Destination: Cheongdo Bullfighting Festival (Cheongdo-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do)

One experiences some unusual things while living in Korea. While bullfighting isn’t an unusual sport, it does bring to mind a centuries-old tradition that seems better left in the past. Five days a year, the festival brings forth that tradition, combining it with the...

Destination: Jeonju, part 2 (Jeollabuk-do, South Korea)

Jesus Christ — a fitting place to start part 2 of the Jeonju post. Part 1 is here, so go back and read it again if needed! One Jeonju landmark is the Jeondong Catholic Church. It borders the Jeonju Hanok Village, and is noted as National Treasure #288 by the powers...

Destination: Jeonju, part 1 (Jeollabuk-do, South Korea)

Jeonju has just enough to offer for a full weekend — not so much that you feel overwhelmed, but enough that you like you saw it all. There’s enough variety in the sights, enough walking, and enough places to take pictures for your friends back home. There’s even a...

Destination: Beomeosa — Busan’s best-known temple (South Korea)

The largest Buddhist temple in Busan, Beomeosa feels both homey and solemn, if such a thing is possible. Enter through the storied gates and become aware of the temple’s 1,300 year history. The temple was first founded in 678 A.D. by Master Ui Sang during the reign of...

Destination: Uireung — a Joseon Dynasty tomb built for kings (Seoul, South Korea)

With my Joseon-Dynasty tomb quest now in full swing, it’s high time for a revisit. Located in Seoul, Uireung is easy enough to reach; while it lacks the sereneness of the more rural tombs, it’s an excellent starting point to learn about the historic elements. As with...

Destination: Hongneung / Yureung — two Joseon Dynasty tombs off the beaten path (Namyangju, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea)

As with many of the other Joseon Dynasty tombs, Hongneung and Yureung are somewhat off the beaten path. Although they’re relatively close to present-day Seoul, they often require a bit of a bus ride to reach. Thankfully, this one’s pretty easy to get to — and a few...

In search of democracy – or – Destination: 5.18 Memorial Cemetery (Gwangju, South Korea)

The 5.18 Memorial Cemetary (국립 5.18 민주묘지, guk-rib min-ju-myo-ji) is a reminder of how much a city – and a country – can change in a short period of time. It’s also a reminder of how new Korea’s democracy is. Lest anyone think Korea hasn’t...

Destination: Taereung and the Royal Tomb Museum (Seoul, South Korea)

In my continuing quest to see every Joseon Dynasty tomb in Korea, I found my way up to Taereung – one of the few within Seoul city proper, and the place where a shiny Royal Tomb Museum can be toured as well. Opened on December 24, 2009, the Royal Tomb Museum...

Destination: Gwangneung – an awesome Joseon Dynasty tomb (Namyangju, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea)

The first thing to know about Gwangneung is that it holds King Sejo on the left and Queen Jeonghui on the right. The second thing to know is that the tombs are part of the Korea National Arboretum, and feature some old trees that have managed to stay vertical through...

Destination: Central Park (Dongtan, Hwaseong city, Gyeonggi-do)

Somewhat like the better-known Central Park in New York, the Central Park in Dongtan features a wonderful variety of accouterments. Being in the middle of high-rise apartment buildings shouldn’t look too surprising, of course. A great place to take a date...