Discover South Korea
"As a "Land of the Morning Calm", reserved and authentic, South Korea is beginning to open up to foreign tourism. Temples of ancient civilizations, national parks, Seoul and its royal palaces, shopping or beaches, there will be plenty to do during your stay in South Korea. Fasten your seat belts, take off immediately!
South Korea is an East Asian country, 1000 km long, surrounded by the Yellow Sea to the west, the Southwest China Sea to the southeast, and that of Japan to the east, making a total of 413 km of coastline! In the north is the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Seoul, the capital, and Pusan, are the cities most frequented by this population of nearly 50 million inhabitants. Not far from three quarters of the country are occupied by mountains (Mount Jiri peaks at 1915 meters), which also has plains, beaches, as well as 3000 islands!
Between the pleasant national park of the Seorak Mountains, or Namdaemun with its markets and its monumental entrance gate, Tongdaemun and its department stores, Pusan and its many animations, Gyeongyu the ancient capital of the Sillan dynasty with its remains of palaces and tombs, and nearby the temple of Bulguksa or that of Haiensa in the south, Seoul with its palaces, the beaches of Samcheck, the island of Ulleungdo (remains of an extinct underwater volcano) and its impressive cliffs... We could continue to list the reasons for flying to South Korea. But what will you choose to see?
Spring and autumn are short, cool and sunny seasons. The autumn season and its many colours is undoubtedly the best time to visit South Korea. In spring, precipitation is not rare. Summers are hot and humid with temperatures climbing to 35° and much precipitation between June and August (July especially). Winters are cold and windy (with a Siberian wind...) and temperatures can drop to ten degrees below zero. Think about your little wool if you choose the intermediate seasons because the evenings remain cool.
Religion is predominantly Buddhist. It is possible to stay in the "temples stay" in order to discover this very exciting spirituality from within. Other religions coexist such as shamanism and Confucianism. Korea remains a land of traditions. Here, young people respond to their elders without asking questions, because the elderly are generally respected and listened to. When they die, their spirit stays with the family for four generations. Women are not named after their husbands. The names are almost always composed of one syllable while the first name has two....
Koreans are sometimes called "Latin of the Far East" because they are smiling and warm. If you stay in town, you'll see the kids having fun at karaoke, will you join them? You can enjoy the numerous shopping malls, which the Koreans, in full economic expansion, love. If you like peace and quiet, take refuge in the many parks or visit the volcanic island and the Jeju lava tunnel. Want to know the typical villages? The villages of Hahoe and Yangdong, founded in the 14th and 15th centuries, will meet your expectations. Don't worry, there'll be plenty for everyone!
South Korea is easily accessible and hides many treasures. Venture into Seoul's quivering anthill with its 10 million inhabitants, explore the richness of a still miraculously preserved nature, discover the diverse and majestic mountain landscapes where monasteries like the one on Jeju-do Island sometimes hide. Take the time to prepare your stay in order to make the most of this paradisiacal place where culture and high-tech meet idleness and traditions.
Art and culture in South Korea
Between China and Japan, Korea has kept its identity as best as it can. The Silk Road allowed many exchanges with the Arabs who stayed there for its beauty... and for its gold. Its separation from North Korea only dates from the early 20th century and remains a very thorny subject. It is indeed unwise to tackle political unrest if we do not master a minimum of the country's history. Arts such as painting tells his story. Pottery, martial arts, ceramics, dance, this culture will not cease to surprise you if you book a hotel in South Korea.
What to visit in South Korea
Seoul is of course THE city not to be missed, with its museums, shops and palaces. But the country is full of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Architecture with the Changdeokgung Palace Complex, Hwaseong Fortress, Seokguram Cave and Bulguksale Temple, Jongmyole Shrine, Haeinsa Janggyeong Panjeon Temple, and Tripitaka Koreana Tablet Depots. History with the historic areas of Gyeongju, the royal tombs of the Joseon dynasty, the historic villages of Hahoe and Yangdong that have already been mentioned, or the dolmens of Gochang, Hwasun and Ganghwa.
When we talk about South Korea, Seoul and the border with North Korea are very often the two images that come to mind. But this country is not just about those two places. He has many more to offer. There are so many of them that we have selected for you the 10 most must-see places in South Korea.
1. Seoul
The capital of South Korea, Seoul, is a modern and very flourishing city. It houses the headquarters of its Korean giants like Samsung, LG, Kia or Hyundai that we all know today. Despite its modernity, Seoul still retains many traces of the past and there are many places to visit. Devote at least 2 days to it to see the essential. We have made a selection here of the "10 must-see places in Seoul".
2. The DMZ
The DMZ is the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea. It is possible to go there and visit some sites like the tunnels dug by the North Koreans, the observation point on North Korea, remains of wars between the two countries,... It is very touristic and as it is very controlled, only group visits are allowed. In the afternoon (you have to book 48 in advance) is dedicated the visit of Camp Bonifas which is located on the border between North and South. So you can set foot in North Korea for a few minutes. Here is the complete account of this experience here: "Setting foot in North Korea".
3. Seoraksan National Park
Seoraksan National Park is very popular with Koreans, especially in the fall when the leaves are yellow and red. The main entrance to the park is on the Sokcho side. The hikes are numerous and the landscapes splendid. Don't miss the Yukdam and Biryeong waterfalls, Sinheungsa temple and Gyejo hermitage.
4. Busan
Busan is the second largest city in the country with almost 4 million inhabitants. Do not miss its beautiful beaches like Haundae which is certainly one of the most famous in Korea. Visit the temples of Beonmeo-sa and Seokbul-sa and the Geumjeong fortress. Finally, make a jump to the biggest fish market in the country and stroll between the stands!
5. Jeju-Do Island
In the south of Korea is the island of Jeju-Do, which offers beautiful landscapes. It is a little bit their own Corsica and it is the opportunity to make beautiful hikes. Start with a walk in Hallasan National Park (climb the summit of the same name), then hike Seongsan Peak and explore the Geomunoreum lava tubes. The fine sandy beaches are a must, as are the Jeju Olle trails. To devote 3 days to it seems a minimum when one knows the richness of this island.
6. Hwaseong Fortress
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this fortress is one of the architectural jewels of the Joseon dynasty. As Korea's official tourism website indicates, this fortress is well preserved and seems to be one of the best designed in the world.
7. The mud festival in Boryeong
The Boreyong Mud Festival takes place every year in July and attracts a crazy world. He's so popular you won't just see Koreans there! If you don't have the chance to participate in this festival, go to the skin care center to enjoy this mud! The entrance for men and women is separate.
8. The city of Jeonju
The city of Jeonju is one of the ancient capitals of the country in the IX century. That is why you will find there a lot of historical sites and in particular a unique village within it. <NE do not miss sites like Geoggijeon Sanctuary, Confucian School, Hanbyeokdang Pavilion, Pungnaummun Gate,... Stay in a traditional house is also a good way to immerse yourself in Korean culture.
9. Gyeongju National Park and Seokguram Caves
Gyeongju is a city located in the southeast of the country which has a national park rich in cultural treasure since it contains vestiges of a kingdom of a century BC. The park is huge. Do not miss on Mount Tohamsan the caves of Seokguram which houses magnificent Buddha statues. This site is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
10. The traditional village of Hahoe
This traditional village, which is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a magnificent architectural setting. The plus of this village is that it is really inhabited by Koreans, unlike other villages dedicated to tourism.
Gastronomic specialities in South Korea
Soups and small dishes (or banchan) in which one picks as the meal accompanies the dishes. But the traditional accompaniment remains Kimchi. Originally it was a process of preserving vegetables, which were prepared with several other ingredients, often chilli. Everything was then put in a pot of soil to provoke fermentation. The most common vegetables are cabbage, but also turnips, cucumbers and giant radishes. Meat (especially beef and pork) and fish are decorated with soya, garlic, ginger, seaweed or sesame.
