South Korea highlights: ancient history meets modern culture

South Koreans are so proud of their culture that they celebrate all South Korean-specific elements with a ‘K’ in front of the word, from the fun-loving tunes of K-pop, to the gripping K-dramas, to the coveted and often cutely packaged K-beauty products. What better way to experience this unique culture than in the country itself?

The tour offered by G-Adventures provides experiences and sights that capture all that – and more.

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After leaving my bag in the modest accommodation (mattress on the floor, pillow and clean sheets), we were invited to watch some demonstrations of seonmudo: a form of moving meditation mixed with martial arts, which was followed by a class to have a go ourselves. The meals are vegan, simple and delicious, and there are opportunities to converse with the monks walking around the property, as well as to participate in sitting and walking meditations, Buddhist chanting, and to practise the 108 prostrations.

Cheong Wa Dae, aka the Blue House (formerly the executive office and residence of the president of South Korea), is a nice public park to walk through, while the former royal Gyeongbokgung Palace (a popular selfie spot) is worth seeing through your own eyes, too. To get to grips with the history, the National Folklore Museum showcases life in Korea throughout the ages, while Bukchon Hanok Village has 900 traditional houses dating back to the Joseon dynasty, some of which are residential even today.

Another interesting site is the Royal Tombs – unassuming mounds of grass from the outside, but filled with fascinating artefacts. The beautiful Bulguksa Temple, built during the 15th year of King Beopheung’s reign (514-540) to wish for peace and prosperity for all, showcases Buddhist culture from the Silla kingdom. It houses seven national treasures and was designated a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1995.