Lesser known facts about this inhumane punishment
For a more modern shopping experience, visitors can head to the massive Dongdaemun Market district on the eastern side of Seoul. Built in 1905, it was later rebuilt and expanded upon later in the 20th century. This market was traditionally open during the early hours of the morning, from around midnight until around noon, but today it's open almost around the clock.
Namdaemun Market is one of the oldest and most enduring street markets in the world, and the largest in South Korea. Since the early 15th century, vendors have gathered by the southern gate of Seoul's fortress wall to sell everything from food items to textiles.
One of Seoul's many beautiful and inventive public projects is Cheonggyecheon, a continuous 6.8 mile (10.9 km) recreation space built along the route of a historic stream that once ran through the city. All along the water, locals and tourists can find places to gather and relax, with musical and cultural events frequently popping up along the banks.
Seoul's most famous and internationally recognizable landmark is without a doubt Namsan Tower, also known as the N-Seoul Tower. Reaching an elevation of 1,640 feet (500 m) above sea level, the observation deck on top of the tower blesses visitors with a truly unforgettable view of Seoul and its surroundings.
The Gyeongbokgung Palace Complex was originally built in 1395 during the Joseon dynasty, the longest-ruling dynasty on the Korean Peninsula. Since then, the complex has been occupied, destroyed, and rebuilt many times over, but some original structures such as the Gyeonghoeru Pavilion have stood strong through the years.
Just outside of Seoul lies the quiet and picturesque village of Samjinae, which is classified as a "slow city," meaning it prioritizes the preservation of culture, cuisine, and quality of life over economic growth. Here, many roads remain unpaved and most houses are built in the traditional hanok architectural style. Visitors can enjoy the relaxed pace of life in Samjinae, and participate in cooking classes or even tea ceremonies.
An ancient Zen Buddhist temple built more than 1,000 years ago, Seonunsa still houses monks to this day and offers "templestays" for visitors. Seonunsa is nestled within the lush, forested hills in the south of the country, near the city of Gwangju.
One of the most fascinating natural events in the world is celebrated every April on the islands of Jindo and Modo. Every year, the Jindo sea dramatically lowers until a thin land bridge 1.8 miles (2.9 km) long appears between the two islands, and thousands of residents make the miraculous trek between the two landmasses.
For 10 days every October, the city of Jinju celebrates the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival, during which hundreds of lanterns made by residents and students are sent down the Nam River in remembrance of the Korean soldiers who fought during the Imjin War in the 16th century.
Just south of Seoul, in the suburban city of Gwacheon, lies Seoul Grand Park, a massive nature, art, and entertainment complex that includes numerous hiking trails, flower gardens, rollercoasters, and the Seoul Museum of Modern Art.
Yudalsan Mountain rests on the southwestern edge of South Korea, near the city of Mokpo. From the summit, 360 degrees of breathtaking views are offered to hikers, who can look inland across Mokpo and the surrounding forests, or out over the water and the thousands of islands that speckle the coastline.
The Boryeong Mud Festival began in 1997 as a marketing ploy conceived by a cosmetics company that used the mud from the Boryeong mud flats, near the town of the same name. The first mud fight festival was a huge success, and has become an annual tradition that draws thousands of attendees from around the country and the world.
Taejongdae Natural Park can be found on the southern end of Yeongdo Island, near the mainland city of Busan. The trails that wind through the mountainous park offer exceptional views of the surrounding Yellow Sea.
Just about every type of seafood imaginable is available at Busan's famous Jagalchi Fish Market. Part of the even bigger Jagalchi Market that stretches on for 1.8 miles (3 km), the seafood portion extends from the streets into a two-story building where fishmongers and chefs prepare the freshly caught crabs, eels, and fish.
Busan's most famous temple, Beomeosa is located right in the heart of the coastal city. The temple itself is surrounded by wild wisteria flowers that bloom in a vibrant explosion of lavender every spring. It is considered one of the most beautiful Buddhist temples in South Korea.
An even larger collection of hanok homes is in Seoul's Bukchon area. These 600 year-old houses were once the homes of noble families during the Joseon Dynasty, and most of the houses are still occupied to this day. Others have been repurposed into museums and cultural centers.
Breathtaking Seoraksan National Park, the country's first national park, is a perfect showcase of the natural magnificence that South Korea has to offer. Located on the eastern side of the country, the park is home to some of South Korea's most distinctive ridgelines and peaks, including Dinosaur Ridge.
The oldest pagoda in South Korea also happens to be the largest. The Sinsedong pagoda, built in the 8th century, is made entirely out of stone and measures 55 feet (16.8 m) tall. While it is thought to be part of the ancient Beopeungsa Temple, no other remnants of the complex have survived.
The sheer size of Seoul's National Museum of Korea might seem intimidating, but the treasures found inside are well worth the initial anxiety. The museum, which opened its doors in 1945, showcases the natural and cultural history of the peninsula as well as the very best of the peninsula's art throughout history up into modern times.
The western city of Jeonju's name literally translates to "perfect region," and the beauty of the city certainly does its name justice. Jeonju is famous for its Hanok Village, a cluster of more than 800 buildings that keep the traditional hanok architecture alive.
Jeju Island is South Korea's largest island, and is also home to the country's tallest mountain, Hallasan, which towers 6,388 feet (1,947 m) above sea level. The volcanic island's pristine beaches and breathtaking mountaintop views make it one of the most popular vacation destinations in all of Asia.
The magnificent Bukhansan National Park lies just outside of Seoul, making it a perfect weekend getaway for hikers and nature lovers. Also in the park is the ancient Bukhansanseong fortress, which was first built in 132 CE, and then expanded upon during the 18th century.
Consisting of around 300 islands off the southern coast of South Korea, Hallyeo Haesang National Park is a nature enthusiast's paradise. The rocky cliffsides and forested interiors of these islands are home to hundreds of different species of animals and insects.
The Blue House, known as Cheong Wa Dae in Korean, is the official home of South Korea's president. The beautiful complex is built in a traditional style on the site of the old Joseon royal garden.
Seoul's huge Gwangjang Market has grown from a modest food market into one of the largest markets in all of South Korea. It is especially famous for its wide variety of street food stalls, where visitors can find just about any South Korean specialty that their heart desires.
One of the most exciting art museums in the world, Seoul's Leeum Samsung Museum is a work of art itself. Split into two buildings, referred to as Museum One and Museum Two, the museum showcases the very best of classical South Korean art and world-class contemporary art and sculptures as well.
An overpass built in central Seoul originally meant for cars, but ultimately deemed unsafe, has been turned into the beautiful urban park Seoullo 7017, sometimes also called the Skygarden. This elevated public space is speckled with gardens, pools, and cafés, making it a perfect spot for meeting up with friends.
The Confucian temple known as Jongmyo is one of South Korea's 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and is the oldest surviving Confucian temple in the world. Jongmyo is the home of the 19 royal memorial tablets, left to commemorate the life and accomplishments of the old kings.
Underneath the looming Seongsan Ilchulbong volcano on an eastern outcropping of the Korean Peninsula lies one of South Korea's most wonderful beaches. With the Yellow Sea flowing out into the horizon and the sands stretching out in both directions, this beach is a perfect place for a lazy summer day in South Korea.
Sources: (Lonely Planet) (PlanetWare) (VisitKorea)
See also: 30 Korean dishes to try right now
With a rich and storied history, delicious cuisine, fantastically modern cities, and equally mesmerizing country landscapes, South Korea should be on everyone's travel bucket list. Whether you're a nature lover looking to wander about the many volcanic islands just off the coast of the mainland, or a foodie looking to engorge yourself on amazing street food and barbecue, there's no shortage of things to do in the fabulous and fascinating Land of the Morning Calm.
Read on to learn about some of the can't-miss spots in South Korea, and start planning your trip now.
Visiting South Korea, the Land of Morning Calm
You could say it's good for the Seoul!
TRAVEL Explore
With a rich and storied history, delicious cuisine, fantastically modern cities, and equally mesmerizing country landscapes, South Korea should be on everyone's travel bucket list. Whether you're a nature lover looking to wander about the many volcanic islands just off the coast of the mainland, or a foodie looking to engorge yourself on amazing street food and barbecue, there's no shortage of things to do in the fabulous and fascinating Land of the Morning Calm.
Read on to learn about some of the can't-miss spots in South Korea, and start planning your trip now.