South Korea Tourist Guides — Introduction

Virgin nature manifests herself in her pristine beauty where the wheels of progress and civilization have not come in conflict with the fascinating landscape. The land of the morning calm, unwilling host to many a war games and a modern day economic powerhouse, South Korea is a globetrotter.s delight. The credit of Korea lies in its ability to achieve a harmonious co-existence of nature, culture and scientific progress.

Location:
South Korea or .The Republic of Korea. is precariously sandwiched between two super powers, China in the west and Japan in the east. History bears testament to the fact that South Korea had to bear the brunt of the expansionist ambition of these two giants. It is, however, the pride of the people, their love for the beautiful land that they call their home, their religious beliefs and their unique culture deeply rooted in traditions, that has kept the identity of this small nation intact. With a republican government at the helm of affairs, the 48 million strong populations have the luxury to practice any religion they choose. Separated from mainland China by Yellow Sea and from Japan by the Sea of Japan, South Korea is the last remnant of Cold War Theater. Even today Korea plays the host to a US battalion.

Nature.s Final Frontier:
Not all skylines please the heart of a travel-hardened tourist. We are all sick and tired of the jungle of concrete and wood where we live in. Korean obsession with nature has not only helped in its preservation but also has helped in flourishing it. Tourists have often exclaimed with fascination at the manifestation of the love of Korean people for nature. Hiking and mountaineering is almost a passion.

City and modern civilization:
A tour of South Korea will be woefully incomplete if its capital city of Seoul is given a miss. Shining skyscrapers and bright neon lights along with other amenities that a metropolis can provide help Seoul match the finest metropolises like Tokyo or Osaka. But what allow Seoul to steal a march over other cities is its ability to achieve a harmonious co-existence of the ancient and the modern. Koreans value their past and do not believe in rebuilding on the ruins of history. Ample proof of this can be found in the city itself. Tucked away in a corner of this throbbing city, one can find ancient well preserved relics of yesteryears. Nothing is redundant to the people who know how to preserve an object of art and appreciate it as well.

Economy:
In spite of being a nation with severe limitations; South Korea has developed into a bustling economy. With no oil reserve of its own, the nation depends heavily on crude oil import. Consumerism is slowly finding its feet. Discos, Bars, Coffee shops and designer clothes are now being sold in departmental stores side by side dried fish, ginseng and kimchi that are sold by vendors for the last 400 years. Thanks to the government.s .sunshine policy. South Korean economy is stronger than it had been ever before.

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