25 Mar 2009, Posted by Matt in Notes from Matt, 2 Comments

DK Update!

Hey there,

In just a few hours my friend Uikwon and I will take off for a 5-day trip along Korea’s Namhae (남해), or southern coast. After some delicious dinner in Jeonju, we’ll make our way from Mokpo, in the southwest to Busan and Ulsan in the southeast. I look forward to sharing our stories and photos soon!

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24 Nov 2008, Posted by Matt in Food & Drink, Historic Korea, Jeolla, 8 Comments

Jeonju’s Hanok Village (Part 2)

Although much of Jeonju’s Hanok Village (전주 한옥마을) is enjoying new construction, there are also rustic sections that retain significant charm.

(A version of this text aired on KBS World Radio on November 22, 2008.)

In Part 1, we explored some of the historic city of Jeonju’s favorite attractions. This time, we’ll taste some of its famous food.

Like most countries, Korea’s provinces tend to have some regional rivalries. But when it comes to food, people from Seoul down to Jeju Island agree that the nation’s best food is found in the Jeolla provinces. And it makes sense that Korea’s southwest corner, also known as the country’s rice-basket, would boast delicious cuisine.

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17 Oct 2008, Posted by Matt in Buddhist Temples, Historic Korea, Jeolla, Nature, 7 Comments

Gimje’s Gold Mountain Temple

Geumsansa Temple’s (금산사) main courtyard features the impressive 3-story high Maitreya Hall, Goryeo-era stone sculptures, and gorgeous trees.

Until a couple of weeks ago, I had never visited North Jeolla Province. So when a friend of mine invited me to come along with her on a weekend trip, I jumped at the chance. North Jeolla-do has long been Korea’s rice bowl, and its terraced rice paddies and natural areas are famed for their beauty. During my travels there, one of my favorite places was Geumsansa, or Gold Mountain Temple, which is located between the cities of Jeonju and Gimje (김제).

Geumsansa Temple is located on the slopes of Moak Mountain. Founded over 14 centuries years ago during the first year of King Beop (법왕) of the Baekje Kingdom, the temple is best known for its Maitreya Hall, which houses the massive Mireuksa Buddha, and is Korea’s only remaining 3-story pre-modern building. The gorgeous structure features dozens of colorful paintings. And each corner of its three roofs requires a supporting column, due to the weight of the ornate eaves.

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02 Sep 2008, Posted by Matt in Chungcheong, Festivals & Holidays, Food & Drink, Gyeongsang, Historic Korea, Jeolla, Nature, Seoul, 2 Comments

Autumn 2008 Festivals Calendar

Autumn is my favorite season in Korea, when balmy days replace the heat and humidity of summer! It’s the best time to get out and discover one of Korea’s many festivals. Here’s a rundown of what to see this month:

Geumsan Insam (Ginseng) Festival (Geumsan, South Chungcheong Province)
August 29-September 7
Geumsan is famous for its high-quality ginseng. The Insam Festival, which has been held every September since 1981, is a traditional cultural event in which villagers pray for a good harvest the following year. Programs include ginseng harvesting, performances of traditional arts and rituals, concerts, an international ginseng trade fair, a ginseng cooking competition and more. (more info: 041-750-2391 or www.geumsan.go.kr/festival)

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