Figure Skating

When Yuna started skating in Korea, there were less than 100 skaters trained competitively. Japan put concerted effort to nurture elite skaters since 1998. It may take a while for the South Korea to produce elite skaters. source

No it's not if you just want to have fun, but it is if you don't want to be at the rink eight days a week. I started when I was four, but then I quit when I was nine and came back when I was eleven. I have just landed axel, x2 salchow, and x2 toe loop after about a month of skating. My coach was really pushy, and by the time I was six I was freestyle three. Anyway, my point is that you can accomplish a lot in a short period of time if you want to work REALLY hard. If you don't, I wouldn't count on being in a lot of advanced competitions. source

I'd say ice skater was some one who just skates around maybe forwards backwards and a few tricks. A figure skater can do more and will be able to do jumps and spins from the proper entrance. source

Figure skates are expensive, but mine were totally worth it. For you, I'm not sure though, because I'm a figure skater. They will definately help you better, but it might not be worth it to spend 100-200 on figure skates when your just gonna do it recreationally. If you believe that you will continue skating more advanced, I would just get figure skates. But if your not sure, I would start off with cheap recreational ones. source

There is International figure skating and Blades. But I'm not sure if Blades is still in publication. source