Until relatively recently, Korea was an insular place, existing under dynastic rule for centuries. However, the 35-year Japanese occupation from 1910, the split of the peninsula after WWII and the subsequent Korean War shattered all that. Difficult times have however made the Koreans a resilient lot, succeeding economically whilst still holding onto their unique traditions and fascinating culture.

Korea is littered with fortresses, temples and palaces, many of them UNESCO World Heritage sites. In addition, the peninsula it shares with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea’s official name) is one of the most mountainous regions in the world, and Korea also has a significant beach-dotted coastline.

The capital Seoul winds around the Han River, punctuated by futuristic skyscrapers in one of the most densely populated areas in the world. The city is an increasingly useful Asia-Pacific stopover point, or a hub for a three-centre Korea-China-Japan cultural trip.

South Korea is one of the smaller nations in Asia, with a size comparable to the state of Indiana. What it lacks in size it makes up for in abundant culture, turbulent history, exquisite cuisine and a generous and welcoming society.

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A Little Background before You Travel to Korea

The Korean peninsula has been literally and figuratively stuck between a rock and a hard place, namely Japan and China, for most of its existence. The region was prosperous under the three kingdoms of Goguryeo, Baekje and Silla during the first four centuries AD until the Mongolians raided the land and built an empire. The 16th century brought the end of the Mongolian Empire and the beginning of a massive game of tug-of-war between China and Japan over the strategic landmass. After World War II Korea finally broke free from Japan, with the USSR managing the North and the United States occupying the South. Today the North and South are two sovereign nations separated by a demilitarized zone. South Korea is officially known as the Republic of Korea (ROK) and commonly referred to simply as Korea.

There’s Still Soul in Seoul

Despite the fact that Seoul was largely burned to the ground during the Korean War (1950-53), the northern part of the capital city is still home to hundreds of spectacular palaces and shrines. The Chosun Dynasty’s Gyeongbokgung Palace is a 5.4 million square foot landmark with a 500-year history and stands among the remaining four palaces in Seoul. Nearly an entire day is necessary to explore the regal palace in all its magnificence. The Jongmyo Royal Shrine is a perfect next stop, as it was where the Chosun Dynasty worshipped. On the first Sunday of May each year a traditional memorial ceremony is held at the Shrine with all the grandeur of the occasion 500 years past.

The southern part of Seoul is the commercial center of the city and boasts a fascinating blend of traditional and hyper-modern architecture. It is also home to World Cup Stadium, intricately weaving shopping streets and even an amusement park, Lotte World. Make sure to visit the city gates, and then venture beyond into the strikingly lush and green landscape to travel Korea more personally.

When to Travel to Korea

Korea has a temperate clime, which results in heavier rain in the summer months (July and August) and a drier winter. Winter is white and snowy all over Korea and the ski season from November to March is extremely popular. There are 13 ski resorts in South Korea alone! After a day on the slopes it is common to relax in one of the many spas with natural hot spring baths. Summer is extremely crowded and very wet in Korea. For milder weather it is best to travel Korea in the spring or fall.

Traveling to South Korea any time of year is sure to be an exciting and rewarding experience, regardless of the weather!

Korean Flight Kitchen

SEOUL, Korea (November 18, 2009) – Korean Air was awarded as winner of the “Global catering distinction award” category by PAX International magazine, a leading publication of the global travel catering industry.  The results of the ‘2009 PAX International Readership Awards’ were announced at an event in Dubai’s International Convention Center on November 18th.

The PAX International Readership Awards annually selects the best companies among the world’s airlines and caterers that provide in-flight meals airlines, trains and cruise companies.  Winners are chosen in four different categories of ‘Best New Products Launch’, ‘Outstanding Meal Service on a Carrier’, ‘Caterer of the Year’ and ‘Airport Restaurant of the Year’ in four different regions – Asia, Americas, Europe, Africa-Middle East – through on-and-off-line reader polls.

This is the second time that PAX International awarded Korean Air as winner of the grand prix “Global Award”.  Korean Air’s continued recognition is a testament of its dedicated efforts to improve inflight services and customer satisfaction, by developing new menus, using healthier ingredients and maintaining a high level of quality and hygiene.

Korean Air is continually improving the quality of its inflight meals.  Using organic vegetables and grains since 2006, the airline also began using organic beef and chicken raised at its own ranch on Jeju Island as ingredients for its catering.  Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, the airline serves the finest champagnes available –specially-selected Laurent Perrier – since May.  Also diligent in incorporating Korean dishes and ingredients into the inflight menu, the airline recently developed Makgeolli Ricebread using traditional Korean rice wine and Korean rice.

In addition, Korean Air and Inha University opened a Food Safety Research Center last year to further strengthen hygiene and enhance the quality of Korean Air’s inflight meals.

PAX International has awarded Korean Air in the categories of ‘Best New Product Launch’ and ‘Best Meal Service on a Carrier’ in 2005, ‘Best Meal Service on a Carrier in Asia’ in 2006, ‘Caterer of the Year’ and the grand prix ‘Global Award’ in 2007.

Also, the airline is a multiple-winner of the ‘Mercury Awards’ from the International Travel Catering Association (ITCA), for Bibimbap (mixed vegetable and rice dish) and Bibimguksoo (spicy Korean noodles) in 1998 and 2006 respectively.