PERFECT FOR:
- Travelers of all ages
- History and architecture buffs
- Those seeking a mix of big city vibes, small town charm & cultural experiences
- First time travelers to Korea
A Private South Korea Tour OF CITY, CULTURE & ACTION – Seoul, Gyeongju – Busan
8 Days / 7 Nights – Tour Code (PKR) – Private Tour – Departs Daily
Bight Lights, ornate palaces, great food, of course K-Drama (or K-Pop if that’s your thing) are just a few of the gems for which South Korea is famous. It is a land of contrasts, steeped in timeless traditions all the while constantly setting new trends in the modern world.
In just 8 days, this meticulous crafted itinerary features to must-sees of South Korea – from the sprawling modern capital of Seoul to Gyeongju’s cultural & architectural gems to Busan’s vibrant seaside vibes, all in the exclusivity of your own private guide.
Your introduction of South Korea with its capital, Seoul, the birthplace of K-Pop and K-Drama, a fascinating city of paramount sophistication that offers the visitor a myriad of sensational cuisine, fantastic shopping and vibrant nightlife. Here, we’ll spend a day hitting the must sees of the city – Gyeongbok Palace and the nearby Bukchon Hanok Village, the vibrant Insadong district filled with galleries, markets, tea houses and restaurants and some K-Pop hotspots for the avid fan. We’ll also get a rare chance to step foot on the DMZ (demilitarized zone) that has divided the two Koreas for over 50 years – certainly an experience not to be missed!
Next, jump on board the super-fast KTX Bullet Train southeast bound to beautiful Gyeongju. As the capital of the Silla Kingdom for almost a thousand years, Gyeongju preserves vast amounts of historically significant landmarks, several of which have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We’ll hit the highlights of the city that offers a glimpse into Korea’s past plus a action-packed “Temple Experience” with hands-on activities like archery, meditation and Sunmudo (Korean Buddhist martial art) training.
Last and certainly not least, we end the trip with some R&R to the seaside and port city of Busan famed for its beautiful coastline, bustling markets and the country’s freshest seafood!
From ultra-modern skyscrapers to thousand year-old palaces, bustling nightlife to uncommon temple experience, sensational cuisine to fun-filled night markets. They’re all here.
TOUR INCLUDES:
- 7 nights superior & deluxe accommodations of your choice
- KTX Train Tickets between Seoul / Gyeongju / Busan / Seoul
- Hotel breakfasts daily
- Private sightseeing with services of English-speaking guides (except. DMZ Tour)
- Private transfers upon arrival and departure
SEOUL (3 nights)
- 3 nights at Four Points Josun (Superior) OR The Westin Josun | Hotel Lotte (Deluxe)
- Full day private walking tour via public transportation
- Half day DMZ Tour (join tour)
GYEOUNGJU (2 nights)
- 2 nights at Lahan Hotel (Superior) OR Hilton Gyeoungju (Deluxe)
- Full day private sightseeing of UNESCO Gyeongju
- Temple Experience at Golgulsa Temple
BUSAN (2 nights)
- 2 nights at Felix Hotel (Superior) OR Paradise Hotel Busan (Deluxe)
- Full day private sightseeing of Busan City
- Temple Experience at Golgulsa Temple
Day 1 Arrive Seoul
Upon arrival and after clearing Customs and Immigration, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel in Seoul by private car (driver only).
Day 2 Seoul
Today, enjoy a full day private walking tour visiting the capitals’ revered landmarks and local hangouts. Visits today include Gwangwamun Plaza, Gyeongbok Palace, Bukchon Hanok, Insadong shopping street, Namdaemun Market and Myeongdong shopping street. (B)
Day 3. Seoul (Demilitarized Zone)
Today, embark on a rare opportunity to visit the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that separates the two Koreas. In place for over 50 years, the DMZ serves as a buffer zone between South and North Korea to prevent direct military collisions. Given its strict access to civilians, the DMZ is also globally recognized for its ecological value as resources in the area have been left untouched since its inception. Here, we travel inside the 3rd Tunnel, said to be built by North Korea to invade the south in case of hostility after the armistice that has the capacity to move 10,000 soldiers in an hour. We also visit the Dora Observatory that offers a view of DMZ’s terrain as well a glimpse into North Korea from a distance. Includes lunch. (B,L)
***Note: Tour operates on JOIN basis by motorcoach. DMZ can only be visited as part of a group per government regulations***
Day 4 Seoul / Gyeongju
This morning, transfer to the train station and board the super fast KTX train for Gyeongju. Upon arrival, enjoy a tour of Gyeongju's must-sees including Bulguksa Temple, Royal Tumuli Park, Hwanglidangill, Anapji Pond. Overnight in Gyeongju. (B)
Day 5 Gyeongju (Temple Experience at Golgulsa):
Morning at leisure. This afternoon, enjoy an action-packed culturally-inspiring Temple experience at Golgulsa Temple. Activities include Archery, Meditation, and Sunmudo Demonstration/Training. Enjoy a simple Buddhist dinner before returning to your hotel. (B,D)
**Note: alternative sightseeing/activities can be arranged in place of Temple Experience.
Day 6 Gyeongju / Busan
Morning transfer by KTX to Busan. Upon arrival, city tour of Busan with visits to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Skyline Luge, Gamcheon Culture Village, and Busan Night Market. Overnight in Busan. (B)
Day 7 Busan
This morning, enjoy additional sightseeing of Busan. Visits include UN Memorial Cemetery , White leaf culture village, Songdo Cable Car with Crystal Cruise. Balance of the afternoon at leisure to eat, shop and explore Busan on your own. (B)
Day 8 Busan / Seoul
Transfer for your KTX for your 2-hour ride back to Seoul. Upon arrival, be met and transferred to Icheon Airport for your departure flight onward. (B)
|
2023 Price Chart (Prices valid through December 31st, 2023) |
||||
|
Hotel |
Twin Sharing |
Single Supplement |
||
| LS | HS | LS | HS | |
|
Superior |
4,425 |
4,575 |
795 |
985 |
|
Deluxe |
5,275 |
5,475 |
1,495 |
1,695 |
|
Tour requires minimum of 2 passengers to operate |
||||
- HS (High Season) = July - August
- LS (Low Season) = Jan. - June, September - December 20.
- Prices are per person, based on double occupancy
- Price includes entrance fees, hotel taxes & service charges
- Price excludes all airfares, personal expenses, meals not specified, beverages during included lunches & dinners
- Peak Season Surcharges or blackout dates apply during Cherry Blossoms season (April), December holiday period (Dec. 24- Jan. 03).
- All hotels, tours and land services are subject to availability at time of reservation
DISCOVER MORE ON OUR SOUTH KOREA BLOGS
Korea - Customs, Traditions & Etiquette
January, 2020
Asia Family Vacation Planning 101
July 2017
China's Influences on East Asia
August 2016
HIGHLIGHTS
- Changing of Guards at Gyeongbok Palace
- Seoul’s Popular Food & Shopping Spots (Insadong, Namdaemun & Myeongdong).
- DMZ Visit
- Gyeongju’s Temples & Palaces
- Temple Experience at Golgulsa Temple
- Busan’s cultural villages, Songdo Cable Car ride & Night Market
Price Starting From:
$4,425
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