South Korea (한국, 韓國 Hanguk), formally the Republic of Korea (대한민국, 大韓民國 Daehan Minguk) is a country in East Asia. South Korea occupies the southern half of the Korean Peninsula, with North Korea to the north, China across the sea to the west and Japan a short ferry ride to the southeast.
Regions
North Chungcheong — landlocked province filled with mountains and national parks
South Chungcheong — central western part of the country. Flat area made up of rice paddies. Point where main train lines and highways converge. Notable Places: Daejeon, hot springs, Mt. Gyeryongsan.
Gangwon — natural wonderland; Seoraksan National Park, east-coast beaches and ski resorts.
Gyeonggi — surrounding Seoul and covered in its urban sprawl
North Gyeongsang — largest province and richest area for historical and cultural sites. Notable places: Andong, Gyeongju and the islands of Ulleungdo.
South Gyeongsang — known for its gorgeous seaside cities and most respected temples. Notable Places: Busan, Haeinsa Temple.
Jeju — Korea's honeymoon island, built by a volcano. Great scenery with wild flowers and horseback riding. One of the few places you may need a car.
North Jeolla — Great Korean food.
South Jeolla — Lots of beautiful small islands, good for fishing.
Regions
North Chungcheong — landlocked province filled with mountains and national parksSouth Chungcheong — central western part of the country. Flat area made up of rice paddies. Point where main train lines and highways converge. Notable Places: Daejeon, hot springs, Mt. Gyeryongsan.
Gangwon — natural wonderland; Seoraksan National Park, east-coast beaches and ski resorts.
Gyeonggi — surrounding Seoul and covered in its urban sprawl
North Gyeongsang — largest province and richest area for historical and cultural sites. Notable places: Andong, Gyeongju and the islands of Ulleungdo.
South Gyeongsang — known for its gorgeous seaside cities and most respected temples. Notable Places: Busan, Haeinsa Temple.
Jeju — Korea's honeymoon island, built by a volcano. Great scenery with wild flowers and horseback riding. One of the few places you may need a car.
North Jeolla — Great Korean food.
South Jeolla — Lots of beautiful small islands, good for fishing.
CitiesSeoul(서울) — the dynamic 600 year old capital of South Korea, a fusion of the ancient and modern
Busan(부산,釜山) — the second largest city and a major port city of Korea.
Daegu(대구,大邱) — a cosmopolitan city, rich with ancient traditions and sights
Daejeon(대전,大田) — a large and dynamic metropolis located in Chungnam province
Incheon(인천,仁川) — busiest port in the country, location of the country's largest international airport
Jeonju(전 주,全州) — once the spiritual capital of the Joseon Dynasty, now a leading center of the arts filled with museums, ancient buddhist temples, and historical monuments
Gwangju(광주,光州) — the administrative and economic centre of the area, the largest city in the province
Gyeongju(경주,慶州) — the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom
Chuncheon(춘천,春川) — capital city of Gangwon province, surrounded by lakes and mountains and known for local dishes, dakgalbi and makguksu
O
ther destinationsUlleungdo — scenic remote island off the east coast of peninsula
Andong — historically rich in Confucious traditions and home of living folk village
Guinsa — spectacular mountain headquarters of the Buddhist Cheondae sect
Seoraksan National Park — spread out over four cities and counties, the country's most reknowned national park and mountain range
Panmunjeom — the only tourist site in the world where the Cold War is still reality
Jindo — commonly associated with the dog native to that area, the Jindo, every year people flock to the area to witness the parting of the sea and participate with the accompanying festivities
Boseong — rolling hills blanketed with green tea leaves where you can stroll along a wooded path and stop at a nearby spa to drink the home grown tea and take a seawater bath.
Somaemuldo — an hour off the coast of the South Gyeongsan province there's a hidden island surrounded by aquamarine waters and a breathtaking view that will stop you in your tracks
Yeosu — one of the country's most picturesque port cities especially at night, nominated to host the 2012 World Expo.
