Korea [antikvár]

Introduction South Korea is still very much off the beaten track to travellers. Quite a few reach Seoul, the capital, en route to somewhere else and a few intrepid individuals make it to Kyöngju and the island province of Cheju-do, but hardly anyone seems to take the time to explore the other attractions of the country. Undoubtedly the magnets of Japan and China serve to distract most people's attention, yet Korea is one of the most fascinating enigmas of the Far East. Its history is one of the world's most turbulent sagas of a small nation's struggle for survival against what would appear to be impossible odds. Sandwiched between vastly more powerful neighbours who for at least two millennia have frequently attempted to absorb it, it has nevertheless preserved its own unique character and cultural identity. OBtflln» NORTH KOREA OP'y^ngyns f-^V ,0 Seoul Korea 0 250 SOOkm You might be forgiven for thinking that the most coveted gems of oriental culture are to be found in either Japan or China, and that Korea merely offers a pale reflection of these, but you would be wrong. Korea has some of the world's most enchanting countryside: beautiful, forested mountains offer endless trekking possibilities which, while seen at their most colourful either in the spring or autumn, are misty and romantic even during the wet season. In the forests you will find sublimely crafted temple complexes whose origins stretch back 1500 years. A visit to any one of these hauntingly beautiful places will leave an indelible impression. Many of them are still functioning monasteries and anyone expressing an interest in delving beneath the surface will find the monks not only very friendly but also hospitable. Then there are Korea's innumerable islands scattered like confetti off its southern and eastern shores, many of them with intriguing variations on mainland culture. Very few of them have ever seen a visitor from abroad let alone had their paths tramped bare by tourist hordes. And what of the people? Koreans are a proud, romantic, spontaneous and friendly people. You will not encounter that feeling of disinterest which westerners often experience in China. Even in cosmopolitan Seoul you'll be regarded with curiosity. Wherever you go, but especially in the smaller places, you'll constantly be approached by people who want to strike up a conversation, whether they be soldiers, hotel proprietors, students, businesspeople or whatever. They will try their best - regardless of language or cultural differences - to establish some rapport with you, yet always with humour and never in an overbearing manner. If you respond with friendship and a little imagination you will often find yourself the recipient of the most unexpected and often disarming hospitality. It's not that Koreans don't have fairly rigidly defined rules of social conduct I . f'- , i'. ¦ t. KV k: ' ¦ r' / ¦