South Korea Tourist Attractions

Tourist Attractions in South Korea has it all. From fascinating pre-historic sites to majestic forts and palaces, ancient shrines, to national parks teeming with wild species, verdant valleys and rippling waterfalls, golden beaches and islands, colorful cultural villages - South Korea offers the maximum in terms of tourist attractions.

The vibrant spirit and strong cultural moorings set South Korea apart from its larger neighbors. Separated from Japan by the Sea of Japan and from China by the Yellow Sea, this small country of less than 50 million people is making it big when it comes to attracting visitors worldwide to its stunning natural beauty.

South Korea's most famous historical tourist attractions include the ancient capitals of Seoul, Gyeongju and Buyeo. Most of the international tourists come to Seoul to experience both the classical and modern aspects of Korean culture.

South Korea is resplendent in its natural landmarks which are important tourist attractions. The biggest of these are the peaks of the Baekdudaegan, particularly Seorak-san and Jiri-san. In addition, the caves of Danyang and Samcheok and beaches such as Haeundae and Mallipo are popular attractions.

Apart from Jeju, South Korea's several smaller islands also play an important role as tourist attractions. Excursion ferries are frequent along the south and west coasts and also to Ulleung-do off the east coast.

Visit Seoul, the mega-modern city where the ancient still remains. Seoul has a hidden history of centuries-old temples, palaces, pagodas and pleasure gardens. Come to the Korean Folk Village and engage yourself with rural Korean life.The Korean national park scene is thrilling with high rugged peaks, lush forests, boulder-strewn white water rivers, beaches and ancient temples.

Most of the local districts hold several annual festivals to bring in tourists from elsewhere in the country. Some famous examples include the Boryeong Mud Festival and the Cheongdo Bullfighting Festival.

Major Historic Sites in South Korea

Anapji Pond in South Korea
Dongbu dong 5 story Pagoda in South Korea
Heoninneung Royal Tomb in Seoul
Ojukheon Residence in South Korea
Andong Icheondong in South Korea
Donggureung Tomb in South Korea
Historic Park of Geoje in South Korea
Seongyojang House in South Korea
Birthplace of Empress Myeongseong in South Korea
Eight Views of Danyang in South Korea
Hyeonchungsa Shrine in South Korea
Seonjeongneung Royal Tombs in Seoul
Bosingak Belfry in Seoul
Geumgwanchong Tomb in South Korea
Ihwajang in Seoul
Sinse dong Chilcheung Jeontap (seven story pagoda) in South Korea
Byeongsan Seowon (Confucian School) in South Korea
Gochang Dolmens Site in South Korea
Jeongneung Royal Tomb in Seoul
Songsan ri Ancient Tomb in South Korea
Cheomseongdae Observatory in South Korea
Goryeong Daegaya Historic Site in South Korea
Mingadaheon (Min's club) in Seoul
Sosu Confucian School in South Korea
Daereung won Tumuli Park in South Korea
Gyeonggijeon Shrine in South Korea
Mireuksa Temple Site in South Korea
Soswaewon Garden in South Korea
Dojangpo Maeul Hill in South Korea
Gyeongpodae in South Korea
Ocheon Relics Site (Village) in South Korea
Suwon Hyanggyo in South Korea

Forts & Palaces in South Korea

Changryongmun Gate in South Korea
Hwahongmun Gate in South Korea
Janganmun Gate in South Korea
Paldalmun Gate in South Korea
Gongsanseong Fortress in South Korea
Hwaseomun Gate in South Korea
Jinjuseong Fortress in South Korea
Pungnammun Gate in South Korea
Gwongeumseong in South Korea
Hwaseong Haenggung Palace in South Korea
Namhansanseong Fortress in South Korea
Suwon Hwaseong Fortress in South Korea

Temples in South Korea

Baegyangsa Temple in South Korea
Bongeunsa Temple in Seoul
Cheongpyeongsa Temple in South Korea
Jogyesa Temple in Seoul
Baekdamsa Temple in South Korea
Bunhwangsa Temple in South Korea
Haeinsa Temple in South Korea
Baengnyeonsa Temple in South Korea
Buseoksa Temple in South Korea
Hwaeomsa Temple in South Korea
Beopjusa Temple in South Korea
Cheongnyangsa Temple in South Korea
Jindo Island Ssanggyesa Temple in South Korea

National Parks in South Korea

Gayasan National Park in South Korea
Jirisan National Park in South Korea
Seonginbong Peak in South Korea
Upo Wetland in South Korea
Gyeongju National Park in South Korea
Juwangsan National Park in South Korea
Seoraksan National Park in South Korea
Wolchulsan National Park in South Korea
Gyeryongsan National Park in South Korea
N Seoul Tower in South Korea
Sobaeksan National Park in South Korea
Hallyeohaesang National Park in South Korea
Naejangsan National Park in South Korea
Songnisan National Park in South Korea
Hangyeryeong Pass in South Korea
Odaesan National Park in South Korea
Ulsanbawi Rock in South Korea

Valleys & Waterfalls in South Korea

Baekundong Valley in South Korea
Crimson Stream Village Valley in South Korea
Jikso Falls in South Korea
Seonam Valley in South Korea
Biryong Falls in South Korea
Daeseung Falls in South Korea
Naerincheon Stream in South Korea
Ssanggok Valley in South Korea
Cheonbuldong Valley in South Korea
Hwayang Valley in South Korea
Piagol Valley in South Korea

Beaches in South Korea

Byeonsan Beach in South Korea
Sokcho Beach in South Korea
Songho Beach in South Korea
Wido Beach in South Korea

Islands in South Korea

Dokdo Island in South Korea
Geojedo Island in South Korea
Geomundo Island in South Korea
Moses Miracle of Jindo in South Korea

Lakes and Hot Springs in South Korea

Bugok Hot Springs in South Korea
Dogo Hot Spring in South Korea
Suanbo Hotspring in South Korea
Chungjuho Lake in South Korea
Junam Reservoir in South Korea
Yuseong Hot Spring in South Korea

Cultural Villages in South Korea

Andong Folk Village in South Korea
Cheonghakdong Village in South Korea
Korean Folk Village in South Korea
Oeam ri Folk Village in South Korea
Andong Hahoe Village in South Korea
Jeonju Hanok Village in South Korea
Naganeupseong Folk Village in South Korea

Yangyang Song-i Mushroom Festival

Period: September 29, 2007 ~ October 03, 2007
Place: Namdaecheon Doonchi and Yangyang Market, Yangyang-eup, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do , Gangwon-do

Details

Wild song-i, or pine mushrooms, are strictly managed in Yangyang,
Gangwon-do, and public access is restricted most of the year. During
the Song-i Festival, however, visitors are invited to pick mushrooms
while enjoying the forest and observing the mushrooms' natural habitat.

The festival is recognized for its experiential programs in which
visitors explore the wonders of song-i mushrooms, so rare they are
called the ‘diamonds of the forest.' In addition to mushrooms, the
festival has a variety of folk performances as well as programs based
on the specialties of Yangyang.

Event Programs: The festival includes the opening event, on-site
hands-on programs, culture and arts programs, contests, and traditional
food sampling programs. Initial activities include the sansinje, a
prayer for a good harvest to the mountain spirits, and an opening
ceremony with exciting dances and fireworks.

The hands-on programs mainly consist of mushroom picking (there is
a fee) and observation of mushroom-ecology (free). The culture and arts
programs feature a tightrope dancing performance, fan dance, and
samullori. There are also aerobics and sports dance performances with
lively music to heighten the festival ambience.

Another crowd-pleaser is the food competition featuring the theme
ingredient, song-i mushrooms. If you want to get more involved, join
one of the cooking classes and make kimchi, rice cakes, or buckwheat
dishes. Since Yangyang is also famous for pears, the pear-peeling
contest also draws a big crowd.

Festival Highlights: Because of its proximity to North Korea,
numerous military units are located nearby. Rest assured, the area is
perfectly safe. On the other hand, you have the opportunity to see
military events that you won't find anywhere else.

Visitors can see armed unit drills, special taekwondo
performances, as well as armament exhibits and displays of army photos
showing life in the Korean army. You will also find a sampling event of
foods eaten during the Korean War. If you've had fears or prejudices
about the Korean Army, this will be a great opportunity to learn more.