At Haeinsa Temple, the Janggyeong Panjeon repositories safeguard the Tripitaka Koreana: approximately 80,000 wooden printing blocks were engraved with texts between 1237 and 1248. The buildings were designed for natural ventilation and to regulate temperature and humidity. This allowed the wooden blocks to be preserved for around 500 years. Here, cultural heritage meets thoughtful architecture, whose function is as remarkable as the collection itself.
Palaces, Gardens and Buddhist Architecture
Palace complexes also tell the story of South Korea’s history and design. For many centuries, Changdeokgung Palace Complex influenced Korean architecture, garden design, landscape planning and related arts. Its garden contains more than 56,000 specimens of various trees and plants. Gyeongbokgung Palace belongs to a different historical context: it was built in 1395 as the official palace of the Joseon Dynasty and preserves the original Gyeonghoeru Pavilion.
A changing-of-the-guard ceremony takes place at set times at Gyeongbokgung, accompanied by a Chwitadae court orchestra. International tourists can join free tours there in English, Japanese and Chinese. Check the current ceremony times and tour languages before your visit.
At Bulguksa, Buddhist symbolism and stonework take center stage. The areas and stone terraces of the temple complex are intended to represent the Buddha Land. The stone terraces and bridges, along with the Seokgatap and Dabotap pagodas, attest to the exceptional stonework of the Silla period. Those interested in the connection between religious significance and architecture will find a different way to experience cultural heritage here than in the palace gardens.
Hiking on Very Different Scales
South Korea’s hiking trails vary considerably in length and route. The Jeju Olle Trail circles Jeju Island for 437 kilometers and comprises 27 stages. Along the way, it follows village roads, coastal roads and forest paths. The Korea Dulle Trail, in turn, runs for approximately 4,500 kilometers around the entire country. It consists of the Haeparang Trail in the east, the Namparang Trail in the south, the Seohaerang Trail in the west and the DMZ Peace Trail in the north. These figures describe two different scales: an island loop and a network of four long-distance sections.
There are seven hiking trails on Hallasan; only Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa lead to Baengnokdam Lake at the summit. Check trail conditions and reservation rules in advance. The Ulsanbawi Trail in Seoraksan offers a specific time estimate: it is 7.6 kilometers long and takes approximately four hours. Conditions and access rules can change seasonally, so it is also advisable to check the latest information here.
Hallasan National Park encompasses Hallasan and is designated as a national park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site and a Global Geopark. Seoraksan National Park was designated Korea’s first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1982 and is the country’s second-largest national park. The different designations and the specific trails described here each offer their own points of reference for weighing nature and hiking interests when planning a trip.
Culinary Culture and Temple Life
In Seoul, the Museum Kimchikan is dedicated to kimchi; it was founded in 1986. Visitors can take part in programs where they make kimchi themselves and learn more about its history and culture. Dates and reservation rules may change, so it is worth checking program information before visiting. At the Korea Food Grand Master Center, visitors can sample or buy traditional dishes made by Korea Food Grand Masters. An experience program also lets visitors prepare dishes together with a Korea Food Grand Master; check reservation requirements and availability beforehand.
A temple stay offers another perspective on Buddhist practice. In general, such a program includes staying at a Buddhist temple and taking part in daily monastic life. This may include a Buddhist service, Seon meditation, the 108 prostrations and communal work. The specific activities vary by temple.
Discover more destinations: Gyeonggi-Do, Gyeongsangnam-Do, Seoul, Busan, Incheon, Jeju-Do, Gyeongsangbuk-Do, Ulsan, Chungcheongbuk-Do, Gangwon-Do, Jeollabuk-Do, Kwangju, Jeollanam-Do, Chungcheongnam-Do.
