Korea

is a fascinating blend of old and new. Visitors to modern Korea can still experience the essence of the ancient Orient which lingers in and around the old palaces, the imposing city gates, and the serene mountainside temples - a fragrance of a distant era. Come and discover Korea for yourself. You will find not only a land full of scenic beauty and friendly people, but also a vibrant economy and rich cultural life.

(Above is a picture of the 10 storied Koryo Dynasty (918-1392) stone pagoda, Kyonbokkung Palace, Seoul.)

Seoul and Its Vicinity

The grandeur of the ancient walled city, embraced by the meandering Han-gang River, can still be discerned in the thriving international city of today. Seoul stands at the crossroads of a glorious past and a promising future. The capital, Seoul, is located halfway down the Korean peninsula near the west coast, the site of ancient settlement. It is ideally located between mountains and along the Han-gang River, and so it is not hard to imagine why it was chosen as the nation's capital in 1394 at the beginning of the Choson Dynasty(1392-1910). Seoul has a population of eleven million. Numerous skyscrappers now tower above the graceful architecture of its ancient palaces.

The area around Seoul grew up to serve the needs of the capital, and the remains of old fortifications, pottery kilns, and royal burial sites can still be seen. More recently, theme parks have opened and areas of outstanding beauty have been developed as leisure resorts to cater to the ever-growing demand for recreation. Kyonggi-do, the province surrounding the capital, includes two large cities (Inch on and Suwon) and many attractions deserving a visit, such as Kang-hwado Island, the Korean Folk Village, Suwonsong Fortress, P'anmunjom, and the ceramic kilns at Ich'on.

(Below Haeundae Beach,blessed with a long, curving sand coastline.)

PUSAN

Pusan is Korea's principal port and second largest city. Lying on the southeastern tip of the peninsula, it enjoys a somewhat warmer climate than Seoul.
People come and go in a constant butle of activity in this port city, which seems to stretch out its arms in welcome. The perpetual tide of change has created a sturdy, optimistic, forward-looking people with no time to stop and dwell on the past. Pusan boasts an excellent beach resort with a marked international flavor. Its immediate surroundings include a number of historic Buddhist temples and hot springs, where you can cleanse your self of the cares of modern life.

KYONGJU

Pulguksa Temple,an exquisite testimony to the talent of the Shilla architects and their Buddhist faith
A window on the past-the crumbling old earthen ramparts and the sublime expressions of the stone Buddhas all evoke the glory of the Shilla Kingdom's 1,000-year rule.
As the capital of the Shilla Kingdom (57 B.C.-A.D.935), Kyongju was the center of a golden period of Korean culture. The royal tombs, pagodas, statues, temples, and other historical ruins which dot the city and its surrounding hills all bear witness to the grandeur of the Shilla culture and have given Kyongju its name the "Museum without Walls."

CHEJUDO ISLAND