============================== SOUTH KOREA ============================== South Korea occupies the southern half of the Korean peninsula. It is predominantly mountainous with the highest ranges running north to south along the east coast. The west is lowland, which is extremely densely populated. The extreme south has a humid warm temperate climate, while farther north it is more continental. Cultivated land represents only 23% of the country's total area, and the main crop is rice. The country has a flourishing manufacturing industry and is the world's leading supplier of ships and footwear. Other important industries are electronic equipment, electrical goods, steel, petrochemicals, motor vehicles and toys. Area (Sq. Km.): 98,484 Population: 43,650,000 Capital: Seoul Language: Korean Religion: Christian 43% Buddhist 18% Government Type: Republic Currency: South Korean won Embassy: 4 Palace Gate London W8 5LY 0171-581-0247 Time: GMT+9 Electricity: 100 and 220 volts AC More info from: Korea Tourism Dept, Vogue House, 1, Hanover Square, London W1R 9RD Tel:0171-408-1591 All major credit cards are accepted. Health: Precautions are advised against Cholera, Typhoid, Polio and Malaria. Air travel: Korean Air Approx time from London is 20 hours. Airports: Seoul Pusan Cheju Port: Pusan Hotels: Seoul has over 50 modern hotels and all major towns have hotels. The tourism industry is now developing quite rapidly and although a way to go to rival say Thailand. Korea could be a major player in the future. Climate: Moderate climate with four seasons. The hottest part of the year is during the rainy season between July and August and the coldest is December to January. Spring and autumn are mild and mainly dry. Summer max: 95F(35c) «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«» Foreign Office Advice: Normal care and precautions should be taken. For more information ring: Foreign Office Travel Unit 0171-270-4129