Top Ten Things to Do in Korea

8/2/2019 Top Ten Things to Do in Korea

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2012 Brilliance Press. All rights reserved.

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TOP TEN THINGS TO DO IN KOREA

By M.G. Edwards

Heres a list of the top ten things you should do if

you visit South Korea. These suggestions arebased on my experience when I lived in Seoul.

The activities will give you a good taste of what

Korea has to offer. My ranking is based on how

fun they are and how close they are to Seoul.

1. Walking tour (Seoul): Take a walkingtour ofGyeongbokgung, the royal palace ofKorea's last dynasty, theJoseon. Stop by theChongwadae, or Blue House, the officialresidence of the South Korean president.

Walk alongCheonggyecheon, a canal walk

just two blocks south of Gyeongbokgung offthe main thoroughfare downtown, Sejongno.Keep walking a couple blocks south to Seoul'sCity Hall. There aren't many residential orshopping areas in the heart of downtown, but

you will feel the pulse of Korea there.

2. Shopping (Seoul): Shop for souvenirs andgood deals at any one of a number of open-airmarkets and shopping districts in Seoul. Themost popular areNamdaemun,Dongdaemun,Myeongdong, andInsadong. Namdaemun isthe most famous and lies near Korea's #1

Treasure,Namdaemun Gate. It's your bestbet for Korean souvenirs. For moretraditional arts and crafts, try Insadong.Myeongdong is a trendy shopping area.Dongdaemun is less touristy and a bit off the

beaten tourist path.

3. Namsan Mountain (Seoul): Takea cablecar to the top ofNamsan Mountainin the

heart ofSeoul forsome ofthe best

panoramic views ofthe city.NSeoulTowerismorefunctionalthan
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gyeongbokgunghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gyeongbokgunghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gyeongbokgunghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseon_Dynastyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseon_Dynastyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseon_Dynastyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Househttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Househttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheonggyecheonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheonggyecheonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheonggyecheonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seoul_City_Hallhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seoul_City_Hallhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namdaemun_Markethttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namdaemun_Markethttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namdaemun_Markethttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dongdaemun_Markethttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dongdaemun_Markethttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dongdaemun_Markethttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myeongdonghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myeongdonghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insadonghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insadonghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insadonghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namdaemun_Markethttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namdaemun_Markethttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namdaemun_Markethttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namsan_(Seoul)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namsan_(Seoul)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namsan_(Seoul)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N_Seoul_Towerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N_Seoul_Towerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N_Seoul_Towerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N_Seoul_Towerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N_Seoul_Towerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N_Seoul_Towerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N_Seoul_Towerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N_Seoul_Towerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namsan_(Seoul)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namdaemun_Markethttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insadonghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myeongdonghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dongdaemun_Markethttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namdaemun_Markethttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seoul_City_Hallhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheonggyecheonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Househttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseon_Dynastyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gyeongbokgung


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beautiful but has a great view. Explore the paths inNamsan Park and check out the frequent events heldthere. Then visit nearbyNamsangol Hanok, atraditional Korean village inPildongon the north sideof the mountain, for a taste of pre-modern Seoul.

4. Dining and Entertainment: The diningand entertainment options in South Koreaare endless. Great Korean food is availablethroughout the country; the bestinternational cuisine is in Seoul and Busan.Try something different thanbulgogi. Havesomegalbijim(beef ribs),bibimbap, or spicytakgogi along withkimchiand otherbanchan(side dishes). For vegetarians, dine at aBuddhist restaurant. Wash it down withsoju, a Korean rice alcohol that some say tasteslike vodka, orbaekseju, a sweet alcohol. Then head out for noraebang (karaoke) and sing

your heart out with friends. Enjoy the nightlife inHongdae, the bohemian area of Seoul,or trendyGangnam. Seoul is a happening place at night. If you're out late and need torefresh yourself, try somehaejangguk(hangover soup) and then head to thechimjilbang(sauna) to relax.

5. Panmunjom / DMZ Tour: Take a tour oftheDemilitarized Zone (DMZ)and the

Joint Security Area (JSA)between North

and Seoul Korea. No visit to Korea would

be complete without a tour of the de facto

border between the two countries. If

possible, visit the Truce Village of

Panmunjomand take a bus tour of the No

Man's Land between the two Koreas. Not

all foreign nationals are allowed to tourPanmunjom, so check with a tour guide

to see if you're allowed to visit.

6. Korean Folk Village: Located in Giheung,45 minutes south of Seoul, theKorean Folk

Villagewas built for tourists but is arguablythe best example of Joseon-era Korean life.The attraction also has a lot of kiddie ridesgreat for children. A fun daytrip from Seoul.

7. Seoraksan National Park: With greathiking and awesome views,Seoraksanisconsidered by many Koreans to be the most

beautiful national park in South Korea. Visita nearby hot springs to relax after a longhike. Seoraksan is not far from other greatdestinations in mountainous GangwonProvince, includingPyeongchang, future siteof the2018 Winter Olympics;YongpyongSki Resortin Pyeongchang, made famous by
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namsangol_Hanok_Villagehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namsangol_Hanok_Villagehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namsangol_Hanok_Villagehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pil-donghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pil-donghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pil-donghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulgogihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulgogihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulgogihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galbijjimhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galbijjimhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galbijjimhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bibimbaphttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bibimbaphttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bibimbaphttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kimchihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kimchihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kimchihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banchanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banchanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banchanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sojuhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sojuhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sojuhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baeksejuhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baeksejuhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baeksejuhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karaokehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karaokehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karaokehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hongdae_areahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hongdae_areahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hongdae_areahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gangnam-guhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gangnam-guhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gangnam-guhttp://www.hannaone.com/Recipe/haejangguk.htmlhttp://www.hannaone.com/Recipe/haejangguk.htmlhttp://www.hannaone.com/Recipe/haejangguk.htmlhttp://worldadventurers.wordpress.com/2005/04/18/chillin-at-the-chimjilbang/http://worldadventurers.wordpress.com/2005/04/18/chillin-at-the-chimjilbang/http://worldadventurers.wordpress.com/2005/04/18/chillin-at-the-chimjilbang/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_Demilitarized_Zonehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_Demilitarized_Zonehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_Demilitarized_Zonehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joint_Security_Areahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joint_Security_Areahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panmunjomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panmunjomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_Folk_Villagehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_Folk_Villagehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_Folk_Villagehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_Folk_Villagehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seoraksan_National_Parkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seoraksan_National_Parkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seoraksan_National_Parkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyeongchanghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyeongchanghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyeongchanghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_Winter_Olympicshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_Winter_Olympicshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_Winter_Olympicshttp://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=266890http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=266890http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=266890http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=266890http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=266890http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=266890http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_Winter_Olympicshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyeongchanghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seoraksan_National_Parkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_Folk_Villagehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_Folk_Villagehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panmunjomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joint_Security_Areahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_Demilitarized_Zonehttp://worldadventurers.wordpress.com/2005/04/18/chillin-at-the-chimjilbang/http://www.hannaone.com/Recipe/haejangguk.htmlhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gangnam-guhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hongdae_areahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karaokehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baeksejuhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sojuhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banchanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kimchihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bibimbaphttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galbijjimhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulgogihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pil-donghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namsangol_Hanok_Village


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the biggest Korean drama of all time,WinterSonata; andOdaesan National Park.

8. Busan: Korea's second largest city and itsbusiest port,Busancame into its own when ithosted the 2002 Asia Games and 2005Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)Summit. Stay on the beach in the suburb ofHaeundaeand try thebokguk (pufferfishsoup)-- if you dare. If not, Busan is famous forits charcoal-grilled bulgogi. The most notableattraction in the area isBeomeosa, a Buddhisttemple. It's a daytrip just north of Busan.

9. Gyeongju: Head toGyeongju, the ancientcapital of theSilla Kingdom(57 BC 935 AD).Thehistoric areais full of artifacts, includinggrassy burial mounds holding the tombs of theSilla kings and the CheomseongdaeObservatory. The area offers beautiful views of

the Korean countryside. Numerous Buddhisttemples and statues are hidden in the hills,and the Pacific Ocean is a half hour driveaway.

10. Jeju Island: A large island off the coast of the Korean Peninsula,Jeju Islandis belovedby many Koreans for its beauty, warm weather, interesting rock formations created byvolcanic lava flows, and a local culture unique to Korea. Stay in Jeju City and explore theisland's beaches, parks, and towns in several daytrips.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter_Sonatahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter_Sonatahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter_Sonatahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter_Sonatahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odaesan_National_Parkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odaesan_National_Parkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odaesan_National_Parkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Busanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Busanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Busanhttp://www.apec.org/http://www.apec.org/http://www.apec.org/http://www.apec.org/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haeundae-guhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haeundae-guhttp://worldadventurers.wordpress.com/2005/11/15/i-survived-eating-pufferfish/http://worldadventurers.wordpress.com/2005/11/15/i-survived-eating-pufferfish/http://worldadventurers.wordpress.com/2005/11/15/i-survived-eating-pufferfish/http://worldadventurers.wordpress.com/2005/11/15/i-survived-eating-pufferfish/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beomeosahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beomeosahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beomeosahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gyeongjuhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gyeongjuhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gyeongjuhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sillahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sillahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sillahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gyeongju_Historic_Areashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gyeongju_Historic_Areashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gyeongju_Historic_Areashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeju-dohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeju-dohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeju-dohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeju-dohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gyeongju_Historic_Areashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sillahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gyeongjuhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beomeosahttp://worldadventurers.wordpress.com/2005/11/15/i-survived-eating-pufferfish/http://worldadventurers.wordpress.com/2005/11/15/i-survived-eating-pufferfish/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haeundae-guhttp://www.apec.org/http://www.apec.org/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Busanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odaesan_National_Parkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter_Sonatahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter_Sonata


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Extra! Yeosu: VisitYeosu, site of the2012 WorldExpo, in South Cholla Province. The World's Fair runsfrom May 12 to August 12, 2012. The theme of the Expo

is The Living Ocean and Coast.Wolchulsan National

Park, also in South Cholla not far from Yeosu, is agreat place to hike. Many Koreans say that the

Cholla region serves up some of the country's best

Korean food.

I couldn't list everything you can do when you visit Korea.

Some honorable mentions include theNational Museum of

Korea, theWar Memorial of Korea, andBukhansan

National Parkin Seoul;Hwaseong Fortressin Suwon; and

Ulleungdo, an island off the coast of Korea.

Spring is lovely, especially when the cherryflowers blossom in April and May. Summers in

Korea are hot and humid, especially during the

monsoonseason, but the trees and flowers are in

bloom, and the country is a sea of green. Watch

out foryellow sandfrom Mongolia around June

and heavy monsoon rains from the South China

Sea in July-August. Winters are cold, but the

snow blankets the land with a brilliant white.

The best time to visit Korea is in the fall, whenits not too hot or cold and the leaves turn into

bright fall colors. The country is ablaze with

shades of red, orange, and yellow. Anytime of

the year, Korea is naturally beautiful.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yeosuhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yeosuhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yeosuhttp://www.worldexpo2012.com/http://www.worldexpo2012.com/http://www.worldexpo2012.com/http://www.worldexpo2012.com/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolchulsanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolchulsanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolchulsanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolchulsanhttp://www.museum.go.kr/main/index/index002.jsphttp://www.museum.go.kr/main/index/index002.jsphttp://www.museum.go.kr/main/index/index002.jsphttp://www.museum.go.kr/main/index/index002.jsphttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_Memorial_of_Koreahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_Memorial_of_Koreahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_Memorial_of_Koreahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bukhansan_National_Parkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bukhansan_National_Parkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bukhansan_National_Parkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bukhansan_National_Parkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hwaseong_Fortresshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hwaseong_Fortresshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hwaseong_Fortresshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ulleungdohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ulleungdohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monsoonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monsoonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asian_Dusthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asian_Dusthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asian_Dusthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asian_Dusthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monsoonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ulleungdohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hwaseong_Fortresshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bukhansan_National_Parkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bukhansan_National_Parkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_Memorial_of_Koreahttp://www.museum.go.kr/main/index/index002.jsphttp://www.museum.go.kr/main/index/index002.jsphttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolchulsanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolchulsanhttp://www.worldexpo2012.com/http://www.worldexpo2012.com/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yeosu


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M.G. Edwards is a writer of books and stories in the mystery, thriller and science fiction-

fantasy genres. He also writes travel adventures. He recently published a collection of

short stories calledReal Dreams: Thirty Years of Short Storiesavailable as an ebook and

in print onAmazon.com. His upcoming book,Kilimanjaro: One Mans Quest to Go Over

the Hill, will be released on March 31, 2012. He lived in Seoul, Korea in 2005-07 andnow lives in Bangkok, Thailand with his wife Jing and son Alex.

For more books or stories by M.G. Edwards, visit his web site atwww.mgedwards.com

or his blog,World Adventurers. Contact him [email protected], onFacebook, on

Google+, or@m_g_edwardson Twitter.

2012 Brilliance Press. All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or

transmitted without the written consent of the author.
http://www.mgedwards.com/dreams.htmhttp://www.mgedwards.com/dreams.htmhttp://www.mgedwards.com/dreams.htmhttp://www.amazon.com/Real-Dreams-Thirty-Stories-ebook/dp/B0067XTXK2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1326003546&sr=8-2http://www.amazon.com/Real-Dreams-Thirty-Stories-ebook/dp/B0067XTXK2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1326003546&sr=8-2http://www.amazon.com/Real-Dreams-Thirty-Stories-ebook/dp/B0067XTXK2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1326003546&sr=8-2http://www.mgedwards.com/kili.htmhttp://www.mgedwards.com/kili.htmhttp://www.mgedwards.com/kili.htmhttp://www.mgedwards.com/kili.htmhttp://www.mgedwards.com/kili.htmhttp://www.mgedwards.com/http://www.mgedwards.com/http://www.mgedwards.com/http://worldadventurers.wordpress.com/http://worldadventurers.wordpress.com/http://worldadventurers.wordpress.com/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/M-G-Edwards/105636649470587https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/M-G-Edwards/105636649470587https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/M-G-Edwards/105636649470587https://plus.google.com/#101223196505190321355/postshttps://plus.google.com/#101223196505190321355/postshttp://twitter.com/m_g_edwardshttp://twitter.com/m_g_edwardshttp://twitter.com/m_g_edwardshttp://twitter.com/m_g_edwardshttps://plus.google.com/#101223196505190321355/postshttps://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/M-G-Edwards/105636649470587mailto:[email protected]://worldadventurers.wordpress.com/http://www.mgedwards.com/http://www.mgedwards.com/kili.htmhttp://www.mgedwards.com/kili.htmhttp://www.amazon.com/Real-Dreams-Thirty-Stories-ebook/dp/B0067XTXK2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1326003546&sr=8-2http://www.mgedwards.com/dreams.htm

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Top Ten Things to Do in Korea