Enjoy autumn and winter in Korea
THIS year, Korea Tourism Organization’s (KTO) participation in the upcoming MATTA Fair KL highlights standout destinations in Korea for the autumn and winter seasons.
Leaves are expected to change colour around late September at Seoraksan Mountain and spread southwards across the central and southern parts of Korea.
Peak foliage is expected to hit the central region around mid-October, and the southern region later in that month.
Seoraksan Mountain in Sokcho, Gangwon-do
When it comes to autumn destinations, the first mountain that comes to mind for most is Seoraksan Mountain.
A feast for the eyes throughout the year, rich colours make Seoraksan a main attraction in autumn.
Jirisan Mountain in Gurye, Jeollanam-do
Jirisan Mountain is beloved among Koreans, often considered a feminine mountain due to its lovely charm.
During peak foliage season in late October, the slopes blaze with brilliant colours.
The areas around Ssanggyesa Temple, Piagol Valley, and Baemsagol Valley in particular are beautiful at this time.
Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Capital of the thousand-year-old Silla Dynasty, Gyeongju City has various traditionally beautiful locations.
In autumn visitors can see beautiful autumn leaves in Bulguksa Temple, the representative relic of the city, which was designated a World Cultural Asset by Unesco in 1995.
Besides the temple, visitors can also enjoy the view at Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond.
The allure of snow beckons
In December, mountain peaks are covered in a fresh blanket of snow until the New Year.
Down in the towns, businesses put up glittering Christmas decorations and play festive music.
Many visitors from warmer parts of the world choose to visit Korea to enjoy the winter season with many experiencing snow for the first time.
Winter blossoms
Red camellia flowers blossom in the cold of winter and makes a dazzling contrast to white snow of winter and considered a symbol of loyalty among lovers.
Camellia Hill in Jeju Island has delighted visitors with some 600 kinds of camellia from all over the world. While in Gangjin County, the Camellia Forest in Baekryeonsa Temple, 1,500 camellia trees aged over 300 years dwell in the forest.
Romantic memories kept alive
Real-life romantic Korean drama Wolmido Island in Incheon has drawn attention as the shooting location for the drama, Descendants of the Sun.
Nearby Sinpo-ro is also popular as it preserves the history and culture of modern history.
The cable cars at Songdo Beach provide a view right over the bay and the city.
Take the cable cars across the bay, and once across head down to the restaurants by the seafront, which specialise in grilled clams and seafood and provide a special Korean experience.
Must-have Korean food this season
For each season, different foods takes centre stage in Korea’s culinary scene.
Autumn marks the season of the nation’s three most popular seafood: blue crabs, jumbo shrimp (prawns), and gizzard shad.
On land, the best seasonal foods in fall include pine mushrooms (or “songi” in Korean) and sweet persimmon.
With the arrival of winter’s cold bite comes a variety of Korean winter snacks and foods.
Savoury and sweet winter street foods like bungeoppang, hotteok, baked sweet potatoes, and hoppang are all-time favourite snacks for Koreans regardless of age.
The Gwangju International Kimchi Festival is held to promote this traditional side dish, which is a staple in Korean cuisine.
Participants can take home kimchi that they made themselves at the festival, which is from Oct 24 to 28.
During this MATTA Fair, KTO hosts 12 exhibitors from regional Korean tourism provinces and local service providers who can provide MATTA visitors helpful travel information.
Customers who purchase on site can expect, while stocks last, with terms and conditions apply:
> limited edition Korea design luggage covers with purchase of a Korea tour package (Full/Ground)
> Muslim prayer mat with purchase of Korea Muslim tour package
> Limited edition Jeju ecobag (additional gift) with purchase of Korea tour package inclusive of Jeju (minimum two nights stay).
There are also exciting activities held at the KTO booth, from mascot appearances to Korean traditional games, Korean street food kitchen and food-tasting.
The MATTA Fair KL 2018 is from Sept 7-9, visit KTO at booths 11371160, Hall 1, Dewan Tun Razak 1, PWTC.
■ For more details log on to www.visitkorea.com.my or KTO’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/KTOMalaysia/