More to know about SOUTH KOREA - Tourism

 Tourism in Korea

Approximately ten million international travelers visit Korea every year. With its long history in culture and tradition, the country has a lot to offer to travelers. Major international airports of Korea are in Incheon, Gimhae and Jeju. Among them, Incheon International Airport is the largest airport in South Korea and accommodating up to 72 millions yearly.

·        Seoul

Seoul is an important part of Korea’s cultural heritage and the most popular destination among overseas visitors to Korea. With more than 2,000 years of history behind it, Seoul has seen the transition from the Joseon Dynasty (when Seoul was called “Hanyang”) to the colonial era (when it was “Kyungsung”) to the Republic of Korea. Seoul has been the capital of Korea for over 600 years.

 

Gyeongbokgung Palace

 Changdeokgung Palace

There are many royal palaces in Seoul. The best two are Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace. Gyeongbokgung Palace is located at the foot of Bugaksan, the mountain overlooking downtown Seoul. This was the principal Royal Palace for about 200 years from its construction in 1395, just three years after the foundation of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). Changdeokgung Palace was built in the 5th year of King Taejong’s reign (1405), the third king of the Joseon Dynasty, to serve as a secondary palace. It was the principal palace for many kings, and is most well-preserved of the five remaining royal Joseon palaces. Changdeokgung Palace was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site by the UNESCO

The National Museum of Korea is the largest museum in Korea and houses precious Korean cultural and historical assets. More than 12,044 pieces are always on display in its 6 permanent exhibition sections, including Pensive Bodhisattva, also called “Gilt-bronze Pensive Bodhisattva with Lotus Crown.” (Korean National Treasure No. 83), Goryeo Celadon Openwork Burner (No. 95), Ten-Story Pagoda from Gyeongcheonsa Temple-Site (No. 86), and Gold Crown from Silla (No.191).

N Seoul Tower is one of Seoul’s most popular attractions where visitors can enjoy exceptional panoramic views of Seoul and, weather permitting, Incheon and the West Sea coast, as well as a historic beacon fire station used for long-distance communications during the Joseon Period (1392-1910).

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) is world’s largest 3-dimensional amorphous architectural structure. Seoul Sky at Lotte World Tower is the 3rd highest glass bottom observatory in the world. It is located within the Lotte World Tower which is the tallest building in Korea and the 5th tallest in the world. Most energetic at night, Hongdae is known for its cafes, clubs, fashion, underground music and art festivals.

Cheongwadae Sarangchae is a comprehensive tourist promotion center designed to enable visitors to understand the history of former Korean presidents and Korea’s traditional culture. The first floor consists of the Korean Tourism Exhibit Hall, Souvenir Shop and Lounge, while the 2nd floor consists of Cheongwadae Hall and Public Communication Experience Hall.

Insa-dong is a district in downtown Seoul packed with antique shops, rare booksellers, art galleries, scroll mounters, craft workshops, brush shops, traditional teahouses, restaurants and bars that provide tourists with ample opportunities for an exciting cultural experience. The Seoul Metropolitan Government designated Insa- dong as a District of Traditional Culture in 1988 and turns it into a car-free zone every weekend to create a more comfortable environment for visitors.

Myeong-dong has long been the busiest and most thriving shopping district in Korea where high-end shops and luxurious boutiques attract shoppers with luxury goods, brand garments, cosmetics, shoes, fashion accessories and souvenirs. The district has also been the national hub of finance, culture and commerce since the Korean War. Many of the world’s top fashion brands have stores here. The district also contains Myeongdong Cathedral, established in 1898 and a central figure to all Korean Catholics, and the historic Chinese Embassy.

Cheonggyecheon, a historic stream cutting across the heart of Seoul, was restored and remodeled a few years ago and quickly emerged as one Seoul’s top attractions. Itaewon, located south of Namsan Mountain in the heart of Seoul, is one of the most popular tourist destinations, particularly for shopping, fun and thrills, and a distinctly cosmopolitan atmosphere.

·        Gyeonggi

Gyeonggi or Gyeonggi-do(province) is neighbouring region of Seoul and good place for one day trip. Suwon Hwaseong Fortress is a landmark UNESCO site in Korea, known as the masterpiece of the Joseon Dynasty and one of the finest Asian fortresses. Korean Folk Village is where you can go back to the past and experience Korean traditional life; traditional homes of commoners and noblemen are reproduced in the Village.

·        Busan

Busan, the second largest city in Korea, has approximately 3.5 million residents, and is located on the southeastern tip of the Korean peninsula. Gamcheon Cultural Village is one of the best Instagram spots in South Korea! This village, with its rows of terraced houses standing along the mountainside, is referred to as the Machu Picchu of Korea. Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is not just a holy site but also one of the most scenic spots in Korea alongside the shoreline of Busan.

·        Jeju

Jeju, Korea’s largest island is the first special self-governing province of South Korea and a world- renowned volcanic island. Jeju was named a national biosphere conservation area in 2002, a World Natural Heritage in 2007, and a 2010 World Geological Park Certification. It is the only area in the world to hold all of these titles at the same time. In addition, Jeju has all the themes of the world's natural landscape (Islands, volcanoes, waterfalls, beaches, national parks, caves and forests)

·        Others

The cessation of the Korean War in 1953, following the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement, led to the creation of the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) and the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), which is 250km long and approximately 4km wide, i.e. 2km on the South’s side and another 2km on the North’s. On the western part of the DMZ there is a farming village called Daeseongdong, better known as “Freedom Village” among South Koreans. The western part of the DMZ also contains the Panmunjeom where the 1953 Korean Armistice Agreement was signed. It is now known as the Joint Security Area (JSA). The prohibition of public access to the DMZ for the last 60 years has helped maintain the environment in pristine condition, a quality for which in recent times it has attracted the interest of scientists and conservationists the world over.

Gyeongju, also called the Millennium Capital, in Gyeongsangbuk-do was once the capital of the ancient Korean Kingdom of Silla for about one millennium. The city was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, under the name of the Gyeongju Historic Areas, in 2000. Tangible evidences of Silla’s cultural glory include Bulguksa Temple, founded to represent the ideal world of Buddhism, Seokguram, a man-made grotto admired for its unique architectural structure and outstanding sculptural works, and Cheomseongdae, which is regarded as Asia’s oldest extant-astronomical observatory.’

Know More Information related to South Korea

Click the Link below:

1. About South Korea

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2. Culture of South Korea

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3. Tradition and Holidays of Korea

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4. Relation between India and Korea

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5. Tourism in Korea

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6. Korean Language

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7. Conclusion

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