| Visiting Korea: Selected Travel Tips |
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| • What other general things do birdwatchers need to
know? |
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| - Revised spellings... some hints... |
| Following the national government's decision to revise English or Roman
representation of Korean letters in 2000, many place names have undergone
interesting (and sometimes initially confusing!) transformations. Gone are
capitals to denote different syllables, and gone too are special marks to
represent sounds (somewhat similar to those found still in written German). In
their stead there is a consistent spelling system, which is now reproducible on
any English-language computer keyboard. |
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| - The main consonant changes entail : |
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K spelling becomes G |
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Kk' becomes K |
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T becomes D |
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Tt' becomes T |
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Ch' becomes J |
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P becomes B |
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Pp' becomes P | |
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| The changes in vowel representations are more difficult to express unless
keyboards have Korean letters, as there are more Korean vowel sounds
differentiated in written Korean than in English, and some of these were
(pre-2000) indicated by special marks. One problem for visiting birders is that
much of the present information on birds in Korea is based on survey work
conducted in 1998 and 1999 or on even earlier trips reports prior to these
spelling changes. For ease of reference some names (such as the world-renowned
Saemangeum) are still often being used inaccurately, to allow for more easy
literature and internet searches. Gradually, the spellings in all websites and
street signs, maps and bird reports, will shift to the revised spelling system.
|
|
| - A few revised birding place names are given below : |
|
| Pre-2000 |
Now |
| Kanghwa or KangHwa |
Ganghwa |
| Yong Jong (with mark above o of Yong) |
Yeongjong |
| Sosan |
Seosan |
| Ch'eonSu |
Cheonsu |
| Keum |
Geum |
| ManKyeung |
Mangyeung |
| TongJin |
Dongjin |
| TaeHukSan |
Daeheuksan |
| KaGo |
Gageo |
| CheJu |
Jeju |
| KoCh'onAm |
Gocheonam |
| Ch'uNam |
Junam |
| NakTong |
Nakdong |
| Pusan |
Busan |
| KuRyongPo |
Guryongpo | |
| |
|
| - Clothing |
| South Korea has a continental climate. It can be very cold in winter (down
to -20 C at night in severe spells) and hot in summer (up to 30C). Appropriate
clothing is of course essential if you are to spend long periods out of doors.
|
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| Although there are no bird hides and very few birding facilities,
birdwatching in Korea takes place largely from paved or hard surfaces. Good
hiking boots are therefore probably preferable to Wellingtons at most times of
the year. |
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| Birds are often very shy and easily disturbed, much more so than in e.g. the
UK, US or Australia. Birdwatchers are strongly advised to wear greens, browns,
and natural colours. A hat in summer and warm woolen head wear and gloves in
winter are essential. |
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| - Money |
| The only accepted currency is the Korean won. Often foreign credit cards are
not accepted in small towns, shops or out-of-the-way places. It is advisable to
stock up on won before arrival or at the airport. If changing money at the
airport, count the money carefully before leaving the bank, as mistakes do
happen and cannot be rectified later. Korea is essentially a very safe country,
but as anywhere it is not advised to wave money around. Keep money in at least
two places: on your own person, and in the safest part of your hand luggage.
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|
| - Health |
| Korea is generally safe and free of major diseases. It is, however,
advisable not to drink tap water (bottled water is very widely available, and
preferred by many Korean people), and there is also an extremely slight risk of
non-fatal malaria in some areas, especially near the DMZ. Check for up to date
information and, remember, if you visit these areas it is of course at your own
risk. Mosquito repellent and long-sleeved clothing is best if you are planning
to visit between June a nd August. The main problem facing birders tends to be
the sun: it can be very intense and strong so sun -block is advised. |
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