The South Korean people are said to be a culture that is obsessed with the natural world. The country is green and her people are sage. When visiting South Korea there are a few sights you must see.

Gyeongbokgung

This grand palace can be found in the city of Seoul.  For almost three hundred years this castle sat in ruins until Heungseon Daewongun began its renovation in 1865. It was the principal residence of the Royal Family until its destruction during the war with Japan called Imjaewaran. Tours are conducted for free in English except for Tuesdays and you can also see the changing of the guard which takes place six times a day.

Korean Folk Village

This tranquil village can also be found in Seoul. It is nestled along a quite river and houses a Confucian school, a temple and various other buildings that are necessary for daily living. The unique element of this village is that is not just a tourist attraction. The people that are seen working also live there full time. Plan to spend the better part of a day looking around this authentic South Korean rural village and see artisans at work. For children, they can enjoy the amusement park next door and parents can wander the art gallery also on site.

Dadohae Haesang National Park

In keeping with the South Koreans love of the natural world, this national park is dedicated to marine life. Hongdo or the Red Island is just one of 1700 islands that populate the area and the park covers most of the coastal waters and shoreline of Jeollanan-do. July and August is when visitors flock to the area to partake of the cool breezes.

These are just three of the sites that visitors won’t want to miss on a visit to South Korea. There are many others that are just waiting for your exploration on your trip to this beautiful country.

Knowing the best time to visit a region can truly enhance your experience. Especially for those that want to see the real life that is lived there. If you are visiting Pakistan, take note of a very special festival you may not want to miss.

The Silk Route Festival is also referred to as a cultural experience on the roof of the world. On the highest mountains with snow peaks gleaming in the sun, the most breathtaking landscapes that include green foliage and fresh fruits while streams of water that is unpolluted cascade and glisten is where you will take part in the festivities. This is what you will find in the month of September when you visit Pakistan during the Silk Route Festival.

Rich in heritage, folklore, arts and crafts, they are highlighted at this most wondrous event. Some of the highlights include Masters of their craft at work in the most documented and stunning pavilions. Artisans from the Skardu, Karimabad and Gilgit will impress you with their unique skills. Ensembles that highlight song and the folk dances of Pakistan will amaze you with their beauty and the music is sure to touch your soul. There are dancers, singers and musicians of the Skardu, Karimabad, Gulmit, Aliabad and Gilgit that will dazzle you with their style and grace.

Food from the various Northern Areas will be on hand for you to taste and discover a new world of culinary delights. If you want to see Pakistan as she really is, there are many festivals and fairs you can attend, but there is none quite like the Silk Route Festival to give a visitor a real glimpse into the ancient and modern world in which the Pakistani people live.

So if you are planning a trip to Pakistan, be sure you plan it around the time of the Silk Route Festival where you will get an authentic taste of of what it is to be Pakistani.