Have you been dreaming about a trip to East Asia? If yes, South Korea and Seoul must be on your list.

Seoul, the capitol and the largest city, is unqestionably the political, economic and cultural center of South Korea. The bustling metoroplies, located on the banks of Han River, offers historical sites, great restaurants and irresistable nightlife.

Once you set foot in Seoul you must visit a few of the „Five Grand Palaces.” Personally, I found Geyongbokgung, an impressive palace complex the most intersting. This royal residence, which had been built under the Joseon Dynesty, was almost entirely destroyed during the Japanese invasion and occupation of Korea. You will need to dedicate one day to visit this “Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven,” the former seat of monarchs, that also is a home to National Folk Museum and National Palace Museum.

Deoksugung Palace, the smallest of Seoul’s palaces is located near the City Hall Station. The name Deokungung means “Palace of virtue and longevity.” This former residence of Wolsandaegun, a brother of King Seongjong, is famous for its elegant stone-wall road and a number of western style buildings that add to the uniqueness of the surrounding scenery. The highlight of your visit may be the Royal Guard-Changing Ceremony, which is held three times a day in front of the Daehanmun Gate.

In close proximity to Gyeongbokgung palace lies an interesting medley of stores located on Insa-dong Street. Insa-dong, with its countless alleys branching out from the main street, is a favorite shopping spot among tourists. Traditional Korean paintings, calligraphy, pottery, antique bookstores and restaurants are here in abundance. This lively place is worth visiting even if you do not intend to make a purchase.

Another traditional street market is located next to the “Great South Gate.” Namdaemun market is the longest-running market in South Korea. This place has a flea market character and flavour; therefore, being able to bargain is crucial if you want to purchase souvenirs.

If the franticness and rush of Seoul overwhelms you, remember that the city is bordered by mountains. The natural scenery, with singing birds, may relive your stress and encourage you to reflect on yourself and on the life in the bustling city spreading itself out in front of your eyes.

Are you interested in more facts about Korea? Do you need a document to be translated from Korean to English? If yes, visit Korean Translation.

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Located between two world superpowers China and Japan, the country known to some as the land of the morning calm, Korea is an exceptional Asian destination. A nation which spans historical eons of over 5000 years, offers travellers delightful cultural, historical and natural sights.

As the capital of Korea, the city of Seoul is a bustling commercial and financial hub of the country. While the north of the city pays homage to its historical and cultural importance, the south portrays the heart of the economy. Palaces such as Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, and Changgyeonggung, parks, villages, streets and landmarks architectural buildings are among key attractions dotting this vibrant city.

Colourful festivals and performances among which depict traditional Korean arts and theatre make for interesting viewing. Similarly the City’s exciting nightlife, high-end fashion arcades and shopping malls together with exquisite Seoul cuisine served at gourmet restaurants all create the perfect ambience for a fascinating destination.

Nanta or known in English as Cooking is the country’s top rated performance integrating Korea’s unique beat. This musical extravaganza stems from a storyline of a few chefs and their chaotic culinary preparations. Using body language and percussion instruments, these recitals combine comedy with events in the kitchen.

The Nanta Theater began its acts in 1997 and since then continues to draw record audiences. In the country alone over 300,000 visitors yearly have the opportunity to enjoy Nanta. Not limited to the Korean peninsula, these shows are now performed to audiences worldwide. Major arts centers such as Edinburgh and even New York have been privy to these enactments.

Most audiences will opine that unusual instruments are used for this feast, such as pots, pans and knives interspersed with the nation’s dance together with Buddhist prayers and a few Kung Fu moves for good measure. Another major ingredient is the using of the audience to create a greater interest in the performance. Joining in the show creates the perfect atmosphere for enjoyment.

Located centrally in the city, the Somerset Palace affords an ideal accommodation option for those seeking to stay in a Seoul serviced apartment. This Seoul apartment complex provides an inclusive range of services and comforts proving the perfect substitute for not only a hotel but an abode away from home.

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A fast paced, modernist, emerging new world city, Seoul in Korea is a dynamic financial, political, and cultural hub. Though making massive strides into modernity, Seoul still retains and is proud of its rich heritage, culture and history. One place which embodies all of this is the Gyeongbok Palace.

Gyeongbok Palace also known as Gyeongbokgung Palace which translates into English as the Palace of Shining Happiness. Built in 1394 originally by King Taejo who was the founder of the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeongbok Palace is one of the 5 grand palaces built by this dynasty. It served as the ruling seat for many an emperor until the 20th century when it was unfortunately almost completely destroyed by the Japanese invasion.

However the palace complex is being renewed over a 40 year initiative, to its old regal splendour.

This symbol of majesty for the Korean nation originally housed around 300 buildings. Of these only around 10 remained following its destruction by the Japanese.

One of the buildings that remained (and were restored in the eighteen hundreds) was the Keunjeong – jeon. Built on a double level platform, this is Korea’s largest surviving wooden structure and served as the royal throne room, which witnessed various official functions as well as state affairs and received foreign envoys.

The Chagyong-jon was where the Dowager Queen Cho lived and is the only surviving structure which houses a bedroom.

The Kyeonghoe-ru is a large pavilion built as an open air banquet hall where the King entertained his visitors. Built on a man made lotus pond, this 48 pillared pavilion is still used today for special functions. This historic monument of ancient Korean culture is a must visit for any traveller to Seoul. English tours of the palace compound take place thrice daily. If you seek accommodation in Seoul from which to base yourself to explore this wonderful city, a serviced residence Seoul such as the Somerset Palace is ideal with its range of accommodations which whilst providing you with every possible comfort will also make you feel right at home.

South Korea is one of the smaller nations in Asia, with a size comparable to the state of Indiana. What it lacks in size it makes up for in abundant culture, turbulent history, exquisite cuisine and a generous and welcoming society.

A Little Background before You Travel to Korea
The Korean peninsula has been literally and figuratively stuck between a rock and a hard place, namely Japan and China, for most of its existence. The region was prosperous under the three kingdoms of Goguryeo, Baekje and Silla during the first four centuries AD until the Mongolians raided the land and built an empire. The 16th century brought the end of the Mongolian Empire and the beginning of a massive game of tug-of-war between China and Japan over the strategic landmass. After World War II Korea finally broke free from Japan, with the USSR managing the North and the United States occupying the South. Today the North and South are two sovereign nations separated by a demilitarized zone. South Korea is officially known as the Republic of Korea (ROK) and commonly referred to simply as Korea.

There’s Still Soul in Seoul
Despite the fact that Seoul was largely burned to the ground during the Korean War (1950-53), the northern part of the capital city is still home to hundreds of spectacular palaces and shrines. The Chosun Dynasty’s Gyeongbokgung Palace is a 5.4 million square foot landmark with a 500-year history and stands among the remaining four palaces in Seoul. Nearly an entire day is necessary to explore the regal palace in all its magnificence. The Jongmyo Royal Shrine is a perfect next stop, as it was where the Chosun Dynasty worshipped. On the first Sunday of May each year a traditional memorial ceremony is held at the Shrine with all the grandeur of the occasion 500 years past.

The southern part of Seoul is the commercial center of the city and boasts a fascinating blend of traditional and hyper-modern architecture. It is also home to World Cup Stadium, intricately weaving shopping streets and even an amusement park, Lotte World. Make sure to visit the city gates, and then venture beyond into the strikingly lush and green landscape to travel Korea more personally.

When to Travel to Korea
Korea has a temperate clime, which results in heavier rain in the summer months (July and August) and a drier winter. Winter is white and snowy all over Korea and the ski season from November to March is extremely popular. There are 13 ski resorts in South Korea alone! After a day on the slopes it is common to relax in one of the many spas with natural hot spring baths. Summer is extremely crowded and very wet in Korea. For milder weather it is best to travel Korea in the spring or fall.

Traveling to South Korea any time of year is sure to be an exciting and rewarding experience, regardless of the weather!

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Busan, also spelled as Pusan, is the second largest city in South Korea, after Seoul. Situated in South Gyeongsang, Busan has a population of nearly eight million people. As the nation’s major as well as the largest sea port, Busan has a plethora of sea routes that serve as gateways to Japan as well as to the other prominent parts of the world.

Lying adjacent to the Korean Straits and Japan, this bustling city is also credited to be the first international city in Korea, and connects continents such as Asia, North America, and Europe. Located on the coast of the East Sea, Busan boasts of a stunning landscape comprising beautiful shorelines, gorgeous beaches, secluded islets, towering mountains, and lush green areas. Hence, it is not a wonder why Busan is sometimes referred to as ‘the San Francisco of Korea.’

From towers, forts, and shrines to scenic attractions covering hot springs, Busan presents a host of attractions for people touring the place. In other words, sightseeing in Busan has been categorized into such as seashore sightseeing and interior land sightseeing.

Included in the seashore sightseeing are incredible islands and beaches such as Haeundae, Songjeong, and Gwangalli Beach. All of these beaches are a haven for enjoying a number of water sport activities such as jet skiing, boating, diving, banana boat rides, and much more. When comes to the interior land sightseeing, it covers downtown Busan, interesting museums, ancient shrines, historical monuments as well as ruins, stadiums, and cultural centers.

Some of the most popular museums in the area are Fisheries Museum, which is the first of its kind in the museum; Busan Marine Natural History Museum – the country’s largest marine natural history museum; Busan Museum of Modern Art, which has on display artworks done by artists of Busan as well as Yungnam areas; Korean Tea Museum, exhibiting more than 100 varieties of teas; and Suyeong Historical Relics Folk Art Center, which contains such cultural displays as Suyoung Nonchong-nori and Jwasuyoungbang-nori.

If you are a spiritual traveler, then your trip to Busan would not be complete without taking a tour to such shrines in the area as SamGwang Temple, which is one of the most remarkable Buddhist shrines in the area; Tongdosa Temple, which is probably the prominent of all Buddhist temples in the country; and Beomeosa Temple Complex, with a Buddhist nunnery. Equally fabulous is the historical sites in the country such as Kumjongsanong, which is the country’s largest walled mountain fortress. A segment of a park, the fortress is attached with a Buddhist Temple, apart from several pavilions and botanical gardens.

Further, your visit to Busan would be incomplete without taking a visit to some of its beautiful parks and gardens such as Busan Aquarium – a marine park featuring more than 250 species of marine animals; Yongdusan Park, which is one of the most scenic areas in the city with more than 70 species of trees; Olympic Park, which is a treasure trove of several magnificent sculptures.

Geumgang Botanical Garden, one of the largest botanical gardens in the country; and UN Memorial Park, which commemorates the soldiers of more than 15 countries who sacrificed their lives in the Korean War. For those looking for fun-filled vacation, Busan comes with a number of amusement parks like APEC Theme Park; Amusement Garden in Grand Children’s Park; Taejongdae Amusement Park; and Jayu Land.

Other not to miss attractions in Busan are the Busan Tower, which is about 118 meters high and located within Yongdusan Park; Jalgalchi Fish Market, a must-visit spot in the city; Tongnae Hot Springs, boasting of two huge pools, of which one is hot spring water and another with cold water; Dongbaek Island, an ancient island which is home to camellias as well as pine trees; and Dalmaji Hill, a picturesque area located to the southeast of Haeundae Beach. Above all, Busan hosts a variety of festivals and events including sea festivals, fishing festivals, polar bear swimming festival, tourism festival, and film festival.

In short, Busan has everything for an enjoyable vacation. Hence, in order to cater to the growing number of tourists, Busan boasts of a number of accommodation options. Many of the top notch hotels and resorts in the area allow tourists to choose from a variety of rooms such as standard, deluxe, apartment style, and suits.

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