A magazine promoting the sport of Taekwondo in Korea. Featuring courses, events and holidays, this publication was created by Mike Starling in conjunction with the Korea Tourism Organization. See more at http://thestarlingfiles.wordpress.com

1. Korea: the home of
TAEKWONDO
PAGE 4 PAGE 6 PAGE 9 PAGE 10
Tour programmes Cultural Korea Focus on Jeju Island Where to stay

2. Recharge your energies
in a unique destination
TAEKWONDO is the national sport
of Korea and the birthplace of the
martial art that is now a designated
Olympic sport.
With the designation of 2010-
2012 as ‘Visit Korea Year’, we are
delighted to showcase our
destination through these pages
Korea is a place to come and
recharge your energy using nature,
tradition and belief in a society
that has an ability to reinvent itself
constantly. Korea is in the heart of
north-east Asia and is the gateway to
the Asia-Pacific region.
Korea is a diverse, unique and
proud destination boasting festivals,
UNESCO cultural properties and
breathtaking topography. and culture dating back 5,000 years.
Using our expertise, knowledge These are exciting times for Korea
and passion, we invite you to with the IAAF World Athletics
discover Taekwondo, a diverse Championships Daegu 2011, Expo
landscape of mountains, hidden 2012 Yeosu (under the themes of
temples and adventure-filled water and sustainability) and a
activities. Our highly advanced new ‘Taekwondo Park’ set to open
and technologically superior in 2013.
destination hides a scenically ■ For further information go to
stunning landscape with a history http://www.visitkorea.or.kr

3. The Mecca of
TaekwondoKukkiwon – World MAJOR ACTIVITIES
Taekwondo headquarters
Kukkiwon was established in 1971 Gyeonghuigung Palace
to introduce taekwondo’s philosophy Taekwondo demonstration
and skills and to enhance the sport’s ‘Power Art, Taekwondo’
prestige abroad. A dynamic performance is operated
Location: 635, Yoksam-dong, by K-Tigers, combining taekwondo
Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea, 135-908 with traditional music and dance.
Tel: +82-2-567-1058-9 When: 2pm-3pm every
http://www.kukkiwon.or.kr/eng/index. Wednesday and Saturday from
action April to December
Tel: +82-31-938-0251
The Taekwondo Park
(Opening 2013) Gyeonghuigung Palace
The Taekwondo Park is a unique site, Taekwondo programmes
where practitioners from all over the For those of you wanting to know
world come to train, research and the very basics of Taekwondo, why
learn about taekwondo. It will also not try learning basic techniques in
provide space for guests to interact front of one of Seoul’s main palaces.
with each other for taekwondo spirit, Times are as follows – between
history and culture. Tuesday and Sunday:
Location: San 119-1, Socheon-ri, ● 11am-12noon – basic technique
Seolcheon-myeon, Muju-gun, ● 1pm-2pm – self-defence skill
Jeollabuk-do, Korea ● 3pm-4pm – breaking skills
Scale: 2,314,049msq http://www.taekwonseoul.org/eng_
Construction period: 2005-2013 main/main.html

4. Taekwondo one-day
tour programme INTERNATIONAL KUMGANG
TAEKWONDO CENTRE
It is in one of the best taekwondo
training centres where foreign tourists
can get the chance to learn techniques
of taekwondo and to experience
mental training with Korean masters,
who speak English.
Location: 736-1 2F, Kumgang
Taekwondo Centre, Mokdong,
Yangcheon-gu, Seoul, Korea
Tel: +82-2-2642-0692
http://www.taekwontokorea.com/en/
Email: cashin76@hanmail.net
Master Ryan (An Byeong Cheol,
+82-10-6303-4962)
● When signing up for the taekwondo
one-day tour programme, you are
required to give your full name in
English and height. The three-hour
programme is divided into three groups
based on skill level.
Three-hour programme
Everyday from 9am-10pm
■ Group 1: Stretching, basic movements
■ Group 2: Target kicking, self-defence
■ Group 3: Sparring, breaking a pine
90-minute programme
Everyday from 9am-10pm
■ Stretching, basic movements –
kicking – self-defence – sparring
– breaking a pine – ceremony – picture.
2011 TAEKWONDO
EVENT CALENDAR
World Taekwondo Culture Expo
July 2011 in Jeonju and Muju
Contact: http://www.wtcexpo.net
Tel: +82-63-278-7021
Held: Annually
Chuncheon Open International
Taekwondo Championships
July 2011 in Chuncheon
Contact: http://koreaopentkd.org/eng/
main/main.asp
Held: Annually

5. Geography, transport and climate
GEOGRAPHY operates between the airport and major points
Korea is in the heart of North East Asia and is the within the city, with a journey time of 1hr to
gateway to the Asia-Pacific region. A peninsula central Seoul. The cost ranges from 14,000
stretching southward from the centre of the north- Won (approximately £8) one way.
east coast of Asia with neighbours Japan to the east
and China to the west. Korea occupies an area of CLIMATE
approximately 220,000km-sq and a coastline dotted Korea’s climate has four distinct seasons,
with some 3,400 islands of varying sizes. Mountains with the best times of the year to visit
cover 70 per cent of the country, making it the country being spring and autumn.
scenically stunning and perfect for soft adventure. Winters in Korea can be cold, while
summers tend to be hot and
TRANSPORTATION humid with heavy rainfall.
The award-winning Incheon International Airport
(airport code ICN) is the Asian gateway not just to
Australia and New Zealand, but many other
destinations including Fiji, Hawaii, the Philippines,
Bali, Mongolia, Vietnam, China and Japan.
http://www.airport.or.kr/eng/airport
There are eight international airports in Korea:
Incheon, Gimpo, Gimhae, Cheongju, Daegu,
Yangyang, Muan and Jeju International Airport.
Korean Air and Asiana Airlines are the only airlines
that provide direct services from the UK to Seoul:
Korean Air Asiana Airlines
0800 413 000 0207 514 0200
http://www.koreanair.com http://eu.flyasiana.com
From Incheon International Airport, taxis
and buses connect to the heart of Seoul.
Standard and KAL Limousine bus services

6. CULTURAL
experiences TAEKWONDO HANOK STAY rice, soup and side offerings. Korean
Taekwondo is the national sport Hanoks are traditional, eco-friendly Royal Cuisine is designated as an
of Korea, with an estimated 50 homes that use natural building Intangible Cultural Asset by the
million practitioners globally and is materials. Old furniture, paper-pasted government; http://www.food.co.kr
a designated Olympic sport. windows, and soy jars add to the
Originating from ‘taekkyeon’ a traditional ambiance and BEAUTY AND AESTHETIC
traditional martial art form is the understanding of Korean lifestyle Relieve stress and aches with a
‘technique of kicking and punching’. and culture. Some houses offer massage, alternative medicines or
Travellers can take part in a one- various programmes during the stay acupuncture. Many major hotels and
day taekwondo experience or a full from pottery making to traditional resorts in Korea now provide luxury
15-day training programme. Korean folk games. Simple meals are spa facilities, massages, saunas and
See http://www.koreataekwondo. usually available at an extra charge. skincare treatments.
org and http://www.kukkiwon.or.kr From oriental therapy to modern
FOOD AND COOKING high-tech procedures, there are many
TEMPLE STAY Food is a very important part of the ways to revitalise body and soul.
Experience Korean Buddhist culture country’s culture with great attention Places to visit include:
by booking a stay at one of the many chanting. Programmes include pre- paid to the way it’s served and the ■ Guerlain Spa, The Shilla, Seoul,
Buddhist temples. dawn Buddhist rites; Zen meditation; types of ingredients used. http://www.shilla.net
Many are located deep in the tea ceremonies; mountain trekking; The national dish is ‘Kimchi’, ■ Hue Skin Care, Seoul;
mountains allowing complete lotus lantern making; and rubber (fermented spicy cabbage). All the http://www.hue-es.com
immersion in spiritual training such stamp making. For more information dishes are served at the same time ■ Etude House (Cosmetics);
as Zen meditation and Buddhist see http://eng.templestay.com and a typical meal normally includes http://www.etude.co.kr

7. KOREA’S 10 UNESCO
World Cultural Heritage sites
7 9
2
1
5
10
A NUMBER of Korea’s cultural Culture. The beautiful temple 4
assets have been recognised complex and the 3.5m-tall stone 6
in the UNESCO World Cultural statue of Sakyamuni are located
Heritage listing. They are not on Mt Toamsan in Gyeongju. Map courtesy of 3
just of national importance but http://mapsof.net
have a universal significance for 4. TRIPITAKA KOREANA AND
future generations. HAEINSA TEMPLE: Nestled part of
the way up Mt Gayasan and was the
1. JONGMYO SHRINE, SEOUL: state temple of the Goryeo Dynasty.
Dedicated to the spirits of Korea’s During the 13th Century, the
royal ancestors. The shrine is made people of Goryeo carved 81,258
up of the main hall ‘Jeongjeon’ ‘Tripitaka Koreana woodblocks’
(said to be the longest building in (Buddhism scriptures carved on
Asia) and the hall of Eternal Peace wood blocks) to repel the invasion
‘Yeongnyeongjeon’. by the Mongolians.
8
2. CHANGDEOKGUNG PALACE, 5. HWASEONG FORTRESS,
SEOUL: Built in the fifth year of GYEONGGI-DO: The fortress is
the Joseon Dynasty (1405) reign located in Suwon City and represents known as the ‘museum without walls’ of the Joseon Dynasty tombs mark
of King Taejong and is divided into the most advanced features of due to all its historic relics. the country’s 9th World Heritage
administrative, residential fortification sprawling across both site. They form a collection of 40
quarters and has a secret garden. flat and hilly terrain; seldom seen in 7. GOCHANG, HWASUN AND tombs which showcase the country’s
neighbouring China and Japan. GANGWHA DOLMENS: Korea has tradition of respect for ancestors and
3. BULGUKSA TEMPLE AND the greatest number of preserved are located in areas of outstanding
SEOKGURAM GROTTO (ABOVE), 6. GYEONGJU HISTORIC AREA: Dolmens in Asia; they are Bronze Age natural beauty.
GYEONGJU: These are the The former capital of the Silla megalithic remnants serving as burial
masterpieces of Korea’s Buddhist Dynasty, is a 1,000-year old city chambers. They are similar in 10. HISTORIC VILLAGES OF
appearance to Stonehenge in the UK. KOREA: HAHOE AND
YANGDONG: Founded in the
8. JEJU VOLCANIC ISLAND AND 14th-15th centuries, Hahoe and
LAVA TUBES: Korea’s first natural Yangdong are seen as the two most
site became an UNESCO World representative historic clan villages
Natural Heritage listing in June 2007. in Korea. Their layout and location
Covering three sites: Geomunoreum, – sheltered by forested mountains
regarded as one of the finest lava and facing out onto a river and
tube system of caves; the fortress- open agricultural fields – reflect the
like Seongsan Ilchulbong crater and distinctive aristocratic Confucian
Mt Hallasan, Korea’s highest peak. culture of the early part of the Joseon
Dynasty (1392-1910).
9. ROYAL TOMBS OF THE
JOSEON DYNASTY: The listing ■ See english.visitkorea.or.kr

8. FESTIVAL TIME!
KOREA’S rich cultural, historic and mud slides and then use the mud
religious heritage is celebrated beauty treatments (pictured, right).
throughout the year in a myriad
of festivals, some in honour of Andong Mask Dance Festival
religious figures (such as Held in Autumn
Buddha’s birthday), while others Provides the opportunity to see a
focus on nature (eg the changing traditional Korean mask dance
seasons). Visitors can experience (pictured, above) and is held at the
traditional Korean Culture through popular Hahoe Village in Andong.
these festivals, which
are divided into several types, Pusan Film Festival
including natural, cultural, Held in Autumn
traditional and sporting festivals. This festival has gained major
international importance along
Snow Festival with Korea’s film industry, which is
Held in January the next big thing according to the
Includes ice-cold activities such as film industry!
giant ice sculpting.
Gwangju Kimchi Cultural
Cherry Blossoms Festival Festival
Held in April Held in October
The perfect time to visit Korea and Clients can learn about the history,
the perfect festival to enjoy a picnic ingredients and taste of Korea’s
under the pink cherry blossom. national dish ‘Kimchi’.
Boryeong Mud Festival ■ For more information on
Held in July see: http://english.visitkorea.
Is popular with young travellers or.kr/festival/eng/korea_festival.
as you can enjoy mud wrestling, html?festival=0

9. Jeju Island:
Korea’s slice
of paradise
JEJU ISLAND’S geographic location places it
within easy reach of the Korean mainland, Japan
and China.
With a favourable climate and diverse and
attractive natural beauty, Jeju is a destination with
offerings and experiences that few locations, if
any, in the region can provide.
The island enjoys a sub-tropical climate, first-
class resort facilities and beautiful beaches. Rising
from the centre of Jeju is Mount Halla Volcano
with a spectacular crater lake. Jeju is also famous
for its women divers the ‘Haenyeo’. The island is
73km from west to east and 31km from north to
south, with a coastline of 254km.
MT HALLA
Mt Hallasan, the extinct volcano that rises to
1,950m in the centre of the island, has a crater
at its top. Hallasan is home to 1,800 species of
plants and has some incredible hiking trails of
between two-five hours.
SEONGSAN ILCHULBANG (SUNRISE PEAK)
Is a secondary crater of Mt Hallasan that rises
from the ocean. It’s basin area is 9,000m2 in
size and shaped like a crown. Early risers will be
amazed by Seongsan’s unforgettable sunrise view.
JEONGBANG FALLS
The only waterfall in Asia that drops directly into
the sea and one of the three most famous on Jeju,
along with Cheonjiyeon and Cheonjeyoun Falls.
JUNGMAN RESORT
Jungman is an integrated tourism and recreation
centre, situated close to Cheonjeyoun Falls and
next to the island’s most beautiful beaches. The
resort is home to some of the major hotel chains
and golf courses on the island.
HAENYEO (DIVING LADIES)
Stop to watch the ‘Haenyeo’ ladies (inset picture,
top) diving to the sea bed without breathing
apparatus to collect sea food. The women are
one of the unique features of the island.

10. Where to stay in Korea
TEMPLE STAY HOTELS
Launched in 2002 the Temple With some of the biggest global hotel
Stay programme has proved hugely brands on offer, you won’t be short
popular and provides a unique of finding a room. Hotels are
opportunity for visitors to learn classified into five categories: super
about and experience Korean deluxe (five-star); deluxe (five-star);
Buddhist culture (pictured, above). first class (four-star); second class
See http://www.templestay.com (three-star) and third class (two-star).
HANOK STAY MOTELS/YEOGWAN (INNS)
Step back in history and book a stay Motels and yeogwan provide
at a traditional ‘Hanok’ house (right). comfortable sleeping facilities.
Locations are carefully calculated in Amenities such as air conditioning,
accordance with fen shui principles. internet access and television are
generally included.
BENIKEA (BEST NIGHT IN KOREA)
Benikea is a newly-formed chain YOUTH HOSTELS
of independent hotels committed With a total of 52 youth hostels
to providing the very best services located throughout Korea, the
at reasonable rates. properties are very large and can
See http://www.benikea.com offer facilities comparable to hotels.
Guests must have a Hostelling
GOOD STAY International Membership card
Good Stay is a reliable and affordable FARM STAY HOME STAY issued by Hostelling International.
accommodation service authorised A farm stay focuses on well-being: Why not stay with a host family See http://www.kyha.or.kr/english
by the Korea Tourism Organization. it means exactly what it says – during your trip and infuse into
International standards were applied eating and living well. See the everyday Korean life? For travellers ■ For a full range of accommodation
to select hotels, motels and inns National Agricultural Cooperative wishing to learn the language this options in Korea see:
that have demonstrated quality Federation website at http://www. is the perfect opportunity. See http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/
management and services. nonghyup.com/Main/main.aspx http://www.homestaykorea.com enu/1031_Accommodations.jsp

11. Health,
well-being
and leisure
KOREANS place great importance in
cultivating one’s character through
SPA AREAS
More than 70 natural hot springs are
metabolism and alleviating neuralgia
and muscular fatigue.
can be reached via Seoul’s subway.
body and mind. Maintaining one’s scattered throughout Korea and from The ‘mak’ in Hanjeunmak means NATIONAL PARKS
health through spa facilities, ancient times have been known to a dome-shaped steam room made Korea boasts 20 national parks,
acupuncture and massage is be effective against such ailments as of stone and heated from below by a including the famous Seoraksan
common place all over Korea. skin disease and arthritis. pine fire, creating steam when water National Park. Located on the east
Most of the modern springs in is thrown on hot stones. coast, Seoraksan welcomes hikers
ONE-STOP MEDICAL Korea are not only equipped with hot and soft adventurers attracted by the
TOURISM SERVICE spring bathing facilities, but have SKIING beautiful forests, mountains, temples,
As the popularity for high-quality been developed as comprehensive There are 13 ski resorts in the beaches and rivers.
medical tourism increases in Korea, resorts known as ‘jjimjilbangs’. country and all are accessible within The highest mountain in Korea is
our organisation has created an a few hours of Seoul. Mt Hallasan on Jeju Island, while the
online and offline ‘one-stop medical HANJEUNMAK The principal ones are the hot springs of Osaek in the south
tourism service centre’ to assist Hanjeunmak is a kind of sauna with a Yongpyong Ski Resort (Dragon are popular.
clients with all information regarding history of almost 600 years in Korea. Valley International Ski Resort) at Songnisan National Park is more
medical tourism. Information can be It serves as an excellent way Tackwallyong area and Chonmasan centrally located and home to the
found at www.visitkorea.or.kr of relaxing the body, promoting Ski Resort near Seoul. One resort spectacular Beopjusa Temple.

12. VISAS AND TRAVEL TIPS
PASSPORT AND VISA hours ahead of Greenwich Mean
The UK is one of 99 countries
whose residents are allowed to enter
Time and eight hours ahead of
British Summer Time. KOREA TOURISM ORGANIZATION:
Korea for up to 90 days without the
requirement of a visa with a valid UK
passport. Those travellers wishing
General opening hours: Office
hours are generally from 9am-6pm
services on offer and contact details
to obtain working visas or stay for and closed on Saturdays and THE Korea Tourism Organization
a longer duration must contact the Sundays. The majority of shops (KTO) is the first point of contact
Embassy for the Republic of Korea are open daily from 10am-9pm. and can provide assistance in the
based in London: Museums and some sightseeing following services:
attractions are closed on Mondays.
Embassy for the Republic of Korea, ■ Address: Korea Tourism Org,
60 Buckingham Gate, London, Currency exchange: American 3rd Floor, New Zealand House,
SW1E 6AJ, UK Express, VISA and MasterCard are Haymarket, London, SW1Y 4TE
Tel: 0207 227 5500 or 5505 widely accepted. The currency is the Tel: 020 7321 2535
(consular section) Korean Won. Travellers who carry Fax: 020 7321 0876
www.korea.embassyhomepage.com internationally recognised credit Email: london@gokorea.co.uk
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9.30am- cards can get a cash advance in
12.30pm; 2pm-5.30pm Korean Won at automated teller ■ Free helpline number for
machines (ATMs) installed at travellers, just call 1330
TRAVELLERS TIPS airports, major hotels, department
Safety: Korea has one of the stores, subway stations and ■ Destination information:
lowest crime rates in the world. tourist attractions. cities, resorts and UNESCO World Body and Soul’ and the Korea
You can walk around freely at night Heritage sites. Tourism Organisation has created a
as long as you exercise common Tipping: Is not a traditional Korean bespoke 16-page magazine to give
sense and the usual precautions with custom. A 10 per cent service charge ■ Ground handling services: you ideas on how easy it is to
regard to valuables. is added to your bill at all tourist a network of partner travel recharge your energy in Korea
hotels and some big restaurants. companies that can deal with all using nature, tradition and belief.
Inoculations: Korea has a high logistical issues on the ground. Articles include Finding your
standard of hygiene and cleanliness. Goods and service tax: Value Soul in Seoul; Jeju Island: Korea’s
Inoculations are not required unless added tax (VAT) is levied on most ■ Tourist information services: slice of paradise; Hanok: be
arriving from an endemic area. Check goods and services at a standard rate through educational seminars tempted by tradition and a guide
with your doctor. of 10 per cent and is included in the and press trips; presentations; to Temple Stay.
retail price. In tourist hotels, the 10 provision of information; brochure Download the supplement at:
Healthcare: It is recommended to per cent applies to meals and other materials; DVD and image http://www.sportstravelnews.info/
use the international clinics at the services and is added to the bill. library access and assistance uploaded_files/KOREA_BE_
large general hospitals such as with the development of tour INSPIRED.pdf
Severance Hospital, Asan Medical Electricity: In Korea, outlets for 220 products to Korea.
Centre or Samsung Medical Centre. volts 60 cycles are dominant, but 110
volt is sometimes available. ■ Korea is a place to ‘Revitalise
Time difference: Korea is nine Two-prong plugs are used in Korea.

13. BOOK IT!
Contact our travel partners who are waiting to help you visit
‘KOREA: THE HOME OF TAEKWONDO’
UK BASED TOUR OPERATOR:
Customer reservations call 0844 5574242 or book online at http://www.funwayholidays.co.uk
KOREA BASED TOUR OPERATOR:
Since 1996
Korea Business Travel Ltd specialises in arranging incentive tours and package tours
to Korea for individuals and groups. For more information see http://www.kbs-travel.com