South Korea: Sights

Dadohae Haesang National Park
Address Mokpo Transport ferry: Mokpo terminal 1, three daily Keyword island, national park This marine national park, situated off the southwest corner of the peninsula, is made up of over 1700 islands. Hongdo (Red Island) and Heuksando are the most popular. Hongdo is worth visiting for its sheer cliffs, bizarre rock formations, spectacular sunsets and wooded hillsides cut by steep ravines. Heuksando is flatter and more populous.

Dadohae Haesang National Park occupies much of the coast and coastal waters of Jeollanam-do. Some of the isles support small communities with income from fishing and tourism; others are little more than tree-covered rocks.

Mokpo, Hongdo and Heuksando make up the gateway to the western sector. They are popular spots in July and Auguest, when people are looking to beat the heat. Because of this, booking ferries and accommodation in advance is advised.

Dodong Mineral Spring Park
Address Dodong-ri Phone tel: 791 7160 (info) Keyword wellbeing, views, national park, spring/mudpool/geyser Get a birds-eye view of Ulleungdo by taking the cable car from the park to Manghyangbong peak. If watching the beautiful sunset has made you all emotional, let it out at the karaoke lounge. The park’s namesake mineral-water spring is near the top and some claim drinking it has all sorts of medicinal benefits.

There are also two free museums in the park – the elaborate Dokdo Museum and Ulleungdo’s simple historical museum. Both islands have fascinating history, but given that the exhibits are only in Korean, non-Korean-speakers may find them a little impenetrable.

Gyeongbokgung
Address Gwanghwamun, Seoul Phone tel: (061) 732 1931 Transport train: to Gyeongbokgung station, exit 5. Hours Mar-Oct: Wed-Mon 09:00 – 18:00 ; Nov-Feb: Wed-Mon 09:00 – 17:00
May-Oct: Sat-Sun 09:00 – 19:00 Keyword castle, royal The grandest palace in Seoul, Gyeongbokgung lay in ruins for nearly 300 years until Heungseon Daewongun, regent and father of King Gojong, began to rebuild it in 1865. King Gojong moved in during 1868. Despite damage during Japanese colonial rule, the majesty of surviving buildings like the 48-columned Gyeonghoeru pavilion easily warrants a visit.

This was the country’s principal royal residence until the palace was destroyed in 1592 during the Imjaewaran war with Japan. But it was not the Japanese that razed the palace. The citizens of Seoul did that dirty deed. As the Japanese marched across the country, the King and yangban (aristocrats) abandoned Seoul to save their own skins. Angered by the desertion, a mob burned down the palace.

Free English-language tours are conducted daily (except Tuesday) and the ceremonial changing of the guard takes place six times daily (also except Tuesday). Paid admission to the palace includes entry into the National Palace Museum.

On the other side of the compound, the National Folk Museum recreates everyday Joseon life. Farming implements, clothing and the requisite kimchi display are here along with an exhibition of scholarly thought.

Korean Folk Village
Address Suwon, Seoul Phone tel: (031) 288 0000 (info) Transport underground rail: to Suwon station
bus: 37 Hours 09:00 – 18:00