11 days UNESCO World Heritage Tour to Korea visiting Seoul, Jeju Island, Busan, Gyeongju, Daegu, Andong & Mt. Sorak
UNESCO world heritage of Korea refers to both cultural and natural heritage sites registered on its world heritage list.
Since the earliest settlements on the Korean Peninsula and in Southeastern Manchuria during prehistoric times, the people of Korea have developed a distinctive culture based on their unique artistic sensibility. The geographical conditions of the peninsula provided Koreans with opportunities to receive both continental and maritime cultures and ample resources, which in turn enabled them to form unique cultures of interest and value for humanity, both then and now. Korea’s vibrant cultural legacy, comprising art, literature, dance, architecture, clothing and cuisine, offers a delightful combination of tradition and modernity, and is now appreciated in many parts of the world. The volcanic island of Jeju-do has been chosen as UNESCO natural heritage for its outstandingly beautiful and natural environment that is significant for its geological features and ecological value.
This tour takes you to visit almost World Heritage in Korea designated by UNESCO in culture, nature and intangible culture.
Upon arrival at Incheon International Airport you are met by our representative and transfer to check in your hotel. The rest of day is at your leisure.
At 08:40, meet your guide in the hotel lobby and visit
Gyeongbokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore the traditional houses of Bukchon Hanok Village,
then stroll through Insadong, known for its teahouses,
antiques and handicrafts. Continue to the National
Museum of Korea to discover ancient artefacts, Buddhist
art and national treasures. End the day in Myeongdong,
with time to browse cosmetics and fashion stores and
sample Korean street food.
This morning is at leisure; at noon transferred to the airport for your fight to Jeju Island. Upon arrival, met and transferred to your hotel and check in.
After breakfast, visit Hyupjae Beach and the tranquil Spirited Garden with its bonsai trees and ponds. Explore the O’sulloc Tea Museum to learn about Korean tea culture, then enjoy the Sanbang Mountain Cruise. Continue to Cheonjeyeon Falls, a beautiful three-tier waterfall known as “The Pond of God.” Transfer back to your hotel.
After breakfast, visit Jeolmul Natural Forest, a cedar forest growing inside the crater of a small volcano. Continue to Seongeup Folk Village to learn about Jeju’s traditional culture. Visit the Haenyeo Museum to see exhibits of Jeju’s famous female divers, or enjoy the Haenyeo performance (UNESCO-listed). Next, explore Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, a 5,000-year-old volcanic tuff cone rising 180m above sea level. hen tour the Jeju Stone Park, an ecological and cultural museum showcasing Jeju’s unique stone heritage.
Transfer to Jeju Airport for your domestic flight to Busan. Upon arrival, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel.
After breakfast, meet your guide for a full-day tour of Busan. Start at Haeundae Beach, the city’s most famous stretch of white sand. Continue along the scenic Dalmaji-gil Road to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, dramatically located on Busan’s northeastern coast. Next, explore the colourful Gamcheon Culture Village, known for its hillside “staircase” houses and artistic streets. Visit Jagalchi Fish Market, Korea’s largest seafood market, followed by BIFF Square. Enjoy a traditional rice cake–making experience with a master maker (available for groups of 8 or more). In the afternoon, transfer to Gyeongju (1.5 hours). Visit Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, once a secondary palace of the Silla crown prince, where the illuminated night reflections create a beautiful scene. ( Donggung Palace/Wolji Pond night visit may be unavailable when staying in Ulsan)
Travel to Gyeongju, often described as “a museum without walls”, the ancient capital of the Shilla Dynasty for nearly 1,000 years. Discover its rich heritage as you visit the Gyeongju National Museum, the historic Cheomseongdae Observatory, and the UNESCO-listed Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple, both celebrated for their remarkable architecture and cultural significance. After exploring Gyeongju’s highlights, continue to Daegu, the largest city in the region, where you will check in to your hotel and enjoy a restful evening.
Drive to Gayasan National Park and visit Haeinsa Temple, which was founded by King Ae-Jang of Shilla Dynasty (802), with 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. Afterwards transfer to Andong Hahoe Village which has preserved the housing architecture and the village structure of the Joseon Dynasty. People still living inside the village. The Hahoe Village has become world-famous after the visit of the Queen Elizabeth II few years ago. Then transfer to Gangneung, one of 2018 Pyeongchang Olympic Cities.
Travel to Woljeongsa Temple for a cultural experience that may include learning temple etiquette, a guided temple tour, walking meditation or a conversation with a monk, and a traditional monastic meal. (Temple stay programs require a minimum of 8 participants.) Continue to Seoraksan National Park, famous for its dramatic cloud-piercing peaks and jade-colored valleys. The park was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1982 for its rich biodiversity and rare species. Visit Sinheungsa Temple, an ancient temple founded by the renowned monk Jajangyulsa (590–658).
An optional ride on the Gwongeumseong Cable Car (USD 20 per person) offers stunning views of the mountain and the historic castle ruins. After exploring Seoraksan, transfer to Seoul and check in to your hotel.
After breakfast, meet your guide at your hotel at 08:00 for a
half-day DMZ tour. Visit Imjingak Park, cross Unification
Bridge and complete an identity check before exploring the
DMZ Theatre and Exhibition Hall, Third Infiltration Tunnel
and Dora Observatory. Continue to Unification Village,
followed by an amethyst or ginseng centre. The tour ends at
Seoul City Hall. Enjoy free time in the city before returning
to your hotel independently by taxi, subway or on foot. Your
passport is required. The tour does not operate on Mondays
or national holidays.
Today is at leisure (subject to hotel check out time policy) until in time transfer to the airport for your flight bound for your next destination.
The Beauty of Korea
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AVAILABLE
Tour code: BeautyKorea27
| Travelling | Price pp | Single Supplement | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Year Round 2027- Sunday Departure | $5,880 | $2,080 | Book |
Remarks
- Depart Sunday all year round except Blackout dates in 2027
- Land only prices, no international air tickets included except specified. Korean domestic economy flights Seoul – Jeju Island – Busan included.
- Itineraries are subject to minor change upon local arrangement
- Minimum of 2 participants for guaranteed departure.
- Twin share 4* hotel at Seoul The Link Hotel, Jeju Shinhwa World Marriott, Busan Wyndham Grand Hotel, Gyeongju Lahan Hotel; Daegu Interbulgo EXCO Hotel, Pyeongchang Ramada Hotel or similar
- High season: 4Jul, 11Jul, 15Aug, 22ugG, 19Dec, 26Dec with Price: $6430 pp. S.S $2860.
- Remarks: Depart every Sunday all year round except Blackout dates - Lunar New Year, Korean Thanksgiving, End of Year Holidays; Christmas and New Year Holidays period) 31Jan, 7Feb, 18Jul, 25Jul, 01Aug, 8Aug, 12Sep 2027.
- Exclusions: International air travel, tipping for the guide and driver, optional tour; personal expenses; travel insurance, items not mentioned in above itinerary, unscheduled meals etc.
- All bookings are subject to availability and final confirmation.
Inclusions
- Twin share 4* hotel at Seoul Swiss Grand Hotel, Jeju Grand Hyatt, Busan Wyndham Grand Hotel, Gyeongju Lahan Hotel; Daegu Interbulgo EXCO Hotel, Pyeongchang Ramada Hotel or similar
- Korean domestic economy flights Seoul – Jeju Island – Busan
- Fully inclusive seat in coach group tour with English speaking guide, all transfers and entrance fees as per itinerary.