and excitement. Its observation tower gives you a clear view of surrounding city and the Incheon Sea.

Achasanseong fortress is one of the places worth viewing. Similarly there are many tourists attraction in the city and many Seoul hotels in the center of the city or around famous tourists’ attractions. Many of these hotels provide rooms with mountain or river view along with well maintained cleanliness and in-room facilities.

Kwangju, the 6th largest city in South Korea, is also one of the major economic and political centers of South Korea. It is also known as the city of art in Korea because of the famous Art Street, which consist of many stores specialize in art supplies, traditional and modern paintings and high quality ceramics pottery. All these have attracted tourists and gave foothold to Kwangju Hotels in the country.

Similarly there are many hotels in South Korea that are established in the center of its main cities and offer excellent accommodation to tourists. They are famous for their attentive service and warm hospitality. It ranges from luxurious hotels to cheap hotels in South Korea that can suit the taste and budget of every need.

Korean food is an under appreciated cuisine that has not gained the attention it so well deserves. The local Korean cuisine has many distinctive tastes that are easily identifiable by even the least experienced gourmand. There’s sesame oil, garlic, ginger, fermented soybean paste, soy sauce and red pepper powder which are applied to many types of meat, specifically beef, pork and chicken. Probably the most famous, or infamous of Korean foods is kimchi which is generally made with Chinese cabbage or radish that has been preserved with various spices including red hot pepper powder and pickled fish sauces. Kimchi is the country’s staple food and is served at most meals.

Seoul is undeniably a city of culture, and as such it houses many world-class museums. Most notably among these are the National Museum of Korea, considered the flagship museum of Korean history and art, and the National Folk Museum, which uses replicas of historical objects to illustrate the folk history of the Korean people.

If you are looking to find cheap flights to Seoul, a consolidator database can offer savings of up to 60% of off regular published airfare prices. Most consolidator database are updated daily with new inventory from their consolidators. The pricing on Seoul flights will change regularly through consolidators, so it’s always a good idea to check back often. You will want to purchase your tickets around four weeks ahead of your planned departure date to find the best pricing and availability.

Seoul has many grand modern hotels, as well as a superior public transportation system. Recently the city has become a major transportation hub to reach eastern Asia due to its connections to Japan and China via their ultra modern airport. If you fly to Seoul directly, you will land at the Incheon International Airport (ICN). The city center is about 30 miles from the airport and it should take about 60-90 minutes via a limo bus to get to your hotel. Express buses and taxi’s will take about 50 minutes.

Imported goods must enter through one of the established channels: the ports of entry. The duties that are then calculated by the customs officials need to be disbursed, and the delivery is then carried out. There are occasions when the item that needs to be imported is deemed to be an import restricted item, at this time the import authorization is strictly required. As per the Mitt’s Export and Import Notice, the restricted item must have an import recommendation, which can be obtained from a competent authority or association. The organization must be in accordance with the regulations of import announcements and must conform to the special notice outlined by the Ministry of Trade and Industry. However, freely importable items do not need any recommendation.

An import license is mandatory in South Korea, and can be obtained from the Ministry of Trade and Industry. It is also possible to appoint the president of a foreign bank as a delegate, who can issue import licenses. This is applicable except in the case of counter-trade.

South Korean foreign trade is subject to a great deal of legislation. One of these is the External Trade Act, which specifies the procedure for the export and import of goods. There is also the Foreign Exchange Management Act which related to foreign exchange matters, including matters such as the settlement of export or import payments. And lastly there is the Customs act, which deals mainly with customs clearance, among other things.

Amusement Parks: It may not be the first thing you think of when you think of South Korea but the country is big on amusement parks and there are some great ones to choose from – making South Korea a great place for a holiday with the kids. One of the best is Everland, just outside Seoul where you can find some of the most exciting rides around.

Shopping: Shopping in Korea is an amazing experience. In a city like Seoul you are able to go shopping at any time of the day and night. Also, the variety of shopping centres, markets, shopping areas and department stores is incredible and caters for every taste, need or pocket. Often shopping in Korea is part of a family day out, as many shopping centres are created near attractions such as amusement parks, aquariums and places of interest for tourists.

Green Tea: It may be all the rage in London and New York with fashionista types but South Korea is the real home of green tea and you can get some delicious varieties here. It’s great for your health and pretty cheap too!

Experiencing Korean culture as a whole – it is worth visiting South Korea, just for the opportunity to experience a culture that is so different from our western cultures. Korea, even if it is a small country, has its unique culture, where traditions and innovations, old and new coexist.

Korean food – even though Korean food has some elements in common with other Asian cuisines, such as the use of soy and soy products (like tofu, soy sauce etc.), some spices and rice, it is entirely unique. There are ingredients, combinations of flavours and recipes that you will not find anywhere else, so, if you are a food lover and interested in experiencing new flavours it is worth visiting Korea. There are Korean restaurants around the world, but you will never find the same flavours and variety of Korean cuisine as in Korea itself.

The best tourist spots in South Korea to visit are Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Ulsan, Jeju, Sokcho, Suwon and Andong. These cities are rich in natural history, cuisine, culture and also sports. Seoul is a popular Olympics destination and is popular all over the world. The tourism population was very high during the Olympics games and this trend is still continuing.

The caves in Danyang are very popular and the beaches in Haeundae and Mallipo are also popular attractions. Other than these there are several cultural festivals which include sports like bull fighting which are gaining popularity in Korea. People visiting from the United States do not need visa for tourism purpose in South Korea.

The most famous landmarks in South Korea are the Serok- San and Jiri San along with the Baekdudaegan, which are all natural landmarks. Since these names are very difficult to remember, it is always advisable to purchase a proper guide book and travel around South Korea. The guide book along with its maps will help you come up with an easy holiday itinerary so that you can enjoy all the best tourist spots in South Korea.