KoreanAir

From splendid pre-historic sites to bustling shopping malls, from majestic forts and palaces to ancient shrines. National parks teeming with wildlife, verdant valleys and rippling waterfalls, golden beaches and islands, colorful cultural countryside - South Korea has it all.

Some of the major historical attractions of the land are the Palace of Changdeokgung in Seoul, Jongmyo Royal Shrine also in Seoul, the restored fortress Suwon Hwaseong in the Gyeonggi-do province, the prehistoric rock tombs on the Ganghwa-do island in the Gyeonggi-do province, the gardens of Gwanghallu-won in the Jeollabuk-do province and the Daereung-won Tumuli Park in the Gyeongju province.

There's an abundance of natural beauty in South Korea, surprisingly, for us Americans, it's easiest to compare to Mexico as a destination. Here are some of the best; the Seongsan Ilchulbong or the sunrise park in Jeju-do is a former parasitic volcano, now home to beautiful rape flowers that bloom in the spring. The Sanbang-gulsa, an island island grotto also in the Jeju-do province and the Dragon Head Rock nearby are perfect examples of nature's beauty. Seoraksan in the Gangwon-do province of eastern South Korea is particularly beautiful in autumn. Suncheon-man in Jeollanam-do, is a haven for migratory birds during the months of October to March. Hong-do also in the Jeollanam-do province has a spectacular view to offer. Its pebble beaches and lovely sea food restaurants are eclipsed only by the spectacular scenery. Juwangsan from the Gyeongsangbuk-do province, though one of the smallest national parks in the country is still one of the loveliest. Songnisan, another national park also in the Gyeongsangbuk-do province is home to some of the best hiking trails in South Korea.

The local districts are host to several annual festivals which draw tourists from around the world. The most popular of these being the Boryeong Mud Festival, the Andong Mask dance Festival and the Cheongdo Bullfighting Festival. The Boryeong Mud Festival, being the most popular of them is held in summer every year in Boryeong. One of the most popular tourist attractions, it draws crowds in excess of two million from across the world every year. If shopping is the thing for you, the markets of Seoul and Busan have something to offer to every shopper.

There are many guided tours(mostly English speaking guide) of the country from which you can chose. You can chose based on your budget or based on the theme of the places you want to visit such as historical places or cultural hot-spots etc or based on how long you would like to spend there. There is no necessity of a visa if the duration of stay is less than 30 days for citizens of most countries and goes up to 90 days if you are from Europe and Australia. If you'd like to embark upon an unguided tour of the county, there's a myriad of hotels spread all across the country. The Lotte hotel chain prevalent in most parts of South Korea provide some of the best services.