Best time to travel to Korea. When is the best time to go to South Korea? Chat with fellow countrymen in Texas

The best time of year to travel to South Korea is spring or autumn. Why not summer? Summer in Korea is just a test for us. In July and August it becomes so hot, as if you are somewhere in hot Thailand. The usual temperature of 35 degrees for this time of year is doubly difficult to bear due to 80% humidity. These days there is only one desire - to escape in a cool room. From mid-July to mid-August the rainy season begins, but this is only conditional. As a rule, there is little rain, even if there is some in the weather forecast.

In spring the weather is more familiar to us. It’s already warm and green, and in May it’s our Russian summer. During the day, people already wear T-shirts, but in the evening it gets cool, so sometimes a windbreaker won’t hurt.

In spring, a lot of interesting things happen in Korea: in April or May (8th day of the 4th month according to the lunar calendar), Buddha's birthday is celebrated.
Many Buddhist temples hold ceremonies and display lanterns in front of the entrance. On the last Sunday evening before Buddha's birthday, these lanterns are lit and carried in a parade of lights.

May 5th is Children's Day in Korea. On this day, parents devote all their time to their children - taking them to parks, zoos, and cinema. Many supermarkets have small gifts for children, such as bananas.

The main beauty of the Korean spring is, of course, the cherry blossoms. Many people come here at this time to see the vast cherry blossoms in Hadon (near the Ssanghesa Monastery), which is 6 kilometers long. The flowering season begins April 5-13. The Thapsa Buddhist monastery on Mount Maisan is also a favorite place for connoisseurs of natural cherry blossoms.

Autumn in Korea is no less attractive than spring. Considering especially that the weather in September-October is especially pleasant - the heat has already subsided, but it is still warm like summer.
This is the best time for hiking in nature and in the mountains. At this moment, they are covered with multi-colored autumn foliage, which, unlike Russian nature, does not tend to quickly shed its colors, but extends the radiance of beauty for almost the entire season. Although the peak season is at the end of October and beginning of November.
70% of the Korean Peninsula is mountains. Therefore, there are a lot of places to visit here. I will highlight only the main ones - Seoraksan, Nejansan, Chirisan, Geryongsan.

A holiday in South Korea will certainly give you vivid impressions and emotions. The combination of modern cities with skyscrapers, traditional Korean culture and architecture, picturesque national parks, beautiful beaches, flavored with developed infrastructure, will make a trip to this country comfortable and memorable.

South Korea looks especially advantageous for residents of the Russian Far East, because flying here is closer than to Moscow and the European part of the country.

I present to your attention a large useful material about traveling to South Korea, where you will learn how to get there cheaply, how to get around, where to live, what to see, and how much the trip will cost.

Koreans

Visa to South Korea: is it necessary?

Since 2014, Russians can enter the country without a visa if their stay does not exceed 60 days (but not more than 90 days a year).

Documents for visa-free entry to South Korea:

a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of entry
a completed migration card, which will be given to you on the plane or other transport
completed customs declaration (if there is something to declare)

Instructions for filling out a migration card

I also found on the Internet that you need return air tickets and proof of funds (hotel reservations, bank certificate, cash, etc.). But they didn’t ask us anything from this list; we arrived on a flight from Kuala Lumpur. However, I advise you to do it just in case.

Hotel reservations can be made at Booking (select the “free cancellation” option).

How to make an air ticket reservation without payment, I wrote in detail in. Although it would be ideal if you have real return tickets.

If you plan to stay in SC longer, you will need a visa. They can be workers, students, or researchers.

How to get to South Korea cheaply?

The most convenient way to get into the country is to fly, as most tourists do.

There are direct flights from Russia to South Korea from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Khabarovsk and Vladivostok.

There are direct flights to Daegu from Khabarovsk and Vladivostok by T’Way Air and Hanh Air at a price of approximately 13-15 thousand rubles in both directions.

There are direct flights to Seoul from Vladivostok (S7, Aeroflot, Jeju Air, Korean Air), from Moscow (Aeroflot, Korean Air), from St. Petersburg (Aeroflot), from Khabarovsk (S7, Aeroflot, Asiana Airlines).

There are direct flights to Busan from Vladivostok (Aeroflot).

The cheapest way to get to South Korea is to catch a sale on the Korean low-cost airline Jeju Air from Vladivostok to Seoul. Once they were selling tickets for 3,000 rubles one way and 6,000 round-trip. Unfortunately, sales don't happen that often.

Airfare from Moscow

Transport in South Korea

Aircraft

The largest airlines are Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, which have flights between the capital and other cities of the country, as well as between provincial cities.

Also, pay attention to Air Busan, Jeju Air, Eastar Jet, T'way Airlines, Hanh Air if you are planning to take a domestic flight.

Jeju Air counter at Jeju Airport

Prices are low, discounts are common at the beginning of the work week, but on weekends tickets are more expensive, and they sell out quickly. For example, we flew from Jeju to Busan for only 48,000 won for two (with 15 kg of luggage each).

Trains in Korea

The country also has a convenient railway system, although it does not cover all regions.

KTX High Speed Train

Trains come in three main classes:

KTX- high-speed, fly from Seoul to Busan in two and a half hours (costs 59,800 won in economy class, 83,700 won in first class)

Saemaul- stops only in large cities, the same trip costs 42,600 won.

Mugunghwa- the slowest, but still comfortable. Seoul-Busan costs 28,600 won.

If you plan to travel a lot by train, buy an unlimited KR Pass, it will be more profitable. A one-day pass costs 81,000 won, and a three-day pass costs 113,000 won.

You can buy tickets at railway stations, travel agencies, as well as on the official website of Korean Railways. You can also check the train schedule there in advance.

Buses

The bus system in the country is very developed, with thousands of buses plying the roads between all major and minor cities. There is no place you can't reach.

Buses are divided into express and intersity, which often arrive at different terminals in the same city. The former run between the main big cities, the latter - between smaller provincial ones. In addition, there are also varieties by class: Ilban (regular) and Udeung (superior, with three seats in a row). Night buses are usually superior with an appropriate price.

Intercity bus

VIP bus with three seats in a row

In general, the bus ride is quite comfortable, the driver makes stops every 2-3 hours, and the roads have all the infrastructure with cafes, toilets and entire shopping complexes.

As a rule, there is no need to buy tickets in advance, except on holidays and weekends. This can be done at the bus station before departure. You can view the schedule in advance at (select English in the upper right corner).

Bus station in Busan

Ticket vending machine

Car rental in Korea

To rent a car in Korea, you will need an international license (issued more than a year ago), and you must be over 21 years old. The road infrastructure here is well developed: you will find equipped parking lots, campsites, cafes, gas stations... The roads are chic and wide with dividing fences and multi-level interchanges.

Road infrastructure is excellent

Ferries

Ferries operate to numerous islands. We did not sail on these (more precisely, only from Jeju Island to Udo Island), but all information about schedules and prices can be found in the ports.

Ferry from Jeju Island to Udo Island

Local city transport

The best way to save money on traveling around cities is to buy a special transport T-money card. It is sold in special machines in the subway (on arrival at the airport too), or in supermarkets GS25, CU, 7-11 and costs 2000-2500 won. You can also top up your balance there. When entering and exiting the subway or bus, simply lean it against the special machine.

What is the main advantage of this card? It gives you a 100 won discount on each trip, plus the ability to travel on another mode of transport for free if you transfer within 30 minutes. Thus, it pays for itself in a day. We spent the rest of the card at a supermarket at Seoul airport before our flight.

The metro is the most convenient urban transport; there are subways in 6 largest Korean cities. The fare usually starts from 1,100 won; for long distances it is a little more expensive. We have never paid more than 1800 won for a subway.

Subway in Seoul

When is the best time to go?

The best months to visit South Korea are April, May, September and October (if you plan to actively travel around the country) and from mid-June to September (if beach holidays are your priority).

In winter, you should come only if you plan to ski in the Olympic PyeongChang and the surrounding area; it is at this time that there is snow in the mountains and all the conditions for a ski holiday.

In spring the weather here is warmer than in Russia. April is famous for cherry blossoms, it looks really incredible, and May is like summer in central Russia. However, there may be a chilly wind in the evenings, so bring sweaters.

In summer, the beach season opens from late June to early September. It's hot and humid. The ideal time for a beach holiday is at any of the many resorts, the most famous being Jeju Island and Busan.

At the end of September-October, autumn takes its toll and the trees turn yellow-red. The best time for trekking and visiting national parks, and it’s not so hot anymore.

When is the best time to go to Korea: spring and autumn

Housing

Finding a place to stay overnight in Korea is not a problem. In any more or less tourist city you will find a large selection of accommodation from hostels to decent hotels of global chains.

If you are traveling alone, hostels are the best option. But sometimes it’s more profitable for two people to rent a hotel room.

You can book hotels on the website, which collects in one place offers from different reservation systems, such as booking.

An interesting accommodation option could be a hanok - a traditional Korean house converted into a guesthouse. You will sleep on the floor on a mattress, but the floors are heated, so the house is warm. A list of such houses throughout the country can be found here (Korean only).

You can feel like a Buddhist monk and spend the night in a monastery thanks to the Templestay program. More than 100 temples across the country are accessible to travelers. More details on the official program.

Tents on the beach in Busan

National parks offer the opportunity to spend the night in campsites and shelters. It’s not expensive at all, besides, there is the necessary infrastructure and amenities, and you don’t have to drag a tent from home with you :) List of campsites with prices throughout the country. Select a national park and look for the “Fee” section in the left menu.

Renting apartments from the owners will be beneficial for families with children, large companies and simply those who like to feel at home. To do this, search at

The highest prices and demand for hotels are in July, August, September on the coast and in October, November in national parks and nearby. Therefore, if you are traveling during this period, it is better to book in advance.

Breakfast is rarely included in the price, but there are still such options, it is very convenient. The staff usually speaks reasonable English, unless you go completely off the beaten path.

Holidays in South Korea: resorts and attractions

Holidays in South Korea are quite diverse. There are both beach and ski resorts here, despite the small size of the country.

The peninsula is washed by three seas on three sides, so there is plenty to choose from among beach resorts. The most popular resort in South Korea among both locals and tourists is the volcanic Jeju Island. Magnificent volcanic sand beaches, stunning landscapes and clear seas make it a very popular holiday destination.

On Jeju Island

Udo Island and the volcano in the distance

Read also:

pay attention to Busan- the second largest city in the country and at the same time a beach resort with several cool beaches and developed infrastructure.

Holidays in Korea - Bridge in Busan

Colorful neighborhood in Busan

Huengdae Beach in Busan

Located on the west coast Daecheon, known primarily for its healing mud.

Be sure to visit at least one of the national parks: Seoraksan, Bukhansan, Woraksan, Kayasan and others.

In Seoraksan Park

Travel to South Korea

Of course, you cannot ignore the South Korean capital - Seoul with its contrasts. It has everything you can imagine: giant skyscrapers, amusement parks, royal palaces, shopping centers, markets...

Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul

Changdeokgung Palace

Korea is one of the safest countries in the world. There is practically no drug addiction here (drugs are absolutely prohibited), cases of pickpocketing or assault are extremely rare, car theft is still considered a sensation, and the traditional morality of society is so strong that it is almost impossible to encounter cases of open rudeness or rudeness. Almost all urban areas are well lit and constantly patrolled by police.

Geography: The Korean Peninsula is located in the southeast of the Asian continent (approximately 1000 km in length and about 216 km in width). More than 70% of the territory is mountains, which together with limestone hills create a breathtaking fairy-tale landscape. Climate: Korea has four distinct seasons. In late March or early April, the leaves of the trees begin to bloom, marking the beginning of spring. Rare rain is possible in March - May. Summers are generally warm and rainy, with average temperatures in June around 200. Monsoon rains begin at the end of June, but the heaviest rains occur in July. Autumn arrives at the end of September, bringing with it continental winds and dry weather. Autumn in Korea is the most wonderful time of the year, decorated with the vibrant colors of fall foliage. From December to February there is winter, during which it is quite cool and dry, sometimes it rains or snows. Warm days are possible during winter.

Population: Although Koreans belong to the Mongoloid race, they are currently an independent ethnic group with their own unique language, culture and traditions. Koreans are warm and hospitable. Many Utrists note that Koreans are the friendliest people they have met. It is worth adding that these are very hardworking people.

Language: Korean, like Hungarian, Mongolian and Finnish, belongs to the Ural-Altai group of languages. The Korean alphabet consists of 10 simple vowels and 14 consonants. A group of ancient scholars led by King Sejong developed the alphabet in 1449.

Education: The education system in Korea is of a high level and quality. There are practically no illiterate people in Korea. Students are enthusiastic about their studies and work very hard. Education begins in elementary school at the age of seven, followed by three years of secondary school and three years of higher school. Then students can continue their education at the university for 4 years. Entrance exams are very strict and applicants have to endure a real “war” for the right to study at the university.

Religion: Freedom of religion is guaranteed in Korea. The main religions are Buddhism and Christianity, which play a huge role in the socio-cultural development of the country. South Korea today is a state in which 5 thousand years of history coexists with modernity.

The government constantly pays close attention to the development of transport, hotel services and supports projects designed to attract foreign tourists. In the capital of Korea - Seoul - you can see a different Asia: a city with unique ancient architecture, which was carefully restored for the celebration of the 600th anniversary of Seoul, and modern buildings. The unique culture preserved in a modern, highly developed country, combined with a warm welcome, makes Korea attractive to foreign tourists.

Opening hours: For official institutions, museums and monuments there is a winter and summer work schedule, respectively November - February (sometimes March) and March - October. This is done to save energy during the cold and dark months.

Money:

The monetary unit is Won. 1 won = 100 chun. Denoted by the Latin letters W, KRW (ISO-Code).

Banknotes in denominations of 10,000, 5,000 and 1,000 won are in circulation; coins in denominations of 500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1 won (coins in denominations of 5 and 1 won are practically not used at present).

Currency exchange can be done at banks and official exchange offices, as well as hotels and airports.

Dollars are used in many stores and markets on a par with local currency, but department stores and large stores do not accept dollars. The difference between the official and market dollar exchange rates is insignificant.

Diners Club, Visa, American Express, MasterCard and Eurocard credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants and shops throughout the country.

Foreign ATM cards are serviced in limited quantities at ATMs. ATMs can be found at Seoul subway stations, some convenience stores (LG25, Mini Stop, Buy the Way), hotels, and shopping centers.

All goods marked “Tax Free Shopping” are subject to VAT refund if the foreigner leaves Korea within 3 months of purchase. By keeping the check and presenting it at the airport to the Cash Refund Office, the bearer receives a VAT refund.
Traveler's checks can only be sold in major cities and must be covered in US dollars.

The import and export of foreign and national currency is not limited. Cash amounts over $10,000 must be declared when imported into the country.

Banks are open Mon-Fri from 09.30 to 16.30, on Sat from 09.30 to 13.30.

Customs:

Persons over 20 years of age are allowed duty-free import into the country of 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 250 g of tobacco; persons over 21 years old - 1 liter of alcoholic beverages.

Duty-free import of 57 ml perfume and gifts worth up to 400,000 won into the country is allowed.

All valuables (for example, jewelry, expensive watches, photographic equipment, furs, expensive foreign-made items) must be declared upon entry into the country.

Prohibited for import: coins, firearms, explosives, drugs, fruits, hay, plant seeds, printed publications with subversive or pornographic content, films, audio and video products from communist countries.

If, upon entering South Korea, any items prohibited for import were confiscated from you, you can get them back when returning home based on a document that will be issued upon confiscation.

The export of precious metals and antiques is prohibited without special permission.

Flammable items, aerosols, hairspray, lighter gas and sharp objects should be packed in checked baggage as they will not be allowed onto the plane in hand luggage. The traditional system of hierarchy and respect for elders is still of great importance in all walks of life. Direct questions about age and marital status are considered commonplace, as they allow the Korean to get an idea of the interlocutor and his place in the hierarchical system of society. Koreans avoid expressing emotions in public or laughing loudly in front of older people. Laughing for no reason in an awkward situation often means that the person is embarrassed and should not be interpreted as ridicule.

Adviсe:

Greetings are always pronounced with a slight bow, the depth of which depends on the position of the speakers. The question “Where are you going?” often replaces a greeting, and is not a sign of excessive curiosity, so you should answer it casually and in passing. When meeting, both the right and left hands are presented and shaken, although preference is given to the right - the left hand is placed under the right. Failure to comply with this rule may be considered impolite. More common is a simple nod of the head, as well as a slight or respectful bow (depending on who is greeting whom). Usually they don’t look you directly in the eyes - it is perceived, rather, as a threat or an attempt to exert psychological pressure. Here they almost never say “thank you” or “you’re welcome”, so as not to embarrass the person doing the favor. When gifts are brought, they are quietly left at the entrance, rather than shown to the person for whom they are intended. Also, no one will apologize if they accidentally push someone on the street or step on someone’s foot. Public displays of affection, such as kissing and hugging, continue to be considered obscene.

They don’t start eating at the table until the oldest person arrives, and everyone stands up when he leaves the table. Separate cups for rice and soup are placed on the table in front of everyone, and all other dishes are located in the center of the table, from where everyone takes their food. The cutlery is placed to the right of the bowl of soup, and the soup is placed to the right of the bowl of rice. When eating, unlike neighboring countries, they use spoons and special long (and very thin!) metal chopsticks. Tradition dictates eating soup, rice and European dishes with a knife and fork, and using chopsticks for Korean, Japanese and Chinese dishes. There are plugs in almost all Korean homes. Teaspoons, which previously were simply not needed here, also came into use - adding sugar to tea, coffee or other drinks in Korea began quite recently, and under Western influence. The spoon is not left in a shared bowl. Rice is not added to the soup, but eaten separately. The plate or bowl is not picked up or brought to the mouth, as is customary in many Eastern countries. When eating noodles, it is permissible to lean towards the plate and noisily suck in the noodles. You cannot eat with your hands, with the exception of lettuce leaves. Koreans serve most fruits by peeling them, removing seeds and peeling them, and cutting them into pieces.
It is not customary for Koreans to eat with their mouths closed, but blowing your nose at the table is considered the height of indecency - it is customary to only lightly wipe your nose. You should not leave chopsticks in the rice, as this is associated with funerals. You cannot write names in red ink - this is how the names of the dead are written. Traditionally, Koreans sit, eat and sleep on the floor. Therefore, when entering a Korean home, you should always take off your shoes. You cannot stand on the threshold to prevent evil spirits from entering. You cannot talk about divorce, death or ruin even as a joke, so as not to incur evil fate on yourself. It is considered rude to be bare-legged in the presence of elders, so it is recommended to always wear socks or stockings when visiting a Korean family.

In Korean restaurants, as a rule, they immediately serve something like a set lunch, which, in addition to the main dish, includes soup, rice and, of course, kimchi. Moreover, this entire “set” is paid for together. Tips are not accepted in restaurants; payment is made not with the waiter, but at the cash register, which is located at the exit. There is usually no menu as such in Korean restaurants; all the names of dishes and their prices are indicated on a special table that hangs on the wall. In Chinese, Japanese and Western restaurants, the menu will usually be brought to you. The names of dishes on the menu are often listed in both Korean and English. Tipping is only given in large international hotels.

In elevators of multi-storey buildings there is no fourth floor (the word “sa” - “fourth”, also sounds like “death”), so it is usually designated by the letter “F” or the third is immediately followed by the fifth floor. The basement is designated by the letter "B". There are two power supply systems in the country - 110/120 V and 220 V, 60 Hz. Most houses are equipped with 220 V wiring. Plugs for 120 V have two flat plates, for 240 V have round contacts (also suitable for Russian sockets).

Tips:

Tipping is not accepted in South Korea. In hotels, the bill usually includes 10% for services. Restaurants may add from 3 to 10% to the bill for service.

No vaccinations are required to enter South Korea.

In large cities, medical care is at the usual European level. In tourist centers and hotels you can always get a recommendation to consult a local doctor if necessary. In large clinics, the medical staff speaks English.

All medical services are paid and provided in clinics; house calls are not accepted. First aid can be obtained for free, but all other services are both quite expensive and take a lot of time standing in lines and filling out documents. International health insurance is required. In case of minor ailments, you can contact the pharmacy (“yakkuk”), as pharmacists often speak English and can provide advice on selecting medications. In addition, the Korean branch of the International Emergency Service for Foreigners provides 24-hour assistance in case of emergency, for a fee, assisting in communication between the foreign patient and the staff of the Korean medical facility.

Traditions:

Despite recent changes, the traditional Confucian structure of social relations still largely determines the behavior of Koreans. Age and social status are of great importance. It is believed that those younger in age or those of lower social status are obliged to follow the wishes of their elders without objection. Therefore, in Korea, people are often interested in a person's age and marital status in order to determine their position in relation to that person. These questions are not asked out of idle curiosity. However, you don't have to answer them if you don't want to.

It is also important to know the Korean attitude towards marriage. In Korea, marriage is traditionally considered the most important event in life, and divorce is a shame not only for former spouses, but also for their families. Despite this, the divorce rate has been rising sharply in recent years. The modern wedding ceremony is somewhat different from the traditional one. First, a Western-style ceremony is held in the wedding palace or church. It shows the bride and groom dressed in traditional toxido and wedding dress respectively. Then, on the same day (and usually in the same place), a traditional wedding ceremony is held in a separate room, during which the newlyweds are dressed in traditional Korean costumes.

Koreans place great importance on greetings and words of gratitude. They are always pronounced with a slight bow. The depth of the bow depends on the relative position of the speakers. Koreans do not like excessive displays of emotion and usually limit direct physical contact to a polite handshake. However, as your relationship becomes closer, greater familiarity may occur.

Foreigners in Korea are often surprised to see girls walking hand in hand. Touching between people of the same sex who are in close friendships is completely acceptable in Korea. Public displays of affection between different sexes, such as kissing and hugging, are not as rare these days as they once were, but continue to be considered obscene.

Traditionally, Koreans sit, eat and sleep on the floor. Therefore, when entering a Korean home, you should always take off your shoes. In Korea, it is considered rude to be bare-legged in the presence of elders, so it is recommended to always wear socks or stockings when visiting a Korean family. Among the younger generation of Koreans, it is considered quite normal to pay together, but it often happens that one of the group of friends or colleagues pays. In Korea it used to be considered impolite to talk while eating, but these days it is acceptable to talk and laugh at the table. Words of gratitude for delicious food and good service are always received with joy. It is considered rude to blow your nose at the table. In Korea, it is not customary to call someone with your palm facing up or beckon with your finger. Dogs are usually called with such gestures in Korea. If you want to call someone over, do it with your hand, palm facing down.

" From afar in the darkness of the night

There was a spring aroma,

It smelled like the coming spring..."

(I. Bunin).

This is how spring begins in South Korea. .One day, returning from work, you will see that the buds, still wrapped in winter fur coats, have suddenly become large. And forgetting about business, you begin to understand “that in young life the secret came into the world under the cover of darkness, that spring has returned - and the first flowers are growing invisibly.”

The eternal secret of young life is revealed like a delicate, mysterious flower. It seems that its petals are made of elastic silk.

And the next day, clouds of white flowers fly into the sky like giant butterflies. And the butterfly in Korea is a symbol of joy.

Yulan magnolia blooms.

Even at the dawn of our era, in 600, these snow-white flowers served as a symbol of purity. If you write their name in Khancha language, i.e. using Chinese characters, the name of the flower will be read as "mogen kott". Translated into Russian it is “forest flower”. And in Vietnam these flowers are called “forest lotus”. Their Latin name is Yulan magnolia. But students translate their name into English as “innocent” - innocence.

And in Europe these flowers are known as Magnolia denudata, translated as “naked Magnolia”. Only it is not a flower that is exposed, but a tree with no leaves yet. Flowers open at the end of winter, when there is still snow in the mountains, and other trees are in no hurry to open their buds. The homeland of these unusual flowers is the valleys of the high mountain gorges of the Himalayas.

Remember the valley lost in the mountains from Mine Reid's novel The Plant Hunters. Unfortunately, 18th century hunters were armed only with guns and did not have 21st century cameras.

“The natives are convinced that their gods live in lonely valleys, lost among the inaccessible peaks. At that moment, the travelers were ready to believe this legend.... The hunters finished their day's trek and settled down on the edge of a small grove, in the shade of a spreading talaum - a type of magnolia with very large leaves. The transition was difficult, since they approached the foot of the main chain of the Himalayas. And although it seemed to them that there were as many descents as ascents, in fact they were climbing all the time and by evening they were already at an altitude of more than five thousand feet above the plains of India. The character of the vegetation changed: they entered into the forests of magnolias that encircle the foot of these mountains. In this mountainous country are found the largest variety of the wonderful family of magnolias; whole forests of magnolias cover the slopes of the lower Himalayas. At an altitude of four to eight thousand feet, magnolias with white flowers are beginning to be replaced by another variety - with magnificent purple flowers - this is the most beautiful type of magnolia; She often dresses the hillsides with a continuous purple carpet."

The one Mine Reed wrote about is Mulan magnolia, also known as Magnоlia liliflora, Lily magnolia, Tulip magnolia. And in Europe it is often called the “Tulip Tree”.

Today purple magnolia Mulan magnolia came from the slopes of the lower Himalayas to the University of South Korea.

Purple magnolia is also called red magnolia. And in Indochina, red is the color of love and life.

One of the fairy tales says that an old parrot told a poor flower girl the secret of how to bring paper flowers to life. To do this, it was enough to sprinkle them with a drop of your blood. Fresh flowers were expensive, and the girl had money. One day she met a selfish young man, a student. He wanted to live in wealth, and the flower girl gave more and more of her blood for the sake of the groom. The moment came when she gave her last drop of blood. This last flower turned red. He was the most beautiful.

Translated from Korean, this red flower, a symbol of selfless female love, is now called “red magnolia.” In Europe, these flowers were given a French name. This happened at the end of the 18th century, during the Age of Enlightenment, when plant hunters, exploring Asia, or rather, captured colonies, assigned European names to long-known local plants. There were no photographs then; they were replaced by herbariums, inaccurate descriptions and hand-drawn drawings. The first Asian plants exported to Europe under new names were Magnolia denudata and Magnolia liliiflora. But their Western name does not come from the word "magic".

The magnolia genus was discovered for Europe by Charles Plumier (1646-1704), a Franciscan, physicist, mathematician, draftsman, painter, turner, Royal botanist under Louis XIV. As a true Franciscan monk, Charles Plumier did not call the flowers he saw his estate. Pluimier gave the new flower the name of another great French botanist - Pierre Magnol, director of the Royal Botanical Garden. It must be said that Charles Plumier first saw and sketched a flowering tree with giant snow-white flowers not in Asia, on the island of Martinique during his voyage in the Caribbean in 1703. But it was a different magnolia - the evergreen Magnolia grandiflora. And in 1753, Carl Linnaeus used Charles Plumier's descriptions and the name of the Magnoliaceae plant family in his publication Species plantarum.

But, as Main Reed wrote, “I dare to say that the most humble plant hunter has brought more benefit to humanity than the great Linnaeus. Plant hunters not only introduced us to the vegetation of the entire globe, but also showed us its rarest species, allowed us to inhale the aroma of wonderful flowers, which, if it were not for these unknown workers, would bloom invisibly." (For a Westerner.) “The diversity and brightness of your gardens is the work of his plant hunters. The lush dalia swaying over the flowerbed; the peony sparkling with bright colors; the lovely camellia pleasing your eyes in the greenhouse; kalmias, azaleas, rhododendrons, white jasmine stars , geraniums and thousands of other beautiful flowers were given to us by the plant hunter. With their help, England - cold, foggy England - was transformed into a garden full of flowers, more varied and vibrant than those that bloom in the famous valley of Kashmir. Many beautiful trees that give The beauty of our landscape, most of the beautiful bushes that decorate our villas and cottages are the fruits of the labors of plant hunters."

Together with fearless plant hunters, magnolias first came to eastern Nepal, southwestern China, and northern Burma, and then to Korea and Japan. And now in southern China, Magnolia denudata blooms in mid-February for the Lunar New Year holiday, which signifies the arrival of spring. These white flowers have been used in Chinese medicine and cosmetics for centuries. And the smell of Yulan magnolia is divine: gentle, like the spring wind, bitter, like life itself, and refreshing, like the smell of lemon.

Now Yulan magnolia flowers are used by Oriflame as natural Swedish cosmetics. And I invite you to move from the cold and foggy West to the warm East. And look at South Korea. In South Korea, these flowers appear in mid-March, when there is still snow in the mountains. And in the mountain Buddhist monasteries of Korea, Yulan magnolia blooms next to ancient pagodas, testifying to the purity of thoughts, just like one and a half thousand years ago.

Yulan magnolia decorates the mountain Buddhist monasteries of South Korea

In the Far East, white is a symbol not only of innocence, but also of death. Or maybe immortality?

There is such an ancient Chinese legend. A small village was attacked by robbers. They killed almost all the inhabitants, leaving only one hundred beautiful girls alive, they were killed gradually. When the last girl was killed, she prayed: “Native land, don’t let us die completely.”eat, leave us at least part of life!" And a miracle happened: in the morning, at the place of execution, a tree grew on which a hundred white flowers bloomed. The robbers tried to cut down this tree, but wherever the branches fell, a new tree grew from them, on which a hundred blossomed. large white flowers.

In modern South Korea, purity and innocence coexist with the exact sciences. At our Cwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), the white flowers of Yulan magnolia do especially well near the student dormitory.

Yulan magnolia is a symbol of innocence. And the inscription on the building in Korean means the dormitory building of a student dormitory.

But in Korea, virginity does not mean poverty. The largest magnolia, called the "forest lotus", blooms in the spring under the windows of our dormitory for married students. In Korea, a child wearing a lotus flower symbolizes not only Buddha's birthday, but also Children's Day. And at our GIST University, in the shade of the “forest lotus”, students’ cars, as well as their small children, feel comfortable.

Yulan magnolia is also blooming in the student parking lot.

Meanwhile, golden rain descends on Korean soil. The "canary wife" is blooming. On the mountain slopes, among the stones and snow, streams of its dazzling yellow bushes flash. And the city walls are covered with an openwork of branches bending in the dance of small flowers.

In a gentle choir, in a light dance. "Canary wives."

And against a background of thin gold, evergreen camellias reveal their rich flowers.

In the south of South Korea, camellia grows everywhere: in courtyards, in the mountains, on the streets.

Camellia is called "dongbaek" in Korean. And unlike the West, where after the famous novel by Dumas, the camellia became a symbol of consumptive beauty, in its homeland in Southeast Asia, the camellia is a symbol of health. After all, camellia is a tea tree. Do you like good tea? Then take a look at its flowers.

Indeed, both white and red camellias can bloom on one bush at the same time. Whatever some journalists write about 28 days, it depends not on them, but on the vaccine. But camellia flowers live not a human life, but their own pure life. Although white symbolizes death in Korea and red symbolizes life, camellia is an evergreen plant. In place of dying flowers, seeds appear, followed by new flowers. Camellia, unlike the Lady with Camellias, does not die, although both of them are immortal due to their beauty.

As for symbols, red stripes on a pink background of camellia petals can mean passing stripes of love and tenderness that live even “in the bustle of cities and the flow of cars.”

Stop, look around. Against the background of last year's dry grass, pink camellia flowers look at you

These soft pink camellias bloom in the shade from our GIST University administration building.

They remind me of Korean students with their purity and modesty.

But in the stormy symphony of oriental flowers, the subtle aroma of our native gardens appears. This wild apricot opens its first buds. They glow on dry and dark branches, dispelling the morning fog and the last cold of the passing winter.

Awakening.

Wild apricots are called “meshil” in Korean; in the North Caucasus and Moldova they are called “zherdela” or “zarzary”. And in Korea, small bitter-sour mechil fruits help withstand monsoon rains and heat in the summer. Well, in the spring, meshil means awakening, the beginning of the most tender, thoughtful and vulnerable time of flowering of plums and cherries.

Following apricots, Korea is filled with white waves of plum blossoms.

And after magnolias, camellias and plums, wild cherry blossoms begin in Korea. In the West, this tree, covered with delicate and festive flowers, is also called mountain cherry, or wild cherry. And in Japan it is "sakura". But it’s better not to say this word in Korea. It’s better to say that you are simply admiring a flower. Better yet, call this tree “pot kkot” in Korean.

Wild cherry waterfall in our yard

After the Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895) and the period of the Armed Occupation of Korea by Japan (1910-1945), Japanese flower names seem bloody. For example, at dawn on October 8, 1895, a group of armed Japanese, so-called "mercenary swords", killed Queen Ming in her own bedroom at Changdekung Palace. After which, in front of the court ladies and servants paralyzed with horror, the Japanese chopped the queen into pieces and threw her into the royal pond to be devoured by fish. In diplomatic circles, Queen Min was compared to Elizabeth I. The organizer of the conspiracy was the Japanese envoy to Korea. The murder was carried out in deep secrecy, and the world would never have known about its circumstances if not for the testimony of two foreigners, including a Russian subject who served as a watchman in the palace.

And I am reminded of the death of Queen Ming and her courtiers by an old tree that has been preserved in the secret royal park of Changdekung Palace, now protected by UNESCO. This is "shidarezakura", translated from Japanese as "crying cherry blossom". But it’s better to call it “pot kkot” in Korean.

Weeping wild cherry "pot kkot" in the secret park of the Changdekung Royal Palace.

But there is also a bright red wild cherry, i.e. red sakura, or red pot kkot flower. The red wild cherry tree is associated with the tragic fate of a Japanese child.

There is a legend: in order to prove to the ruler Shogun the cruelty of Prince Hotta, the brave elder of the village of Sakura brought his children to him and showed them their backs, covered with scars from the beatings of the prince’s servants. Hotta was punished, but harbored a mortal grudge against the complainant. He managed to secretly capture Sakura and the children. He then tied them to a wild cherry tree and ordered them to be flogged to death. Since then, some cherry trees in Japan have bloomed with bright red flowers, it is believed that they were sprinkled with the blood of Sakura's innocent children.

But my next photographs were taken not in Japan, but in the center of Seoul, however, next to the Japanese consulate. And Japan and Korea are eternal enemies and rivals. It’s good that flowers are always above political and economic strife.

Red wild cherry

In Korea, these red trees are also called "pot kott". They are not as popular as the delicate white and pink "pot cotta" and decorate business and modern residential areas.

"Pot kkot" on Korean streets.

In general, there are about 16 species and approximately 400 varieties of wild pot kkot cherries.

But in Korea, the Land of Morning Freshness, white and pink flowers are loved most of all. Maybe they remind Koreans of the pink foam of the sea surf at dawn?

For two weeks, the mountains and lengths, ancient monasteries and modern avenues of South Korea are buried in the foam of the flowering wild cherry "pot kkot".

"Sweat kkot" in the coolness of a mountain stream.

"Sweat kcott" at your eyes.

Trembling beauty. This is also “pot kkot”.

But there is one more tree that you cannot pass by with your head down - this is the Yoshino Cherry. In Latin Prunus Уedoensis, in Japanese Somei-yoshino.

Cherry Yoshino

This is a hybrid of cherries and several types of plums, which was cultivated for many years in the Japanese city of Yoshino, where its name comes from.

In the spring, all of Korea is buried in the white and pink foam of Yoshino Cherries; here they are also called “pot kkot”. The dense alleys of Yoshino Cherry also surround the building of the Korean parliament - the National Assembly. You can go there freely, as long as there is no opposition on that day. On one of these days, leaving the modest building of the South Korean Parliament, I, like the entire Korean people, raised my head. And I forgot about politics. A sea of Yoshino Cherries boiled above me.

Heavenly beauty

It's a pity that real beauty is vulnerable and short-lived. The spring wind knocks down the delicate petals, and in two weeks the mountain slopes and streets will be covered with them like snow. And the pot kkot trees themselves will become simply green.

But spring is getting brighter. New trees are blooming to replace the flying wild cherries.

Flowering tree "cholchuk".

What about the smells? What is it like for allergy sufferers in this paradise? Nature has thought of everything here too. Flowers in Korea do NOT smell. True, there are exceptions to this rule.

I have already written about Yulan magnolia. But the subtle "lemony" scent of white magnolia is nothing compared to the thick, honeyed, intoxicating scent of wisteria. Waves of sweet southern aroma float over Korean squares, evoking the words of a Russian romance:

The nightingale whistled to us all night long,

The city was silent and the houses were silent,

White acacia fragrant clusters

They drove us crazy all night long...

Fragrant clusters of lilac wisteria are reminiscent of our white acacia, our spring southern streets and all the good things that come with it. Only wisteria is even larger, even more fragrant. The word "wisteria" comes from the Greek "sweet", its Russian name is wisteria, or Chinese wisteria, the Latin Wisteria. This is a subtropical plant from the Legume family, widespread in China, Korea, and Japan. It’s a pity that the photo doesn’t convey the smells, but take a look at the wisteria that grows near our store.

Sweet wisteria clusters are fragrant...

All the gazebos and bicycle stands of our university bathe in the same lilac shade in the spring.

And at this time, a parade of flowers begins on earth. Seedlings are sold everywhere, even in Down Town Seoul. Spring in Korea, as elsewhere, is not only an office struggle with the crisis and competitors. This is eternal work in rice fields, orchards, and vegetable gardens. And, of course, planting and replanting flowers. Check out Jongno Shopping Street in the heart of Seoul. In spring, it is famous not only for its “golden” shops, but also for the sale of seedlings. You move along its flowering sidewalks with difficulty, but with great pleasure.

The sidewalks of Jongno's business street are filled with seedlings.

And here is the apotheosis of spring. The azaleas, “chin-tale,” begin to bloom. Scarlet, white, red waves fill palaces, courtyards, streets and mountains

Our street in spring

Our lake in spring

And not a single children's or women's dress is complete without pink - the color of spring azaleas.

Spring silks

And there is an even brighter May ahead, with lotuses blooming and flower festivalsand happy holidays. There are still many good things ahead.I wish that this will be good, and that even in bad weather, for you:

From afar in the darkness of the night

There was a spring aroma,

It smelled like the coming spring... April 2009

You can find other stories about Korea in the e-book: "Remembering Korea"

June 1st, 2016 , 11:47 pm

Geojedo Island
Taemyeon Resort - Gujeor Beach - Haktong Heukjinju Mondol Haebyeon ("Haktong Coast, strewn with pebbles resembling black pearls") - Paramye Ondeok ("High Shore Blown by the Wind") - Yeocha Mondol Beach - Myeongsa Haebyeon - Daemyeon Resort
70 km. Asphalt 100%

Kojedo Island in the very south of Korea is the second largest island in Korea, after Jejudo (the Korean Peninsula is known to be surrounded by 3,579 islands). There was a ride wonjong, with departure (there are also rides Changori"over long distances" cheongs"regular; planned", ponge"unscheduled; emergency" single"along mountaineering paths, trails" imdo"on forest primers", pothon"ordinary"...).

The ride took place on Friday; the comrades arrived at the starting point from the center of Korea in their cars the day before, on Thursday. Having settled down in the room, they set the table on the floor...

Judging by the pictures, the comrades stayed in a suite room with two rooms. I think it was about a dozen athletes accustomed to life’s troubles to throw the dice for the night.

A resort is not a cheap place to stay. I think they stayed at the resort because one of them is a member of the resort, a card holder, and I think this someone is an underground millionaire, because I remember that every time he had the opportunity to advocate for staying at penchene, saying that they would give him a discount there. Members are known to get a whopping discount. I also think my comrades saved money by arriving on Thursday...

Note: Having written about resort membership, I decided to check if I was right and found the resort’s website. A luxury room is ok, if you come from the street, it costs 680 thousand won (about $650). It costs a resort member (on Thursday) 131 thousand (less than $130). The same room (on Thursday) for a guest invited by a resort member will cost 231 thousand (less than $230).

In Korea, it is customary to leave outdoor shoes at the doorstep when entering a living space.

The next morning, after breakfast, we set off.

The route ran along the sea coast from north to south (with a stop at Vetreny). Having rounded the southern tip, the comrades reached the town of Myonsa, crossed the island at its narrowest point, again went out to the east coast and returned to the resort. After driving 70 km, we got into our cars and drove to Daejeon.

Judging by the last photo, when they arrived in their hometown, they didn’t immediately leave, but went to drink beer and eat chikin...