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Archive for August, 2010

Fun Things to See on Your Holidays in North Korea

Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010

North Korea, the other name for Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, is situated in East Asia and its capital is Pyongyang. South Korea, which has been separated from North Korea by the Demilitarized zone, is a country formed post the World War II. This is a country that grew tremendously post the World war and has not stopped in its efforts. It continues to dazzle the visitors with their culture and local traditions. Among the various things to see, here is a list of five things one should not miss while travelling in this part of the world.

Take a plane from the capital city of Pyongyang to reach Paekdusan, which is a place of great spiritual and religious significance. Paekdu, which is the highest mountain in North Korea, is also where the volcano with the largest crater lies. Called as Chonji, or Lake of Heaven, this crater is surrounded by various lakes. This place is very sacred to the locals, merely because it is here that the Son of Lord of heaven is said to have landed and where the first Korean Kingdom started.

Panmunjeom is a war related sight, this place is very popular with tourists who are keen on seeing the place where the war took place and which resulted in split in Korea. Panmunjeom is a place where anyone visiting Korea will be taken to, even though it is a sad place, which talks of all the lives lost during the war and how American imperialism affected Korea.

The pristine water falls, and the clear skies around the mountain ranges surrounding Myohyang make the visit worth the time. Myohyangsan, literally translates to mountain of mysterious Fragrance is filled with scenery and sights like nowhere else in the world. The main focus of this trip would be to visit the two shrines, one of which is a treasure chest of gifts given to Kim II Sung, and other is that of Kim Jong II. One can also walk around the beautiful mountains, and unwind.

Going along the Diamond mountains, otherwise referred to locally as the Kumgangsan, one can make their way to Koryong falls. Quite a walk awaits people who wish to get to the falls, so be prepared for a long trek up the hills, and this can prove quite challenging for some, if they are not physically fit. But the sights along the way are breath taking and truly a once in a lifetime experience.

Investment in Korea Real Estate

Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010

Korea also holds the distinction of being a stable nation in both political and economical wise. All these have strengthened the real estate market in Korea. Investing in Korean real estate allows you to beat inflation, procure tax benefits, ensuring for cash flow, and above all helps you to effectively plan for retirement. In a snap shot, property market in Korea is unique and presents a range of distinctive features.

However, the prices of real estate in Korea are relatively high. The prices are even higher in such prominent areas as Seoul. But, investing in property market in Seoul provides tremendous benefits, due to such attractive features as landlord-friendly leasing system, market lucidity, and easy convertibility of capitals.

The capital as well as commercial center of Korea – Seoul boasts of the largest concentration of commercial property in the nation, with its two significant business districts such as Yoido, which is home to a number of leading financial institutions as well as the Korean Stock Exchange, and Kangnam area. When compared to other prominent Asian global commercial destinations, Seoul’s property market is about 50% larger than that of Hong Kong and about 100% larger than that of Singapore.

The housing or residential development in the country is mostly dominated by the public services, with the instructions of Ministry of Constructions. Housing developments in Korea are primarily undertaken through government agencies such as the Korea National Housing Corporation and the Korea Land Development Corporation.

Mostly, people invest in Korean real estate in order to provide it for rent or lease. Literally speaking, tenants pay for your investment property in the form of rent. Also, a great feature of Korean real estate is that it provides you with a regular cash flow, which turns out to be an important income, particularly when the mortgage on property is completely paid off. Above all, Korean real estate is regarded as one of the greatest assets. In short, with these unique features, perhaps there would be nothing perfect than investing in a real estate in Korea.

The laws pertaining to buying or selling of real estate in Korea is quite liberal and simple. Further, in contrast to some Asian nations imposing restrictions on foreigners to invest in real estate, Korea does not put forward any specific restrictions for foreigners to buy a property here, except for complying with the FLAA Act or the Foreigner’s Land Acquisition Act.

In order to register the property with the court registry, alien registration number is required. Further, a foreigner is required to submit relevant documents with the local government office within 60 days of the date of the execution of the purchase agreement. Likewise, a foreigner is required to obtain permission from the local government office, if he is interested to invest in any of the protected areas as stated by the FLAA. A resident foreigner can easily acquire a property in Korea, particularly if he has been in the country for more than six months. Some local banks even provide mortgages to resident foreigners just as they provide it to Koreans.