Jan
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max : 0°C
We Love —
- Embark on an unforgettable 7 day / 6 night tour through South Korea.
- From Seoul to Busan to Gyeongju, you will see some of this country's most important historical and cultural landmarks.
- Stay in 4* hotels along the way for a comfortable stay during your tour through this intriguing country.
New Voyage Privé —
Carefully selected by our experts especially for you
Your Itinerary —
Welcome to South Korea! You will be welcomed in Incheon airport by your guide who will meet you at the arrival gate with a sign. Then transfer to the hotel by minivan with your driver and your guide.
Overnight at your hotel in Seoul with breakfast included.
Wake up for your first full day in Seoul. After breakfast, you will be welcomed by your guide in the hotel lobby and embark on your tour. Your tour will commence with a visit to the Changdeokgung Palace (UNESCO World Heritage). Located at the foot of a mountain, this palace is the second royal residence built after the Gyeongbokgung Palace. This palace was particularly appreciated by the royal family because it blends perfectly into the natural topography of the site, creating a more relaxed atmosphere while maintaining the dignity of a royal palace.
Afterwards, you will visit the Secret Garden, located directly behind the palace. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, Changdeokgung Palace is now considered to be the best preserved and most beautiful of the five royal palaces. (Closed Mondays, visit Gyeongbokgung Palace instead).
The Bukchon Hanok Village (or "Northern Village") is a traditional village located in the middle of the city. This is the perfect place to get an idea of what Seoul was like before the modernisation of the city at the end of the 20th century. Formerly home to aristocrats of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), it now attracts many tourists from around the world thanks to the singular charm of its narrow streets and traditional Korean houses, otherwise known as hanok. Visitors also have the unique opportunity to try hanbok (literally "Korean clothing"), the Korean traditional dress characterised by its bright colors and simple lines. (** Reservations in advance, on request.)
Open a hundred years ago, Gwangjang Market is one of the oldest markets in Seoul. The market is full of food, hanbok, textiles, clothing, refurbished imported goods, furniture, and home accessories needed for traditional wedding ceremonies. The combination of its local atmosphere and the warm welcomes of various local vendors make it one of the most visited places by Koreans and tourists alike. It is easy to find good quality products at a low price in this traditional market. (** Most shops are closed on Sundays).
To end the day in style, there's nothing like a panoramic view of Seoul from Seoul's N Tower. Open for the first time to the public on October 15, 1980, the Seoul Tower has long been considered a tourist hotspot for the view it offers on the megalopolis. Rising on Namsan Mountain, 243 meters high, the Seoul Tower recently had a makeover and has become more beautiful than ever.
Overnight at your hotel in Seoul with breakfast included.
You will be met in the morning by your guide who will drive you to Seoul Station to take the KTX (high speed train) to Gyeongju. A car will be waiting for you at Singyeongju train station in Gyeongju. After lunch (not included), you will start the half-day tour with your English speaking guide and a driver.
Your tour will begin with the Royal Tombs of Daereungwon, large ancient tombs of kings and nobility of the Silla Dynasty (57 BC-935 AD), found in Daereungwon Park. The tombs house the bodies of the king and queen as well as more than 30 thousand relics and gold jewellery. During the visit, you will experience the ancient culture of Korea dating back 1500 years.
Overnight at your hotel in Gyeongju with breakfast included.
Meet your guide and driver at the hotel and embark on a half-day visit to Gyeongju. After, transfer by car to Busan (1 hour 30 minutes drive).
Bulguksa Temple (UNESCO World Heritage) was built to delineate Buddha territory during the Silla era. In 1592, during Japan's invasion of Korea, all wooden buildings were burned while stone constructions survived. The partial renewal of the Bulguksa Temple was carried out between 1969 and 1973, an appearance which then remained intact until today.
The Seokguram Cave (UNESCO World Heritage) is a cave composed mainly of granite. In the middle of the main hall, a sculpture of the Buddha and other sculptures have been harmoniously placed. Most of the stone sculptures, including the Buddha sculpture, have kept their original appearance which dates back to the 8th century.
Half way by car between Gyeongju and Busan is the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a unique temple located along the coast. In addition to the impressive architecture of the temple, it has a fantastic view of the sea.
The main points of interest of the temple are Haesu Gwaneum Daebul, or the great Buddhist goddess of the sea, the main shrine of Daeung-jeon, Yongwangdang Shrine, Gulbeop Buddhist Shrine, the Three-story Pagoda, and Four Lions. The cave is also home to a Buddhist sanctuary. The month of April is the ideal time to visit this temple when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
Overnight in at your hotel in Busan with breakfast included.
Today your tour will bring you to the beautiful maritime city of Busan and later, return to Seoul by train with your guide.
The United Nations Memorial Cemetery is the only United Nations cemetery in the world and is the resting place for 2,300 soldiers from 11 different nations who fell during the Korean War (1950-1953). On the tombs are permanent steles made of bronze plates on which are inscribed the name and the unit of the deceased soldier. For soldiers who could not be buried there, a UN memorial tower was erected.
After, you will head to the Jagalchi Market, South Korea's largest seafood market. Located on the edge of the port of Nampo, the market is stocked daily with freshly caught seafood at dawn and here it is possible to taste before buying! The many booths are mostly held by women, the ajummas (married or middle-aged woman) of Jagalchi, who lost, for the majority of them, the male members of their family during the Korean War. Enjoy lunch in the market (not included).
A few steps away is the Gukje Market, or International Market, the largest and best known outdoor wholesale market in Busan City. After the Korean War, refugees who fled to Busan began to open small shops to earn some income and support themselves. Over time, displays have multiplied and the modest grouping has transformed into the current International Market.
Located on the outskirts of Busan, the village of Gamcheon was once a shantytown with a history dating back to the Korean War. However, under the impetus of local residents and artists, the village has gradually transformed into a large artistic district that has become a staple of Busan. The pastel-coloured paintings that cover the walls of the houses, the overview from the village lookout, and the various traditional cafes and restaurants contribute to its popularity.
At the end of the visit you will transfer by car to Busan station to take the train to Seoul with your guide. You will be accompanied by the guide to your hotel for check-in.
Overnight at your hotel in Seoul with breakfast included.
Today is a day dedicated to the history of South Korea. You will visit the DMZ, the Demilitarised Zone, created on 23 March 1953 after the signing of the Panmunjom armistice. It consists of a narrow strip of land approximately 250 kilometers long and 4 kilometers wide. Serving as a buffer zone between North Korea and South Korea, this cuts the Korean peninsula in two. The DMZ is a symbol of division, but also a symbol of desire for peace from both countries. Your DMZ Tour will visit: Imjingak Park - Tunnel No. 3 - Dora Belvedere - Dora Station - Unification Village - Imjingak Park (approximately 3 hours duration).
Next you will visit the famous district of Gangnam. For a glimpse of New Seoul, nothing is better than strolling this neighbourhood and underground shopping centre in Gangnam Station.
Note: You must bring your passport for this tour. If less than 30 participants this is a group tour.
Overnight at your hotel in Seoul with breakfast included.
Day 7: Departure
After breakfast at the hotel you will be transferred with your driver and guide to Incheon airport for your departure flight back to the UK.
End of services.
Your Hotels —
Depending on availability, you will stay on Bed & Breakfast basis in the following hotels (or of similar standard):
Seoul: Novotel Yongsan 4* in a Superior Double or Twin Room (or similar)
Busan: Haeundae Grand 4* in a Double or Twin Room (or similar)
Gyeongju: The Suites Gyeongju 4* in a Deluxe Twin Room (or similar)
Sleeps up to
2 Adults
or
1 Adult
+ 1 Child
Your Journey —
Flights: The flights included are with either a scheduled or no frills airline and are subject to live availability and prices can change. You can choose your preferred departure times during the booking process. Please select your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ.
Transfers: Transfers are included throughout the itinerary.
