Discover Jeju Island and Seoul

South Korea has been known to the world with a variety of products, from motor vehicles,

Gyeongbokgung palace in Seoul. Image: norecipes.com

televisions, digital cameras, and of course, a smartphone that has rivaled the famous product of the United States and Japan. You also must be familiar with Gangnam Style by Psy, as well as K-Pop and The TV series which is watched by millions of people the world. If you have familiar and are using their products and enjoy Korean food, holiday to South Korea is also a good choice to get to know the art, traditions and culture of Korea.

If you are not ready to go to North Korea, then you can start your trip to Seoul. In this city you can see not only the modern South Korea, but also to preserve the seriousness of their ancient history, art and culture of their nation.

 

Jingwansa Temple in Bukhansan National Park. Image: thesoulofseoul.net

When you holiday in Seoul, you can see the royal palace of Korea, for example Gyeongbokgung. This magnificent palace was the first royal palace built by the Joseon Dynasty, three years after the Joseon Dynasty was founded. The palace is built in 1395; Gyeongbokgung was located at the heart of newly appointed capital of Seoul (then known as Hanyang) and represented the sovereignty of the Joseon Dynasty.

Gyeongbokgung is served as the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty of the, but there are several other palaces which Gyeonghuigung, Deoksugung, Changgyeonggung, and Changdeokgung. If you want to know the story of the Kingdom of Korea, you need to watch a television series titled Moon Embracing the Sun: A love story between a fictional King Joseon Dynasty (played by Kim Soo-Hyun) and a female shaman (played by Han Ga-in), but in this TV series you will get an overview of Korean culture such as customs, traditions, art and various aspects of Korea's past.

There is a lot of interesting places in South Korea you can visit, especially for fans of historical attractions, such Jingwansa Temple.

Beautiful flowers on Mt. Hallason.  Image: nps.gov

 This beautiful temple is located in Bukhansan National Park, is a temple established by the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. You can also visit Seonjeongneung, a king's burial site. The name of this tomb is a combination of the Seoul Arts and Jeongneung, and it refers to the royal tombs of King Seongjong. Seonjeongneung was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2009, enhancing its status as historic remains.

Wonderful moment in Jeju Island

In South Korea you can enjoy the beauty of the Korean gardens, palace ruins and rock carvings on display in the ancient city of Gyeongju featuring the more traditional side to South Korea. And of course, the countryside, coastlines and mountains of South Korea are no less spectacular than its cities and villages. Ensure that you also visit the Bukhansan National Park. This is the world's most visited national park due its proximity to Seoul - the world's most populated city. Also not to be missed is Jeju Island's beautiful coastal scenery, wildlife and inactive volcanoes.

Seongsan Ilchubong, Jeju island. Image: ijto.or.kr

Jeju Island is a volcanic island brimming with natural beauty, unique cultural traditions and a perfect temperate climate. This afternoon take a tour of Jeju Island to Hallim Park with its exotic botanical gardens, lava caves, folk village and O’Sulloc Tea Museum where guests can learn more about the traditional Korean tea culture.

Dol haruebang statues around Jeju island. Image: placesfortour.com

 If Bali has a nickname as the last paradise, the island of Jeju also Referred to as "The Island of the Gods" and the "Hawaii of Korea." This volcano island has become the top honeymoon place for Korean newlyweds, and is also regarded as one of the top honeymoon destinations in the world. 

Lava tubes. Image: koreatimes.co.kr

This beautiful island is not only a land of rugged beauty but also a place rich in myths and folklore. Jeju Island is also rich in caves, one of which, according to legend, sprang three god-men, Ko, Pu, and Yang, who founded the island’s first settlement and made it flourish. 

Since Jeju was named as the island of the gods, on the island you will see Dol Hareubang, or Grandfather Statues. There are dwarf-like statues that are found throughout the island, as they were once considered powerful fertility Gods.

At the top of Mount Halla. Image: jejuweekly.com

Jeju Island was created entirely from volcanic eruptions approximately 2 million years ago. The area that bears testament to the compelling natural history of our planet; Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes is ranked as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of three found on Jeju Island. Mount Halla is Jeju Island's most distinctive landmark, and South Korea's highest peak. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mount Halla is surrounded by Hallasan National Park, which features various hiking trails.

Cheonjiyeon Waterfall. Image: themisanthropesjournal.blogspot.com

Manjanggul also interesting for you visit because this is the longest lava tube in the world, and it has been designated as actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cave that's this lava tube is located in also houses a rare bat species. The cave also comments some other very interesting geological formations from the lava, "the lava turtle", "lava pillar", and "Wing-shaped Wall."

Jeju Island brags of incredible beaches; Iho Beach is one of the best with its dual-colored sand. During your holiday in this island you also can see Cheonjiyeon Waterfall. According to the local folklore, it is said the heavenly beings visit the pristine waters of Cheonjiyeon to enjoy its beauty and bask in its cool cascades. Because of the Splendor of this waterfall and its sparkling blue pool surrounded by rich green foliage, Cheonjiyeon Waterfall has become a landmark of the island of Jeju.

Korean Ethnic Dancers Perform Buchaechum Fan Dance. Image: getintravel.com

If you are a nature lover, then you can climb to the top of Seongsan Ilchubong, an icon of Jeju, and the views from the top are absolutely gorgeous, particularly while the sun is rising. Upon arriving at the summit, enjoy the remarkable views from the top. Seongsan Ilchubong also been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so that its beauty will always be protected and timeless.

If you want to see the underwater beauty of this island, you need to Munsom Islet; the submarine tour takes visitors down to 30 meters, where you will discover a whole host of delights, from colorful marine creatures to soft corals. Jeju’s submarine tour is an unforgettable experience. A seated Buddha can be found inside. According to local belief, when water drips from the ceiling of the cave it means that the Sanbangdok, the patroness of Sanbangsan, is crying. Follow the footsteps of the pilgrims up to this natural grotto and find yourself beautifully situated to witness a stunning panoramic view of Jeju Island.

Beautiful Grand Drum Ensemble. Image: en.wikipedia.org

If you are on vacation with the kids, it is necessary to bring them to enjoy the Pacific Land show, which features tricks from a large collection of animals such as dolphins, sea lions and penguins. The show takes place at the Jungmun Tourist Complex, and visitors also have the change to gaze at aquatic life in the aquarium.

Visiting a country like Korea, you also need to see the diversity of art and culture such as traditional dance performances, such as dance fan, or Grand Drum Ensemble performances are definitely interesting to watch in Jeju or other tourist areas in Korea.

Vacation or honeymoon on Jeju Island is always a memorable experience for anyone, so some say, that vacation to Korea without visiting this beautiful island, then your journey is not yet complete. It was as if a vacation to Paris, you definitely will not miss a visit to the Eiffel Tower, the icon and at the same time the landmark of the city of love. What the world says, if you travel photo without background beauty Jeju Island?