Nearly destroyed in the Korean War, the 600-year-old city of Seoul has risen to become one of Asia’s premier metropolises. With 20 million residents, Seoul presents an intoxicating mix of old and new, with modern apartments built next to 1,000-year-old palaces. The Hongdae district presents a bustling nightlife destination with many fine restaurants and bars. Dongdaemun, a massive shopping district, contains 30,000 shops, and a mixture of new and traditional Korean marketplaces. Travelers with children should check out Lotte World, the largest theme park on the planet, while visitors interested in the arts should visit the Leeum, Samsung Museum, which features artwork from the ancient to modern eras.
Gyeongsang Province is one of eight South Korean administrative divisions and the home to many popular attractions. The city of Gyeongju served as the capital of the ancient Shilla Dynasty and has more historic sites than any other place in South Korea. Of particular note and Anapji, an artificial pond created more than 1,500 years ago, and the Bomun Pavilion, a small park known for its cherry blossoms. Another famous cherry blossom site, Kyeong-Wha Station, features overarching trees than rain blossoms down upon arriving trains. The Gyeongsang port city of Busan, renowned for its seafood, has a bohemian vibe and features the renowned Haeundae Beach.
Korea boasts an exceptional collection of World Heritage Sites. UNESCO designated Seoraksan National Park as a Biosphere Protection Site. Near the border with North Korea, Seoraksan features dense forests, hot springs and the rugged peaks of the Seoraksan Mountains. Ulsan Rock supposedly cries out in the midst of big windstorms, and Gongryong Ridge provides a picturesque climbing route. Haeinsa, a 1,200-year-old temple in Hapcheon, contains the Janggyeong Panjeon, an ancient Buddhist library. The most famous temple in Korea, the 1,500-year-old Bulguska Temple, presents an impressive façade with its granite pagodas and man-made grotto. Yang Don Village, founded approximately 600 years ago, presents a time capsule of Korean life in the Chosun Dynasty.
Korea's Jeju Island has garnered comparisons to the Mediterranean and Hawaii. A lush mixture of volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches and bustling resorts, Jeju features numerous sites of special interest. Hallasan National Park, a natural preserve and wildlife refuge, contains Korea’s tallest mountain. Seongsan Sunrise Peak rises from a volcanic crater to provide a stunning vantage point to view the sunrise. The Seopjikoji promontory is a serene and picturesque area famous for its use in Korean cinema and music videos. The most talked about of Jeju’s beaches, Hyeopjae Beach, features white sand, azure waters and fresh seafood at beachside restaurants.
