South Korea is one of the few countries on the globe where ultra-modern buildings built using high technology harmoniously coexist with ancient structures, and national traditions organically fit into the way of modern life of South Koreans. One of the main problems remains the separation of the Korean people, forced to live in two states. But we will get away from political problems, and imagine the main attractions of South Korea, with beautiful photos and descriptions.
1
Gyeongbokgung
In the heart of Seoul there is a majestic palace, built according to the project of the famous dignitary Chon Dodzhon in 1394. The country's main palace for many years has been amazing tourists with its grandeur and unusual architectural design.
The magnificent building was rebuilt several times, and after the Japanese invasion of 1592, some of the luxurious halls were burned and restored only in the middle of the XIX century.
Every morning at the walls and gates of the palace, a guard changes, the guards of which are dressed in traditional old clothes. But interestingly, the guards have glued beards in order to give them solidity.
2
Seoraksan National Park
In the northern part of South Korea, in the Gangwon-do province, there is a luxurious park, which in 1970 was given the status of a national one.
In a quiet and cozy corner of nature, you can not only relax your body and soul, but also get acquainted with the rarest species of plants and flowers. Here you can enjoy the majestic wildlife landscapes, and the park has become famous all over the world for its amazing geysers and waterfalls.
In addition to the beauties of nature, you can visit, lost among the greenery and hills, the Shinhyngsa Temple, which is the oldest Buddhist building in the country.
3
Chandokkun Palace
This is one of the few ancient attractions of the city of Seoul, which managed to maintain its original appearance. The Palace of Prosperous Valor, as its name is translated from Korean, stands in the center of a large park and is one of the five largest palaces in the country.
The construction of the complex began in 1405, and ended with the inauguration of the majestic gates of Thonghwamun. Today, there are 13 buildings in the palace complex.
Trees grow in the gardens of the palace, some of them are more than 300 years old, and in one of the gardens there is a “Jade stream” with a waterfall and a canal dug up in 1636.
4
Hadon Yongoons Temple
Religious sights are continued by the majestic Hadon Yongoons Temple, located in Busan. The temple is part of a large Buddhist monastery, and was erected at the end of the Koryo period.
Unlike other similar structures, usually built in the mountains, this temple was built on the seashore. So the ancient legend says that the monk appeared in a dream to the sea lord, and ordered to build a temple in his honor.
Within the walls of the temple are beautiful altars, Buddhist shrines and cultural values are kept.
5
Hwason Fortress
From the Korean language, the name of the majestic defensive structure is translated as “Blooming Fortress”, and by analogy with the Chinese landmark, it was often called “Suwon Fortress Wall”.
The fortress was erected at the end of the 18th century, and in its architecture it harmoniously combines Eastern and European styles. In the fortification there are four gates located in four parts of the world.
In 1800, an extensive report on the fortress was created, consisting of 10 voluminous volumes. It is this old document that helped in the restoration of the fortress in the twentieth century.
6
Jongmyo
The capital of South Korea is also one of the most contrasting cities in the world, where new buildings fit into the atmosphere of antiquity. One of these ancient buildings is the magnificent Jongmyo Temple.
It was erected during the reign of King Taejo in 1394 at the very moment when Seoul became the capital of an ancient state. Once a beautiful temple was the longest building in Asia, but in one of the many wars the religious building was destroyed, and in 1601 only part of the temple was restored.
Today, the capital’s temple consists of two large luxurious halls, and the building itself is surrounded by a garden and many buildings that fulfill the economic purpose.
7
Seoul TV Tower
A true masterpiece of engineering appeared in the city in 1971, and became an unusual decoration of Seoul.
Over time, on the tower, 236 m high, cafes, restaurants and viewing platforms appeared, from which magnificent views of the city and its hilly surroundings open.
The tower itself is located on a mountain, so the height from which you can look at the city exceeds 500 m. Over the past decades, the TV tower has become the most visited attraction of the state, because it is visited by 8 million people every year.
8
Myeongdong Cathedral
There is a Catholic shrine in Seoul. It was built in the 90s of the XIX century, the cathedral, consecrated in honor of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary.
The temple, built in a neo-Gothic architectural style with baroque elements, has practically no external decorations, and the interior is designed in the strict traditions of Catholicism.
The historical and architectural monument became a place of pilgrimage for the Catholics of Asia. A lot of events are connected with the building itself, including the 1987 hunger strike of students who took refuge behind the walls of the temple.
9
Hahwe Village
The main attractions of South Korea would be incomplete without the traditional village of the Joseon Dynasty. This amazing monument of cultural and historical heritage is located on the banks of the Naktong River.
A beautiful settlement is often compared to a lotus flower floating on the waves of the river, and some even believe that the two polar principles Yin and Yang converged in the village.
The traditional way of life has been preserved in the village, a school of Confucianism, a workshop for the production of national masks. Surprisingly, the architectural buildings of the Joseon Dynasty were also preserved.
10
Jeju Island
Visiting the beautiful places of South Korea, you definitely need to go to the island, comfortably located in the Korean Channel, called Jeju.
Interestingly, this is the largest island in the country and the smallest province of the South Korean state. Before it became part of the state of Korea, it was an independent province with its own government.
The island is full of unique caves, beautiful waterfalls, and the flora and fauna are represented by rare species that are found only in this part of the globe. Most striking are the monumental sculptures of black basalt.
11
Banpo Bridge
Located in the South Korean capital, the bridge, which bears the romantic name "Rainbow Fountain", is the longest bridge with fountains in the world.
Among such structures, he is distinguished by the fact that the streams of fountains do not hit up, as usual, but to the sides and down. In the evening and at night, the fountains are highlighted, which really creates an unforgettable rainbow effect.
Immediately after its opening in 2009, the unique building of Seoul was listed in the Guinness Book of Records.
You can find out about other beautiful bridges in the world in one of the articles on our site most-beauty.ru. We also have interesting material about the amazing fountains of the world.
12
Bulguksa
In the town of Gyeongju, during the time of the United Kingdom of Silla, a temple was built, which became a symbol of the prosperity and power of the state, and the triumph of Buddhist philosophy.
At the gate of the temple eternal guards were set, carved out of wood by giants. A small stream flows right behind the gate, through which a bridge is thrown. Everyone crossing the bridge at this time crosses the real world and the world of Buddha.
At the end of the twentieth century, the temple was completely restored, and opened its powerful gate for visitors.
13
Olympic park
In 1988, the Asian state hosted the Winter Olympics, and on this occasion an amazing Olympic Park was laid out, which perfectly fit into the map of South Korea's attractions.
In the very center of the park, a unique composition of stones is compiled, on which each participant of the Olympics signed. In addition, over 200 sculptures of masters from different parts of the world are located on a vast territory.
The park has gyms, equipment rental, health centers, which anyone can use.
14
Korean National Village
Koreans carefully respect their national traditions, and in the city of Yongin, they allocated a huge territory on which they built a traditional Korean village.
The goal of such a rare attraction is the desire of Koreans to acquaint foreigners with their amazing culture and way of life. Craft workshops work on narrow streets where everyone can order a souvenir.
In the squares of the village, right under the open sky, dancers and theater artists show their skills. In addition, it is here that you can taste exotic dishes of Korean national cuisine.
15
Namis Island
As a result of the construction of the dam, Jonghyun Hyun formed a magnificent island in its shape resembling a crescent. You can get to the island by boat, or by cable car.
Everyone will find something to their taste and island here. Wonderful beaches, an amusement park, a swimming pool await tourists, and those who wish can stroll through the majestic forest. After staying on the island you will have beautiful photos and a lot of warm impressions.
One of the unique features of the most beautiful island is the complete absence of power lines and poles, and all communications are laid in the interior of the Earth.
16
Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
Like it or not, you can’t get away from politics, and every tourist visiting South Korea is trying to visit the 4-kilometer demilitarized zone.
It runs along the 38th parallel as a result of the armistice, and there are 7 cities on its territory, so you need to plan a week to have time to see everything.
Despite the formidable name, there are some sights in the DMZ. First of all, this is Imjingak Peace Park, which contains exhibits from the Korean War, as well as the village of Panmunjom, where two houses stand nearby. One, painted blue, is controlled by UN soldiers, and North Korean soldiers are in a white painted building.
Finally
So our fascinating journey through South Korea came to a close, in which we got acquainted with the beautiful places of this amazing country, and learned a lot of interesting things about its sights. Now our dear reader knows what to visit in South Korea and what to see first.
Article author: Valery Skiba