Lee Hae Chan, ex-Prime Minister

I f you were to assess how popular golf is in South Korea just look at the number of Koreans on the world’s golf tours. Many Koreans are avid golfers, but you’d have to go a long way to find one as avid as Lee Hae Chan, the 36th Prime Minister of South Korea who was in office from 2004-2006 when golf shattered his political career. His original nomination as Prime Minister had met with some resistance due to his record as Minister of Education, which many considered a failure. But they were wrong. Lee proved to be an able Prime Minister and was once described as the most powerful Prime Minister South Korea had ever seen, but his knuckles were first rapped in April 2005 when a wildfire destroyed a priceless 1300 year old Buddhist temple. Although not his fault when this emergency happened it took some hunting to find Lee until they checked the golf course. A few months further on heavy rains struck the southern parts of the country causing untold damage and again when an emergency was declared they couldn’t find Lee until they checked the golf course. To appease his critics Lee stood up in front of the National Assembly and vowed he would be more cautious in the future and it wouldn’t happen again.

On the 1st of March 2006, which was a public holiday, Koreans were solemnly commemorating the popular uprising for independence against Japanese colonial rule, but this year the railroad workers union and Seoul subway union entered a strike together, which proved a fatal blow to the nation’s economic activity, especially Seoul area where traffic heavily depended on the subway which is controlled by these two unions. Prime Minister Lee was supposed to command the situation and mediate the strike – but you can guess where he was – once again playing golf with local businessmen, one of whom was suspected of a previous stock price rigging. Lee could see no way out and tended his resignation. The President, Roh Moo Hyun under considerable pressure had to accept it. No doubt there are millions of golfers around the world who find his love of golf normal, but for sure Lee will be the most remembered South Korean Prime Minister this century.

Nine Bridges course on Jeju Island

South Korea has approximately 110 excellent golf courses. Most are situated within an hour by car from major cities, especially near Seoul, Gyeongju and Jeju Island. They commonly have connected facilities such as hotels, youth hostels, tennis courses and outdoor swimming pools. Reservations can be made directly to the golf course or through a travel agent. Average green fees are 100.000 won (Mon-Fri) and 130.000 won (Sat-Sun).

Blackstone Golf Club, Jeju Island

Some useful information:

Business Hours – Government offices are open from Monday to Friday between the hours of 09.00 and 18.00. Banks are open from 09.30 to 16.30 on weekdays and are closed on Saturday and Sunday. Foreign diplomatic missions generally maintain strict business hours including lunch break and are usually open from 09.00 to 17.00 on weekdays and closed Saturday and Sunday. Major department stores are open from 10.30 to 19.30 including Sunday, but smaller shops tend to be open earlier and close later every day of the week.

Sung Nam golf course, Yongsan

Currency and Credit Cards – The unit of Korean currency is the Won. Coin denomination are 10, 50, 100 and 500 won. Bank notes are 1.000, 5.000 and 10.000 won. Bank cheques are circulated in denominations of 100.000 and over. Foreign currency and traveller’s cheques can be converted into Korean won at foreign exchange banks and other authorized money changers. English speaking tellers are available at most banks.

Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul

The exchange rate is basically stable but subject to market fluctuations. Credit cards, including Visa, American Express, Diners Club, Master Card and JCB are accepted at major hotels, department stores and larger restaurants.

Internet cafes, PC Game Rooms – In Korea you can access the internet at PC rooms (internet cafe or game room) easily. Services often include printing, scanning, fax, etc. Fees are usually 1.000 – 3.000 won for one hour.

Newspapers – Korea has three English-language dailies: the Korean Times www.koreatimes.co.kr, the Korea Herald www.koreaherald.co.kr and the Joongang Ilbo which is published as an insert in the International Herald Tribune http://Joongangdaily.joins.com. They are available at most newsstands and hotel lobbies.

A typically Korean food market

Tipping and Tax – Tipping is not a traditional Korean custom. A 10% service charge is added to your bill at all tourist hotels. Value-added tax (VAT) is levied on most goods and services is levied on most goods and services at a standard rate of 10% and is included in the retail price. In tourist hotels this 10% tax applies to rooms, meals and other services and is added onto the bill.

Namhansansong Temple in Seongnam