South Korea and its “pearls”, which should be seen with my own eyes
South Korea is a rather exotic country. Its culture is quite different from European. For example, Koreans love to make jam from acorns, and on one of the islands full matriarch reigns. About these and other features of South Korea – further in the review.
1. Jeju Island
Jeju Island is the real wealth of South Korea and not only. The unique nature, basalt rocks, volcano, ancient stone figures and local people with their unusual culture will not let tourists get bored. It is not surprising that such a place is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
But not only the picturesque landscapes attract people to the island. It is also in the people who inhabit this territory. In contrast to the usual way we are, the whole matriarchy reigns among the people of Jeju. Here women are responsible for the material condition of the family, while men are engaged in housekeeping, gardening and raising children. It is worth noting that the locals are always happy tourists, arrange for them contests, exciting events and honoring the dishes of national cuisine.
2. Demilitarized zone
For more than half a century, the Korean Peninsula has been divided into two parts. And if the southern part is open for free visiting, then the northern one is closed. However, there is a place in South Korea where you can look at the next part with one small eye. This is permitted from the observation deck of the House of the Sun. From there, there is an excellent view of the demilitarized zone, which is still the most militarized in the world. In addition, thanks to the minefields and vigilant border guards, the nature of the border zone has long become wild and diverse.
3. Taekwondo Center
Korea is the birthplace of taekwondo, which is not only a martial art, but also a philosophy. The Taekwondo Center operates in the city of Muju, where anyone can get acquainted with the basics of the struggle. About 45 taekwondo programs have been developed for visitors at the Center.
4. Sinsollo in the restaurant of national cuisine
Sinsollo or elkuja-than is a complex dish of Korean court cuisine, which includes many ingredients. The composition of Sinsollo includes small meatballs, Korean chonyuo pancakes, mushrooms and vegetables. All this is stewed in rich broth. The finished dish is served in a silver pot, similar to a bowl with a hole in the center, through which the heat comes out.
5. Extinct Hallasan Volcano
The extinct volcano Hallasan is another attraction of the island of Jeju and also the highest point in the country. Hallasan is located in the heart of the island, it can be seen from any point, although its top is often hidden behind the clouds. In the extinct crater of the volcano, with time, a lake was formed, called Pannoktam, and the entire area around it was declared a protected area. On the way to the top of Hallasan, tourists can get acquainted with ecosystems that change with height, see wild animals, as well as admire the sculptures carved in frozen lava.
6. Temple Hedon Engunsa
The Buddhist temple Khedon Engunsa is considered one of the most beautiful in the country. Unlike other sacred institutions that hide in the mountains to be closer to heaven, this one is located near the sea. All South Koreans believe that if you make a wish in the walls of the temple, it will come true.
Those who want to get to know themselves better, clear their thoughts, take a break from worldly fuss, can stay in the temple for the night. During the night, the guest has the opportunity to learn more about the monks and their life in the walls of the temple.
7. Visit the spa
As in Finland, they love saunas, so in Korea they belong to the spa. Korean traditional spa is called “jjimjilbang”. Locals often visit spas, come with their families and stay for the whole day, and sometimes even for the night. In Korean spa, payment is fixed and charged at the entrance. In the future, you can be in the building as much as you want.
Another feature of Korean spas – separate steam rooms. The fact is that you need to enter the sauna strictly naked. First, all washed, using hard gloves and special scrubs. It is known that Koreans are simply obsessed with exfoliating dead skin cells. Washing ambassadors can go farther into rooms with baths and pools.
8. Drive “Route of four rivers”
If you like to ride a bike as much as the Koreans love, then you just need to go through the “Route of four rivers”. This is an excellent bicycle road that passes through the coast of four main rivers: the Khangan, Naktongan, Kumgan, and Jonsangan.
