9 days Highlights Tour to Korea
Korea's cultural heritage sites reflect a rich and diverse history, spanning from ancient times, such as the Dolmen sites, to the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910). These sites showcase a remarkable blend of artistic elegance and scientific ingenuity, evident in traditional architectural structures like royal palaces, temples, and stone monuments. Notably, the depositories for the Tripitaka Koreana woodblocks at Haeinsa Temple, as well as Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple, stand out as iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites located in the southeastern region of Korea.
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.
After breakfast, pick up at your hotel around 08:30-09:00 am. You will take full day sightseeing in Seoul: Jogyesa Temple; Gyeongbokgung Palace; The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony; National Folk Museum; Korean Ginseng Centre or Amethyst shop. Continue to Insadong Antique Shop Alley, Namsan Hanok Village and N Seoul Tower for a bird’s eyes view of Seoul city. Return to your hotel.
This morning is at leisure; at noon transferred to the train station for your KTX high speed train to Busan; upon arrival, met and transferred to your hotel.
Start your day at Korea’s largest traditional seafood market - Jagalchi Fish Market then explore Gamcheon Culture Village, known for its colourful houses built in a staircase-fashion on the foothills of a coastal mountain, often referred to as the "Machu Picchu of Busan.". In the afternoon, experience traditional rice cake-making, immersing yourself in a hands-on cultural activity. Visit Haeundae Beach, Busan’s most famous beach, known for its beautiful coastline and lively atmosphere. Then proceed to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, renowned for its picturesque setting with views of the blue ocean, a white sandy beach, and surrounding Camellia and pine forests, making it one of Busan’s eight scenic sites. Transfer to Gyeongju (approximately 1.5 hours by car) and enjoy a night tour of Gyeongju Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, a secondary palace from the Silla Kingdom era. At night, admire the enchanting reflections of the Imhaejeon Hall in the tranquil waters of Wolji Pond.
Depart for Gyeongju, often called a "museum without walls." This city, which became the capital of the Shilla Dynasty around 57 BC and remained so for about 1,000 years, is rich in historical heritage and has many significant sites. You will visit Gyeongju National Museum: Explore a wide range of artifacts and treasures from the Shilla Dynasty. Cheomseongdae Astronomical Observatory: Visit the oldest existing astronomical observatory in Asia. In the afternoon we will visit Seokguram Grotto: Tour this UNESCO World Heritage site, an artificial stone temple made of granite located on the eastern peak of Mt. Toham. Inside the main hall, you'll find the Bonjon Statue, Bodhisattva, and his disciples. Bulguksa Temple: the UNESCO World Heritage temple known for its stunning architecture and exquisite stone relics, highly praised by visitors worldwide. Move to Daegu city, the largest and central city of this province. Check in at your hotel.
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. Afterwards transfer to Andong Hahoe Village which has preserved the housing architecture and the village structure of the Joseon Dynasty, and people still living there. The Hahoe Village has become world-famous for the visit of the Queen Elizabeth II of Britain few years ago. Then transfer to Gangneung, one of 2018 Pyeongchang Olympic Cities.
Depart to Seoraksan National Park where 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, an ancient temple with deep historical significance, built by a great monk Jajangyulsa (590~658). (Optional Gwongeumseong cable car @ USD20.00). Gwongeumseong is a site of castle ruins located on the steep Dol Mountain of Seoraksan National Park area. After sightseeing of Seoraksan National Park, continue our journey to Seoul and check in your hotel.
07:30 Pickup from your hotel and drive to Imjingak Park; you will have ID check at Unification Bridge before we head to DMZ theatre & Exhibition Hall. Then followed by visiting the third infiltration tunnel-Dorasan Observatory and Dorasan Station. Retun to hotel.
Note: DMZ tour can be cancelled by the Government due to unexpected local circumstance without any notice. In case of cancellation, alternative tour course will be provided Hotel - Imjingak Park - Freedom Bridge - Peace Gondola - Odu Unification Observatory (can see the North Korea at here) - Drop off city Hall.
Today is at leisure 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: EssenceKorea25
Travelling | Price pp | Single Supplement | |
---|---|---|---|
All Year Round 2025- Tuesday Departure | $4,750 | $1,460 | Book |
Remarks
- Depart Tuesday all year round except Blackout dates in 2025
- Land only prices, no international air tickets included except specified. Korean domestic High speed train Seoul - Busan included.
- Itineraries are subject to minor change upon local arrangement
- Minimum of 2 participants for guaranteed departure.
- Twin share 4* hotel at Seoul Grand Swisst, Busan Wyndham Grand Hotel, Gyeongju Lahan Hotel; Daegu Interbulgo EXCO Hotel, Pyeongchang Ramada Hotel or similar
- High Season Surcharge: Extra $180 (twin share) for departures of July, August and 21DEC 2025; single supplement $1650.
- Blackout date: 21JAN, 28JAN, 30SEP, 7OCT, 30DEC
- 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. Itinerary is subject to minor change upon local arrangement.
Inclusions
- Twin share 4* hotel at Seoul Grand Swiss Hotel, Busan Wyndham Grand Hotel, Gyeongju Lahan Hotel; Daegu Interbulgo EXCO Hotel, Pyeongchang Ramada Hotel or similar
- Korean domestic high speed train Seoul - Busan.
- Fully inclusive seat in coach group tour with English speaking guide, all transfers and entrance fees as per itinerary.