Travel In Korea: December 2013

Friday, December 13, 2013

N Seoul Tower was built in 1969 as Korea’s first integrated transmission tower beaming television and radio broadcasts across the capital. Since opening to the public in 1980, it has become a much-loved Seoul landmark. The tower’s main attractions include multi-colored digital art projected onto the tower at night, a digital observatory, a roof terrace, the HanCook restaurant, the n.Grill restaurant, and the Haneul (Sky) Restroom. N Seoul Tower’s mountain surroundings on Namsan (Mt.) have made it a popular place to unwind for locals and tourists alike.

An amazing multi-colored light show every night

Due to regulatory inspections, the nighttime laser light show has been temporarily suspended.
N Seoul Tower really comes alive at night with a breathtaking array of light shows from the “Reeds of Light” whose 70 lights create dynamic displays changing with every gust of wind, to the “Shower of Light” where light seems to cascade from a shower head for three minutes when a 100 won coin is inserted. Both shows can be enjoyed without an admission fee. More lights are created from the transmission tower, observation platform, main tower and the tower plaza, constantly changing their colors and patterns with the season and weather, making N Seoul Tower a true nighttime spectacle.

N Seoul Tower is a popular place for dates. Seoul has a number of viewing platforms where visitors can enjoy the nighttime cityscape or gaze out onto the Hangang (River) but the tower’s Digital Observatory is unique, offering an astonishing 360 degree panorama over the city, and 32 LCD screens recounting the 600-year history of Seoul. That is why the observatory is so popular and such a source of pride.

N Seoul Tower has become famous for its “Locks of Love”

Situated on top of the N Plaza, the Roof Terrace is a spacious wooden viewing deck whose exotic atmosphere makes it very popular with lovers. A recent attraction for courting couples is “Locks of Love,” thousands of padlocks attached to the fence by romantic Seoulites symbolizing their undying affection.
*It is not permitted to throw your keys over the fence.

more information
http://www.visitseoul.net/en/see/landmark/n-seoul-tour.jhtml

photo
http://blog.naver.com/lghkqns78?Redirect=Log&logNo=110180875620

Gyeongbokgung in Seoul

Gyeongbokgung was the first royal palace built by the Joseon Dynasty, three years after the Joseon Dynasty was founded. Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung was located at the heart of newly appointed capital of Seoul (then known as Hanyang) and represented the sovereignty of the Joseon Dynasty. The largest of the Five Grand Palaces (the others being Gyeonghuigung, Deoksugung, Changgyeonggung, Changdeokgung), Gyeongbokgung served as the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty.

The Turbulent History of Gyeongbokgung
Gyeongbokgung continued to serve as the main palace until the Japanese invasions of Korea (1592 – 1598), when all of the palaces were severely damaged. It was not until about 1868 that the palace was reconstructed and expanded to a 410,000 square meter complex with over 500 buildings. Gyeongbokgung flourished for several decades in this state until the Japanese once again demolished the palaces during their occupation of Korea (1910-1945). Most of the restored buildings were torn down, Gwanghwamun Gate was relocated and the Japanese General Government Building was constructed in front of the main area of the palace.

An effort by the Korean government has been ongoing since 1990 to rebuild and restore the buildings that were destroyed during the Japanese occupation. This 40-year restoration project aims to fully restore Gyeongbokgung Palace to its original form in the next twenty years. Currently, the palace is open to the public and houses the National Palace Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum of Korea. Although only about forty percent of the buildings have been restored, there are still many beautiful things to see at the palace. Some of the palace highlights have been noted below

http://www.visitseoul.net/en/index.do?_method=main
http://terms.naver.com/entry.nhn?docId=566482&cid=1630&categoryId=1630

Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress was constructed by king Jeongjo (reigning 1777~1800), the 22nd king of Joseon dynasty (1392-1910) after moving the tomb of his father Sadoseja, Crown Prince, who had been victimized in faction struggles in the court, and put inside a rice chest and had died in it, from Mt. Baebong, Yangju, to Mt. Hwa, Suwon. and the moving of the local government headquarters from near Mt. hwa to the current location under Mt. Paldal, Suwon. The mountain was considered as the best place to build tombs according to the theory of geomancy in those days.

There were multiple reasons for constructing the Suwon Hwaseong Fortress. The most important reason was King Jeongjo's filial piety to his father. But, there were other reasons: his political strategy to eradicate faction struggles and establish the king-led politics; use of it as a fortress of national defense to the south.

In the process of constructing it, new machines like geojunggi and nokro was specifically designed to move and pile up big stones. When the fortress was built, many subsidiary facilities such as Hwaseong Haenggung, Jungposa, Neposa, and Sajikdan, etc. were also built. But, most of them have been destroyed in later wars and riots, except for Naknamheon, part of Hwaseong Haenggung. Passing though the Japanese Occupation Era (1910~1945), and the Korean War (1950~1953), parts of the fortress were destroyed or lost. But, during the period of 1975~1979, most of the destroyed or lost parts were repaired and recovered, referring to Hwaseong Seongyeok Euigwae.

The circumference of the fortress is 5,744m, and its area is 130ha. It is a pyeongsanseong, or flat and mountainous fortress, with its eastern part flat, and its western part straddling Mt. Paldal. There were originally 48 facilities in the fortress: 4 munru, gate tower; 2 sumun, watergate; 3 gongsimdon, gun-shooting tower; 2 jangdae; 2 nodae, arrow-shooting towers; 5 poru, tower on the wall; 4 gakru; 5 ammun, open gate on the wall; 1 bongdon, or beacon tower, 4 jeokdae, watchtower; 9 chiseong, protective facilities on the wall; and 2 eungu. Among them, 7 facilities have disappeared by floods or wars, and 41 remain intact.

The fortress walls of Suwon Hwaseong remain intact almost as the original form as it was constructed 200 years ago. The Suwoncheon River, which flowed through Buksumun (or Hwaheungmun) watergate, still flows through the watergate, and the road network linking Paldalmun, Janganmun, Hwaseong Haenggung, and Changrongmun are still used as an important part of the road network of current Suwon city. The construction of the fortress was motivated by political and economic purposes as well as the filial piety of the king to his father, rather than by military one. Thus, the fortress can be said to symbolize "hyo," filial piety, part of East Asian philosophy, and so it has spiritual and philosophical value, in addition to cultural one.

http://tour.suwon.go.kr/sub/estate/suwon_hwasung_01_01.asp?depth2=1&depth3=

http://www.swcf.or.kr/
http://terms.naver.com/entry.nhn?docId=1392235&cid=40820&categoryId=40820

Seongsan Ilchulbong in Jeju

Seongsan Ilchulbong is situated in the coast of Seongsan-ri, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province. It is a part of the volcano body that exploded under the sea, which rarely occurs among many craters surrounding the island. The explosion brought about by the lava mixing with the water is crumbled into soft volcano ash and encircle the crater in a corn shape. It was originally a volcano island but connected to the land eventually by the sedimentary layers consisting of sand and rocks between the island and the land near the Sinyang beach. From the olden days, the scenary of sunrise viewed from Seongsan Ilchul Summit was the most excellent one among the famous ten scenic spots of Youngju (picturesque place of Jeju). The burning sun that rises far across the horizontal line above the swelling waves of the blue ocean captures the eyes of the viewer who observes the sight and renders one to let out a spontaneous exclamation by making a deep impression on the viewer. Seongsan Ilchulbong has its original shape of the craters well preserved and offers precious resources for the study of volcano as various structures of accumulation formed during the volcano explosion can be clearly observed. For this reason, it is proudly registered as the world heritage

http://english.jeju.go.kr/index.php/contents/Tour

Mt. Halla in Jeju

Mt. Hallasan is the central peak of the gently sloping shield volcano of Jeju Island. It is the highest mountain in South Korea, reaching 1,950 m above the sea level. Mt. Hallasan boasts peculiar volcanic landscape, produced by the crater lake Baeknokdam at the summit, the precipitous rocky cliffs of the Yeongsilgiam, and about 40 volcanic cones. Baeknokdam crater is exceptional in that the western half of that area is formed by trachyte lava, whereas the eastern half is made of basalt lava. It is assumed that the trachytic lava dome was produced first followed by the creation of the crater by basaltic volcanic activity. The mountain has been protected from human activity since 1970 and is renowned for its unique ecology and biodiversity in addition to volcanic geology and geomorphology.

http://english.jeju.go.kr/index.php/contents/Tour

Saejae valley in Munkyung

This valley that rides over Joryeong Mountain of Baekdudaegan was important place in social, cultural, economical and military aspects as the highest and roughest valley on Youngnamdaero connecting Han River and Nakdong River.
Saejae means 『pass even hard for birds to fly over』, 『pass filled with reeds』, 『between』Haneuljae and Aurijae, or 『New(新) pass』, and recorded as Chojeom(草岾) in old documents.
After Imjinwaeran, 3 gateways (historic spot No.147) (Juheulgwan, Jogokgwan, and Joryeonggwan) were established here and became fortress for national defense. There was only Gyogwi market place remained, but it was reconstructed in 1999. There is marker written as “San-bul-dyo-shim” in Korean (local cultural asset data No.226). This area was appointed as local monument No.18 in 1974 and protected as Provincial Park in 1981. So lots of tourist visits here.

*You can enjoy drama set in here

http://english.gbmg.go.kr/open_content/tour/recommendable/view/

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http://blog.naver.com/sarangkh78?Redirect=Log&logNo=30179990848

Wolyeonggyo in Andong

It is the biggest and longest wooden bridge of Korea based on the memorable love story of Lee Eung Tae and his wife. The shape of bridge is based on 'Mituri'(Traditional shoes) that Lee's wife made with her hairs and burried with her husband.
Especially at night, there's a beautiful light to attract travellers, photographers, and visitors who want to take wonderful pictures of the bridge.

It's more beautiful at night time!

photo

http://blog.naver.com/hipasstime?Redirect=Log&logNo=50177822013

Taejongdae in Busan

Taejongdae, a park located at the southern end of Yongdo Island, commands magnificent views. The name Taejongdae comes from the fact that King Taejong Muyol of the Shilla Dynasty was infatuated with this scenery and made frequent visits to this area. This location is the closest point to the Japanese island of Tsushima, which you can see from Taejongdae on a fine day

When you look at the ocean from the ob

servation deck of Taejongdae, you feel thoroughly refreshed. The location where the observation deck stands used to be called Suicide Rock. In front of the Observation Deck, there is a statue of a mother with her son, symbolizing a mother’s warm love

http://etour.busan.go.kr/index.busan

Seokguram Grotto in GyeingJu

The construction of Seokguram Grotto was begun in 751 A.D. by Gim Daeseong, then prime minister under the reign of King Gyeongdeok of Silla. It was completed in 774 A.D. during the reign of King Hyegong. At the time it was completed, it was called Seokbulsa, meaning “Stone Buddha Temple.”

Seokguram Grotto, near the summit of Mt. Tohamsan, is a man-made cave that was assembled from white granite. Inside of Seokguram Grotto are 39 carved divinities, including Bodhisattvas, disciples, heavenly guards, and heavenly kings, all formed around a central principal figure of the Buddha. The rectangular antechamber of the Grotto is connected to the main rotunda by a corridor. The domed ceiling of the main chamber is exquisitely made from over 360 pieces of flat stone. The superb architectural technique employed here is unprecedented in the world in its excellence. Statues of a total of eight heavenly guards stand on either side of the antechamber that serves as the entrance to the Grotto. On each side of the entrance to the corridor are bas-relief carvings of Deva kings, while the narrow corridor is decorated with the Four Heavenly Kings carved in pairs.

Windy Hill in Geoje

when we come down to the north at a comer going to Haegeumgang after passing Hammok, we can see a fishing village Dojangpo like a picture and can see 'Windy Hill' as a watercolor when we raise our head. when we stand by an observatory in the south of a road after going up the hill, there is where we become a wizard who looks out over sea. It's name 'Sinseondae'. 'Windy Hill' is a hill covered by belts. Thus, it's old name was 'Ttibatneul'. It is where sea wind always meets visitors since there is long extended clean sea area around there. It makes a wonderful view with blue sea, guls, Hakdong Black Pearl Mongdol Beach and Susan Village from a distance. It also comes to the spotlight as a drama photographing place since sea is well-harmonized with the hill. In 'Sinseondae' we can look out over see. It has a shape playing a wizard game with harmonious landscapes around it since a large rock secures it's position on 속 seashore. We can look out over Dapodo, Mt.Cheonjangsan, Osaek Bawui and Dadohae. There is a small Pebble Swimming Beach at the lower edge, which makes it's landscape more tasteful.

Jusanji Pond in Cheongsong

It is a 100m long, 50m wide and 8m deep small pond in Mt. Juwangsan National Park. The pond is surrounded by a thick forest that stretches to Yeonbong Peak. The atmosphere here is so tranquil and restful that you can forget all your troubles.
Since it was constructed, it has never dried up even during the severest drought. About thirty 150-year-old weeping willows growing in the pond create an incredible scenic beauty.

Some scenes of the movie, 'Spring, summer, fall and winter' were shot here. This movie won the Best Picture Award at the 4th Daejong Film Festival and the Best Picture Award at 2003 Blue Dragon Film Awards.
'Spring, summer, fall, and winter' is a movie that allegorized a man's unusual life as the changes of seasons and the cycles of life of Buddhism.

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http://cafe.daum.net/nanhe37/iDhv/35?docid=1IXsB|iDhv|35|20110826210438&srchid=IIM9siru400#A1656F61C4BE8A68D4FD334&srchid=IIM9siru400

Juknokwon(bamboo garden )& Metasequoia-lined Road in Damyang

Juknokwon in Hyanggyo-ri is famous for its bamboo forest bath. It is situated just left to the hyanggyo (Confucian school) beside Gwanbangjerim Riverside Park and Damyang stream, the basin of Youngsan River.
As you take each step towards the bamboo garden, your body will be relaxed and your mind will be refreshed by the cool wind blowing between the bamboos. Listen to the rustling bamboo leaves as you stroll along, and receive the sunlight that passes through the green leaves. Jukro tea leaves grow by the falling drops of dew in the bamboo garden.
Take a sip of the Jukro tea and lift your head towards the sky while enjoying the forest bath. You will savor the scent of bamboos that makes you calm and peaceful

Address
282 Hyanggyo-ri, Damyang-eup, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do

The metasequoia trees were first planted along the road in the early 1970s when the Ministry of Home Affairs designated this road as a part of the national boulevard project. The saplings that were three to four years old have grown so big and tall that they even block the sky. The Korea Forest Service and Forest for Life selected the Metasequoia-lined Road as the Korea’s most beautiful road in 2002.

If you follow National Road No. 15 up from the Korea Bamboo Museum, you will be mesmerized by a beautiful boulevard that looks like it came straight out of a fairytale. The metasequoia trees along with the bamboo grove add to the exotic and mind-blowing scenery. They look like fairies or toy trains when seen from a distance, but like the Queen’s guards at Buckingham Palace when you are at the boulevard.

Address
578-4 Hakdong-ri, Damyang-eup, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do

Jeonju Hanok Village

Jeonju Hanok Village has 700 traditional Korean houses, Hanok that are still home to residents today. Hanok Village is the best-preserved living traditional village. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Korea. Jeonju also hosted the FIFA World Cup 2002, which saw grand scale refurbishments to many areas in Jeonju for World Cup visitors.

Many traditional and historic sites are excellently preserved in Jeonju such as Gyeonggi Palace, Jeondong Catholic Church, Pungnam-dong, Omokdae, Hyanggyo, Gwonhwon Fortress ruins, Namgo Fortress and many others historic sites. There are also traditional culture learning centers such as art crafts exhibition halls, master products exhibition centers, Hanok Living Experience centers, traditional alcohol museum, Hanji centers, and herbal medicine experience centers. People can also participate in learning about and making traditional art crafts such as Hapjukseon or Taegukseon (fans) along with trying out the traditional tea shops and restaurants. Jeonju offers visitors much to see, do and eat.

Monday, December 9, 2013

Odongdo Island in Yeosu

It only takes 10 minutes from downtown. Walking along the breakwater for 15 minutes, you can get to the island. As the artists of Yeosu Branch of Korean Fine Art Association had been working on the mural, the road was selected as one of the 100 Most Beautiful Roads in Korea. The island is also a part of the Hallyeohaesang National Park.

When it comes to camellia flowers, Odongdo Island in Yeosu is the first place to go. Over 3,000 camellia trees starts to bloom in January and the flowers fully blossom in March. You can overlook Odongdo Island from the Jasan Park on a hill, where people start tours around the western part of the city.

Hahoe village in Andong

listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.

The Hahoe Folk Village is a traditional village from the Joseon Dynasty. The village is a valuable part of Korean culture because it preserves Joseon period-style architecture, folk traditions, valuable books, and old tradition of clan-based villages.

The reason for the village name Hahoe(Ha means a river and Hoe means turning around) was that the Nakdong River flows around the village in an S shape.

Extracted by Google image

Hahoe Village has conserved Hahoe Byeolsingut Mask Dance Play performed by the public in general, and Seonyujulbul Nori-a boat ride and fire paly enjoyed by the nobility called Yangban. The village conserves many cultural heritages which show Korean traditional living cultures and ancient architectual styles.

Extracted by Google image

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