Korea is an enchanted land that offers a plethora of destinations to everyone. From the super modern architecture of the buildings to the rustic food of Korea including the bowl meals of the tube stations, we have made a bucket list of places that you should definitely check out in Korea. The three Glocals of Korea that we checked out were Busan, Gangwan Do and Gyeongju.
GwanganDaeGyo, Busan Glocal
A common depiction from the Korean movies, the Gwangandaegyo Bridge is best seen from the Gwangalli beach. One of the most recently constructed bridges, this bridge was constructed in 2002 for the Asian Games. Another interesting parts of this bridge is that it is a suspension bridge. A true marvel, this bridge is of gigantic size. Standing at almost 6.5 kms, it snakes its way connecting Haeundu-Gu and Suyeong-Gu. I fell in love with the bridge in the evenings when the absolute beauty can be witnessed through hundreds of gleaming lights. The view of the cars passing by superimposed on the lights of the bridge is a true visual spectacle.
Busan Aquarium, Busan Glocal
Marine fauna is something that we Indians have not experienced much. But once I checked out the first one at Miami, I was hooked to it. A trip to Korea presented me with another opportunity to check out the marine beauties. The Busan aquarium showcased a range of animals’ right from the disputed South China Sea to the Indian Ocean. Let me tell you about the wackiest of animals that I saw at the aquarium. A plethora of large rays dominated one enclosure where you can actually stick your head through a dome in the cave to observe them at closer quarters. These amazing creatures move around in sweeping waves. There was an octopus which lay coiled up in a corner and eyed the camera with quite bemusement. The sea crabs struck a pose you will never ever believe. The looks they carried off will surprise you totally. The Sea Horse and the jellyfish were something that we saw for the first time.
Taebek Coal Museum, Gang Won Do Glocal
The town of Gang Won Do is brought to life with the Taebek Coal Museum built on the ruins of old smelters. The old mining facilities give you an excellent insight into the economy that fed this town. The mines are the next place to visit. The hour long guided tour takes you through multiple halls which start the journey of coal mining right from its discovery to the life of the miners. It’s like descending into the bowels of the Earth for an experience of a lifetime.
Yong Pyong Ski Resort
My dream of heading to a ski resort has been propagated by Bollywood movies but I have never had a chance to experience it outside of Gulmarg in India. The Yong Pyong Ski Resort in Gang Won Do has 21 different ski slopes which offers an opportunity for everyone to enjoy themselves. It has held a plethora of international skiing competitions and during summers, converts into a 45 hole Golf Resort.
Bulguska, Gyeongju Glocal
I have always been in love with Buddhist temples. The serenity that pervades them along with the sparkling beauty is something that I can never forget. One of Korea’s most important Buddhist temples lies in the village of Gyeongju. The Bulguska is the head temple of the Jogye order of Korean Buddhism and is probably one of the oldest. It comprises seven of Korea’s stone pagodas – the Dabotap and Seokgatap, Cheongun Gyo along with two bronze Buddha statues. The pagoda style buildings are beset with colours that will dazzle you. Beautiful carvings on the wall tell you about the life of Confucius along with a plethora of carvings from Chinese mythology, including dragons.
The Glocals of Korea offers some of the most beautiful scenes that are possible. Also when you are in Chungjeongno, do not forget to check out the Nanta. Tell us about your experience of Korea in the comments below.
If you want to experience it, visit the Korean Tourism Organization Festival 2017 from 25th November 2017 to 26th November 2017 at Ambience Mall Gurgaon. Don’t miss out this amazing opportunity.
