Since the 1980s, we have witnessed the dazzling development of the “Land of the Calm Morning”. What a long way since the Korean War (1950-1953) in a few decades, South Korea has risen from the Third World to the rank of highly industrialized countries. An economic miracle.
This country of the Far East has developed
contacts with the West, and has emerged as a tourist destination.
In Seoul, you try to escape the traffic jams to find refuge in the royal palaces preserved among green setting and romantic ponds. In addition, the capital of South Korea has a commercial traditional street in Insadong and two interesting markets: the Dongdaemun (Tongdaemun) and the large Namdaemun near the old South gate. South Korea also recites several national parks, including the mountains of Seorak which allows residents of the bustling Seoul to relax sometime for a weekend. And finally, stays in Buddhist monasteries called "temple stay" were set up by the tourist authorities: if comfort conditions are minimal, authenticity is waiting for you.
The rest of the stay in South Korea can be
spent in Busan (Pusan), the first port in the country. This seaside town is
very much alive and visiting the fish market a must. In the South, we will
leave to the discovery of the temple of Haiensa, where a copy of Buddhist
scriptures is preserved in birch boards. Finally Gyeongju (Kyongju), the
capital of Silla (Shilla), the first unified Korean kingdom, has preserved its ancient
glory imposing tombs of its rulers buried under huge mounds.
JEJU ISLAND
Jeju-do with a little less than 2.000 km²
(four times smaller than Corsica) is the largest island in South Korea. It is
located 85 km south of the Korean peninsula.
The island enjoys a subtropical climate
and stunning scenery, beaches and waterfalls, making it a very popular destination
for Korean, Japanese and Chinese tourists. Moreover, for a long time, when
traveling abroad were still limited, the island was THE destination of many
honeymooners Korean couples.
In addition to these beaches there are
many volcanoes, craters and lava tunnels, as the island has been formed as a
result of volcanic eruptions.
From its 1950 meters, the Hallasan volcano
is the highest point of the country. A day walk is enough to reach the top and
back down. Although the long climb is available almost at all levels, you must
start early in the morning (the access of Farm Park closes early to be sure
that everyone is on time to go down). At the top if you are lucky enough to
have a clear view, you will see a beautiful lake in the crater.
Quick tips: a car is very useful to enjoy
a max of four corners of the island, transportation is quite limited. Try to
arrive before the tour groups (before 10 Am) on the main sites after them or if
it's an outdoor site. Otherwise you will have your way among groups of Chinese
and Korean!
HWASEONG FORTRESS
UNESCO
World Heritage Site since 1997,
Hwaseong Fortress is located 30 km south of Seoul in Suwon City. It has been
built between 1794 and 1796 by King Jeongjo in the hope of making it his new
capital.
An easily accessible location from Seoul
(subway or bus) and worthwhile day and night.
The night tour allows you to go around the
walls, ideal in summer when it's too hot during the day but be careful not to
miss the last bus...
ROYAL PALACE OF SEOUL (Gyeongbokgung)
Gyeongbokgung, also known as the Royal
Palace, is a landmark of Seoul. It was built in 1394 when the Joseon Dynasty
moved the capital to Seoul. It was then rebuilt in 1867 but was destroyed by
Japanese troops during the occupation of the early twentieth century. We can
see that some parts are still under renovation.
Each day of the week except Tuesday,
Gyeongbokgung Palace is open in front of the Heungryemun door; one can witness
the colorful ceremony of the change of the palace guard. Once you hear the
bluster and drums, tourists gather in front of Seoul Heungryemun to take
pictures of the ceremony. In the summer, a display is installed for pictures to
be taken in the shade. The touristic spectacle worth it.
BEOMEOSA TEMPLE
Beomeosa Temple is a Buddhist temple built
in the late seventh century, located on a mountain in the northern suburbs of
the city of Pusan. It is the head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism
and is composed of multiple chapels that rise in the mountains by corridors,
stairways and courtyards adorned with lanterns colors. These lanterns are
illuminated at night and give a nice picture of the temple. To get here you can
take the subway to the train station and Beomeosa bus that travels 5 km from
the base of the mountain (which ends the big city) to the start of the temple.
Seoraksan National Park
Seoraksan National Park, located in the
northeast of the Republic of South Korea is one of the most popular in the
country.
The best times to visit are spring and
fall, when temperatures are moderate and the risk of low rainfall; in winter
the landscape is covered with snow and access is quite difficult, and in summer
the high probability of rain is not encouraging to visit.
Access to the park gate is easy to both
bus from Sokcho or car at the entrance you have to pay a fee.
Once inside, around the port, there are a
few temples to visit, a large Buddha and a mountain of endless services. It is
also one of the starting points for creating different routes for all levels.
Written by Unknown
I'm a young guy passionate about traveling and the mountains. Living life simply without taking the head and share the daily with a maximum of smiles enough for me to be happy in what I do. And I will urge you to go beyond your limits.
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