Today, Kaesong Old Quarter has about two hundred thousand residents but eight hundred years ago, its population was near to four times when it was still the capital of the Koryo Dynasty. Kaesong used to be an extravagant, wealthy and sophisticated metropolitan area that was filled with Buddhist nobles. However, it was neglected for centuries and three major wars left the metropolis in ruins. Nowadays, there are a few relics and museums in Kaesong Old Quarter that present various significant artifacts and depict the history of the city.

In 992, the Songgyungwan Neo-Confucian College was built and it was rebuilt after the invasion of Japan in 1592. The college is home for the Koryo Museum that holds Buddhist relics and pottery. In special occasions, Confucian ceremonies are reenacted in the Museum for visitors. Kaesong is now a modern city that has wide streets but it is of trivial interest compared to Keasong Old Quarter where houses with traditional roof tiles are in between the main road and the river. Furthermore, the town is where the Sonjuk Bridge is located, which was built in 1216 as well as the Songin Monument, built to honor Chong Mong-ju, a Neo-Confucian hero. The Tomb of King Kongmin, who reigned between the years of 1352 to 1374, is located just out of the Keasong Old Quarter. The King’s tomb is luxuriously adorned with traditional granite, making it one of the famous tourist attractions in the area.

Visiting North Korea can be quite a challenge so it is probably more appropriate for experienced travelers who are looking for a different kind of adventure. With its severe weather especially during winter, it is recommended to make your trip during the spring or the early fall or late summer. These seasons offer impressive and gorgeous skies as well as breathtaking blooming flowers and the magnificent colors of autumn.

Mt. Kumgang has three major parts – the outer Kumgang or Oekumgang, the seashore or Haekumgang and inner Kumgang or Naekumgang. These areas offer different hiking and walking trails, historic sites and scenic spots. There are also a wide range of restaurants and accommodations where travelers can stay while on vacation. Visitors can relax in hot springs, enjoy incredible acrobatic shows and a nightly show that presents the North Korean Folk Music. Golfers will not be disappointes with an 18-hole golf course that was opened in the year 2007. Beach enthusiasts are also in for a treat as well as for travelers who love to shop. Other amenities include a bank, a food court and a well-stocked Family Mart.

Mt. Kumgang is an untouched spiritual retreat and its surrounding area highlights a renowned Zen monastery, wonderful nature beauty and challenging tracks for travelers who love hiking. You can also witness the nearby Kuryong Falls with its 242 feet of water plunging into a chain of lagoons beneath. There is a spectator area where tourists can have a good view of the falls while the mountain courses take the trekkers to more than five thousand feet up for a remarkable panoramic landscape of the white sand beaches and the surrounding valleys.

There are a variety of tour packages available that usually consist of three days-two nights but you can also have your choice for shorter and longer packages. Most of the time, tourists leave everyday on regular scheduled bus trips from two assigned pick-up spots in downtown Seoul at around 8:30 in the morning.