Following its miraculous development over the last 50 years, Korea is now a modernized vibrant nation that still maintains its traditional culture.

International tourists typically enter the country through Incheon International Airport, near Seoul.

Also international airports in Busan and Jeju are frequently used.

Once known as ‘Hermit Kingdom’, South Korea is now a flourishing tourist hub.

South Korea’s historical tourist attractions include the ancient capitals of Seoul, Gyeongju and Buyeo.

Some natural landmarks include the peaks of the Baekdudaegan, particularly Seorak-san and Jiri-san, the caves of Danyang and Hwanseongul, and beaches such as Haeundae and Mallipo.

Apart from Jeju island, there are many smaller islands.

Excursion ferries are quite common along the south and west coasts and also to Ulleung-do Island, off the east coast. Limited tourism mainly by South Koreans to the Liancourt Rocks (Dokdo) has grown in recent years as a result of the political status of the rocks.

Many local districts hold annual festivals, such as the Boryeong Mud Festival and the Cheongdo Bullfighting Festival.

According to Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), South Korea has recorded a massive increase in the footfalls every passing year.

KTO statistics show that 8,797,658 people visited the country in 2010,

and 9,794,796 in 2011. The figure rose to 11,140,028 and 12,175,550 in 2012 and 2013 respectively.

Korean capital city, Seoul, is located in the Midwest of the Korean peninsula.

It has been an area of strategic importance since prehistoric times, particularly in the realms of politics, economics, society and culture.

Following Korea’s independence from Japanese colonial rule in 1945, the city was named Seoul, which means ‘towering high.’

In 1949, it was designated as a metropolitan city by Korean government.

Seoul hosted the Summer Olympic Games in 1988 and the FIFA World Cup in 2002. Seoul has overcome many adversities and, with such tenacity, risen from the ashes of the Korean War to become a leading global city.

Korea’s second largest city Busan. It is often an overlooked city, as many flock to Seoul, bright lights, big capital. In fact, Busan is the real Korea, say some travel writers.

Colorful, brash but endearing, Busan is a rough diamond that certainly speaks for itself. Busan may feel like second fiddle for now but it’s time is coming.