South Korea DISCOVERY TOUR

Day 1: Seoul arrival (D)

On arrival at the Incheon Airport, you will clear customs and collect your luggage. Our driver and tour guide will welcome and transfer you to your hotel.Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.In the evening, after a short tour briefing, our tour guide will take you out for a Welcome Dinner.

Day 2: Seoul - Buyeo - Jeonju (B)

After breakfast at your hotel, depart Seoul to Gwangju.This morning, we will visit the Tomb of King Muryeong and Gongsanseong Fortress. Then drive to Buyeo, the ancient capital of the Baekje Dynasty. Visit Baekje Cultural Land, the largest historical theme park in the country, built to preserve the history and culture of the Baekje Kingdom.Then visit Goransa Temple and Nakhwaam Bluff by boat. Later, proceed to Jeonju to visit Jeonju Hanok Village including about 700 traditional Korean houses called Hanok.Overnight stay at Jeonju.

Day 3: Jeonju - Gwangju - Suncheon - Yeosu (B)

Today, we will start the tour around Gwangju, a Hub City of Asian Culture; visit the Gwangju city Museum. Then drive to Bosung Green Tea-plantation - Suncheon where you will visit Songgwangsa Temple and Suncheon Ecological Park.Later today we will drive to Yeosu, a port city and look around the Fish Market and the Industrial Complex night scene.Overnight stay at Yeosu.

Day 4: Yeosu - Busan - Jeju (B)

After breakfast at your hotel, we will depart to Jinsuseong Castle – Chokseoknu edifice historically linked to Japanese invasion in 1592. Then move to Gimhae airport to fly from Gimhae to Jeju. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.Jeju-do’s volcanic island and lava tubes are one of UNESCO’s world natural heritage sites. Jeju-do (island) is a popular tourist destination in Korea because of its stunning natural scenery and superior tourist amenities.

Day 5: Jeju - Cheonjeyeon Falls - Gyulimseong Tangerine Farm - Spirited Garden - Olle (B,L)

Today, we will visit Cheonjeyeon Falls (The Pond of God), then continue to the Gyulimseong tangerine farm and which will be followed by a scenic cruise aboard the Seogwipo Pleasure Boat.After lunch, visit Spirited Garden, recognized as the most beautiful garden in the world by the press and renowned guests from around the world who have visited since it opened on July 30th, 1992. Take a walk “Olle” a narrow pathway.Complete the day with a walk along the shores of Yongmeori Beach.

Day 6: Seopjikoji - Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak - Seongeup Folk Village - Busan (B,L)

Today we will visit Seopjikoji and Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak– one of the most mysterious sights in Jeju Island. Then step back in time as you explore the Seongeup Folk Village, known for perfectly preserving Korean traditions. This village also boasts many cultural landmarks, such as Confucian shrines and schools, millstones, and more.After lunch, visit the Musuem of Natural History – to have an opportunity to experience and learn about the environment and shows how to preserve the earth’s natural beauty.In the late afternoon, take a short domestic flight to Busan.

Day 7: Busan - Gyeongju - Bulguksa Temple - Daegu (B,L)

After breakfast, we will drive to Gyeongju. Gyeongju preserves a vast amount of significant and fascinating historical heritage. Gyeongju National Museum, Cheomgseongdae Astronomical Observatory, Seokguram Grotto (UNESCO world heritage) - an artificial stone temple made of granite, located on the eastern peak of Mt. Toham. Inside the round-shaped main hall, there are the Bonjon Statue, Bodhi-Sattava, and his disciples. It was built to preserve these statues. Bulguksa Temple (UNESCO world heritage) – The beauty of the temple itself and the artistic touch of the stone relics are fascinating.

Day 8: Daegu - Haeinsa Temple - Andong Hahoe Village (B,L)

Today, we will visit Haeinsa Temple located in Gayasan National Park, 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.Next we visit the Andong Hahoe Village which has preserved the housing architecture and the village structure of the Joseon Dynasty. We then transfer to Sokcho, a port of fishing boats and commercial ships.Check in at hotel nearby the shore.

Day 9: Mt Seorak National Park - Shinheungsa Temple - Gwongeumseong (B,L)

After breakfast and travel to Seoraksan National Park where the peaks break through the clouds and jade-like water flows through the valleys, which creates breathtaking views and making this Korea’s most famous national park.Visit Sinheungsa Temple located in Mt.Seorak which is an ancient temple with deep historical significance, built by a great monk Jajangyulsa. Gwongeumseong is a site of castle ruins located on the steep Dol Mountain of Seoraksan National Park area.After sightseeing of Seoraksan National Park, we will return to Seoul. Overnight in Seoul.

Day 10: Seoul - Gyeongbokgung Palace - National Folk Museum - Korean Folk Village (B,L)

Today, we spend the morning exploring Seoul – including Gyeongbokgung Palace, The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony, National Folk Museum and the Korean Ginseng Center.After lunch, visit the Korean Folk Village. You will experience the culture of the late Joseon Dynast. It is a huge village that has about 260 different types of house of for each province.

Day 11: DMZ Tour - Itaewon Street (B,D)

After breakfast you depart for a visit to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) which separates the North from the South. One of the most heavily guarded borders on earth, DMZ offers you fascinating insights into the long-standing tension between North and South Korea.See large display of documents and photographs on the Korean conflict in the North Korea Center as well as 12 types of military tanks in Unification Park. Continue onto the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, which is believed to be an invasion attempt from North Korea.Afterward, head to the Dorasan Station and Dorasan Observatory where you’ll look through telephoto lenses for a first-hand look at the life on the other side.In the evening, enjoy a special Farewell Dinner.

Day 12: Seoul departure (B)

Today, depending on your flight schedule, we will transfer you to the airport for your departure flight home.