10D9N – A Journey through South Korea (Small Group Tour)

Overview

Day 1 Arrival at Incheon International Airport

Since 2005, Incheon International Airport has been rated as one of the best airports in the world. Upon arriving at Incheon Airport, take public transport (airport shuttle or railway) or a taxi to your hotel located in central Seoul and check-in. Settle down, relax or explore the city as you have the rest of the day for yourself. You can, for example, enjoy the nearest night market, which is located Myeongdong, this district is one of the busiest places in the city as it is a stunning shopping district with many shops selling well-known brand clothes, shoes, accessories, but also cosmetics and K-pop goods.

Day 2 Visit the landmarks of Seoul – Gyeongbokgung Palace & Namsan Tower

On the 2nd day, the tour starts at 09:30 a.m., our guide will accompany you to the landmarks of Seoul city. Gyeongbokgung Palace, built-in 1395, is also commonly referred to as the Northern Palace because it is located at the North of Changdeokgung and Gyeonghuigung Palace. Gyeongbokgung is arguably the most beautiful and largest of all the five palaces in South Korea. The other landmarks you will see on that day include Presidential Blue House, Bukchon Hanok Village, Insadong Street, Jogyesa Temple, and Gwangjang Market. You will end your day, at the top of Namsan mountain, at Seoul Tower where you can enjoy a beautiful panorama of the city line.

Day 3 See the demarcation of North Korea and South Korea at the infamous border (DMZ)

Visit the 3rd tunnel discovered in 1978 by South Korean forces. It spans over 1,635 m (5364 ft) in length, 2 m (6.6 ft) in width and 2 m (6.6 ft) in height and is located 52 km (32 mi) from Seoul. It is estimated that 30,000 soldiers could go through the tunnel per hour. Its dimensions are similar to the 2nd tunnel, but it was thought to be more threatening as an invasion tool than the 1st and 2nd tunnels.

Day 4 Enjoy a culturally rich experience in Gyeonggi province with the multiple modern and historical attractions in Baekje and Jeonju city

Baekje Cultural Land is the largest Korean Historical Theme Park. This place is spread out over 3.3 km marked by the trace of Baekje Culture, this place is also the filming location of famous Korean Variety show ‘Running man’ and the’ TV Drama ‘Scarlet Heart Ryeo’. Explore this beautiful park before heading for Jeonju. Jeonju has been the birthplace of remarkable Korean artists throughout History. Many traditional arts, crafts, and architectural breakthroughs have been attributed to this city. Visit the Jeonju Hanok Heritage Village, home to 800 traditional Korean hanok houses. You can also taste Jeonju food such as the renowned Jeonju bibimbap and try on Hanbok, the traditional Korean clothes.

Day 5 Stroll along the breathtaking tea fields of Korea’s largest green tea plantation

Leave your hotel after breakfast and head for Yeosu. Check-in at the hotel upon arrival before traveling to the legendary tea fields of Boseong, South Korea’s largest green tree plantation. Learn more about the process of making tea. You also have the option of trying different favors if you want to. Visit Nagan Folk Village, where you can find small thatched houses. This still inhabited village, and its various features will take you back to the Korean traditional way of life during the Joseon Dynasty. You will also get to see, during that day, the Seonamsa Temple, Suncheon Bay, and Yeosu Odongdo Island.

Day 6 Busan. Second most populous city after Seoul

You will travel to Busan after breakfast. Upon your arrival, you will check-in at your hotel, which will be located either in Busan or Gyeongju, before heading out to explore the city with your guide. With a population of over 3.5 million inhabitants, Busan is the second-largest city of South Korea and also the economic, cultural and educational center of southeastern Korea. Your itinerary of the day will include visits of the Jagalchi Fish Market, Gamcheon Culture Village, BIFF Square, Oryuko Skywalk, Haedong Yongungsa Temple and will end at the Haeundae Traditional Market.

Day 7 Explore Gyeongju Historic Area (UNESCO World Cultural Heritage)

On that day we will visit an open-air museum and then head to the Bulguksa Temple, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995. At the end of the day, the guide will take you to Seokguram, one of South Korea’s most representative stone temple that is made of granite. The other destinations include Anapji Pond, Cheomseongdae Observatory and the Daereungwon Tomb Complex.

Day 8 Have a wonderful and unforgettable experience in Gangwon-province, with uniquely interesting activities

Drive for about 3 hours from Gyeongju to reach Samcheok, a coastal city composed of mountains, caves, and valleys. Samcheok Rail Bike is the only railbike built next to the ocean and something you have to try at least once in your life. The next stop will be at the intriguing Haesingdang Park, in Sinnam. The park is well-known for its phallic statues. The collection was created by a Korean artist and represent joy, spirit, and sexuality. The small museum next to it has also interesting collections on the sexual iconography overtime.

Day 9 Admire the beautiful scenery of Seoraksan Mountain

After breakfast, visit Mount Seoraksan, which is part of the National Park, and take a cable car to the top. See beautiful coasts as well as mountainous sceneries which follows the seasonal changes with either autumn-hued maple trees in Fall or the intense green trees with some remains of snow in Spring and so on. Before traveling back to Seoul, you will take a walk on the newly built Wonju Sogeumsan Mountain Suspension Bridge.

Day 10 Hotel-Check out

After 9 amazing days, your Trip will come to an end. You can eat breakfast, check-out of the hotel and either head for the airport or continue to stroll around a little bit more.