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Korea is littered with fortresses,
temples and palaces, many of them UNESCO World Heritage sites. In
addition, the peninsula it shares with the Democratic People's
Republic of Korea (North Korea's official name) is one of the most
mountainous regions in the world, and Korea also has a significant
beach-dotted coastline.
The capital Seoul winds around the Han River,
punctuated by futuristic skyscrapers in one of the most densely
populated areas in the world. The city is an increasingly useful
Asia-Pacific stopover point, or a hub for a three-centre
Korea-China-Japan cultural trip.
See the sights of Seoul: Changdeokung is an exquisite Joseon palace
and its picturesque Biwon, (secret gardens) are enchanting. Nearby
Jongmyo Shrine contains ancestral tablets of the Joseon Dynasty. The
huge National Museum of Korea is both architecturally jaw-dropping
and culturally fascinating.
Also in Seoul, go up N-Seoul Tower (238m/ 776ft), atop landscaped
Namsan Mountain. Visit the poignant War Memorial and Museum. Spend
time around revitalised Cheonggyecheon Stream, and relax at Olympic
Park or World Cup Park. Experience how life was centuries ago at the
Korean Folk Village.
Admire the UNESCO-listed city walls and defences of Suwon City,
with its Hwaseong Fortress.
Head west of Daegu to the Mount
Gayasan National Park, at the centre of which is Haeinsa,
Korea's best-known temple. It houses the extraordinary UNESCO-listed
Tripitaka Koreana: 80,000 wooden printing blocks engraved
with the complete Buddhist scriptures. Completed in 1252 after 16
years of work, it is still in perfect condition. |
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