Highlights of South Korea (7 Days)

Day 1: Seoul Arrival

Upon arrival, our representative will greet you at the airport and transfer to hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Day 2: Seoul – Sightseeing (B, L)

First stop is the grand Gyeongbokgung Palace where was once the main residence of the Joseon Dynasty then visit to the National Folk Museum which focuses on Korean culture and history. You continue on to Jogyesa Temple, the centre of Zen Buddhism in Korea and nearby Insadong, a lively antique alley, lined with art galleries, antique, craft, pottery, traditional restaurants and teahouses. You then take a stroll alongside Cheonggycheon Stream which runs serenely through the heart of downtown’s gleaming sky scrapers. Our final port of call is the Seoul Tower which provides spectacular panoramic views of the city from its observatory.

Day 3: Excursion to DMZ (B, L)

Transfer to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), which is a border between North and South. Our tour provides a fascinating insight into the events that resulted in Korea’s division and also includes a visit to Imjingak Park, built to commemorate those who lost their homes and families when Korea was divided and the 3rd North Korean Infiltration Tunnel. The tunnel is 1.5km in length and 150m below ground, was built with the intention of a surprise invasion by North Korea. You will also have the chance to peek into the reclusive north by visiting Dora Observatory and visit Dorasan Station, once used for freight trains to travel between North & South.

Day 4: Seoul – Andong (B)

Leaving Seoul for Andong, the picturesque home of Korean Confucianism. On an afternoon tour, you explore ancient UNESCO listed Hahoe Village, where approximately 130 traditional houses of varying size and standard have been immaculately preserved by the same families for generations. You will also visit the Andong Folk Museum and the historic Dosansewon Confucian School, which was established in 1574.

Day 5: Andong – Gyeongju (B)

Traveling south we reach historic Gyeongju – the ‘museum without walls,’ which was the capital of Silla Kingdom from 57BC to 935AD. In the afternoon, you will visit the Gyeongju National Museum which is home to countless treasures including the 23 ton Emille Bell cast in AD771. At Tumuli Park, you see the incredible giant grass-covered burial mounds which house the Silla royal tombs and we take a stroll around scenic Anapji Pond where the Silla royal family spent their leisure. Another highlight of today’s touring is Cheomseongdae Observatory, one the world’s oldest astronomical observatories.

Day 6: Gyeongju – Seoul (B)

You visit two magnificent UNESCO World Heritage listed temples – Seokguram Grotto, one of Asia’s finest Buddhist shrines, which is dramatically located on the slopes of Toham Mountain and the beautiful temple of Bulguksa which was built in 528 during the Silla Dynasty. Depart for Seoul this afternoon and spend your final evening at leisure in the capital.

Day 7: Seoul Departure (B)

Depending on your departure time, you will have some free time to relax or further explore Seoul on your own before a transfer to airport for your departure flight.