Nestled between the states of china and japan is the lesser-known country of South Korea.  Though sometimes overlooked as a destination spot in the area, this area of Southeast Asia is a wonderful place to go to. 

founded in 1948 when it separated from its sister country, North Korea, the Republic of Korea became a democratic state at the end of world war ii.  In 1950, the North attacked the South, causing the Korean War until the 2 sides signed a truce in 1953.  Both the North and the South have similar, entrenched practices, but South Korea has become a modern, worldwide business leader that Western culture has heavily influenced over the last half-century. 

South Korea is home to approximately 48 million people of whom about 12,000,000 live in and around the capital and largest city of Seoul.  The land area is 38,463 square miles, a touch bigger than the state of Indiana.  The climate of the region is very mild all year and residents enjoy all 4 seasons.  The landscape of Korea is mostly mountainous and covered with lush forests in the rural areas, but you may find rice fields, the country?s staple crop, in numerous of the valleys. 

Top Attractions

Many attractions in the country are certain to lure a spread of travelers.  One of the most famous is Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul.  While the location of the palace is over 600 years old, the actual buildings had been reconstructed a number of times due to invasions and antagonistic takeovers.  The present buildings house both the nation's Museum of Korea and the national people Museum.  Once home to kings and rulers, the palace is rich with history, cultural artifacts and architecture, and enjoys a large number of visitors annually. 

Those entranced by the history and culture of the country should also check out the Korean people hamlet found near Seoul.  See what life was like for Koreans in the Chosun period ( from the 1700s up until 1910 ) in this 243-acre hamlet.  Observe and interact with residents as you encounter them in traditional Korean dress, but do not be confused.  These folks aren't hired actors.  Plenty of the residents of the town actually live there!  Enjoy music, shows, and authentic foods from a long lost but not forgotten chapter in Korean history. 

the hottest attraction in South Korea is the Demilitarized Zone, or DMZ, in Panmunjom.  Set at the 38th parallel, this area is where the democratic South borders the commie North.  Here you'll witness propaganda from both sides of the border.  See what the North wants visitors to see as a stable, booming economy, complete with intricate buildings and roads, but in actuality is a sluggish, repressed society, as shown by the South.  Many South Koreans have buddies and relatives still living in the North that they have had no contact with for over 50 years.  Travel and communication between sides is restricted and the hope is that, one day, a cap on dictatorial rule will open up the border once again.

On South Koreas west coast, in the town of Incheon, you may visit the Incheon Landing Operation memorial Hall.  This site is a memorial to General Douglas MacArthurs combat operation that led on to the liberation of Seoul during the Korean War.  There also are a spread of amusements and maritime attractions in the neighborhood for visitors to enjoy. 

Some festivals that visitors should think about in their itinerary include the Chunhyang holiday, the Nankye Traditional Music festival, and the party of Buddhas birthday.  The Chunhyang festival occurs annually in Namwon.  Chunyang is the Korean equivalent of the story of Romeo and Juliet.  Many visitors come to this holiday at the beginning of May to experience Korean dance, music, and parades.  The Miss Chunyang festival is held on the last day of the festival.  The Nankye Traditional Music festival is a celebration of Nankye, a Korean composer who is said to have created Chosun Dynasty Korean Music.  This type of music is a beautiful ensemble of strings, winds and percussion that produce a sound wholly original to Korean culture.  This event is held yearly in Yongdong in September.  The party of Buddhas birthday is held in May all over the country.  Many Buddhist churches hold festivals and parades on this holiday that's celebrated by many Koreans, regardless of religion. 

Culinary delights

While traveling in South Korea, visitors can enjoy a variety of culinary pleasures.  Most dishes are more spicy than most Western palates are used to, however.  The favourite of most travelers is pulgogi.  This is a traditional Korean dish that consists of drenched slices of meat with rice and vegetables that is then wrapped up in a leaf of lettuce.  Along with rice, another basic food of Korean culture is kimchi.  This side plate is often served with every meal.  Kimchi is a mixture of fermented plants, generally cabbage, and is particularly hot and spicy.  Since it is eaten continually, there are several variations of kimchi to choose from.  For those less adventuresome, many Western eateries have made their way to Seoul and surrounding towns, so those who want to experience the culture but cannot handle spicy foods, there's customarily a McDonalds or a KFC round the corner.

If you enjoy traveling and would like to read more on some of the most famous places in the world, visit famouswonders.com and also check out Popchusa Temple facts.