Flying to Korea what you need to know. Holidays in south korea

South Korea became the seventh country in our great journey across Asia. I must say that initially we didn’t really plan a trip to Korea, but shortly before the travel fees, the news appeared about the abolition of tourist visas for citizens of the Russian Federation. After this good news, we began to consider South Korea in the list of possible countries to visit. The trip itself was organized quite spontaneously, being in Malaysia, without clear plans for the further way, we decided that why not dilute Southeast Asia with another Asia, and bought tickets to Seoul.

First impression of Seoul

We came to Korea completely unprepared. We didn’t have any plans or routes, to be honest, we didn’t even know much about the country. Sometimes it's nice and useful to dilute carefully planned trips with spontaneous ones.

seoul

Seoul met us with a gloomy sky and a slight coolness (about 20 degrees Celsius), which we had already managed to wean off in the hot Southeast Asia. In my mind, Korea was supposed to be like Hong Kong, but it turned out to be more like Japan.

Night Seoul

Seoul has a lot of faceless, utilitarian concrete buildings and monotonous residential areas, but in some places they are diluted with colorful neighborhoods with low houses and shining skyscrapers of business districts.

Housing in Seoul

Seoul is not the cheapest city for the budget traveler. The cheapest accommodation we could find was Hostel Korea Original. A night in a private room cost more than $30. For the first few nights we were able to get a room with our own bathroom. special price but then had to move to a room with a shared bathroom as the price of ours increased.

Room at Hostel Korea Original

Although we do not like hostels, we really liked Hostel Korea Original. The interior of the hostel was clean, quiet and comfortable. For a tourist there is everything you need: a kitchen, a washing machine and even free coffee. The rooms are rather small and austere, but clean. In the morning, if you get up early, you could have time for a symbolic breakfast in the form of toasts with jam, but they were eaten pretty quickly, as they were simply put on the table in the kitchen.

One of the streets in the area where the hostel is located

The hostel was located in a pretty area with narrow streets and low brick houses, the center can be reached by metro or walk a few kilometers.

Search hotels in Seoul:

Food

We arrived at the hostel before the check-in hour (settlement), so we decided to go eat. Usually we rely on our own strength, but then we decided to ask the administrator where it would be better for us to eat, so that the food was vegetarian. The guy-administrator turned out to be very responsive, and decided to take us to the cafe himself. We already thought that now we would be taken to another tourist spot with huge prices, but the guy took us to a democratic-looking and priced Korean food diner, and also explained to the employees in Korean that we need meat-free food. No one spoke English in the cafe, the entire menu was in Korean.

bibimbap and kimchi

We were brought two hot pots of rice and vegetables, which were served with broth and kimchi - Korean pickles that are served with almost every meal. Strictly speaking, kimchi is spicy pickled Chinese cabbage, but kimchi snacks are not limited to it. Pots of rice are called bibimbap, and it is one of the most famous traditional Korean dishes. We really liked the food, we returned to this place a few more times.

Kimbap

In Korea, rolls similar to Japanese ones are popular, but they use rice without vinegar and do not put raw fish. Rolls are wrapped in nori sheets, and vegetables, scrambled eggs, ham and seafood are put in the filling. These rolls are called kimbap, they appeared during the Japanese occupation of Korea (from 1910 to 1945).

Korean cuisine is quite spicy, but in my personal opinion, much less spicy than Thai or Indian.

In Korea, as in all of Asia, street food is popular. Tents with food are clustered in certain walk-through places, they look very decent in terms of hygiene.

Street food in Seoul

Korea has not done without food that is a little crazy in the European view, for example:

Toast with whipped cream and caramel sauce
Ice cream, which is poured into edible long spiral tubes
Canned silkworm pupae

Food prices in Korea far from Southeast Asia, and here the budget tourist can not roam. In the most democratic places without waiters, you can hardly find dishes for $ 5-8, in the bulk of the cafe a meal will cost at least $ 10-15 per person. For at least a couple of weeks, we have not been able to come up with anything cheaper than buying food in a supermarket.

A few years ago, South Korea abolished visas for Russian citizens. A visa is still required only for students, migrants and those who are going to work in the country. But tourists can stay in South Korea up to 60 days. We have found ten reasons to travel to a country that in less than half a century has turned from the most backward corner into one of the most progressive countries in the world. But despite the speed of this progress, ancient traditions are still honored in Korea.

Treatment and recovery

South Korea is quite popular among tourists who want to improve their health. The healthcare system here is one of the best not only in Asia, but throughout the world. The main directions of medical tourism: plastic surgery, dentistry, gynecology, oncology. In addition to the latest medical centers, you can get treatment in traditional Korean ways - this will surely appeal to those who do not like doctors and medications giving preference to traditional methods of treatment.

You can strengthen your health and immunity in chimchilbang. On the Internet, such a place is usually called a “Korean bath”, which, to put it mildly, does not closely reflect its capabilities. As a rule, this is a large complex with a sauna, massage, swimming pool, bathhouse, fitness center, cafe and other conditions for have a nice rest for the benefit of the body. The most famous chimchilbans in Seoul are Dragon Hill Spa, Sports Club Seoul Leisure and The Spa in Garden 5.

Seoul is one of those cities that never sleep. In principle, this can be said about any metropolis, but life in the South Korean capital really does not stop for a second. There are always crowds of people on the streets: during the day they hurry on business, in the evening and at night they rush to clubs, bars and restaurants.

Colorful establishments here at every turn - both inexpensive and top-level, where the bill per night can easily equal the budget of the entire trip to South Korea. The most hurricane in this regard is the area of ​​Seoul - Gangnam-gu. This is the epicenter of the party life of the capital. Fans of cocktails, parties until the morning and spontaneous acquaintances should settle here.

In ancient times, this city was the capital of the Silla state, and now it attracts travelers with many monuments of Korean culture. The national park of the same name is located here, as well as the impressive Gyeongju National Museum, which displays ancient Korean household items, as well as clothing, sculpture and painting.

In the city center, you will find the Myeonghwal and Wolseong fortresses, and a little further on, Pomun Lake. Near it, you can stay longer, because there is the Posum summer theater, numerous resorts, hotels and a huge park. The city is considered one of the main tourist destinations in South Korea, so it regularly hosts festivals and exhibitions, including international ones.

The largest island in South Korea is a resort with good climate. There are still few tourists here, and the infrastructure is well developed. There are several resort areas, the most famous of them are Seogwipo and Jungmun. They have equipped beaches with all amenities for vacationers. Here you can go diving, horseback riding and archery.

Jeju-do is popular with honeymooners, and some places are made especially for them. If you are not shy, take a look at Love Land Park - there are about 140 sculptures frozen in unambiguous poses. Well, if you prefer classic tourist spots, welcome to a traditional Korean village. And the most interesting object on the island is Mount Hallasan, this is the highest point (1950 meters) on Jeju and the best place to photograph the sunrise.

The Taekebsan Ridge runs through the eastern part of South Korea. Highest point- Daecheonbong peak - 1708 meters in height, it is second only to Hallasan volcano and Mount Jirisan. national park especially popular with tourists in autumn, when the trees turn bright yellow and red.

However, in the summer there is something to see. The park contains unique plants, including elfin cedar and edelweiss. Animal lovers will be able to get to know the Korean musk deer, the Himalayan bear and the oriental goral. The place has been in the list of candidates since 1994 world heritage UNESCO.

It is the second largest city in Korea, with more than three and a half million people living here. The largest port is also located here, as well as a huge number of resorts and sanatoriums. In 2002, Busan hosted the World Cup - then there were definitely enough tourists here, but even after a high-profile sporting event, the city was not forgotten.

Busan has first class beaches, national parks and hot springs. However, the main attraction of the city is the Buddhist temple of Beomeosa, where three incarnations of the Buddha are located. It was built on Krymcheongsan Mountain in 678. The temple is one of the oldest in South Korea.

The long name belongs to a traditional Korean village near Namsan Mountain. Rather, it is a museum located in the center of Seoul. But being here, it is easy to forget that skyscrapers, neon signs, expensive boutiques and pretentious establishments are within walking distance.

The museum opened in 1998 and includes the Namsan Gugaktan Traditional Korean Music Center, a classic Korean garden, and a time capsule space. You can appreciate the national architecture - there are five hanoks (houses). All of them at one time belonged to people of different social strata, and you can see the difference in decoration and decoration between the houses of wealthy and less wealthy Koreans.

In the shopping centers of South Korea, you can buy absolutely everything. And for this it is not necessary to go to Seoul. Busan, for example, is home to the world's largest department store, Shinsege Centum City. You can walk through the halls from morning to evening for several days, which will surely please travelers and darken the mood of travelers. However, sometimes this can be beneficial: they left their companion in a department store, and they themselves - to walk around the city.

In addition to the usual global brands, Sinsega Centum City features many local Korean brands that specialize in cosmetics and accessories.

This park will captivate you for the whole day, and the rides will appeal to both adults and children. It is said that the roof of Lotte World is visible even from satellites. The park is open without breaks on weekends, daily from morning to evening.

In addition to attractions, you will find a shopping center, a cinema, several cafes and a hotel. Lotte World is a great place to family vacation. It is more focused on children, but adults will not be bored either.

There are five palaces of the Joseon Dynasty in Seoul: Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, Gyeonghuigung, Gyeongbokgung, and Changdeokgung. One of them, Gyeongbokgung, was destroyed during the Imjin War in the sixteenth century, and was restored in the middle of the nineteenth century. Changgyeonggung also suffered, but mostly from time to time. In 1983 it was completely restored.

And we also have

There are many more reasons to visit South Korea than just the abolition of visas.

1. Firstly, it is a very original country with a rich history and unique cultural monuments.
2. Secondly, stunning nature and many options for recreation - hot springs, beaches, ski resorts.

1. Thirdly, South Korea keeps up with the times, and sometimes ahead of it. A rare fusion of tradition and innovation awaits you, so there are activities and entertainment for every taste.

In addition, South Korea is still not the most popular and even exotic destination, so if you are looking for unbeaten routes, urgently book a ticket for a Moscow-Seoul flight.

When to go:

You can travel to South Korea all year round, but remember that the country is located in the temperate climate zone, so the seasons are very pronounced there. Winter is a time for skiers, but not only. Koreans brighten up the cold with a variety of winter-themed festivals. For example, in natural park Tebaxan hosts the Snow and Ice Sculpture Festival. Want to bask in the sun? Then you need to plan a trip for the summer and choose seaside resorts. At this time, the temperature rises to + 35C.

Sightseeing lovers should go to South Korea in the spring, from mid-March to June. At this time it is already warm, a lot sunny days and the monsoon season has not yet arrived. Spring is the season for cherry blossoms. But autumn is also good in South Korea - bright, colorful, without precipitation until the end of September.

How to get there:

Aeroflot and Korean Air fly direct flights from Moscow to Seoul. The flight will take about 10 hours. The cost of a round-trip ticket is from 30,700 rubles. Cheaper (from 26,242 rubles) will fly with a transfer in Dubai by Emirates or to Helsinki by Finnair. From international airport Incheon, located 52 km from Seoul, can be reached by express bus or taxi.

How to get around:

South Korea is a small country, so you should take advantage of this and travel outside the capital. It is very convenient to move around: the main cities are connected by rail, and traveling under the sound of wheels in a Hi-tech South Korea is very nice. Trains are divided into 4 types according to speed and level of comfort. The most-most are ultra-fast KTX. Then there are express trains “Saemaeul”, high-speed “Mugunghwa” and passenger “Tong-il”.

For foreigners, there are special general KR Pass tickets that you can buy online. This is a kind of travel card for all types of trains, except for the metro, without restrictions on the number of trips. In addition, the Haeran train runs for tourists with compartments that look like hotel rooms, a restaurant and an observation deck.

Very comfortable and commuter buses. They go frequently, are equipped with air conditioning, and sometimes even free wireless Internet. Do you want complete freedom? Rent a car. There are well-known rental agencies in South Korea, for example, AVIS. However, keep in mind that traffic in the country is right-hand and in major cities very intense. Road signs are written in Korean and are duplicated in English in small print.

Where to go and what to see:

The first thing that comes to mind is, of course, Seoul. The capital and largest city of South Korea. It usually begins acquaintance with the country. Are you planning a cultural program? Seoul is perfect for you. Four royal palaces of the Joseon Dynasty and the oldest Royal Palace Gyeongbokgung era. The spirit of the past is still felt in the palaces, and magnificent ceremonies are still held today.

You can travel back in time by walking along Insadong Street, a piece of old Seoul. There you will find many cozy cafes and tea houses, restaurants with local cuisine and traditional souvenirs.

In addition to antiquities, one of the most popular attractions among tourists is a trip to the Demilitarized Zone on the border of South and North Korea. Foreigners are allowed to climb through a secret tunnel dug at a depth of 70 meters under the border. You can get into the Demilitarized Zone only with an organized tour.

But you can safely go to 4DX, 4D cinema. It was in South Korea that the first such cinemas appeared. From 3D, to which we are already accustomed, they differ strikingly: in addition to visual effects, in 4DX you can feel movement and smells, feel the wind and water splashes.

You can easily spend a week or more in Seoul, but the impression of South Korea will be incomplete, so go to other cities, and on the way, indulge in the pleasure of visiting small villages.

By the way, two historical Korean villages, founded in the 13th-14th centuries, are even included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as important monuments of Confucian culture. These are Hahoe Village in Andong City (Gyeongsangnam-do Province) and Yangdong in Gyeongju City (Gyeongsangbuk-do Province). Andong is known not only as the cradle of Confucianism, but also as the residence of the yangban, Korean nobles. Some of their traditional dwellings have survived to this day and operate as hotels.

The UNESCO site is the entire historical center of Gyeongju, the capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla. The ancient Buddhist temple of Bulguksa and Cheomseongdae, the oldest of the observatories that have survived to this day, have survived.

Busan, the second largest city in the country and part-time the sea capital of South Korea, is famous for its skyscrapers, and the world's largest department store located there Shinsegae Centum City will delight shopaholics.

Tired of big cities? There are many beautiful parks in Busan: Taejeongdae, Hale National Marine Park, Haeundae and Gwanalli Beaches, Geumgang Park and Monnae Hot Springs. In search of peace, tranquility, and perhaps the meaning of life, head to Thondosa Monastery, where Buddhist relics are kept.

Daegu is beautifully located in a valley surrounded by low mountains, and is a major Buddhist center with numerous temples. The main attraction and pride of Daegu is the highly revered Haeinsa Temple, which houses the Tripitaka Koreana, the most complete collection of Buddhist canons in the vault. East Asia. Don't miss the Chikchisa Monastery with ancient columns and thousands of small Buddha statues.

The city of Suwon is also interesting. Hwaseong Fortress, although not very ancient (only the end of the 18th century), is very beautiful, and there is a Korean Folk Village nearby. Suwon itself captivates with a harmonious combination of new and old, this is especially noticeable on the street of restaurants, where the aroma of kalbi, grilled ribs, simply drives you crazy.

Islands deserve special attention. In the Yellow Sea lies the island of Ganghwado, and on it there are as many as 120 dolmens, ancient burial structures. Here is the altar of Tangun, the legendary founder of the nation, and other younger attractions.

Jeju Island is popular seaside resort with a mild tropical climate. If you're into golf, Jeju is a must-see. It has 16 golf clubs and is known as the Island of Golf, one of South Korea's most popular sports.

Dreaming of a winter fairy tale? For snow, skiers need to go to Yongpyeong, Phoenix Park and Hyundai Song.

But the most important thing, without which you cannot leave South Korea, are natural hot springs. An hour and a half drive from Seoul are Asan Spavis, thermal springs in the open air - you can swim in them even in cold weather. Indulge in extraordinary treatments such as the jasmine pool or the yellow clay sauna.

The Koreans themselves are very fond of soaking up in hot water, but they will not refuse to go down with the breeze from the water slide. One of the most popular water parks, Seorak Votopia, is located next to the Seoraksan Mountains on the coast. East Sea. Even if you don't really love water activities, it is worth visiting: Seoraksan is part of the Geumgangsan mountain range, which means “Diamond Mountains”, and is considered one of the most scenic spots in the world.

What to do:

In addition to hot springs and golf, there are other entertainments in Korea, at the mention of which the heart of every Korean starts to beat faster. Oddly enough, this is baseball. The beloved American pastime has become so beloved in the East that it has become almost a national sport. If you have never been to the USA and have not seen this game, be sure to go, just study the rules in advance, otherwise it can be boring.

The second is hiking in the mountains. This is probably one of the secrets of Korean longevity: fresh air, physical activity and contemplation scenic views very helpful in extending life expectancy.

What to try:

Koreans eat a lot of rice, but they also like soups and seafood dishes. An obligatory component of the meal is kimchi, that is, fermented pickled vegetables. Fruit is usually served for dessert, while liqueurs and makkory rice wine are popular drinks.

Koreans love to eat and take food very seriously, but fat people are rare. Probably, the thing is that all dishes, according to the Koreans themselves, are exceptionally healthy.

What to buy:

South Korea has a lot of everything that is an everyday item for locals, and exotic and a good gift for foreigners. Here you can find very beautiful pearls, caskets inlaid with mother-of-pearl, fans, embroidery, masks, wooden and ceramic items.

A special pride of South Korea is ginseng. It is sold in different forms - tea, tinctures, extracts, dried and dried ginseng, in honey, in alcohol, in syrup. There are even chocolates and candies with ginseng. Original and, as they say, useful.

(Busan): Don't be put off by the word "motel" in the title. Here is waiting for you great value price / quality and modern comfort with hints of Asian flavor.

To be fully prepared for a trip to the Land of the Morning Calm and get answers to all possible questions before the trip, use our tips.

1. How and when to fly

South Korea is pleasant to travel all year round. If you want to bask by the sea, the ideal month for this is August: the rainy season is already over, and the air warms up to 27–30 °C. Autumn in Korea is warm and dry, you can walk along numerous national parks, enjoying the bright autumn colors, admiring the famous red maples, and the best time for this - the end of September - the beginning of November. In winter, the temperature rarely drops below -6 °C, which is excellent weather for skiing and snowboarding. Spring in Korea is warm and sunny with very little rainfall. And in spring, cherries, dogwood, azaleas bloom, and this is worth admiring. The peak of flowering is in April. Read more about what to do in different seasons in South Korea.

There is a seasonal direct flight from St. Petersburg to Seoul from the largest airline in South Korea, Korean Air, which means that from spring to autumn you can fly to the capital of Korea without unnecessary headaches and transfers. Departures are carried out daily, except Monday and Wednesday, the flight time is 8 hours 50 minutes.

2. How to get around the city

In Seoul, there is a problem, like in any other modern metropolis - traffic jams. Therefore, if possible, it is better to use the metro and other public transport. It's easy with single card T-money, which will help you save 10% on each trip compared to a single ticket.

T-money and Cashbee transport cards are valid on buses and subways in Seoul and other regions of Korea (all major cities have subways), and you can also use them to pay for taxi fares.
City buses run in all regions of Korea and have a certain color. All buses in Seoul are painted in four colors: yellow - ring, green operate flights within the same area between subway stations, blue serve several areas, red operate commuter service. For more information about Seoul buses and other modes of transport, see the Transportation section of the Korea Tourism Organization website.

Sometimes it is more convenient to take a taxi. A lot of them. More budgetary - orange (in Seoul; in satellite cities - silver), luxury taxis - black with a yellow sign on the roof.

3. Where to change money and whether to tip

The Korean currency is won. The exchange rate may change, but this moment 1,000 Korean won (KRW) = 57.6 rubles, or slightly less than $1. Almost everywhere, except for small shops and markets, cards of international payment systems are accepted.

It is best to exchange cash in Korean banks or specialized points located in tourist areas such as Insadong, Itaewon, Myeongdong. You can also exchange money at large hotels or directly at the airport (Incheon or Gimpo), but the commission will be higher than in the city.
Keep the documents - you can change back to dollars the local currency that was not useful on the trip only upon presentation of a certificate from the bank.

Tipping is not customary in Korea. An attempt to give a tip is perceived negatively by Koreans. However, in European or American bars in South Korea, where there are no Koreans among the staff or authorities, such a gesture will be appreciated as usual.

4. How and what to buy

Korea is called the paradise of shopaholics. Major department stores feature world high brands Chanel, Gucci, Prada, Hermes, Bulgari and many others. There are interesting clusters with clothes from local designers. Excellent cosmetics, beautiful products made of mother-of-pearl and pearls and, of course, souvenirs. The most popular are the Korean national costume hanbok, dojagi ceramics, puche fan and bag for luck pok jumoni.

Large shopping centers and markets are often open around the clock.
And more good news for shoppers: duty free, that is, a duty free zone, is not only at airports and ports in Korea, but also in department stores of large brands (for example, local majors Lotte and Huindai).

In Korea, there is also the usual tax refund on goods purchased in the country - Tax Refund. Look for blue star stickers. If you do not find such a sticker, ask about Global Blue, Tax Refund or Tax Free at the staff. The minimum purchase amount is 30,000 won. The value of a single purchase must not exceed 500,000 won including tax. It will be possible to return from 10 to 20% for jewelry. Save your receipts, fill out the Tax Free Form, prepare your passport and purchased items and contact the return point, which is not only at the airport, but also in the city center - they are indicated on receipts and at duty free points. If you can't wait, use the Global Blue mailbox located next to customs. Submit your completed, stamped Tax Free form with receipts to receive a refund on your credit card.

And yet, every summer in Seoul there is a big summer sale (Seoul Summer Sale), where a tourist can get up to 50% discount if you get a special card at the airport in advance.

5. What language to speak

Before traveling to a non-English-speaking country, the question always arises of whether it is necessary to acquire a phrase book in order to somehow communicate with the locals if necessary.

The official language in South Korea is Korean. If you want to be known as a polyglot among your local acquaintances, remember a few useful phrases. "Hello" - "anyon haseyo". In a more informal dialogue with friends, you can say "anyon" - "hello." "Very nice to meet you" - "mannaso pongauoyo." "Thank you" - "kamsahamnida". "Goodbye" - "annenhi keseyo" - is said to the one who remains. In order to make a good impression, these phrases will be enough.

But feel free to ask for directions or any other questions in English, because Koreans spend a lot of time learning this language and will not mind practicing. If you don't know who to contact on the street, look for the tourist police, whose representatives stand out in blue uniforms and black berets. Its staff will help you navigate the area or translate the inscription on the sign (although most are duplicated in English). Information support is also included in their responsibilities.

6. How not to be left without communication

South Korea is famous for the fastest Internet in the world - 26.1 Mbps, as well as its availability for the population. Free Wi-Fi is available in many institutions and hotels in Seoul, in museums, train stations and airports, and even in the subway, but outside the capital it is somewhat more difficult to find. Therefore, local operators offer portable Wi-Fi routers (they are also called Wi-Fi eggs), which allow you to access the Internet wherever there is a cellular connection. Wi-Fi router can be rented at the airport, although it is quite expensive.

Those who want to purchase a SIM card from a local operator can do so online in advance and then pick up the SIM card at the airport. Particularly popular among foreign tourists use 5, 10 and 30-day SIM-cards that provide unlimited access to the Internet. SIM cards are also sold in large supermarkets and specialized stores. Don't forget to check if your phone is unlocked for use abroad.

It should be noted that electricity in Korea is standard - 220V, 60Hz, sockets are the same as in Russia. So no special adapters are needed.

Do's and Don'ts

In the house it is customary to take off your shoes and walk barefoot.
It is not customary to pierce food with chopsticks like a fork. Don't leave chopsticks upright on your plate, especially if they're stuck in rice. And do not use them as a pointer during a conversation.
Saying a categorical “no” is considered bad form. Evasive answers are accepted here and there is practically no imperative mood.
In Korean culture, personal space is highly valued, so it is not customary to pat on the back, hug unfamiliar people, and generally touch strangers.
It’s better not to gesture: the gestures we are used to can have a completely different meaning in Korean culture and even seem offensive.
In Korea, elders are revered - by age, position. A lot of things cannot be done in the presence of elders, besides, they are supposed to be treated in a special way: bow deeply, wait for a hand to be offered to you, respond to a shake with both hands. Pour wine, pass items to the elder, you must also use both hands or holding the other by the wrist.
Blowing your nose in public is not accepted, but it is supposed to sneeze loudly. And you can even slurp to show that you enjoy food.

Thanks to a series of new agreements recently concluded between South Korea and the Russian Federation, a visa to Korea for Russians in 2020 will not be required if the period of stay does not exceed sixty days, the purpose of the visit can be any.

For a longer visit, an entry visa is made in advance at the Embassy of South Korea or at the Consulates located in the cities of St. Petersburg, Vladivostok, Irkutsk. Also, travel agencies accredited at the Embassy have the right to issue a Korean visa.

The Republic of Korea is one of the four "Asian Tigers" - the most economically developed countries in the region.

The need for a Korean visa

For Russians who plan to visit the state for the purpose of tourism, a private visit (to friends or relatives, for other personal purposes), a business trip, transit, a visa to South Korea will not be required if their stay is short. That is, the rules of a visa-free regime apply when, when crossing the border at international passport simply put the appropriate entry stamp. If a long visit, study, work or long-term treatment is planned, then an application for a visa to South Korea must be submitted in advance in Russia.

It should be remembered that South Korea and North Korea are two different states that are still in a state of military conflict (no peace treaty has been signed between them). North Korea's visa laws differ significantly from those of its southern neighbor. It is not easy to get into North Korea, and if it is possible, then severe restrictions are imposed on the movement of a foreigner. Whether you need a visa to North Korea or not - there is an unequivocal answer to this question: yes, you need it. This issue will be discussed further.

Visa-free entry

South Korea is becoming an increasingly attractive tourist destination for Russians, especially those who live in southern Siberia or Far East. For example, residents of Vladivostok, Khabarovsk and Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky fly to Seoul in much less time than to Moscow. Moreover, many Russian companies have business ties with South Korean partners, who, in turn, have economic interests in the Russian Federation.

In order to simplify bureaucratic procedures, mutual visa-free regime crossing the border. Now you do not need to worry about whether you need a visa to South Korea for short-term visits and calmly pack for a trip - the borders are open.

Documents for visa-free entry

To freely cross the border, a citizen of the Russian Federation will need to present only a few documents:

1. A current passport that is valid for another six months ( the report comes from the moment of entry into the state, and not from the moment of departure, as in many other states);
2. filled in advance migration card, which is issued on board the aircraft (or other transport by which the passenger arrives in the state);
3. Customs declaration (even if there is nothing to declare, this document still needs to be filled out);
4. Return tickets from South Korea for any transport (this can be both air tickets and ship tickets), or travel documents to a third country if a foreigner is in transit;
5. Confirmation of the availability of money to stay in South Korea, or proof of solvency (a paid reservation from a hotel, a printout from a bank account, from a credit card valid in the state, cash, and so on).

Korean border guards are not very picky about the citizens of the Russian Federation, they are not satisfied with a thorough inspection and study of documents. Often the procedure is quick and formal, the process takes a few minutes.

Migration card

This is a small form in which personal information about the arrival is entered, his address during his stay in South Korea, passport data. It is easy to fill it out, if you have any questions or difficulties, you can contact the flight attendant (on the plane), or the border guards at the airport.

Customs declaration

Completing this form will require a little knowledge of English language. In all columns it is necessary to put down the sign "X" if the traveler is not lucky with him:

• Animals;
• Plants;
• Any goods for sale;
• Weapon;
• Money in the amount of more than 10,000 US dollars (or 10,000 Korean won);
• Other items prohibited for import.

If there are difficulties with filling out the declaration, then it is worth asking the personnel of the aircraft or sea vessel for help. If such an opportunity is not given, then you can turn to a compatriot or a foreigner who speaks English.

Traveling with children

Children are also eligible for visa-free entry. In order for a minor child to safely enter the country, his parents only need a birth certificate (the requirement is not mandatory, but it is better to take it with you)

For a child who travels accompanied by one parent, a power of attorney is required to allow him to be taken out of the country from the other parent. The same noma applies to legal guardians.

If a long-term visa to Korea for a child is required, then it is obtained according to the same rules as for adults.

Types of entry visas to Korea

If the purpose of travel to South Korea requires a stay for long term(for example, work under a contract or study), then the question of whether a visa to Korea is needed is not worth it - it must be obtained in advance at the Embassy of South Korea or at the Consulates of the country. Visas are assigned different categories depending on the purpose and duration of stay: D, E, H, F-4.

Working visa (D, E, H)

South Korea is a developed state with a fairly strong economy, progressive innovations and many practical areas that advance science. That is why a work visa to Korea for Russians in 2020 may be available only to those professional specialists who are highly qualified, in-demand knowledge and relevant experience. Competent managers and narrow specialists can also apply for employment in South Korea (and therefore for the appropriate level of payment).

It should be remembered that there are candidates for vacant positions in the country, but if a Korean employer still wants to hire a foreigner, then he has the right to do so.

A work visa to Korea is made not only on the basis of an official invitation from the employer, it can also be obtained if you submit an application to the Embassy, ​​(at the same time without an employment contract). This option is more complicated, but it can also be implemented.

Student visa (D, E, H)

Such a document will be required for students who want to study in South Korea. There is a list of Universities that have the right to accept foreign students for study. It can be viewed on the website of the Korean Embassy (it is updated periodically).

Visa for Foreign Compatriots (F-4)

Such a visa is intended for Koreans who permanently live in other countries, but not everyone is eligible for such a document. Only highly qualified workers, masters and graduate students with an academic degree, or employees of South Korean companies who have previously worked in the country and have shown themselves well can obtain this type of visa.

Visa for researchers (E-1, E-3, E-5)

Such a visa will be required for a narrow circle of persons who conduct scientific research, conduct any kind of research activity. This type of visa is easiest to obtain if you justify the purpose of your visit to the Embassy. You can check the possibility of issuing a document on the website of the representative office of Korea.

A visa to Korea for researchers can be issued online, in this case, in response to a request, electronic document(if the visa is approved), which must be shown at passport control.

Features of long-term visas

To be able to apply for a long-term visa to South Korea, you need to provide confirmation that a citizen of the Russian Federation has a guarantor on the territory of this state. They can be either an employing company (in the case of a work visa) or an individual (friend, relative) who is a citizen or resident of South Korea.

The guarantor submits an application to the Immigration Service, after which the visa applicant is allowed to submit papers to the Consular Section of the Embassy (Consulate) in Moscow or other cities.

Documents for a long-term visa

List required documents for a long-term visa to South Korea is not very large. You will need to provide:

1. Questionnaire filled out in English and Korean(two copies of the form - one in English, the other in Korean);
2. Passport, which must be valid for another six months (these 6 months are counted from the moment you leave the country), with a free space for gluing a visa;
3. A copy of the passport spread with personal data and a photo;
4. If there old passport with Schengen visas, as well as visas of Canada, USA, Japan, Australia, you will need a copy of it;
5. Photo size 35 x 45 mm with standard parameters on a light background, the size of the head should occupy 80% of the picture;
6. An invitation from an employer/individual/university.

Hotel or other accommodation reservation not requested.

A sample of a completed application form for a visa to the Republic of Korea

Application procedure

The applicant can bring the necessary documents personally to the representative office of South Korea, as well as send from any place (region) of Russia by the service Pony Express.

After submitting the papers, you just need to wait for a decision. Korean immigration law does not require financial information, employment certificates, bank statements. In this sense, it is quite loyal to the Russians.

Visa validity periods

Any visa to South Korea for Russians has its own validity period. After this period, there is a convenient possibility to extend the document.

Extension of a visa

If the validity of a visa to Korea has expired, then it can be extended without leaving the state. All documents are subject to this rule except visa categories E-1, E-3, E-5. The extension is handled by the Immigration Service of the Republic of Korea.

Price

Each visa to Korea has its own price, the current amounts are shown in the table below.

If documents are sent via Pony Express, then the price for forwarding services will be added to the consular fee.

Processing time

Receipt long stay visa to Korea for Russians will take from 10 days to 4 weeks, depending on the completeness of the package of necessary documents.

Visa to North Korea

You can get a visa to North Korea in two cases: if you go in a group organized tour or as an individual tourist who will be assigned a professional Korean guide. A foreigner is not given the right to move within the country.

If a foreigner wants to visit North Korea, then it will not be easy to get a visa, it is generally impossible to do it on your own. The country continues to build communism under the leadership of the permanent ruling Kim clan, which established a total dictatorship on the territory of the state. In order not to shake the foundations of its power, the leadership restricts the entry of foreigners as much as possible.

When group tour a visa is issued by a tour operator that is officially recognized by the authorities of North Korea. If an individual trip is planned, then it can also be made only with a tour operator, which in this case will also act as an applicant for a visa to North Korea.

The visa application is considered for a month, and the usual tourist questionnaire must be filled out in 3 languages: Russian, Korean and English. The Embassy of North Korea in the Russian Federation does not even have a website, so you can’t see any more or less correct examples or hints, from which it is concluded that in the presence of such barriers, most likely, independent tourists are not welcome in North Korea, a visit is possible only through an approved tour operator.

findings

South Korea is of great interest among tourists from Russia. The country has everything - and beach holiday, and megacities, and natural attractions. The simplified entry regime, which has become possible since 2014, eliminates many formalities and wastes time when planning a trip. Russians who regret going on vacation (or with other people) to this country need to remember the following main points:

• Now you don't need to worry about whether you need a visa to Korea for a short tourist trip– under the new legislation, a stay of 2 months is allowed without first obtaining an entry document at the Embassy;
• Korean authorities are loyal to Russian tourists, for a trip to the country, you do not need to collect an endless list of documents to confirm your intentions or connection with your homeland;
• Unlike some countries (primarily the Schengen area), the immigration visa service does not consider every person arriving from another country as a potential illegal immigrant, so viewing documents at the border is a rather formal procedure, but nevertheless full list documents must always be carried with you;
• When visiting North Korea, you need to take into account the peculiarities of this country: you cannot use mobile phone, the Internet, navigate without a guide, scold the current leader Kim Jong-UN (or his relatives).