Destinations That Can Broaden Cultural Horizons
By Michael Ha
Staff Reporter
The summer is officially here and what better time to venture outside and experience the great Korean outdoors? For the newly arrived, here are some not-to-miss destinations in the country to broaden cultural horizons.
For those hoping to learn more about Korean culture and history, one of the first places to check out is Gyeongbok-gung Palace, located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. With some 7,700 rooms built inside, it is arguably one of the grandest and most beautiful of all the historical palaces. First constructed in 1394, it is one of the ``Five Grand Palaces" built during the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910).
Another historical palace worth a visit this summer is Deoksu-gung Palace in Jung-gu, Seoul. Located near one of the busiest downtown areas in Seoul, the palace and its elegant stonewall roads draw a beautiful contrast to modern buildings in the area.
In Seoul, another popular destination is Jongmyo Royal Shrine. It was the primary place of worship for the kings during the Joseon period. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the shrine is the oldest royal Confucian shrine preserved in the world. The ritual ceremonies at the site continue a tradition first established in Korea during the 14th century.
For those who want to experience religious practices in Korea, one not-to-miss place is the Bulguk-sa Temple, designated as a World Cultural Asset by UNESCO in 1995. The temple, located in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, is home to seven Korean national treasures including giant stone pagodas and two gilt-bronze statues of Buddha.
The temple, first built in 528, represents the golden age of Buddhist art from the ancient Silla Kingdom.
Not too far from Bulguk-sa is Seokguram Grotto, another area designated as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is an artificial stone temple made of granite and was first built in 774 during the Silla Kingdom.
To get a feel for the traditional Korean way of life, try the Korean Folk Village in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province.
Spread over more than 240 acres, visitors can see firsthand some 260 traditional houses, including various household goods from different regions, to gain a better understanding of Korean food, clothing, and housing of the past.
It also has a traditional street market, restaurants, and showcases of traditional metalworking techniques. There are also performances of traditional dances, equestrian skills and various other recreational activities.
For those backpacking types, there are numerous parks and mountains to visit this summer in Korea. One suggestion is to head to Mt. Seorak National Park. The park is spread across four cities and counties ― including Seokcho, Inje, Goseong and Yangyang.
The national park attracts many national and international tourists all year round. One of the most visited areas in the park is the main entrance valley to the national park, a short drive away from Seokcho.
Another unique destination in Korea is Panmunjeom, located in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in Gyeonggi Province. It is a village on the border between South and North Korea, where the 1953 armistice was signed. Another recommended destination is the Yeolseo observation platform, where the North Korean territory can be viewed easily at a glance.
Also suggested is a visit to Imjingak, surrounded by several monuments, a unification park and a North Korea center. Mangbaedan, which stands opposite Imjingak, is famous for a gathering site where people of North Korean origin visit and perform ancestral rites toward their hometown. Also, the Bridge of the Freedom stands behind Mangbaedan.