Tribute to the Technological Advancements and Can-do Mind-set of South Korea

South Korea is the blessed territory with its forward thinking people – thanks to their quick-quick approach that made them to touch the heights of technology – no other country has been so ahead. Therefore, anything is possible here with its never dying spirit supporting the quote – “Where there is a will, there is a way”. This also applies to the tourism field where visitors can possibly find all comfort and types of non-stop attractions that can allure to replan the visit after coming from one.

With all its fascinating temples, historic lands, scenic landscapes, adventurous opportunities; the nation is ever ready to welcome tourists of different likes and choices.

South Korea Tourist Attractions

Seoul

This is the political, financial, and cultural hub of the 11th largest economy on the planet. A 600-year-old capital, this city holds historic fortress wall and gates, World Heritage palaces, and imperial shrines and tombs.

• 63 Building:
  Known as the tallest and most chic skyscraper located at 15-minute walk from the subway, this offered us three attractions. The Sea World Aquarium of penguins, reptiles,  seals, turtles, sharks, and other fishes; the IMAX giant screen cinema with headphones, and the Observation Deck on the 60th floor. Delicious food is at Plaza Fountain Buffet.
• Admiral Yi Sun-Sin’s Statue:
  A landmark in the city center, this is the statue of Yi Sun-sin (1545-98) who came up with a new metal-clad warship called geobukseon (turtle boats) used against Japanese attacks. Its copy is kept in the War Memorial and Museum. The idol is also seen on the ?100 coin.
• Amsa-Dong Prehistoric Settlement Site:
  This is the largest Neolithic worthy site in the nation. Located in a park haunted by woodpeckers, there is a thatched town of crater dwellings and exhibition centre offering 6000-year-old artifacts.
• Anglican Church:
  This is an attractive Renaissance-style edifice in the shape of a cross with tiled roof of Korean architecture.
• Bank of Korea Museum:
  Check out the old coins, banknotes, and the majestic exhibition hall.
• Bongeunsa:
  Located to the north of COEX Mall, this is a Buddhist temple of 794 A.D. on the forested hillside full of shrines and halls. Panjeon is the oldest hall dating back to 1856 that holds 3000 150-year-old wood slabs inscribed with Buddhist scriptures and art.

• Bosingak:
  Located in Jongno (Bell St), this is a pavilion that holds a modern city bell rung only on New Year.
• Bukchon Museum:
  This is a traditional Korean one-storey wooden house that sells rather than exhibiting. Win a free entry on purchasing something or ?3000 beaker of homemade tea.
• Changdeokgung:
  Be sure to take an English-speaking guide to explore this World Heritage palace. Following feng shui unknowingly, mountains form its backdrop; while stream is in its facade.
• Cheondogyo Temple:
  This is a gorgeous baroque-style church with a tower and spire on its exterior, but a plain meeting hall with a piano without any altar or statues in its interior. It harbors Buddhist, Confucian, and Christian essentials.
• Cheongwadae:
  This is the Blue House that rivals the America’s presidential residence.
• Children’s Grand Park:
  This is an amusement park offering 30 fearful rides, a small zoo, rose garden, flowerbeds, and fountains. Do not forget to ask a free map at its entrance, as it is quite vast.

• COEX Aquarium:
  Considered as the largest aquarium in the city, expect 40,000 fish and others in 90 tanks, live coral, sharks, turtles, evil-looking piranhas, lively jellyfish, glass fish, and sea horses.
• Gyeongbokgung:
  Formerly turned into ruins due to Japanese invasions, this Palace of Shining Happiness is worth visiting.
• Gyeonghuigung:
  This is the ‘Palace of Shining Celebration’ in English that once had a rabbit maze of courtyards, buildings, walls, and gates covering a large area. However, after Japanese attacks, the main audience hall, Sungjeongjeon and the royal bedchamber at its rear, few courtyards, and walls are restored.
• Jeoldusan (Beheading Hill) Martyrs Museum & Chapel:
  This has a terrifying past where around 2000 Korean Catholics were slayed in 1866 and whose bodies were thrown into the Han River. Now, there is a memorial to the victim, garden, museum, memorial chapel, and a statue of St. Andrew Kim Dae-heon (1821-46) – the first Korean priest.
• Jogyesa:
  This is the site of the largest Buddhist shrine in the city, Daeungjeon of 1938. Explore the murals depicting Buddha’s life and the flowery latticework doors. Feel the tradition of lighting a candle and make a wish by strolling around the seven-tiered pagoda.

Jeju-si (Jeju City)

The Jeju City is the capital of the Jeju-si Island in the center of the north coast. Surprisingly, the seafront is without any beach, but still manages to provide a seaside environ.

• Fantasia:
  This is an amazing amusement park of screams.
• Folklore & Natural History Museum:
  Located in the Sinsan Park, this is an ecomuseum exhibiting volcanic bombs, lava tubes, and trace fossils marking the presence of once active volcanoes now dormant. In addition, you can look for wildlife films, the oarfish, and the scenery of its six ecological zones.
• Gwandeokjeong:
  This is the 15th century impressive and renovated pavilion once used to receive official guests.
• Iho Beach:
  This is the closest beach to this island along the west coast. Flanked by yellow and grey sand along with shallow waters, you will find children making sand castles and elders swimming and diving.
• Jeju-Si Seafront:
  Offering many hotels, motels, and restaurants, this is a vibrant place for skating and basketball.
• Mokseogwon:
  Located at 6 km south, this is a garden-cum-art park packed with strange rocks and bent roots.
• National Jeju Museum:
  Famous for its national antiques, you can reach here by taking bus 26 costing ?850 every 15 minutes.

• Samseonghyeol Shrine:
  Here, the three holes in the ground marks the place where three brothers, Go, Bu and Yang, emerged and founded the Tamna kingdom. This became possible with the support of three princesses who came on boat with cattle and horses.
• Yongduam Rock:
  Located on the seashore to the west, this is a set of strange looking black basalt lava rocks.

Best Time to Visit South Korea

Autumn – from September to November and spring – from April to June

South Korea Accommodation

In Seoul:

• Hotel Lees – $47
• Hotel Ibis Myeong Dong (2 star Hotel) – $93
• JW Marriott Hotel Seoul (4 star Hotel) – $158
• Yims House – $38

In Jeju-si:

• Pacific Hotel
• Ramada Plaza Jeju
• White Beach Hotel
• Bobos Motel

Tip

English is not known by majority, so look for an English-speaking guide.