South Korea is a modern country that still keeps many of its historical traditions. One of the best ways to experience traditional Korean life is by visiting the Korean Folk Village. At the village you can immerse yourself in Korean traditions, its housing, market place, and a Buddhist temple.

One of the major destinations in South Korea is its capital Seoul. Combining high rises and ancient temples, massive freeways and traditional pagodas, Seoul is an excellent way to explore the traditions of South Korea in a modern environment.

A visit to the Bongeunsaro temple in Seoul is a great way to get an insight into the life of a Buddhist monk. The tour of this temple starts with a lunch of rice, soup, vegetables and water. Visitors should not speak and should not waste food. A guided tour of the temple is then taken followed by meditation and green tea.

Aside from its gorgeous temples and pagodas, there are many scenic parks in Seoul. The Changdeokgung Palace is home to Seoul’s oldest stone bridge and an unbelievable garden. The palace was built in the early 15th century and is an example of Far Eastern palace architecture and design, blending harmoniously with the surrounding landscape.

When you are traveling in South Korea, you should pay attention to Korean customs. When dining, for example, the rice bowl and the soup bowl should be arranged side-by-side, rice on the left and the soup on the right. The spoon should always be placed to the left of the chopsticks; otherwise the arrangement indicates a ritual meal for the dead. Also it is inappropriate to leave either the spoon or chopsticks stuck in the steamed rice, as it indicates a ritual for the dead as well.

Another dining custom you may encounter while in South Korea is that Koreans offer glasses of liquor to each other rather than pouring their own. When someone offers you an empty liquor glass, you are expected to hold it out and receive a fill-up, drink it empty, and in likewise fashion return into to the person who offered it to you.

By respecting these customs you will not only enhance your vacation, but also avoid offending your guests.

Visiting South Korea is an enriching way to spend your vacation. While in Seoul you can experience Korean customs in a modern city.