Day 1 : SEOUL
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included. In the evening, join an orientation walk to connect with the city of Seoul.
Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
1h
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Seoul Orientation Walk
Seoul
Join your CEO for an orientation walk to get acquainted with the city of Seoul.
Day 2 : SEOUL
Explore South Korea’s living history with a guided visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace, a symbol of national pride. Stroll through the grounds as you listen to the stories of this Joseon Dynasty palace. At the National Folk Museum, see the everyday artifacts that show the ways of centuries-old customs. Enjoy time to connect with Seoul’s Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong neighborhood, historic alleyways lined with tea houses, traditional shops and calligraphy stalls. This afternoon, suit up in a customary dobok for your taekwondo class led by a local master. Reflecting Korean values of respect and discipline, learn the fundamentals of this ancient martial art and Korean culture.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Seoul
Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty built in 1395. The palace has been destroyed many times over, but more than 50 per cent of the buildings are still standing or are restored. The complex is also home to the National Palace Museum and the National Folk Museum.
National Folklore Museum
Seoul
Located within the grounds of the Gyeongbokgung Palace, learn about the history and traditions of the Korean people during the Joseon era.
Bukchon Hanok Village Exploration
Seoul 1h
Be transported back 600 years into Seoul's past while walking through Bukchon Hanok Village, which boasts the largest cluster of privately owned traditional Korean wooden homes (hanok) in Seoul. Keep an eye out for the half-dozen or so alleys that have beautifully restored architectural features like small courtyards, decorative outer walls, and dark tiled roofs.
Explore the narrow and hidden alleys of one of the most memorable places in Seoul. Now filled with antique shops, galleries, tea houses and traditional restaurants, this area once housed the royal studio for painters during the Joseon Dynasty.
Taekwondo is the national martial art of South Korea. Join a local master for a lesson in the sport where it all began. Put on the traditional uniform and get ready to learn the basic etiquette, fundamental moves and the values of discipline, respect, and mental strength.
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Day 3 : SEOUL
Enjoy a full day at leisure to uncover the many layers of Seoul. Opt to take a day trip to the famed North and South Korean Border-the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) to learn about and see firsthand one of the most geopolitically significant borders in the world. Alternately, choose to explore the world famous and affluent Gangnam district, where high class and K-Pop culture blend seamlessly. Whether you’re looking to fill up on incredible street food, relax in a traditional jjimjilbang, or wander the rhythmic streets of the city, today is yours to explore.
Free time:
Seoul Full day
The day is yours to explore Seoul how you wish!
Optional Activities - Day 3
Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) Visit
Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
Visit the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) the de facto border between North and South Korea, which cuts the peninsula in half. Created in 1953, it is the most heavily militarized border in the world.
Gangnam District Visit
Seoul
Gangnam has plenty to do and see in this historically rich, fast-developing neighbourhood. Gangnam Station is the busiest subway station in Seoul and has a huge underground shopping centre, so feel free to shop until you drop. Choose to visit Bongeunsa, a Buddhist Temple in the centre of Gangnam, or enjoy the nightlife and restaurants in this area.
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Day 4 : SEOUL/ GYEONGJU
Travel by train to the ancient capital of the Silla Dynasty–Gyeongju. Delve into the cultural richness of this historic town with lunch and a visit to the Yangdong Folk Village, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Immerse yourself in the tiled-roof homes and centuries-old Confucian traditions, still used today in this living museum. Continue to the Cheomseongdae Astronomical Observatory, the oldest in Asia, followed by a visit to the Royal Tombs–resting place of many Silla Dynasty kings, queens and nobles. Tonight, we are staying at a hanok, a traditional Korean inn, to connect with Korea’s ancient heritage. Here we’ll learn about the meaning and artistry of the iconic Korean dress hanbok, as well as the importance and history of hanok villages across Korea. Finish your day with a delicious traditional dinner.
Bullet Train
Seoul - Gyeongju-si
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Yangdong Folk Village
Gyeongju-si
Get a fascinating look into life during the Joseon Dynasty on this visit to the Yangdong Folk Village. Founded in the early 1400s, the village boasts well-preserved buildings and has more than 160 homes displaying traditional Joseon architecture within a gorgeous natural setting.
Cheomseongdae Observatory
Gyeongju-si
Nestled in the heart of Gyeongju, the capital of the former Silla Kingdom, Cheomseongdae may not appear to be a monumental landmark. But this observatory tower that dates back to the seventh century is actually the oldest existing astronomical observatory in all of East Asia. Cheomseongdae was used for observing the stars in order to forecast the weather in the ancient scientific hub of Gyeongju.
Gyeongju Royal Tomb Visit
Gyeongju-si
Visit the large ancient tomb where the Silla Dynasty’s kings, queens, and nobles are buried. Walk among the massive grass-covered burial mounds and enter one of the tombs to view royal artifacts.
Staying in a traditional hanok gives an amazing insight to Korean history and culture. With natural material and historic architecture, it will feel like you've been transported in time.
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Dinner
Day 5 : GYEONGJU/ BUSAN
Begin the day with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site–Bulguksa Temple, a Buddhist temple known for its architectural and spiritual influence tucked in the hilly forest. After, drive to Busan, stopping at the colorful Gamcheon Cultural Village. Take in the sweeping views of the city on the Songdo Marine Cable Car up to the glass-floored observatory deck. Then dive into Busan’s famous street food scene by visiting Jagalchi Fish Market and Gukje Market. Sample fresh and locally caught seafood, such as oysters, snow crab and dried fish at Jagalchi. Then try some sizzling local specialities at Gukje and soak up the energy of South Korea’s most famous coastal bazaar.
Bulguksa Temple
Gyeongju-si
Visit the six national treasures at the Bulguksa Temple. This UNESCO World Heritage site, from the 8th century, is considered the essence of Korean Buddhist culture.
Private Vehicle
Gyeongju-si - Busan
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Gamcheon Culture Village
Busan
Explore the pastel-coloured village of Gamcheon, nestled in the side of a mountain, with uniquely painted houses, murals, cafes, and shops.
Songdo Maritime Cable Car Ride
Busan
Ride the mile long gondola up to Songo Sky Park for an amazing view of the Busan coast. Visit the Observatory deck and then take the Cable car back down.
Jagalchi Fish Market
Busan
Discover this market and major attraction at Nampo Port. Wander through the rows of stalls selling everything you can dream of from the sea. Watch as locals haggle for the best price and fishmongers hawk their wares.
Gukje Traditional Market
Busan
Gukjesijang or Gukje Market is nestled near Biff Square, a well-known modern movie district in Busan. The market once was a place for refugees to earn a living over the period of the Korean War. Now, it's a bustling international market where loads of food, home goods, clothes, souvenirs and more can be found.
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Day 6 : BUSAN
After breakfast, visit the dramatically perched Yonggungsa Temple along the rocky coast. Explore this picturesque oceanside sanctuary before rolling up your sleeves for a hands-on kimchi making class to uncover the flavors, history and cultural significance of one of Korea’s most iconic dishes. Try many different types of kimchi, not just cabbage, with the never-ending list of veggies that can be “kimchi-fied” as Judy Joo talks about in her National Geographic article “5 ways to eat kimchi, a Korean staple.” Work off the delicious lunch with a hike along the coastal trails of Dongbaek Island to reach the APEC House, the modern-glass diplomatic building on the shore. The evening is yours to relax on the famous Haeundae Beach, one of Korea’s most iconic beaches.
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple Visit
Gijang-gun
Originally built in 1376, this picturesque, cliffside Buddhist temple overlooks the East China Sea. Opt to grab a bizarre local snack at the traditional market. Legend foretells that should you pray here, at least one of your wishes will come true.
Kimchi Making Class
Busan
Kimchi, Korea’s most iconic traditional food, is on the menu today! Learn about the history and regional varieties while sampling different types. Then, the instructor will walk you through the Kimchi making process, following time-honored methods passed down from Korean grandmothers. Make your own kimchi alongside the instructor and then dig into a delicious local lunch highlighting the deliciously fermented cabbage.
Dongbaek Island (APEC House)
Busan 2km
Walk the easy coastal hike on Dongbaek Island to the APEC House where the 2005 APEC Summit was held. Enjoy the view where the forrest meets the sea, the lighthouse observatory, and scenic wooden coastal paths.
Free time:
Haeundae Beach
Enjoy some free time to swim or relax in the sand on Korea’s most iconic beaches.
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Lunch
Day 7 : BUSAN/ JEJU
Fly to Jeju, a volcanic island off the southeast coast. Dive right into the adventure, heading to Seongsan Ilchulbong–Sunrise Peak, where cliffs of lava rise from the sea. Here we’ll meet the legendary haenyeo - “women of the sea.” These elder women free divers are famed for their impressively long breath holds and techniques passed down through generations. This practice has changed the genetics of these divers, as discussed in the National Geographic article “These Korean women divers have evolved traits to survive in frigid water”. Talk to the women and learn of their skills while sampling the freshly caught seafood. After, hike up to the peak for breathtaking views of the volcanic island, then head back down to visit the Haenyeo Museum to gain deeper insight into these incredible women.
Plane
Busan / Gimhae International Airport - Jeju International Airport
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Haenyeo Women Divers Experience
Jeju-si
Watch the amazing Haenyeo free diving performance, a traditional "muljil," and learn about the lives and traditions of Jeju's female divers. Watch as the haenyeo harvest seafood from the sea in live shows. Witness their incredible breath-holding techniques as they surface with abalone, octopus, conch, sea cucumbers and more. Afterwards, have a chance to interact with these amazing women and sample some of their fresh catch.
Seongsan Sunrise Peak Visit
Sungsan 1h - 2h 1km
Take a short hike to see one of the most beautiful views in all of Jeju Island. A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Seongsan Ilchilbong was formed around 5000 years ago by an underwater volcanic eruption that created this unforgettable scenery. This beginner hike has a well maintained trail and is suitable for all fitness levels.
Haenyeo Women Divers Museum
Jeju-si
The Haenyeo Museum introduces Jeju’s unique haenyeo culture, showcasing the lives and traditions of female divers. Learn about their history, tools, and attire. This museum provides a deep understanding of the haenyeo’s resilient spirit and culture through the interactive exhibits and documentary screenings.
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Day 8 : JEJU
Set off on a full day of adventure around Jeju Island, starting at Hallim Park. Full of botanical gardens, lava caves and bonsai trails, Hallim showcases Jeju’s rich biodiversity. Continue to the Yongmeori Coast for a short and easy walk with a stunning view of wave-carved cliffs and Mt. Sanbang–a sacred mountain steeped in legend. A short walk brings us to Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, a stunning cascade 22 metres high and 12 metres wide tucked away in the subtropical rainforest. Cap off the day on a traditional wooden raft, called a taewoo, riding down the Soesokkak Estuary. This evening, choose to join your group for an optional farewell dinner.
Wonder through the themed gardens of Hallim Park, under palm trees, through bonsai gardens, and a subtropical botanical garden. After a short tour within the park, opt to stroll through your favorite gardens or explore the caves, and visit a folk village.
Yongmeori Coast & Mt. Sanbang
Jeju-si
Walk along Yongmeori's rugged coastline known for its dramatic cliffs and unique rock formations. Then take a short hike up Mt. Sanbang to a temple situated on the mountain.
Cheonjiyeon Waterfall
Jeju-si
Take a short hike to reach Cheonjiyeon Waterfalls. On this scenic walk to the falls, enjoy the lush, subtropical forest along the way. While swimming is generally not permitted, the site is perfect for photography and relaxation in such a beautiful place.
Soesokkak Estuary Boat Ride
Jeju-si 0h45m - 1h
Where pine forests meet volcanic rock and where fresh water meets the sea. Explore this beautiful place by boat on a short guided tour and enjoy an amazing view of the canyon.
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Day 9 : JEJU
Depart at any time.
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Meals Included:
Breakfast
