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South Korea is in comparison to China or Japan rather undeveloped and unknown from European perspective.  Even though the country is excellent developed as a tourist destination, travellers in Asia seldom visit the country. But whoever leaves the country out on a trip on the Asian continent misses out a lot: a very interesting culture, exotic vegetation and a diversified topography. In the heartland for example you can find an impressive mountain range with alpine character und fertile valleys.

But also the coasts have different character depending on the region. The east coast of Korea is enormous steep, the west coast instead runs smooth into the ocean. The south coast has some pictures bays to discover. Thanks to its five thousand year history, Korea has a lot to offer for cultural interested travelers. Who prefers a more urban life can visit the modern big cities with its vivid nightlife. For surfer however Korea is not the first choice, the wave season is only from June till October and even large typhoons do not always produce surf able waves.

The climate is very similar to the climate in Europe: there are also four seasons in South Korea. The spring starts like here in March and brings mild temperatures, lots of sunshine and weak wind. In the summer month the weather becomes very hot, due to southern winds from the Philipines. By the end of June the monsoon stats to dominate the weather and during this time a large amount of the annual rain comes down. More precise forecasts are however not possible. During the monsoon the conditions are very uncomfortable: Temperatures are mostly above 30 degrees and the air-humidity is up to 95%.

In total comparison to the fall which is generally acknowledged as the most beautiful season in Korea and starts like in Europe in the middle of September. The days are still sunny but the temperature and the air-humidity are sinking slowly. The winter starts in December and is mostly cold and dry. Snowfall is rather seldom. 

Who is looking for the perfect wave shouldn’t travel to South Korea. In theory it is however possible to surf on the east and west coast of the country but the conditions hardly allow a reasonable session. Not even in times where mighty typhoons occur ahead of Korea’s coast good waves are guaranteed.

Further many spots are located far off the big cities. The best conditions can be found on Jungmun, the most southern located island of Korea. However more and more locals make relaxed surfing impossible. The water temperatures are especially inviting in the summer month and range from 18-21 degrees. During the winter temperatures are evidently lower and can drop to 14 degrees.

Best season for beginner: March – June
Best season for advanced surfer: August – February

Scheduled flights go regularly from all major airports to Incheon. This new airport replaces the Gimbo Airport as the hub for international flights. The domestic air network is rather good developed and guarantees thanks to the many small airports connections to all parts of the country.

South Korea can also be reached by ferry. In the six biggest cities well-developed underground systems and bus networks operate nowadays. These are continuously developed further and are an important element of the public transport. But also the rail connections are thanks to its high-speed trains very effective. Therefore travelling with public transport is definitely an option in South Korea.