Visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace to experience a 500-year-old tradition of change of guards
Enjoy a Korean food feast with the locals
Breathe in the history with a walk around the Bukchon Hanok Village
Visit to Suwon Hwaseong fortress designated as world cultural heritage by UNESCO
Overnight stay at Haeinsa Temple built by two monks in 802
Introduction to Zen meditation and tea ceremony
City tour of Busan, Korea’s second-largest city
Daily breakfast
Many meals
Day 1 : Day 1
Welcome to Seoul. Upon arrival, you will be met by your ambassador who will guide and assist you with transfer to your hotel. The balance of your day is at leisure to unwind.
This morning we will head out early to see the beautiful Gyeongbokgung Palace and experience the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony. Before a Korean food feast with the locals, we will breathe in the history with a walk around the Bukchon Hanok Village seeing several traditional homes, Hanok.
Then, we will head to ICE Gallery, the world’s first indoor ice sculpture gallery that’s open year-round. Continue to Trick Eye Museum which transforms global cultural content and sculptures into smart and modern optical illusion art.
The highlight of today's tour is the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone). Located on each side of 38th parallel, this infamous border was established at the end of the war in 1953 at the signing Panmunjom’s armistice in order to separate North and South Korea. Upon arrival, proceed to passport security control followed by a short introduction at the United Nations camp.
Visit Dora Observatory and Dorasan railway station. Discover Imjingak Park with the Memorial, the Liberty Bridge and the bell of unification. Visit the 3rd tunnel dug into the rock at a depth of 73m that is able of moving a full division per hour with their weapons. After that, transfer to Suwon and have dinner at a local restaurant. Check-in at the hotel in Suwon.
Overnight in Suwon.
Day 4 : Day 4
This morning, we begin our day with a visit to Suwon Hwaseong fortress designated as world cultural heritage by UNESCO. In other words, Haenggung, meaning detached palace is a palace built within the walls of Hwaseong to house King Jeongjo when he was away from his palace in Seoul worshipping his father’s tomb. When he was not in his residence, it was used by his delegated official as a base of government. The palace was built in 1789, but was expanded between 1794 and 1796 to house 600 compartments and in doing so became the largest haenggung in Korea.
After lunch, we transfer to Haeinsa Temple, This temple built in 802 by two monks is listed today as World Heritage by UNESCO. It protects the Tripitaka Koreana, 80000 printing plates containing Buddhist scriptures, 15 national treasures and some 200 private treasures. Enjoy an unforgettable experience at the temple. Some of the activities include a Buddhist ceremony meal, an introduction to Zen meditation and tea ceremony.
Overnight in Haeinsa Temple
Day 5 : Day 5
Continue with the temple program until about noon. After temple lunch, transfer to Gyeongju to visit Yangdong Village, Korea’s largest traditional village, showcasing the traditional culture of the Joseon Dynasty and the beautiful natural surroundings. Thanks to its many cultural heritages, including treasures, national treasures, and folklore materials, the entire village has been designated as a cultural heritage site. Many people have visited this village to see its wealth of cultural heritages and scenic surroundings. Charles, Prince of Wales, visited this village in 1993.
Overnight in Gyeongju.
Day 6 : Day 6
This morning, we start city tour, Gyeongju Historic Areas were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. The protected areas encompass the ruins of temples and palaces, outdoor pagodas and statuary, and other cultural artifacts left by the Silla Kingdom. The historic areas are also known as one of the largest outdoor museums in the world. We will first visit Bulguksa Temple, also known as “The Buddhist Country Temple”. Alongside the neighboring Seokguram Hermitage, Bulguksa Temple was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. Lastly, we will visit Tumuli Park which has more than 20 large and small tombs from the Silla Period. Then, we visit Gyeongju Folk’s Hand Craft Village, Shilla acient Kiln for Celadon.
Today, we will depart for the airport and fly to Busan, South Korea’s second largest city after Seoul. It is also the largest port city in South Korea and the world’s fifth busiest seaport by cargo tonnage. We will visit the Yongdusan Dragon Head Park – it is called Yongdusan because the shape of the mountain resembles a dragon’s head emerging from the sea. Then we will go to Busan Tower, a 120-meter tower that provides a stunning bird’s-eye view of the entire city of Busan, including islands and ships dotted in the distant seas. After that, we also visit APEC House, which refers to an APEC conference hall. Collectively, it means “a house where the world summits gather together for an APEC meeting.” We transfer to the most popular Haeundae Beach.
Overnight in Busan
Day 8 : Day 8
After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning. Transfer to Busan station for the KTX Bullet Train to Incheon airport for your onward journey.
8 Days | 7 Nights - SPIRIT OF KOREA
Country
South Korea
Price
$2,615
Priced Per Person
11-10-2021
8 days
11-18-2021
Get ready to experience the true spirit of Korea offering 5000 years of culture and history. Experience local cuisine, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, neon lit shopping arcades, Zen meditation and tea ceremony
