Tour Details
DEPARTURE INFORMATION
Starts any day except Sundays. January to December
9 days from $5595.00Arrive Seoul, South Korea
Upon arrival you are escorted to your luxury hotel in Seoul. Meet your local guide and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Seoul Sightseeing
Today enjoy a full day tour of this city filled with more than 600 years of history. Visit the mammoth 14th century Gyeongbok Palace and witness the royal guard changing ceremony in front of the main gate. Explore the National Folk Museum and neighboring Insadong alley, popular for its colorful handcrafts shops and art galleries. After lunch, tour the traditional Bukchon Hanok Village area, with its Royal palace, Royal shrine, and countless hanoks (traditional Korean houses). Explore the unique traditional workshops and museums including those for embroidery, and kite making. You are treated to a special demonstration of Minwha Fan coloring at the Minwha (Folk Painting) museum. End the day exploring Seoul’s traditional Namdaemun Market. (B,L)
Seoul to Gyeongju
Board the Korea Train Express bullet train this morning, bound for Gyeongju, a historic “museum without walls.” Gyeongju was ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom for a thousand years, and today is filled with UNESCO World Heritage sites. Explore the 8th century wooden buildings and stone bridges of Bulkuksa Temple, and the stone Sugguram Grotto Buddhist shrine. Next, visit Royal Tumuli Park, and its collection of more than 20 royal Shilla tombs, including the famous Cheonmachong (Flying Horse Tomb) and see the Cheomseongdae Astronomical Observatory. (B)
Gyeongju to Busan
This morning, drive south to Busan on the southeast tip of the Korean peninsula. Surrounded by mountains and the East Sea, it is a popular resort, as well as the second largest city in Korea.
This afternoon, your sightseeing includes the government APEC House, and the UN Memorial Cemetery, the only United Nations cemetery in the world. Visit beautiful 17-acre Yongdusan Park and its 388-foot tall Busan Tower, and stroll on the glass floor viewing platform of the Oryukdo Island Sky Walk, set on the side of a 100-foot cliff. Then drive along Haeundae Beach to explore Busan’s maze-like markets including the notable Jagalchi Fish Market. (B)
Jeju Island
Take a short flight to enchanting Jeju Island, then begin your touring with a visit to Yongduam Rock (Dragon Head Rock), and the peaceful Spirited Garden, the world’s largest botanical garden. Explore the O’Sulloc Green Tea Plantation and Museum, then drive along the Dragon Head coast to visit Sanbanggulsa Temple, a 16‐foot high cliff rock cave that was home to monks during the Goryeo Dynasty (918 – 1392). (B,L)
Jeju Island
Today visit the volcanic crater at Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak), a volcanic tuff cone and UNESCO World Heritage Site with spectacular views over the sea and rural landscapes. Tour the traditional homes of the famed haenyeo female divers at the Women Diver’s Museum, then get a true taste of ancient Korean culture at Seongup Folk Village where you see traditional Jeju thatched houses, a Confucian temple, mill and fortress. Next, explore the volcanic rock formations of Jusangjeoli, and the Cheonjeyeon Waterfalls, then walk the Jeju Olle Trail to feel Korea’s ancient spiritual tranquility. (B,L)
Jeju Island to Seoul
Enjoy a morning at leisure on Day 7, before your mid‐day flight north to Seoul. This afternoon, visit N Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower), a 777‐foot tall Seoul landmark and observation deck. Later enjoy time to explore the shops in trendy Myeongdong district. (B)
DMZ Area near North Korea
After breakfast, take a short walk to meet the bus for your seat‐in coach drive to the demilitarized zone near the North Korean border. In an escorted group, you will a visit to Panmunjom, an abandoned village where the Korean Armistice Agreement that paused the Korean War was signed. Next explore the history of the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel where over 30,000 soldiers would move every hour. Afterwards, drive back to Seoul for an evening at leisure. (B)
Depart Seoul
Today you will be taken to the airport for your departing flight home or onto your next destination. (B)
The Plaza Hotel Seoul, Seoul
The Plaza reopens as Korea’s luxury boutique hotel in 2010. The newly renovated hotel will feature aesthetic interior designs, impeccable personalized customer service, and ultimate convenience for conducting international business. Ideally located in the heart of downtown Seoul, The Plaza is the premier choice for even the most discerning business travelers who pursue both style and convenience.
Hilton Gyeongju, Gyeongju
Discover this ancient city with a stay at the Art Deco Hilton Gyeongju hotel, located on the edge of Lake Bomun and surrounded by beautiful parks, countryside and majestic mountains. Gyeongju is the ancient capital of the Korean Silla Dynasty, and the local area offers a wealth of historic sites and attractions. Spend the day soaking up traditional Korean culture and visit nearby attractions like Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto and HICO Convention Center.
Park Hyatt Busan, Busan
Park Hyatt Busan a luxurious, intimate and residential style hotel located in the Haeundae marine city, overlooking the Ocean and Gwangan Bridge. The hotel has been sculpted to express the dramatic beauty and power of the environment. The hotel features 33-floors with curvilinear geometry and a glass façade that has been inspired by the wind filling a sail of a ship. Park Hyatt Busan will indulge you with a range of guest facilities, including 269 rooms and suites, featuring natural elements of French oak flooring, Granite stone bathrooms, floor to ceiling windows that allow for spectacular views. Park Hyatt Busan will offer a variety of dining & entertainment options located on the top 3 floors, including the sophisticated Dining room, the casual Living room, Lounge and Patisserie at the entrance of hotel. Park Hyatt Busan will feature Lumi Spa & Fitness, here the sun, ocean and wind are your guide to harmony and health, featuring 7 private treatment rooms 4 with private baths and views of the ocean, fitness center, sauna, steam room and plunge pools and indoor glass enclosed pool with views of the ocean.
Jeju Shilla, Jeju
The Jeju Shilla is set in its own 21-acre cliff top garden overlooking the Pacific Ocean. This luxury resort features a state-of the-art fitness center and Guerlain Spa, along with a driving range and swimming pool. A variety of haute cuisine venues and deluxe rooms with fireplaces makes this a delightful and relaxing place to stay.