Most people understand Korea for K-pop and strong IT Industry. But, have you noticed Korea is the country has thousands of history and a racially homogeneous nation?
HIGHLIGHTS :
* Learn about the past, present and future of Korea’s culture and politics
* Explore Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of the Five Grand Palaces
* Discover life in Korea from ancient times to today at the National Folk Museum
If you are international traveler, you might know Seoul is one of rare cities has hundreds years history footprints. You will see high-tech right next to thousand-year-old tradition. Palace is the one of popular historical places. Chosun Empire has ended in 1910 while Seoul has been the capital of Josun dynasty for the past 500 years. There are 5 important palaces you don’t want to miss and they are the most popular places for visitors.
What is first impression of the word Palace? Place for kings and noble families? It is true but only the part of it. You will see the area where kings and families lived with 2000 people ruled whole nation. There is only parts of palaces remain which makes many people find they are only for king and family. Palace was the place for discussion how to rule the country. The palace was like a huge company runs a big organization, nation where 2000 people are working together inside. Most people now understand the palace only for king and family after modern city development.
After the Second World War, family of Korean empire became normal average people and there is no more empire. All palaces belong to Republic of Korea. Does your country have king and family? Do you still have the palace for them? There is no more king and family in Korean society. But most of Korean all remembers them and their history as they are all important part of history although it was not happy ending.
There were 2 big important functions of palace. Kweol is where all governors, ministers, scholars and king got together and made important discussion and decision. ""Koong"" is located in the center of the palace where king and king’s family stay. You can enjoy more if you understand the whole palace was designed for efficiency of communication with people who visit or stay palace. There are places for politics, living area for king and family, and gardens. Take a close look and feel how all the functions and locations are designed and connected. There are 5 palaces in Seoul. Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changkyeong-gung, Gyeongungung(Deoksu Palace), and Gyeongheegung.
Eastern Asia palaces are noticed that the mainly common characteristics of the design are naturalism and humanism but the philosophy behind and representation style element are differed from the country.
Spanning more than 310 miles (500 km) at about 0.62 miles (1 km) wide, the Han River (Hangang) is one of the most important rivers in South Korea. A full-on tourism destination, a warm or even brisk day affords you the chance to explore the well-groomed pedestrian walkways and bicycle paths. Take the kids around as visitors and locals alike enjoy the soothing ambiance of the river beside while jogging, fishing or just hanging out in one of its many cafes. If you are so inclined you can even jet ski.
The Hangang Park also has playgrounds if you just want to sit and relax while the kids use up some energy. Unfortunately there are no real restaurants, but it is still a great place to picnic with the family or a loved one. One of the more popular things to do here is to take a boat cruise for a relaxing ride around, or for special occasions, boats can be booked a night soiree.
There are several subway lines that will cross the river depending on where you are and where along the river you want to `go. For a lovely nighttime stroll, get out at the Yeouinaru Subway and `go directly to the Cascade shown on the directional map at the entrance of the park. Otherwise, if you are looking for a little exercise, you can rent bikes for the day for about $5 at a few easily accessible locations that also offer drop-off points.
The Suwon Hwaseong Fortress was the world’s first planned city. The Hwaseong Fortress is regarded as having been more thoroughly and systematically designed than comparable structures of its time, including those in Saint Petersburg, Russia or Washington, D.C. in the United States.
The Hwaseong Fortress, belonging to the Haenggung Palace of the Joseon Dynasty, was constructed for King Jeongjo in 1796. Haenggung is a subsidiary palace which accommodated the King’s temporary stays outside the main palace in the capital. The Hwaseong Fortress was constructed by King Jeongjo for his stays in the Haenggung when he made visits to the Suwon region to have memorial services for his father, Crown Prince Sadosaeja.
Aside from subsidiary palace functions, the Hwasung Fortress was also constructed to serve more practical purposes as the second capital of the Joseon Dynasty. King Jeongjo had in fact planned to move into Haneggung of Hwaseong Fortress when he became the supreme King after passing on his throne to his successor. However, with young King Jeongjo’s sudden death in 1800, the Hwaseong Fortress was forgotten by Koreans.
The Hwaseong Fortress stands as a testament to the advancements in technical theories and applications made during the Joseon Dynasty. An enormous amount of money and manpower was used in the project, on a scale of unprecedented in magnitude in the history of the Joseon Dynasty. It was an immense civil engineering project which could not have been initiated and completed without King Jeongjo’s unique determination.
Driving an hour to the south of Seoul, you can find a city named Suwon where have plenty of the sights. Cosmojin represents you the world heritage Suwon Hwaseong Fortress. King Jungjo of Joseon Dynasty emphasized splendor and beauty of structure during the fortress was built. When one of vassals asked why he is bothered about beauty, not the strength and solidity, he answered the fortress will surely win enemies by its beauty. Hwaseong Fortress is an unique castle that western and eastern theory of military facility was combined, particularly it is matchless in Korean history of castle construction.
24/7 for 365 days, Seoul never sleeps. True Seoul starts after sunset. With Cosmojin, you will want to jump out of your hotel bed and enjoy all variety of food, attractions and beautiful places to visit. Cosmojin has prepared the best places for night out with long experience of hosting visitors from all over the counties. Not only beautiful night visits but more than 20 interesting performances were prepared with reasonable price including transportation.
Some performances providing dining are pretty popular. You cannot regret the night life in Seoul with Cosmojin guide. Cosmojin guide helps you to book discounted ticket for attractions and answers any question you ask. Are you planning your own? They will let you know the hot places for locals as well.
Culture of the country is concentrated in its food and the history. Cooking and learning the history and the culture of Korea will be a chance to naturally understand Korean food and Korea. This will be a special time to learn recipes, cook together with others, and experience cooking Korean food.
You will also have the chance to take pictures wearing the traditional Korean Gown, Hanbok. You can enjoy the taste and flavor of Korea, Cook Korean food for yourself and wear Korean traditional gown, Hanbok.
The course gives experience to wear a Hanbok in various colors and design with accessories and shoes. The course will take you to the Tongin traditional market. You can Compare this market to markets in your country and find the color of Korea. Guide will tell you about freebie custom.
The tour that will allow you to feel the fresh culture of Korea! This is for those who loves the taste and flavor of Korea.
Even for Seoul residents or natives, Bukchon Korean traditional house town makes them wonder if it still exists and part of Seoul. As you may know, Seoul is full with hi tech and modern and no one expects old traditional town in the middle of the city.
Bukchon Hanok village is the old town located between Gyeongbokgung palace and Jongmyo shrine and named as North village. It also has lower land in the south than in the north. This characteristic provides a great view point where you can enjoy the landscape of Mt. Namsan and a forest of skyscrapers. This is the reason why noble families and high-ranking officials of Josun dynasty lived in North village.
Bukchon is also hanok (traditional house) concentrated area and its alleys wind and twist houses. The traditional houses stand close together roof by roof. Everyday life in Hanok takes place not only within the houses but also outside of houses in the alleys. In alleys, adults have friendly conversation and the elderly take rest and coverse among themselves.
There used to be only 30 traditional houses with black tile roof left but people and government have tried to keep this town as original form as possible so you can see the how people used to live together for 600 years in Chosun dynasty.
Bukchon is called ""the street museum in the urban core having many historical spots and cultural heritage sites of 600 years long history of Seoul. For visitors, the alleys of Bukchon are an interesting window which exist the ordinary lives of ordinary Koreans. We’ve traveled life at high speed so far, so it’s time to give your soul a moment of rest with slow and peaceful step in Bukchon Hanok Village.
There are 8 photo spots where you can take pictures from the 8 best photo angles of Bukchon. And you don’t want to miss the Choongang High School which is well known for Korean drama Winter Sonata that Yong Jun Bae and Jiwoo Choi played.
Yangban(the noble) is highest status could be achieved by passing a series of national exams which is the only way to become a government official in Chosun Dynasty. They are high social status but not always of high income. Most of Yangban were mainly interested in study not making money and mainly affected by Confucianism. They are so into honor and Confucian manner and culture which was always prior to practicality. They did care more about books than money, food, and other basic life.
Bukchon was the area with full ofthe nobles (Bukchon traditional Korean house village is included to Cosmojin Seoul daily city tour course number 3) while Namchon is the place for a little lower class including ruined noblemen or scholars who did not pass enough series of national exams to become a real Noble or government official. Namchon is located at the foot of Mt. Namsan. There were ideologists who was just studying with doing nothing else was called ""namsangol nerd"" while respected scholars called ""Sonbi"" lived there too.
To restore the old traditional atmosphere, Seoul city has built traditional garden at Namsan in old way of gardening. It took 4 years to finish from 1993 to 1997. There are 5 traditional houses showing different living style for each social status to give senses of how people in Chosun lived. Furniture designs are different depends on the social status. Seoul city still keeps adding more interesting elements and activities for visitors like time capsule, experience center, and performances.
When the king Jeongjo decided to build Suwon Hwaseong, Jeongjo would like to focus on glamour and beauty. One of king’s subjects wondered why "beauty" is as important as defensive and the King answered "beauty wins battle too" as he believed in the power and dignity of beauty. Suwonseong is considered as the most beautifully designed fortress with great functions in history.
After Suwon Hwaseong tour followed by lunch back in Seoul, Changdeokgung tour is waiting for you. Changdeokgung is the palace that was loved and stayed by the most kings. Confucianism is the fundamental of Chosun society that emphasize form of manner. Kings should host the ancestor worship ceremonies based on Confucianism when they became the King for the first time. Jongmyo is where the ancestor worship ceremony was held and it is designed for a grave ceremony giving you a tranquil and simple feeling. Chosun society believed ancestor ceremonies are important for prosperity. Feel the atmosphere of those important ceremonies from this beautiful architecture and wish your own prosperity.
El Lotte World es uno de los complejos de recreación más importantes de Seúl. Su área interior llamada Indoor Adventure es uno de los parques temáticos más grandes del mundo y alberga una gran variedad de festivales de temporada y desfiles durante todo el años, como el festival Masquerade, el carnaval Rio Samba, la fiesta de Halloween y el festival de Navidad. Construido como un pequeño pueblo, Indoor Adventure cuenta con 22 atracciones diferentes, entre las cuales están el Conquistador, la Revolución Francesa, el Monorraíl Mundial, el Flume Ride y el Carrusel de Camelot. Los visitantes también pueden acceder a su área exterior conocida como la Magic Island, conectada a través de un pasadizo en la segunda planta y visitar el Museo del Folclore en la tercera planta.
Acompáñanos en un día de descubrimientos en Lotte World. Explora y encuentra el lugar perfecto para la diversión o para hacer turismo. Haz tus compras en el hipermercado Lotte Mart o los grandes almacenes Lotte. La primera parada será Lotte World, el parque temático interior más grande del mundo certificado por el Libro Guinness de los récords. El parque rebosa de emoción, ofrece desfiles y cuenta con una pista de hielo, un Museo del Folclore y ¡mucho más! Ubicado en el corazón de la ciudad, es el lugar perfecto tanto si buscas diversión como si quieres hacer turismo.
A continuación, nos dirigimos a Lotte Mart, un hipermercado de Corea del Sur que ofrece una gran variedad de ropa, juguetes y productos electrónicos, por nombrar algunos. Al acabar, los grandes almacenes Lotte, establecidos en 1979, te ofrecen bienes y servicios de consumo al por menor.
Al final del tour, haremos una breve parada para hacer compras. ¡Aprovecha y consigue el suvenir perfecto!
Idiomas
Inglés
Join us as we visit all things Lotte! Explore the perfect spot for entertainment and sightseeing at Lotte World, and shop at Lotte Mart and Department Store. Go on an all-Lotte tour as we visit the Lotte World, Mart and Department Store!
Our first stop is the Lotte World, the largest indoor theme park as certified by the Guinness World Records. The park is filled with thrilling rides, different kinds of parades, an ice rink, a folk museum and so much more. It’s located in the heart of the city, which makes it the perfect spot for entertainment and sightseeing!
Next, we’ll proceed to Lotte Mart. A division of Lotte Co., Ltd, the Mart is a South Korean hypermarket that sells a variety of clothing, toys, electronics and other goods. Afterwards, head to the Lotte Department Store. Established in 1979, the department store offers retail consumer goods and services.
Seoul daily city tour with a professional guide. Explanation of details of Korean history from Korean guide is essential to find ""the true meaning"" of watching world heritages. The right Seoul City Tour with a guide who will slake your curiosity with rich knowledge! Also you can be a friend with tourists from each different country. Grab a chance to make various friends in the world! And here is the course to watch Seoul and the famous theme park at once.
Saca tu lado aventurero y súbete a la T Express, la montaña rusa más empinada del mundo con ¡77 grados de inclinación y la tercera más alta del planeta! Está hecha de madera, por lo que tus dosis de encanto y adrenalina están garantizadas.
Ve en busca de los más de 2000 animales que se esconden en el Lost Valley (valle Perdido) con un safari a bordo de un vehículo anfibio. Muévete por agua y por tierra y contempla unas doscientas especies de animales que vagan libremente.
Además, no te puedes perder los diferentes desfiles temáticos que ofrece el parque en cada temporada. Global Fair, American Adventure, Magic Land, European Adventure y Zootopia son las cinco zonas temáticas del parque que harán que tu aventura sea única e inolvidable.
Al final del recorrido haremos una breve parada para hacer compras.
Korea House was built in the typical style of an upper-class house from the Joseon Dynasty and offers international visitors an excellent introduction to traditional Korean culture and lifestyle. The shop sells traditional Korean cultural items made by master craftsmen including china, hanji (handmade paper) and wooden craft items.
There is also the chance to sample a Hanjeongsik (Korean table d'hôte) offering a selection of rare royal cuisine of the highest quality. Korea House is ideal for those who want hands-on experience of traditional Korean culture and the nearby Namsangol Hanok Village is also well worth a visit.
Beyond Haeringwan is Garakdang which is anchae (the main building of a hanok). Garakdang has three dining rooms, all of them named after legendary mountains: Bongraesil with a wooden-floor as well as Bangjangsil and Youngjusil in a “?”-shaped building to the north. This choice of names reflects the idea of food here as the elixir of eternal life.
The Korea House was built to promote traditional Korean culture among both Koreans and foreigners. The place sells traditional Korean food and cultural artifacts while staging traditional performances and wedding ceremonies. At the Korea House, you can try traditional Korean dishes based on the royal cuisine of the Joseon Dynasty.
Caribbean Bay with 2-meter-heights of artificial wave, exotic Caribbean style interior and various attractions is the most popular and beloved water park in Korea since it was opened different with other outdoor pools with few waterslides and common pools. The longest-550 meters-water flowing pool and indoor youth pool for whole four seasons are also the one of charms of Caribbean Bay.
If you are looking for thrilling days in the biggest water theme park in the world, come to Caribbean Bay Water Park! The romantic artificial coast for four seasons is greeting you. Relax, or enjoy adventure in the exotic Caribbean style water park.
Caribbean Bay Water Park, where was designed base on the Caribbean that was discovered by Columbus in 1492 and chose as the perfect stage of pirates’ adventure through gold and mystic treasure, is prepared with exotic and classic interior of medieval times.
When the notorious pirate reveals itself, amazing action fantasy will start for you, the one who is ready to jump into thrilling adventure under the water!
The beautiful Seorak (Mt Sorak) makes your long journey glamorous with its mystic environment. The scenery made with the symphony of nature on the way to Seorak from Seoul will be the rehearsal of the genuine beauty of the mountain that is waiting for you over the curtain of rough roads and hills.
Points of interest/ itinerary:
-The magnificent scene of Seorak national park, the father of Korean mountains
-Wild vegetable bibimbap with various fresh vegetable in season
-The Kwon and Kim families constructed Sokcho city view in Gwongeumseong fortress in a single day
-Dynatic figure of the outer Soerak on Gwongeumseong fortress at an altitude of 600 meters
A day at Mt. Seorak where it has the best masculine beauty in mountains of Taebaek is located in the spine of Korea. It takes about 3 hours to get to Gangwondo from Seoul. You would pass nummerous of tunnels, but it was the backwoods of town hills that needed to be crossed over and passed.
The road conditions were still in the same state as they were 10 years ago. It was also the last place that culture or resources can reach because of its geographical features that is blocked by the Taebaek Mountains. But it was beloved as the best resort and tourist site long ago. Anyone would have driven 4 5 hours to go visit this place.
Mt. Seorak is the third highest mountain that is 1,708 meters above sea level, which is located through Sokcho-si Gangwondo, yangyang-gun, Inje-gun, and Goseong-gun. It is named ‘Seorak (means ‘a high mountain covered in snow’)’ because snow starts to fall down during Chuseok (Korean thanksgiving holidays) and melts in summer.
UNESCO designates it as the 171st national monument in 1965, the national park in 1970, and the biosphere reserve zone in 1982. The mountain is the museum of Korean ecosystem itself, also the place where the ecosystem is well reserved in Korea.