Korea. Blooming

In Buyeo we will get acquainted with the treasures of Baekje, including those included in the register of the State Treasures of the Republic of Korea (Buyo National Museum), we will visit the place where the Buddhist temple of Jeongnimsa was located, with a unique 5-step pagoda.

In the city of Chungcheong, we will have a master class for making traditional cold buckwheat noodles "makguksu". They did what they ate! The noodles prepared by us will be our dinner. Delicious sauce of your choice (spicy and slightly spicy, or salty, based on soy sauce, attached).

The majestic fortress, perched high above the Geumgang River, has witnessed both times of great prosperity—when it was the heart of the Baekje capital—and more modest days. We’ll walk along its mighty walls and talk about kings, fortresses, and the city of Gongju.

The only burial of Pek rulers that has survived to this day.

UNESCO World heritage object - Namhansanseong Fortress

A guided tour through the biggest museum in Korea that covers Korean arts and history, as well as the arts of some other Asian countires.

In the heart of Seoul stands Jogyesa — the head temple of Korea’s largest Buddhist order.
Small in scale but rich in atmosphere, it changes with the seasons: lotus lanterns in spring, bright chrysanthemums in fall, and peaceful stillness in winter.
No matter the time of year, it’s a place of quiet reflection.

Insadong is famous for the abundance of souvenir shops, traditional restaurants and tea houses, boutiques.

Insadong-kil Pedestrian Street is the central street of the area.

Often you can see street performances - traditional Korean samul-nori percussion quartet or martial arts tekkyon, taekwon-do or performances of youth groups in the fusion style, etc.

South Korean President Yoon Sogyeol decided to return to the people (although, strictly speaking, he never belonged to the people) the official residence of the presidents of the Republic of Korea. And, true to his word, he did so. in 2022, on May 10, he took office in the building of the Ministry of Defense, never once using Cheong Wa Dae.

We, ordinary people, citizens and non-citizens of the Republic of Korea, can now freely enjoy the presidential views. Inside some buildings, in particular, the main building of the residence, built in 1991, we can go and get acquainted with the interiors and history of Cheong Wa Dae.

The garden and park ensemble of the Former Presidential Palace deserves a separate ode and recommendations.

Temple of Bongeunsa is located in close proximity to the COEX Convention and Exhibition Center.

Originally named Gyeongseongsa, it was built by King Wonseong of the Silla Kingdom in the 10th year of his reign (794 AD).

In 1498, thanks to Queen Jeonghyeon, it was renovated and expanded to the east of King Seongjong's tomb, and at that time it was given its new name - Bongeunsa.

The iconic view of COEX is visible from the Maitreya Buddha statue on the temple grounds.

The complex of the central Gwanghwamun Square in front of the Gyeongbokgung Royal Palace, which is the compositional center of the capital of Korea, offers amazing views of Seoul: on one side is the main residence of the kings of the Joseon state (now a museum). But along the  Sejong-daero Avenue, departing from the square, there are high-rise modern buildings: government, embassies, Kyobo - the largest bookstore in Korea. Further down the avenue we can see the Seoul City Hall and still further - the Great South Gate of Namdaemun (National Treasure No. 1).

The main palace of the Joseon dynasty — rebuilt more than once, but never lost its grandeur.

Its perfect symmetry, royal guard ceremony, and the chance to wear a hanbok turn your visit into a journey through time.

Winding lanes, wooden hanoks, hidden cafés — this is where time slows down.
Samcheong-dong charms with its hills and galleries, while Bukchon preserves the everyday beauty of Joseon-era homes.
Together, they offer a quiet, romantic escape — a walk through history lined with soft light and gentle stories.

There is a gondola in the park, which we will use to get almost to the top of one of the peaks of Seoraksan, on which the ruins of the ancient Kwonggeum Fortress (lit., "Kwon Geum Fortress") are located. We get to the peak on foot - it's about 20-30 minutes. From this peak, a magnificent panorama of the East Sea, the resort town of Sokcho and the mountain range of the park opens.

Not far from the lower gondola station is Sineungsa Temple (originally built in the 6th century, but later rebuilt many times). The temple complex includes a statue of the Buddha of Unification (Thonil Buddha), the name of which reflects the desire of Koreans to unite the country.

A picturesque route leads us to Hyndyl Pawi ("swinging rock"). A huge rock will sway at the touch of one person.

Optional, if everybody is in: hiking to the top of Mount Ulsan Pawi; you will have to strain a little - the height of the rock is 873 m.

What is Everland?

Everland is the largest theme park in Korea, nestled in the picturesque city of Yongin, just outside Seoul. It’s a place where adrenaline, enchanting landscapes, and family-friendly entertainment come together to give you a day packed with unforgettable experiences.

The park is open 365 days a year and features five themed zones, each a unique little universe. From thrilling roller coasters to safari adventures with real animals and vibrant seasonal festivals, Everland has something for everyone.

The 5 Worlds of Everland

1. Global Fair — Your adventure begins here. This zone offers souvenir shops, restaurants, and street performances to set the tone for an exciting day.
2. American Adventure — A trip back to 1950s America, complete with classic music, a rebellious spirit, and exhilarating rides.
3. Magic Land — A paradise for kids (and kids at heart), filled with carousels, whimsical characters, and magical decorations.
4. Zootopia — The crown jewel of Everland. A safari experience where you can see tigers, bears, giraffes, and even white lions in a natural habitat — all from the comfort of a bus or jeep.
5. European Adventure — A charming area with beautiful flower gardens, European-style restaurants, and the iconic T Express wooden roller coaster.

Top Attractions and Experiences

1. T Express: Korea’s first wooden roller coaster. With a 77-degree drop and speeds over 100 km/h, it’s a must-ride for thrill-seekers.
2. Safari World: Get up close with lions, tigers, and bears while riding a safari bus.
3. Lost Valley: A jeep safari that brings you face-to-face with exotic animals, including giraffes, just a few meters away.
4. Hurricane: A giant pendulum ride that will get your heart racing.
5. Amazon Express: A water ride down a wild river, complete with unexpected splashes.

Festivals and Parades

Everland is a master of transformation, changing with the seasons:

• In spring, enjoy the Tulip Festival with stunning flower gardens.
• In summer, cool off with refreshing water shows.
• In autumn, the park becomes a spooky Halloween wonderland with themed quests and eerie decorations.
• In winter, Everland transforms into a fairy tale land, complete with dazzling lights and Christmas parades.

Good to Know

• Everland offers a wide variety of dining options, from Korean specialties to European delicacies.
• The souvenir shops ensure you can take a piece of the park home with you.
• The park is enormous, so wear comfortable shoes and prepare for an exciting, action-packed day.

Traveler’s Tip: Start with Zootopia to enjoy the safari before the lines build up, and head to T Express while your courage is still intact!

The first and largest Korean folk village in terms of area and exposition.

There are more than 260 buildings in the village, including houses of representatives of different classes, government agencies, pharmacies and mills, and craftsmen's workshops.

The village recreates in detail the atmosphere of rural life of the Joseon era. Buildings were brought from all regions of Korea: here you will also find houses made of volcanic tuff from about. Jeju (and the famous black pigs from there, by the way!), And thatched houses from the southern provinces of Korea, and the house of the provincial governor, and the Confucian village school. You can taste traditional Korean dishes at the village market.

The journey begins with a fascinating walk through the narrow streets surrounded by traditional Korean houses - hanoks. Each house is a living museum that reflects the unique style and architecture of ancient times.

Travelers hungry for knowledge can discover the craftsmanship of folk artisans.

But that's not all! This wonderful complex offers unique shows and concerts featuring traditional Korean dances, music and rituals.

Each show and concert is organized with love for details and leaves a unique impression. You will be delighted with beautiful costumes, incendiary rhythms and incredible talents of artists. The atmosphere will be filled with energy and delight, and you will find yourself a real witness to the beauty and splendor of Korean culture.

The temple was founded in 1970 by a monk who lost his homeland due to the Korean War (1950-1953). Thus, the architecture and internal philosophy of the temple expresses the desire to unite the two Koreas.

In addition, the temple is the first temple in Korea belonging to the direction (sect, order) of Nirvana.

This temple cannot please lovers of antiquity, due to its young age; but beauty lovers are a must! There are more than 3,000 statues on the territory of the temple, the most famous of which is the huge head of the Buddha, which greets you almost at the entrance to the temple.

In the temple you will see the world's largest (got into the Guinness Book of Records) Buddha statue made of wood. The Unification Pagoda, made from stones brought by temple visitors from holy places around the world.