An avid traveler is never satiated by the sights, smells and sounds that the vast world has to offer; even if it means going to the corners of continents. If one is obsessed with the attractions Asia has to offer, he should make it to the eastern edge of this piece of earth. The Land of Morning Calm, that is Korea, holds an experience distinct from the legendary cultures of China and Japan.
It is located on a peninsula off the Chinese mainland. South Korea is bordered by its cultural twin North Korea on the north and surrounded by the sea on the remaining three sides. The islands of Japan lie nearby in the south. The civilization is 70,000 years old with recorded history beginning with the Gojoseon Kingdom in 2333 BC. The control over the states oscillated between the powers in China and those at home over two millennia. It escaped Chinese domination in 1895 only to be colonized by Japan until 1945. But, war followed partition in late forties which gave rise to long-standing hostilities.
South Korea is an urban nation with 85% of the population living in the cities. However, the countryside still offers plenty of recreational options. Industrial revolution has greatly added to the quality of life here. People frequent places near the coast and nearby islands for pleasure. The cities on the sea and farther in still retain points of interest to the non-native traveler.
Seoul is a throbbing fusion of ancient Korean culture and the modern West-influenced lifestyle. Jeju and Jeonju, known for Buddhist monuments and other structures, are cities that retain the charm of the past in their museums. Urban hubs like Daegu, Daejeon and Busan propel the economy without losing their roots. In all such cities, the distinct Korean culture can be felt in the talk, cuisine and interactions. If one wants to move away from the rush, the vast Seoraksan National Park provides the calm among its mountain range and woods. Similarly, the scenic islands of Uleungdo, Somaemuldo and Jeju are equally welcoming.
The festival of foods is celebrated all-year round and everywhere. There is an overwhelming range of culinary delights. One cannot but enjoy items like the rice dishes, soups and stews, noodles and sea-food. However, vegetarians have limited options as the East Asian diet is mainly meat-based. On the brighter side, there is the wonder drug - Ginseng which can be had in various forms. The seeker of knowledge, spiritual and material, finds a lot to learn. From martial arts like Taekwondo to Korean dance and language, an extended stay is required to let the richness of this country and its people to soak in.
It is located on a peninsula off the Chinese mainland. South Korea is bordered by its cultural twin North Korea on the north and surrounded by the sea on the remaining three sides. The islands of Japan lie nearby in the south. The civilization is 70,000 years old with recorded history beginning with the Gojoseon Kingdom in 2333 BC. The control over the states oscillated between the powers in China and those at home over two millennia. It escaped Chinese domination in 1895 only to be colonized by Japan until 1945. But, war followed partition in late forties which gave rise to long-standing hostilities.
South Korea is an urban nation with 85% of the population living in the cities. However, the countryside still offers plenty of recreational options. Industrial revolution has greatly added to the quality of life here. People frequent places near the coast and nearby islands for pleasure. The cities on the sea and farther in still retain points of interest to the non-native traveler.
Seoul is a throbbing fusion of ancient Korean culture and the modern West-influenced lifestyle. Jeju and Jeonju, known for Buddhist monuments and other structures, are cities that retain the charm of the past in their museums. Urban hubs like Daegu, Daejeon and Busan propel the economy without losing their roots. In all such cities, the distinct Korean culture can be felt in the talk, cuisine and interactions. If one wants to move away from the rush, the vast Seoraksan National Park provides the calm among its mountain range and woods. Similarly, the scenic islands of Uleungdo, Somaemuldo and Jeju are equally welcoming.
The festival of foods is celebrated all-year round and everywhere. There is an overwhelming range of culinary delights. One cannot but enjoy items like the rice dishes, soups and stews, noodles and sea-food. However, vegetarians have limited options as the East Asian diet is mainly meat-based. On the brighter side, there is the wonder drug - Ginseng which can be had in various forms. The seeker of knowledge, spiritual and material, finds a lot to learn. From martial arts like Taekwondo to Korean dance and language, an extended stay is required to let the richness of this country and its people to soak in.
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