By Cynthia Dial as appeared in JustLuxe.com
A country of contrasts and a land of the
times, Korea is a surprising blend of out-of-the-norm pairings and an appealing
reflection of its past, present and future. From Buddhism and baseball to a
demilitarized zone and digital billboards, Korea serves up a setting that is both
ancient past and beckoning beginnings.
Though only the size of Great Britain, the
history of this East Asian country is long –5,000 years. Bounded on three sides
by water (Sea of Japan, Yellow Sea and Korean Straight), sharing a border with North
Korea and counting amongst its neighbors China, Japan and Russia, Korea’s
geography could be considered complicated. But this same geography yields four
distinct seasons: winter’s ski resorts and cold weather sports (even ice
skating rinks in downtown Seoul), spring’s commencement of hiking and abundance
of flowers (notably cherry blossoms in April), summer’s miles of beaches and
countless water parks and autumn’s palette-like foliage within 16 national
mountain parks.
To best delve into Korea launch your
journey in Seoul, the nation’s action-around-the-clock capital city of 10
million. Its efficiency is readily apparent . . . from its computerized bus
stops to a museum’s rainy day solution for wet umbrellas – a customized shrink-wrap
machine.
Reflective of the country’s complementary
yin and yang, Seoul’s cityscape consists of age-old palaces next to soaring skyscrapers,
a lively street culture alongside its family-first philosophy and a fashion-forward
reputation accompanied by a diverse gastronomic scene.
Let’s begin with an overview – from the
water and from above. Whether you cruise through the middle of town along the Hangang
River, stroll along the city’s Cheonggyecheon Stream running between downtown’s
towering buildings or visit N Seoul Tower (the city’s highest point from which
clear days reveal North Korea), each presents the perfect preview.
The heart of Seoul, perhaps of Korea, is Gyeongbok Palace. Built in 1395, it was
the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty that today attracts thousands of
annual tourists, especially during one of its three-times-a-day changing of
guard.
Named by CNN as one of world’s best
shopping cities, Seoul is synonymous with aisle action.
The Myeong-dong area has been rated the
city’s number one tourist destination. In addition to the flagship stores of mega-retailers
Lotte and Shinsegae, it is also home to alleyways of boutiques and more than
100 stores specializing in skin care (including such regional specialties as snail
masks, BB and CC creams).
For night owls, there’s Dongdaemun Fashion
Town, where modern shopping malls coexist with traditional wholesale markets and
are open till dawn. Existing for more than a century, Gwangjang Market is your
most authentic option – it’s the place to shop for hanbok (traditional dress) and to sample Korea’s famous foods,
especially bindaetteok (mung bean
pancake).
A bargaining tip for markets is to start
at 50% and negotiate from there. When dealing with traditional outlets, ask
about the luxury tax refund for purchases over 30,000 won (approximately $26
US). It’s a stamped document to be redeemed at the airport.
While Korea features such international
cuisine as French, Italian and Japanese, it is best known for its street food.
Among the addictive options are hotteok
(sugar-filled pancakes), dak kkochi (glazed
skewered chicken pieces) and ice cream. Baskin-Robbins is celebrated here,
perhaps for its exclusive-to-Korea flavor called “Shooting Star,” named for its
popping candy fizz-in-the-mouth sensation.
Seoul is a cosmopolitan conglomeration.
While signage along its thoroughfares announces such internationally-acclaimed exhibitions
as Ansel Adams and Botero, Korea House presents the country’s most traditional performing
art. Showcased in a variety of vignettes, singers, drummers and dancers that seemingly
float across the stage transport Korea House’s guests back in time. Korea’s
most contemporary entertainment is K-Pop, an Asian musical phenomenon. A
concert of boy (and some girl) bands, the style is defined by animated beats,
choreographed group dance, catchy tunes and a youthful audience coming from
such distances as Japan.
Though highly energized, Seoul is only one
part of Korea. Quickly and easily reached by Korail (the country’s bullet train
traveling up to speeds of 186 mph), you’ll reach Busan. Once a small fishing
village and now a major shipping port, this is the country’s richest city. Home
to the Jagalchi Fish Market (Korea’s largest) and Asia’s top film festival, the
Busan International Film Festival, it also claims a Guinness World Record
holder – Shinsegae Centum City is the world’s largest department store.
Busan is additionally complemented by
Haeundae Beach, one of the country’s best known strands of sand. Lined with
five-star hotels and premier restaurants, it transforms each summer to a magnet
for sunseekers, attracting thousands of beachgoers and endless rows of beach umbrellas.
To best appreciate the area, wander the Circular Promenade overlooking the
well-known shoreline.
Continuing into the countryside, you’ll
pass fields of locust flowers and rows of curved tile roofs in route to
Gyeongsangbuk-Do province. Called “another Korea within Korea,” it’s like an open-air
museum. As home to several of the country’s 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites,
this is the address of Bulguksa Temple (established in 751), Korea’s oldest
wooden structure where Buddhist monks remain active.
The province is also the setting of two
major Confucian academies and Andong Hahoe Village, a centuries-old community
and current home to 125 families. Famous for its masks, it hosts the annual International
Mask Dance Festival. The village center’s 600-year old zelkova tree is a magnet
for handwritten wishes (they’re attached to its surrounding fence). And its
version of the country’s notorious high-octane proof whiskey, Soju, is 45% alcoholic content.
A little known Korean factoid is that
two-thirds of its land mass is 2,300 feet above sea level. Within this
predominately winter-weather region is Pyeongchang county. Called the “Alps of
Asia,” it will host the 2018 Winter Olympics. There’s no need to guess your
arrival as the Alpensia ski jumping tower is visible for miles. For a
pre-Olympic treat, visit the tower’s museum, its high-above-ground wall of
locks where you can attach your own and the viewing platform for a personal
preview of athletes’ pre-jump perspective (caution: not for acrophobics).
Stretching through three counties of
Gangwon-do province, Korea’s most iconic mountain is Mt. Seorak. Serving up the
perfect presentation of Buddhist temples, lush green valleys, dense forests and
towering granite peaks, it is best appreciated from the Seorak Cable Car for a
ride to its top.
However, it is the shared border with
North Korea that generates the most intrigue. An Armistice Agreement signed
July 27, 1953, established the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that separates the North
and South. While only 35 miles from Seoul, it is not possible to visit North
Korea; and though it is possible to visit the DMZ, it is recommended to do so
with an established tour operator (HanaTour is Korea’s largest travel company).
But no matter where your adventures take you, we have a feeling you won't be disappointed.
Photos by Cynthia Dial
#travel #traveltips #travelingcynthia #korea
