The UNESCO Journey of South Korea

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$4,930
Starts in Seoul
Ends in Seoul
Duration (days) 10
Group size 16
The UNESCO Journey of South Korea

Overview

Korea has various UNESCO World Heritage sites, including cultural and natural heritage. The Korean Peninsula's geographical conditions allowed for a distinctive culture combining continental and maritime influences. Korea's cultural legacy encompasses art, literature, dance, architecture, clothing, and cuisine. Jeju-do island is a UNESCO natural heritage site for its geological features and ecological value. This tour allows visitors to explore these world-class heritage sites in Korea.
HOTEL:
MEALS:
Basic Itinerary

Map

Itinerary

Day 1Arrive Seoul
Welcome to Seoul, Korea ! Upon arrival at Incheon International Airport which has been awarded to World’s Best in Airport Service Quality by Airport Council International, met by our local representative and transferred to Seoul, the center of politics, economy and culture in Korea. The rest of day is free at your leisure
Day 2Seoul
Breakfast is at the hotel. Today enjoy your full day sightseeing tours in Seoul. Visit Jogyesa temple, Gyeongbokgung Palace(Deoksu Palace on Tue), The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony, National Folk Museum. This afternoon, visit the Korean Folk Village where you will experience the culture of the late Joseon Dynasty. It's a huge village that has about 260 different types of houses in each province. Return to Seoul for overnight. You have a chance to be dropped off at Gwangjang Market where you can enjoy street food. take a 15 minutes leisure walk from Gwangjang market back to your hotel.
Breakfast
Day 3 Jeju Island
After breakfast at the hotel, take a tour to Unique DMZ (a passport is required for this tour). Visit Imjingak Park, The Unification Bridge, after ID Checking, go to DMZ theater and exhibition hall for the introduction of this special area. continue to The 3rd Infiltration Tunnel. Drive to Dorasan Station and visit Dora Observatory and a Shopping center nearby. Return to Seoul and meet with your driver, transfer to the airport for your short flight to beautiful Jeju Island. Meet a driver at Jeju airport, you will be transferred to the hotel and take a rest.
Breakfast
Day 4Jeju Island
Breakfast is at your hotel. Enjoy a full day of sightseeing. Visit Hyeopjae Beach, Hallim Park where you can enjoy Palm Tree Road, Jeju Stone and Bonsai Garden, Water Garden, Subtropical Botanic Garden and much more. and O'sulloc Tea Museum which was opened by Amore Pacific in 2001 with the aim of introducing and spreading Korean teas and the traditional tea culture of Korea. This afternoon, take the Sanbang Mountain Cruise and visit Cheonjeyeon falls, named "The Pond of God," which consists of three sections.
Breakfast
Day 5Busan
After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, transfer to Jeju Jeolmul Natural Forest, located under the crater of a Baby Volcano. In an area of a total 300 ha, it is surrounded mainly with Cedar Trees which were borned 30~45 years ago. Next, visit The Seongeup Folk Village which shows the unique culture of Jeju Island. This afternoon, visit Haenyeo Museum where exhibits various photos of haenyeo female divers and their activities, to provide an accurate picture of their lives or enjoy woman diver show (Unesco Intangible Cultural asset) ; Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, rose 180 meters above sea level due to a magma flow under the sea over 5,000 years ago and it was originally a separate island, but a build-up of sand and soil has connected it to the main island; and Manjanggul which holds great value for science and conservation studies, having well-maintained formations despite being formed over one hundred thousand years ago. Transfer to Jeju Airport and Fly to Busan. Arrive at Busan airport, transfer to a hotel. Enjoy your own free time at Haeundae beach.
Breakfast
Day 6Gyeongju
After breakfast at the hotel, meet a guide for a full day sightseeing in Busan. Visit Korea’s largest seafood market, Jagalchi Fishery Market and traditional market. Next, visit Gamcheon Culture Village, formed by houses built in staircase-fashion on the foothills of a coastal mountain, earning this village the nickname "Machu Picchu of Busan”. This afternoon, experience traditional rice cake making with a master and tasting it. Continue to visit Haeundae Beach, the most famous beach in Busan. The white sand beach is roughly 1.5 kilometers long, over a 30 to 50 meter wide area, creating a beautiful coastline before a shallow bay. Proceed to Yonggungsa Temple via Dalmaji-gil Road, famous for its views of the blue ocean, white sandy beach, Camellia forest, and pine tree forest, creating one of Busan’s eight scenic sites. Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is situated on the coast of the north-eastern portion of Busan. Transfer to Gyeongju (1.5hrs by car) and visit Gyeongju Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond(night tour), a secondary palace used by the crown prince of the Silla Kingdom. You can enjoy the reflection of Imhaejeon in Wolji during the night.
Breakfast
Day 7Daegu
Breakfast is at the hotel. Met by our guide and enjoy a full day tour in Gyeongju, a museum without walls. In 57 BC, around when Julius Caesar was subduing Gaul, it became the capital of the Shilla Dynasty and remained so for about 1000 years. Gyeongju preserves a vast amount of significant and fascinating historical heritage. Visit Gyeongju National Museum, Cheomgseongdae Astronomical Observatory, Seokguram Grotto (UNESCO world heritage) - an artificial stone temple made of granite, located on the eastern peak of Mt. Toham. Inside the round-shaped main hall, there are the Bonjon Statue, Bodhi-Sattava and his disciples. It was built to preserve these statues. Bulguksa Temple (UNESCO world heritage) – The beauty of the temple itself and artistic touch of the stone relics are as awesome and fascinating as to be highly praised by visitors from all over the world. Move to Daegu which is the largest and central city of this province. Check in at Hotel and take a rest.
Breakfast
Day 8Pyeongchang
After Check-out, move to Haeinsa Temple located in Gayasan National Park. Haeinsa Temple was founded by King Ae-Jang of Shilla Dynasty (802), well known for its famous treasure “ Tripitaka Koreana ”(UNESCO world heritage) composed of 81,341 printing woodblocks made to repulse the Mongolian Army Invasion with support of Buddha. And then transfer to Andong Hahoe Village which has preserved the housing architecture and the village structure of the Joseon Dynasty. Moreover, the Village was not artificially created; there are people who actually live there. The Hahoe Village has become world-famous for the visit of The Queen Elizabeth II of Britain several years ago. And then transfer to Pyeongchang in Gangwon province, the 2018 Winter Olympics site and every winter millions of tourists come to enjoy snow-covered hills and slopes
Breakfast
Day 9Seoul
After breakfast, drive to Seoraksan National Park of which the peaks break through the clouds while jade-like water flows through the valleys, creating breathtaking views and making this Korea’s most famous national park. UNESCO designated this park a Biosphere Preservation District in 1982 due to so many rare species found here. Visit Sinheungsa temple located in Mt.Seorak which is an ancient temple with deep historical significance, built by a great monk Jajangyulsa (590~658). Gwongeumseong is a site of castle ruins located on the steep Dol Mountain of Seoraksan National Park area(Cable car with your own expenses,USD20pp). After sightseeing at Seoraksan National Park, move to Seoul. *In a cast of more than 8 persons, before heading to Seorak National Park, you will stop by Woljeongsa temple and have a chance to experience the temple life program. Woljeongsa, situated on the mountain, is revered as the holy site of the Bodhisattva of Wisdom. The thousand-year-old fir tree forest is a good place to walk in self-reflection and the trail along the stream will give you an opportunity to be one with Mother Nature. Temple life program (09:00~11:30): learning temple etiquette, Temple tour, Walking Meditation or conversation with a monk and monastic meal.*
Breakfast
Day 10Depart Seoul
After breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up at your hotel lobby 4 hours before your flight departure.
Breakfast
Day 6 and more

Dates & Prices

Accommodation

Day
Where
Accommodation
1 - 3
Seoul
Orakai Daehakro Hotel or similar
3 - 5
Jeju Island
Jeju Grand Hyatt or similar
5 - 6
Busan
Grand Josun Hotel or similar
6 - 7
Gyeongju
Lahan Select Gyeongju or similar
7 - 8
Daegu
Hotel Inter-Burgo Daegu or similar
8 - 9
Pyeongchang
Inter-Continental Alpensia Pyeongchang or similar
9 - 10
Seoul
Orakai Daehakro Hotel or similar

Other information

Every Sunday departure based on minimum 2 passengers travelling together. Price includes: Airport transfers, air tickets Seoul to Jeju & Jeju to Busan, Hotel accommodation with breakfast, English-speaking guided tours, and Admissions. Price excludes: International air ticket to/from Seoul, airport taxes & fuel surcharges, entry visa, travel insurance, Meals not mentioned, optional tours (admissions), special event/high season and weekend surcharges. Blackout date: Sep 15, 2024