Special Interest
Korea is a beautiful mountainous peninsula stretching south from Northeast Asia. During it's 5000-year history, the people of Korea created an outstanding culture, and its uniqueness resonates throughout the land. Here under you can find some interesting themes.
Buddhism
Buddhism was formally introduced to Korea over 1,600 years ago in 372. Since 375 when the first temple was established in Korea, the Korean Buddhist Temple has provided a sanctuary where monks live, meditate and purify their minds from worldly desires. Today many temples preserve a rich stock of artistic remains as testimony to the unique tradition of Buddhist art that has flourished over the peninsula. Most are tucked away in mountain valleys amid pine groves, crystalline streams and soaring cliffs. KR Travel offers specialized tours including temple stays for those who are interested. The regular tours include visits only to Korea’s most famous temples.
Ceramics
Korea boasts a long history of ceramics dating back to the late 9th century. It is no wonder that ceramics make up a large portion of the remaining cultural properties on display at home and abroad. The ceramics come in different colors and texture, from dark grey to shining white and the highly artistic, and most well known, green porcelain, in which elaborate patterns and different layers of clay are used. “Onggi” crocks are shining brown and are utilitarian vessels made with coarse clay and fired at low temperatures, creating microspores that aid the fermentation process and prevent stored foods from decaying. Thanks to this excellent storage function, Korea has earned fame as a country of fermented foods and condiments, including soy sauce, red pepper and bean paste, pickled marine products and various kinds of homebrewed liquor, not to speak of the myriad of kimchi varieties. Major pottery and kiln sites can be found in the provinces of Gyeonggi-do (Icheon and Yeoju), Jeollanamdo (Gangjin) and Gyeongsangbukdo (Gyeongju, Mungyeong).
Korean Cuisine
Korea is surrounded by the sea on three sides, and the conflux of cold and warm currents in coastal areas yield a bountiful harvest of marine products. Since early times, Koreans developed fermented recipes such as pickled fish and shellfish as well as pickled vegetables, preserving fords that would provide essential nutrients through the lean winter months. Its unique cuisine contains health foods such as kimchi, ginseng, garlic and fish. The variety and versatility of Korean food has captured the attention of many foreign eyes. Korean food arguably best represents the nation’s culture, and has become a globally recognized staple of Korea and a major tourist attraction.
Hallyu, Korean Popular Culture
“Hallyu”, or the Korean Wave, is the name for the phenomenon of Korean popular culture spreading across the world. In particular, Korean dramas, films and music have earned worldwide recognition and acclaim for their artistic value. The impact of Korean Hallyu can be felt throughout the entire continent of Asia, and has garnered a devoted following amongst people of all ages. Korea has become a prominent figure in the Asian entertainment industry, formally dominated by Taiwan and Japan, producing movies, soap operas, hip-hop and dance groups and boy bands unrivaled in popularity by the cultural production of other Asian countries. Young audiences outside Asia are attracted by the Korean Wave, and a growing number of enthusiasts are traveling to Korea to visit film locations, buy the newest DVD’s and CD’s and enjoy the thriving young pop culture in South Korea.
Shopping
South Korea is heaven for the most ardent shoppers. In the 24 hour economy of Korea, one can quite literally shop at any desired time. Major department stores are open from 10:30 – 19:30, while markets and smaller shops are typically open until 22:00 in the evening. Starting at midnight, major markets such as Namdaemun and Dongdamun Markets in Seoul are open all-night for wholesale shopping, but you can shop retail as well. Other popular markets or shopping areas in Seoul are Insadong, Myongdong, the vicinity around Ehwa Womans University, Apgujeong-dong and Yongsan Electronics Market. Most prices can be bargained. Popular items for foreigners to purchase in Korea are glasses, shoes, jewelry, custom made suits, Korean food, leather, fur and ginseng.
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FESTIVALS
Today some 400 festivals are being held annually in Korea. Not all festivals are interesting, but festivals introduced here are definitely worth a visit. KR Travel assists in planning tours that coincide with these festivals, leaving visitors with a truly unique and unforgettable Korea experience.
The 5th World Ceramic Biennale 2009, Icheon (CEBIKO)
www.worldceramic.or.kr
CEBIKO will be held starting from 4th Saturday of April to 4th Sunday of June in every odd year.
25 April – 28 June 2009
The bi-annual Ceramic Biennale (CEBIKO) is being held close to Seoul in the small city of Icheon. The biennale is the only one of its kind in the world that combines the ceramic arts industry and culture all into one. The site of exchange and research for ceramists from around the world, the biennale features 11 exhibitions, various performances and events.
Lotus Lantern Festival, Seoul
www.llf.or.kr
25-26 April 2009
The Lotus Lantern Festival is one of the best and most colorful festivals in Korea. The annual event commemorates Buddha’s birthday and all festivities take place in Seoul. The most notable highlight is the lantern parade on the last evening, where over 100,000 lotus lanterns glow along the main Jongno Street, creating a continuous wave of light and unity.
Buddha’s Birthday
3 May 2009
For Korean Buddhists, Buddha’s birthday marks the most important day of the year. On the night of his birthday, every temple in the country lights up lampions that transform into an expansive sea of light, connecting even the most remote temples tucked away deep in the mountains for one special night. This is an exceptional, colorful and breathtaking event that takes place only one evening of the year.
Danojae Festival, Gangneung
www.danojefestival.or.kr
23 May – 2 June 2009 (final date has not yet been announced)
Gangneung Dano-je Festival has a thousand year history and tradition. This grand festival is the largest in scale in Korea. As one of four main national holidays in Korea (New Year’s Day, Hansik, Dano, and Chuseok), Dano is regarded as the day when the male element in nature is strongest in a year. The festival in Gangneung, a pleasant city on the East Coast, lasts five days before and after May 5th of the lunar calendar. The folk festival includes religious shamanist rituals, Dano-je exorcism, and Gwanno masque. Gangneung Dano-je Festival was designated by UNESCO as Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2005.
Andong Mask Dance Festival
www.maskdance.com
28 September – 4 October 2009
The Mask Dance Festival is one of the oldest and most enchanting festivals in Korea and takes place in Andong in October. Outdoor performances and plays that are thought to encourage and promote an understanding of Korean traditions in an engaging and entertaining way are held throughout the city and at night, both traditional foods and drinks are served.
Baekjae Cultural Festival
www.baekjefestival.com
September/October 2009 (final date has not yet been announced)
The Baekjae Dynasty ruled over large parts of Korea until the 6th Century when it lost its power to the Shilla Dynasty. Traces of this old dynasty can still be found in the old capital of Gongju, where they commemorate the ancient history at the annual Baekjae Cultural Festival.
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ACTIVITIES & SPORTS
Hiking, Biking & Water Sports
The various landscapes in Korea (mountains, coast, islands and urban areas) offer abundant possibilities for physical activities, such as hiking, biking and water sports. Hiking trails are plentiful and range from light to those more physically demanding, and can offer truly amazing views of the mountainous landscape. The possibilities and infrastructure for biking have been improved tremendously during the past few years, making it possible to bike along the full lengths of the Han River that runs through the city of Seoul. Smaller streams throughout the city offer excellent and safe biking possibilities as well. In some rural areas, there are unexpected biking paths along the endless rice fields that can offer truly memorable moments and biking on the many islands is simply breathtaking. Jeju Island offers the best possibilities for those who love water sports, including snorkeling, scuba diving and wind surfing. The best times for these activities are between June and November, when both the water temperature and stunning underwater scenery are at their best.
Golf
Golf is extremely popular in Korea. It is expected that within ten years, Korean golfers will dominate the professional golf world. There are more than 110 impeccably designed courses, mostly situated within an hour by car from major cities. They are commonly connected to other facilities including hotels, tennis courts and outdoor swimming pools. Playing golf comes at a price in Korea though, as these golf courses are considered some of the best and most expensive in the world.
Skiing
Season: late November until early March
Skiing has gained great popularity in the past several years and South Korea was narrowly edged out in the bid to host the Winter Olympics in both 2010 and 2014. The ski resorts have excellently groomed slopes, chair lifts, equipment rental and ski schools offering both group and private lessons. In addition, medical treatment and other services are available. All resorts boast excellent restaurants and entertainment as well as superb accommodations.
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