This fully updated new edition of the best-selling guide to South Korea features illuminating text written by expert, local writers alongside inspiring full-colour photography, with this edition containing over 250 brand new photographs, bringing South Korea's people and places to life. The top attractions are highlighted to help you plan your trip priorities and a brand new 'Editor's Choice' section reveals the author's inside take on quirky and interesting things to do, including many exclusive experiences. An in-depth 'Places' section covers the entire region with all principal sites, cross-referenced by number to accompanying full-colour maps. An additional country map and street plans inside the front and back covers enable instant orientation and easy navigation at a glance. Attractive colour-coded sections make the guide extremely easy to use, whether you want to read the full narrative, or simply dip in and out. Fascinating features explore South Korea's history, religion, performing arts, architecture and much more. A comprehensive 'Travel Tips' section provides a wealth of practical information, covering transport, accommodation for all budgets, climate, shopping, health and much more, including an A-Z section of essential tips and useful contact telephone numbers. A contents list for the Travel Tips is printed on the back cover flap which also serves as a handy bookmark. The unique combination of insightful exploration alongside practical advice means that this guide truly is a pleasure to read before, during and after your visit.

Table of Contents

Introduction: The Best of South Korea; The Shrimp between Whales; Geography. History: Decisive Dates; Early Kingdoms and Dynasties; A Century of Conflict; Recovery and Prosperity. Features: The Koreans; Business Culture; Religion; Performing Arts; Arts and Crafts; Food and Drink; Traditional Architecture. Insights: Mini Features; The Korean Diaspora; Bathhouses (Mogyoktang); Hangeul the Korean script; The North-South Divide; Ginseng. Photo Features: Festivals; Traditional Costume; Street Food; Hiking and National Parks; Mountain Temples; Gyeongju Treasures; Korean Tea. Places: Introduction; Seoul Gyeonggi and Gangwon; Seoul; Gyeonggi Province; Gangwon Province; Ghungcheong and Yeongsang Provinces; Chungcheong Provinces; Gyeongsangbuk Province; Gyeongsangnam Province; Jeolla and Juju-do; Jeolla Provinces; Jaju-do. Travel Tips: Transportation; Accommodations; Restaurants; Activities; A-Z Practical Information; Language; Further Reading. Maps: South Korea; Central Seoul; Seoul; Gyeonggi Province; Gangwon Province; Seoraksan National Park; Chungcheong Provinces; Ulleung-do; Gyeongju; Central Busan; Busan; Jeolla Provinces; Jeju-do.