Gunsan is a hidden gem amongst the rice fields of the Jeollabuk province. Its status as a major port city dates back to the Joseon dynasty and it continues to serve as a major shipping and transportation hub to this day. Its rich history, historical sites, and natural and manmade wonders are what make thisContinue reading “Exploring Korea: Gunsan Part 1”
Tag Archives: Exploring Korea
Exploring Korea: Seonjeongneung Tombs
Between the bustling Gangnam Station area and the shopping mecca known as COEX, you can find a small, yet beautiful park that is truly a hidden gem. Located in the Gangnam-gu district of Seoul, Seonjeongneung is the home of the royal Joseon tombs referred to as Seolleung and Jeonneung (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Here,Continue reading “Exploring Korea: Seonjeongneung Tombs”
Exploring Korea: Seodaemun Independence Park
Located in northwestern Seoul, Seodaemun Independence Park pays tribute to those who fought for Korea’s independence from Japan (1910 – 1945). The focal point of the park is the Seodaemun Prison History Hall. Opened in 1908 under the name Gyeongseong Prison, the name was changed in 1923 to Seodaemun Prison. It was here that theContinue reading “Exploring Korea: Seodaemun Independence Park”
Exploring Korea: Geumsansa Temple
Just 40 minutes south-west of Jeonju sits one of Korea’s largest and most impressive temples, Geumsansa. Located next to Moak Mountain in the rural countryside of Jeollabuk-do, this temple showcases both natural beauty and man-made wonders. Founded in 599 AD, Geumsansa grew into a major Buddhist monastery until most of the temple was destroyed byContinue reading “Exploring Korea: Geumsansa Temple”
Exploring Korea: Gyeonghuigung Palace
Gyeonghuigung is Seoul’s silent palace. Smaller in size and historical significance when compared to the four main palaces in Seoul (Gyeongbokgung, Changgyeonggung, Changdeokgung, and Deoksugung), this palace is often overlooked by tourists and Koreans alike and is frequently omitted from travel guides. This does not however mean that you should avoid visiting. Gyeonghuigung is actuallyContinue reading “Exploring Korea: Gyeonghuigung Palace”
Jongmyo Shrine
Jongmyo Shrine in Seoul, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the place where the memorial tablets of the kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty are housed. King Taejo had Jongmyo Shrine constructed in 1394 and the shrine was continuously expanded throughout the rest of the Joseon dynasty’s history. Although a victim to Japanese invasionContinue reading “Jongmyo Shrine”
Exploring Korea: Imjingak & The DMZ
Imjingak, located on the Imjin River near the city of Paju, is a park along the border between South Korea and North Korea. For South Koreans citizens, this is as close to North Korea as you can get. From the observation deck here, you can see across the Imjin River to the DMZ and evenContinue reading “Exploring Korea: Imjingak & The DMZ”
Exploring Korea: Hahoe Village
As you walk down the path of the entrance into Hahoe Village, you can’t help but feel like you’re stepping back in time. Situated inside a bend of the Nakdong River, this traditional village has been the home of the Pungsan Ryu clan since the 1500s. About a half hour bus ride outside of Andong,Continue reading “Exploring Korea: Hahoe Village”
Unhyeon Palace
Although originally just a simple residence for Heungseon Daewongun, upon the appointment of Emperor Gojong as the future ruler of Korea, the residence was expanded, four gates were constructed, it was given the name Unhyeongung, and designated as an official royal palace.
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