Wolchulsan National Park in South Korea

Wolchulsan National Park in South Korea lies in South Jeolla province. Designated as a national park in 1988, Wolchulsan National Park is South Korea's smallest. The park derives its name from Wolchulsan or Mt. Wolchul in Gangjin and Yeongam counties. The peak, Chonwhangbong, rises 808.7 meters. There are also 3 national treasures and a number of local cultural properties in the park.

South Korea Travel Guide

If you are planning for a vacation in South Korea, then it's worthwhile to chalk out your South Korea travel guide well in advance so that you are in for silken-smooth South Korea holidays. Your South Korea travel guide will ensure that you reap the most out of sightseeing in South Korea. The South Korea travel guide will also furnish you with handy South Korea tourism information like the South Korea provinces, South Korea currency, South Korea climate and all about South Korea communications.

National Parks in South Korea

National Parks in South Korea are preserved parcels of public land in South Korea, on which most forms of development are prohibited. They cover a total of 6.6% of the country's area, and are typically located in mountainous or coastal regions. Jirisan national park in South Korea in the southwest is the country's largest mountain park. This was also the first national park to be designated in 1967. The largest marine park is Dadohae. It has an area of more than 2,200 km², but almost all of this is water. The smallest national park in South Korea is Wolchulsan, with an area of only 56.1 km².

Upo Wetland in South Korea

Upo Wetland in South Korea is a complex of natural wetlands located in Changnyeong County, South Korea, near the Nakdong River. The wetland is made of four smaller wetlands, Upo, Mokpo, Sajapo and JJokji-beol and it derives its name from the largest of the wetlands, Upo. The complex spreads over an area of 2.13 km² and is the largest inland wetland in South Korea today. It is one of two Ramsar wetlands in the country.

Ulsanbawi Rock in South Korea

Features of Ulsanbawi Rock in South Korea
There are three differing views on the name of Ulsanbawi. Some says that it looks like a fence and its name was copied from Ulsan of Gyeongsangnam-do. Later, the Korean term of   -  crying mountain  -   was transliterated into Chinese characters. Because of the way the whole mountain reverberates the sound of thunder in rain, it is also called Cheonhusan.

Songnisan National Park in South Korea

Songnisan National Park in South Korea is one of the eight most scenic attractions of Korea. It is the central part of the Great Paekdu Mountain Range and bridges northern ecosystems and southern ecosystems of the Korean peninsula. The water source of three rivers, the Han River, Kum River, and Nakdong River is the highest peak of Chonhwangbong (1,057m). The mountain presents a superb view of eight peaks, including Pirobong, and eight platform mountains, including Munjangdae.

Sobaeksan National Park in South Korea

Sobaeksan National Park in South Korea is a branch of what could be called the backbone of Korea - Mt. Taebaeksan. In 1987, Mt. Sobaeksan was designated as National Park No.18. Its whole dimension is 320.50km. The features of Sobaeksan National Park in South Korea include:

Seoraksan National Park in South Korea

Seoraksan is the highest mountain in the Taebaek mountain range in the Gangwon province in eastern South Korea. It is located in the Seoraksan National Park in South Korea. After the Hallasan volcano on Jeju Island and Jirisan in the south, Seorak-san is the third highest mountain in South Korea. The Daechongbong Peak of Seoraksan reaches 1,708 metres (5,603 feet). The Taebaek mountain chain is often considered the backbone of the Korean peninsula.

Seonginbong Peak in South Korea

Seonginbong Peak in South Korea is a part of the Seonginbong. Seonginbong or Saint Peak derives its name from its saint like looks. It is covered with mist for more than 300 days a year. There is a footprint on the rock at the top, which is believed to belong to a general. It is a left footprint, and the right one is said to be located somewhere in the mainland.

Odaesan National Park in South Korea

History of Odaesan National Park in South Korea

On January 10, 1970 Sogeumgang was designated as the first scenic site. On February 1, 1975 Odaesan National Park in South Korea was established as a national park (Notice No. 24 by the Ministry of Construction). August 5, 1987 Odaesan Management Office of the National Parks Authority was opened.

Naejangsan National Park in South Korea

Features of Naejangsan National Park in South Korea

Naejangsan National Park in South Korea is a famous mountain in Jeolla-do, and the best mountain in Korea to view autumn crimson leaves. The features of the park include:

N Seoul Tower in South Korea

N Seoul Tower in South Korea is a landmark of the metropolitan city of Seoul. Seoul Tower is located on the peak of Namsan in Seoul, a city of 10 million people. It has been embracing the city for the last 25 years. In 2005, the tower was reopened as N Seoul Tower.

Juwangsan National Park in South Korea

The Juwangsan National Park in South Korea is situated in the North Gyeongsang Province. The National Park is part of an awesome mountain range called the Taebaek Mountain Range. The Taebaek Mountain Range forms the main mountain ridgeline of the entire Korean Peninsula. The slope of the Mountain Range is home to lush green forests and is extremely important from the commercial perspective of the country. The Taebaek Mountain Range covers a total length of 500 meters and is estimated to have a height of 1000 meters. The Mountain has a steep slope towards the east and falls into the sea. The west however has a gentler slope.

Jirisan National Park in South Korea

National Parks are special places untouched by the harsh touches of humanity and there are plenty of such places in South Korea. The National Parks are an important part of the Korean Tourism and is instrumental in promoting the country's natural wealth. Many of the National Parks in South Korea are part of a famous mountain range and the Jirisan National Park in South Korea shares the same geographical feature. Among the three most important mountain ranges in South Korea, Jirisan is the prime one. The other two mountains are Hallasan and Seoraksan.

Hangyeryeong Pass in South Korea

Passes are an integral part of hills and mountains. They are the only way which allows access through the high mountain ranges. They had always played an important role in history and have helped in trade, migration and war. The Hangyeryeong Pass in South Korea is one such important pass. The Hangyeryeong, Jinburyeong and Misiryeong comprises of the three ridges of Mount Seoraksan. The Hangyeryeong Pass is also known by the name of Sodongnaryeong or Osaengnyeong.

Hallyeohaesang National Park in South Korea

Much of the National Parks in South Korea are specially preserved lands. 6.6% of the country's total area is claimed by the National Parks. The Parks are either located in the mountains or along the coasts. The Korea National Parks Authority is entitled to look after the parks. The Hallyeohaesang National Park is a maritime park and located along the coast. The National Park came officially into existence in 1968. The Hallyeohaesang National Park comprises of parts of the coast of Namhaedo and Geojedo Island located on the southern coast.

Gyeryongsan National Park in South Korea

Gyeryongsan National Park in South Korea covers three districts comprising of Daejeon, Kwangju and Nonsan. The Gyeryongsan Mountain and its surrounding areas had been turned into a National Park in the year 1968. The mountain owes its name to a unique geographical feature. The ridgeline of the mountain resembles a dragon wearing a chicken's crest on its head. The topography and the tales associated with the mountain is what make it more attractive.

Gyeongju National Park in South Korea

The Gyeongju National Park in South Korea features among the 20 best National Parks in South Korea. It came to be treated as a National Park in the year 1968. The National Park is divided into several areas for the convenience of the visitors. Since the Gyeongju district is divided in seven sectors the Gyeongju National Park is demarcated accordingly. To the west lie Gumisan and Danseoksan sections. In the heart of Gyeongju lie Hwarang, Seo-ok, Namsan and Sogeumgang areas. Tohamsan lies in the east and on the coast of Sea of Japan lies Daebon.

Gayasan National Park in South Korea

The Gayasan National Park in South Korea is also known by another name. It is often referred as the Kayasan Mountain National Park. Covering an estimated area of around 80,000 square kilometers, the Gayasan National Park stretches from the top of the south Gyeongsang province to the bottom of the north Gyeongsang province. The Mountain National Park is part of the Sobaek Mountain range and is attributed with two titles. The Gayasan National Park was designated as a scenic site in 1966 by the Korean government and came to be known as a National Park in 1972.

The wilderness and aloofness of the Gayasan National Park had saved it from the hands of Japanese invasions during 1592-98. An old saying is associated with it since stating that the Gayasan National Park is safe from the hands of three disasters namely fire, water and wind. This virtue has made the National Park the most valued National Park in South Korea.

Temples in South Korea

Visit to South Korea remains incomplete without exploration of the Temples in South Korea. South Korean Temples will give you an overview as well as a comprehensive insight into the religions practiced in the country. Incidentally, these religions are more than mere beliefs and have evolved into philosophies deeply embedded into the culture and heritage of the country. Temples in South Korea are of various kinds-from Buddhist temples to Catholic sites protecting the respective resources and relics of the religious evolution in the country.

Baekdamsa Temple in South Korea

The temples of South Korea display not only architectural splendor, spirituality and calmness but also relive the heritage and cultural richness of the Korea. Baekdamsa Temple in South Korea is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in the country. You will find many samples of architecture in Baekdamsa Temple, which draws many followers to its Buddhist philosophy.

Baegyangsa Temple in South Korea

If you don't visit temples while touring South Korea, it would be a straight miss. These beautiful temples displaying architectural splendor, spirituality and calmness, will haunt you back to the heritage and cultural richness of the Korean society. Baegyangsa Temple in South Korea is one of the most popular temples in the country. Baegyangsa Temple is also known as Baekyangsa and is considered as a head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It is one of the temples that will not only attract you towards its preaching philosophical order but also towards its beautiful setting in the boughs of Nature. Thus, whether you are a nature-lover, a religious follower of Korean Buddhism or just a lazing tourist seeking pleasure, Baegyangsa Temple in South Korea welcomes you heartily.

Gwongeumseong in South Korea

Korea is home to several forts, castles, temples, valleys and cultural villages. The forts and castles are found in and around Seoul in South Korea, although most of them are in ruins. The surviving ones are huge draws for tourists and visitors. Seoul is the ideal entrance to the Korean peninsula. Amongst the castles and forts in South Korea, Gwongeumseong Castle is a must see. Gwongeumseong in South Korea is the place which houses the ancient ruins of Mt. Seoraksan Castle which is also called Mt. Onggeumsan Castle, or Toto Castle.

Gongsanseong Fortress in South Korea

Korea boasts of historic sites, forts, palaces, temples, national parks, valleys, waterfalls, beaches, lakes, hot springs and cultural villages. Forts, palaces and castles are huge draws for tourists. Castles and fortresses embody the turbulent history of Korea. The historical richness of Korea brings in travelers from far and wide. The Korean countryside is punctuated by several castles and fortresses, most of which are in ruins now. The existing ones are found in Seoul, the chief gateway to the Korean peninsula. Korea has suffered almost 900 invasions. The fortresses were constructed to protect the people against foreign invasions.
The first fortifications were made of mud and timber in 2B.C. With technological advancement, modern techniques were used in the building of castles and fortresses. Gongsanseong Fortress in South Korea embodies historical and cultural richness and is a fine example of a mountain castle of the Baekje period (234-678) located in Gongju-si.

Changryongmun Gate in South Korea

Korea is home to major forts and palaces. Hwaseong Fortress with the Changryongmun Gate is a must see in South Korea. The Hwaseong Fortress was built by King Jeongjo of the Joseon dynasty. Hwaseong Fortress was recognized as historical site No.3 by the Korean government. The construction work began in 1794 in the month of January and was finally completed in 1796. It was built in an attempt to shift the tomb of King Jeongjo's father, Sado Seja, a victim of a political discord. It was to curtail old forces and release newer ones thus consolidating the position of the king. This impressive fortress wall consists of Changryongmun Gate among its other attractions. Changryongmun Gate in South Korea is therefore a huge draw for tourists.

Forts & Palaces in South Korea

Korea boasts of major historic sites, forts, palaces, temples, national parks, valleys, waterfalls, beaches, lakes, hot springs and cultural villages. Forts and palaces in South Korea attract tourists in large numbers. Forts and palaces embody the turbulent history of Korea. The major forts and palaces in South Korea are Namhansanseong Fortress, Achasanseong Fortress, Bukhansanseong Fortress, Changdeokgung Palace and Huwon, Changgyeonggung Palace, Changryongmun Gate, Deoksugung Palace, Dongdaemun Gate, Ganghwasanseong Fortress, Geumjeongsanseong Fortress, Gongsanseong Fortress, Gwanghwamun Gate, Gwongeumseong, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Gyeonghuigung Palace, Hwaseong Haenggung Palace, Jinjuseong Fortress, Paldalmun Gate, Sungnyemun (Namdaemun), Suwon Hwaseong Fortress and Unhyeongung.

Major Historic Sites in South Korea

The Major Historic Sites in South Korea are emerging as the hot new destinations on the travel map of the global tourists who prefer to visit off-beat places rather than flocking to the run-of-the-mill places. There are many historic sites in South Korea which you can visit in order to know the history, culture and the people of the land in a more intimate way.

The vibrant spirit and strong cultural moorings set South Korea apart from its larger neighbors. Separated from Japan by the Sea of Japan and from China by the Yellow Sea, this small country of less than 50 million people is making it big when it comes to attracting visitors worldwide to its stunning natural beauty.

Cheomseongdae Observatory in South Korea

Cheomseongdae Observatory in South Korea is one of the oldest structures in Korea. 'Ch'eomseongdae' means 'Star Gazing Tower'. Designated as National Treasure 31, it was built during the reign of Queen Seonduk of the Old Silla kingdom in 634. Cheomseongdae Observatory is the oldest existing observatory in the Far East and one of the oldest scientific installations on earth.

Byeongsan Seowon (Confucian School) in South Korea

Byeongsan Seowon in South Korea is a Confucian School, established by esteemed Confucian scholars to pay tribute to the memory of Seong-nyong Yu (1542-1607), a much revered author and personality of that time. Byeongsan Seowon was one of the 47 places in Korea and one of the two places in Andong which were not destroyed during the rule of Daewongun in 1868.

Bosingak Belfry in Seoul

Bosingak Belfry in Seoul is the second official treasure of Seoul and it is located in Jongno. Bosingak Belfry stands right at the exit of Jongkak subway station. Its presence is a vivid testament to the resilience of the people of this great city. The Bosingak Belfry was used during the Joseon Dynasty to keep the time. It was first built at the present entrance to Insa-dong in 1396.

Birthplace of Empress Myeongseong in South Korea

Birthplace of Empress Myeongseong in South Korea is the place where Empress Myeongseong, also known as Queen Min, lived until the age of 16 when she was made queen to Joseon's Emperor Gojong. It is located at 250-1, Neunghyeon-ri in Yeoju-gun in Gyeonggi-do.

Andong Icheondong in South Korea

Andong Icheondong in South Korea has become a famous tourist spot as one of the major historic sites. The awe-inspiring Buddha statue stands on an ancient path staring out over the mountains of the area at Jebiwon which was a rest place for travelers on their way to or from the Sobaek Mountains. The 2.43-meter-high head of granite Buddha rests on top of a 9.95-meter-high and 7.72-meter-wide stone outcropping engraved with the Buddha's body.

Anapji Pond in South Korea

Anapji is an artificial pond in Gyeongju National Park, Gyeongju, South Korea. Anapji means 'Goose and Duck Lake'. The pond is situated at the northeast edge of the Banwolseong palace site in central Gyeongju and it contains three small islands. It was part of the palace complex of ancient Silla (57 BCE - 935 CE).

It was originally constructed in February in 674 during the reign of Munmu, the 30th king of Silla. Munmu was the deserving successor of a dynasty with an illustrative history bearing the legacy of his royal family in an impressive fashion. His father, King Muyeol, unified the Korean peninsula in 668, masterminding the defeat of the Baekje and Goguryeo kingdoms which fell in 660 and 668 respectively.

Wido Beach in South Korea

Wido Beach in South Korea is a widely popular tourist spot which is noted as a fabulous swimming beach. The excellent scenery of the Wangdeungdo Island makes a favorite tourist destination to the nature lovers as this beach remains engulfed by the surrounding mountains and its shallow crystal clear water makes it tremendously popular among family vacationers. While visiting the Wido Beach one should also plan a tour of the entire island and enjoy sea fish-hooking.

Songho Beach in South Korea

Sokcho Beach in South Korea is located at the Jeollanam-do province which vividly reflects a distinct Korean folk customs and traditional Korean cultural practices like pansori (Korean opera) are well conserved here. Jeollanam-do is renowned for offering a variety of special dishes and fresh seafood and it dazzles its visitors with multitudes of tourist attractions like national parks and extensive coastlines as well as numerous islets in the sea.

Sokcho Beach in South Korea

Sokcho Beach is one of the most popular beaches in South Korea which attracts thousands of tourists from different parts of the world and offers the opportunity of relishing the diverse charm that forms an intrinsic aspect of this popular beach. The Sokcho Beach in South Korea with its average depth of 1m is 450m long and the breadth ranges from 45-80m.

Byeonsan Beach in South Korea

Byeonsan Beach in South Korea along with the Daecheon Beach and Manripo Beach is acknowledged as the three most popular beaches on the west coast of Korea. Byeonsan Beach is renowned for its silvery white sand beach which gets best complemented with the nearby cozy shelter of the fir trees. Byeonsan Beach was named Korea's very first beach, "Haesuyokjang", in 1933.

Beaches in South Korea

 Do you want to spend quality time relaxing at the beach shores? Or, are you interested in water sports? The beautiful beaches in South Korea are the perfect holiday retreat for you.

South Korea Tourist Attractions

Tourist Attractions in South Korea has it all. From fascinating pre-historic sites to majestic forts and palaces, ancient shrines, to national parks teeming with wild species, verdant valleys and rippling waterfalls, golden beaches and islands, colorful cultural villages - South Korea offers the maximum in terms of tourist attractions.

The vibrant spirit and strong cultural moorings set South Korea apart from its larger neighbors. Separated from Japan by the Sea of Japan and from China by the Yellow Sea, this small country of less than 50 million people is making it big when it comes to attracting visitors worldwide to its stunning natural beauty.

South Korea's most famous historical tourist attractions include the ancient capitals of Seoul, Gyeongju and Buyeo. Most of the international tourists come to Seoul to experience both the classical and modern aspects of Korean culture.

South Korea Popular Destinations

A holiday in South Korea and a visit to the South Korea popular destinations will leave you mesmerized at the manifold wonders of the country. There are South Korea popular destinations where history is so well-preserved or recreated so vividly that they seem to be in time warp, while there are other South Korea popular destinations which are thriving arts and cultural centers. Bustling cities, scenic locales and South Korea tourist destinations that house an activities galore: sightseeing in South Korea has them all and more.

Religion In South Korea

Know about the culture of South Korea in all its different aspects and this means knowing about the influences that have shaped the mindset and the thought processes of the people in South Korea. Understanding the religion in South Korea will help you better understand the dreams and hopes of the Korean people, their feelings and emotions and also the values and beliefs that they hold dear to their hearts. Religion in South Korea is also about appreciating the tolerant nature of one of the most ancient people on earth.

Painting in South Korea

Painting in South Korea has always been a glorious form of South Korean Art. It has a long history and even tells the story of South Korea in pictorial form. The paintings belonging to different eras and portraying various aspects of Korean lifestyle is probably the best way you can know this place. Whether colorful forms or sketches it sure does give you a detailed insight into the Culture of South Korea.

Music and Dance in South Korea

Music and Dance in South Korea forms an integral part of the Culture of South Korea. They are the best forms of expression of the country men. Right from the years that have gone to the present the Koreans have articulated their love for performing arts in many ways from folk songs and dances to contemporary music, Korea is surely a musical country.

Arts and Crafts in South Korea

South Korea is a country known for its immensely rich culture. Being the powerhouse of art and craft, it simply excels in every form of performing art and handicraft. Thus if you are planning a holiday in South Korea then simply will not be able stay away from its contagiously fascinating culture. Arts and Crafts in South Korea include everything from painting, sculpture, pottery, architecture and even performing arts like music and dance. Boasting a long history and strong background South Korean Art and Craft is undoubtedly brings you closer to the real essence of the nation.

Architecture of South Korea

Architecture of South Korea may be similar to that of its adjacent nations like China and Japan, yet it stands out for its own distinguishing approach. Being a glorious part of the Arts and Crafts of South Korea, the architecture of this nation has a long cultural background. Over the years it has gone through lots of modifications. Each age has its distinctive style and has produced some excellent masterpieces. However one thing which has remained common even till date is the simplicity, openness and innovation of South Korean Architecture.

Culture of South Korea

South Korea is a country with lots to offer, it has lots of stories to be told about its people, traditions, mores, beliefs, its culinary art, handicrafts and many more. Packed with the best of everything the Culture of South Korea is immensely fascinating. Apart from giving a deep insight into the true spirit of South Korea, it will surely keep you occupied throughout your trip in the country.

South Korea Provinces

There are eight provinces, one special self-governing province, six metropolitan cities, and one special city in South Korea. The eight South Korea provinces are Gyeonggi-do, Gangwon-do, Chungcheongbuk-do, Jeollabuk-do, Jeollanam-do, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Chungcheongnam-do and Gyeongsangnam-do.

South Korea Geography

According to South Korea geography, the country covers an area of 98,480 square kilometers, around 44 percent of the total Korean peninsula. Located in Eastern Asia, South Korea lies on the southern half of the Korean peninsula sharing a land border only with North Korea. It is a 238 kilometers border along the Korean Demilitarized Zone which is a 4,000 meter wide strip of land running along the Demarcation Line.

A study of the geography of South Korea shows that the land is covered by three water bodies. To the east is the Sea of Japan or the East Sea, to the west is the Yellow Sea, and to the south is the South China Sea. These three seas together share a border of 2,413 kilometers with South Korea. The south and the west have an irregular coastline.

South Korea Currency

South Korea Currency bears its legacy from the united Korean currency called Won, first used as Korea's currency between 1902 and 1910. With the birth of South Korea in 1945, the Won was accepted as the currency of South Korea. South Korean Currency Won, is closely related to the Chinese Yuan and Japanese Yen as all three are derived from a Chinese character meaning round shape.

South Korea Communications

South Korea communications boasts of an extensive network of railways, bus routes, highways, air routes as well as ferry services, laid across the country. Since the 1960s South Korea has made long strides in improving and expanding the communication system. The major boost to communication system in South Korea came with the modern highway network and establishment of nationwide air service. The modern rail roads followed suit which resulted in a fast growth of communications in South Korea.

South Korea Communications by Railways

South Korea Climate

South Korea is located in the southern half of the Korean Peninsula. Its position on the world map makes it a part of the East Asian monsoonal region. South Korea climate is temperate. The south easterly wind blows during summer while the predominant wind in winters is the northwesterly.

South Korea Accommodation

South Korea is becoming a hot tourist destination. Every year many people from around the world visit South Korea either for recreation or for a business trip. There are many places worth a visit in South Korea from gardens to parks to shopping centers and nightclubs, historical places etc.

The country is swathed in green, prodding its stony fingers skyward, and the Koreans are a people obsessed with nature and with mountains in particular. Wherever you travel, you'll see Koreans out in the open air, clad in the latest adventure fashions, pushing ever onward and upward. South Korea provides world class accommodation to its guests. It even has accommodation to suit different needs.

History of South Korea

When the Second World War ended Korea found itself under the rule of the two leading countries of the time. While the north was under the Soviet Union the southern half of the country was being dominated by the Unites States of America. Though the 1943 Cairo Declaration promised a unified Korea, the country was divided into two halves- the communist North and the democratic South. Since then every big event that has taken place below the 38th parallel in the earlier ancient and enriched land of Korea is referred to as the history of South Korea.