Description

Ready for a unique travel experience? South Korea fits the bill and then some. On this eight-day trip, you'll see the highlights in and around Seoul plus visit folk villages, unique Korean temples, and the bustling markets of Busan. Learn about the somber history of North and South Korea and take an excursion to the Demilitarized Zone separating the two. This is the perfect snapshot of a country coming into its own as a top travel destination.

Destinations

• Busan

Itinerary

Day 1
Seoul
Welcome to Seoul! As fellow travelers are arriving throughout the day; there are no planned activities until a group meeting at 6 pm. Check into the hotel and enjoy the city.

Day 2
Seoul
Sit back and relax on a private bus and enjoy a tour of the bustling metropolis where modern skyscrapers; high-tech subways and pop culture meet Buddhist temples and street markets. Visit Gyengbokgung Palace; the National Folklore Museum; Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong alley.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3
Seoul/Gyeongju-si
After breakfast; board a high-speed bullet train for a relaxing morning ride through the countryside to Gyeongiu. Once the group arrives to this old capital city for 1;000 years; they will experience an overnight stay in a local temple. During the stay the group will learn about temple etiquette; watch a monk martial arts performance; experience the daily prayer ritual and a temple style dinner.

Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner

Day 4
Gyeongju-si
Enjoy a peaceful morning meditation; martial arts practice; and drum and bell ritual before exploring in Gyeongiu. On the city tour visit to the UNESCO site of Bulguksa Temple located on the slopes of Mount Toham and admire the national treasures there; such as Dabotap and Seokgatap stone pagodas; Cheongun-gyo; and two gilt-bronze statues of Buddha. Afterwards; experience the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia; Cheomseongdae Observatory; and the surrounding Royal Tombs.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5
Gyeongju-si/Busan
Travel by bus to Busan. Along the way enjoy a day trip to Yangdong Folk Village; a 500-year-old UNESCO site located in Gyeongju National Park; to get a feel for life during the early Joseon Dynasty. Afterwards; continue on to the picturesque 14th century seaside temple hidden in the rocks - Haedong Yonggungsa. After exploring the temple; check in to your hotel and get your bearings with an orientation walk on Haeundae Beach and Dongbaek Island (APEC House). Spend the evening getting to know colorful Busan; opt to treat yourself at a Jjimjilbang spa or sing your heart out at a popular karaoke bar.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6
Busan/Seoul
In the seaside city; Busan; visit the bustling Jagalchi fish market; Gukjesijang market; Yongdusan Park; and the colourful Gamcheon Culture Village before traveling back to Seoul. After arriving in Seoul by train; check out Korea's oldest traditional market - Namdaemun Market. Then make your way by cable car to N Seoul Tower to see this beautiful landmark and opt to make the trip up to the observation deck. Spend the rest of your day in Seoul opting to see Banpo Bridge; the floating islands; or hanging out in the Gangnam district.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7
Seoul
Visit the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ); founded in 1953; separating North and South Korea. With over a million soldiers on watch each day; it is one of the last remnants of the Cold War. With a buffer zone 4km wide and spanning 250 km long there has been very little development in the area; therefore nature and wildlife have pretty much taken over. Spend about 3-4 hours visiting the Demilitarized Zone; then head to The War Memorial of Korea. Later; return back to Seoul for another night in the city.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8
Seoul
Depart at any time.

Meals included: Breakfast

Expiry Date

• Thursday, 31 July 2025