You can of course visit the country in the morning in all seasons. You will be spoilt for choice in terms of destinations and activities as Korea has so much to offer. Whether you dream of vast beaches to relax on in summer or exquisite spring hikes, Korea is a year-round destination. Especially in winter and autumn. Here are some ideas for your next trip to the land of kimchi and bibimbap - two of the most famous and tasty culinary specialities that punctuate the lives of Koreans. So don't wait any longer and rush to these destinations to discover Korea differently, between natural, cultural, culinary, historical and Olympic sites.
Andong, the cradle of Korean Confucianism
A first discovery - and not the least - could be a visit to the city of Andong and the adjoining traditional village of Hahoe, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's a wonderful getaway from the capital
Andong is located about 270 kilometers from the Korean capital and is easily accessible by train (3h20) or bus (3h). It is one of the most important cities in the country, especially as it is often considered to be THE place of Confucianism in Korea. Indeed, during the Joseon period (1392-1910), the city became known because of the presence of a very large number of Confucian schools that formed the elite of political power. Even today, the tradition seems to be respected since there are not far from thirty of them!
Andong is a pleasant city that benefits from the proximity of many interesting sites such as the Confucianist Academy Dosan linked to the famous 16th century philosopher, Toegye or the Buseoksa Temple; and which is celebrated for its great annual festival of masked dances that takes place in early October.
But we won't just go to Andong to eat culture, because the city has two little extras, like so many charms and calls to travel to Korea: Andong soju and jjimdak. Indeed, it is impossible to leave without having put a spell on the city's two specialities, Andong soju, a rice alcohol prepared by hand according to an ancestral recipe kept secret and which has the particularity of being distilled three times and jjimdak, a spicy chicken cooked by steam. Similarly, a stay in Andong would not be complete without a visit to the magical village of Hahoe. In our opinion, it is nothing less than one of the most charming places on the peninsula!
Hahoe, pearl of the peninsula
Dating back to the beginning of Joseon, this magnificent little village has been remarkably preserved in its original state and - a notable fact! - it continues to be inhabited (about 250 inhabitants). Thus, it is a very particular atmosphere that prevails here because it is a "living" village where the inhabitants are not actors but farmers, cabinet makers or other traders. Their presence and the magic of the place calls for the discretion of visitors and it is a marvel to stroll around it between visiting houses and walking along the Nakdonggang River. Surrounded on three sides by sandbanks and surrounded by rice fields and fields, the traditional village of Hahoe offers a vision of the ancient kingdom of Korea that is not at all artificial, while offering travellers rare sensations, between staying with local people and discovering the culinary delights of yesteryear.
Yes, you have to get lost through the small paths and narrow alleys enclosed by pretty walls made of cob and stone, and who knows, you may see an ox in a bend in the bend, an ox in a stable or a few descendants of the old Ryu clan - formerly the main family of scholars in the city - engaged in household tasks that seem immutable despite the passage of time
From the bewitching bay of Suncheon...
It is in autumn that the bay and its surroundings offer their most beautiful face. A true ecological treasure, this bay is nothing less than a paradise for migratory birds. The latter take advantage of its vast inaccessible expanses, its vegetation, and the mangroves in which they find refuge before resuming their journey. Lovers of the genre and nature lovers will be able to observe birds as closely as possible, thanks in particular to the presence of a charming little observatory
For those who are not keen on ornithology, Suncheon should not be ignored, as the region is full of other points of interest, including the famous Songgwangsa temple. Founded under Silla by the monk Hyerin, the Zen temple was then in the form of a small hermitage. Then, it took its true development under the monk Jinul (1158-1210) of Goryeo. At that time, the temple grew to become an ecumenical monastic centre where, beyond their differences, the monks of the five traditional schools (doctrinal) and the 9 mountains (meditative) met. Today, it is considered as one of the three jewel temples of Korea (with Haeinsa in Gayasan Park and Tongdosa on Mount Chiseosan) and a visit to it is one of the highlights of a trip to Korea, especially to see the very special structure of its central building, the famous Uhwagak - an interesting mix of a bridge, a pavilion and a door dating back to the mid-18th century.
In the bucolic fortified village of Naganeupseong
It is one of the few fortified villages in Korea, from the time of Joseon, still intact. It was inhabited for a long time until the government decided to make it a protected village, and as such moved the recent buildings outside the walls. Now 400 years old, like Hahoe, it is still partly inhabited. Strolling around here can sometimes give the impression of being on another planet, full of bicentenary trees and more, like this great 400-year-old secular ginkgo
Finally, your stay in the country of the calm morning in autumn or winter would not be complete without a glimpse of the future site of the largest gathering in the world of winter lovers: Pyeongchang. Long known only to ski lovers - the region is nicknamed "the Alps of Korea" -, the small town emerged from anonymity in July 2011 when it was officially inducted as the host city of the 2018 Olympic Winter Games, which will take place from 9 to 25 February. Since then, preparations have been in full swing to bring this already renowned winter sports resort to a level of excellence that will delight all lovers of skiing and winter sports. Also, during your stay, don't miss the opportunity to ski down the slopes before everyone else, such as those of the Alpensia complex or the Yongpyong resort!
Korea in autumn and winter, between enchantment and disorientation, is thus discovered without blush to the traveller who takes the time to tame it
Smart info
When? When? Korea has four distinct seasons with quite different climates. Winters (from late November to March) are characterized by freezing temperatures, especially in the north. On the contrary, summer is hot and humid. In the middle, spring and autumn are short with pleasant temperatures and sunny days. As for rainfall, it is mainly abundant between June and August.
Getting there. By plane, the average price of a return flight from Paris to Seoul varies between €600 and €1,000 depending on the period.
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