South Korea: holidays, events, national customs
Public holidays
There are a number of public holidays that do not have a fixed date but are based on the time of Easter. Easter falls on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the beginning of spring. Lent, which lasts 46 days, begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday. Pentecost is 50 days after Easter. The Corpus Christi festival is celebrated on the 2nd Thursday after Pentecost. All Saints’ Day is celebrated for Orthodox Christians on the 1st Sunday after Pentecost, but for Catholic Christians the date is fixed on November 1st. On October 31, Protestants celebrate Reformation Day. The Halloween festival also takes place on this day.
Date | Holiday |
January 1 | New Year |
1st day of the first month of the lunar calendar | New year according to the lunar calendar |
1st March | Independence Day |
April 5 | The day of the tree, but it is no longer an official holiday |
5th of May | Children’s day |
8th day of the 4th month in the lunar calendar | Buddha’s birthday |
6th of June | Memorial Day |
17th July | Constitution Day |
15th of August | Liberation Day |
15th day of the 8th mon | Thanksgiving |
October 3 | Founding day |
25 December | Christmas |
Source: Countryaah – South Korea Holidays
Cultural events
April
15-20 April: Festival of Korean Traditional Drinks and Rice Cake in Gyeongju.
April 30: Lotus Lantern Festival in Seoul.
April-May: Bamboo Festival in Damyang/Butterfly Festival in Hampyeong.
October
1st October: Armed Forces Day with military parades and military events.
October 9: Korean Script and Heritage Preservation Day/Pusan International Film Festival.
National customs, bibimbap
- The Korean calendar is a lunar calendar. The new year begins with the second new moon after the winter solstice on December 21st.
- Koreans eat with chopsticks.
- In South Korea, Hanguel and Hanja are used for writing. Hanja are characters that are always capitalized. The character font Hanguel has 14 consonants and 10 vowels. Reading is from left to right and top to bottom.
- The Korean apartment is not divided into special rooms. Depending on their use, they are used as a dining, bedroom or living room. The Koreans sit and sleep on thick mats on the floor.
- The traditional costume of the Koreans is the hanbok, a colorful garment. Before the introduction of western clothing around 100 years ago, the hanbok was the everyday clothing of Koreans.
- Taekwondo is the traditional martial art used by Koreans to strengthen the body and mind. The only weapons in this martial art are the hands and feet.
Bibimbap
Bibimbap is a popular Korean dish that is prepared with rice and various vegetables, some beef or tofu, a raw or fried egg and gochujang.
Travel times
The idea of what is meant by a particularly favorable travel climate depends on various factors. Pure cultural travelers certainly see the climate differently than people planning a beach holiday. The state of health and age can also play a role in the experience of the climate. Therefore, our travel time recommendations are divided into the following three categories:
For
people who are not sensitive to the sun, who like to enjoy a lot of sun and for whom higher temperatures do not cause any problems, the following seasons are particularly recommended for a stay in the Czech Republic: Summer
For people who prefer a more moderate climate
People who prefer a moderate climate and lower temperatures should better use the following time to stay in South Korea: spring, autumn
For winter sports
enthusiasts In the mountains of the country, plenty of snow can be expected every winter – the best conditions for passionate skiers and tobogganists.
Climate table
Month | Average number of rainy days | Mean maximum temperatures in (°C) | Mean minimum temperatures in (°C) |
January | 07-08 | at 0 | -07 to -08 |
February | 05-06 | 03-05 | -05 to -06 |
March | 07-08 | 06-08 | 01-02 |
April | 07-08 | 15-16 | 03-04 |
May | 09-10 | 20-22 | 09-10 |
June | 09-10 | 27-28 | 15-16 |
July | 16-17 | 29-30 | 19-20 |
August | 13-14 | 29-30 | 20-22 |
September | 07-08 | 25-26 | 15-16 |
October | 07-08 | 17-18 | 05-06 |
November | 07-08 | 09-10 | at 0 |
December | 07-08 | 01-02 | -05 to -06 |
South Korea: attractions
- Abbreviationfinder.org: Presents the way that KR stands for the nation of South Korea as a two-letter acronym.
Tripitaka Koreana in the Haein Temple
The Tripitaka Koreana in the Haein Temple consists of more than 81,200 inscribed wooden blocks. Printing plates were used here as early as the 13th century. Only in the 15th century could books be printed in Europe thanks to Gutenberg’s invention. It is the oldest and most comprehensive Buddhist canon in the world and was created at the time of the Koryo Kingdom (935-1392). The Tripitaka Koreana is kept in the Changgyong Panjon (hall).
It was built in 1488 and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995.
The volcanic islands and lava tunnels of Jeju
The volcanic islands and lava tunnels of Jeju are located in the southernmost area of the Republic of Korea. The lava tunnel looks like one dug by human hands in lava – but it is a natural tunnel created by nature. The tuff cone of Seongsan Ilchulbong lies like a fortress over the sea. Mount Halla, the highest peak in Korea, with its waterfalls, various rock formations and a crater lake, is also located in this area.
In 2007, the volcanic islands and the lava tunnels of Jeju were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Major cities in the country
Seoul
Seoul is the capital of South Korea and one of the largest cities in the world with around 10 million residents. The city is the economic center of the country, all of the major Korean companies are based there. Seoul also has an interesting cultural life. In addition to museums, theaters, etc., you can visit centuries-old palaces and monasteries in Seoul.
Pusan
Pusan is the second largest city in South Korea with approx. 3.5 million and is located in the southeast of the country. The city has the largest port transshipment point and is therefore an important trading center in South Korea. An international film festival is held there every year in October.
Incheon
Incheon has a population of around 2.7 million, making it the third largest city in the country. The city is located on the north-west coast of the country, just 30 km from Seoul. Most international flights fly to Incheon Airport.
Daegu
Daegu has about 2.5 million residents and is the third largest city in South Korea. Daegu is located in the southeast of the country. The city plays the role of the cultural and economic center of the south-eastern part of the country.
Special buildings
N Seoul Tower
It is the undisputed landmark of Seoul and is located in Yongsan-gu. The tower was opened to the public on October 15, 1980. Since then, it has been the city’s main tourist attraction. It is 236.7 meters high and was built on the 243 meter high Namsan. From there, the building offers a wonderful panoramic view of the city. On December 9, 2005, the tower was renewed and its appearance was slightly redesigned. The “N” in its name stands for “New” and thus alludes to these redesigns, which consist of a new lighting system, a new appearance, new colors and patterns. In the lobby there is a media zone, a Pavilion Experience Hall, exhibitions and demonstrations of all kinds are shown. You can also visit the N Grill Western Restaurant and the Sky Restroom,
Tower Palace Three, Tower G
The Tower Palace Three, Tower G in Seoul is 264 m high and was completed in 2004. It is the tallest of a total of 7 towers that all belong to the Samsung Tower Palace and is also the tallest building in the city.
Mok-dong Hyperion I, Tower A
The Mok-dong Hyperion I, Tower A in Seoul is 256 m high and is part of a complex of three other high-rise buildings that are used by different companies. It is the second tallest building in Seoul.
Building 63
Building 63 in Seoul is the third tallest building in the city at 249 m. It houses an IMAX cinema, restaurants and bars, a shopping center, an aquarium and a viewing terrace with a very good view over Seoul.
Pusan Tower observation tower
The Pusan Tower observation tower in Pusan is 120 m high. It dates from the 1970s.
Seoul Tower
The Seoul Tower, the television tower of Seoul, is around 236 m high and offers an excellent view over the city.
Woobang Tower
The Woobang Tower in Taegu is a 202 m high observation tower that was completed in 1992.
The New Inchon International Airport
The airport “The New Inchon International Airport” in Seoul was designed by the well-known architect Rem Koolhaas and built in 1995.
Kwang Ahn Bridge
The Kwang Ahn Bridge in Pusan is the longest bridge in the country with 7.5 km and connects the city with the new port.
Museums
Folklore Museum
The museum is located on the grounds of the Gyeongbok Palace, at the rear of the complex, and is home to 10,000 exhibits. Religious rituals of shamanism, various different living cultures, household appliances, tools and useful objects from Korea are shown.
National Museum
The National Museum is probably the most important museum in Seoul, the cultural center of South Korea. The extensive collection, which consists of over 100,000 exhibits, moved to a new, much more spacious building in Yongsan Family Park in October 2005. You can marvel at the whole panorama of Korean art, from Baekje tiles, Silla pottery and golden Buddhas to calligraphy and Korean paintings.
Most famous in this museum, however, is inevitably the Bosingak bell, an important cultural treasure of the country. During the Joseon Dynasty in Seoul, it showed the time; she was beaten at 4:33 a.m. and the city gates were opened. At 7 p.m. that evening it rang 28 times, and the city gates were closed again. The first bell was unfortunately destroyed in a fire in 1455. It is the second bell, made in 1468, that can be admired in the museum today.
War Memorial Museum
The museum is inevitably one of the best in Seoul. There the Korean history is described, which is shaped by various wars. The time shown includes the historical processes from the period of the three kingdoms to the Korean War. A total of 13,000 exhibits give an impression of the different epochs. There are several exhibition rooms in the museum: there is a hall for war machines, one with documentation about Korean troops sent abroad and a hall that shows the development of the Korean troops.
National Palace Museum
The National Palace Museum in Seoul displays objects from the Joseon Dynasty (1392 to 1910).
Tea Museum
The Tea Museum in Seoul provides information about types of tea and shows traditional tea sets.
Samsung Leeum Art Museum
The Samsung Leeum Art Museum houses traditional Korean and contemporary art.
Gana Art Center
At the Gana Art Center in Seoul you can visit exhibitions, events and auctions.
Ssamziegil
The Ssamziegil in Seoul is home to many small galleries and shops. You can buy traditional handicrafts, ceramics, art and fashion there.
Seoul Municipal Art Museum The Seoul
Municipal Art Museum houses a remarkable collection of Korean art.
Namsangol Open Air Museum
The Namsangol Open Air Museum in Seoul shows five traditional houses from the Joseon Dynasty.
Folklore
Village The Folklore Village in Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do depicts life at the time of the Joseon Dynasty.
Around 260 traditional houses provide a comprehensive overview of everyday life at that time.
Cemetery
The cemetery with 23 tombs in Daereungwon Park in Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsanbuk-do comes from the Silla dynasty and gives a good impression of the Korean court ceremony due to the grave treasures.
theatre
National Theater of Korea
It was established in 1973 and is located on Namsan. The theater is home to the State Orchestra, the National Dance Company, and the National Drama Company. It has two halls, the larger of which has 1,500 seats. Important cultural events in the country take place here. In the small hall, performances of traditional dances and music are given every Wednesday at 7 p.m. The theater also has a stage for experimental theatrical performances and an amphitheater for less formal events.
Sejong Cultural Center
The center was named after King Sejong and has the largest stage in Seoul. It has 4,000 seats. Concerts, operas and large productions, including foreign ones – all take place here. Choirs often perform or give lectures in the smaller hall. Free performances in the inner courtyard are not the order of the day, but they are not uncommon either. Frequently changing exhibitions with calligraphy, painting and similar art are further special features of this theater.
Temples and sacred institutions
Bongeunsa Temple
It was built in 794 in the Silla period next to the tomb of King Seongjong and relocated north of today’s World Trade Center in 1562. In the 15th century this temple was the center of the religion of Zen Buddhism. Several fires destroyed the temple very often, so that most of the buildings in the complex were built recently. Next to the main temple there is an interesting collection of wooden block inscriptions.
Bongwonsa Temple
It was built in 889, i.e. in the third year of the reign of Silla Queen Jinseong, under the guidance of a monk named To-seon, and is the main temple of the Taego sect of Buddhists in Seoul, whose specialty is that monks have the opportunity to marry. Originally the temple stood near Yonsei University, but in 1728 it was relocated to the back entrance of what is now Ehwa Women’s University. Yeongsanjae, a ritual that celebrates the way the Buddha taught the Lotos Sutra of Mahayana Buddhism, is held every weekend in this temple.
Jogyesa Temple
This temple is the headquarters of the Jogyejong Buddhist Order of Korea. Many shops sell religious props on the main street in front of him. Once a year, always on the 8th day of the 4th month of the Chinese calendar, this temple is the destination of the great famous lantern parade, with which the birthday of Buddha is celebrated. Then up to 100,000 people in colorful costumes flock to him as well as delegations from many Buddhist countries.
Myeongdong Cathedral Located
in the Myeongdong District, the Cathedral Church of the Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception is the Roman Catholic Archbishop’s Church of Seoul. It is one of the landmarks of the area and is an important symbol of Christianity in South Korea. The cathedral – one of the earliest examples of Gothic in Korea – rises 45 meters in its entirety and was recognized as a National Historic Site in 1977.
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
The Haedong Yonggungsa Temple in Busan was built in 1376 during the Goryeo Dynasty.
Tongdosa Temple
The Tongdosa Temple in Yangsan-si, Gyeongsangnam was built in the year 646. The temple complex houses 35 buildings and pagodas and 14 small temples.
Gemeunsa Temple Complex
The Gemeunsa Temple Complex in Gyeonju, Gyeongbuk-do dates back to the 7th century. Unfortunately only parts of it remain today, including two large stone pagodas.
Palaces
Changgyeonggung Palace
The Changgyeonggung Palace in Seoul was a subsidiary palace of the Joseon Dynasty.
Gyeongbokung
This “palace of seeming bliss” is the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty. It was built when Seoul was appointed capital in 1394. During the Imjin War in 1592, the palace was burned down not by the Japanese troops but by the palace’s slaves in order to destroy evidence of their serfdom. Reconstruction only began in 1895. 23 years after moving back in, the king moved back to the supposedly safe Seoksugung in the embassy district after his wife Queen Min was killed in 1895 by hired killers of the Japanese government. It is currently being restored and should soon shine in its original form. The Thorn Hall and the Geunjeonggung Audience Hall are particularly impressive.
Deoksugung
The “Palace of Righteous Longevity”, built in the 15th century as the residence for King Sejo’s grandson, served as a palace after its destruction in the Injin War from 1592 to 1623 and again in 1897 after the murder of Queen Min.
Changdeokgung
The “Palace of Illustrious Righteousness” was built as an extension of Gyeongbokgung between 1405 and 1412 and burned to the ground in 1592 during the Imjin War. However, it was rebuilt immediately afterwards. From then on it served the country as the seat of government until 1872, although it was not originally intended to be. King Sunjong moved in again in 1907. In 1910 the ruler had to abdicate and spent the last years of his life (until 1926) in this palace. In 1989 the last of the remaining members of the royal family who also lived here died. In 1997, the palace was granted World Heritage status by UNESCO. The palace buildings are unique and wonderful. The biwon, the secret garden, is also worth a visit.
Important universities
South Korea has a large number of universities. In the following we introduce you to the most important ones:
Chonnam University Chonnam
University was founded in 1952 in Buk-gu. Approximately 36,000 students are currently studying in the following faculties:
- Agricultural and Life Sciences
- Humanities
- Human ecology
- Engineering
- art
- medicine
- Natural sciences
- pedagogy
- Nursing science
- pharmacy
- Jurisprudence
- Social sciences
- Veterinary medicine
- Economics
Chungnam University Chungnam
University was founded in Yuseong-gu in 1952. Approximately 32,000 students are currently studying in the following faculties:
- Agricultural and Life Sciences
- Life sciences and biotechnology
- Humanities
- Human ecology
- Engineering
- art
- Natural sciences
- pedagogy
- pharmacy
- Jurisprudence
- Social sciences
- Veterinary medicine
- Economics
Seoul State University The Seoul
State University was founded in Seoul in 1946, making it the oldest university in the country. The Seoul State University is considered to be the elite South Korean university and has gained international renown through special research in recent years. Approximately 30,000 students are currently studying at the following universities:
- Agricultural Sciences
- Humanities
- Engineering
- art
- medicine
- music
- Natural sciences
- pedagogy
- pharmacy
- law Sciences
- Social sciences
- Veterinary medicine
Natural beauties
Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak
The Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak is located on the eastern edge of Jejudo Island. The crater of the mountain has a diameter of about 600 m and a depth of 90 m. Its edge consists of sharp crags.
Hwajinpo Lagoon
The Hwajinpo Lagoon is a special area and a bird sanctuary in Gangwon Province.
Seoraksan Mountain Range
The Seoraksan Mountain Range with its interesting rock formations is a national nature reserve and a “Biosphere Preservation District” by UNESCO.
Seorak Sunrise Park
In the large Seorak Sunrise Park in Daepo-dong, Gangwon-do there is the Jamborre Monument Tower, an open-air theater and around 30 sculptures.
Jeongbang Waterfall
The Jeongbang waterfall in Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do is a waterfall that flows directly into the sea.
South Korea: UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Jongmyo Shrine (1995)
In 1395, Jongmyo Shrine (Chongmy Shrine) was built. This shrine was used to keep the remains of kings and queens. Once a year in May, a memorial service for the deceased is held at the shrine.
Jongmyo Shrine was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1995.
Haeinsa Temple (1995)
The Haeinsa Temple is a complex that consists of several buildings. It was built on a slope. At the very top are the buildings of the Changgyoing P’ango. A version of the Tripitaka is kept in these buildings. This Theravada Buddhist collection comprises 1,496 volumes and is priceless. There are 80,000 wooden printing plates here. Haeinsa Temple in Hapcheon-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do was built in 802.
Its cultural treasures and monuments have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995.
Bulguksa (1995)
The Seokguram Grotto belongs to the Buddhist Bulguksa Temple near the Korean city of Gyeongju,
The grotto is located on the Tohamsan Mountain at a height of 740 m and overlooks the Sea of Japan. The construction of the grotto took 23 years and it was completed in 774. The grotto was forgotten and it was not until 1909 that restoration work began, albeit inappropriately. After it was discovered that the cave was falling apart, a proper restoration began in 1966. Today the grotto entrance is closed with a glass pane to protect the grotto from harmful climatic influences. The grotto consists of granite blocks and has three chambers – a rectangular antechamber, a corridor, and an inner round main chamber with a dome. The diameter of the rotunda is about 6.70 m. The center of the sanctuary is the Buddha seated on a lotus throne. The Buddha statue is 3.45 m high. Downhill is the Bulguksa Temple
Bulguksa is a Buddhist temple in Gyeongju. Kyongju Temple in Pulguksa was built in AD 535. The temple, which was destroyed in acts of war, was completely rebuilt after its remains were excavated in 1969-1973. All the stone constructions of this extensive complex have been preserved in their original form. Numerous brightly painted decorations are attached to the roof beams. A spacious park is laid out around the temple. A Sokkuram grotto is located higher up. It houses the Sokkamoni Buddha, which was created in 751 AD. In the meantime it is protected from destruction by a glass wall.
The temple of the monastery is South Korea’s most famous sanctuary and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995.
Chongmyo Shrine (1995)
The ancestral shrine Chongmyo serves to commemorate the deceased members of the royal family. Here all the dates and deeds of the previous kings and their wives were noted on wooden plates. The originals were buried on the outer wall of the palace complex in Seoul, and the copies were housed in the shrine. In 1592 a fire destroyed the complex and since then it has been redesigned several times .
The Chongmyo Shrine has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995.
Changdokkung Palace (1997)
Emperor T’aejong ordered a new palace to be built. A suitable location was determined and the palace was erected in a large park-like garden in 1405 in Seoul. From 1609 to 1867 it served as the government and residence of the Yi Dynasty (Joseon Dynasty).
The Changdokkung Palace has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.
The Hwasong Fortress (1997)
The construction of the Hwasong fortress in the years 1792-1794 served the security of the citizens. Nowadays equipment is housed here, all of which were intended for defense. The Hwasong Fortress was built as a symbol of strength for the weakened monarchy.
The Hwasong Fortress has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.
Historic Sites of Kyongju (Gyeongj) (2000)
The historical sites of Gyeongju in South Korea host a unique collection of pagodas, temple ruins, palaces and sculptures from the 7th to 10th centuries.
Evidence of human settlement was found in the village of Gyeongju as early as the prehistoric age. Gyeongju was then established around 57 BC. BC to the capital of the Silla ruling dynasty, who with the help of the Chinese (Tang Synasty) was able to defeat their opponents in the 7th century and ruled until the beginning of the 10th century. During this time the city was provided with palaces, temples and fortresses.
In addition, Mahayana Buddhism spread to Korea in the course of the 7th century – starting from China. In the course of this, Mount Namsan became a holy Buddhist site with temples, shrines and monasteries.
With the fall of the Silla ruling family, there were strong domestic political conflicts, which were only ended with the takeover of power by the Joseon dynasty in 1392, which lasted until 1910.
Nevertheless, Korea was conquered and partially devastated by the Japanese in the 16th century and by the Manchus in the 18th century – before it was conquered by the Japanese in 1910.
During this time, however, a number of buildings in Gyeongju were destroyed or they were derelict.
The historical sites of Kyongju consist of a large number of different sights, such as Hwangnyongsa and the Sanseong Fortress. Mount Namsan is north of the city. In the Wolseong area are the Wolseong palace ruins, the Gyerim forest area and the Cheomseongdae Observatory. This observatory is the oldest surviving observatory in all of East Asia. It was built by Queen Seondeok in the 7th century. One wanted to be able to predict the weather by stargazing.
There are three royal tombs in Tumuli Park. Most of the barrows here are bump-shaped, but some are also crescent-shaped or pumpkin-shaped. The graves contain wooden coffins covered with gravel. During excavations, numerous grave gifts made of gold, glass and ceramics were found. A cave painting with a winged horse was found in one of the earlier graves. Other local attractions include the Bulguksa Temple, which is about 16 km southeast of the city of Gyeongju. It was built in 528 by King Beopheung for his wife. The temple houses seven of the country’s national treasures, they are:
Two gilded statues of Buddha, two stone pagodas, a reliquary and two staircases. In the outdoor complex of the temple is the Seokguram Grotto, which overlooks the Sea of Japan.
The historical sites of Kyongju (Gyeongju) were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000.
Jeju Volcanic Islands and Lava Tunnels (2007)
The world heritage site “Jeju volcanic island (Jeju-do) and lava tunnels” comprises three parts of Jeju Island: the inactive mountain Volcano Mountain Hallasan, Maar Seongsan Ilchulbong and the volcano Geomunoreum with its lava tunnels.
Northeast of Mount Hallasan is the small volcano Geomunoreum, where you can find the impressive lava tunnels. These formations arise when low-viscosity and low-gas lava flows solidify on their outer part, but continue to flow inside. After it dried up, the cavities (lava tunnels) formed. A number of the lava tunnels form large, elongated caves and labyrinthine duct systems. The largest cave is the Manjanggul Cave, which has a length of 13 km, a diameter of 23 m and a height of 30 m. Bats, among others, live in the lava tunnel.
In the east of the island is the Maar “Seongsan Ilchulbong”. This mountain with its maar is a collapse crater that was created during a volcanic eruption below the sea surface. Such underwater eruptions produce large amounts of hot water vapor that literally blew away the dome of the volcano and caused it to collapse.
For geologists it should be pointed out that important stages in the history of the earth’s formation can be observed here.
The Jeju volcanic islands and the lava tunnels were entered on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2007.
Royal Tombs of the Choson Dynasty (2009)
The royal tombs of the Choson Dynasty (Joseon Dynasty) include 40 tombs of the kings of this dynasty. The rulers of the Choson dynasty ruled the country from 1392 until the annexation of Korea by Japan in 1910.
However, a number of tombs also house the wives of kings and members of the royal family who did not ascend the throne.
The graves were laid out according to the principles of Pungsu Jiri (geomancy) and are located 4 to 40 km outside the old city walls.
Like numerous other buildings of the Joseon dynasty, the graves were built in the greatest possible harmony with nature, that is, attempts were made to artificially change as little as possible.
The tombs have all been preserved to this day.
The royal tombs of the Choson dynasty were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2009.
Historic Villages of Hahoe and Yangdong (2010)
The historic villages of Hahoe and Yangdong are located in the Southeast Korean province of Gyeongsangbuk-do.
The village of Hoe was built around 1410 while Yangdong was only built in 1797. When building both villages in the spirit of Confucianism, attention was paid to the harmony of architecture and landscape.
The two villages, the buildings of which were made of clay and wood, are typical clan villages that were formative for the early Joseon dynasty. A special feature is the heating system of that time, which is still operated with wood to this day.
Particularly worth seeing are the so-called Buyeongdae – artificial gardens that were not created in front of the house, but inside.
It is noteworthy that the architecture of the villages has remained almost untouched.
Nevertheless, all buildings in the villages are still inhabited today. Visitors can even spend the night here and thus participate in the life of the villagers.
Tradition still plays a major role in the villages today. For example, tourists enjoy the Hahoe mask dance, which is performed every Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday.
The Historic Villages of Hahoe and Yangdong were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2010.
Namhansanseong Mountain Fortress (2014)
The fortress is located about 25 km southeast of Seoul on Namhansan Mountain – about 500 m above sea level. The fortress is 10 km long and had all the farm buildings to withstand a siege by enemies.
In 672 a fortress was built on the western slope of Mount Namhansan and only expanded in the 17th century, when King Injo fled from his enemies to Gongju in 1624 and there gave the order to expand the fortress.
Since he had no money, Buddhist monks had to continue building the building free of charge. They took the opportunity and built nine temples in the process, only one of which remains today.
The wall surrounding the fortress is up to 7 m high and has several gates
The story of the construction of the mountain fortress is adventurous and shrouded in legend. People are said to have been beheaded because the fortress was not finished according to plan. A legend describes the death of the general in charge – Yi Hoe – who asked for a sign to prove his innocence. Unfortunately, this only happened after his execution – an eagle is said to have formed from its blood and left bloody marks on the execution rock.
The Namhansanseong Mountain Fortress was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014.
Baekje Dynasty Historic Sites (2015)
The Kingdom of Baekje was one of the three kingdoms that existed here between the 1st and 7th centuries AD and whose heyday was between AD 475 and 660. lay.
Representative buildings from the heyday of the kingdom are the fortress Gongsanseong in Gongju and the royal tombs in Songsan-ri.
The Busosanseong Fortress and the Jeongnimsa Temple in Buyeo, the royal tombs in Neungsan-ri, the royal palace in Wanggung-ri and the Mireuksa Temple in Iksan.
You can still see the basics of the urban planning, architecture and art of that time, which were also based on Chinese models and the teachings of Buddhism.
They are also evidence of the cultural exchange between the kingdoms in Korea, China and Japan and of the spread of Buddhism in East Asia.
The historic sites of the Baekje Dynasty were added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2015
Sansa Buddhist Mountain Monasteries (2018)
The seven secluded Buddhist mountain monasteries from the 7th and 9th centuries are scattered across the southern provinces of the Korean peninsula.
The temples contain a variety of outstanding buildings, documents, and shrines and have remained as religious centers to this day. In Korea, Buddhism can be traced back to the 4th century when it came to Korea through Chinese influence.
While the first monasteries were originally built in urban contexts, numerous monasteries emerged in the mountainous regions of the Korean peninsula between the 7th and 9th centuries. The monasteries are related to the major schools of Mahayana Buddhism that predominate.
The Sansa Buddhist mountain monasteries were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018.