Asia : Korea

The Korean peninsula borders China to the northwest and Russia to the northeast. South Korea and North Korea were unified until 1945, when the country was partitioned following World War II. The politics of the Cold War resulted in two separate governments being established in 1948, and North Korea is still a Communist country with closed borders. South Korea has an alpine climate in the north, while the southern Island of Cheju basks in an almost subtropical climate. The country boasts several dozen national parks and a rugged coastline. Seoul, a capital since 1394, is a bustling, sophisticated commercial center that retains its heritage in the old royal residences, many of which are UNESCO-listed. Korea’s southwestern area offers dramatic coastal scenery, most notably the thousand islands that make up Tadohae Haesang Marine National Park. The city of Gyeong-ju is an open-air museum of ancient Korean history and Buddhist culture, and has been designated by UNESCO as one of the world's ten most historically significant sites. Busan is the country's largest seaport, with numerous attractions including Pomosa Temple, Kumjongsansong Fortress and the lively fish market. The superb Ulsukdo Bird Sanctuary offers excellent birdwatching. Despite its turbulent history, South Korea today is known for its rich archeological sites, distinctive cuisine, colorful festivals, and welcoming people.

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