MAIN Travel Destination Guides Asia South Korea

A view of Seoul

A strong, independent spirit and deeply rooted traditions are what sets 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 also big on attracting visitors worldwide to its spectacular natural beauty.

Of course, for most travelers, the main jumping-off point is the capital city of Seoul, with its own unique attractions and cosmopolitan comforts.

Seoul's combination of modern and traditional is seen in its skyline, where steel and glass vie for attention with lovingly preserved landmarks of etched stone and intricate woodcarving.

Make your way downtown for most of Seoul's major cultural attractions including the Five Grand Palaces for a look back at the centuries-old Joseon Dynasty, or take pleasant strolls through one of six Seoul city parks. With kids in tow, also see Seoul in full play-mode with a trip to Lotte World, its largest and most popular amusement park.

On longer stays, travel south to Andong where folk villages present opportunities for savoring traditional foods and entertainment by costumed reenactors. In October, the nearby Hahoe Maeul Folk Village features the exciting and colorful Mask Dance festival, also not to be missed.

Heading further south to the coast, check out South Korea's second largest metropolis, Busan, a bustling port city where today the U.N. Cemetery attracts thousands of visitors paying homage to fallen soldiers during the Korean War.

While in Busan, take the elevator ride up soaring Busan Tower for a full city view before heading to nearby Jeju Island - where spectacular waterfalls and idyllic beaches vie with natural flora and fauna that arguably makes this perhaps the most fascinating and stunningly beautiful spot in all of Asia.

More about South Korea travel & tourism around the Web:

The Official Korean Tourism Guide - One-stop browsing for online package tour or hotel bookings, suggested trip planner with self-guided itineraries, complete printable travel e-books & brochures, overviews of South Korean religion, traditional & popular culture, restaurants, native foods (with recipes), shopping guides.

Life in Korea - Korea Travel Guide - Good intro to the country with top attractions, transportation guides, maps and related photos for Seoul, Incheon, Daejeon, Daegu, Gyeongju, Busan, Gwangju plus more by province.

Visit Seoul.net - What's happening around the city with more on top tourist and cultural attractions, food, shopping, restaurant & hotel guides, multimedia presentations, money exchange & weather facts, subway map, practical travel tips.

Andong - The official city site with in-depth facts, information & photos of Hahoe Village, and the annual October mask dance festival, hotel guide.

Jeju Island - Information on the flora, fauna, and geological history of the island, with more on hotels and related attractions, photos, map.

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