jkbdd- Hands-on Programs at Korea's World Cultural Heritage Sites

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With a history of about five thousand years, it's no wonder that Korea is home to so many World Cultural Heritage sites! Though the country seems to endlessly whir with acitivity as it continues to keep pace with the trends of the 21st century, cultural heritage sites all throughout Korea have remained jealously protected and well-preserved. Some of Korea's most popular UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites are Seokguram Grotto, Bulguksa Temple, Jongmyo Shrine, Haeinsa Temple Janggyeongpanjeon Hall, Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, Changdeokgung Palace, Gyeongju Historic Areas, and Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes. Though each of these destinations is well worth a visit all year round, planning a special experience program while at one of these gorgeous landmarks can add a special element to your trip and enhance your understanding of these magnificent and historic places. At Changdeokgung, there's the ever-popular Moonlight Tour, which is a chance to walk inside the palace under the full moon and enjoy some traditional snacks and music. During the Suwon Cultural Festival at the Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, you'll get a chance to dress up and play a part in the reenactment of King Jeongjo's Royal Parade to the Royal Tomb, demonstrating how the king faithfully reigned over his subjects. Read on to learn more about the hands-on programs at Korea's revered UNSESCO World Cultural Heritage sites and add an extra bit of pizzazz to your travel itinerary. >> UNESCO World Heritage in Korea

Moonlight Tour at Changdeokgung Palace Paths Lit by the Moon, Shrouded in History Changdeokgung Palace, one of the most unique Korean palaces of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), opens its doors only a few nights a year as part of the palace's special 'Moonlight Tour' program. Even though there are many places in Korea known for their moonlight views (Mount Achasan in Seoul or the Dalmaji Hill in Busan), Changdeokgung Palace was considered to be a particularly special moon viewing spot by the kings of the Joseon Dynasty. The palace, when viewed at night, has a complete different aurora of reverence and mystery than it does by day, so don't miss out on this rare nighttime experience. The Moonlight Tour starts at 8pm at Donhwamun Gate (the main gate) and goes by Injeongjeon Hall, Buyongji Pond (the gateway to the Secret Garden), and Yeongyeongdang, which was once used to entertain foreign dignitaries who came to visit the king. Before ending at Donhwamun Gate, the tour first winds along the palace forest trails where, for hundreds of years, only the royal family was allowed to tread. The two-hour program is a unique opportunity to explore various corners of the palace under the light of the full moon. During the walking tour, visitors can chat with other participants, enjoy traditional rice cakes and beverages, and watch a quality traditional performance. As an added touch of grace (not to mention, historical accuracy) lady courtiers dressed in hanbok will light the way along the path, as they had done hundreds of years ago for the esteemed kings and queens of Joseon. More info. ☞ Inquiries: 02-729-9525, 526, 528 (KTO) ☞ 1330 tt call center +82-2-1330 ☞ Go to Moonlight Tour at Changdeokgung Palace ☞ Related columns Royal Moonlight Walk at Changdeokgung Palace Cultural Heritage Sites> Changdeokgung Palace ☞ The Beautiful Korean Palace Story http://www.palacetour.co.kr/ (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

King Jeongjo's Parade to the Royal Tomb Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, pride of King Jeongjo Every year in October during the Hwaseong Cultural Festival, visitors are invited to don a costume and join in the splendor of King Jeongjo's Royal parade to his father's tomb. This year, the reenactment was held on March 27, but is also scheduled to be held during the festival period later this fall. The parade goes down a course spanning a total of 1.4 kilometers and makes its way from Yeonmudae to Dongmun Jigudae, Namhyang-dong Office, Maehyang High School, Jongno Intersection, and Haenggung Square before ending up at Sinpungnu. Though the actual parade lasts for only 20 minutes, preparations for the grand affair and its various side events last for about three hours. Walking along in traditional Korean garments (hanbok) visitors will find themselves enthralled in the tradition of Korea and touched by the filial piety of King Jeongjo (reigned from 1776 to 1800) and the love he had for his country. More info. ☞ Inquiries: 031-251-4449 ☞ 1330 tt call center: +82-31-1330 ☞ Go to Revival of King Jeongjo's Royal Parade to the Royal Tomb ☞ Related Column Cultural Heritage Sites> Hwaseong Fortress ☞ Go to Suwon Hwaseong Fortress Homepage http://shfes.suwon.ne.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) Download the application form and send via e-mail (first-come, first-served) ☞ Participation fees : Individual: 10,000won / Group: 7,000won (more than 30 people)

Millennial Anniversary of the Tripitaka Koreana 45 momentous days of exhibitions & festivities This year (2011) marks the one thousandth anniversary of the Tripitaka Korean, an ancient set of Buddhist scripture woodblocks housed in the Haeinsa Temple in Hapcheon-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do Province. In celebration of this momentous anniverary, the temple and its surrounding area will be hosting a festival running 45 days from September 23 to November 6. A myriad of special exhibitions and events will be underway to celebrate the Goryeo Daejanggyeong (or "Eighty-Thousand Tripitaka"), which is registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage and is one of Korea's most prominent culture heritage pieces. The Tripitaka's Thousand Year Anniversary Center houses a permanent exhibition of the Tripitaka Koreana, which is categoriezed into six galleries: the Tripitaka Exhibition Gallery, Tripitaka's Road Gallery, Tripitaka's Mystery Gallery, Tripitaka's Preservation Science Gallery, Tripitaka's Information Gallery, and Special Gallery. Special events include hands-on programs to experience "Living Wisdom" (the theme of the festival) and programs to find "Happiness of Life" in the Tripitaka Koreana. After learning about the wisdom incorporated in the famed woodblocks, visitors are encouraged to stroll through Hongnyudong Valley in Mount Gayasan to have a chance to commune with nature and spend time in self-reflection.