Hwaseong Fortress in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

Hwaseong Fortress is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in Korea. It is an impressive structure from the latter part of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) and the official fortress of Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do.

The fortress, constructed from 1794 to 1796, was built as a display of King Jeongjo’s filial piety towards his father and to build a new pioneer city with its own economic power. The fortress wall stretches for a total of 5.52km and has a great variety of military facilities that are hard to find anywhere else. Four gates face each of the cardinal directions—Janganmun (north), Paldalmun (south), Changnyongmun (east), and Hwaseomun (west)—and the seven-arch style Sumun gates straddle the point where the nearby stream reaches the palace. Above the Sumun gates is a pavilion called Hwahongmun.

 A variety of performances and events are held at the fortress every day and Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival takes place here in autumn.

 Please visit: https://bit.ly/2POQ6Tk or follow @KTOManila for more info about tours and places to visit in Korea.

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credit: Visit Korea Website & Tripadvisor

The Five Royal Palaces in Seoul Part 2: Changdeokgung Palace

The Five Royal Palaces in Seoul Part 2: Changdeokgung Palace

Changdeokgung Palace was the second royal villa built following the construction of Gyeongbukgung Palace in 1405. It was the principal palace for many kings of the Joseon Dynasty, and is the most well-preserved of the five remaining royal Joseon palaces. The palace grounds are comprised of a public palace area, a royal family residence building, and the rear garden. Known as a place of rest for the kings, the rear garden boasts a gigantic tree that is over 300 years old, a small pond and a pavilion.

The palace gained importance starting from the time of Seongjong, the 9th king of Joseon, when a number of kings began using it as a place of residence. Unfortunately, the palace was burned down by angry citizens in 1592 when the royal family fled their abode during the Japanese invasion of Korea. Thanks to Gwanghaegun, the palace was restored in 1611. Even today, it houses a number of cultural treasures, such as Injeongjeon Hall, Daejojeon Hall, Seonjeongjeon Hall, and Nakseonjae.

Changdeokgung Palace’s rear garden was constructed during the reign of King Taejong and served as a resting place for the royal family members. The garden had formerly been called Bukwon and Geumwon, but was renamed Biwon after King Kojong came into power. The garden was kept as natural as possible and was touched by human hands only when absolutely necessary. Buyongjeong, Buyongji, Juhabru, Eosumun, Yeonghwadang, Bullomun, Aeryeonjeong, and Yeongyeongdang are some of the many pavilions and fountains that occupy the garden. The most beautiful time to see the garden is during the fall when the autumn foliage is at its peak and the leaves have just started to fall.

Though it has been treasured by Koreans for centuries, Changdeokgung Palace was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site by the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Committee in December of 1997 during the committee meeting in Naples, Italy.

Changdeokgung Palace was one of the places visited by the first ladies of the Seoul G20 summit during the G20 conference in Seoul in November 2010. It is one of the most historically significant attractions that represent the beauty of Korea.

Address: 161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul / +82-2-3700-3900~1

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 📷credit: Visit Korea Website

The Five Royal Palaces in Seoul Part 1: Gyeongbokgung Palace

Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace is also commonly referred to as the Northern Palace because its location is the furthest north when compared to the neighboring palaces of Changdeokgung (Eastern Palace) and Gyeonghuigung (Western Palace) Palace. Gyeongbokgung Palace is arguably the most beautiful and remains the largest of all five palaces.

The premises were once destroyed by fire during the Imjin War (Japanese Invasions, 1592-1598). However, all of the palace buildings were later restored under the leadership of Heungseondaewongun during the reign of King Gojong (1852-1919).


Address: 161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul / +82-2-3700-3900~1

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📷credit: Visit Korea Website

Gyeongsangbuk-do: Shilla Millennium Park

Shilla Millennium Park is a theme park integrating both education and entertainment about the history and culture of the Silla Period.

 Visitors can enjoy an outdoor set in which the famous Korean drama "Queen Seondeok (2009)" was filmed. In addition, the park houses Ragung, the first hanok (traditional Korean house) hotel in Korea.

It became famous when it appeared as Yoon Ji-hoo’s home in the Korean drama , “Boys over Flowers (2009).” The hotel is divided into Suite Hanok and Royal Suite Hanok.

Inside each hanok is an outdoor open bath offering comfort and rest to visitors.

 Address: 55-12, Expo-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

 Please visit: https://bit.ly/30HHGQu or follow @ktomanila for more info about tours and places to visit in Korea.

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 📷credit: Visit Korea, Tripadvisor

Gyeongsangbuk-do: Homigot Sunrise Square

Homigot Sunrise Square/Plaza can be found in Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea. It is one of the best places to view the Sunrise and one of its most famous features is the Sangsaeng’s Hand, a two-part bronze sculpture shaped like a pair of hands, was constructed in December 1999.

 It is a signature symbol of the sunrise festival. The left hand is on the land and the right hand is in the ocean. It was built to give the message that all people are living together by helping one another like Sangsaeng, meaning coexistence in Korean.

The base of the platform is an image of the sun and its two round rings refer to harmony. These two hands have memorial sprits of reconciliation and coexistence for celebrating a new millennium.  

Address: 20, Haemaji-ro 150beon-gil, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do


 For more info, please visit: https://bit.ly/2Phrfci

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 📷credit: Visit Korea, Tripadvisor

GANGWON-DO: NAMI ISLAND

If you're visiting Korea, you can't miss visiting Gangwon-do.

One of the most famous places to go there is Nami Island. Namiseom Island or more popularly known as NAMI Island was originally not an island, but took its current form when it became surrounded by water with the building of Cheongpyeong Dam to the south.

The name of the island comes from the army general Nami, who was buried here during the Joseon Dynasty. The entire island can be deemed as a giant photo zone for its exquisite beauty and attractions that offer plenty of photo opportunities.

The two must-see attractions when visiting Namiseom Island are definitely the Metasequoia Lane and Songpa Ginkgo Tree Lane. These two trails often appear in movies, dramas, and advertisements. 

Namiseom Island was formed as a result of the construction of Cheongpyeong Dam. It is a half moon-shaped isle, and on it is the grave of General Nami, who led a great victory against the rebels in the 13th year of the 7th king of the Joseon Dynasty, King Sejo (reign 1455-1468).

 A special feature of Namiseom Island is that there are no telephone poles. This is because all electric wires were built underground to keep the natural feeling of the landscape. The island is 553,560 square yards with chestnut trees and poplar trees throughout.

 Address: 1, Namiseom-gil, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do
 Operating hours (Ferry): 07:30-21:40 (Operates all year round)

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 📷credit: Visit Korea, Tripadvisor