Places to Visit in South Korea

For cultural tourists visiting Korea on a tight schedule, I recommend seeing the Summer Palace in Seoul, the Silla-era burial mounds in Gyeongju, Dalseong Park in Daegu, the Tongdosa Buddhist temple in Pusan (Busan) and, for those especially pressed for time (and who can't travel far outside the capital), the Korean Folk Village.

Before I go into detail about these, I want to add that if this is your first visit to Korea, stay in a Korean inn, known as a "yeogwan." These are usually relatively inexpensive and have heated floors (hot air is circulated underneath) which will make your stay very pleasant, especially if you're traveling during the spring, fall or winter months. Some yeogwans also have traditional rooms which include futon-style mats to sleep on instead of Western beds, giving you a real taste of how Koreans live.

Speaking of taste, I also urge you to eat at Korean restaurants as much as you can. Korean food is quite delicious and there are plenty of dishes to choose from that will satisfy any palate.

If you stay at yeogwans and eat at local restaurants you will have to learn some Korean to get by. It's worth your while to buy a simple phrasebook. "Thank you" is "Kahm sah mee dah" in Korean. Use this often. Being polite and respectful is very important in Korea and the locals will appreciate your thoughtfulness.

Summer Palace

There are several palaces in Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, but if you only have time to see one, visit the Summer Palace, known locally as Changyeonggung ("gung" means "palace"). It's not as large or grandiose as the others, but it is elegant and charming and includes a botanical garden. In fact, it is considered so beautiful by Koreans themselves that many brides come to the palace to have their pictures taken. If you're lucky enough to visit in spring, you may find cherry trees in full bloom, a sight that that will make the glorious former royal residence even more spectacular.

Gyeongju

This city in the southern part of the country was the capital of the historical kingdom of Silla, legendary for its wealth. In Gyeongju National Park you will find a palace complex dating back to that era, including royal tombs (burial mounds) from the 600s A.D., a lovely artificial pond and a forest. Artifacts from the Silla era can be viewed at the Gyeongju National Museum. Silla rulers were big backers of Buddhism, and you will find ample evidence of their patronage near Gyeongju. Two items of interest - the Seokguram grotto and Bulguksa Temple - have been designated world heritage sites by UNESCO. The city plays host to a Silla cultural festival every October.

Dalseong Park

In the city of Daegu, this park was built on one of the oldest earthen mound fortresses in Korea, and in addition to beautiful flora and interesting indigenous trees, it features important pieces of the nation's past. These include the impressive Gwanpungru Pavilion and a gate from the ancient fortress. The Comprehensive Cultural Hall, also on the grounds, is worth a visit.

Tongdosa Temple

Located in Pusan (Busan), this Buddhist temple dates back to the seventh century and is one of the most important in Korea. At the height of its prosperity in the 1400s, some say this temple was part of a vast complex containing hundreds of buildings and thousands of monks. Today only one temple remains standing (the Japanese razed the rest to the ground, as they did much of Korea's heritage when they invaded). It was last repaired in the early 1600s, so it is a fascinating example of how such buildings were constructed at that time.

Korean Folk Village

Close to Seoul and easy to get to, the Korean Folk Village has proved popular among tourists, even if it is not as authentic as those in the countryside. A traditional marketplace sells handicrafts and souvenirs and an arena features musical, dance and acrobatic performances. There are 260 traditional structures built to look like Joseon Dynasty-era homes and places of work. Artisans, dressed to look the part, can be seen making paper, baskets, pottery and other handicrafts from yesteryore. A Folk and Art Museum is located nearby for those who want to learn more about Korean history and culture.

How I Was Treated

I just wanted to add a note as to how I was treated when I visited South Korea. I am a Westerner and spoke no Korean, except for a few key phrases, when I backpacked alone for ten days down the peninsula. Almost everyone I met was helpful and kind. Only once did I feel any animosity.

After walking for hours through the National Museum of Korea, I sat down on a bench to rest. Before I knew it I had dozed off, and awoke a few minutes later to the sound of children laughing. A group of school kids had crowded around me and their teacher was pointing at me with a sneer on his face. It was obvious he had said something derogatory and I felt like an object of ridicule. They then turned and followed their teacher into the next room.

I have no idea what was said (maybe I was drooling), but I can understand local resentment towards people who look American. A large U.S. military base is located in Seoul (as is the museum), and having such a visible foreign presence in one's hometown can be chafing. (I certainly wouldn't want a foreign military base where I live.)

Other than that, not only were Koreans welcoming (especially outside of Seoul), but they went out of their way to assist me whenever they thought I needed help, as when I was looking at a map, and trying to decipher a bus stop sign. I enjoyed my stay and would gladly visit Korea again.

For more information, check out the Korea National Travel Organization website:
http://www.knto.com/