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Excursion Day -
Around SEOUL Free of charge -
Seoul is the capital of Republic of Korea and it has been
developed around Han River from ancient times. The river
divides Seoul into south and north and the rapid industrialization
of Korea was once called the ?Miracle of Han River?. About
ten million people live within its 605 km2 boundary and
the city is the center of political, commercial and cultural
activities in Korea. Seoul had been the capital of the
Joseon Dynasty from 1392 to 1910 A.D. and was also the
ancient capital of the Baekje Kingdom from 1 B.C. to 4
A.D.. Its first human settlement can be traced back to
the prehistoric periods. Its long and rich history can
be found throughout museums, royal palaces, prehistoric
and historical sites in Seoul. E1
- Historical Seoul
Discover the history of Korea at the most prestigious
museums in Seoul and visit the most grandeur palaces of
Joseon Dynasty. Starting the tour in the Olympic Park
and Hanmi Photography Museum to New National Museum in
Yongsan, which will open its doors only for the ICOM visitors
prior to its scheduled opening in 2005. Within Gyeongbok
Palace there are two major museums to represent the 5000
years of cultures in Korean peninsula. Changdeok Palace
has been recognised as the World Heritage in 1997 and
visitors will have a chance to stroll the Secret Garden
like the Joseon royals used to.
Olympic Park and Hanmi Photography Museum, New National
Museum in Yongsan, the National Museum and National
Folk Museum of Korea in Gyeongbok Palace, Seoul Museum
of History and Changdeok Palace (UNESCO World Heritage).
E2 - Contemporary Arts
in Seoul
Contemporary art is very much alive in Korea and Seoul
is the city to explore its live scenes. At the National
Museum of Contemporary Art in Gwacheon you can enjoy
the works of major Korean artists. The newly constructed
Samsung Museum of Modern Art which was designed by renowned
architects, Mario Botta, Rem Koolhaas and Jean Nouvel
will open on the sunny side of Mt. Namsan just in time
for ICOM 2004 SEOUL. Artsonje Center Seoul which is
tucked in the most well preserved traditional village
in Seoul, Bukchon (North Town near royal palaces), is
just a delight to browse and at the foyer of Rodin Gallery
you can find a tranquil moment in the midst of the busy
city center.
National Museum of Contemporary Art in Gwacheon, Samsung
Museum of Modern Art, Artsonje Center Seoul and Rodin
Gallery.
E3 - Historical sites
and Contemporary Arts
National Museum in Yongsan, Jongmyo Shrine(World Heritage),
National Musuem in Gyeongbok Palace, Joseon Royal Museum
in Deoksu Palace, Seoul Museum of Arts and Rodin Gallery.
- Around GYEONGGI PROVINCE Free of charge -
Gyeonggi Province surrounds the metropolis of Seoul
and its geographical proximity to Seoul has played an
important role in supporting the commercial growth and
trade. Its area extends to 10,000 km2 occupied by a
population of over 10 million people. Since prehistoric
time, this area has been highly populated because of
its rich natural environment. Countless prehistoric
and historic sites remain in this area. In Gyeonggi
Province, there are more than seventy museums including
Gyeonggi Provincial Museum and the Korean Folk Village.
One of the most interesting sites is the DMZ in the
northern part of Gyeonggi Province. It should not be
missed by first time visitors to Korea.
E4 - DMZ (Demilitarised
Zone)
The Biggest 21st Century Eco-Museum and the Remains
of the 20th Century Ideological Conflicts.
The DMZ was designated as a buffer zone between North
and South Korea at the Panmunjeom pavilions on July
27, 1953 when UN and North Korea made the historical
armistice agreement of the Korean War. The DMZ is the
only place in the world where confronting ideologies
still face each other. The DMZ ranges from the Han River
Estuary, at the western end of Korea, to 39 north latitude
on the East Coast. The only permanent residents of the
DMZ are the various flora and fauna that are sheltered
from human disturbance. The DMZ is the unique place
where peace and tension coexist and people long for
peace and the unification of Korea continue to visit
without fail.
The War Memorial of Korea at Yongsan, Observatory of
Unification Park and Imjin River, Dora Observatory,
Panmunjeom, Imjingak and Latin American Cultural Center.
E5 - Gyeonggi Tour
A
Suwon (Hwaseong Fortress, UNESCO World Heritage), the
Capital of the Gyeonggi Province, and Adjacent Area.
The present capital of Gyeonggi Province was called
Hwaseong during the Joseon period. This historic city
was planned and constructed by King Jeongjo in the late
18th century and the King also built a palace the Fortress
away from Seoul (called Hanyang during the Joseon Dynasty).
Its original landscape has been changed, however the
Hwaseong Fortress still remains as the reminder of the
brilliance of King Jeongjo?s innovation and the palace
site has been reconstructed recently. The easiest way
to know traditional Korean life and culture is to visit
the Korean Folk Village.
Hoam Art Museum and Korean Traditional Garden, Korean
Folk Village and Museum, Ie-young Contemporary Art Museum,
Hwaseong Fortress(World Heritage) and the Royal Palace
in Suwon.
E6 - Gyeonggi Tour
B
Along the Han River in the East of Seoul
The Han River played important roles as free ways to
deliver goods and along the River various industrial
villages were located during the Joseon Dynasty. Ceramic
industries for the Royals and governments were flourished
in that period and left many kiln sites along the River.
In the Icheon city numerous kiln sites were excavated
and the museums, which are specialized in ceramics,
will provide the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of
Korean ceramics. The beautiful tumuli park of King Sejong
who invented many scientific instruments as well as
Korean alphabets, (Hangul) is located in Yeoju. In addition,
Mok-A Museum provides chances to watch wonderful images
of Buddha and other figures wood-carved by one of the
living heritages in Korea.
Joseon Royal Ceramic Kiln Museum, Tomb of King Sejong,
Mok-A Museum, Haegang Ceramic Museum, and World Ceramic
Expo village.
- Tour to Outside of Seoul-Gyeonggi Area -
E7- Gyeongju, Ancient
Capital of the Silla Kingdom USD 50 (Min.no. 20)
Located 380 Km south of Seoul, it was the capital of
the Silla Kingdom for 1000 years from 57 B.C. One of
the most important ancient city sites in Asia. Old Buddhist
temple sites, palace sites, ancient tombs and other
archaeological remains are designated as World Heritages
by UNESCO. All sites are preserved excellently in a
wonderful landscaped area.
Gyeongju National Musuem, Bulguk Temple, Seokuram Grotto,
Anapji Pond, Hwangyong Temple Site, Half moon-shaped
Royal Fortress, and Folk Craft Village.
E8 - Gongju, Ancient
capital of Baekje Kingdom and Daejeon, City of Science
(Min.no. 20)
The two cities are situated about 150 Km south of Seoul.
Royal tombs, temples and fortress on hills are overlooking
the beautiful Gum River. The New Gongju National Museum
will open just before the ICOM meeting. In Daejeon,
the National Science Museum and the Gyeryong Natural
History Museum are preparing special programs for ICOM
guests. A short visit to the Cultural Properties Administration
and National Institute of Cultural Properties will also
be arranged.
National Science Museum, Gyeryongsan Natural History
Museum, Gongju National Museum, Tomb of King Muryeong,
Cultural Properties Administration and National Institute
of Cultural Properties. |