Snuggled between the nations 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 Far East is an excellent place to visit.
set up in 1948 when it separated from its sister country, North Korea, the Republic of Korea changed into a democratic state at the end of world war ii. In 1950, the North attacked 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 approximately 48 million folks of whom about 12,000,000 live in and round the capital and largest 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 year-round and residents enjoy all four seasons. The landscape of Korea is mostly 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 sure to lure a variety of travelers. One of the most famed is Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul. While the positioning of the palace is over six hundred 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 national folk Museum. Once home to kings and rulers, the palace is rich with history, cultural artifacts and design, and enjoys a significant number of visitors annually.
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 in the Chosun period ( from the 1700s up until 1910 ) in this 243-acre hamlet. Observe and engage with residents as you come across them in traditional Korean dress, but don’t be conned. These folks aren’t employed actors. Many 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 most popular 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 may witness rhetoric from either side of the border. See what the North wants visitors to see as a stable, booming economy, complete with intricate buildings and roads, but in actuality is a slow, repressed society, as shown by the South. Many South Koreans have relatives and buddies still living in the North that they have had no contact with for over 50 years. Travel and communication between sides is restricted and the hope is that, one day, an end point 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 commemorative to General Douglas MacArthurs combat operation that led straight to the liberation of Seoul during the Korean War. There are a spread of entertainments and maritime attractions in the area for visitors to enjoy.
Some festivals that visitors should consider in their itinerary include the Chunhyang holiday, the Nankye normal 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 festival is held on the final day of the holiday. The Nankye Traditional Music festival is a celebration of Nankye, a Korean composer who is claimed to have created Chosun Dynasty Korean Music. This kind 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 is celebrated by many Koreans, without regard for faith.
Culinary delights
While traveling in South Korea, visitors can enjoy a selection of culinary pleasures. Most dishes are spicier than most Western palates are used to, however. The favourite of most travelers is pulgogi. This is a conventional Korean dish that consists of soaked slices of meat with rice and veggies that’s then wrapped up in a leaf of lettuce. Together with rice, another basic foods of Korean culture is kimchi. This side plate is typically served with every meal. Kimchi is a mix of fermented plants, usually cabbage, and is especially hot and spicy. Since it is eaten continually, there are several variations of kimchi to select from. For those less adventuresome, many Western eateries have made their way to Seoul and surrounding cities, so those who want to experience the culture but can’t handle spicy foods, there’s usually a McDonalds or a KFC around the corner.
If you enjoy traveling and would like to read more on some of the most famous places in the world, visit famouswonders.com and also check out Sokkuram at Bulguksa Temple.
Tags: delicacies, delights, Seoul, South Korea