Korea Highlight Tour

Description
Visiting South Korea offers visitors more than a rich history and vibrant culture, more than fascinating cities and colourful traditions. Discover why the country is referred to as the “Land of the Morning Calm” and embrace the ambience of breathtaking temples, a coastline designed to impress and bridges, beaches and so much more to enjoy. Delight in street cuisine, walk floral pathways and mingle with locals as you make your way through a country teeming with experiences waiting to be discovered.
From$2,990
Starts in Seoul
Ends in Seoul
Duration (days) 9
Group size 16
Korea Highlight Tour
Overview
Map
Itinerary
Dates & Prices

Overview

Begin your South Korea tour in the bustling capital of Seoul where you will have the chance to experience some of the city’s key highlights. We then travel south to Gyeongju, known for its rich archeological sites and culture. Your journey continues to the coastal city of Busan which is famous for offering panoramic views and for the Jagalchi Fish Market, not to mention its amazing beaches and Dongbaekseom Island, all offering a relaxed atmosphere to visitors. Our tour ends back in Seoul where you have the chance to try incredible street food and wonderful shopping opportunities, rounding off an unforgettable South Korea experience.
HOTEL:
MEALS:
Basic Itinerary

Map

Itinerary

Day 1Arrive Seoul
Upon arrival at Incheon Airport, meet our tour manager in the arrival hall, who will be waiting to greet you with a sign-board with your name on it and escort you to your transfer vehicle. Check-in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.
Day 2Seoul
Head out to enjoy your first full day tour of Seoul. From palace to plaza, step into the everyday life of locals by donning traditional Korean clothes or “Hanbok”, and discover the Bukchon Hanok village and Gwangjang market. Your first stop is the Gyeongbokgung Palace, the original home of the Josean Dynasty and dating back to the 14th century. Donned in colourful Hanbok creations resembling Korean tradition, wander around the Palace as you admire art and architecture from a bygone era. Here you will get a chance to witness the Royal Guard Changing ceremony, the ritual taking place with extreme precision, once in the morning and once in the afternoon. Taste famous street food on own account and enjoy the outdoors with a photo opportunity at Cheonggyecheon Creek, a large urban project created to provide recreational space for locals and visitors alike. Take a hike along the Seoul city wall trail, the Naskan mountain trail that offers great views from the Fortress. Before returning to your hotel for the rest of your evening at leisure, step inside a Korean Jimjibang or traditional Korean sauna where you can unwind after a busy day of exploring.
Breakfast
Day3Seoul
Start your day with breakfast at your hotel before experiencing a traditional shared Korean cooking class between 10am and 12noon. Learn how to make Korean favourites such as Kimchi and Bibimbap, using local ingredients and creating masterful dishes which you will get to enjoy afterwards. This afternoon, enjoy a refreshing tea at a tea cafe along one of the winding alleys in Insadong. The area is known for its character and offering of many delightful cafes full of flavour, aroma and ambience. Capture more incredible key sights in wonderful Seoul as you pay a visit to the Jogyesa Temple, a 14th century Zen Buddist center that is prominent in both design and stature, a colourful iconic symbol in South Korea. Enjoy the view from the N Seoul Tower Observatory and discover the blend of nature and art, all experienced at an impressive height in one of Seoul’s must-see landmarks. Glance out from the city’s highest viewpoint over Seoul neighbourhoods and beyond and embrace a true cultural gem that both locals and tourists appreciate and enjoy. Wind down your busy day with some shopping on Myeongdong Street. Local stores blend with luxury brands, offering the chance to pick out some favourite items both traditional and international.
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4 Gyeongju
After breakfast at your hotel, check out and meet your driver in the lobby, who will transfer you to the Seoul KTX train station. Your next destination is Gyeongju and your 2 hour journey will pass through many scenic sights. Visit Gyeongju, the “museum without walls' ', named as such due to the fact that this UNESCO Heritage Site comprises archeological sites and cultural experiences to be had when visiting. Dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries, this experience is indeed a highlight. After tasting delicious local ginseng chicken soup for lunch, discover some of the region's key sites with your first stop at the Cheomseongdae Observatory, Asia’s oldest surviving astronomical observatory which was constructed in the Kingdom of Silla and used for astronomical predictions. Visit Tumuli Park or the Daereungwon Tomb Complex, a series of small, grassy mounds concealing a burial site below, a unique scene for western eyes to gaze upon. Set in the Gyeongju National Park, the Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond will simply impress you. Enjoy the beauty especially at night with glorious lights, and wander around the glistening waters.
Breakfast
Day 5Busan
After breakfast your morning tour of Gyeongju begins! Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple this morning. Discover the importance of the Seokguram Grotto as a depiction of the enlightenment of Buddha and learn the significance of the positioning of the Bulguksa Temple erected during the Silla Kingdom and representing peace and prosperity. Embark on a 1.5hr ride to Busan where a wonderful Korean grilled fish lunch awaits you. Enjoy visits to the Jagalchi Fish Market and the Gukje Market before exploring the BIFF Square. All three experiences are situated close by and form a maze of shops and food stalls. It could be called the Korean Walk of Fame as BIFF Square pays homage to Korean actors with handprints on the sidewalks, movie theaters, a variety of street food options and a vibey atmosphere. A cultural village experience is on the cards this afternoon as you end your day with a visit to the Gamcheon Cultural Village. Admire the somewhat beautiful chaos of the tiered layout of streets and houses in this authentic and friendly village situated in the coastal Busan area. Return to your hotel and enjoy your evening at leisure.
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6Busan
Busan is a bustling city known for temples and beaches waiting to be discovered. After breakfast, head out on a full day tour which includes a visit to the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. The Temple lies on the north-east side of Busan and stands out as one of the only Temples built along the coast rather than up in the mountains. Built in the 14th century, marvel at the stairs and stone landings and embrace the ambience of this coastal find. Enjoy a tasty lunch at a Bibimbap Restaurant, savoring one of Korea’s famous dishes. After lunch, take some time out on Dongbaekseom Island. This beautiful island can be found at the west end of Busan’s Haeundae Beach and has a walking trail that is worth exploring. Capture great views from here and enjoy the stillness surrounding you. Take a moment of reflection at the UN Memorial Park, the burial ground for those who lost their lives in the Korean War. Visit the architecturally fascinating Nurimaru APEC House, a former meeting place for several world leaders and today a popular tourist attraction for locals and visitors. Capture amazing photos from this perfect viewpoint. Walk the strategically-placed platform that offers wonderful views from several angles and take in more spectacular sights from the Busan Tower Observatory, with 360 degree views, quite spectacular at night.
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7Seoul
Return to Seoul today on the KTX train. The 3hr ride will be a scenic one. Upon arrival in Seoul your guide will take you to the Hongdae shopping street for some last minute finds and to enjoy cafes and art galleries in this trendy area. After some time experiencing a last few Seoul highlights such as the Yeonnam-dong Park which offers an urban greenbelt complimented by rusty railway tracks or the Dongdaemun Design Plaza with its futuristic look and feel, sure to impress. Experience the Dongdaemun Market before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant (your choice of fried chicken & beer or a Korean pork bbq, just like they do in a K-Drama).
Breakfast. Dinner
Day 8Seoul
Today is yours to enjoy and explore on your own.
Breakfast
Day 9Depart Seoul
Free time at leisure this morning. Your driver will meet you at hotel and bring to Incheon area. Make a final tour stops at Incheon Chinatown, the Central Park walk and have a coffee at the Joyang Textile Cafe before dropping you off at the Incheon Airport in time for your flight home.
Breakfast
Day 6 and more

Dates & Prices

Accommodation

Hotel accommodations are based on 4* and above
Day
Where
Accommodation
1 - 4
Seoul
Ninetree Premier Insaddong or similar
4 - 5
Gyeongju
Commodore Hotel or similar
5 - 7
Busan
ASTI Hotel Busan or similar
7 - 9
Seoul
Ninetree Premier Insaddong or similar

Other information

Price includes: Hotel accommodations including daily breakfast, private vehicle transportations throughout the trip, English speaking guided tours with admissions included, cultural activities and classes as per itinerary stated, and some meals. Price excludes: International air tickets, personal expenses, travel insurance, guide tips and gratuities, anything that not specified at the itinerary and price inclusion. This is a small group tour based on min. of 9 persons.