Korea - a land of exciting festivals, fascinating islands and historical sites.

From the moment you land in Korea, you will step into a land you have never known. It is a country where Eastern and Western cultures blend making the country an economic powerhouse. Yet with its picturesque scenery, and over 5,000 years of cultural history, Korea captivates visitors from the moment they arrive.

Koreans are among the most innovative in the world, and they are among the most educated. It has the world’s second largest computer chip maker, two of the world’s largest automobile manufacturers, the world’s largest ship building facilities, and one of the largest steel operations, making the country among the top prosperous nations in the world. Yet the costs for a tourist visiting are far less than in Japan, and slightly more than in China.

The transportation system within South Korea—bus, plane, or train—is superb, inexpensive and convenient. You can travel and experience colorful festivals, fascinating islands, historical sites and ancient temples and at the same time enjoying a wide range of fantastic foods.

Korean cuisine is best represented by kimchi (spicy pickled vegetables) and galbi (barbecued ribs). Spicy or mild, not or cold, there is an almost endless variety of dishes to choose from. The food provides unique aromas and tastes for visitors to enjoy. In addition to being highly nutritious, Korean food is also low in calories, being mostly made of a wide variety of vegetables and is now being recognized as a healthy choice.

A scuba diver’s paradise can be found on Ulleungdo Island less than a hundred miles off the east coast of Korea, a relatively small island of 36 square miles with a population of 9,000. The semitropical island of Jejudo lies half the distance off the South Korean coast. Jejudo is Korea’s largest island at 900 square miles with almost a million population.

Jejudo’s biggest industry is tourism, among its 300 volcanic cones surrounding Hallasan Mountain –the central volcano is at 6,100 feet. Ullengdo is a refuge for piece and quiet and survives on the millions of squid caught daily.

If your not taken with islands then a visit to the World Heritage city of Gyeungiu is in a must. Its temples gardens, grassy humped tombs, castles, rock carvings and pagodas were build back in Cleopatra’s time. The outdoor museum was completed before the fourth century A.D., when Europe was entering the dark ages—900 years before the discovery of the America.

No visit to Korea is complete without visiting the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) – 155 miles of rolled razor wire forming the most pristine plant and animal sanctuary in the world. No man has entered into this area for over 50 years….except for tunnels build by the North Koreans.

Korea is also a shopper’s paradise. Markets are bustling everywhere offering items of top quality but surprisingly inexpensive after haggling with shopkeepers.

When visiting Korea, incorporate a Temple Stay and Rest Program for the Body and Soul. Korean temples, steeped in history and tradition, have opened their secluded sanctuaries to overseas visitors with temple stay programs. Visitors can experience this unique temple life from sublime pre-dawn chanting to vegetarian meals. These programs are arranged to enrich every rare moment of your stay.

For further information on Korea visit: www.tour2korea.com