A Private Korea Tour for families – Seoul, Danyang, Andong, Gyeongju, Busan

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 / Mt. Seorak / Danyang
This morning, leave Seoul’s hustle and bustle on a 2.5 hour Drive to Mt. Seorak, one of the most beautiful mountains in South Korea with some of the loveliest hiking trails in the country. Highlights at Mt. Seorak National Park include Shinheungsa Temple which is believed to be the oldest Seon temple in the world. Today, it serves as the head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism; a cable car ride with panoramic views of the mountain scenery and the ruins of Gwongeumseong Fortress.

In the afternoon, continue your overland drive to Danyang, a small town surrounded by three national parks boasting an array of beautiful sceneries and outdoorsy activities. Check in at your hotel get ready for a day of adventure in the morning! (B)

Day 5 Danyang / Andong
Enjoy an action-packed day around Danyang. Highlights today include: Mancheonha Skywalk, Zipwire, Clay-Pigeon Shooting and Paragliding. After a day of fun, continue by car (1 hour) to Andong. Literally meaning ‘peaceful land in the east,’ Andong is center of culture and folk traditions dating back 5,000 years. Minimal interaction with outsiders due to an isolated location surrounded by two mountains allows it to retain unique folklore and color. Check-in at local guest house for your overnight accommodations. (B)

Day 6 Andong / Gyeongju
This morning, enjoy a tour Andong visiting the famed Hahoe Village. Hahoe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most famous folk villages in Korea. Surrounded by the Nakdonggang River, the village is home to descendants of the Ryu clan of Pungsan which still makes up 70 percent of the villagers that dates back 600 years. Hahoe Village is famed for its Hahoe Byeolsingut Mask Dance Play, Seonyujulbul Nori-a boat ride and fire paly enjoyed by the nobility called Yangban. The village conserves many cultural heritages depicting Korean traditional cultures and ancient architectural styles. Here at the village, we’ll tour the Mask Museum, Byeongsan Seowon and Bongjeongsa Temple. Continue by car to Gyeongju (2.5 hours). Overnight in Gyeongju. (B)

Day 7 Gyeongju (Temple Experience at Golgulsa):
Your morning starts with a visit to Bulguksa Temple which is representative of Buddhist culture during the Silla era dating back to 514 A.D. The temple holds seven national treasures and a number of additional important heritages and was designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage in 1995. Next, visit the nearby Seokguram Grotto, also an UNESCO World Heritage site, it is classified as National Treasure No. 24 by the South Korean government. Established in the 8th century on the slopes of Mount Toham, the grotto overlooks the Sea of Japan and rests 750 meters above sea level.  Seokguram Grotto exemplifies some of the best Buddhist sculptures in the world.

After a heavy dose of history, we’ll embark on an action-packed culturally-inspiring Temple experience at Golgulsa Temple. Activities include Archery, Meditation, and Sunmudo Demonstration/Training. Enjoy a simple Buddhist dinner at the temple before returning to your hotel. (B,D) 

Day 8 Gyeongju / Busan
After breakfast, take a tour of the Gyeongju National Museum that boasts millennia old relics of the Silla Kingdom. Next, travel overland to Busan. Enjoy a tour of the port city visiting Skyline Lude and Yongdusan Park (Busan Tower). Overnight in Busan. (B)

Day 9 Busan 
Morning tour of Busan visiting Haeundae Beach, Songdo Skywalk, Gamcheon Cultural Village, Jagalchi Market, Gukje Market and Yongdusan Park. Balance of the afternoon at leisure to eat, shop and explore Busan on your own. (B)

Day 10 Busan / Seoul
Transfer for your KTX Train for your 2-hour ride back to Seoul. Upon arrival, be met and transferred to Incheon Airport for your departure flight onward. (B)