Circled by rugged mountain peaks, Seoul itself is an ancient city built in the late 14th century under the Chosun Dynasty. With a population of nearly 11 million, it boasts a blend of well preserved antique buildings and palaces juxtaposed with state of the art skyscrapers, deluxe hotels and shopping complexes. Beautifully landscaped parks, temples and fortresses vie for attention with museums, art galleries, and shopping arcades bristling with bargains.
Including historic sites, and tourist attractions, sightseeing on your own is relatively easy in Seoul, where the public transport system is safe and efficient, and taxis are plentiful. Some of the points of interest are, the national museum which houses one of the finest collections in Korea. The Kyongbokkung Palace, a favorite with visitors. Built in 1305 by King T'aejo there is a ten-storey stone pagoda and several lovely pavilions. In the beautifully landscaped gardens, is the national Folklore Museum which depicts the daily life of South Koreans through the ages.
East of City Hall lies an area rich in cultural lore and antiques. The C'hangdokkung Palace is best known for its secret garden (Piwon), 78 acres of renovated beautifully landscaped garden with pavilions ponds and wooded areas are open to small groups. Within the grounds is the separate royal residence, Nakasonjae where the last remaining members of the Choson Dynasty royal family still live. Nakasonjae is sometimes open to the public for special occasions. Adjacent is another royal palace, the Ch'anggyonggung. Here you can take a glimpse into the life and arts of the royal families. A pleasant cultural area is Taehakno, where tree lined streets house small sidewalk cafes, restaurants and galleries. Closed to traffic on weekends, it has become a place for pedestrians to enjoy the works of local artists, dance groups, poets and other performers. Just west of the bustling shopping area of Insa Dong, is Chogyesa, the headquarters of the main Buddhist sect of Korea (Chogye). I t is the main temple within the city limits and is famous for its Lantern Festival.
Suwon , 48 kilometres south is the fortress of Suwon. Near Suwon is the Korean Folk Village, a kind of living museum which recreates life as it was several centuries ago. Potters, millers, weavers and other craftsmen work here just as their ancestors did dressed in the national costumes of the time. There is an outdoor market place with artifacts and tasty snacks for sale, nearby are two amusement parks. Ich'on about 59 kilometers southeast from Seoul is famous for its pottery kiln and hot springs. The kilns specialise in Koryo celado ware and Choson Dynasty ceramic reproductions. Watch the master potters at work and select the most desirable pieces for sale.
Kyongju, if you have time for only one trip outside Seoul, Kyongju the capital of the Shilla Kingdom should be the choice. Here is a "museum without walls", a treasure chest of historic remains with tombs, monuments and temples. The Pulgoska Temple complete with magnificent pagodas and the home of a serene stone Buddha, Sokkuram Grotto are especially interesting sites.
Pusan, 480 km southeast of Seoul lies Pusan, second largest city and major port of Korea. It is here that the yachting events will be held. Other attractions at Pusan include international hotels, fish markets, beaches, hot springs, national parks, cultural centers, and historical sites.
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