Day 1: Sunday: Seoul: Arrival
Depending on your arrival flight at Incheon airport, our representative will welcome you at the airport and transfer to the hotel. (Depending on the arrival flight schedule, the transfer may be with the other passengers.)
The rest of the day at leisure.
Dinner at leisure and overnight in Seoul.
Note: Rooms are available from 2pm.
Day 2: Monday Seoul: Discover The Megapolis (B/L)
After breakfast, meet your guide at 9 a.m. at the hotel lobby.
Depart for a full day of exploration of the South Korean capital via Jihachul, the local subway system.
Visit the Gyeongbokgung Palace, this "shining palace of happiness" is one of five palaces dating from the Choson (Joseon) Dynasty and includes the Folklore Museum and its collection of historical objects illustrating the history of the traditional life of the Korean people. Then, visit the Jogyesa Temple, one of the largest temples in the city and the centre of the Jogyejong Buddhist Order, advocating the Zen meditation.
Taste a delicious bibimbap for lunch in a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, enjoy a walk in the Bukchon District. This district nicknamed the "North Village", with over 900 traditional Korean houses, promises a unique cultural immersion in ancient Korea. Then, stroll down Insadong Street which is full of antique shops and art galleries.
In the early evening, discover an amazing entertainment show on stage ("Cookin' Nanta")! This non-verbal comedy performance is animated by the rhythm of the kitchen utensil with a combination of Korean traditional and modern music. Witness this spectacular show with a captivating blend of comedy and drama.
Dinner at leisure and overnight in Seoul.
Day 3: Tuesday: Seoul / Gyeongju / Busan (B/L)
After breakfast, depart by KTX train (2 hours) to Gyeongju, the spiritual and cultural capital of Korea.
A city tour of what is known as the "Museum without walls". This former capital of the Shilla Kingdom was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in the year 2000. Visit the Bulguksa Temple (UNESCO), built with excellent architectural techniques, and is considered the essence of Silla culture, then the Seokguram Grotto (UNESCO). This cave, built in the 8th century on the slopes of Mount Toham, contains a monumental statue of Buddha looking out to sea. It is a masterpiece of Buddhist art in the Far East.
Lunch in a local restaurant.
After lunch, walk through the Tumuli Park, dotted with 23 tombs of the rulers of the Shilla kingdom and their families, and visit the tomb of the "Heavenly Horse". During archaeological excavations, many treasures were discovered and are now on display. Then continue the visit to Noseo-dong Tombs (ancient graves in the shape of huge mounds like small hills), before a final stop at the oldest observatory in the Far East, the Cheomseongdae Tower built in 634, where the royal astronomers studied the movement of the stars and predicted the sun and moon eclipses.
In the late afternoon, transfer by private vehicle (with guide) to Busan.
Dinner at leisure and overnight in Busan.
Day 4: Wednesday: Busan (B/L)
After breakfast, depart to the cultural village of Gamcheon, an ancient hilltop district. The houses here were built by refugees fleeing the Korean War. Today, it's an artistic village decorated with murals and sculptures created by residents. Then, stroll through the Jagalchi the largest fish market in South Korea and the international market selling all kinds of goods.
Lunch in a local restaurant.
In the early afternoon stop at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery, the only one of its kind in the world, managed by the United Nations since 1960. The site pays tribute to the 37,895 members of the UN forces who fell during the Korean War between 1950 and 1953.
Dinner at leisure and overnight in Busan.
Note:
For the visit of the United Nations Memorial Cemetery, please respect the following dress code:
• No tracksuits
• No clothing that exposes too much of the body (tank tops, etc.)
• No flip-flops or sandals with strings
• No clothing designed for physical exercise (hats/sun caps, masks, gloves, etc.)
Day 5: Thursday: Busan / Seoul (B)
In the morning, unguided transfer by KTX train to Seoul. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel by our representative.
The rest of the day in Seoul is free for final shopping.
Dinner at leisure and overnight in Seoul.
Day 6: Friday: Seoul (B)
After breakfast, day at leisure OR: OPTIONAL EXCURSION: CHEORWON DMZ
Dinner at leisure and overnight in Seoul.
Day 7: Saturday: Seoul / Departure (B)
Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to Incheon airport by a private vehicle (without a guide).
End of our services.
