|
The Major Historic Sites in South Korea are emerging as the hot new destinations
on the travel map of the global tourists who prefer to visit off-beat places rather
than flocking to the run-of-the-mill places. There are many historic sites in
South Korea which you can visit in order to know the history, culture and the
people of the land in a more intimate way.
The vibrant spirit and strong cultural moorings set South Korea apart from
its larger neighbors. Separated from Japan by the Sea of Japan and from China
by the Yellow Sea, this small country of less than 50 million people is making
it big when it comes to attracting visitors worldwide to its stunning natural
beauty.
The history of Korea stretches from Lower Paleolithic times to the present.
The earliest known Korean pottery dates to around 8000 BC and the Neolithic
period began before 6000 BC followed by the Bronze Age around 2500 BC. According
to the legend, the first dynasty of Gojoseon or the Old Joseon was established
in 2333 BC and it finally expanded from the peninsula to much of Manchuria.
By 3rd Century BC, it was in decline and eventually dismantled leaving behind
a large number of successor states.
The Korean kingdoms maintained extreme rivalry with each other both in economical
and military fields. The Goguryeo and Baekje were more powerful during much
of the era defeating Chinese invasions several times, but, by the 7th century,
Silla's power gradually rose across Korea and it eventually established the
first unified state to cover the most of Korean peninsula by 676.
Remnants from the ancient ages of glory and splendor still stand. You can still
see the relics of the royal palaces, courtyards, parks, gardens and ponds. There
are imposing Buddha statues, academic institutions, pagodas and tombs which
stand as history’s mute spectators reminding of the glorious past.
|
