08 Feb 2010, Posted by Matt in Gyeonggi, Historic Korea, Transportation, 1 Comments

Touring the DMZ, Part 2: The Tours

I had lived here the better part of three years before I went on one of the very popular DMZ tours. Although I was non-plussed by the price and not terribly excited to go, I was glad I did. The tragic division of the Korean Peninsula has created a unique glimpse into one of the most chilling reminders of the Cold War. Far more than a hokey tourist trap, the DMZ is an exciting and frightening place.

In Part 1, we took a look at some of the most popular DMZ sights located in Gyeonggi Province. For Part 2, let’s see some of the organized tours that will take you there.

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28 Jul 2009, Posted by Matt in Historic Korea, Nature, Seoul, UNESCO Sites, Video, 7 Comments

Seoul’s Royal Tombs

In June 2009, UNESCO added 40 royal tombs built in Korea over five centuries to its list of world heritage sites. Eight of the Joseon Dynasty’s mausoleums are located within the Seoul city limits.

19 Dec 2008, Posted by Matt in Art & Culture, Chungcheong, Historic Korea, 2 Comments

Gongju’s Songsanri Tombs

Gongju’s well-kept royal burial mounds turn gold in autumn.

During ancient Korea’s Three Kingdoms period, the culturally sophisticated Baekje Kingdom (18BCE-660) sought a new capital when its principal city near Seoul was sacked. The city of Gongju (then Ungjin) was chosen, and for 63 years its spectacular temples and palaces thrived until the city was destroyed by a Silla-Tang China coalition in 660.

Today, this town in South Chungcheong Province has several important cultural attractions that remind guests of Baekje’s glory, but often escape notice from travelers to Korea. And among the most interesting is the Songsan-ri Burial Mounds.

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31 Oct 2008, Posted by Matt in Food & Drink, Historic Korea, Jeju, Jeolla, News, Seoul, Shopping, 1 Comments

Travel News Summary

A vendor at Seoul’s Noryangjin Fish Market (노량진 수산시장) (from Gourmet Magazine).

Seoul Fish Market in Gourmet Magazine
Seoul’s Noryangjin Fish Market (노량진 수산시장) receives rave reviews in October’s edition of Gourmet Magazine. Described as “one of the greatest food spectacles on earth”, writer Jonathan Gold praises the 700 stalls of stingrays, halibut and pickled clams. If you’d like to visit the fish market yourself, arrive early in the morning via Seoul subway line 1′s Norangjin Station.

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20 Sep 2008, Posted by Matt in Festivals & Holidays, Historic Korea, Seoul, UNESCO Sites, 5 Comments

Jongmyo: The Royal Ancestral Shrine

Built in the late 14th century, the Jongmyo Royal Ancestral Shrine was built to honor ancient Korea’s kings and queens and is recognized by UNESCO as a piece of intangible cultural heritage.

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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