Travel in South Korea – Hotels, South Korea Vacations, Lodging, Trips, Attractions and Travel Guide

Sightseeing On Vacation In South Korea

Geunjeong Pavilion in Gyeongbok Palace, Seoul Korea

South Korea is most often simply referred to as Korea, or “Land of the Morning Calm”. Korea has one of the oldest civilizations on record and is the second largest metropolitan city in the entire world. Korea is located in East Asia and occupies the southern half of the Korean Peninsula.

South Korea is home to a large number of picturesque and historical temples. A vast number of these temples were built in the mountains surrounding South Korea. The Beopjusa Temple Complex, is the leading temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It is located inside Songnisan National Park and was constructed in 653, by Silla Monk Uisin during the reign of King Chinsung. In the past, the temple was home to over three-thousand monks. Inside the temple, visitors can see the Hall of Great Light, Ssangsajaseokdeung (two lion statues hold a lamp), and the Seokryeonji Lotus Pong. Today, the temple is open from sunrise to sunset and welcomes thousands of visitors every year.

Hwoam Temple is the gateway to Jiri-san National Park in the South Jeolla area. The temple was constructed in 544, by Priest Yeongi Chosa. The name Hwaomsa comes from two characters in the Korean Buddhism, it tells of the universal oneness of all beings. The grounds of the temple contain golden Buddha statues, tapestries, and historical artifacts and the area has been named a Historic Site and Scenic Area, by the Korean government.

The Dadohae Haesang National Park is located off the southwest corner of the peninsula and contains over 1,569 islands. On December 23rd, 1981, it became the 14th National Park and it is the largest park in Korea. The park offers thick forests, white sand beaches, blue skies and the ocean. Hondgo Island is a tourist favorite and is well known for its fragrant camellia flowers. While Geomundo Island is known for its amazing rock formations. There are several areas of the park that offer tourists incredible views, relaxing beaches and endless possibilities for exploration.

Two extraordinary islands in South Korea are Jeju and Ulleundgo. These islands are the result of volcanic activity with has provided the islands with outstanding topographical features. Because smaller volcanic eruptions formed the Jeju island, the land is flatter and wider. The island of Jeju is also home to hundreds of dormant volcanoes that are a popular tourist draw. Ulleendgo island is the result of more violent volcanic eruptions and this resulted in the creation of high, steep cliffs across the landscape. Upon arrival in Dodong Harbor, most tourists are left awestruck by the appearance of a quaint village nestled safely in the mountain scape.

Busan is also known as the Busan Metropolitan City, and is the second largest city in South Korea. In November of 2005, the city announced its intentions to host the 2020 Summer Olympics Games. Geumjeongsan is a popular site known for its hiking trails and nearby is Beomeosa, the main Korean Buddhist temple of the city. Busan has six beaches, making it the summer capital of Korea. Luxurious hotels and a carnival boardwalk line the beaches around Haeundae. On the island of Yeongdo is Taejongdae, a natural park with magnificent cliffs overlooking the ocean.

There are many fine hotels to be found in South Korea such as; Lotte, Nongshim Paradise-Western Chosun Beach, Cheju Kal, Inter Burgo, Park Prince, the New Sorak Hotel and Donghae. South Korea experiences four distinct climate zones. The entire country experiences periods of sustained rainfall which is detrimental to its agriculture. The best times to travel are during the spring or fall, when temperatures are pleasant and ideal for tourism.