6 Must See Places in South Korea

South Korea is fast becoming one of the best destinations in Asia, thanks to its “soft” diplomatic approach of pop music and movies, as well as the growing influx of high-quality electronic products in the global market. South Korea is located in the lower part of the Korean peninsula, and if you want a true taste of Asia, then this country should be included in your top list of Asian destinations.

Here are some of the best places to see in stunning South Korea.

The Korean Folk Village

Ever wondered how the ancient Koreans went about their lives? Wonder no more as you can learn more about the daily lives of the country’s people through the Korean Folk Village. This living museum covers a sprawling area of over 200 acres in Yongin-si, Gyeonggi Province. The village is home to reproductions of traditional homes from the Joseon Dynasty, as well as traditional marketplaces, artisan workshops, restaurants, an art museum, and a folk museum. If you are lucky, you can also catch performances of traditional dances.

The Gyeongbokgung Palace

Built in the late 1300’s, this beautiful palace was once the seat of power of the famous Joseon Dynasty. The well-preserved palace is also home to the National Palace Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum, as well as several exquisite buildings where the former royal family of the country resided. The Gyeongbokgung Palace is inarguably one of the most beautiful palaces in East Asia, but the sprawling palace complex was destroyed during the Japanese occupation of the country. For almost thirty years, the South Korean government is actively trying to restore the grandeur of this stunning palace.

DMZ

The Korean DMZ, or Demilitarized Zone, is one of the highlights of any visit to South Korea. The DMZ is the line that divides the two Koreas, and the site itself offers an insight to the history and how present-day Koreans deal with the political and ideological divides of the Korean peninsula.

The Gyeongju Bulguksa Temple

Perched on the scenic Mt. Tohamsan in Gyeongu’s National Park, the Bulguksa Temple was built during the Silla Dynasty, making it one of the oldest historical sites in the country. After a Japanese attack in the late 1500’s, a huge part of the temple was destroyed, only to be excavated in the 1970’s. The South Korean government has taken active steps to restore the temple to its former glory.

Jeju Island

Jeju Island has been immortalized in many Korean movies and TV dramas as the holiday destination of choice for many South Koreans. This island of the gods features volcanic rock and temperate climates, which make for some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. There is an interesting array of activities and attractions to be enjoyed in Jeju Island, including the various natural offerings, such as Mt. Halla (the highest peak in the country), the stunning beaches, lava tubes, waterfalls, the lush meadows, and more.

The Haeinsa Temple

Located in the stunning Mt. Kaya, the Temple of Haeinsa is not only beautiful, but is also home to the Tripitaka Koreana, an important collection of Buddhist texts. The “texts” are engraved on thousands and thousands of woodblocks dating back to the 13th century, and are an important cornerstone of the Buddhist religion in the country.