There are two states on the Korean peninsula that have the same name, but are implacable enemies. Countries with different political, cultural and economic conditions have been considering each other as occupiers of their ancestral territory for more than 70 years. Korea is united only by people of the same nationality and a common historical past.
DPRK
A socialist country located in the northern part of the Korean Peninsula is considered one of the most closed and mysterious in the world. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea lives by its own rules, which are strikingly different from the usual standards. Take a trip that will take you back to the distant Soviet past, it is possible as part of a tour, and independent trips are prohibited.
Features of tourism in North Korea
There are restrictions on movement within the country, where you can bring a laptop and a camera, but the mobile phone will have to be handed over at the airport (it will be returned before departure). Leaving the hotel to take a walk in search of local attractions will not work. The entire route is planned in advance, and you cannot deviate from it. The host is very concerned about what impression the foreigner will haveafter the trip, so everything that the tourist sees is carefully thought out.
Republic of Korea
South Korea, whose sights are diverse and very interesting, appeared after the division of the state and at one time went under the jurisdiction of the United States. The chosen course for a democratic system and a prosperous economy attract many travelers from the farthest corners of our planet. In recent decades, this destination has become incredibly popular with tourists. In fairness, it must be admitted that the name South Korea is colloquial, and it does not appear in any official document.
Colorful Seoul
With attractions of particular interest to European visitors, the Republic of Korea is an ultra-modern paradise with entertainment for all tastes. The ancient culture of one of the most developed countries in the world has left its traces on architectural monuments, most of which are concentrated in the capital - Seoul. Connecting the incongruous colorful metropolis makes an indelible impression on all tourists. The city, which is home to about 10 million people, is recognized as the most high-tech in the world, but the traditional culture remains as untouched as it was several centuries ago.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
So, what to see in Seoul for the first time in a bustling city tourist? The main palace complex, which is the pride of the locals, consists of open pavilions that communicate with each other. Built for the ruling Joseon Dynasty in 1395, historicalThe architectural monument was destroyed and restored several times. Three hundred and thirty buildings originally made up Gyeongbokgung Palace, and now almost half of the majestic structures have been restored by local architects.
The pentagonal building houses two national museums that welcome visitors. Delighted by the beauty of the complex, tourists will find luxurious apartments, picturesque gardens and incredibly elegant ponds, near which it is so pleasant to walk in the heat. The open-air museum, named the pearl among the historical palaces of Seoul, is rightfully proud of Korea. Sights covering an area of 432,000 hectares will surprise even experienced travelers.
Cheonggyecheon Stream
Eleven years ago, local authorities restored the river channel, hidden underground for a long time. Flowing in the historical part of the city, today it is visible to all vacationers. Along the banks of the Cheonggyecheon stream, locals and surprised tourists walk. Original fountains beat here, creating a comfortable microclimate, and couples in love freeze on the bridges colored with lights in the evenings. Therefore, when guests of the metropolis have a question about what else to see in Seoul, we recommend going to a recreation area open to all comers in the very center of the city.
Entertainment complex
Forty years ago, a theme park owned by the famous Samsung company appeared. Divided into five zones, it is included in the list of must-see tourist routes. located inMore than six million people visit Everland Park in Yongin every year.
The entertainment complex includes not only spectacular attractions, but also a huge water park, in addition, laser shows, colorful festivals, costume processions are held in summer, which will be remembered by guests of South Korea. And in winter, no less interesting snow performances await visitors.
Castles of South Korea
Near Seoul is the Namhansanseong Fortress, founded in 672. Once upon a time, the monks who defended the king hid in it from the enemy, and over time it lost its significance and began to collapse. More than 50 years ago, it and the surrounding area was declared a national park.
Korea, whose sights are reminiscent of the hostilities that took place over many centuries, did not destroy the objects erected by the invaders. One of these structures is the castle, which is located in the metropolitan city of Ulsan. Built by the Japanese during the invasion of Korea, the stone structure Seosenpo Waesong will surprise you with an architectural style unusual for the country.
Less famous Korean cities with their own flavor
Of course, foreign visitors love Seoul with its quirky sights, impressive shopping malls, bullet trains, perfect roads, but there are also lesser-known cities in Korea that are worth a visit. For example, ancient Incheon attracts with its picturesque coastline, thermal springs and numerous Buddhist temples.
Can't bypassattention and the so-called summer capital of the state - Busan. It is here that the most famous beaches and equipped embankments are located. In the city hosting hundreds of thousands of tourists, everyone will find something to do. You can go to a huge fish market offering a variety of delicacies, stroll through the famous natural park, visit the national marine reserve. Therefore, try to build your route so as not to pass by this city of Korea, which has a developed infrastructure.
The UNESCO-listed museum villages are located in Andong, a major cultural center of the country. Considered the birthplace of philosophers, it was completely destroyed during the war, but rebuilt, and if tourists have the desire to immerse themselves in ancient history, then there is no better place.
In our article we talked about the sights of South Korea - a hospitable state that boasts an abundance of interesting places for tourists. A variety of ancient and modern monuments, unique nature, excellent shopping attract Russians who want to relax in an exotic country.
