South Korea with Iris

Each season is unique. Each season has a different beauty. I like spring and autumn because in those seasons the weather is perfect for outdoor activities, like visiting festivals or exhibitions in the open area.  I think I missed a lot of such festivals, such crowded places during the last 2-3 years and everyone knows the main reason for it. Yesterday I showed you the  Lantern Festival  which is still going on here, but it will be over tomorrow, because tomorrow is the Buddha's Birthday, and after it, all lanterns will be demolished. Today I want to share with you another beautiful spring festival that used to be every year here but had to be cancelled the last 2 years in a row. It is an International Flower Exhibition in Goyang city, South Korea. The festival was very short, I think less than a week. And I was worrying that I won't be able to visit it.  First of all, I want to stay it wasn't as awesome as I expected. But considering the current world situation, I think th

Another day another travel story! Now I travel much more than I did it before. And it is not because of the corona. It is because of my schedule and weather… and of course, laziness ^^ But get ready, I plan to catch up with it! Last Saturday I went on a day trip with my friends, and I want to share with you my travel story. And our first destination is Seosan City which is located in South Chungcheong Province. About Seosan City The population is about 170,000 people. There is only one university Hanseo which is a private university. Do you know Korean singer Rain?! Seosan is his hometown. So that is one more reason to visit that city. Haemieupseong Fortress One of the main attractions here is Haemieupseong Fortress which represents Joseon Dynasty architecture. Unlike many other fortresses in Korea, Haemieupseong Fortress was built on a flat plain area. The construction of the fortress was completed in 1491. The fortress was protecting the city from Japanese pirates. The South gates of

The weather is getting better and I try to travel as much as it is possible. It is hard to travel overseas, but if be honest, there are so many places to visit in Korea too. And I don’t think I will ever say that I visited all of them. Today I will take you to the Seoul National Cemetery. You may say ‘Uhhh…it is scary, it is creepy, but I am sure you will change your opinion after our online tour. Location The cemetery is located in Seoul on Dongjak Station (Subway Line 4 and 9). About Seoul National Cemetery During the difficult time in the 1940-50s when wars took the lives of soldiers, there was a need for a cemetery. In the beginning, most soldiers were buried in the local areas where they served. But an increasing number of deaths made it necessary to install the cemetery. During the search for the cemetery installation area, ten areas were explored in 7 rounds. And as a result, the current location of Dongjak-dong in Seoul was chosen. The cemetery site was confirmed and approved b

Today I invite you to the past! Let’s take a look at Korea a few years ago. The thing that I really like in Korea is how government and people respect and try to save their history. And they do it in a very unique and creative way. One of the examples is Donuimun Museum Village, which was officially opened in 2015 (If I am not mistaken). Short history Donuimun was the main gate of the west Hanyang city wall which was first built in 1396 but then was closed in 1413 because of the damage to Gyeongbokgung Palace. Then the gate was renamed New Saemun and the area inside it was called Saemunangol or Saemunan district. In 1915 during the Japanese rule, Donuimun was demolished in order to expand the road. From the 1960s individual houses were renovated into tutorial rooms and prestigious schools, so that area was associated with private education. But later these schools were moved to the Gangnam area. In the 1990s, many houses were transformed into restaurants. When most of the buildings we

Everything can be for the first time. First day at school, first date, the first smartphone, first best friend etc. And travel is not exclusion. Especially, the trip abroad can happen for the first time. Most people are afraid, scared or nervous before the first trip. And it doesn’t matter whether you travel alone or with someone else. Tip #1. What is What It is better to learn at least something about the place you are going to. So, before going somewhere, try to check at least common things: local currency, payment types (credit card or cash), the local language, traditional food, transportation types and fees etc. I don’t mean that you have to learn the local language, but at least what is the local language? Also, if you are going to a Muslim country, I would recommend checking the outfit regulations. In some countries, it is prohibited to wear short skirts or shorts outside. Sometimes it is very useful if you read a little bit about the history of that country or a particular plac