South Korea—A Gem of Many Sparkles

South Korea has a rugged coastline. The Haedong Yonggung temple, one of the most famous and scenic, clings to a hillside overlooking the sea. Traditionally Buddhist, South Korea now has a sizable Christian population.

The Korean peninsula is mountainous, as this snapshot from the highway between Busan and Seoul shows. Lush, steep hillsides may remind the U.S. visitor of Appalachia.

You will find the old and new juxtaposed in Seoul. The main gate to the Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of several ancient palaces in the city, is framed by one of many modern office towers that house government workers and officials. The traditional architecture of Korean palaces is particularly rich in detail and color.

The famous gazebo in the palace grounds is surrounded by a moat filled with lily pads—an island of serene beauty within one of the largest, most bustling cities in the world. This gazebo is often used to symbolize the city and characterize the rich history of Korea.

Young school children represent the optimist future of South Korea. After a palace tour, the teacher takes a careful headcount of her charges as they board the bus for the return to school.

South Korea benefits from a modern and well developed infrastructure. For example, the modern highway to the Seoul airport in Incheon is flanked by a high-speed commuter rail line. Both Busan and Seoul have a large network of subway lines.