Tops attractions to visit in South Korea

Nestled between the countries of china and japan is the lesser-known country of South Korea.  Although infrequently overlooked as a destination spot in the area, this area of Southeast Asia is a fabulous place to go to. 

set up in 1948 when it separated from its sister nation, North Korea, the Republic of Korea became a democratic state at the end of World War II.  In 1950, the North invaded the South, causing the Korean War until the two sides signed an armistice in 1953.  Both the North and the South have similar, entrenched traditions, but South Korea has turned into a modern, worldwide industrial leader that Western culture has heavily influenced over the last half-century. 

South Korea is home to roughly 48 million folks of whom about 12 million live in and round the capital and biggest city of Seoul.  The land area is 38,463 square miles, a little larger than the state of Indiana.  The climate of the area is really mild year-long and residents enjoy all 4 seasons.  The landscape of Korea is mostly mountainous and covered with lush forests in the rural areas, but you can also find rice fields, the country?s staple crop, in several of the valleys. 

Top Attractions

Many attractions in the country are sure to lure a spread of travelers.  One of the most famous is Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul.  While the location of the palace is over 600 years old, the buildings had been rebuilt a number of times due to invasions and antagonistic takeovers.  The present buildings house both the national Museum of Korea and the national folk Museum.  Once home to kings and rulers, the palace is rich with history, cultural artifacts and design, and enjoys a large number of visitors annually. 

Those entranced by the history and culture of the country should also take a look at the Korean folk town located near Seoul.  See what life was like for Koreans during the Chosun period ( from the 1700s up until 1910 ) in this 243-acre village.  Observe and engage with residents as you come across them in normal Korean dress, but don’t be confused.  These folk aren’t hired actors.  Plenty of the residents of the town actually live there!  Enjoy music, shows, and authentic foods from a long lost but not forgotten chapter in Korean history. 

the hottest attraction in South Korea is the Demilitarized section, 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 each side of the border.  See what the North wants visitors to see as a stable, booming economy, complete with elaborate buildings and highways, but in actuality is a lethargic, repressed society, as shown by the South.  Many South Koreans have relatives and buddies still living in the North that they had no contact with for over 50 years.  Travel and communication between sides is restricted and the hope is that, one day, a cap on dictatorial rule will open up the border once again.

On South Koreas west coast, in the town of Incheon, you may visit the Incheon Landing Operation commemorative Hall.  This site is a memorial to General Douglas MacArthurs combat operation that led on to the liberation of Seoul during the Korean War.  There also are a variety of entertainments and maritime attractions in the area for visitors to enjoy. 

Some festivals that visitors should consider in their itinerary include the Chunhyang festival, the Nankye conventional Music festival, 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 festival at the start of May to experience Korean dance, music, and parades.  The Miss Chunyang festival 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 type of music is a beautiful ensemble of strings, winds and percussion that produce a sound completely unique to Korean culture.  This event is held yearly in Yongdong in Sep.  The party of Buddhas birthday is held in May all over the country.  Many Buddhist churches hold festivals and parades on this vacation that’s celebrated by many Koreans, regardless of faith. 

Culinary pleasures

While traveling in South Korea, visitors can enjoy a variety of culinary delights.  Most dishes are more spicy than most Western palates are used to, however.  The favourite of most travelers is pulgogi.  This is a normal Korean dish that consists of drenched slices of meat with rice and vegetables that is then wrapped in a leaf of lettuce.  With rice, another basic foods of Korean culture is kimchi.  This side dish is often served with every meal.  Kimchi is a mixture of fermented vegetables, usually cabbage, and is especially hot and spicy.  Since it is eaten frequently, there are many variations of kimchi to choose between.  For those less adventuresome, many Western restaurants have made their way to Seoul and surrounding towns, so those who need to experience the culture but can’t handle spicy foods, there’s usually a McDonalds or a KFC around the corner.

Journey around the world by visiting famouswonders.com and while you’re at it, also check out Pulguksa Temple.

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