Snuggled between the states 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 a fabulous place to go to.
founded in 1948 when it separated from its sister country, North Korea, the Republic of Korea became a democratic state at the end of WW2. 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, 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 little larger than the state of Indiana. The climate of the region is very mild all year and residents enjoy all 4 seasons. The landscape of Korea is typically mountainous and covered with lush forests in the rural areas, but you can also find rice fields, the country?s staple crop, in numerous of the valleys.
Top Attractions
Many attractions in the country are sure to lure a selection of travelers. One of the most renowned is Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul. While the positioning of the palace is over six hundred years of age, the buildings had been rebuilt a number of times due to invasions and antagonistic 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 large number of visitors yearly.
Those intrigued by the history and culture of the country should also try the Korean folks 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 village. Observe and have interaction with residents as you encounter them in normal Korean dress, but do not be fooled. These folks are not hired actors. Lots of the residents of the town basically 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 will 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 sluggish, repressed society, as shown by the South. Many South Koreans have family and friends 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, a cap on 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 memorial to General Douglas MacArthurs combat operation that led on to the liberation of Seoul in the Korean War. There also are a spread of amusements and maritime attractions in the area for visitors to enjoy.
Some holidays that visitors should consider in their itinerary include the Chunhyang holiday, the Nankye normal Music festival, and the celebration 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 festival at the start of May to experience Korean dance, music, and parades. The Miss Chunyang competition is held on the final day of the festival. The Nankye Traditional Music festival is a celebration 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 wholly original to Korean culture. This event is held annually in Yongdong in Sep. The celebration of Buddhas birthday is held in May all over the country. Many Buddhist churches hold festivals and parades on this holiday that’s celebrated by many Koreans, without reference to faith.
Culinary pleasures
While traveling in South Korea, visitors can enjoy a spread of culinary pleasures. Most dishes are spicier than most Western palates are used to, however. The favorite of most travelers is pulgogi. This is a conventional Korean dish that consists of marinated slices of meat with rice and veggies that is then wrapped in a leaf of lettuce. Along with rice, another basic foods of Korean culture is kimchi. This side plate is often served with every meal. Kimchi is a mixture of fermented plants, generally cabbage, and is especially hot and spicy. Since it is eaten regularly, there are many variations of kimchi to choose between. For those less adventuresome, many Western eateries have made their way to Seoul and surrounding cities, so those who need to experience the culture but can’t handle spicy foods, there’s sometimes a McDonalds or a KFC round the corner.
Where do you want to travel in the world? For an idea of where to go on your next vacation, visit famouswonders.com. While you are on the site, also take a look at Sokkuram facts.
Tags: delicacies, delights, Seoul, South Korea