South Korea may be well renowned for the influential pop culture and K-pop together with their fashion trends of the youth, yet it is a calming, scenic destination steeped in rich history and culture.
South Koreans maintain their traditions which leads to the vast availability of Korean Dance and Musical performances and many traditional Hanok house neighborhoods to be explored. Within these neighborhoods are many teahouses where one can take a slow moment to sip through their array of teas. Right around the corner from these Hanok neighborhoods, are new futuristic buildings including the world’s 5th largest skyscraper.
The true city experience is not limited to the largest city, Seoul, but can be spread over the other city options such as Busan and Jeojun.
Visitors to South Korea will find many untouched countryside and rural villages too. This is largely due to the country being less visited than its highly populated neighbors, China and Japan, and allows for peaceful holiday time. To further a peaceful experience, you can spend one-to-twos days living like a Buddhist Monk on one of their temple-stay programs. Quiet time and majestic scenery are further enjoyed at one of South Korea's 22 National Parks. Hiking the mountains or simply view them from afar, there are many to choose from.
The thought of a beach holiday may not be synonymous with South Korea. However, due to it being a peninsula, it offers many miles of coastline and stunning beaches. South Korea has many islands, with the biggest and most breathtaking being Jeju Island.
A visit to this traditional country will continue along the cultural path exploring many traditional temples and palaces, such as Gyeongbokgung Palace. "Museum without walls," better known as Gyeongju, exhibits many of these royal tombs, palaces, and temples dating back to 57 BC – 935 AD.
For the traveler, after performing fun and parades there is a vast selection of annual monthly festivals. Buddha's birthday is a major holiday in May including lantern performances and parades, while during fall one will be witness to ceremonies that celebrate the Korean version of Thanksgiving.
The unique flavorful cuisine that has developed in South Korea includes, but is not limited to, cultural stews, soups, meat dishes, and noodle dishes. On top of the list of sides are the fermented and salted vegetables, Kimchi. Due to the need to protect food during the harsh winter months, these are kept in jars for months on end.
All in all, South Korea includes exciting, peaceful, tasty, active, and calm experiences fit for the entire family or adult groups and couples alike while providing travel options throughout any of its amazing four seasons.
Comments