We know the modern South Korea: the economic growth, the high technology, the speed trains, the smartphones, the K-pop. Besides the modern architecture in Seoul: the Dongdaemun Plaza, a very original space dedicated to the design and the arts.
But the South Kerea people care also for their traditions: in the Bukchon hanok village we see how some of these traditional houses ave been restored: also near Jeonju there is another hanok village where the houses are used as private houses, restaurants or guesthouses. South Korea has also restored the imperial palaces such as the Gyeongbokgung where the visitors can see the change of the guard: the soldiers wear traditional military dresses. We must also mention the care for the old Buddhist monasteries (Guryongsa Temple for example). Then I enjoyed a great moment: the Yeondeunghoe, the lanterns festival in Seoul, a Buddhist ceremony for the the birthday and the life of Buddha: women wearing their nices hanbok (traditional dress), prayers and then a huge parade (procession) with lanterns and finally moments of meditation. The taekwondo is also a way to maintain a great Korean tradition, a sport with a philosophy based on the mental concentration and the respect for the rival.
We notice also interest for the culinary traditions: for example the preparation of the bibimbap,: meat, vegetables and many sauces (ginger,chili) and kimchi (the fermented China cabbage): on the weekends the people of Seoul enjoy traditional dishes in the markets.
Other examples of traditions: the preparation of the hanji paper, made from leaves of the paper mulberries or the making of traditional masks.
I enjoyed also the visit to the tea plantation, to the ginseng market, to the fish and seafood markets (the 60 years old women diving for looking for seaweeds and squids and mollusks. In Daewu we see also a market for medicinal herbs, the Korean people know the properties of their medicinal herb.
I enjoyed also the visit to the Buddhist monastery (I don't remember the name) where the monks their own tea plantation and produce their own tea.
Finally I enjoy the kindness of the South Korean men and women.