Wanderings in South Korea

by wrensrambles@gmail.com

Our time in South Korea remains one of my biggest travel surprises of 2018.

I was gobsmacked by the contrasts of the high-end developments, including Trump World, Seoul. South Korea has certainly not been overlooked in terms of global investment, retail was strong too.

I was charmed by the cherry trees and the step-back-in-time feel of the many palaces, where it is a thing to rent traditional Hanbok costumes, which made me feel like I was in a wonderful movie.

We didn’t get out of the capital but they say South Korea is a beautiful country, full of centuries-old Buddhist temples. It has some lovely coastal fishing villages and thousands of sub-tropical islands to explore.

The country was on a high from the recent Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang

But it was like, did no-one get the memo…?

Off the coast, South Korea and the United States were still engaged in its annual (even if paired back) large-scale joint military exercises, down the road is one of the world’s most heavily militarized borders with North Korea.

There was much in the news regarding North Korea flexing its nuclear muscles – this was before the Summit meetings between North Korea’s Kim Jong Un and President Trump.

Ok, well let me relax then and take you on a little wander. You might like me be pleasantly surprised.

I loved the history (even if most of it is rebuilt) after various wars.

I loved the trend of dressing up in period clothes to visit the Royal Palaces. Anyone wearing the traditional Hanbok costumes gets free entry into the historic sites. How about that for a good idea?

I loved the vibrant colours everywhere…

I found the city extremely modern, the transport network was impressive and the people were surprisingly upbeat considering their neighbours.

It was spring so that means candy floss and cherry blossom season. The weather was perfect!

The first place we visited to was the Jogyesa Temple, I mean how could you not be attracted to this colourful scene?

The Jogyesa Temple is the main temple in Seoul and the centre of Korean Buddhism. It was built in the late 14th century, but like most of Seoul was destroyed by fire during the Japanese occupation and rebuilt in 1910.

We were lucky that we were there as they were setting up for the annual lotus lantern festival, 11-13th May. The festival celebrates Buddhist birthday. You can buy a lantern and have a personal message, thought or prayer attached as these pink lanterns show.

The Lotus Lantern Festival looks great – one day I hope we can be there for this.

The video clip of Lotus Lantern Festival: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxjQgc7rvws

We took a free tour of the Jogyesa temple and found some interesting things, like this Korean needlepoint. I would love to know what it all says, wouldn’t you?

If you haven’t been to South Korea and get the opportunity I urge you to go exploring. I can’t wait to get back there. As tensions on the Korean Peninsula between North and South Korea have been significantly reduced since, in the past twelve months, this area will be quick to develop its tourism for sure. I am happy that we have enjoyed whilst it is relatively unexplored.

Thank you for joining me on day eleven of Wren’s Worldwide Wanderings:

Blogging from A-Z challenge.

K is for South KOREA

As always I appreciate your visits and your lovely comments!

Linking with thanks to Sharon’s Souvenirs and Beverly at Pink Saturday

Seoul

wrensrambles@gmail.com

Kabukiza Theatre, Toyko, Japan

5 comments

Liz A. -

There’s a Korean population in my area. (We have immigrants from pretty much all over the world around here.) But I’ve never been there.

Andrea -

Great photos as always. I think I remember this post from last year.

Happy travels!
Andrea

wrensrambles@gmail.com -

Hi Andrea! Yay you’re a star reader 🙂 Yes these photo’s appeared on the other blog last year, I will have to get back there and update the pictures for sure.
Wren x

Janice Adcock -

Such beauty.

Sara - Villa Emilia -

Hello dearest Wren, I leave my comment here because I have a very dear friend from South-Korea. 🙂
Thank you for the beautiful and interesting post!
Happy Easter! xx