Korea Tourism

Many of the ski resorts of Korea are scattered throughout Gangwon-do Province, the region that gets the most annual snowfall. However, skiers based in Seoul will be happy to know that there are a number of great ski facilities just past the city limits, allowing for quick, convenient ski trips during the weekend.

Why fight the cold? Embrace it! January and February are the perfect time to revel in the chilly weather and visit any one of the snow and ice festivals across the nation. Popular festivals include Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival, Pyeongchang Trout Festival, Mt. Taebaek Snow Festival, Inje Icefish Festival, and many more. Don't be tempted to skip the Jeju-do Jeongwol Daeboreum Fire Festival or the Jeju Ipchun Gut Nori Shamanistic Dance, two of the most representative traditional Korean festival

December in Korea means Christmas, cold weather (cute hats and accessories), and last but not least—plenty of winter festivals. Among the December festivals, there are winter events celebrating everything from international design to fruit. As the festival-packed month comes to an end and the year draws to a close, people gather at sunrise festival locations across the nation to welcome in the first sunrise of 2011.

Gangwon-do, the northeastern region of Korea, is bordered by the East Sea and North Korea. The region is an extremely popular destination all year round, since it's fairly close to Seoul and is rich in natural beauty. Each season reveals a new delight in Gangwon-do: everything from snowy mountains and beautiful spring flowers to autumn foliage, lush forests, and beachside havens.

Christmas, one of the world's most celebrated holidays, is just around the corner. As the year draws to an end and the weather starts getting colder, Christmas season is once again upon us. The streets are lined with buildings and trees covered in an array of sparkling lights and extravagant decorations. Department stores further add to the seasonal mix with their intricate displays lighting up the cold winter sky.

It's hard to believe, but that's exactly what the Wine-Train offers its passengers as it runs from Seoul to Yeongdong, Chungcheongbuk-do and back. Hop aboard the Wine-Train, to enjoy all-you-can-drink Korean Wine made of grapes grown in the Yeongdong and explore the beauties of the region.

Located in the central region of the Korean Peninsula, Chungcheongbuk-do (also called ‘North Chungcheong Province' or ‘Chungbuk') is the only province in Korea not bordered by the sea. Known as the center of mountain tourism in Korea, this region is home to three national parks (spanning Sobaeksan, Woraksan, and Songnisan Mountains), Namhangang River, and Chungjuho and Daecheongho Lakes.

Whereas people from Japan, Vietnam and Taiwan are crazy about Korean dramas and pop music, people from Denmark, France or Canada are more likely to have watched Korean films before arriving in Korea. With a busy and internationally successful film industry, Seoul and Korea have become the backdrop for quite a number of movies. SEOUL takes you to some of the most beautiful settings in Seoul that were used in films by three of the most prolific contemporary Korean filmmakers.

If you plan on visiting Seoul, one thing that's not to be missed is a walk around one of the metropolis's ancient palaces. These architectural gems were not only residences of kings and queens, but were also the center of politics and city life during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).

Let's face it: not everyone has the time to get to the mountains for a break from the summer heat, especially not for a few hours on a weekday night. Another popular option for many Seoulites is heading to one of the numerous Hangang riverside parks. But what happens when hunger strikes and you don't have a fishing rod? SEOUL headed to Mangwon Hangang Park, armed only with a mobile phone and list of phone numbers, to explore the food ordering options available.