Tour of South Korea

Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of the five palaces constructed by the Joseon Dynasty. The Joseon lasted for 500 years and laid the foundation for major aspects of Korean culture and national identity. Originally built in 1394, Gyeongbokgung means “Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven.”

Next, visit the Blue House. As the official residence of the Korean head of state, the Blue House was constructed in an area that ancient Geomancers considered to be auspicious with mountains flanking the North, East, and West and the Han River to the south.

Enjoy a night tour of the Cheonggyecheon Stream. This 5-mile creek flowing through downtown Seoul was renovated in 2005 with shops lining the sides and is a relaxing area to stroll along the water.

• Accommodations: Courtyard Marriott Hotel
  
• Meals Included: (B,L)

In the morning, transfer to the Noryangjin Fish Market. This wholesale market is one of the largest wet markets in Seoul stretching for miles and houses a wide assortment of aquatic delicacies.

Wander along the Insadong Antique Alley, filled with street food, antiques, and traditional Korean culture.

Experience ancient Korean culture in the beautiful Namsangol Hanok Village. The village is composed of three parts: a traditional Korean garden, Time Capsule Plaza and the village itself, which includes hanok (traditional Korean houses) from the Joseon Dynasty.

Take in the panoramic view from Seoul Tower. Built in 1975, the facility operated solely as a radio transmission tower until it was opened to the public in 1981. The tower has since been a favorite attraction for both local and international visitors.

Enjoy a meal of Korean BBQ for dinner.

• Accommodations: Courtyard Marriott Hotel
  
• Meals Included: (B,L,D)

This morning head to the 3rd Tunnel, discovered in 1978, 240 ft. below ground near the south side of the DMZ. It is estimated that 30,000 troops could move through the tunnel per hour.

Visit Dora Observatory in Paju at the northernmost point of the Military Demarcation Line of the Western Front. From the observatory, visitors can have a view of North Korea including Gaeseong, Songaksan, the Kim Il-Sung Statue, and Cooperation Farm.

Tonight, enjoy a special dinner of Hanjeongsik, a full-course Korean meal with an array of savory side dishes. The most lavish of hanjeongsik traditions originated with the banquets served in the royal palaces or the homes of aristocrats.

• Accommodations: Courtyard Marriott Hotel
  
• Meals Included: (B,L,D)

In the morning, transfer to Seoul Station for the high-speed train to Singyeongju Station (about 2 hours). Meet your local guide who will transfer you to Gyeongju-si. Once the former capital of the Silla Korean Kingdom, Gyeongju-si is known as a living historical town with preserved buildings, burial grounds, and artifacts from the Chosun and Silla dynasties.

After checking into your hotel, visit Donggung Palace and the Wolji Pond. Formerly known as Anapji, the palace complex was the capital of the ancient Silla dynasty originally constructed in 674 CE.

See the Cheomseongdae observatory ruins, the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia (and possibly the world).

Visit the Cheonmachong and Daereungwon Royal Tombs. Excavated in 1973, the tombs contain thousands of artifacts in the Silla style.

• Accommodations: Hilton Gyeongju Hotel
  
• Meals Included: (B,L,D)

In the morning, transfer outside of Gyeongju to Bulguksa (about 1 hour) and visit the Bulguksa Temple. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was built in 528 CE, during the Silla Kingdom and holds two of Korea’s most valued pagodas.

Take the local shuttle or hike up to the Seokguram Grotto. Built into the food of Mt. Tohamsan, the grotto features a rectangular chamber covered in paintings, bas-reliefs and a 10 foot tall granite Buddha as its centerpeice.

If time allows, visit the Gyeongju Folk Craft Village on the way back to Gyeongju.

• Accommodations: Hilton Gyeongju Hotel
  
• Meals Included: (B,L)

This day is at leisure for independent exploration. You can ask your guide about how to visit the following areas:

• Gyeongju National Park, the oldest national park in Korea with dozens of historic Silla sites.
• Gyeongju World, a theme park with roller coasters, ice sledding and more.
• Namsan peak, the tallest peak in the Gyeongju area.
• Seongdong Market, the largest market in Gyeongju known for its fruits, vegetables, and seafood.

• Accommodations: Hilton Gyeongju Hotel
  
• Meals Included: (B)

In the morning, transfer to the Gyeongju train station for the train to Busan (about 1 hour, 1^st class seats). Visit the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. Built in 1376, the temple was destroyed during the Japanese invasion of Korea and rebuilt in the 1930s as one of the few temples located along the shores of Korea.

 Transfer to your hotel and spend the rest of this day at leisure. Passengers can visit nearby Haeundae Beach to relax. 

• Accommodations: Westin Chosun Busan Hotel
  
• Meals Included: (B,L)

In the morning, transfer to Gamcheon Culture Village. Located in the hillside of Busan, the former slum has been transformed into pastel-colored houses uniquely painted with incredible street art. 

Stop by the largest seafood market in Korea, Jagalchi Market. Selling both dried and fresh seafood, the market spans along the waterfront and visitors can bring their purchases to the second floor to have them cooked by local chefs.

This evening, enjoy a street food tour of Seomyeon Food Street. 

• Accommodations: Westin Chosun Busan Hotel
  
• Meals Included: (B,D)

This day is at leisure for independent exploration. Passengers can ask their guide about local local beaches to relax on.

• Accommodations: Westin Chosun Busan Hotel
  
• Meals Included: B
  

 In the morning, transfer to the Busan train station for the train to Seoul (about 2.5 hours, 1^st class seats). Transfer to your hotel.

The rest of this day is at leisure.

• Accommodations: Courtyard Marriott Hotel
  
• Meals Included: (B)

Transfer to the Seoul International Airport and depart on your flight back to the USA.

Meals: (B, Meals aloft)