Gyeongbokgung Palace - Built in 1395, it is also commonly referred to as the “Northern Palace” because it is located more toward the north, compared to the neighboring palaces of Changdeokgung (Eastern Palace) and Gyeongheegung (Western Palace). Gyeongbokgung Palace is arguably the most beautiful and remains the grandest of all the five palaces. The premises were destroyed by fire at the time of the Japan's occupation of Korea during 1592-1598. However, all of the palace's 7,700 rooms were later restored under the leadership of Heungseondaewongun in the years of King Gojong (1852~1919). Remarkably, the most representative edifices of the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeonghoe-ru Pavilion and Hyangwonjeong Pond are still relatively intact. Woldae and the sculptures of Geunjeongjeon (The Royal Audience Chamber) represent the past sculpture art which was the trend back then.
Changdeokgung Palace and Huwon - built in 1405, it was the principal palace for many of the Joseon kings, and is the best preserved among the five remaining royal Joseon palaces. The rear garden boasts a gigantic tree that is over 300 years old, a small pond, and a pavilion. The palace grounds are comprised of a public palace area, a royal family residence building, and the rear garden.
Gyeongju - located in southeast Korea, it was the capital of the Silla Kingdom for 992 years (BC 57-935), the longest surviving kingdom in the history of Korea. Buddhism was introduced in Silla in the 6th century and played a significant role in strengthening royal authority and unifying the people, becoming the foundation of the area's art, tradition, and culture. Consequently, Gyeongju is the home of the greatest Buddhist art treasures in Korea, and is the nation's most popular fieldtrip destination.
Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto are Gyeongju's most celebrated relics and are said to capture the essence of the Korean Buddhist culture. These two sites were named UNESCO World Cultural Heritages in 1995. In 2000, five districts were added to the list of World Cultural Heritages under the title 'Gyeongju Historic Areas.' Gyeongju is a virtual cornucopia of history, meriting praise and preservation worldwide.
Andong - the home of Confucianism in Korea, it attracted scores of Confusian scholars during the Joseon Dynasty. This city also contained the highest number of private schools from the Joseon Dynasty as well as Confucian schools. To this day, Andong still has around 26 private schools from the Joseon Dynasty. This city also acted as a home to the noble class during the Joseon period. Many of the homes of the noble class are still standing in Andong; some are kept up by the relatives of the original owner.
Haeinsa Temple Janggyeongpanjeon Hall - built in AD 802, Janggyeongpanjeon is a wooden building housing the 13th-century Goryeo Palman Daejanggyeong, also known as the Tripitaka Koreana and a world cultural heritage. Two buildings stand there: Sudarajeon to the south and Beopbojeon to the north. Unadorned by decorations or paintings, the buildings carry out the sole function of storing the Tripitaka Koreana wooden tablets. The building has been praised by scientists for its effective air circulation, resistance to moisture, and temperature control – all of which have enabled the Tripitaka Koreana to survive throughout the years.
The 40 royal tombs of the Joseon Dynasty – the burial grounds of 27 kings, queens, and monarchs who were posthumously granted the title of king or queen. The tombs date from the time of the dynasty’s foundation in 1392 until its fall in 1910. Of all the royal tombs of Korea’s past dynasties, the tombs of the Joseon Dynasty are in the best condition. In fact, rarely have royal dynastic tombs worldwide been so well preserved in their entirety.
Jongmyo Shrine - the primary place of worship for the kings of the Joseon Dynasty. It was built when the first King of the Joseon Dynasty, Lee Sung-Gye(1335-1408) founded the Joseon Dynasty. Jongmyo Royal Shrine is registered as World Cultural Heritage because the tradition and customs such as the memorial services and traditional music are very well preserved.
Hwaseong Fortress - the official fortress of Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, from the latter days of the Joseon Period (1392-1910). Construction began on the fortress began in 1794 and finished in 1796. It was built to show the King’s filial piety toward his father Jangheonseja, and also to build a new city with its own economic power. The fortress wall is 3.4 miles long and it has a great variety of military facilities you cannot find at other fortress. At the top of the fortress wall, Yeojang was stacked up to stand guard over the enemy. There are four gates in each direction: the north gate called Janganmun, the south gate called Paldalmun, the east gate, Changryongmun, and the west gate, Hwaseomun. A stream passes by the fortress, and where the water meets the fortress, they built Sumun gates. There are seven arch-style Sumuns, and above it a pavilion called Hwahongmun.
DMZ/PLZ - the most heavily armed border in the world, it is very rare that any violence occurs. Lately, the DMZ has become a sort of a tourist destination. Visitors can take tours that often go to the observatory, one of North Korea’s infiltration tunnels, a military base, and right into the Joint Security Area in the middle of the DMZ where negotiations between the two sides are held. Another tour that has been gaining popularity is the Peace and Life Zone (PLZ) Tour which explores the lush bio-diverse environment that has been left untouched for more than 50 years. Rather than focusing on the sad violent history of the past, this tour is designed to celebrate peace and nature.
