Snuggled between the nations of Japan and China is the lesser-known country of South Korea. Although often overlooked as a destination spot in the region, this area of Southeast Pacific Rim is a wonderful place to visit.
set up in 1948 when it separated from its sister nation, North Korea, the Republic of Korea changed into a democratic state at the end of world war ii. In 1950, the North invaded the South, causing the Korean War until the 2 sides signed an armistice in 1953. Both the North and the South have similar, entrenched practices, but South Korea has turned into a modern, global economic leader that Western culture has heavily influenced over the last half-century.
South Korea is home to roughly 48 million folk of whom about 12,000,000 live in and around the capital and biggest city of Seoul. The land area is 38,463 square miles, slightly larger than the state of Indiana. The climate of the region is really mild all year and residents enjoy all four seasons. The landscape of Korea is typically mountainous and covered with lush forests in the rustic areas, but you may also find rice fields, the country?s staple crop, in many of the valleys.
Top Attractions
Many attractions in the country are bound to lure a variety of travelers. One of the most renowned is Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul. While the positioning of the palace is over 600 years old, the buildings had been rebuilt a number of times due to invasions and hostile takeovers. The present buildings house both the nation’s Museum of Korea and the nation’s people Museum. Once home to kings and rulers, the palace is rich with history, cultural artifacts and architecture, and enjoys a large number of visitors yearly.
Those fascinated by the history and culture of the country should also check out the Korean folk hamlet found near Seoul. See what life was like for Koreans during the Chosun period ( from the 1700s up until 1910 ) in this 243-acre town. Observe and have interaction with residents as you encounter them in normal Korean dress, but do not be fooled. These people aren’t employed actors. Lots of the residents of the town essentially live there! Enjoy music, shows, and authentic foods from a long lost but not forgotten chapter in Korean history.
the most well liked attraction in South Korea is the Demilitarized area, or DMZ, in Panmunjom. Set at the 38th parallel, this area is where the democratic South borders the communist North. Here you’ll witness rhetoric from both sides of the border. See what the North wants visitors to see as a stable, booming economy, complete with elaborate buildings and highways, but in reality is a lethargic, repressed society, as shown by the South. Many South Koreans have buddies and relatives still living in the North that they have had no contact with for over fifty years. Travel and communication between sides is proscribed and the hope is that, one day, an end to dictatorial rule will open up the border once more.
On South Koreas west coast, in the town of Incheon, you can visit the Incheon Landing Operation memorial Hall. This site is a memorial to General Douglas MacArthurs combat operation that led straight to the liberation of Seoul in the Korean War. There also are a variety of entertainments and maritime attractions in the area for visitors to enjoy.
Some holidays that visitors should consider in their itinerary include the Chunhyang festival, the Nankye Traditional Music holiday, and the celebration of Buddhas birthday. The Chunhyang holiday occurs annually in Namwon. Chunyang is the Korean equivalent of the story of Romeo and Juliet. Many visitors come to this holiday at the beginning of May to experience Korean dance, music, and parades. The Miss Chunyang pageant is held on the final day of the festival. The Nankye Traditional Music festival is a celebration of Nankye, a Korean composer who is alleged to have created Chosun Dynasty Korean Music. This kind of music is a beautiful ensemble of strings, winds and percussion that produce a sound unique to Korean culture. This event is held annually in Yongdong in September. The party of Buddhas birthday is held in May all over the country. Many Buddhist churches hold holidays and parades on this holiday that’s celebrated by many Koreans, without reference to religion.
Culinary delights
While traveling in South Korea, visitors can enjoy a selection of culinary delights. Most dishes are more spicy than most Western palates are used to, however. The favorite of most travelers is pulgogi. This is a normal Korean dish that consists of drenched slices of meat with rice and veggies that is then wrapped up in a leaf of lettuce. Along with rice, another staple food of Korean culture is kimchi. This side dish is typically served with every meal. Kimchi is a mixture of fermented plants, generally cabbage, and is particularly hot and spicy. Since it is eaten frequently, there are lots of variations of kimchi to choose between. For those less adventuresome, many Western restaurants have made their way to Seoul and surrounding cities, so those who want to experience the culture but cannot handle spicy foods, there’s customarily a McDonalds or a KFC round the corner.
How many wonders have you visit during your lifetime? Visit famouswonders.com and see the top wonders of the world and also have a look at Pulguksa Temple facts.
Tags: delicacies, delights, Seoul, South Korea