The Beautiful South Korea

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Asean Handicraft Promotion and Development (AHPADA)

I just had the chance to visit the Asean Handicraft Promotion and Development Trade Exhibit (AHPADA) which was held in Manila, Philippines from October 26 - 28. Although it was supposedly meant for Asean countries only, non-Asean countries such as Japan, China, and Korea were invited to have a booth or pavilion to showcase their products and services. This year's product focus is fiber.

Here are some of the photos I took during the Opening Ceremony.

 

 

Hope you like the pictures...

Hanji: Traditional Korean Paper

Hanji is traditional Korean paper made from the bark of mulberry tree. It is made of natural materials making it a neutral paper. And because it is all natural, its properties do not change through time as compared to paper which uses chemicals in its production process. Hanji uses natural dye for its coloring thus it does not fade and retains its color as time passes by. However, due to its complicated natural process of production, the quantity produced is limited.

Hanji is a very versatile material and it has many great uses. In the past, aside from being used in books, it was also used to cover windows and doors. Of the Korean publications that were designated by UNESCO as Memory of the World Heritage, all were made from hanji, a living proof of how durable this material is.

Now-a-days, hanji is still used in various ways such as in doll-making, wrapping material, letter paper, umbrellas as well as in handicrafts and other souvenir items such as fans, as well as in clothes (talk about the green revolution).

To promote the excellence of hanji, the Hanji Culture Festival is held in Jeonju, South Jeolla Province every year. And if you are interested in learning the traditional art of Korean paper, the Traditional Hanji Center offers such a program.

A perfect way of spending your visit to Jeonju, not only will you have the chance to enjoy, explore and experience the beauty of the place but you will also be learning a new skill which may come in handy when you go back home.

Light, durable and beautiful, that's the Hanji.

Gyeongju: The Living Museum of Korea

Gyeongju is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Korea. It is a favorite destination not only of foreign visitors but also to local Koreans. Known as the “Museum without Walls” or the Living Museum of Korea because of the vast number of historical buildings, ruins and archaeological sites found all over the area. It is located on the far southeastern corner of North Gyeongsang Province on the coast of the East Sea, and is near the metropolitan city of Ulsan. From Incheon International Airport, it only takes about 3 hours by fast rail to reach Gyeongju; and approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes if you’re coming from Seoul.

Gyeongju was once the capital of Korea, this was during the Silla Dynasty. It is from this period were the enormous archaeological sites found in the area belongs.

Of the nine sites in Korea which are inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List, two (2) can be found in Gyeongju, namely Bulguksa together with the Seokguram and the Gyeongju Historic Sites. Bulguksa Temple and the Seokguram Grotto have the distinction of being the very first Korean sites to be included in the list, they were inscribed in 1995.

Bulguksa Temple is regarded as a masterpiece in Buddhist Art. Built in 535, this is one of the best known temples in Korea.

On the other hand, Seokguram Grotto, an artificial grotto made of granite contains a dome-like room with a large stone Buddha seating at the center. The grotto is carved on the side of the mountain.

Other places of interest which you should not miss when visiting Gyeongju are:
Yangdong Folk Village; Gyerim; Tumuli Park; Namsan Mountain; Wolseong Park where the Cheomeseongde Observatory is located; Anapji Pond; Gyeongju Folk Craft Village and the Gyeongju National Museum.

Yangdong Folk Village

Comprising of about 150 houses, this village demonstrates the fundamental Korean architecture principle which is to harmonize with nature. This village is a perfect example of a banchon, a community where yangban (aristocrastic class in early Korea) scholars gathered.

Gyerim

Located within the Gyeongju National Park, this “rooster forest”, as its literal meaning, contains petrified trees. You might want to ask the locals how it got its name.

Tumuli Park

The park contains earthen and mound-shaped tombs of varying sizes from the Silla period. The tombs are said to be where the kings and court officials were buried. The tombs are open for viewing to give the visitors a chance to see how the tombs are constructed and how things are arranged inside it.

Namsan Mountain

This historically important mountain was worshipped as one of the five sacred mountains before Buddhism was introduced in Korea in the early Silla Dynasty. Covering an area of 2650 hectares, the area is home to numerous Buddhist monuments such as temples, stone statues, pagodas and store lanterns.

Wolseong Park


Home to the Cheomeseongde Observatory, this 7th century structure is the oldest of its kind in Asia. The park is also a favorite strolling site of the locals.

Anapji Pond

Located just a few minutes walk from the Cheomseongdae, this is rest and recreation place of the royal family of the Silla era.

Gyeoungju Folk Craft Village

A craft and exhibition village composed of about 45 traditional houses, where they produce filigree, wooden and stone pottery, handicraft items, embroidered items and jewelry. Visitors can actually see an actual demonstration of how they make their products and at the same time purchase items for souvenirs.

Gyeongju National Museum

Much of the Silla treasures are kept in this museum. Also housed in the museum is the Divine Bell of King Seongdeok the Great, or what is more commonly known as the Emille Bell, one of the largest and most resonant bells in Asia, the bell measures 11 feet high and weighs 19 tons.

People who’ve been to Korea say that your visit to the country is never complete if you don’t visit Gyeongju. So, for everyone planning to go visit Korea, mark your planners to make sure that Gyeongju is part of your itinerary.

North Chungcheong

I was watching TV last night and I chanced upon a travel guide show featuring North Chungcheong, South Korea. I must admit that aside from the well-known provinces of Korea, such as, Gangwondo, Gyeonggido, and of course, Jejudo, Chungcheongdo is quite foreign to me. I think the only thing I know about the area, is that, it is the hometown of Ban Ki Moon, the United Nations Secretary General. And since I’ve started writing a blog on Korea, I decided to watch the entire show, which lasted about 15 – 20 minutes. Chungcheungdo is a great place to visit and has much to offer to a potential tourist. It is interesting to note, that this is considered to be the center of Korea and the only province which is not in contact with the sea. Here are some of the interesting snippets I remembered from the show:

Beopjusa Temple - home to the Palsangjeon (wooden pagoda), and the only one left in Korea. It has a bronze buddha statue, which i think stands about 33 meters high. I wonder which is taller, this one or the one I saw in Thailand?

Chungju Lake – a man-made lake and is the largest multi-purpose lake in Korea

Gosu Cave – a limestone cave with beautiful stalagmites and stalactites formations

Wine train – this is interesting for wine lovers

A herb and flower garden which I still have to recall the name, where in the adjacent area, they serve flower salad.

I think they also mentioned Taekkyon, a form of Korean martial arts, originating from the area.

Persimon is quite abundant in the area and they also make this into candies. I still have to taste this type of candy because I’m used to eating fresh persimmon. Nobody makes this into preserved candies in my country.

They also host the former presidential retreat house, the Cheongnamdae.

I guess that’s what I remembered from the TV show… till next time.