SEOUL

Seoul has been the center of politics, economy, culture,
and transportation of Korea for six centuries since Taejo,
the founder of the Joseon Dynasty, moved the capital
here in the third year (1394) of his reign. There are many
historical sites including ancient palaces. Seoul, one of the
ten largest cities in the World, has become a huge

megalopolis with an area of about 627 sq. km and a

population of over 12 million.

     ROYAL PALACES IN SEOUL

The most absorbing attraction of Seoul must be the ancient
palaces, such as Gyeongbokgung, Ch'anggyeonggung,
Deoksugung and Gyeonghuigung. There remain the still
living vestiges of the Joseon Dynasty. Visitors can appreciate
the essence of the historical architecture of Korea. Entering
into the gates of the palaces, you feel detached from the

bustling downtown of the modern metropolis, which is a

unique experience.

     KOREAN FOLK VILLAGE

The Korean Folk Village situated near Suwon about 41Km
south of Seoul, is modeled after an authentic traditional
Korean way of life. Over 200 architectural relics and models
of typical residence; of the Joseon Dynasty, houses of
“Yangban and Nongbu”, noblemen and farmers from each
local Korean provinces are assembled in 7,000,000 square
meters and offer realistic representations of utensils and tool
making as well as the spices and flavors of traditional Korean
cuisine.

     ICHON POTTERY VILLAGE

The Ichon Pottery tour provides a great opportunity to
appreciate one of Korea’s main cultural treasures, Pottery.
In Ichon Pottery Village, many ceramists and potters settle
to reappear the beauty of Koryo celadon and Joseon white
porcelain. You can watch the process how they are made and

kilns as well. And you will enjoy the special experience of

making the ceramic for yourself.

     GYEONGJU

Gyeongju, the ancient capital city of the Silla Kingdom,
is one of Korea's major tourist attractions and is called
"The Museu without a wall". With its countless relics, it is
the site of historical interest and reminiscence of 1,000
years of the Silla Kingdom's remarkable past. UNESCO has
recognized the value of Korean culture by including the eighth

- century Bulguksa Temple and the Seokguram Grotto on its

World Heritage List. Indeed every spot in this city will take
you back to the glory and grandeur of the ancient kingdom.
It takes 40 minutes by flight and four and a half hours by
train from Seoul.

     JEJU ISLAND

The Hawaii of Korea, Jeju Island is filled with unique ancient
myths and legends of the three abundance stones, wind and
women. Acclaimed for its subtropical climate and known for
no beggars, thieves and doors, Jeju Island is considered as
one of the ten most unspoiled tourist paradises in the world
as tourist destination for Honeymooners.

         GALBI

Galbi-gui is an excellent method for cooking short ribs according to Korean tradition.
The short ribs are marinated over-night, and grilled over a charcoal or gas fire at
the table. At restaurants, a hostess usually assists by cutting the cooked short ribs
into bite-sized pieces.

         BIBIM-BAP

Bibim-bap is a bowl of hot rice and pan-fried meat garnished with a variety of
vegetables. As the word, 'bibim', or to 'stir together' indicates, the dish is eaten
after stirring the rice and vegetables together with a dollop of hot pepper paste
sauce. And Dolsot Bibim-bap is cooked and served in a dolsot, or a stone pot, the
insulating capacity of the stone keeps your food warm until the last bite.

         GIMCHI

Gimchi, or vegetables salted and fermented for long storage, is the most important
component of a Korean meal, and dates back almost a thousand years. According
to recent scientific research, gimchi is particularly rich in vitamins and minerals.
Gimchi produces natural acids during the fermentation process, which stimulate the
appetite, as well as clean the intestines with lactic acid. Gimchi comes in a variety
of flavors, depending on its main ingredients and the preparation method. There
are more than 100 types of gimchi.

         RICE CAKE and KOREAN COOKIES

Tteok is traditional Korean cake made from rice powder. Koreans prepare it for festive
occasions such as birthdays and weddings as well as for ancestral memorial services.
Hangwa or Korean Cookies are appreciated for its artistic and decorative colors and
patterns as well as for its pleasing sweet taste.

     TAEGWONDO

Taegwondo is Korean traditional martial art for men and women
of all ages. It helps people keep their health through studying
the skills of defense and offense. Taegwondo has been in
existence for thousands of years and is practiced as both a
method of self-defense. Its benefits, long known by Koreans,

are being spread around the world by over 4,000 masters

who are actively teaching Taegwondo in other countries.
There are about 50,000,000 Taegwondo students all over
the world.

     DADO

In the west, several traditional beverages such as hot cocoa
and hot spiced cider are popular. In Korea, green tea is the
most popular traditional beverage. From ancient times there
has been a tradition of serving green tea for guests in Korea.
The etiquette for preparing, serving and drinking tea is known
as the "Dado" tea ceremony - "Da" implies tea and "do" is the

art of making or doing something. When pouring tea into cups

after brewing, you are not supposed to immediately fill the cup.
Rather you pour a little into each cup in turn and then go around
again because the flavor and color of the tea get stronger as
time passes.

     PUNGMUL

Pungmul is a grand outdoor performance of Korean folk music in
which dances, songs, and dramas are intermingled. It is roughly
equivalent to a western musical, but has very different origins
and aims. Performing pungmul expresses wishes for a rich
harvest of grain and a good catch of fish. It also promotes amity

and solidarity among villagers, while encouraging cooperation

and a sense of identity as Koreans.

     TRADITIONAL MARRIGE

As in any culture, marriage in Korea represents one of the major
stages of ones life. The traditional ceremonies surrounding the
event have deep Confucian roots, symbolizing the importance
of the families involved. Ceremonies have some differences
according to the region where they are performed and the social

status of the participants, but they all follow the same basic

format.