Korea, Republic General Information Area: 99,313 sq km (38,345 sq miles, excluding demilitarised zone). Population: 47,904,370 (official estimate 2001). Population Density: 482.6 per sq km. Capital: Seoul. Population: 10,231,217 (1995). GEOGRAPHY: The Republic of Korea (South Korea) shares borders to the north with the demilitarised zone (separating it from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea), to the east with the Sea of Japan (East Sea), to the south with the Korea Strait (separating it from Japan) and to the west with the Yellow Sea. There are many islands, bays and peninsulas in the Korea Strait. The volcanic island of Cheju-do lies off the southwest coast. Most of the country consists of hills and mountains and the 30 per cent of flat plain contains the majority of the population and cultivation. Most rivers rise in the mountains to the east, flowing west and south to the Yellow Sea. The Naktong River flows into the Korea Strait near the southern port of Busan. The eastern coast is rocky and steep with mountains rising from the sea. Government: Republic since 1945. Head of State: President Roh Moo Hyun since 2003. Head of Government: Prime Minister Kim Suk Soo since 2002. Language: Korean. Religion: Mahayana Buddhism with a large Christian minority. Also Confucianism and Chundokyo, which is peculiar to Korea and combines elements of Shamanist, Buddhist and Christian doctrines. Time: GMT + 9. Electricity: 110/220 volts AC, 60Hz. Government policy is to phase out the 110 volt supply and many hotels now have a 220 volt supply. Telephone IDD is available to Seoul and other major cities. Country code: 82. Outgoing international code: 001 or 002. Mobile telephone GSM 1800 and 900 networks are in use. SK Telecom is the main network provider (website: www.sktelecom.com). A new 3G network was introduced in 2002. Fax Available at major hotels and business centres. Internet ISPs include Korea Telecom (website: www.kornet.net), Korea-Afis (website: www.korea-afis.co.kr) and Shinbiro (http://english.shinbiro.com). There are Internet cafes available in Seoul, and one in Taejon. Telegram There is a service at all main hotels. Korea International Telecommunications Services at 1, Choongmo-ro, Chung-gu, Seoul provides a 24-hour public service. Post Airmail to Western Europe takes up to ten days. Post offices open Mon-Fri 0900-1700, Sat 0900-1300. Press English-language national dailies are The Korea Herald and The Korea Times. BBC World Service and Voice of America frequencies: From time to time these change. BBC (website: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice): MHz 15.28 11.95 9.740 6.195 Voice of America (website: www.voa.gov): MHz 17.74 11.71 9.645 6.110 Passport/Visa   Passport Required? Visa Required? Return Ticket Required? British Yes 1 Yes Australian Yes 2 Yes Canadian Yes 3 Yes USA Yes 4 Yes OtherEU Yes 1 Yes Japanese Yes 4 Yes PASSPORTS: Passport valid for a minimum of six months required by all. VISAS: Required by all except the following: (a) 1. nationals of EU countries for touristic and business purposes for stays of up to three months (except nationals of Italy and Portugal for stays of up to two months); (b) 2. nationals of Antigua & Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Brazil, Bulgaria, Colombia, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Dominica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Grenada, Haiti, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Jamaica, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Pakistan, Peru, Poland, Romania, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Surinam, Switzerland, Thailand, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkey and Vietnam for touristic purposes for stays of up to three months; (c) 3. nationals of Canada for stays of up to 180 days; (d) nationals of Tunisia for stays of up to one month and nationals of Lesotho for two months; (e) 4. nationals of most other countries travelling for touristic purposes are allowed to stay for a maximum of 30 days, provided holding confirmed onward or return tickets and proof of sufficient funds. This regulation does not apply to nationals of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cambodia, China (PR), CIS, Cuba, Ghana, India, Iran, Laos, Macedonia (Former Yugoslav Republic of), Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Philippines and Sri Lanka who do require a visa, even for visits of up to 30 days. Note: There are additional visa exemptions for the following categories: business, touristic visits, meetings, medical treatment, lectures, games and contests, performances, location shots and cultural exchange. For full details, contact the Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy). Types of visa and cost: Tourist/Visitor, Transit and Business: the cost varies greatly according to the type of visa required and nationality of applicant. For details, enquire at the Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy). Validity: Up to three months from date of issue, although this may vary. Application to: Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see Contact Addresses section for details. Application requirements: These may vary according to visa required and nationality of applicant. Tourism: (a) Passport valid for at least six months. (b) Completed application form. (c) One to two passport-size photos (depending on nationality of applicant and purpose of visit). (d) Fee (payable by postal order or cash). (e) Stamped, self-addressed envelope (enclosing £3.80 for special delivery) if applying by post. (f) Proof of sufficient funds (a bank statement for £1000 if not working in the UK and a company letter if working in the UK). Business: (a)-(e) and, (f) Letter of invitation from the host company in the Republic of Korea, and a letter on headed note paper from the sponsoring company clearly indicating nature of business to be undertaken, the intended period of stay and a contact address and phone number in the Republic of Korea. Working days required: Five. Temporary residence: Applications for a residence certificate or for a stay of more than 90 days should be made to the Immigration Office in Seoul. For details contact the Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see Contact Addresses section. Money Currency: Won (W). Notes are in denominations of W10,000, 5000 and 1000. W1000 is called Chon Won in Korean (chon means ‘one thousand’). Coins are in denominations of W500, 100, 50 and 10. Currency exchange: Foreign banknotes and travellers cheques can be exchanged at foreign exchange banks and other authorised money changers. ATMs are available in all major cities, but all instructions are in Korean. Credit & debit cards: Diners Club, Visa, American Express and MasterCard are widely accepted at major hotels, shops and restaurants in the larger cities. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available. Travellers cheques: Accepted, but may be difficult to change in smaller towns. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in US Dollars. Korea Pass Card: A multipurpose bank card for foreign visitors organised in conjunction with the Visit Korea Year 2001 committee and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The card can be purchased in denominations of 100,000, 200,000 or 500,000 Won at Incheon International Airport. It offers discounts on Seoul and Incheon buses and subway trains, where it is accepted as a ticket. It can also be used as a credit card in a number of shops, hotels and markets. For further information check online (website: www.koreapasscard.com). Currency restrictions: The import and export of local currency is allowed up to W8,000,000. The import of foreign currency is unlimited, provided amounts greater than US$10,000 (including travellers cheques) are declared on arrival. Export of foreign currency is limited to the amount declared on arrival. Exchange rate indicators The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Won against Sterling and the US Dollar: Date May ’02 Aug ’02 Nov ’02 Feb ’03 £1.00= 1812.88 1829.26 1916.58 1897.80 $1.00= 1244.00 1202.75 1211.95 1191.90 Banking hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1630, Sat 0930-1330. Duty Free The following goods may be imported into the Republic of Korea by persons aged 20 and over without incurring customs duty: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of other tobacco products (total quantity not exceeding 500g); 1l of alcoholic beverage; 2oz of perfume; gifts up to the value of US$400. Prohibited items: Narcotics, drugs, fruit, hay, seeds and printed material, films, records or cassettes considered by the authorities to be subversive, obscene or harmful to national security or public interests, products originating from communist countries. Restricted items: Firearms, explosives and other weapons, textiles, radio equipment, articles considered to be for commercial use and any animals or plants prohibited by the relevant quarantine regulations. Approval is required for the export of Korean antiques or valuable cultural items from the Seoul Metropolitan Government, Art & Antique Assessment Office, Seoul (tel: (2) 662 0106). Public Holidays Jan 1-2 2003 New Year. Feb 1-3 Sollal (Lunar New Year). Mar 1 Independence Movement Day. Apr 5 Arbor Day. May 5 Children’s Day. May 16 Birth of the Buddha. Jun 6 Memorial Day. Jul 17 Constitution Day. Aug 15 Liberation Day. Oct 3 National Foundation Day. Oct 9-11 Harvest Moon (Chusok). Dec 25 Christmas Day. Jan 1-2 2004 New Year. Jan 22-24 Sollal (Lunar New Year). Mar 1 Independence Movement Day. Apr 5 Arbor Day. May 4 Birth of the Buddha. May 5 Children’s Day. Jun 6 Memorial Day. Jul 17 Constitution Day. Aug 15 Liberation Day. Sep 27-29 Harvest Moon (Chusok). Oct 3 National Foundation Day. Dec 25 Christmas Day. Health   Special Precautions Certificate Required Yellow Fever Yes No Cholera No 1 Typhoid and Polio No N/A Malaria 2 N/A 1: Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is not a condition of entry to the Republic of Korea. However, cholera may be a risk in this country and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include a vaccination, as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness. See the Health appendix. 2: Limited malaria risk, exclusively in the benign vivax form, exists mainly in the northern areas of the Kyunggi province. Food & drink: Mains water is normally chlorinated, and whilst relatively safe may cause mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water is available and is advised for the first few weeks of stay. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled. Other risks: Japanese encephalitis and dengue fever may be transmitted by mosquitoes between June and the end of October in rural areas. A vaccine is available, and travellers are advised to consult their doctor prior to departure. Hepatitis A is common; B is highly endemic, as is Korean haemorrhagic fever. Rabies may be present. For those at high risk, vaccination should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information consult the Health appendix. Note: Travellers wishing to stay for more than three months may need to supply a certificate showing they have tested HIV negative, issued within one month before their arrival in Korea. Ask at the Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy) for details. Health care: Health insurance is recommended. There are facilities in all tourist areas, and hotels will recommend a local doctor. Almost all hospitals require payment and registration prior to treatment. Most nurses and receptionists do not speak English; writing words out on paper can help in an emergency. Travel - International AIR: The Republic of Korea’s national airlines are Korean Air (KE) and Asiana Air (OZ). Other major airlines which serve Korea include Air Canada, Air China, Air France, American Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airlines, Garuda Indonesia Airlines, Japan Airlines, KLM, Lufthansa, Malaysia Airlines, Mongolian Airlines, Qantas Airways, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, United Airlines and Vietnam Airlines. Approximate flight times: From Seoul to London is 11 hours; add 1 hour if flying to any other main city. From Seoul to New York is 17 hours 40 minutes (including stopover in Anchorage). From Seoul to Los Angeles is 10 hours 30 minutes. From Seoul to Sydney is 9 hours. International airports: Seoul (SEL) Incheon International Airport (ICN) (website: www.wingedcity.com) replaced Gimpo as the leading national airport in 2001. Limousine buses, taxis and coaches operate regular routes between the main urban area (travel time – 90 minutes). A ferry service operates a daily service every 20-30 minutes between the airport ferry pier and Wolmido/Yuldo on the coast of Incheon city (travel time – 15-20 mintues). The Airport Railway is also under construction, and is due to be completed in 2005. Airport facilities include left luggage, banks/bureaux de change, chemist, duty-free shops, post office, restaurants and tourist information. Busan (PUS) (Kimhae) is 27km (17 miles) from Busan (in the far south). The airport receives flights from Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka. There are bus, coach and taxi services to the town. Airport facilities include currency exchange, post office, duty-free shop, snack bar, gift shop, restaurant, travel information service and car hire. Jeju (CJU) (Jeju), located on the island of Jeju, is 4km (2.5 miles) from the town centre. Buses and coaches are available to the town and leave every 10-15 minutes (0610-2230). Airport facilities include currency exchange, post office, duty-free shop, snack bar, gift shop and travel information service. Note: Seoul (SEL) Gimpo (GMP) airport is now the main domestic airport although a few international flights (mainly to Hong Kong) do still depart from here. Departure tax: W15,000. SEA: International ports are Busan (in the far south) and Incheon (due west of Seoul). Passenger lines that sail to Japan are Bugwan Ferry, Korea Ferry and Korea Marine Express. Jinchon Ferry and Weidong Ferry sail regularly to China. Cargo/passenger lines include American Mail and American President. Weekly trips from the USA are offered by Lykes Lines and American President Lines. Under an agreement reached between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (Dem Rep) and Korean tour operators, groups of tourists are now allowed to travel to Korea (Dem Rep) on cruise ships leaving from the port of Tonghae, in Korea (Rep), and sailing to the port of Changjon. For further details contact Korea National Tourist Organisation (see Contact Addresses section). RAIL/ROAD: The Republic of Korea’s only land frontier with the Korea (Dem Rep) remains closed, although a limited number of tourists are now allowed to travel to the north via certain cruise ships (see Sea above). Discount tickets: The ‘Korea-China Through-ticket’ and ‘Korea-Japan Through-ticket’ provide discounts on travel between the countries, including transport by ferry and train. For more information contact KNTO (see Contact Addresses section). Travel - Internal AIR: Korean Air and Asiana Air run frequent services between Seoul and Busan, Taegu, Cheju, Ulsan and Kwangju, linking the Republic of Korea’s 16 major cities. The main domestic airport is Seoul (SEL) Gimpo (GMP) (website: www.kimpo-airport.co.kr), located 17km (10 miles) from the city. Airport Limousine Buses depart to the city every 5-10 minutes from 0700-2215 (travel time – 40 minutes). Airport Express buses depart every 12 minutes. Subway line 5 runs to the city centre (travel time – 40 minutes). Taxis to the city are also available. Airport facilities include currency exchange, pharmacy, children’s restroom, post office, gift shop, duty-free shop, car hire, local products shop, restaurant and travel information desk. Departure tax: W3000-4000. SEA/RIVER: A steamer service runs along the scenic south coast between Mokpo and Busan twice daily. A hydrofoil service links Busan and Yosu via Ch’ungmu, five times a day (Angel Line). Ferries connect Busan with Cheju-do Island once a day. Car ferries run three times a week. Semo Cruise Company operates a cruise service on the Han-Gang River in Seoul, which runs through the centre of the capital. Children pay half fare and night cruises are available. RAIL: Korean National Railroads connect major destinations. There are three classes of trains, Super-Express, Express and Local. Super-Express trains operate on Seoul–Mokpo, Seoul–Busan, Seoul–Chungju–Yosu, Seoul–Incheon (particularly scenic) and Seoul–Onyang (second-class only) routes. Some have air-conditioning and restaurant cars. A supplement is payable for better-quality accommodation on some trains. Station signs in English are common and English translations of timetables are usually available. Children under six travel free and children six to 12 years old pay half fare. Timetables and fares are accessible online (website: www.korail.go.kr). Korea Rail Pass: The KR Pass allows visitors free travel with reserved seats on any KR train (except subways) within a three-day, five-day, seven-day or ten-day period. Saver passes are available for groups of between two and five people and for people aged between 13 and 25 years old. A KR Pass voucher can be purchased at certain offices abroad and exchanged on arrival in Korea for the actual pass. For further details contact the Korea National Tourist Organisation (see Contact Addresses section). ROAD: Cars drive on the right. The network extends over more than 60,000km (37,300 miles) of roads; over half of it is paved. Excellent motorways link all major cities, but minor roads are often badly maintained. Road signs are usually written in both Korean and English. Bus: Local and express buses are inexpensive, though local buses within cities are often crowded and make no allowances for English-speakers. Hotel staff will be able to assist in choosing the correct bus and stop. Air-conditioned city-express buses, called Chwasok buses in Korean and much more comfortable than local buses, operate in competition with trains for connections to major cities. Towns and villages are linked by local bus services. Fares are paid in change into the coin box to the right of the driver upon boarding. To stop the bus at your destination, push one of the stop buttons located along the length of the bus. Taxi: Cheap and a good way to travel. There are also deluxe-taxis (mobom taxis) that are black with a yellow sign on top. Car hire: There are numerous of car hire companies operating, including the major international ones. Some hotels and travel agents also provide a car hire service. For details about driving in the Republic of Korea, contact the Korea Car Rental Union (tel: (2) 525 9077/8). Documentation: International Driving Permit required. Drivers must have more than one year’s driving experience, be in possession of a valid passport and be over 21 years of age. URBAN: Seoul has underground and suburban railways and well-developed bus services, all of which are very crowded during the rush hour. Underground station names, ticket counters and transfer signs are clearly marked in English as well as Korean. Underground lines are colour-coded, and all trains have multi-lingual announcements. Fares are relatively cheap, but do vary with service areas. Taxis are widely available. Good bus services also operate in other cities. TRAVEL TIMES: The following chart gives approximate travel times (in hours and minutes) from Seoul to other major cities/towns in the Republic of Korea. Air Road Rail Busan 0.50 5.30 4.10 Taegu 0.40 3.50 4.10 Kwangju 0.50 3.55 4.20 Ulsan 0.50 4.40 4.00 Chonju 1.10 3.00 3.20 Cheju 0.55 - - Kyongju - 4.40 3.30 Additional times: From Busan to Cheju by sea is 11 hours (but only 3 hours and 30 minutes via the super express ferry). From Mokpo to Cheju by sea is 5 hours 30 minutes. From Busan to Kyongju is 1 hour by road and 40 minutes by rail. Accommodation HOTELS: There are many modern tourist hotels in the major cities and tourist areas. All of these are registered with the Government. Most rooms have private baths as well as heating and cooling systems. Facilities in most tourist hotels include dining rooms, convention halls, bars, souvenir shops, cocktail lounges, barber and beauty shops and recreation areas. For further information and reservations, contact the Korea National Tourism Organisation (see Contact Addresses section) or the Korea Hotel Reservation Center, PO Box 1099, Fort Lee, NJ 07024, USA (tel: (845) 426 7335; fax: (845) 426 7338; website: www.khrc.com). A service charge of ten per cent and ten per cent VAT are included in hotel bills; tipping is not necessary. Grading: All registered hotels are classified according to their standard and quality of service. The Rose of Sharon, the national flower of Korea, is used as a symbol of quality, and hotels range from 5 Sharons (deluxe) to 2 Sharons (third class). For further information, contact Korea National Tourism Organisation (see Contact Addresses section). YOGWANS: These are Korean inns, very reasonable and considered by many travellers as the ‘only place to stay’. Sleeping arrangements consist of a small mattress and a firm pillow on the ondol, the hot floor-heating system which is traditional in Korea. There are also Western-style rooms. Korea National Tourism Organisation can provide a list of yogwans throughout Korea (see Contact Addresses section). SELF-CATERING: Cottages are available for rent at seaside resorts, but fees are high and few services are provided. HOMESTAY PROGRAMME: Programme supported by the KNTO offering visitors the chance to stay with a host family in Korea. For more information, contact the KNTO (see Contact Addresses section). CAMPING: Campsites are located throughout the country. Contact Korea National Tourism Organisation for details. YOUTH HOSTELS: At present there are 30 youth hostels in Korea, mainly located in Seoul, Kyongju, Busan, Puyo, Sokcho and vicinities. For more information and reservations, contact the Korean Youth Hostels Association, Room 409, Chokson Hyundai Building, 80 Chokson-dong, Chongno-gu, Seoul (tel: (2) 725 3031; fax: (2) 725 3113; e-mail: inform@kyha.or.kr; website: www.kyha.or.kr). Introduction South Korea is a mountainous peninsular which divides the Chinese Yellow Sea from the Sea of Japan. Alpine to the north, the southern Island of Cheju basks in an almost subtropical climate. The country has several dozen National and Provincial Parks and a ruggedly scenic coastline. Despite some moves towards a political thaw, the border with Korea (Dem Rep) is closed and is likely to remain so for the foreseeable future. Note: The Korea National Tourism Organisation offers a special English language Travel Phone service for overseas visitors. The number is 1330 (advertised as ‘thirteen thirty’) and can be called from all over the country (daily 0900-1800). If calling from overseas the number is (0082) 2 1330. A ‘Goodwill Guide’ service is also available (website: www.goodwillguide.com), by which registered volunteers provide free interpretation services, guided tours of sights and festivals and advice about making the most of your trip to South Korea. To take advantage of this service overseas visitors must register at least seven days in advance. Seoul Seoul’s many attractions and excellent transport links make it South Korea’s number one destination for foreign visitors and the logical place from which to embark on a tour of the country. The capital since 1394, it is a bustling, sophisticated commercial centre, which nevertheless retains numerous reminders of its rich heritage. Seoul’s greatest attractions are perhaps the royal residences, several of which are UNESCO-listed. Changdokkung Palace is surrounded by the picturesque Secret Gardens, while the nearby Chongmyo Shrine, set in wooded grounds, contains the ancestral tablets of the Kings of the Yi Dynasty. A colourful Confucian ceremony takes place here annually on the first Sunday in May. The Museum of Modern Arts is within the grounds of Toksukung Palace, a former royal villa which presents an interesting contrast with the surrounding skyscrapers. Kyongbokkung Palace, the most impressive of the palaces, dates in part to 1394 and has within its grounds the excellent National Folk Museum and temporary displays of treasures from the fantastic collection of the National Museum of Korea (currently being reconstructed). Symbol of Seoul, the Great South Gate (Namdaemun) was the main gate in the city’s 15th-century defences. Pagoda Park (Tapkol Park) commemorates the 1919 Korean Declaration of Independence and is a good place for people-watching. For fine city panoramas it is worth ascending Seoul Tower which sits atop landscaped Namsan Mountain in the heart of the city. The War Memorial and Museum on Yongsan-gu military base traces the history of conflict on the Korean Peninsular. Seoul is a great place to see performances of Korea’s vibrant performing arts. For those interested in finding a unique souvenir, the traditional shopping area of Insadong offers everything from antiques to calligraphy brushes. Bargain hunters will enjoy the city’s huge markets such as the daily East Gate (Dongdaemun) Market, while for fashion shopping and nightlife the Itaewon district is the place to head for. Lotte World is a massive entertainment complex featuring everything from a major theme park to sports facilities and a luxury hotel. Excursions: Just north of the capital, the forests and cliff-top temples of Pukansan National Park offer great hiking and recreational facilities. One hour from Seoul, on the border with North Korea, is the truce village of Panmunjom where the 1953 armistice negotiations took place. Access is possible only on an official tour, but many will find the sight of the North Korean landscape and soldiers well worth it. The Everland leisure complex, one hour from Seoul, features a huge theme park, a zoo and a speedway-racing track. Also part of the complex, the superb treasures of the Hoam Art Museum will appeal to anyone interested in Korean art. South of Seoul is the Suwon Korean Folk Village, a functioning rural community and wonderful reconstruction of the past. Craftsmen can be observed at their trades and there are daily performances of traditional folk dances and entertainments. The impressively preserved city walls and defences of nearby Suwon City are UNESCO-listed. Southeast of Seoul, Icheon is a traditional centre of Korea’s ceramics industry. Attractions include the Haegang Ceramics Museum and nearby hot springs. Incheon, the location of South Korea’s new International Airport, is a major seaport and famous for the 1950 ‘Incheon Landings’ of UN troops during the Korean War. These days visitors flock to the many shopping malls and the amusement park and waterfront attractions of the Wolmido area. The East Eastern Korea provides breathtaking mountain and coastal scenery, a blaze of colour in autumn and a fine setting for wintersports with modern, fully equipped ski centres. The mountains run down to the sea along much of the 390km (240mile) east coast but are interspersed by harbours, fishing villages and long, sandy beaches, such as the popular resort of Hwajinpo. The beautiful beaches of the Samchok area range from tiny, undiscovered coves to large resorts. The incredibly scenic volcanic island of Ullungdo lies 130km (80miles) off the coast and is accessible by ferry. Three of Korea’s National Parks, Soraksan, Odaesan and Chuwangsan, are accessible from the East Coast highway. Soraksan National Park, the northernmost, is widely considered to offer the most beautiful scenery in Korea with its rugged peaks, waterfalls, forests and temples. Excellent tourist facilities range from hiking trails and campsites to the Osaek Springs luxury hot spring resorts. The resort village of Soarkdong is a popular starting point for climbing expeditions and a cable car runs from the village to the ancient Kwongumsong Fortress from where there are spectacular views. For winter sports, the nearby Alps Ski Resort is well known. Odaesan National Park is famous for its ski resorts, as is the Dragon Valley (Yongpyong) area further south. Rock climbers will enjoy the challenges of the Chiaksan area. Towards the centre of the country, Songnisan National Park is another area renowned for its natural beauty. The famous Popchusa Temple dates back to AD 553 and has an impressive pagoda, and a number of art treasures such as an immense standing Buddha. Rural Andong district retains much of its traditional culture and the Musil Folk Village and Museum is well worth visiting. The nearby Hahoe Folk Village is particularly known for its mask makers and dancers. The annual Andong Folk Festival and Masked Dance Festival takes place in October. KYONGJU: Known as Korea’s ‘Museum without walls’, Kyongju is a repository of ancient Korean history and Buddhist culture and has been designated by UNESCO as one of the world’s ten most historically significant sites. Capital of the Shilla Kingdom from 57 BC to AD 935, many traces of the temples, palaces and monuments of that era still remain. The most impressive structure to survive is undoubtedly the seventh-century Chomsongdae, an observatory that ranks amongst the oldest in Asia. Nearby Tumuli Park contains 20 tomb mounds of Shilla Royalty, one of which, the Heavenly Horse Tomb, can be entered. Many treasures of the area, including golden crowns excavated from the tombs, can be seen in the Kyongju National Museum. The Anapji Pond and Gardens are a reconstructed pleasure garden complete with pavilions. The surrounding hills are dotted with ancient monuments and temples and laced with scenic hiking trails. Excursions: Within easy reach of Kyongju is the Pomun Lake Resort, a complex of hotels, a convention centre, golf courses, sports facilities, a casino, marina and shopping centres. Nearby Pulguksa Temple is one of the country’s most famous and a major tourist draw. This large wooden temple is beautifully painted and very atmospheric and the stone foundations and pagodas date back to the eighth century. High on the mountain above Pulguksa is the fascinating Sokkuram Grotto, an ancient and highly complex cave-like structure containing a large granite Buddha and wall carvings of guardian deities, all of great artistic importance. Fifty kilometres west of Taegu City is the Kayasan National Park, at the centre of which is Haeinsa, Korea’s best-known temple. Built in AD 802, it houses the extraordinary Tripitaka Koreana, a set of over 80,000 wooden printing blocks engraved with the complete Buddhist scriptures. Completed in 1252 after 16 years of work, they are still in perfect condition. The South Busan, on South Korea’s southeastern coast, is the country’s largest sea port. There are great views from the Busan Tower, and the city’s attractions include Pomosa Temple, Kumjongsansong Fortress and the large, busy fish market. The nearby coast boasts two major beach resorts, Haeundae and Songjong. Haeundae is the more popular and has a long, sandy beach with a good range of hotels and restaurants. Additional attractions are sightseeing boat tours and the nearby medicinal hot springs. Another hot-spring resort in the area is Tongnae, while Kumgang Park features unusual rock formations and historic monuments, including a pagoda and several temples. The superb Ulsukdo Bird Sanctuary offers world-class birdwatching. Chirisan National Park is known as a fine hiking and mountaineering destination. Located on the flank of Mount Chirisan, Hwaeomsa Temple is famous for its ancient pagodas and annual lantern festival. Korea’s southwestern area offers dramatic coastal scenery, most notably the 1000 plus islands that make up the Tadohae Haesang Marine National Park. Of the islands that offer accommodation and facilities for visitors, scenic Hongdo and craggy Huksando are two of the most popular. The area is famous for its beautiful sunsets. The coastal town of Mokpo is the location of the excellent new National Maritime Museum and departure point for ferries to many of the National Park’s islands and also for Cheju-do Island. CHEJU-DO ISLAND: Lying off the southwest coast of South Korea, the scenic resort island of Cheju-do is dominated by Mount Halla, Korea’s highest mountain at 1950m (6400ft). Just a one-hour flight from Seoul, the island’s warm, sunny climate and myriad leisure facilities mean that it is the country’s most popular honeymoon destination. Hikers will enjoy following the trail to the summit of Mount Halla while those in search of a beach holiday will find sandy beaches, warm waters and sports facilities. The Chungmun tourist complex offers watersports, a golf course and a ‘Pacific’-themed leisure centre. In addition, a major new amusement park, ‘Cheju World’ has recently opened. Numerous natural attractions include the Samsonghyol Caves, three spectacular waterfalls and the volcanic scenery of Songsanilchulbong Park. Tours of the many tangerine orchards and visits to Songup Folk Village are also popular. Cheju-do is famous for its seafood, some of which is still harvested by traditional haenyeo women divers. The West South of Seoul, South Korea’s western area is known for its jagged scenic coastline and numerous National and Provincial Parks. Particularly notable is the Kyeryongsan National Park which includes the two beautiful temples of Kapsa and Dongkaksa. Thirty-five kilometres (20 miles) apart, both Kongju and Puyo were once capital of the ancient Paekche kingdom. Today numerous burial mounds are still to be found in the area and both towns boast branches of the National Museum featuring fine displays of artefacts dating back over 1000 years. The Kongju National Museum also houses the crowns and other treasures excavated from the tomb of King Muryeon. Nearby, a reconstruction of the tomb is open to visitors. Not far from Puyo, the Nakhwaam Rock is renowned for the tragic suicide of 3000 women of the Paekche court during the last days of the Paekche dynasty in the seventh century AD. Further south, Teogyusan National Park has numerous waterfalls and is famous as the southernmost skiing area in South Korea. The temple of Tapsa, located at the base of Mount Maisan, is renowned for its 80 unique pagodas, built of thousands of small stones by a Buddhist hermit. Sport & Activities The Republic of Korea has considerable experience in hosting major international sporting events, notably the 1986 Asian Games, the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, the 2002 Asian Games and the 2002 Football World Cup which it co-hosted together with Japan – the first time this major sporting event took place in an Asian country. Sports facilities are therefore generally of a high standard, particularly in Seoul and in the larger cities. Watersports: Visitors will find plenty of facilities for watersports along the southern coast and islands. The best time is from June to November, but swimming, paragliding and whitewater rafting are possible all year round. There are numerous scuba diving centres along the coast, with diving classes, equipment rental and air tanks all provided. Cheju-do Island (one hour by plane from Seoul) is the most popular destination for scuba diving enthusiasts; the waters surrounding the island are also considered exceptionally good for deep-sea fishing and a number of hotels and companies offer organised fishing trips. Standard facilities for windsurfing, water-skiing and boating are widely available in all coastal resorts. (For further details on the most important beach resorts, see the Resorts & Excursions section). Following a massive clean-up during the 1980s, Seoul’s Han-gang River now provides a range of watersports facilities and is a popular destination for those wishing to escape a busy city life. Golf: There are more than 80 golf courses in Korea, the best ones located near Seoul, Kyongju and Chejudo. Many of them can be reached within an hour by car. Facilities for accommodation and other sports (such as swimming pools) are often also integrated within the golf complex. Reservations (which should be made at least one week in advance) can be made directly to the golf course or through a travel agent. Players should note that personal golf clubs must be declared to customs officials upon entering the country. For details of membership and fees, contact the Korea National Tourism Organisation (see Contact Addresses section). Skiing: There are 13 ski resorts all within four or five hours of Seoul. The principal ones are the Yongpyong Ski Resort (Dragon Valley International Ski Resort) at Tackwallyong Area and Chonmasan Ski Resort near Seoul. Traditional sports: T’aekwondo is the main martial art practised in Korea. The traditional Korean sport Ssirum (Korean wrestling), is similar to Sumo wrestling and is a big spectator sport in Korea. Kite-flying and archery are also popular traditional games. Festivals: Korea’s rich cultural, historic and religious heritage is celebrated throughout the year in a myriad of festivals, some in honour of religious figures (such as Buddha’s birthday), others focusing on nature (eg the changing seasons). For dates of festivals and special events, see the Public Holidays and Social Profile sections. A full and detailed list can be obtained from the Korea National Tourism Organisation (see Contact Addresses section). The KNTO also organises a variety of theme tours, focusing on history, religion, shopping and crafts as well as nature and health. Historical and cultural tours: A variety of these is available, with particular focus on Korea’s Buddhist heritage. The country has over 10,000 temples and 20,000 monks. Given the increasing worldwide interest in Buddhism, Korean monks are now opening their temples and monasteries to tourists. Ceremonies, traditional dining rituals and tea parties are organised to cater for spiritual tourism, while more dedicated seekers can enrol in Buddhist retreats to practise silence, meditation and prayer for periods lasting anything from three weeks to several years. Souvenir tours: More material-minded visitors may go on one of Korea’s souvenir tours, which are based on the country’s reputation as a shoppers’ paradise, with many shops providing special duty-free prices for foreigners. (For further details on shopping, see the Social Profile section). Fashion, antiques, medicine, herbs and spices, electronics and wedding clothes feature highly on Korea’s shopping itinerary; organised tours often combine souvenir and bargain hunting with sightseeing. The best shopping districts and markets are in the capital, Seoul, and include Namdaemun (Korea’s largest general wholesale market); Tongdaemun (one of Seoul’s oldest markets, good for bargains); Myong-dong (Korea’s fashion district); Insa-dong (antiques and art) and Changanp’yong (one of the largest antiques markets in the Far East); Itaewon (modern shopping district particularly popular with foreign tourists); Noryargjin (fish market); Yongsan Electronics Market (largest electronics and computer market in Korea); Koyndang (Oriental medicine, spices and herbs market); Hwangkhak-dong (flea market, good for second-hand shopping); Ahyon-dong (the ‘wedding street’, featuring over 120 wedding boutiques); and Shinch’on (a shopping street popular with young people, good for accessories and fashion). Pottery and ceramics centres: Organised tours to Korea’s pottery and ceramics centres (such as the Yoju ceramic art village and the Kangjin Koryo Celadon kiln site) are also available, offering visitors the opportunity to participate in ancient pottery-making techniques. Nature tours: Focusing on seasonal changes and festivals, the most popular itineraries for nature tours include the cherry blossom trails, Korea’s flower villages, mountain trips and birdwatching. Social Profile Food & Drink: Korea has its own cuisine, quite different from Chinese or Japanese. Rice is the staple food and a typical Korean meal consists of rice, soup, rice water and eight to 20 side dishes of vegetables, fish, poultry, eggs, bean-curd and sea plants. Most Korean soups and side dishes are heavily laced with red pepper. Dishes include kimchi (Korean national dish, highly spiced pickle of Chinese cabbage or white radish with turnips, onions, salt, fish, chestnuts and red pepper), soups (based on beef, pork, oxtail, other meat, fish, chicken and cabbage, almost all spiced), pulgogi (marinated, charcoal-broiled beef barbecue), Genghis Khan (thin slices of beef and vegetables boiled at the table) or sinsollo (meat, fish, eggs and vegetables such as chestnuts and pinenuts cooked in a brazier chafing dish at the table). Other examples of local cuisine are sanjok (strips of steak with onions and mushrooms), kalbichim (steamed beef ribs), fresh abalone and shrimps (from Chejudo Island, served with mustard, soy or chilli sauces) and Korean seaweed (prized throughout the Far East). There is waiter as well as counter service. Most major hotels will offer a selection of restaurants, serving Korean, Japanese and Chinese cuisine or more Western-style food. For more information about Korean food, a brochure called The Wonderful World of Korean Food is available from KNTO’s Tourist Information Centres (see Contact Addresses section). Local drinks are mostly made from fermented rice or wheat and include jungjong (expensive variant of rice wine), soju (like vodka and made from potatoes or grain) or yakju/takju (cloudy and light tan-coloured) known together as makkoli. There are many brands of Korean beer, including Hite, OB and Cass. Ginseng wine is strong and sweet, similar to brandy, but varies in taste according to the basic ingredient used. The most common type of drinking establishment is the Suljip (wine bar), but there are also beer houses serving well-known European brands. Nightlife: Korea’s nightlife successfully blends the traditional with the increasing external influences. Yong-Dong and Itaewon are areas of Seoul with nightclubs catering largely to visitors, many have cabaret evenings. Some hotels also have nightclubs but these tend to be expensive. Larger hotels have their own private theatre restaurants; Korea House provides local food in a Korean setting, followed by traditional Korean dancing and music. Beer halls, many decorated along a European theme, are popular places to drink and meet friends. Visitors are expected to eat as well as drink. There are also many cinemas. Operas, concerts and recitals can be seen at the National Theatre and performances of Korean classical music, dances and plays can be seen at Korea House and the Drama Centre. For daily listings of events, consult Korea’s English-language papers. Several licensed state-of-the-art casinos operate at various locations throughout the country. Shopping: Favourite buys to look for are hand-tailored clothes, sweaters (plain, embroidered or beaded), silks, brocades, handbags, leatherwork, gold jewellery, topaz, amethyst, amber, jade and silver, ginseng, paintings, costume dolls, musical instruments, brassware, lacquerware, wood carvings, baskets, scrolls and screens. Prices are fixed in department stores, but may be negotiated in arcades and markets. Major cities have Foreigners’ duty-free shops where people can use foreign currency with a valid passport. Hotels will be able to tell guests the location. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 1030-1930 (department stores); 1030-2030 (markets and smaller shops). Note: For visitors who purchase goods worth more than W50,000 at stores with ‘Tax Free Shopping’ signs or goods over W30,000 at outlets with ‘Tax Refund Shopping’ signs, 70-80 per cent of the paid VAT (Value Added Tax) and SET (Special Excise Tax) will be refunded in cash at the airport. Purchases and receipts may need to be shown to the customs officer. Special Events: Korea celebrates many annual festivals throughout the year. The most significant festival is Buddha’s Birthday, during which the ‘Feast of Lanterns’ is performed in Korea’s streets. Of great importance are the annual village rituals which are nationally recognised. At these festivals, mountain spirits, great generals and royalty of the past are remembered and celebrated. There are also festivals that mark the changing seasons and festivals of prayer for a good harvest. All are characterised by processions, by masked and costumed local people, music, dancing, battles and sports, to recreate the original historic event or to conjure up good spirits. For more details and exact dates, contact the Korea National Tourism Organisation (see Contact Addresses section). Events held throughout Korea to commemmorate the 50th Anniversary of the Korean War have been taking place since June 2000 and will come to an end in July 2003. The following are of the major festivals and events for 2003: Jan 1 Seongsan Ilchul Festival (New Year’s sunrise), Seongsan-ri. Jan 11-19 Daegwallyeong Snow Flower Festival, Young Pyeong Ski Resort, Gangwon-do. Jan 24-26 Inje Pond Smelt Fishing (ice fishing competition and festivities), Soyangho Lake, Gangwon-do. Feb 14-15 First Full Moon Fire Festival (buring of dry grass), Jeju-do. Feb 16 Taeborum (Feast of Lanterns), nationwide. Apr Chindo Yongdung Festival (dancing, music and a ceremony to appease departed souls), Chindo Island. May 11 Chonghuo Taeje Royal Shrine Rites (homage to the Choson Dynasty), Chongmyo Shrine, Seoul. Jun Tano Festival (Ssirum wrestling, masked drama and folk dancing), Kangnun, Kangwon-do. Oct Chongson Arirang Festival (traditional Korean music competition), Kangwon-do; Ninth Korea International Walking Festival, Wonju. Nov Kaech’on Arts Festival (archery, music and sword dances), Chinju, Kyongsangnam-do. Social Conventions: Shoes should be removed before entering a Korean home. Entertainment is usually lavish and Koreans may sometimes be offended if their hospitality is refused. Customs are similar to those in the West. Small gifts are customary and traditional etiquette requires the use of the right hand for giving and receiving. Dress should be casual and practical clothes are suitable. Traditional costume, or hanbok, is mainly worn on holidays and special occasions. For men it consists of a short jacket and loose trousers, called baji, that are tied at the ankles. Womens’ hanboks comprise a wrap-around skirt and a bolero-style jacket and is often called a chima-jeogori. Both ensembles may be topped by a long coat called a durumagi. Tipping: Although not a Korean custom, most hotels and other tourist facilities add a ten per cent service charge to bills. Taxi drivers are not tipped unless they help with the luggage. Business Profile Economy: Korea is one of the so-called ‘tiger economies’ of the Pacific Rim, which underwent rapid growth and industrialisation from the 1960s onwards and forged a major presence in world export markets. Korea’s strength came from four main areas: shipbuilding, steel, consumer goods and construction. The agricultural sector, dominated by rice-growing and fisheries, is an important export earner as well as meeting domestic demand. Tourism dominates the service sector, which is still relatively small but received a boost from the success of the 2002 World Cup football competition, which South Korea co-hosted. Compared with the North, which has extensive coal and mineral deposits, the South is relatively poor in natural resources, although there have been recent offshore discoveries of natural gas which should help to reduce South Korea’s dependence on imported energy. The financial crisis which struck Asia in the autumn of 1997 had a very serious effect on the South Korean economy and raised major concerns about the long-term viability of the chaebol – the large conglomerates that form the foundations of South Korea’s industrial economy – and the stability of the finance sector, which had assumed increasing importance. The economy was saved from further damage at the beginning of 1998 by a US$60 billion financial rescue package put together by the IMF which kick-started a strong recovery by the South Korean economy. After settling down, the economy is now accelerating again: growth forecasts were increased to six per cent for 2002 on the back of an increase in exports and investment. The Government has begun to tackle some of the most important structural weaknesses in the financial sector. The USA and Japan are South Korea’s main trading partners, followed by China, Germany, Hong Kong and Singapore. Korean companies have been making inroads into new and emerging markets such as China and Russia. Business: Businessmen are expected to wear a suit and tie. English is widely spoken in commercial and official circles. Prior appointments are necessary and business cards are widely used. The use of the right hand when giving and receiving particularly applies to business cards. Best months for business visits are February to June. Office hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1800, Sat 0900-1300. Commercial Information: The following organisations can offer advice: Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), PO Box 25, 45 4-ga, Namdaemun-ro, Chung-gu, Seoul 100-743 (tel: (2) 316 3114; fax: (2) 771 3267; e-mail: trade@kcci.or.kr; website: www.kcci.or.kr); or Korea Trade Centre, Fifth Floor, 39 St James’s Street, London SW1A 1JD, UK (tel: (020) 7491 8057; fax: (020) 7491 7913; e-mail: kotra@kotra.co.uk; website: www.kotra.or.kr/london). Conferences/Conventions: The following organisations can offer advice: Korea Exhibition Centre (COEX), World Trade Centre, 159 Samsong-dong, Kangnam-ku, Seoul 135-731 (tel: (2) 6000 0114; fax: (2) 6000 1301; website: www.coex.co.kr); or Korea Convention and Coordinating Committee, PO Box 903, c/o Korea National Tourism Organisation (see Contact Addresses section), which can also offer advice and information on meeting facilities in the Republic of Korea. There is also a new convention centre, the Internation Convention Centre Jeju, in the island of Jeju (2700 Jungmun-dong, Seoguipo City, 697-120 Jeju, Korea; e-mail: webmaster@iccjeju.co.kr; website: www.iccjeju.co.kr). Climate Moderate climate with four seasons. The hottest part of the year is during the rainy season between July and August, and the coldest is December to February. Spring and autumn are mild and mainly dry and are generally considered the best times to visit. Required clothing: Lightweight cottons and linens are worn during summer, with light- to mediumweights in spring and autumn. Medium- to heavyweights are advised during the winter. History and Government History: The first civilisation in Korea was centred on the state of Choson which developed in the northwest corner of the peninsula in the second century BC. Choson steadily expanded until it came up against the more advanced Yen, a feudal empire which governed much of northern China. At the beginning of the first century BC, China, now ruled by the Han dynasty, attacked and destroyed Choson and governed the northern part of the peninsula for the next 400 years. To the south, a number of independent rival kingdoms evolved, of which the most important was the Silla in the southeast. In alliance with the Chinese Tang dynasty, which had taken over in northern China in AD 618, the Silla defeated their competitors and created a single political entity in Korea in AD 668 for the first time. Around AD 870, a wave of rebellions broke out across Silla-controlled territory: this triggered the gradual disintegration of the Silla empire and a period of chaos in which rival forces struggled for control. The eventual victor in the early tenth century was the Koryo dynasty, once vanquished by the Silla, who allied themselves with the Song dynasty in China. The Koryo emulated the Song in establishing an advanced cultural and technological society (including the invention of printing in 1234, two centuries before its discovery in the West). More importantly for the fate of the Koryo, the 1230s also saw the Mongol invasion which quickly crushed the Koryo forces and established total domination over the peninsula. It took until the early 14th century, and the assistance of the Chinese Ming dynasty, to recover Korean independence. The Koryo dynasty was then followed in the late 14th century by the Choson who governed Korea until the early years of the 20th century. The early years of the Choson saw Korea enter a period of outstanding cultural and intellectual achievement, especially under the Bhuddist King Sejong (1418-50). After Sejong, however, the country entered a period of decline that ended with invasions by the Japanese and then the Chinese Manchu dynasty which brought Korea under Chinese control. Although the Choson were still formally in control, Korea was effectively a satellite state of China for the next 200 years. During the 19th century, Korea became a geopolitical pawn in the burgeoning regional competition between China, Japan and the encroaching European powers (plus the USA). After the 1895 Treaty of Shimonoseki, which ended the First Sino-Japanese war, Japan established a firm hegemony over Korea. Over the next 15 years, Korea successively became a protectorate and finally in 1910, a colony of the Japanese Empire. Korea now entered one of the darkest periods of its history. The deep suspicion which continues to affect Japanese-Korean relations to this day dates from this period. At the end of World War II, as Japan was stripped of its colonial territories, the Soviets and Americans agreed to divide Korea along latitude 38°N (the 38th parallel). As the Cold War evolved, the Korean border – one of the few direct meeting points between the Soviet and American spheres of influence – became a key flashpoint. Cross-border incursions increased until full-scale war broke out between the two sides in 1950. The three-year war which followed engaged all the major powers and came closer than is often realised to provoking a nuclear conflagration. By 1953, a stalemate had been reached and an armistice was signed (although the war was never officially brought to an end). For the next three decades, locked into opposing Cold War blocs, the two Koreas went their separate ways. South Korea developed a successful capitalist economy, but failed to develop a political system of comparable sophistication. Until the early 1980s, South Korea was governed by a series of dictatorships, both civilian and military, under which political dissent led to imprisonment. However, at this point, the country’s political leaders, with their powerbase in the monopolistic Democratic Justice Party, realised that some relaxation of the existing tight political control was necessary. The question, as ever, was how far to go and how fast. In 1981 martial law was lifted. Within five years, a powerful parliamentary opposition had emerged in the form of the New Korea Democratic Party (NKDP), led by the veteran dissident Kim Dae-Jung. The new party complemented the existing extra-parliamentary opposition, which was rooted in the student and trades union movements. Unlike the West where student protest is generally dismissed or ignored by the wider population, South Korea’s student movement, the Chondaehyop, has been widely supported by ordinary people who felt it could articulate their complaints and desires (they had also attracted much public sympathy following the 1980 Kwangju massacre in which 200 protesting students were massacred by the army). The burgeoning labour movement, which had emerged with the country’s rapid industrialisation was also making its presence felt. The two have frequently co-ordinated their campaigns. In 1988, the Government conceded multiparty elections. Against expectations, the Democratic Justice Party managed to hang on to power. In fact, it remained in office for the next nine years. It was not until December 1997 that Kim Dae-Jung, the perennial opposition leader, won the presidential poll (the Democratic Justice Party has changed its name twice – firstly to the Democratic Liberal Party and then to its current title of the Grand National Party. The NKDP also changed its name and is now known as the Millennium Democratic Party). Kim Dae-Jung’s most serious immediate problem upon taking office was the fall-out from the Asian currency crisis. This caused a sharp recession and eventually required a substantial and humiliating bail-out by the IMF. The Government was obliged to promise to reform South Korea’s creaking financial system and end the incestuous relationship between Government and the chaebol industrial giants who control much of the economy. Whether Kim Dae-Jung can deliver on this remains to be seen, but the electorate was evidently not too unhappy: parliamentary elections in April 2000 delivered a mild endorsement in the form of a small increase in the Millennium Democratic Party’s National Assembly representation. The opposition Grand National Party remains the single largest bloc but, in coalition with the small conservative United Democratic Party and an assortment of independents, the MDP controls the government. The centrepiece of Kim Dae-Jung’s political programme was a firm commitment to improving relations with the North after years of painfully slow diplomatic movement. The historic Pyongyang summit between the leaders of the two countries in June 2000 vindicated his approach and opened a new chapter in relations (see Korea, People’s Democratic Republic section). However, expectations of imminent reunification are certainly premature. Having watched the German unification process very closely, the South Korean Government is aware that reunification would be costly – estimates run as high as US$50 billion annually in the first few years – and difficult given the vast political and psychological gulf between the two Koreas. There are also numerous strategic and regional problems in which the main regional powers – as well as the US – will demand to be involved. In the last few years, every improvement in relations, such as the reuniting of families separated by the 1950s civil war, seems to have been matched by a negative development, such as the July 2002 naval gun battle between vessels from North and South. Kim Dae-Jung is still determined, however, to ensure that this part of his programme achieves some tangible success. In 2002, South Korea’s international profile, as well as national morale, received a boost from co-hosting the World Cup football competition. President Kim Dae-Jung was however unable to capitalise upon it as various members of his family became embroiled in a corruption scandal around the same time. The president resigned from the Millennium Democratic Party in order to try and distance it from the scandal, but the move seems to have made little difference to the declining popularity of both party and president. Also in 2002, a new premier, Kim Suk Soo, took office. Government: Executive power is vested in the president, who is head of state and is elected for a single five-year term by popular vote. Legislation is the responsibility of the unicameral Kuk Hoe (National Assembly): of the assembly’s 273 members, 227 are elected in single-seat constituencies; the remaining 46 are chosen by proportional representation. Members of the assembly serve four-year terms. Copyright © 2003 Columbus Publishing Ltd.