Pagoda in Seoul

The Korean War quite nearly demolished the city and as such, much of it is new. Multi-lane freeways snake through canyons of high-rise buildings where national heritage sites timidly display their war wounds. Protected, preserved and nurtured by the nation, these precious treasures survived and are now admired by visitors and locals alike. The river Han-gang runs through the city. Parks push in from the outskirts surrounded by universities and sport complexes built for the Olympic games of 1988. Great public transport whisks you about the city stopping at all the happening places and cultural venues. Shops, pubs, bars, bistros and boutiques are lively and profuse. Take the family to Lotte World for a day of Disney-style adventure. The entertainment complex also houses an ice-skating rink, hotel and swimming pool. If you wind-up spending more time than anticipated in Seoul because there's too much to see and do, don't worry about it, everybody does.

Seoraksan Mountain, South Korea

Visit one or all of the five remaining gates (originally 9) to the walled capital of the 14th century. In just 98 days, some 200,000 workers constructed an 18.5 kilometre (11.5 miles) wall of stone and earth around the city by order of King T'aejo during the Yi dynasty. The graceful yet imposing structures stand in stark contrast to the sea of concrete surrounding them. A palace tour perhaps? Kyongbokgung Palace, built during the Joseon dynasty, destroyed during the Japanese invasion, rebuilt again in the late 19th century, destroyed again in the Korean War and now, restored again, showcases an exquisite pagoda and a truly gargantuan throne room. As long as your there, visit the National Museum and the National Folklore Museum, occupying opposite ends of the extensive grounds. Not too terribly far away is the Changgyonggung Palace, built in 1104 during the Goryeo dynasty. Chandokkung Palace is a stone's throw away from the Changgyonggung Palace, and Chogyesa Temple is southwest, just over a kilometre as the crow flies.

Pagodas, shrines, parks... There are great places to meet up with interesting history and people. Namsan park, south of downtown, is where the third tallest tower in the world stands. The excellent War Memorial, northwest of Yongsan military base, delivers the sobering reality of warfare.

The Korean Folk Village is pleasant experience. The stylized rural village is actually home to the people who work here. There are artisans' workshops, a brewery, a Confucian school, a Buddhist temple and a market place. There are dance performances and festive parades held every day. Regular bus service from Seoul is available.

Soraksan National Park, near the DMZ on the east coast, is rough and ready for adventure enthusiasts seeking craggy peaks, extreme waterfalls, and rapids to rave on about. Of course, if you would rather just relax by a beach or wander 'round ancient temples, you can-it's all there! Hiking for the hearty, cable car rides for a peek at the top, hot springs, tenting in the pines or luxurious beds amid the many...the choice is yours.

Songni-san National Park is located-as the name implies-'remote from the mundane world' and smack dab in the middle of the country. Hikers hoof it over to this park in droves because it has heaps of terrific trails. Of course, the fact that Popchu-sa Temple is one of the most important and beautiful artefacts in the country, may have something to do with it as well. The multi-level wooden Buddhist temple was built in 553 AD and rebuilt in 1624 after the Japanese invaders burnt it down in 1592. Then again, perhaps it is the 33 metre (108 ft.) bronze Buddha image that has tourists flocking to these hills.

Bulguksa temple, South Korea

Not far north of Pusan (Busan) on the southeast coast, one finds the very interesting provincial town of Gyeongju (Kyongju). The secrets and ruins of the Silla dynasty await archaeological buffs here. For others, the highlight will be the Bulguksa temple, a masterpiece of Asian artistic prowess. Tadohae Haesang National Marine Park, off the southwest corner of the peninsula, is a popular tourist destination. Come to think of it, the whole Korean Archipelago with its thousands of islands and beaches offer more than just a couple of choices for stunning land and seascapes, dramatic sunsets and 'Tropical Breezers'. Hitting the slopes with the boards during the winter months is always exhilarating. With more than 60 courses to choose from, whacking golf balls is a hit for many visitors and locals alike. Just for fun, try your hand at the slap-happy national martial art, Taekwondo. Celebrations and festivals? Sheesh... more than you can shake a stick at! The most important being the Harvest Moon Festival,which falls in early September. People go home to their families to honour their ancestors. Buddha's Birthday is big. It's in late April and features late night lantern parades. March and September brings crowds to Confucian shrines to hear traditional court music and to observe colourful ritual performances. There is just so much more to discover hidden within the hills and vales of this vigorous nation. Describing South Korea does not do it justice; better to come and see for yourself.