South Korea is located in East Asia and neighbors North Korea. This country in the Korean Peninsula has plenty to offer apart from the renowned demilitarized zone. South Korea has very beautiful natural scenery, unique landscapes and ancient structures. There are also plenty of fun activities to do in South Korea. Seoul is the capital city of South Korea.
Changdeokgung Palace
This palace is listed as UNESCO world heritage site. This palace was the home to the dynasty kings for more than 200 years. It is the only palace in South Korea that has housed and served the dynasty kings for a long time when compared to other palaces in the country. You will be impressed by how Changdeokgung palace is still intact over the years. Most of the features inside the palace are original. You will be impressed by how Changdeokgung palace blends with the surrounding nature and landscape.
The garden is one of the highlights inside the palace you shouldn’t miss out. This garden has adopted the Korean design, making it unique. You will also appreciate the natural beauty of this garden once you set your eyes on it. The royal infirmary at the entry of the palace has been restored. You should also check out the architectural design of this famous palace.
Winter Sports in South Korea
South Korea has four seasons. Each season presents something fun to do. Well; winter has plenty to offer. The frosty mountains and landscapes permit different kinds of winter sports games. Hiking is one of the fun activities you can try out in different parts of the country. The mountainous landscapes offer different hiking challenges. Look for a hiking trail in South Korea you can comfortably accomplish, depending on your hiking skills. Ice skating is another fun activity you can try out in winter. This is one of the common winter sports among the local people. Additionally, you can easily learn this fun activity.
There are plenty of Skiing resorts on different parts of the country. Therefore, look for a perfect ski resort near you and try out skiing. These resorts provide all the gears needed for skiing at a small fee. Snowboarding is another winter sport you cannot miss out while in South Korea.
Boryeong Mud Festival
South Korea is well known for its festivals on different parts of the year. Boryeong mud festival is one of the festivals you should attend while in South Korea. This festival has gained international recognition. People travel from different parts of the globe to attend this event. Boryeong mud festival is all about having fun on the mud. This mud festival is mostly held in July. You will participate in plenty of fun activities while attending this festival. Such activities include mud swimming, mud sliding and mud wrestling.
That’s not all; you will also learn about the minerals found in mud around Boryeong region. These minerals range from bentonite and germanium. These minerals benefit the skin in numerous ways. Boryeong mud festival extends from Boryeong downtown up to the Daecheon beach. The challenges and adventures on this festival keep on changing. Therefore, expect new adventure every time you attend this marvelous festival.
Hwaseong Haenggung Palace
Hwaseong Haenggung palace was built on slopes of a hill. You will hear how this 18th century palace was destroyed during the Japanese rule. It was restored and opened back to the public in the year 2003. The architectural design of Hwaseong Haenggung palace reveals it was built in another period. People visit this palace throughout the year. Commence your tour around Hwaseong Haenggung palace by visiting the exhibition hall. The 3D theater is another attraction site in the palace you shouldn’t miss out. This palace is lively in March and November each year. You will see some martial arts and guard changing ceremony. There is also a section of the palace where you write down your wishes and hang it on the sacred tree. This custom has been practiced since time in memorial. Hwaseong Haenggung palace also offers a perfect background for taking pictures.
Jeju Olle Trail 1
Anyone who wants a taste of outdoor activities and adventure must visit Jeju Olle Trail 1. There are different trails to choose from. This guarantees you different challenge. Jeju Olle Trail 1 is a perfect getaway for people who want to get away from the busy city life. Here, you will taste rural life in South Korea. You will also be amazed by the surrounding nature and landscape as you transverse this trail. This trail takes roughly five hours to complete. You will pass through farm plots, cows and horses. Jeju Olle trail 1 also offers a perfect view of the seaside. Furthermore, the public transport easily directs you to this trail. You will definitely have an amazing time on Jeju Olle trail 1.
Jeonju Hanok Village
Visit Jeonju Hanok village for an insight of the South Korean traditional way of life. This village has over 800 traditional homes, made of wood. Every structure in Jeonju Hanok village is made using woods. That is cafes, restaurants and guesthouses. You will also see shops selling the traditional clothing. Ensure, you grab some souvenirs to remind you of this tourist location. That’s not all; Jeonju Hanok village also has cobblestone lanes. You should also head to Jaman village while in Jeonju Hanok village. Jaman village is renowned for its unique street art. Don’t leave this location without admiring the surrounding vegetation and landscapes. Book your trip to Jeonju Hanok village in advance because it is visited all year round.
Gwangjang Market
You cannot leave South Korea without visiting the famous Gwangjang market. This market mostly deals with local products such as hand made goods, linen beddings and silk goods. Products found in this market are rare to find in other parts of the country. You will also hear how this market has been operational for more than 100 years. Gwangjang market was established to help restore the Korean culture after the end of the Japanese occupation. This market is permanent and fully functional throughout the week. Currently, beddings and home furnishing are also sold in this market. Prices around Gwangjang market are not fixed. It all depends on the bargaining power of a person. That’s not all; Gwangjang market also contains different street food. Make an effort of trying different Korean street foods.
Busan
Busan is one of the most visited cities after Seoul. This city is situated next to the sea. It also has plenty of mountains. This offers plenty of things to do in this city. Above all; Busan has a very rich history, culture and attractive sites. The United Nations Memorial cemetery is one of the sites you should visit. This memorial site was established in honor of people who lost their lives during the Korean War. It is estimated there are over 2,000 graves on this memorial site. British Commonwealth monument, Greek monument, Turkish monument and Australian monument are other sites located within the United Nations Memorial cemetery.
Move on to Gamcheon culture village while in Busan. This village contains different kind artwork, paintings and graffiti. The arts around Gamcheon culture village set a perfect background for taking pictures. There is also a mountain next to the village. Climb on top of the mountain for a perfect view of the artwork throughout the village. Haedong Yonggung temple is another attraction in Busan you cannot miss out. This temple offers a stunning view of the sea. It is also a significant religious site. Street foods are also displayed on the path leading to the temple. Sausage, beondegi and hotteok are some street foods you will see.
You cannot miss out Gwangan Bridge while in Busan city. This is the largest bridge in South Korea. The light effects on this bridge at night make it a top attraction in the country. There also restaurants and street foods along the bridge. Visit Haeundae beach for some relaxing and quiet time. You will find high class hotels and intact nature in Haeundae beach. View the unspoiled coastline and the white sand. There are also some fun water activities you can engage in. Swimming is one of the activities.
Dongbaekseom Island is also located in Busan. It also offers a stunning view of the city and the ocean. The nature on Dongbaekseom Island is impressive. South Korea is known for its diverse meals. Visit Jagalchi market for some delicious seafood. This market is renowned for maintaining local culture in terms of seafood. Mussels, crab, squid, oyster and octopus are some meals you will see on this market. SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium is among the sites you should check out. Here, you will see different kinds of sea creatures. This Aquarium is categorized in different themes.
Busan museum should be your next tour. This museum contains diverse information about the Korean history such as World war two and the Japanese occupation. You will also see ancient artifacts inside the museum.
Bulguk-sa Temple
Bulguk Sa temple has a Silla architectural look. This is the reason it is famous and one of the leading attraction sites in South Korea. Most of the temple is restored. However, the original architectural design has been maintained. You will also hear different myths behind the establishment of Bulguk Sa temple. Walk through the paths leading to the temple. The paths offer a stunning view of the green sceneries and the water bodies. There are also different statues on different points of the temple. The stairways look unique because they were rebuilt using original stones. Go on and check out the interior design of Bulguk Sa temple.
Guin-sa Temple
Guin Sa temple is listed among the beautiful temples in South Korea. Its general architectural design is appealing to the eye. Guin Sa temple also rests in Sobaek mountains. You will be amazed by the nature as you walk through the mountains and jaw breaking trails. Guin Sa temple is visible from a distance. It is estimated to be six floors tall. This temple is full of symbolic elements and paintings. Climb on top of Guin Sa temple for a stunning view of the surrounding environment. You can request a tour guide through this six floor tall temple. The environment is also favorable for taking pictures.
Hahoe Folk Village
Are you tired of the busy city life in South Korea? If yes, spend some few days in Hahoe folk village. Here, you will have a taste of the rural life in this country. Hahoe folk village is also situated on the shores of a river. There is a sandy beach on the beach. People who love admiring nature can visit the pine forest. More so, check out the traditionally made hanok houses. These houses have thatched roofs. Hahoe folk village is also the best place to experience the Korean culture. The famous Korean mask dancing is one of the ways of experiencing the culture.
There are plenty hanoks in the village. Take some pictures around next to the hanoks. The surrounding environment also offers a perfect background for pictures. You should also climb on top of Buyongdae cliff. Don’t forget a souvenir while in Hahoe folk village.
Cheong-gye-cheon Stream
Visit Cheong-gye-Cheon stream while in Seoul. This stream extends roughly 11 kilometers long. This stream was restored and given an urban look immediately after the Korean War. Cheong-gye-Cheon stream offers a perfect background for taking pictures. This stream comes to life at night because of the lighting. Ensure you visit Cheong-gye-Cheon museum while in Seoul. This museum helps you understand different things about Cheong-gye-Cheon stream. Tour inside Cheong-gye-Cheon museum is free.
Demilitarized Zone of South Korea
The Demilitarized zone is the leading attraction in the Korean peninsula. This zone demarcates South Korea from North Korea. The demilitarized zone was established after the Korean War that lasted 1950 to 1953. There is also plenty of nature to see in the demilitarized zone. Han River is also visible from the demilitarized zone of South Korea. There are also different bird, wild animals and fish species. Lynxes and black bears are some wild animals you will see in the demilitarized zone of South Korea.
South Korea is a hidden gem in the Korean peninsula. Make an effort of visiting South Korea for some memorable and breathtaking adventure.
