The superb Hwaseong Fortress (1796), built by King Jeongjo in homage to his father, forms a tight circle of walls around Suwon . Over 5km of walls ranging in height from 4m to 7m, punctuated by four gates (at each of the cardinal points) and around ..

Mountain peaks reaching beyond the clouds, waterfalls, rare birds and even the 7C temple of Sinheung-sa: Seoraksan National Park has plenty to encourage the droves of visitors. Hike up to the top of the mountains, the highest of which reaches 1 708m…..

Haein-sa, a magnificent example of Korean Buddhist temples, symbolises teaching ( Dharma ). Inside you will discover the Tripitaka Koreana, the holy scriptures composed of some 50 million characters engraved into 80 000 woodblocks (from the 13C)! A d..

A remarkably peaceful spot. The Dosan Seowon academy was established in the 16C in memory of Yi Hwang, a Confucian scholar, and his funerary tablets are preserved here. The buildings, set amid abundant foliage, have seen the most brilliant pupils pas..

In Tumuli Park the royal tombs of the Silla period are concealed within the round green hillocks. Wander around this unique setting before discovering for yourself the burial places of the kings by entering the Cheonmachong tomb… Bound to whet the ap..

If you want to discover the treasures left behind by the Silla kingdom, make Gyeongju National Museum your first stop. Artefacts dripping in gold and ornamentation, displayed most notably in Tumuli Park , are exhibited alongside more mundane objects..

Bulguk-sa, completed in 774, was repeatedly damaged over the years before being partially restored in the 1970s. It is a foremost example of the Buddhist temples constructed in Korea in the Silla Kingdom. Note in particular the two pagodas representi..

Built in the 8C not far from Bulguk-sa Temple is Seokguram Grotto, a real feat of architecture housing Bojonbul , a seated, 3.5m-tall Buddha statue. The statue is surrounded by bodhisattva that have been carved into the granite, creating an ense..

Hallasan National Park is home to the country's highest peak (1 950m), the Hallasan volcano. It's easy enough to hike to the crater at the summit (as long as you find out about routes before setting out), and the walk takes you through a landscape th..

Seongsan Ilchulbong stands to the east of Jeju-do , looking over the waters of the East China Sea like a watchtower. This crater, which rose from under the sea in a volcanic eruption 100 000 years ago, is blanketed with greenery in summer and is con..

Gyeongbokgung, a royal palace built in the 19C on the ruins of the former city of kings (late 14C) of the Joseon Dynasty, was damaged in the early 20C during the Japanese occupation. Regular restorations have revealed the outstanding legacy of this h..

Bukchon, on the doorstep of Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, is home to a host of early 20C traditional buildings, erected on the site of the former aristocratic district of the Joseon Dynasty. This charming neighbourhood, whose streets are lined wit..

Gwanghwamun owes its fame to the numerous abodes that line its streets, the most famous of which is the sumptuous palace of Changdeokgung. Dotted with sanctuaries and gardens, this historic district bears witness to its prominent role during the Jose..

A Unesco world heritage site, Changdeokgung was built in the early 15C to house the royal family and remained a royal residence up until 1989. The palace, fully worthy of its illustrious residents, is flanked by the splendid Huwon Garden, steeped in ..

Calligraphy, painting, sculpture, lacquered objects and porcelain are among the countless works of exceptional quality on display at the National Museum of Korea, which provides a unique panorama of Korean history. This huge museum also hosts work fr..

Naksan-sa, built in the late 7C, enjoys an exceptional setting. On one side is the sea, on the other are the mountains of Seoraksan . Come here to meditate under the watchful eye of the statue of the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara or to watch the sun ..

Make your way along nearly 2km of stairways to discover the magnificent concretions of the majestic Hwaseongul Cave. The more modest Daegeumgul Cave can only be visited on a guided tour. These underground treasures would perhaps benefit from less sho..

When Buddhism was imported from China it had a heavy influence on the Silla Kingdom and it is from this period that Jikji-sa dates. Come and admire the superb ornamentation of its 20 or so buildings, rebuilt several times - some 40 buildings in the 5..

There are several Confucian sites in the vicinity of Hahoe . Among them is Byeongsan Seowon, an academy founded in 1614 that is devoted to the teachings of the philosopher Confucius. Its vast lecture theatre is of particular note. A visit to this si..

A paradise for fishermen, fishmongers and lovers of fish of all kinds: whether fresh, dried, straight from the sea or already prepared, it's all here. The unique Jagalchi Market encompasses colourful stalls giving off a terrific smell, restaurants, a..