Korea is situated on the south of the Korean peninsula. It’s a big country with a population of about 45 millions. Korea isn’t popular among the immigrants and the most of its population are Koreans. Korea has a long and interesting history and the monuments of its distant past attract a lot of tourists to the country.

In II-I centuries BC the territory of the present Korea was a Chinese colony. In 37 on the north of the peninsula the Korean state appeared and the south was divided into two kingdoms. By the end of X century Korean states were united under the rule of Kore dynasty. Korea knew many dynasties and in XIX century became an object of the struggle between China, Russia and Japan. In 1910 Korea was annexed by Japan but in 1938 became independent. However, the troubles of this nation only began. In 1938 Korea was divided into Soviet and American zones. The border was passed through 38 parallel. Since 1948 two states called Korea exists. Peninsula witnessed several wars during last half a century, but now both Koreas are trying to live in peace. During Olympic games they performed under one flag.

Northern Korea is still one of the poorest countries on Earth, but the theme of this article is South Korea, rather developed and civilized country with its world glory in electronics.

The capital city is Seoul. It is a huge metropolis with its 11 million population occupying the tenth place in the list of the world largest cities. The city lies on the banks of the river Hangan and it is a cultural, economical, commercial and educational center of Korea.

Here the past and present are mixed in a strange way. Ancient palaces, city gates, temples, gardens and the collections of art objects tells about the glorious pages in Korean history and the shining facades of the modern skyscrapers shows us no less glorious present.

Seoul is a place with extremely beautiful nature. The ancient city was surrounded by four mountains from outside and four mountains from inside. Each mountain is marked with the specials features, has a lot of springs with clear water and different, but always picturesque landscapes.

The most remarkable places and cultural must-sees of the Korean capital are fpur Royal palaces - Kyongbokkung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace and Deoksugung Palace.

Kyongbokkung is the biggest one among these palaces and is situated in the centre. It was built in 1394, destroyed in XVI century and then rebuilt in XIX century.

Changgyeonggung Palace is a big palace ensemble including a lot of pavilions. The palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens with ponds, streams, bridges and lamps.

Changdeokgung Palace was raised in 1405 and then restored in 1609. Since that it served as a royal palaces during three centuries. It has a secret garden.

Deoksugung Palace stands in front of Seoul city hall. Here all the visitors can watch the ceremony of the change of the guard.

Other interesting places in Seoul are National Museum, Botanical Garden and Zoo. Insadon district is especially popular among foreign tourists for its antique shops, art galleries, restaurants and bookshops.