Recent Articles
South Korea
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Haeinsa Temple - A Buddhist Jewel in South Korea
A visit to Haeinsa Temple in South Korea is both a walk in a park and a cultural experience. The mountains and valleys of Gayasan National Park make a splendid back drop for the temple. Mount Gaya has long been considered a sacred site of Buddhism ...
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Entering the Dragons’ Den at Tongdosa Temple in South Korea
My visit to Tongdosa Temple coincided with the preparations for the birthday of Buddha. Celebrations for this event not only encompass Buddhist temples but the whole country and it is a holiday for everyone, whatever their religion. I approached the first gate at the entrance to the temple under a canopy of brightly coloured decorations inflated fish. Stepping through this gate I entered the dragons’ den …
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Jeonju, A Cultural Corner of South Korea
The small town of Jeonju in South Korea is inextricably linked with the history of Korea. One of its most important historical monuments is the Omokdae Terrace. This terrace, on top of the hill overlooking the town is famous as the place where Yi Seong Gye, later known as King Taejo, hosted an outdoor banquet for his family ...
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Damyang, South Korea's Garden of Bamboo and Metasequoia trees
I accepted an invitation to visit the bamboo grove in Damyang, as the idea of a journey through the South Korean countryside after the bustle of Seoul was very appealing. I had visions of wandering through cool, green avenues of bamboo plants but there was a big surprise in store for me ...
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Discovering the Soul of Seoul in South Korea
South Korea has emerged from the tragic Korean War like a butterfly from a chrysalis - colourful and beautiful. And Seoul is its flagship, bursting with history and traditions. I was lucky to have a Korean guide who gave me a good insight into the Korean way of life … Guiding is not an easy job but Ellison had just the right mix of information, humour and companionship – the whole experience was interesting and fun.
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The Bridges of Busan in South Korea
Busan is the second largest city in South Korea. it sprawls from the foothills of the Taebaek Mountains to off-shore islands the largest of which is Yeongdu and a district of the town. I wanted to see as much as possible during the one day I was there ...
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On the Street Where I Stayed in Seoul, South Korea
Shopping is a favourite pastime in South Korea which soon became evident when I first walked down the street where my hotel, Summit Hotel where I was based when I visited Seoul. This hotel is on Jangchungdan-ro right in the middle of the Dongdaemun Shopping Area. Dongdaemun is famous for its non-stop shopping as the shops are open from ten in the morning to five the next morning … but this area has much more than shopping on offer.