Nestled between the states of Japan and China is the lesser-known country of South Korea. Though sometimes overlooked as a destination spot in the region, this area of Southeast Far East is a wonderful place to go to.
set up in 1948 when it separated from its sister country, North Korea, the Republic of Korea turned into a democratic state at the end of WW2. 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 traditions, but South Korea has changed into a modern, global business leader that Western culture has heavily influenced over the last half-century.
South Korea is home to roughly 48 million people of whom about 12 million live in and round the capital and largest 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 very mild all year and residents enjoy all 4 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 several of the valleys.
Top Attractions
Many attractions in the country are sure 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 reconstructed a number of times due to invasions and antagonistic takeovers. The present buildings house both the national Museum of Korea and the national folks 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 fascinated by the history and culture of the country should also check out the Korean folk village found near Seoul. See what life was like for Koreans during the Chosun period ( from the 1700s up until 1910 ) in this 243-acre town. Observe and have interaction with residents as you encounter them in normal Korean dress, but do not be fooled. These folk are not employed 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 most well liked 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 red North. Here you may witness indoctrination from either side of the border. See what the North wants visitors to see as a stable, booming economy, complete with intricate buildings and highways, 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 had no contact with for over 50 years. Travel and communication between sides is proscribed and the hope is that, one day, an end to dictatorial rule will open up the border once again.
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 on to the liberation of Seoul in the Korean War. There are a selection of amusements and maritime attractions in the neighborhood for visitors to enjoy.
Some holidays that visitors should think about in their itinerary include the Chunhyang holiday, the Nankye conventional Music holiday, and the party of Buddhas birthday. The Chunhyang holiday occurs yearly in Namwon. Chunyang is the Korean equivalent of the story of Romeo and Juliet. Many visitors come to this holiday in 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 holiday is a celebration of Nankye, a Korean composer who is claimed to have created Chosun Dynasty Korean Music. This type of music is a beautiful ensemble of strings, winds and percussion that produce a sound wholly original 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 holiday that is celebrated by many Koreans, without reference to religion.
Culinary pleasures
While traveling in South Korea, visitors can enjoy a variety of culinary delights. Most dishes are spicier than most Western palates are used to, however. The favorite of most travelers is pulgogi. This is a traditional Korean dish that consists of soaked slices of meat with rice and veggies that is then wrapped up in a leaf of lettuce. With rice, another staple food of Korean culture is kimchi. This side dish is often served with every meal. Kimchi is a mixture of fermented plants, generally cabbage, and is particularly hot and spicy. Since it is eaten continually, there are several 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 want to experience the culture but cannot handle spicy foods, there’s sometimes a McDonalds or a KFC round the corner.
If you find this article useful, you may also visit famouswonders.com to read more about some of the best places to visit and have a look at Sokkuram.
Tags: delicacies, delights, Seoul, South Korea