• Return economy-class flights from Australia to South Korea. Taxes included
• Airport transfers on the first and last day of tour
• All touring in air-conditioned vehicles
• High-speed train from Gyeongju to Seoul
• Tipping Made Easy, $90 pp pre-paid
• 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner and group welcome and farewell dinners

• Witness the changing of the guard ceremony at Gyeongbokgung Palace
• Visit The Blue House
• Learn how to make Korea’s famous traditional side dish, kimchi
• Visit the iconic N Seoul Tower’s observation deck for beautiful views over Seoul
• Explore the lively Gwangjang Market, a great place for street food
• See the 18th century Hwaseong Fortress and experience a traditional archery lesson
• Stroll through a Hanok Village with its traditional ‘Hanok’ houses
• Visit the Buddhist Tapsa Temple
• Experience Korean culture and try the unique therapies and treatments at Jinan Red Ginseng Spa
• Stroll through the Juknokwon Bamboo Garden
• Visit the Mudeungsan National Park and ride the monorail
• Gain understanding about traditional Korean way of life at the Gwangju Traditional Culture Centre
• Learn about traditional Korean etiquette and wearing of Hanbok clothing
• Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Naganeupseong Folk Village in Suncehon
• Visit Suncheonman Bay Wetland Reserve and enjoy a cruise to see the bird life
• Travel on the Yeosu Maritime Cable Car
• Visit Hadong Starway Skywalk
• Explore Hwagae Market
• Visit Ssanggyesa Temple
• Explore the coastal Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
• View amazing scenery along the Igidae Coastal Walk
• Look out to sea from the Oryukdo Skywalk
• Pay tribute to the UN soldiers and aids who lost their lives during the Korean War at the UN Memorial Cemetery
• Enjoy a tea ceremony with monks at Bulguksa Temple and visit Seokguram Grotto
• Visit the Gyeongju Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond
• View the Wolijeonggyo Brigde at night
• Visit the Cheomseongdae Observatory, Daereungwon Tomb Complex and the Cheonma Tumuli
• Visit Gyeongju National Museum
• Travel on the KTX bullet train back to Seoul
• Visit the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) that separates North and South Korea, including Freedom Bridge, Dora Observatory and 3rd Infiltration Tunnel

Itinerary  (Departures 5 April 2023 – 20 March 2024)*

Day 1 Depart Australia

Day 2 Arrive Seoul
Welcome to South Korea, a country rich in history with varied landscapes and an abundance of unique experiences. With a population of over 10 million, the country’s capital, Seoul is South Korea’s economic, political and administrative centre. One of the most fascinating observations of this city is how its traditional past mixes with its modern present.

This afternoon is free for you to enjoy at leisure. Why not take a stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village? Wander through the narrow alleyways home to hundreds of traditional Hanok houses, some dating back over 600 years.

We’ll enjoy a group welcome dinner this evening.

Day 3 Seoul
We’ll experience old and new Seoul today, beginning at the beautiful Gyeongbokgung Palace where we’ll witness the changing of the guard ceremony. Built in 1395 and now a collection of museums and historical sites, the palace is surrounded by gardens and ancient stone pagodas. We’ll then visit the newly opened official residence and office of South Korea’s president for 74 years, The Blue House.

SPECIAL EXPERIENCE
Learn all about Korea’s fascinating cuisine at a kimchi making experience, South Korea’s staple side dish made from fermented vegetables.

Next, we’ll visit the observation deck of Seoul’s N Tower. The ‘N’ is often mistaken for ‘North’, but it in fact stands for ‘New’, ‘Namsan’ (being located on Mt Namsan), and ‘Nature’. The iconic tower was built in 1969 and opened to the public in 1980, welcoming thousands from around the globe each year.

Our final stop for today is the Gwangjang Market. Known as one of the best places for authentic Korean street food, it is one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in South Korea and is famous for the Mung Bean pancake.

Day 4 Seoul – Suwon – Jeonju
Calling all lovers of food! Named as a UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy in 2012, the city of Jeonju is home to a glorious variety of traditional dishes, talented chefs, and innovative food festivals. The captivating city will also transport you back to a distinct moment in history with hundreds of Hanok, the traditional wooden houses lived in by Korea’s upper class.

We’ll leave the metropolis of Seoul this morning and make our way to Suwon to visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Suwon Hwaseong Fortress. Constructed from 1794 to 1796, the walls of the fortress stretch for almost 6 kilometres and surround the centre of the city. Here, we’ll take part in a traditional archery lesson.

Upon arrival in Jeonju, we will step back in time during a tour of the Jeonju Hanok Village. The village is made up of over 800 traditional Korean houses and is tucked behind the rest of industrialised Jeonju. Hanok houses are known for their beautiful carved roofs and are generally divided into two sections, Anchae, where the women stay and Sarangchae, where the men stay.

Enjoy an evening at leisure to find a local restaurant for dinner. As the birthplace of the popular bibimbap dish, why not try the rice dish in the place it originated from?

Day 5 Jeonju – Damyang – Gwangju
Active day
Creativity and politics come together to create the quirky city of Gwangju. Referred to as the birthplace of Korean democracy, politics plays a big role in the city’s identity. Art is also popular in the city with many museums, galleries and a street dedicated to art.

This morning we’ll venture south to Mt. Maisan and Tapsa Temple en route to Gwangju. This Buddhist temple complex is constructed entirely out of stones, making for a very impressive sight!

Next, we’ll visit the nearby town of Jinan-gun to learn about Spas, and how they are a very important part of life in Korea. The spa culture at Jinan Red Ginseng Spa is second to none.

SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

Enjoy a traditional spa experience and try the unique array of facilities and treatments, including ‘bubble sense therapy’ and ‘sound floating’.

The traditional spa sees gender combined and swimwear and bathing caps required. These can be hired at the spa if required for a small fee. Enjoy the freedom to experience any of the themed rooms, including herbal bed therapy, bubble therapy, aromatherapy, mud therapy, stone therapy, floating therapy, outdoor pools with amazing views, and more.

This afternoon, before arriving in Gwangju, we’ll visit the Juknokwon Bamboo Garden. Here, we’ll stroll through the garden’s path surrounded by towering bamboo and enjoy some peace and tranquility.

Day 6 Gwangju
We travel into the surrounding mountainous area just outside of Gwangju this morning. The Mudeungsan National Park is home to some incredible scenery and beautiful temples. We’ll ride the park’s monorail to see the incredible vistas before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant back in Gwangju.

This afternoon, we’ll get the opportunity to delve into the traditional culture of South Korea during a visit to the Gwangju Traditional Cultural Centre. Here, we’ll have the chance to try on the Hanbok – the traditional Korean dress and learn about customary etiquette. Afterwards, we’ll enjoy free time at Chungjang-ro Street, the city’s premier fashion district lined with boutiques, shopping malls, restaurants, cafes and more.

Day 7 Gwangju – Suncheon – Yeosu
Located on South Korea’s East China border, the port city of Yeosu is home to a spectacular coastline with cliffs, islands and peninsulas. In 2012, the city was host to the World Expo. Along the way to Yeosu today we’ll stop at Suncheon to visit the Naganeupseong Folk Village. Surrounded by Joseon-period fortress walls, the village is Korea’s best-preserved fortress town with traditional houses lining the narrow alleyways. We’ll also visit the Suncheonman Bay Wetland reserve and cruise along the water to spot the local birdlife.

Arriving in Yeosu in the afternoon, we will have some free to freshen up before riding the famous Yeosu Maritime Cable Car for panoramic ocean and mountain views.

Day 8 Yeosu – Busan
South Korea’s second largest city, Busan is a picturesque bustling port city surrounded by stunning mountains, home to beaches, hot springs and delicious seafood. The city is jam packed with experiences including, visiting the vibrant fish market, shopping in local boutiques, soaking in a natural hot spring, savouring tasty street food, spending time at the beach and more.

We’ll transfer to Hadong this morning where we will visit the Starway Skywalk, a 20-meter-high star-shaped observation platform constructed 150 meters above the Seomjingang River. Next, we enjoy some free time at Hwagae Market. With a variety of local products and delicacies, why not try something new for lunch. Our final stop for today is Ssangyesa Temple, famous for the large stretch of cherry blossom trees that bloom each spring.

Tonight, we’ll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Busan.

Day 9 Busan
Active day
We explore the sights of Busan today, starting with a visit to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. The Buddhist temple situated on the coast of the north eastern portion of Busan, offers stunning ocean views, intriguing history and architectural beauty.

We continue to Igidae Park, where we’ll walk along the park’s coastal path for views across the ocean and of the city’s skyline. We will also step out on the Oryukdo Skywalk, located at the dividing point of the East and South Sea. We’ll then visit the UN Memorial Cemetery which honours the lives of soldiers and UN aids lost during the Korean War in the 1950s.

Day 10 Busan – Gyeongju
We travel to Gyeongju this morning, known as ‘the museum without walls.’ The city has more tombs, temples, rock carvings, pagodas, Buddhist statuary and palace ruins than any other place in South Korea.

Our day begins at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bulguksa Temple. First built in 528 AD during the Silla Dynasty, then reconstructed in 751 AD, the temple encompasses seven of the National Treasures of South Korea. Perhaps some of the most impressive treasures are the two pagodas and two gilt-bronze statues of Buddha.

SPECIAL EXPERIENCE
At the Bulguksa Temple, relish the experience of a tea ceremony with monks.

Later we’ll take the 3km scenic walk to our next stop, the Seokguram Grotto. This artificial grotto is made from granite and is also a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site.

After sunset we visit Gyeongju Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, formerly known as Anapji, an artificial pond in Gyeongju National Park. The site is almost 1500 years old and was once home to the crown prince during the reign of King Munmu.

In the evening we’ll enjoy the stunning night views of the Wolijeonggyo Bridge.

Day 11 Gyeongju – Seoul
This morning we travel to the Cheomseongdae Observatory, Cheomseongdae means ‘star-gazing tower’ in Korean. The tower dates back to the 7th century and the Silla Dynasty, making it the oldest surviving observatory in East Asia. We’ll also visit Tumuli Park, with more than 20 large and small tombs from the Shilla period. From the outside, the tombs resemble substantial grassy hillocks that echo the mountains outside town.

We’ll also pay a visit to the nearby Gyeongju National Museum, one of the most prominent museums in Korea dedicated to the Silla culture. We will spend some time exploring, before boarding the high speed train back to Seoul.

Day 12 Seoul
Our day is spent exploring Korea’s Demilitarised Zone. We visit Freedom Bridge at Imjingak Village, board the monorail through the 3rd infiltration tunnel, and see the DMZ Exhibition Area. Korea is officially the only divided country in the world and has been since the Korean War of 1950 – 1953. This zone was established by both sides and is 2 kilometres on either side of the Military Demarcation Line, running 250 kilometres across the Korean Peninsula.

SPECIAL EXPERIENCE
Visit the exceptional Demilitarised Zone that separates North and South Korea and gain understanding of Korean history and culture.

Our tour continues at the Dora Observatory and Dorasan Station, which will allow us to look into North Korea and the village of Kijŏng-dong. Often referred to as the propaganda village, it was designed by the North Koreans to show that the North is living a life of prosperity. A closer look indicates that they are all concrete shells with no windows and automatic lighting that switches on and off at designated times to suggest activity!

Tonight, we’ll enjoy a group farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant accompanied by a traditional Korean performance.

Day 13 Depart Seoul
Today marks the end of our time in South Korea. We hope you leave with fantastic memories!

Day 14 Arrive Australia

*Please enquire for 13 Day Itinerary