Expo 2012 Yeosu Series / 5 Must-Visit Attractions Nearby

By MOOK Travel Life Network, Wei Ruyi, reporting

If you’ve never been to South Korea, or have only explored the Seoul area, take the opportunity of the upcoming “Yeosu Expo 2012” starting on May 12 in the southern region of South Jeolla Province to experience a different side of Korea. In addition to the vast Expo grounds, there are five highly distinctive nearby attractions well worth a visit.

The closest attraction to the Expo site is “Wootongdo Island,” which can be reached by walking along the connected breakwater—a about a 30-minute stroll. Here, you can admire the island’s rare tree species and dramatic natural rock formations. The island is also famous for its camellias, and climbing up to the lighthouse offers a panoramic view of the entire Expo. A full loop around the island takes about 40 minutes.

There are also two national treasure-level historic sites: one located in downtown Yeosu, the largest existing single-story wooden structure in Korea—“Jinnamgwan Hall”—built during the Joseon Dynasty and designated as Korea’s National Treasure No. 304. Each piece of wood here is three to four hundred years old; the other is “Naeil-ri Folk Village” in the Naein-ri area of Loran-myeon, Suncheon City, where well-preserved Joseon-era houses remain, with about 180 households still living there. It’s a great place to learn about traditional Korean home life.

Suncheon Bay in Suncheon City is also a stunning ecological area and a key stopover for various precious migratory birds from around the world. It has been ranked by a professional Korean photography group as one of the top ten sunset spots. Nature lovers, bird watchers, and photography enthusiasts shouldn’t miss it.

Also located in the mountainous southern area of Boseong-eup is the “Boseong Tea Fields,” a major green tea-producing region in Korea. Here, you can taste “green tea pork,” raised on a diet of green tea, while strolling through fragrant tea fields that look like lush green carpets.

Currently, about 17 travel agencies in Taiwan offer package tours to the Yeosu Expo, including Ctrip, TravelKing, Hana Tour, Phoenix Tours, Jingcheng, Xing’an, Kangfu, Shanfu, EasyGo, Besta, Jiapin, Canxing, Southeast, Lion Travel, Wufu, Metro, and Ximei. Some tours depart from Seoul, others from Busan, mostly arranged as five-day trips, with prices ranging from NT$16,300 to NT$29,900. Starting April 30 this year, Taipei Songshan Airport has added a new direct flight route to Seoul Gimpo Airport. China Airlines, EVA Air, Korean low-cost carriers t’way Air, and Eastar Jet have all introduced special discounted fares before the end of May. Those interested in attending the Yeosu Expo are advised to plan ahead as soon as possible.

Read more: Expo 2012 Yeosu Series / Discover 5 Major Innovations in Just 3 Minutes Online

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