South Korea does not have an impressive size on the map of East Asia, but it attracts the attention of tourists from all over the world with its diversity: within its 9 provinces, unique treasures are hidden. Centuries-old Buddhist sanctuaries and majestic palaces, which keep centuries-old secrets, coexist here with cityscapes dominated by glass skyscrapers. What exactly are the things to visit when you arrive in Korea?
Genbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung, also known as the "Palace Blessed by Heaven", is considered the oldest royal residence and the hallmark of the capital of South Korea. This majestic complex appeared in the 14th century during the Joseon Dynasty and has undergone more than one rebuilding and restoration after fires. It includes a ceremonial throne room where Korean monarchs met with foreign envoys, an observation tower, and a number of pavilions. The National Palace Museum of Korea is also located on the territory of the palace, offering visitors unique exhibits: from royal jewelry to clothes and cars. Many tourists come here to watch the changing of the guard, which takes place twice a day: at 10 a.m. and at 2 p.m.
Changdeokgung Palace
Changdeokgung, the former summer residence of the royal family of the Joseon Dynasty, is known for its magnificent architecture and picturesque surroundings. The heart of the complex is the Huwon Secret Garden, a place where the royal family enjoyed relaxing, strolling through gazebos and practicing archery.
This corner of nature is open to the public exclusively as part of excursions.
The garden is home to several picturesque ponds, and the "Jade Stream" of Onnyuchon flows with elegant pavilions: it was here that the king used to hold examinations for officials, adding historical significance to the natural beauty of the place.
Jongmyo Temple
Jongmyo Temple, located in South Korea, is the oldest Confucian temple in the country, whose history dates back to the late 14th century, the era of the Joseon Dynasty's ascension to the throne. This temple complex has undergone many restorations after various disasters. Locals call it a sacred place where the souls of ancestors reside, protecting their descendants, and the temple itself houses memorial plaques with the names of Korean monarchs. The complex includes two main halls: Jeongjeong, a place where funeral ceremonies are held, and Yeongnyeongjeong, the Hall of Eternal Rest.
Namisom Island
Namisom Island has become an iconic place on the Korean Peninsula since the creation of the Cheongpyeong Dam – this unique recreation park, which covers an area of 4 square kilometers, has become a kind of state within a state, even having its own flag, anthem and currency. Namisom abounds in beautiful landscapes, including alleys with a variety of tree species, ponds, numerous sculpture galleries and art objects, and there are play areas for younger visitors to the island almost everywhere.
Adventure lovers can get their adrenaline pumping by flying on a zipline, which is considered one of the longest in Asia - its length is almost a kilometer, and the duration of the flight reaches four minutes!
Seoraksan National Park
When traveling in South Korea, Seoraksa National Park is a must-visit – this park is considered one of the most striking natural attractions of the peninsula and offers delightful scenery of mountain peaks, gorges, waterfalls and majestic cliffs. Visitors have access to routes of varying degrees of difficulty, among which the path to the ruins of the ancient fortress of Kwongeumseong, located on the top of Mount Tolsan, is especially popular: from this point there are breathtaking views of sunsets that are impossible to forget. The most iconic point of the park, according to locals, is one of the oldest Zen Buddhist places, the Sinheungsa Temple with a 15-meter Buddha statue.
Hahoe Village
Hahoe Village is a must-see for those seeking to learn more about Korean culture, enjoy walks along the river, and explore the scenic mountain trails. Several times a week, there are free performances using traditional masks, and every autumn participants of the traditional dance festival flock here.
Hyedong Yonggunsa Temple
Hyedong Yonggunsa Temple is a majestic symbol of Busan, South Korea's second-largest city: known as the Temple of 108 Steps, it offers visitors a unique path to the top of the hill by climbing exactly that many steps. On the way to the top, you can come across statues of Buddha, mythical creatures, dragons and zodiac symbols, each of which has a special meaning.
National Museum of Korea in Seoul
This complex occupies one of the first places among the world's museums in terms of scale and attendance - it stores more than half a million artifacts created in the period from ancient times to the beginning of the 20th century. For those who want to be alone and immerse themselves in contemplation, the complex offers a Room of Quiet Contemplation, and you can end the visit with a walk through the picturesque Yongsan Park, where there is a free museum of Korean writing, revealing the secrets and beauty of the national script.
Deoksugung Palace Complex
The Deoksugung Palace Complex in Seoul has become a unique example of the combination of traditional Korean architecture and elements of Western style, which has made it the most compact among the five royal palaces of the capital. In its eastern part, there is an exposition dedicated to palace treasures, and the western part of the building is reserved for a branch of the National Center for Contemporary Art.
Bulgux Temple
Bulguksa Temple, the main temple of the Choge Order, is an important religious center founded more than 1,000 years ago. The temple includes the stone pagodas of Tabothap and Seokkathap, the Cheonggung Bridge, and two bronze Buddha statues, which are recognized as national treasures of Korea and included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Korean National Village
The small town of Yongin is home to the Korean National Village, which offers a unique opportunity to learn about the traditions and culture of the Korean people – this open-air ethnographic museum recreates the life of different classes of Korean society, from peasants to nobility. A visit to the village promises an informative journey into the past, complemented by exhibits telling about the life and culture of Koreans.
