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 Far East is an excellent place to go to.
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 attacked the South, causing the Korean War until the two sides signed an armistice in 1953. Both the North and the South have similar, entrenched practices, but South Korea has turned into a modern, world industrial 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 million live in and round the capital and largest city of Seoul. The land area is 38,463 square miles, slightly bigger than the state of Indiana. The climate of the region is extraordinarily mild year-long and residents enjoy all 4 seasons. The landscape of Korea is generally mountainous and covered with lush forests in the agricultural areas, but you may also 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 famed is Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul. While the location of the palace is over six hundred years old, the particular 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 big number of visitors annually.
Those intrigued by the history and culture of the country should also take a look at the Korean people village located near Seoul. See what life was like for Koreans in the Chosun period ( from the 1700s up until 1910 ) in this 243-acre town. Observe and have interaction with residents as you come across them in standard Korean dress, but do not be fooled. These folks are not hired actors. Plenty of the residents of the hamlet 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 area, 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 each side of the border. See what the North wants visitors to see as a stable, booming economy, complete with elaborate buildings and roads, but in reality 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 again.
On South Koreas west coast, in the town of Incheon, you may visit the Incheon Landing Operation memorial Hall. This site is a commemorative to General Douglas MacArthurs combat operation that led to the liberation of Seoul during the Korean War. There are a spread of entertainments and maritime attractions in the vicinity for visitors to enjoy.
Some festivals that visitors should consider in their itinerary include the Chunhyang festival, the Nankye Traditional Music festival, and the celebration 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 holiday at the start 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 party 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 celebration of Buddhas birthday is held in May all over the country. Many Buddhist churches hold festivals and parades on this holiday that is celebrated by many Koreans, regardless of religion.
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 traditional 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 staple food of Korean culture is kimchi. This side dish is usually served with every meal. Kimchi is a mix of fermented vegetables, usually cabbage, and is especially hot and spicy. Since it is eaten regularly, there are several 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 can’t handle spicy foods, there’s customarily a McDonalds or a KFC around the corner.
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Tags: delicacies, delights, Seoul, South Korea