In this multi-faceted eastern country, future and tradition coexist harmoniously
The archaeological sites and houses with pagoda roofs, the sparkling skyscrapers and the dense vegetation. There South Korea it is such a varied land, from a landscape point of view, that it is practically impossible not to fall in love with it. Although it is less popular than other oriental destinations, which have perhaps been able to better sponsor their culture and the beauty of their places, it has absolutely nothing to envy nor the Japan and nor to China.
It is the ideal destination, upon closer inspection, for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in a culture completely different from the European one and thus discover the customs and traditions of a people as fascinating as they are mysterious.
But what are the 5 things to do in South Korea to be able to appreciate its thousand faces and many facets? Here is our top list.
Visit Seoul
Alone, or Seoul if you prefer, is the capital of South Korea. A chaotic but magical metropolis, which is divided equally between skyscrapers that dot the city center and the green which, however, expands visibly as soon as you enter the outskirts. THE Buddhist temples they coexist peacefully with the gigantic contemporary buildings and the markets set up on the streets do not in the least affect the harmony of a metropolis which is unquestionably modern, even futuristic if we want. And this is precisely what gives rise to the magic of Seoul.
The city center is full of shops need attractions which is worth visiting, but it is in the surrounding neighborhoods that you can feel the true atmosphere of the enchanting Seoul. It is worth seeing, before leaving, the Buckchon village, north of the Han River: you will not feel like you are in South Korea, but in a land far away in time and space. The credit goes to hanok that characterize it, i.e. the iconic historic homes with black roofs and private gardens which are particularly representative of the local architectural tradition.
Andare a Jeju Island
Jeju Island it's a bit there Capri of South Korea. A true oasis of relaxation overlooking the Yellow Sea and which, certainly not by chance, is the favorite destination for young couples looking for a special refuge in which to spend a romantic honeymoon. Among other things, there are many things to do on Jeju Island: i museums they cannot be counted on the fingers of one hand and i stacks, the volcanoes and boschi that characterize its territory are an unmissable attraction.
La coastlineFurthermore, it is an authentic spectacle of nature. It welcomes tourists who land on the island with its harsh and wild vegetation: one tropical forest of rare beauty which, not too long ago, was converted into a national park. If you are daredevil, jump at the chance to climb theHallasan, the mountain which, with its 1950 meters high, is the most imposing in all of South Korea.
Discover Jeonju
Even if you have decided to stay in Seoul, with a comfortable bus you can quickly reach what is another of South Korea's unmissable destinations: jeonju. A city that, like the capital, thrives on contrasts that appear evident even to the most distracted tourists. Alongside the recently built skyscrapers, magnificent buildings extend as far as the eye can see rice and vegetable fields, all strictly arranged in orderly and perfect rows.
Again, they are the rural extra-urban landscapes the real attraction of the city. The houses with pagoda roofs are simply delightful and the gardens that surround them, of a green that calling it brilliant might not be enough, are impeccably cared for and as lush as ever. In short, there are plenty of corners worth exploring in Jeonju, so make sure you don't lose sight of everything this splendid city can offer you.
Eat kimchi
Although the oriental cuisine is so delicious and famous that it has been imported all over the world, some traditional dishes are not yet known to most people. This is the case, for example, of kimchi, a dish based on vegetables fermented, seafood e spices, at will. Koreans usually flavor it with ginger, chilli, garlic and shallots, but it is still available in dozens and dozens of different versions.
Although it is a fairly substantial dish, it is not considered a main meal by Koreans: in most cases, in fact, it is used as an ingredient for the preparation of other recipes such as, for example, kimchi jjigae and kimchi bokeeumbap. In any case, we advise you to look for a traditional restaurant and try it in one more classic variant: You will not regret it.
See a taekwondo fight
Woe betide you if you think that it isn't worth watching taekwondo fighting: it is national sport of South Korea, but even before being this it is above all a tradition well rooted in the entire population. The fighters challenge each other to the sound of each other kicks for personal defense, yet the physical aspect is not the only component of this discipline: taekwondo is also based on meditation philosophy.
And this is the reason why anyone who goes to South Korea, whether in Seoul or elsewhere, should absolutely not miss the chance to see two sports professionals live martial arts. A rigid but at the same time elegant discipline, which in its own way tells the story and traditions of the country, ensuring that tourists can feel an integral part of that reality so distant from their own.
Source: 123rf
