The Beauty of the Korea Fall foliage Discover 9days 8nights
Accommodation: Best selected 4star hotels located in the heart of downtown.
Tour Guide: Best selected Licensed English speaking guides, who are passionate, well-trained, and knowledgeable to create a truly unforgettable experience.
Tour condition: Premium quality Service, Comfort, Hassle-free Travel, Not too rushed.
Lasting from September through November, the mild days of fall make it the most pleasant time of the year. The temperature varies greatly from day to night. The mountains, when blanketed with vivid golden and red autumnal leaves under the clear blue sky, are breathtaking.
ItineraryDay 1: Arrival - HotelStop At: KOREA DMC TOUR CO., LTD., #127, Mapodae-ro, Mapo-gu Suite 409, Seoul 04144 South Korea
Local guide picks you up at the airport and transfers to hotel
Duration: 1 hour
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Seoul (Incheon)
Day 2: Seoul - Gyeongju by KTX TrainStop At: Culture Station Seoul 284, 1, Tongil-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul 04509 South Korea
This morning, we transfer to Seoul KTX rail Station, KTX runs a maximum operating speed of 350 km/h (217 mph). The targeted top speed was later increased to 370 km/h (230 mph).
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Gyeongju Historic Area, 162-27, Noseo-dong, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 780-932 South Korea
the century old historical Gyeongju City, the 1,000 year old Capital of the Shilla Dynasty. The Gyeongju Historic Areas were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. The protected areas encompass the ruins of temples and palaces, outdoor pagodas and statuary, and other cultural artifacts left by the Silla Kingdom. The historic areas are also known as one of the largest outdoor museums in the world.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Bulguksa Temple, Bulguksa 385 Bulguk-ro, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 38127 South Korea
Bulguksa Temple is the representative relic of Gyeongju and was designated as a World Cultural Asset by UNESCO in 1995. The beauty of the temple itself and the artistic touch of the stone relics are known throughout the world.
Bulguksa Temple was built in 528 during the Silla Kingdom, in the 15th year of King Beop-Heung's reign (514-540). The temple was originally called ‘Hwaeom Bulguksa Temple’ or ‘Beopryusa Temple’ and was rebuilt by Kim Dae-Seong (700-774), who started rebuilding the temple in 751 during the reign of King Gyeong-Deok (r. 742-765) and completed it in 774 during the reign of King Hye-Gong (r. 765-780). Upon completion, the temple’s name was changed to Bulguksa.
Bulguksa Temple underwent numerous renovations from the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) to the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), but was burned down during the Imjin War (Japanese Invasions, 1592-1598).
Reconstruction started again in 1604 during the 37th year of King Seon-jo’s reign (Joseon Dynasty) and was renovated about 40 times until 1805 (during the reign of King Sun-Jo, 1790-1834). After this time, the temple suffered serious damage and was often the target of robbers.
In 1969, the Bulguksa Temple Restoration Committee was formed and in 1973, Mulseoljeon, Gwaneumjeon, Birojeon, Gyeongru, and Hoerang (all of which had previously been demolished) were rebuilt. Other old or broken sites (such as Daeungjeon, Geungnakjeon, Beomyeongnu and Jahamun) were repaired.
Even today, Bulguksa Temple is home to many important cultural relics such as Dabotap Pagoda (National Treasure No. 20), Seokgatap Pagoda (National Treasure No. 21), Yeonhwa-gyo & Chilbo-gyo Bridges (National Treasure No. 22), Cheongun-gyo & Baegun-gyo Bridges (National Treasure No. 23), Seokguram Grotto (National Treasure No. 24), the Golden Seated Vairocana Buddhist Figure (National Treasure No. 26), the Golden Seated Amita Figure (National Treasure No. 27), and Saritap Pagoda (Treasure No. 61).
Current Status
UNESCO World Heritage / Historic Site No. 502 (Designated on December 21, 2009)
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Seokguram, 999 Jinhyeon-dong, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 780-400 South Korea
Seokguram, located on Tohamsan Mountain, is the representative stone temple of Korea. The official name of Seokguram, National Treasure No. 24, is Seokguram Seokgul. Designated as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995, it is an artificial stone temple made of granite. The construction was started by Kim Dae-Seong (700-774) in 751 during the reign of King Gyeong-Deok (742-765) of the Silla Kingdom (57 BC - AD 935) and it was finished twenty-four years later in 774, during the reign of King Hye-Gong (765-780).
Seokguram is known to have been built at the same time as Bulguksa Temple. According to the history book Samgukyusa of the Goryeo Dynasty (the country that unified the Korean peninsula at the end of the Silla Kingdom, 918-1392), Kim Dae-Seong had Bulguksa Temple built for his parents in his current life, and Seokguram Grotto for the parents of his former life.
Inside the round-shaped main hall are the Bonjon Statue, Bodhi-sattva and his disciples. The Bonjon figure wearing a generous smile is seated on the stage engraved with a lotus flower design. The rounded ceiling looks like a half-moon or a bow and has a lotus flower decorated cover on it. The view of the sunrise is quite beautiful and many people hike the mountain at daybreak.
Current Status
National Treasure No. 24 (designated on December 20, 1962)
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Daereungwon Tomb Complex, 9 Gaerim-ro, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 38165 South Korea
Within Daereungwon Tomb Complex is Cheonmachong Tomb (Ancient Tomb No. 155), which was excavated in 1973. Cheonmachong Tomb consists of a wooden coffin placed inside an underground chamber mounded with boulders and earth, characterized as a typical upper class tomb of the Silla period. The mound has a height of 12.7 m with a diameter of 50 m, and consists of a layer of rocks collected from streams. Below the rock layer is a wooden chamber with a length of 6.5 m and a width of 2.1, reaching 2.1 m in height, with the wooden coffin at its center. A total of 11,526 artifacts were discovered within the tomb, including Cheonmado, an artwork considered to be highly valuable as it is Korea's first artwork to be excavated from an ancient tomb.
Current Status
[Daereungwon Ancient Tomb Complex, Gyeongju]
Historic Site No. 512 (Designated on July 28, 2011)
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Cheomseongdae Observatory, 140-25 Cheomseong-ro, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 38170 South Korea
Cheomseongdae is the oldest existing astronomical observatory in Asia.
Constructed during the reign of Queen Seon-deok (r. 632-647), it was used to observe stars in order to forecast the weather. This stone structure is a beautiful combination of straight lines and curves, and was designated as National Treasure No.31 on December 20th, 1962.
Cheomseongdae was built in a cylinder shape with stones 30cm in diameter. 362 stones were piled up to make 27 levels. Roughly 4.16m up from the bottom there is a 1㎡ square entrance and a space to hang a ladder under it.
The inside is filled with soil up to the 12th level, and the 19th, 20th, 25th, and 26th levels all have long rocks hanging on two areas, shaped as the Chinese letter '井' (jeong).
It stands 9.17m high and the base stone on each side measures 5.35m.
The Vernal Equinox, Autumnal Equinox, Winter Solstice, Summer Solstice and the 24 solar terms (also known as the astronomical solar year) were determined by observating of stars. The pavilion stone is believed to have been used as a standard of deciding directions, north, south, east and west. The 362 stones used to build Cheomseongdae represented the 362 days in a lunar year.
Current Status
National Treasure No.31 (Designated on December 20, 1962)
Duration: 30 minutes
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Overnight in Gyeongju, 4star hotel
Day 3: Gyeongju - Busan ✈- Jejudo IslandStop At: Jagalchi Market, Nampo-dong, Jung-gu, Busan South Korea
Jagalchi Market, located on the shoreside road in Busan's Jung-gu, is Korea's largest seafood market, selling both live and dried fish. After the Korean War, the market solidified itself as a fish market. Most of the people who sell fish are women, so the vendors here are called Jagalchi Ajumma, "ajumma" meaning middle-aged or married woman in Korean.
This market represents Busan and is famous throughout the country. Visitors can eat fresh raw fish right at the market. Even nowadays visitors can see women selling mackerel, sea squirts (ascidians) and whale meat on wooden boxes along the road outside of the market and along the shore.
Every year in October, the Jagalchi Cultural Tourism Festival is held, and it is easy to visit because of the convenient transportation provided by subway. Jagalchi Market is where you can see the lifestyle of the Busan locals.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Yongduam Rock, 15, Yongduam-gil, Jeju, Jeju Island 63152 South Korea
Situated to the north of Jeju City, Yongduam was created by strong winds and waves over thousands of years. However, there are plenty of other stories of how it came to be. One legend has it that a dragon stealing precious jade from Mt. Halla was shot down by an arrow from the mountain deity. When he fell down on Yongduam, his body immediately sank into the ocean and his head rapidly froze looking at the sky. Another legend has it that a white horse, who dreamed of being a dragon and ascending to the sky, came to be caught by a soldier and froze into the rock.
From Yongduam, visitors can see Haeneo women divers working on catching seafood. Near the rock are various cafes, bars, and restaurants. The coastal road between Aewol-eup and Yongduam is a popular spot for couples. Cafes and seafood restaurants began to appear there five years ago and now form a pleasant café village.
Drinking a cup of coffee at the village café and driving along the scenic coastal lines, visitors can encounter Iho Beach where black rocks contrast with the emerald-blue ocean, Hagwi Coast, and Aewol Port. Aewol Port is also home to small seafood restaurants and fishing boats coming in and out, adding flavor to the coastal drive. Further from the port is one of the most popular beaches on Jeju Island, Hyeopjae Beach, showcasing the deep royal-blue sea year-round with splendid white sand.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Overnight in Jejudo, 4star hotel
Day 4: Jejudo IslandStop At: Sangumburi Crater, San38, Gyorae-ri, Jocheon-eup, Jeju, Jeju Island South Korea
Sangumburi (산굼부리) is a crater with a circumference of over 2 km, and has been designated as a Natural Monument. It is located on the southeast side of Jeju-si, and is a flat crater, about 650 meters wide, 100 meters deep, and 2,070 meters in circumference. If you look at the crater from above up, it looks like a man-made circular stadium. There is a variety of plant-life in the crater. On the north side, Nandaeseong vegetation such as red-thorn trees, and magnolia trees grow, along with the rare winter strawberries. On the south side of the crater, Ondaerim vegetation such as evergreens, maples, and mountain strawberry trees cover the area. Because so many different kinds of trees and plants grow in such a limited space, it attracts the attention of researchers as well.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Ilchul Land, Samdal-ri, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo, Jeju Island 699-905 South Korea
With the aim of contributing to development of the tourism industry in the eastern part of Jeju Island based on Micheon Cave, Ilchulland was also built, following the advice of experts from various sectors, under the principle of environmental preservation. Academic study, a creation plan, impact assessment, and safety diagnosis has been carried out to conserve the cave for everyone at home and abroad, as well as the residents in Jeju Island.
As an important resource with underground mystery as well as academic, tourist, and cultural value, Micheon Cave has various natural characteristics such as clean air and water, green fields and oreum, and a parasite volcano.
The underground dark space is the pride of Ilchulland: it is a spiritual place filled with the marvel of creation where one can meditate on the essence of humanity and our future.
We invite you to Micheon Cave Tourist District, Ilchulland, where you can enjoy the absolute beauty of nature under a new kind a sunrise that cannot be found in a bustling city.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Seongsan Ilchulbong, 104 Seongsan-ri, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo, Jeju Island South Korea
Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak rose from under the sea in a volcanic eruption over 100,000 years ago. Located on the eastern end of Jejudo Island, there is a huge crater at the top of Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak. The crater is about 600m in diameter and 90m high. With the 99 sharp rocks surrounding the crater, it looks like a gigantic crown. While the southeast and north sides are cliffs, the northwest side is a verdant grassy hill that is connected to the Seongsan Village. The ridge provides an ideal spot for walks and for horse riding as well.
The sunrise from the crater is magnificent. Also the Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak surrounded by bright yellow colored canola flowers in the spring is truly a sight to behold.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Haenyeo Museum, 3204-1 Hado-ri, Gujwa-eup, Jeju, Jeju Island 695-976 South Korea
Haenyeo refers to female divers who dive into the ocean water to gather various shellfish, seaweed, etc, without using any underwater diving equipment. When diving underwater, a haenyeo carries only a pair of goggles, a round ball-like tube to keep her balance, and a basket to put her collections in. Such women involved in the fishing industry are known to be scattered all around Jeju-do, Korea, Japan, and Russia.
Jeju-do has established the Jeju Haenyeo Museum to introduce to the world the unique activities and culture of Jejudo’s haenyeo female divers. Exhibition Hall 1 is entitled “Haenyeo Diver’s Life” and has a restoration of a traditional haenyeo’s home, and her meals. Also on display, to show a more realistic view into their daily lives, are the various utensils used by female divers.
Exhibition Hall 2 displays a pair of haenyeo divers’ goggles and the fishing spheres they often use underwater. Her traditional working outfit is also on display along with various historical records and haenyeo-related materials.
Exhibition Hall 3 has an underwater theme called “The Sea” and displays the fishing industry’s culture. Traditional fishnets and fishing equipment are on display including small ship models and salt farm models.
The Jeju Haenyeo Museum exhibits various photos of haenyeo female divers and their activities, to provide an accurate picture of their lives. The Jeju Haenyeo Museum also has an observatory from where visitors can see an excellent view of the Hado-ri area, which has a garden with various sculptures and a resting area. The first floor lobby has a souvenir shop where visitors can purchase a variety of souvenirs related to haenyeo female divers.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Jeju Folklore & Natural Museum, 40, Samseong-ro, Jeju, Jeju Island 63270 South Korea
Jeju Folklore & Natural History Museum currently has on exhibition folklore remains and natural historical materials of Jeju-do that were excavated in Jeju-do and displayed in 1984.
The museum is divided into four exhibition halls: the Natural History Hall, the Folklore Exhibition HallⅠ, the Folklore Exhibition HallⅡ, and the Outdoor Exhibition.
The Natural History Exhibition Hall displays mainly natural historical items such as marine life, soil and rocks, and fauna and flora of Jeju in a three-dimensional way. It gives visitors a better understanding of Jeju’s unique nature and culture. It is divided into an Ecology Hall of Marine Life, a Soil and Rock Exhibition Hall, and a Land Ecosystem Hall.
In Folklore Exhibition Hall I, you will see a transformation in the lifestyle of Jeju-do Island as well as Jeju people, when you look at 2,381 displayed items. It also plays a very important role to visitors in helping them to understand the ancient lifestyle on Jeju Island by recapturing Jeju’s traditional housing architecture, rites of passage, and regional food specialties.
The Folklore Exhibition HallⅡ exhibits diving gear used by Haenye (women divers) and farming tools used by farmers in Jeju-do. In addition, 100 items including traditional tools for daily living, ritual materials, and diverse stone structures made by volcanic rock of Jeju-do are showcased in this outdoor exhibition.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Mysterious Road (Dokkaebi Road), 2894-63, 1100-ro, Jeju, Jeju Island 63079 South Korea
Nothing is more baffling than the strange movement of things on the Mysterious Road of Jeju Island. Objects on the road roll up the hill instead of moving downwards. How could this be possible- On the surface, this upward movement appears to defy the laws of gravity but in reality, the phenomenon is just a mere optical illusion.
The Mysterious Road or the Dokkaebi Road in Jeju Island is one of the numerous magnetic hills scattered around the world. A slight downhill slope appears to be an uphill slope due to the seemingly high surroundings, creating an optical illusion that objects roll uphill.
Unbelievable- See how this natural illusion tricks your eyes.
Duration: 40 minutes
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Overnight in Jejudo Island, 4star hotel
Day 5: Jejudo Island ✈- Seoul - Gangchon Rail Bike - Mt. SeoraksanStop At: Gangchon Rail Park, 323-2 Jeung-ri, Sindong-myeon, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 200-812 South Korea
When the Gyeongchun Line, a double-tracked railway line connecting Seoul and Chuncheon, opened on December 20, 2010, it replaced the Mugunghwa train that traveled this route for 70 years. Built on the discontinued train line, Gangchon Rail Park is a popular tourist attraction where visitors can pedal along old railroad tracks while taking in the lovely Bukhangang River scenery.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Daepohang Fish Market, South Korea, Gangwon-do, Sokcho-si, 대포동 대포항희망길 59
Located on the southern most point of Sokcho are the many raw fish restaurants and dried fish shops of Daepohang Port. This bustling port has become one of the most popular tourist spots for those in search of the freshest raw fish restaurants.
At Daepohang Port it is said that the Seorak Mountains and the East Sea are gifts from nature. The port is filled with raw fish restaurants and a live fish market containing eel, flatfish, flounder, yellowtail, and plethora of other high-end seafood. Furthermore, the abundance of local dishes that can be found lining the streets includes ojingeo sundae (Korean sausage in a squid) and gamja songpyeon (steamed rice cake with potato filling). For raw fish lovers that are in the Sokcho area, Daepohang Port is the place to be.
Nearby tourist attractions include Seorak Sunrise Park and Tourism Submarine. These are all great places to stop by while visiting the Seoraksan Mountains.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Overnight in Sokcho, 4star hotel
Day 6: Sokcho - SeoulStop At: Gwongeumseong Fortress, Seorak-dong, Sokcho, Gangwon-do 217-120 South Korea
Gwongeumseong Fortress is the site of a castle ruins located on Seoraksan Mountain, and it is also known as Mt. Onggeumsan Castle, or Toto Castle. It is located on the steep Dolsan Mountain of Seoraksan Sogongwon area. It is believed to have been built by the 23rd King of the Goryeo Period (918-1392), Gojong (r. 1213-1259). It is also called Gwon-Kim Castle, as there is a legend that two generals named Gwon and Kim, built the castle to avoid war.
At the left side of Sogongwon, past the Biryonggyo Bridge over the ravine, there is a path which leads to Gwongeumseong Castle, but it takes over an hour of travel through a steep, rocky path (2.5km), so cable car is used. The cable car was installed by Dr. Gi-Sup Lee in 1971 and is still used by many tourists. It runs from 7 a.m. to 6 or 6:30 p.m., departing every 7 minutes, and you can only purchase round-trip tickets at the ticket counter for that day.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Sinheungsa Temple, 170, Seorak-dong, Sokcho, Gangwon-do 217-120 South Korea
Sinheungsa (신흥사) is a short 10min walk away from the entrance to Sogongwon. In fact, many visit because of its close proximity to Sogongwon. Sinheungsa is a temple which used to be called Hyangseongsa, built by Jajangyulsa (590~658), who traveled to famous mountains all over the nation, in Queen Jindeok’s (-~654) 6th year of reign. It was destroyed and rebuilt many times since.
On the path to Sinheungsa, there is a great bronze statue called Bronze Jwabul Statue, which is well over 10 meters high. Just beyond the statue, which is on a granite terrace, there is a bridge to the right called Hyeonsugyo, which was newly built for crossing the ravine. Past the bridge there is a long stone wall with a Cheongwang door, and you can enter the temple. At the entrance there are four Cheonwang (king) statues (Jiguk Cheonwang with a sword, Damun Cheonwang with a lute, Gwangmok Cheonwang with a tower, and Jeungjang Cheonwang with a dragon), placed on either side. The Buddhist statues at Sinheungsa were placed here during the founding days of Seongjeongsa, and include the statues Mireukbosal, Gwaneumbosal and Seji which were sculpted by Uisang Daesa. The buildings which were built during that time are still standing, like the sanctuary, main temple, Myeongbujeon, Bojaeru, and Chilseonggak, etc. There is also an important cultural property, Treasure No. 443, called Hyangseongsaji, a three-story stone tower.
You can reach the Ulsan boulder by following the wall outside Sinheungsa. Sinheungsa is an ancient temple with deep historical significance, and many tourists come because of its beautiful scenery.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Tongil Park (Unification Park), Aninjin-ri, Gangdong-myeon, Gangneung, Gangwon-do South Korea
The Great Unification Buddha in Seoraksan National Park, South Korea. The Buddha is the largest seated bronze Buddha statue in the world, at 14.6m high, excluding the halo, lightning rod and pedestal.
The statue's name, Tongil Daebul, means 'Unification Buddha', and it was built to symbolise the Korean people's hope for the reunification of North and South Korea. The statue cost ₩3.8 billion won (US $4.1 million) to erect, which was raised over a decade, with the construction being completed in 1997.
The Great Unification Buddha sits on a lotus pedestal, which is flanked with 16 inscribed panels that tell of the entire path of Buddha's enlightenment through the words of the Bodhisattva, messengers of Buddha's teaching. Including the pedestal, the total statue height is 18.9m, and has a total weight of 108 tons.
Below the sitting Buddha statue is a temple dedicated to the bodhisattva thousand-armed and eyed Avalokiteśvara. Avalokiteśvara means "Lord who looks down", and is a bodhisattva who embodies the compassion of all Buddhas.
In front and to the right of the Unification Buddha are two small shops that sell candles people can buy. After lighting the candle, it would then be placed in one of the two cabinets in front of the Buddha statue.
In the nearby area can be seen many walkers - Seoraksan is a popular area for hiking, with many mountain trails and beautiful views from the mountains. Korea is a mountainous country, with around two thirds of the country being mountains or uplands, and hiking is a popular pass-time among South Koreans.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Trickeye Museum Seoul, 20, Hongik-ro 3-gil, Mapo-gu Seogyo Plaza B2, Seoul 04039 South Korea
The Trickeye Museum is "one of a kind" painting gallery which combines art with high-end technology featuring AR (Augmented Reality) effect and 2D/3D illusions. Instead of merely viewing paintings as one would in a typical art gallery, visitors can interact with paintings using the newly developed Trickeye Camera app to make paintings come alive and become part of the artworks while recording it on video or taking pictures. In addition, the Ice Museum, located inside the Trickeye Museum, is filled with objects that are fully made out of ice, such as iced TV, ice kitchen, ice slope etc. With just one admission ticket, visitors can enjoy both the Trickeye Museum and the Ice Museum. To ensure that even the busiest customers don’t miss out on the fun, the museum stays open each day all year round from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. (last admission by 8 p.m.), making it a popular dating spot or a hang-out place. Outside of the main exhibition hall is a museum café, which exclusively serves coffee decorated with a latte art using photos taken from your phone.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Namdaemun Market, 21, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul 04529 South Korea
The Trickeye Museum is "one of a kind" painting gallery which combines art with high-end technology featuring AR (Augmented Reality) effect and 2D/3D illusions. Instead of merely viewing paintings as one would in a typical art gallery, visitors can interact with paintings using the newly developed Trickeye Camera app to make paintings come alive and become part of the artworks while recording it on video or taking pictures. In addition, the Ice Museum, located inside the Trickeye Museum, is filled with objects that are fully made out of ice, such as iced TV, ice kitchen, ice slope etc. With just one admission ticket, visitors can enjoy both the Trickeye Museum and the Ice Museum. To ensure that even the busiest customers don’t miss out on the fun, the museum stays open each day all year round from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. (last admission by 8 p.m.), making it a popular dating spot or a hang-out place. Outside of the main exhibition hall is a museum café, which exclusively serves coffee decorated with a latte art using photos taken from your phone.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Overnight in Seoul, 4star hotel
Day 7: SeoulStop At: Gyeongbokgung Palace, 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul South Korea
Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace is also commonly referred to as the Northern Palace because its location is furthest north when compared to the neighboring palaces of Changdeokgung (Eastern Palace) and Gyeonghuigung (Western Palace) Palace. Gyeongbokgung Palace is arguably the most beautiful, and remains the largest of all five palaces.
The premises were once destroyed by fire during the Imjin War (Japanese Invasions, 1592-1598). However, all of the palace buildings were later restored under the leadership of Heungseondaewongun during the reign of King Gojong (1852-1919).
Remarkably, the most representative edifices of the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeonghoeru Pavilion and Hyangwonjeong Pond have remained relatively intact. Woldae and the sculptures of Geunjeongjeon (The Royal Audience Chamber) represent past sculptures of contemporary art.
The National Palace Museum of Korea is located south of Heungnyemun Gate, and the National Folk Museum is located on the eastern side within Hyangwonjeong.
Current Status
Historic Site No.117 (Designated on January 21, 1963)
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Deoksugung Doldam-gil, Deoksugung-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul 04519 South Korea
In ancient times, the royal guards of Joseon Dynasty performed the given task by guarding the Gwanghwamun Gate, the entrance of Gyeongbokgung Palace where the king ruled the country. Since 1469, the ceremony has taken place, with the present reenactment ceremony being based on historical records for authenticity.
The reenactment of the original ceremony began from 1996. The gate guardsmen serve their sentry, perform the changing of the guards, and hold a parade. The guards' uniforms, weapons, and accessories as well as their strict ceremonial procedures catch the eyes of passersby, especially foreign tourists. Since it is hard to experience traditional events in such a big city like Seoul, the change of the guards ceremony is a great opportunity. It takes place every day except Tuesday.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Bukchon Hanok Village, 37, Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03059 South Korea
Surrounded by Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine, Bukchon Hanok Village is home to hundreds of traditional houses, called hanok, that date back to the Joseon Dynasty. The name Bukchon, which literally translates to "northern village," came about as the neighborhood lies north of two significant Seoul landmarks, Cheonggyecheon Stream and Jongno. Today, many of these hanoks operate as cultural centers, guesthouses, restaurants and tea houses, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience, learn and immerse themselves in traditional Korean culture.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Museum Kimchikan, 35-4, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu 4~6F, Insadong Maru Building, Seoul 03149 South Korea
Traditional napa cabbage kimchi is the most iconic kimchi dish in Korean cuisine. Learn how to make this kimchi with easy to follow instructions and step-by-step photos! You’ll find surprisingly easy to make delicious kimchi at home.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Overnight in Seoul, 4star hotel
Day 8: Seoul - Demilitarized ZoneStop At: DMZ, Munsan-eup, Majeong-ri Imjingak Tourist information center, Paju, Gyeonggi-do South Korea
The highlight of today’s tour is the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone).
*Note: Must bring passport for ID check.
Located on each side of 38th parallel, this infamous border was established at the end of the war in 1953 at the signing Panmunjom’s armistice in order to separate North and South Korea.
Upon arrival, proceed to passport security control followed by a short introduction at the United Nations’ camp. Visit Dora observatory and Dorasan railway station. Discover Imjingak Park with the Memorial, the Liberty Bridge and the bell of unification. Late morning, visit the 3rd tunnel dug into the rock at a depth of 73m and able of moving a full division per hour with their weapons.
Duration: 5 hours
Stop At: Insadong, Insa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul South Korea
Insa-dong, located in the heart of the city, is an important place where old but precious and traditional goods are on display. There is one main road in Insa-dong with alleys on each side. Within these alleys are galleries and traditional restaurants, teahouses, and cafes.
The galleries are the heartbeat of Insa-dong. There are about 100 galleries in the area and you can see every example of traditional Korean fine art from paintings to sculptures. The most famous galleries are Hakgojae Gallery, which functions as the center of folk art, Gana Art Gallery, which promotes many promising artists, and Gana Art Center.
The teahouses and restaurants are the perfect complement to the galleries. At first they might be hard to find, but if you take the time to stroll around the twisting alleyways, the window shopping in itself can be very entertaining. The shops in Insa-dong are very popular among all age groups, because each one is unique.
Every Saturday from 14:00 to 22:00 and Sunday from 10:00 to 22:00, the main street is blocked off from traffic and it becomes a cultural space. Stores set up booths outside and Korean candy merchants and fortune teller stalls can easily be found; there are traditional performances and exhibits as well. Insa-dong is especially popular among international tourists. This is where they can experience and see traditional Korean culture firsthand, and also purchase pieces of fine art. On the street you can eat Korean taffy and traditional pajeon (green onion pancake), and lose yourself in all the joyous festivities of the street.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Jeongdong Theater, 43 Jeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul 04518 South Korea
Representative Production of Korean Traditional Performing Arts, Jeongdong Theater.
Jeongdong Theater was established in 1995, as a restoration of Wongaksa, the first
Korean modern theater, succeeding historical meaning and sprit of it.
The theater has turned as a government-affiliated organization and representative
production of Korean traditional performing arts.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
•
Accommodation included: Overnight in Seoul, 4star hotel
Day 9: Seoul - Departure ✈Stop At: Incheon International Airport (ICN), 272 Gonghang-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon, South Korea
Check out hotel and transfer to ICN airport for departure.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
•
No accommodation included on this day.
Informacion Adicional
"Not wheelchair accessible"
"Tour itinerary can be switched by flight schedule or situation caused"
"Stroller accessible"
"Near public transportation"
"Most travelers can participate"
"This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate"
"Confirmation will be received at time of booking"
Horário de Início:
09:00 AM
Duração: 9 Days
Ponto de partida: 1: LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong, 362 Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
2: 인천공항터미널, Incheon, South Korea
Traveler pickup is offered
The Local guide picks up from airports or hotels as stated.
Airports- Incheon Intl Airport, 272 Gonghang-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon South Korea
- Gimpo Intl Airport, 112 Haneul-gil, Gangseo-gu, Seoul South Korea
Cancelamentos e reembolsos:
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
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