The Beauty Of South Korea

South Korea, the democratic country of Korea! South Korea came out of the war as a free nation unlike North Korea which is more on communism kind of government. Over the years North and South Korea have developed separately from each other. After years of difficulties for South Korea, they have finally emerged as a thriving nation. On the other hand, North Korea is sinking further and further into trouble, as they face mass starvation and economic problems. While South Korea has experienced economic success and Christianity, North Korea has been given starvation and their former leader to worship. The two countries face the most militarized border in the world. Given North Korea's refusal to join the international community who support religious freedom, but instead put their faith in militarism, they are unlikely to find peace.  One more thing is, South Korea celebrate Christmas unlike North Korea where people only rely to their government. But let’s stay behind the sad part but let me share you the good and overwhelming places of South Korea.

Jindo Island

Jindo Island, the most beautiful and extravagant beach in South Korea which is located South of Korean peninsula which is 6 hours away from Seoul. Jindo is the third largest island in South Korea. The island has many park reserves like the Dadohae National Marine Park, historical relics and sites; and you can find traditional artistic performances everywhere. With the Jindo Bridge construction completed, the island is connected to the mainland. Every year during the month of February on the Lunar Calendar, the sea parts, mimicking the parting of the sea by Moses. Many tourists come to watch this rare spectacle. There are mascots found around the island that symbolize the friendly image of the Jindo dog, which happens to be natural treasure no.53.

Gwangandaero Bridge, Busan

Busan is the 2^nd biggest city of Korea, located the opposite side of Korean peninsula in Gyungsang-do (Gyungsang province). It also serves as the country's main port for international cargo, as well as passenger ferries to Japan and Jeju Island. The city is well-known for its seafood and beaches, as well as the Hallyosudo Waterway with its charming islands. The Busan fish market has a huge selection of fresh seafood in the early morning. Although mainly known as a port, the city has many steep hills, creating a very unusual mix of mountains and ocean. The area remained relatively untounched during the Korean War, but the flood of refugees drastically shaped the city. Busan's close propinquity to the ocean gives it milder winters than other places in Korea, enabling people to enjoy the night life in more soothe than other areas. As a major port of call for international shipping, the harbor area has a thriving district that caters to the thousands of sailors and other visitors who pass through each year.

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Jeju Island

 And lastly, Jeju Island which is also known as the "Island of the Gods," the most admired and popular vacation spot for Koreans and many Japanese. It remains one of the top honeymoon destinations for Korean newlyweds. The island's mixture of volcanic rock, frequent rains, and temperate climate, make it very similar to the Hawaiian Islands in the U.S. The island offers visitors a wide range of activities: hiking on Halla-san (South Korea's highest peak), catching sunrises and sunsets over the ocean, viewing majestic waterfalls, riding horses, or just lying around on the sandy beaches. Tourism is one of the main industries of the island.  Many of the hotels and other tourist areas are run by mainland companies; so much of the income never gets put back into the local economy. Also, since the attractions are geared towards tourists, many of the entrance fees are very expensive (although the locally owned and operated ones tend to be cheaper). Similar to Gyeongju and some other areas, local residents can enter most places for free or for a steeply discounted price. 

Jeju Island  is also the island where most Korean dramas were shot that’s why I love the place and aiming to stay there for vacation. I only saw this island on one of the Korean drama that I watch and was curious about the place that’s why I search for it and check where does the island is located. I hope that someday I can visit the place and enjoy my vacation and pampered myself with its indulging beauty.  I would say that this island is the pride of South Korea.  Before, I only love Korean dramas , Korean songs and kimchi but now I would say  "I love South Korea".

Let me discuss North Korea....

I thought before that Korea is just one big country with a lot of beautiful places. I never thought that North Korea is different from South Korea. North Korea is somewhat a communist kind of government while South Korea is more on a democratic kind of government. Both of these countries though they are separated are both having beautiful places.

The Arch of Triumph (개선문)

Let me discuss and describe North Korea…..

The Juche Tower (주체사상탑)

North Korea has this status of being a pastoral countryside with no buildings in sight, and that’s simply not true!  A common characteristic of North Korean buildings is that they are often tied to nationalistic ideals. A lot of the buildings were built for propaganda purposes, but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t architectural wonders in their own right. They have The Arch of Triumph (개선문) is a sixty meter high granite monument to Kim Il Sung’s  (김일성) efforts against Japanese colonization. The Grand People’s Study House (인민대학습당) is a large library built in the style of traditional Korean architecture. The Juche Tower (주체사상탑) is a 170 meter granite tower celebrating the Juche Ideology. Juche Ideology is based on economic autonomy, global isolationism, and emphasis on traditional Korean culture. The Rungrado May Day Stadium (릉라도 5월1일경기장) was built in honor of May Day, which is a day held important by Communists.

North Korea has also the most scenic location in Korea itself......

Amnok River (압록강) is not only beautiful, but useful as well. The river creates hydroelectric power and provides fish for consumption. Moran Hill (모란봉) is a hill located in the capital of North Korea. Some of the tallest trees reside in Moran Hill, and some of the shrubbery is the rarest and oldest in Korea. Baekdu Mountain (백두산), Baekdu means “white faced”, and was named because of its snowy peaks. Baekdu Mountain has everything. It has a waterfall, hot springs and an inactive volcano. Heaven Lake (천지) is actually a lake formed by a crater after a large eruption. The water from the Lake is formed from precipitation which is actually located in Baekdu Mountain. Kumgangsan (금강산) is a mountain covered by forests. Near the mountain is a resort where visitors can relax. Around the area are lagoons, waterfalls and hilltops for Buddhist monasteries. 

On my next blog, I’ll be discussing South Korea..

Stay tune….

Let's Talk Korea

Before, I just love to watch Korean dramas but as I frequently watch Korean dramas, I fell inlove with scenery shown on the drama itself that’s why I tried to search for it. Try to search where does it located, how does it look like and what is the difference of it from other places I seen.  As I discover Korea, It is really a very beautiful country and you’ll really fall inlove with it.

Mt Seoraksan

I try to check where does Gangwon-do is located. I found out that Gangwon-do is situated in the mid-eastern part of the Korean peninsula and flanked by the sea and the mountains; Gangwon-do is full of overwhelming attractions. Visitors can enjoy a fantastic view of Mt. Seoraksan and Mt. Chiaksan as the scenery alters every season. On the east coast are other tourist attractions such as fine beaches and clean coastlines. There are countless ski resorts in the province due to the heavy snowfall in the winter on the mountains.

Mt Chiaksan

As I search for Mt Seoraksan , everyone in  Korea knows Mt Seoraksan  as one of the most beautiful place in Korea and no person will no doubt about it. It is perhaps the most beloved place for Koreans. With its high craggy peaks, boulder-strewn streams of crystal clear water, large waterfalls, unusual rock formations, and forests of pine and hardwood, it is certainly one of the most beautiful places Korea has to offer, any time of year.  They said unlike other mountains, Mt. Seoraksan does not rise gradually from foothills; it rears up abruptly from the coastal plain, a weathered wall of granite and gneiss topped by serrated peaks that time and the elements have carved into fantastic forms resembling the battlements and towers of a fortress, its ramparts half-veiled in fog. Thick mists often drift around and between its peaks, blurring their outlines and smudging the forests into images like from an old ink painting.

Other than that, I tried to seek this wonderful fountain that I thought that I can only see in Las Vegas and Rome. I never thought that there was really a magnificent fountain that Korea can offer. Banpo Bridge Fountain, Seoul, South Korea.

Front View of Banpo Bridge Fountain

Side View of Banpo Bridge Fountain

The Banpo Bridge in Seoul, South Korea just got a major facelift in the form of a 10,000-nozzle fountain that runs all the way along both its sides. They were just recently built, but the bridge already captured a lot of hearts and now has turned into a major tourist attraction. This is really understandable, as I review and search for it, the bridge is pumping out 190 tons of water per minute. And since it’s just pulling up water from the river below, it’s nice and eco-friendly. Hit the jump for a video of this awesome bridge in action. It was really a superb attraction. No wonder, even I was really overwhelm with its magnificent beauty and you as well though you just seen it from a movie or drama, you’ll be curious about it and you want to find and experience it yourself.

I hope that someday, I can visit Korea myself and not just searching for it but sharing my memories and places I’ve been to Korea.