Korea at a glance

6 NIGHT CUSTOM KOREA AT A GLANCE

(Long Itinerary)
DAY 1: Arrive Korea

Today you will arrive in Seoul, South Korea. South Korea, officially known as the Republic of Korea, shares its borders to the north with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, to the east with the Sea of Japan (also known as the East Sea), to the south with the Korean Strait, which separates it from Japan, and to the west with the Yellow Sea. Korea’s population is one of the most ethnically and linguistically homogenous in the world—the only significant minority is a small Chinese community. Upon your arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Founded as the capital of the Chosun Dynasty, Seoul is Korea’s commercial, financial, and political hub. Seoul presents an intriguing mix of international sophistication and ancient history, as displayed in the centuries-old temples, palaces and pagodas that are overshadowed by high rises and twelve-lane freeways. It is home to 10 million residents yet it is a safe, friendly city with a low crime rate. A walk along the city’s wide streets or small alleyways yields a unique view into the lives of its citizens.
DAY 2: Seoul Sightseeing

Today you will tour Seoul, Korea’s capital city. Your tour starts at Gyeongbok Palace. Its founder, King Taejo, built it as the primary palace of the Chosun Kingdom in 1395, the fourth year of his reign. The Japanese invasion of 1592 destroyed the palace, and it was left in ruins for over 250 years. Rebuilding finally began in 1865, returning the palace to its original grandeur. Japan annexed Korea in 1910 and tore down most of the 200 buildings on the palace grounds, leaving only a dozen buildings intact. Next, visit the Folklore Museum, exhibiting the religious rituals, customs, household tools and implements, food and social dynamics of traditional Korean life. From here, move on to the Blue House, which houses the presidential offices. You will also see Insadong Antique Street, where about 70 shops presently deal with antique art works around the Insadong Intersection. Next, visit the Jogyesa Temple, one of the largest Buddhist temples within the city limits, and the headquarters of the Chogyjong Sect, famous for its lantern festival held every spring to commemorate Buddha’s birthday. Your afternoon is at leisure. (B)

DAY 3: Seoul/Gyeongju

This morning, transfer to the train station where you will board your express train to Gyeongju, the spiritual and cultural capital of Korea. Gyeongju served as the capital of the Shilla Kingdom, which united the peninsula in AD 676. Designated by UNESCO as one of the world’s ten most historic sites, it is known as the “Museum Without Walls.” Once you reach Gyeongju, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Your tour of Gyeongju includes a visit to Pulguksa Temple. It is the most famous Buddhist temple in Korea and houses a number of important relics from the Silla period, including the two stone pagodas Tabot’ap and Sokkat’ap. It dates from the eighth century, but has been rebuilt a number of times. Next, you will visit Sokkuram Grotto, one of Asia’s most magnificent Buddhist shrines. The grotto houses a monumental statue of Buddha looking out to sea, surrounded by portrayals of gods, bodhisattvas and disciples. You will also visit the National Museum, consecrated to the 5,000-year cultural and historical heritage of the Korean people. (B)
DAY 4: Gyeongju/Busan

This morning, visit Gyeongju Museum, whose holdings are largely devoted to relics of the Silla kingdom, of which Gyeongju was the capital. Private citizens founded the museum in 1915, and the Japanese government took it over in 1926. The museum is located immediately adjacent to the royal tomb complex in an area that includes the Gyerim Forest, Cheomseongdae Observatory, Banwolseong Palace, and Anapji Pond.

Later, you will be driven to Busan, also known as Pusan, Korea’s main port and second largest city. Upon your arrival, you will check in to your hotel.
Today’s tour of Busan will include a visit to Taejongdae Park with its vast rock outcrops and sweeping sea vistas. It also has a beautiful white lighthouse overlooking the sea, as well as the famed “Suicide Rock.” You will also have an opportunity to view the United Nations Cemetery, where thousands of UN soldiers who lost their lives during the Korean War are buried. (B)
DAY 5: Geoje-do Excursion

This morning, you will be met at your hotel and transferred to the pier to board the ferry from Busan to Geoje. During your full day excursion to Geoje-do, you will visit the Geoje Grand Bridge, which connects Geoje-do (Geoje Island) to the mainland. Visit the Historic Park of Geoje-do P.O.W Camp. The camp was completed on a site of about 3.8 square miles around Gohyeon, Suwol, and Yangjeong areas on November 27, 1950. Up to 173,000 prisoners of war, including 150,000 North Korean soldiers, 20,000 Chinese soldiers, and 3,000 women soldiers and militias were encamped. With the signing of truce on July 27, 1953, the camp was closed. A park was constructed to recreate the everyday life of prisoners of war based on the records of the time. Later, visit the Hakdong–Haegeumgang coastal road; the sound created by pebbles washed ashore by waves at Hakdong Pebble Beach has been selected as one of the 100 most beautiful sounds in Korea. Continue to the Geoje Fishing Village Folk Museum where a variety of fish is on display in the aquarium. Last, visit the Okpo Great Victory Commemorative Park. The Okpo Battle is the first battle that Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin won after the invasion of the Japanese army in 1592. This park was built in Okpoman (bay) to memorialize the victory and to pass on the spirit of Admiral Yi Sun-sin to the next generations. (B)

Day 6: Busan

Today is at leisure to rest and relax or pursue independent activities. (B)

Day 7: Depart Busan

Today, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey. (B)

6 NIGHT CUSTOM KOREA AT A GLANCE

(Short Itinerary)
DAY 1: Arrive Korea

Today you will arrive in Seoul, South Korea. Upon your arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

DAY 2: Seoul Sightseeing

Today you will tour Seoul, Korea’s capital city. You will visit Gyeongbok Palace, the Folklore Museum, Blue House, Insadong Antique Street, and Jogyesa Temple. (B)

DAY 3: Seoul/Gyeongju

Transfer to the train station and board your train to Gyeongju. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Then, tour Gyeongju, including Pulguksa Temple, the Sokkuram Grotto, and the National Museum. (B)

DAY 4: Gyeongju/Busan

This morning, visit Gyeongju Museum. Later, you will be driven to Busan. Tour Busan, including Taejongdae Park, “Suicide Rock,” and the United Nations Cemetery. (B)

DAY 5: Geoje-do Excursion

Transfer to the pier to board the ferry from Busan to Geoje. Visit the Geoje Grand Bridge, the Historic Park of Geoje-do P.O.W Camp, Hakdong–Haegeumgang coastal road, the Geoje Fishing Village Folk Museum, and the Okpo Great Victory Commemorative Park. (B)

Day 6: Busan

Today is at leisure to rest and relax or pursue independent activities. (B)

Day 7: Depart Busan

Today, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey. (B)