Snuggled between the nations of Japan and China is the lesser-known country of South Korea. Although infrequently overlooked as a destination spot in the area, this area of Southeast Asia is an excellent place to go to.
founded 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 attacked the South, causing the Korean War until the 2 sides signed a truce in 1953. Both the North and the South have similar, long-time practices, but South Korea has changed into a modern, global industrial 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 million live in and around the capital and biggest city of Seoul. The land area is 38,463 square miles, a touch bigger than the state of Indiana. The climate of the area is extraordinarily mild all year and residents enjoy all four seasons. The landscape of Korea is generally mountainous and covered with lush forests in the agricultural areas, but you may find rice fields, the country?s staple crop, in numerous of the valleys.
Top Attractions
Many attractions in the country are certain to lure a spread of travelers. One of the most famous is Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul. While the situation of the palace is over six hundred years of age, 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 architecture, and enjoys a large number of visitors annually.
Those intrigued by the history and culture of the country should also take a look at the Korean folks village 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 have interaction with residents as you encounter them in normal Korean dress, but don’t be conned. These people are not hired actors. Lots of the residents of the village essentially 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 red North. Here you may witness rhetoric from each side of the border. See what the North wants visitors to see as a stable, booming economy, complete with complicated buildings and highways, but in actuality is a slow, repressed society, as shown by the South. Many South Koreans have family and friends 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 to dictatorial rule will open up the border once more.
On South Koreas west coast, in the city of Incheon, you may 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 in the Korean War. There are a selection of amusements and maritime attractions in the vicinity for visitors to enjoy.
Some holidays that visitors should consider in their itinerary include the Chunhyang festival, the Nankye normal Music festival, and the party of Buddhas birthday. The Chunhyang festival occurs annually in Namwon. Chunyang is the Korean equivalent of the story of Romeo and Juliet. Many visitors come to this festival in the beginning of May to experience Korean dance, music, and parades. The Miss Chunyang pageant is held on the last day of the festival. The Nankye Traditional Music holiday is a party of Nankye, a Korean composer who is said 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 temples hold holidays and parades on this vacation that’s celebrated by many Koreans, without regard for faith.
Culinary pleasures
While traveling in South Korea, visitors can enjoy a spread 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 conventional Korean dish that consists of drenched slices of meat with rice and veggies that is then wrapped in a leaf of lettuce. Together with rice, another basic food of Korean culture is kimchi. This side plate is often served with every meal. Kimchi is a mix of fermented veggies, usually cabbage, and is especially hot and spicy. Since it is eaten regularly, there are many variations of kimchi to select from. 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 cannot handle spicy foods, there’s usually a McDonalds or a KFC around the corner.
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Tags: delicacies, delights, Seoul, South Korea