South Korea Tour

Tourism in South Korea is one of the emerging features of the nation. The popularity of the various tourist spots in South Korea is growing higher day by day. Both domestic and international aspects of South Korea tourism have been given a boost of late with the growing popularity of Korean culture abroad. Although most of South Korean tourist industry however is supported by domestic tourism, international tourism in South Korea has also taken off in the past few years.

South Korea boasts of extensive network of trains and buses, which has actually helped South Korea tourism to grow over the years. Besides South Korea also has international airports in most of its major cities, which makes it easier for the South Korea tourism to sped along the length and breadth of the country. Most of international tourists in South Korea come for Japan, Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan along with some from the west as well. Tourist from South East Asia especially is on a rise due to the Korean Wave, which denotes the popularity of Korean Culture in these countries.

There are several tourist attractions in South Korea, most of which has a distinct feature of clubbing the old world with the new. Some of the major cities in South Korea which upholds South Korea tourism are Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Ulsan, Jeju, Sokcho, Suwon and Andong.

Sightseeing in South Korea involves the best of nature, cuisine, sports and culture in the nation. While some of the major historical South Korean tourist spots are situated in the ancient capitals of Seoul, Gyeongju and Buyeo, most of the natural landmarks can be sighted in Baekdudaegan like the Seorak-san and Jiri-san. The caves of Danyang and beaches of Haeundae and Mallipo are equally popular tourist attractions.

South Korea tourism also reaches its high during the festival season. Most of the local districts hold annual festivals which are attended by numerous foreign tourists. Some of them are Boryeong Mud Festival and Cheongdo Bulfighting Festival. Besides South Korea tourism got its latest boost from the 2002 soccer World Cup which was jointly hosted by Korea and Japan.

Major Historic Sites in South Korea

The Major Historic Sites in South Korea are emerging as the hot new destinations on the travel map of the global tourists who prefer to visit off-beat places rather than flocking to the run-of-the-mill places. There are many historic sites in South Korea which you can visit in order to know the history, culture and the people of the land in a more intimate way.

The vibrant spirit and strong cultural moorings set South Korea apart from its larger neighbors. Separated from Japan by the Sea of Japan and from China by the Yellow Sea, this small country of less than 50 million people is making it big when it comes to attracting visitors worldwide to its stunning natural beauty.

The history of Korea stretches from Lower Paleolithic times to the present. The earliest known Korean pottery dates to around 8000 BC and the Neolithic period began before 6000 BC followed by the Bronze Age around 2500 BC. According to the legend, the first dynasty of Gojoseon or the Old Joseon was established in 2333 BC and it finally expanded from the peninsula to much of Manchuria. By 3rd Century BC, it was in decline and eventually dismantled leaving behind a large number of successor states.

The Korean kingdoms maintained extreme rivalry with each other both in economical and military fields. The Goguryeo and Baekje were more powerful during much of the era defeating Chinese invasions several times, but, by the 7th century, Silla's power gradually rose across Korea and it eventually established the first unified state to cover the most of Korean peninsula by 676.

Remnants from the ancient ages of glory and splendor still stand. You can still see the relics of the royal palaces, courtyards, parks, gardens and ponds. There are imposing Buddha statues, academic institutions, pagodas and tombs which stand as history’s mute spectators reminding of the glorious past.

Anapji Pond in South Korea

Anapji is an artificial pond in Gyeongju National Park, Gyeongju, South Korea. Anapji means 'Goose and Duck Lake'. The pond is situated at the northeast edge of the Banwolseong palace site in central Gyeongju and it contains three small islands. It was part of the palace complex of ancient Silla (57 BCE - 935 CE).
It was originally constructed in February in 674 during the reign of Munmu, the 30th king of Silla. Munmu was the deserving successor of a dynasty with an illustrative history bearing the legacy of his royal family in an impressive fashion. His father, King Muyeol, unified the Korean peninsula in 668, masterminding the defeat of the Baekje and Goguryeo kingdoms which fell in 660 and 668 respectively.

Features of Anapji Pond in South Korea

- Today's Anapji Pond in South Korea is a mere echo of its original form with very little of the vegetation remaining and none of the original architecture existing. During Munmu's time, Anapji served as a resort garden verdant with rare plants and teeming with animals.
- To impress the Tang dynasty Chinese envoys, miniature models of the twelve famous peaks of China's Wushan Mountain were terraced around the lake. Envoys could relax in an atmosphere inspired by the scenery of their homeland.
- This pleasant and relaxing ambience of Anapji served often as a center of Silla diplomacy.
- The pavilion of Imhaejeon seated over one-thousand people and is probably the place where the surrender of Silla to Goryeo took place in 935.
- After the fall of Silla, the pond fell into disrepair and negligence for many centuries.
- Time has wrecked havoc on all the pavilions, but some of the original foundation stones are still visible by the lakeside.
- As part of the comprehensive Gyeongju valley archaeological study, the Korean government temporarily drained Anapji pond in 1972 revealing thousands of Silla artifacts that had fallen into the lake or were thrown in.
- The pond was dredged and re-built in 1974 as part of a general program of restoration and excavation of Gyeongju-area relics.
- Many of these were restored and relocated to the Gyeongju National Museum.
- The Donghae Nambu Line railroad was constructed along the edge of the pond in the early 20th century.

South Korea Overview

If you are planning for a vacation in South Korea, then it's worthwhile to chalk out your South Korea travel guide well in advance so that you are in for silken-smooth South Korea holidays. Your South Korea travel guide will ensure that you reap the most out of sightseeing in South Korea. The South Korea travel guide will also furnish you with handy South Korea tourism information like the South Korea provinces, South Korea currency, South Korea climate and all about South Korea communications.

A Comprehensive South Korea Overview

South Korea lies in the eastern part of Asia, more precisely on the southern fringe of the Korean Peninsula and covers an area of about 98,480 square kilometers. It is bordered by the Sea of Japan in the east, the Yellow Sea on the west and the South China Sea in the south. It is basically a mountainous country and this feature of South Korea geography contributes to its pleasant temperate climate.

According to the South Korea travel guide, South Korea population hovers somewhere around 49 million, with the lion's share of the populace concentrated in the north-western part of the country. Seoul, Busan, Incheon, Gwangju and Ulsan are some of the most populous cities of South Korea.

Won is the official currency of South Korea and one US Dollar will fetch you about 934 South Korea Won. An interesting feature to note in the South Korea travel guide is the facts and figures regarding South Korea economy and politics. South Korea has stabilized into a multi-party democratic system after a turbulent political past and the stability in the politics has seen the country making rapid strides in the economic sphere. South Korea is now the 11th largest economy in the world.

A handy tour guide to South Korea will provide you with extensive information regarding the South Korea popular destinations. Destinations that not only familiarize you with the history of South Korea and the culture of South Korea but are also places of breathtaking natural vistas. Your South Korea travel guide will also give you a hang of the vibrant scene of arts and crafts in South Korea.

A South Korea travel guide is your lodestar when you embark on your South Korea tours, ensuring that no facet of this wondrous country remains unknown to you.

Andong Icheondong in South Korea

Andong Icheondong in South Korea has become a famous tourist spot as one of the major historic sites. The awe-inspiring Buddha statue stands on an ancient path staring out over the mountains of the area at Jebiwon which was a rest place for travelers on their way to or from the Sobaek Mountains. The 2.43-meter-high head of granite Buddha rests on top of a 9.95-meter-high and 7.72-meter-wide stone outcropping engraved with the Buddha's body.

Features of Andong Icheondong in South Korea

- In the earliest days of Buddhism in Korea in the fourth and fifth centuries, the Maiterya Buddha was an inspiration and widely represented throughout the provinces.
- During the Goryeo Kingdom, these Maiterya or Mireuk Buddhas were raised at the entrances of mountains and villages.
- They were made independent of temples and were considered as spiritual landmarks rather than spiritual centers.
- The Jebiwon Temple has been built near the statue, so the statue has been is also known as Jebiwan Seokbul or the stone statue.
- The temple took five years to build and the legend has it that on the final day of construction, one of the builders accidentally fell off the roof and died.
- The worker's soul turned into a swallow and flew away.
- The rest stop was thus named Jebiwon after this legend, since 'Jebi' means swallow in Korean.
- The Buddha statue, with its distinctive contouring, is in the style of Goryeo (AD 918-1392) Dynasty.
- This style of outline on a rock indicates that the statue dates from the around the 11th Century.
- It was designated National Treasure No. 115 on January 21, 1963.
- There are several fascinating legends associated with the Buddha statue.
- One local story maintains that a Japanese general during his country's invasion of Korea in the late 16th century, beheaded the Jebiwon Buddha with his sword.
- Another legend is that the Jebiwon stone Buddha gazed across the valley to a pine forest where it saw the Seongju god in the trees.
- The Jebiwon Buddha told Seongju to enter people's homes to protect them and bless them.

Bosingak Belfry in Seoul

Bosingak Belfry in Seoul is the second official treasure of Seoul and it is located in Jongno. Bosingak Belfry stands right at the exit of Jongkak subway station. Its presence is a vivid testament to the resilience of the people of this great city. The Bosingak Belfry was used during the Joseon Dynasty to keep the time. It was first built at the present entrance to Insa-dong in 1396.

Features of Bosingak Belfry in Seoul

- The bell used to ring 33 times at four o'clock in the morning and 28 times at ten o'clock in the evening to declare the opening and closing of the gates to the walled capital city.

- There were four gates at that time in Seoul that allowed people in and out.

- These chimes represented the 33 heavens of Buddhism and the 28 solar stages of the zodiac.

- The bell was also rung in times of fire serving as a siren.

- In 1413, the belfry was moved to the crossroads of Jongno.

- It was rebuilt in 1440 in a scale of 5 kan east to west and 4 kan north to south.

- Kan is a traditional measurement of the distance between two columns, varied in length according to the period.

- The bell was hung on the second floor and people even on horseback, could pass underneath through the first floor.

- Burned down during the Japanese invasion of 1592, it was rebuilt in 1619.

- It was rebuilt after fires destroyed it in 1686 and 1869.

- The king at the time, King Gojong, presented a plaque reading 'Bosingak' to the belfry which was by then a one story gabled-roof building sloping on all sides, three kan wide and two kan deep.

- The present name plaque bears calligraphy done by Singman Rhee, the first President of the Republic of Korea.

- The bell now sits in the national museum for preservation purposes.

- The bell that replaced it in Jongno was made in 1985 with donations from the public.

- Following road repairs in 1915, the building was moved slightly back from its original site.

- It was moved even further back following its destruction in the Korean War.

- Finally in August 1979 when the precinct was reorganized and expanded, the belfry was rebuilt in its present location as a two story building five kan wide and four kan deep, giving it a total floor space of 175 square meters.

- A newly cast bell was hung on the second floor.

- The Bosingak Belfry was built by the Seoul Municipal Government in 1979 and is restricted on normal days.

- The bell is now rung 33 times on New Year's Eve and millions of people flock to watch this event in Jongno.
Fast facts about Ihwajang in Seoul

Address of Ihwajang in Seoul: 1-2 Ihwa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Local Transportation at Ihwajang in Seoul: From exit 2 of Hyehwa Station (Seoul Subway Line 4), walk toward Korea National Open University; Nearby is the Attached Elementary School of College of Education, Seoul National University; At the crossroads, walk toward Podowon Garden restaurant and there is an uphill road. The Korean-style house situated at the end of the road is Ihwajang.

Opening hours at Ihwajang in Seoul: 09:00-17:00

Ihwajang in Seoul closed on: None

Admission fee at Ihwajang in Seoul: Free

Travel phone at Ihwajang in Seoul: +82-2-1330 (Kor, Eng, Jpn, Chn) / Ihwajang +82-2-762-3171(Kor, Eng) / Jongno-gu District Office +82-2-731-0114

Features of Ihwajang in Seoul

Ihwajang in Seoul is the birthplace of the first President of Korea. Across the street from the SNU Hospital, there is Ihwajang on the hills of Daehakro. The place is not that well known among Koreans, but has a historic significance. After Korea gained independence from Japan in 1945, Ihwajang in Seoul was the residence of the former president Lee seungman and his wife. Even though he moved out of the house after he was elected the first president of Korea, he used to return and visit for walks in the garden. After he relinquished his appointment as president, he stayed at Ihwajang in Seoul for a while before coming to America as an exile.

The features of Ihwajang in Seoul are:

- It consisted of the bonchae (main building), which were Lee seungman and his wife's living quarters, jogakdang( president's office area) and other buildings. Inside Ihawjang are several quiet and simple buildings.

- Jogakdang, the president's office area, is a small and narrow building but it is an important historical place where he had a conference to form the first Korean ministry.

- Ihwajang in Seoul shows the change of Korean traditional house under Japanese control.

The 4th Tunnel in South Korea

The 4th Tunnel in South Korea is an interesting site to visit. It was discovered on March 3, 1990. It is located 1,200m from the Military Demarcation Line in the demilitarized zone of South Korea. This is the only tunnel which has a tour train in the tunnels that has been discovered. The tunnel is located at Hyeon 3- ri, Haeahn-myeon in Yanggu-gun.

Features of The 4th Tunnel in South Korea

- The 4th Tunnel in South Korea was unearthed in quite a dramatic manner.
- Three tunnels were already discovered since 1974 with the third being uncovered in 1978.
- After detecting the sound of underground motors in May of 1989, the Army started excavation work using state-of-the-art reconnaissance devices developed by the Korean Institute for Science and Technology.
- Electric waves were sent through antennas which were put through excavation halls driven every 20 meters.
- After analyzing the transformation of the waves, the army was able to detect the tunnel's location as well as determine its size.
- Twenty three days after they started digging, the counter-tunnel reached the North Korean tunnel.
- Forty five Korean and foreign journalists were present at the site of discovery of the fourth tunnel on March 3, 1990.
- It is located 26 km northeast of Yangku.
- The tunnel is 145 meters below the surface and is 2,052 meters long.
- The tunnel has the capacity transiting of some 30,000 soldiers per hour.
- Educational instruction is given in the square outside the tunnel.
- You can take a city-bound bus from Yanggu Bus Terminal for Haeanmaeul Village and get off at Haeanmaeul Village after a 1hr ride. Or you can conveniently take a cab from Yanggu Bus Terminal to the North Korea Hall.
- Visitors are allowed from 9:00 hrs to 16:00 hrs during November to February and 9:00 hrs to 17:00 hrs during March to October. Visitors are not allowed to enter during the lunch time from 11:30 hrs to 13:00 hrs.

Dongbu dong 5 story Pagoda in South Korea

Dongbu-dong 5-story Pagoda in South Korea is situated at 231 Eunheung-dong, Andong-si in North Gyeongsangdo Province. This pagoda from the Unified Silla kingdom period has been designated as National Treasure 56 on January 21, 1963. In the past, it was originally 7 stories high. In 1598, during the Japanese Invasion of Korea, the top motif was ruined and the structure was further damaged during the Korean War. The pagoda was restored in 1962.

Features of Dongbu-dong 5-story Pagoda in South Korea

- Dongbu-dong 5-story Pagoda in South Korea is an 8.35 meter (27 4/10 feet) high brick pagoda which dates back to the Unified Silla Kingdom Period (654-935 AD).
- Each brick is 27.5 cm (10 4/5 inches) long, 6 cm (2 1/3 inches) thick and 12.5 cm wide (4 9/10 inches).
- According to unofficial record and belief of the local people, the pagoda was located inside the old Beomnimsa Temple.
- The Dangganjiju which is located 5 m west from the pagoda, supports this opinion.
- You can see the small place to keep sculptures of the god on each floor.
- These small places and the tiled roof display the architectural pattern prevalent during that time.
- On the second story from the southern viewpoint, one can see the fascinating remnants of the In Wang-sang statue.
- It is conveniently located on the left side of an open space at the end of the parking lot at Andong Train Station.
- Dongbu-dong 5-story Pagoda in South Korea is one of those places which bear the memory of the visit of Queen Elizabeth in 1999.
- The queen spent her birthday in visiting the nearby places like Hahoe Village, Dosan Confucian School, Byeongsan Confucian School, Bongjeongsa Temple, Icheon-dong Soekbulsang, Sinse-dong Chilcheeung Jeontap, Ocheon relics site, Andong Folk Village and Andong Soju Museum.
- You can reach Dongbu-dong 5-story Pagoda by walking just two minutes to the left from Andong Station.

Dojangpo Maeul Hill in South Korea

Dojangpo Maeul is a quaint little village lying between the Hakdong Pebble Beach and the Hammock Beach. A little heaven of opulence, this simple fishing village comprises of enchanting houses and a small ferry port. But the real charm of the place still remains hidden from the human eye. The Geojedo Island which is Korea's second largest island is the home to this captivating Hill.

Features of Dojangpo Maeul Hill in South Korea

- The Dojangpo Maeul Hill is popularly known as 'The Hill of Wind'. It is also referred to as the Mangneungjandi Park by the locals. The Dojangpo Maeul Hill does not have an official name as yet. The surroundings of the Hill are so beautiful that it is like a miniature paradise overlooking the sea.

- The Dojangpo Maeul Hill conjures up a great image with its lush green grass swaying gently in the sea breeze. The slopes are just perfect for the cattle's to feast upon some juicy grass. The entire hill side is filled up with lovely flowers in varied hues. The sight of the flowers in their full bloom during the spring season makes the Dojangpo Maeul Hill simply stunning.

- The Dojangpo Maeul Hill side is best for spending some time in solitude. You can meditate in the laps of nature or spend some lovely time with your loved one. During the spring months of April to June, the hillside turns into a complete picnic zone.

- There are winding walking trails leading to the top of the hill from where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Geojedo Island. The Hillside walking trails has many benches where you can take a rest and enjoy the calmness.

- Being a site replete with utmost scenic beauty, Dojangpo Maeul Hill in South Korea had the opportunity of featuring in a famous television show named Hoejeonmongma.

Heoninneung Royal Tomb in Seoul

Fast facts about Heoninneung Royal Tomb in Seoul

Address of Heoninneung Royal Tomb in Seoul: San 13-1, Naegok-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul

Local Transportation at Heoninneung Royal Tomb in Seoul: From exit 7 of Yangjae station (Seoul Subway Line 3), take Heoninneung Royal Tomb bound bus No. 4421, 4422, or 4423. Get off at Heoninneung Royal Tomb and walk 10 min.

Administration Office at Heoninneung Royal Tomb in Seoul: Phone no.:+82-2-445-0347 (Kor)

Opening hours at Heoninneung Royal Tomb in Seoul: 9:00-18:30 (Mar-Oct) / 9:00-17:30 (Nov-Feb)

Heoninneung Royal Tomb in Seoul closed on: Every Monday

Admission fee at Heoninneung Royal Tomb in Seoul: Age 25-64- 500 won, 400 won, 500 won; Age 19-24- 300 won, 200 won, 300 won / Age 7-24. Groups are more than 30 persons. Tickets are sold until 1 hour prior to the closing time.

Parking at Heoninneung Royal Tomb in Seoul: Free

Features of Heoninneung Royal Tomb in Seoul

Mt. Daemosan behind Heoninneung Royal Tomb in Seoul was originally called 'Halmisan' (meaning grandmother in Korean) since it resembles the shape of an old lady. Mt. Daemosan embraces Heoninneung Royal Tomb in Seoul, guarding the royal tomb. The features of the tomb include:

- It houses the mounds for two kings of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910): King Taejong (1401-1418) and King Sunjo (1800-1834).

- It possesses numerous stone statues and vestiges and is a good place to experience the culture of the Joseon Dynasty.

- Upon entering the grounds, the striking red gate with the taegeuk (yin-yang) symbol appears to draw the line between this world and the one beyond.

- Passing the red gate leads to a sacrificial building where ancestral memorial services were performed.

- Behind the sacrificial building is the royal tomb. The royal tomb is surrounded by statues carved in the shape of animals such as tigers and sheep.

- On the eaves of the sacrificial building are animal sculptures called japsang that are believed to exorcise evil spirits.

- There is a pavilion next to the sacrificial building where the tombstone is situated.

- There is also a statue of a solemn military officer bearing a sword with his horse behind him. The stone sculptures are guardians of the dead king.

Suwon Hyanggyo in South Korea

Suwon Hyanggyo in South Korea is one of the Confucian temple and school to teach local students in the Choson Dynasty period (1392 - 1910). Originally located in Wau-ri, Bongdam-myeon, this hyanggyo or state-sponsored Confucian academy was relocated here and extended around 1795 during the reign of King Jeongjo (1776-1800) when the Suwon Fortress was being constructed. Suwon Hyanggyo is located at 43, Gyo-dong, Gwonsen-gu Suwon-si in Gyeonggi-do Province.

Features of Suwon Hyanggyo in South Korea

- Suwon Hyanggyo was originally built in the 22nd year of King Wonjong's rule during the Goryeo era (918-1392) by Hwaseonggun.
- The structure houses the memorial tables of Confucius, Mencius and 25 other eminent personalities from Korea.
- The layout of the facility with the Myeongnyundang Lecture Hall in the front and the Daeseongjeon shrine to the rear, are typical features prevalent in most of the hyanggyos during that time.
- The Daeseongjeon which houses the memorial tablets of Confucius and Mencius, has seven beams and a gabled roof.
- Each capital or column head is crowned with an ox-tongue shaped double-wing-like bracket.
- Extended parallel sloping beams are attached to the ends of the rafters of the curved eaves to facilitate lighting.
- The Dongmu and Seomu pavilions or east and west shrines house the memorial tablets of Korean scholars.
- The hipped-and-gabled Myeongnyundang has apparently undergone many reconstructions and repairs.
- This hyanggyo is not generally open to the public, but if you are willing to go inside, just knock on the door of the building to the right of the hyanggyo.
- The gatekeeper is there during the day and is ready to show you the area.
- A religious service is performed on the first day of February and August in the lunar year.
- You can take a bus from the Suwon Station and get off in front of the fire station after a 10-15 minutes' ride. Or, you can conveniently take a cab from the station for a 10 minutes' ride.