Best of South Korea (9 Days)

Day 1: Seoul Arrival

Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel where the remainder of the day is free to relax after your flight or explore the city.

Day 2: Seoul – Sightseeing (B, L)

Visit to the Blue House (outside) then transfer to Gyeongbokgung Palace which was built by the last Korean Dynasty. Within the Palace grounds visit Jogyesa Temple dedicated to Buddhism and still influential today. Here, you will also gain an insight into Korean culture, tradition & history at the National Folk Museum. After that, heading to Insadong which has a traditional atmosphere and represents Korean culture both past and present. After lunch, explore many antique, craft, pottery shops, traditional restaurants and teahouses. Lastly take in the panoramic views of city from the Seoul Tower, which is located on top of Mount Namsan.

Day 3: Seoul – Gyeongju (B)

Traveling from Seoul to Gyeongju. Once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla, which ruled the Korean Peninsula during 7th till 9th Centuries. On arrival, visit to Tumuli Park where has 20 tombs from the Silla period. Also once part of the ancient Silla complex is Anapji Pond, a picturesque pond where the Silla royal family spent their leisure time. During renovations to the area in the 1970’s & 80’s many relics were unearthed and are today housed in the Gyeongju National Museum alongside the Emille Bell. Top off today’s sightseeing with a visit to Cheomseongdae Observatory – oldest surviving observatory in the world.

Day 4: Gyeongju – Busan (B)

Visit the UNESCO listed temple of Bulguska and Seokguram Grotto, one of Asia’s finest Buddhist shrines, dramatically located on the slopes of Toham Mountain, 750 metres above sea level and looking out over the Sea of Japan. This afternoon travel onwards to Busan. On arrival, visit to Busan Tower located in Yongdusan Park and offering spectacular views of the old port city. Then get a visit to the Jagalchi Fish Market where fishermen sell their fresh catch and the locals haggle for a good deal. Then it’s time to practice some haggling at Kukje Market, the best place in Busan to find silk, clothing, linen, handbags and much more.

Day 5: Busan – Flight to Jeju Island (B)

Transfer to airport for a flight to Jeju Island. About one hour from Busan by air, Jeju Island is a volcanic island brimming with natural beauty, unique cultural traditions and a perfect temperate climate. This afternoon take a tour of Jeju Island to Hallim Park with its exotic botanical gardens, lava caves, folk village and O’Sulloc Tea Museum where guests can learn more about the traditional Korean tea culture.

Day 6: Jeju Island (B, L)

Explore the scenic landscape of Jeju Island on a hiking tour of Mt.Hallasan National Park visiting the spectacular volcanic rock formations of Jusangjeolli Cliff, and the beautiful three tiered Cheonjeyeon Falls. Evening at leisure.

Day 7: Jeju Island – Flight to Seoul (B)

Visit to Manjanggul cave, the UNESCO listed cave is the world’s longest lava cave stretching for approximately 8 kilometres; also see Seongsan Sunrise Peak, a magnificent volcano crater rising from the sea with cliffs to the southeast and north sides and the northwest side a verdant grassy hill. Then visit Seongeup Village, a mountain village still living a mountain existence with villagers residing in traditional thatched roof houses with stone and clay walls. In the afternoon, transfer to airport for a flight back to Seoul. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to hotel fro check-in.

Day 8: Excursion to DMZ (B, L)

Take a tour to visit the DMZ and get a better understanding of the events that resulted in the division of Korea. This tour also includes a visit to Imjingak Park where commemorate all those who were separated from their families when Korea was split in two and the 3rd North Korean Tunnel. The tunnel was built with the intention of a surprise invasion by North Korea and discovered by South Korea in 1978 after a tip from a North Korean defector. You will have chance to peek into the North by visiting Dora Observatory. Here, visitors use binoculars and can see as far as Kaesong, a light industrial city of North Korea. Later visit Dorasan Station, once used for freight trains to travel between the South and the North.

Day 9: Seoul Departure (B)

After check-out at hotel, you will be transferred to the airport in Seoul for your own departure flight home.