REPUBLIC OF KOREA

destination

As one of the only oceanside Buddhist temples in all of South Korea, Haedong Yonggungsa is also one of the country’s most unique places of worship. With more than 600 years of history, the temple is known for its unusual location and mystical occurrences. 

delicacies

In some countries, pork belly is not as popular as in Korea and is usually used to make bacon. The foreigners living in Korea from countries who enjoy bacon such as the UK, US, Canada and Australia LOVE samgyeopsal. They usually list samgyeopsal as one of the best Korean foods and they miss it when they go back home. In Korea, beef is much more expensive than most countries in the world, so, we eat pork more often. Koreans eat so much samgyeopsal that it has too be imported to meet demand.

traditional

Ssireum, a traditional Korean martial art

A traditional Korean sport, ssireum involves using one’s entire body in a battle of strength and technique. Two competitors grab one another’s belt (called “satba” in Korean) or trouser waist and use a combination of physical strength and strategic technique to be the first to knock the opponent to the ground and be declared the winner. In order to win a ssireum match, physical strength, technique and endurance are required. With the sport’s balanced focus on the development of both physical strength and mental fortitude through accurate judgment and patience, ssireum is a highly beneficial sport on many levels. Ssireum is a beloved sport in Korea, and while tournaments are held year-round, they are especially prevalent at holiday celebrations and festivals.