Taste of South Korea

Today is dedicated to the relationship between North and South Korea. You’ll visit the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) to gain an understanding of the bordering countries. See Imjingak Park, the Bridge of Freedom and the Third Infiltration Tunnel, where it’s believed that some 30,000 soldiers could pass through within an hour. You’ll also spend time at the DMZ Theatre and Exhibition Hall, and the station, along with Dora Observatory, which offers binocular views into North Korea.

Return to Seoul for an afternoon visit to Insadong, a cultural hub in the heart of Seoul. This neighbourhood is steeped in tradition and boasts a plethora of art galleries, antique shops, craft stores, and traditional teahouses. Final stop of the day is Hanyangdoseong. Also known as Seoul City Wall, the historic fortification surrounding the city offers panoramic views, hiking trails, and a glimpse into Seoul’s rich history and architectural legacy. Take a walk along the wall soaking in the surrounding views and incredible history.

• Breakfast

INSIDER EXPERIENCE

Visit Jogyesa Temple for the chance to share tea with a monk and experience the unique culture of Korean Buddhism. Explore the fascinating temple compound and marvel at ancient well-preserved Buddhist treasures.

INSIDER EXPERIENCE

Embark on a tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest palace in South Korea. Built in 1392 at the beginning of the Joseon Dynasty, it was the main royal palace for five centuries. Witness the changing of the guard ceremony, a tradition that has been performed for centuries in Korea and is a symbol of the nation's rich culture and history.

Fill up at breakfast this morning – you’re in for a full day of sightseeing. After your first Insider Experience, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant to taste Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) considered to be a healthy dish with medicinal benefits too! Afterwards, embark on your second incredible Insider Experience for the day, followed by a visit to the National Museum of Contemporary Korean History. Gain an insight into how Korea propelled itself from being an agricultural society to the modern economic powerhouse that it is today. Last stop of your journey is Bukchon Hanok Village, a charming neighbourhood consisting of traditional hanok houses, showcasing Korea’s architectural heritage. Explore the narrow alleyways, experience the peaceful atmosphere, and admire the beautifully preserved structures.

• Breakfast
• Lunch

INSIDER EXPERIENCE

Board one of South Korea’s famous KTX Express Trains to Busan, a vibrant coastal city in South Korea offering beautiful beaches, lively markets and fresh seafood. Watch the beautiful countryside whip past your window, and jet right past busy cities as your train reaches speeds of over 300 kilometres per hour.

After breakfast at your hotel, embark on your Insider Experience. Upon arrival in South Korea’s second-largest city, you’ll be taken on a city sightseeing tour of some of Busan’s most well-known sites. Begin at Busan Tower, which offers a great vantage point to the city’s bustling port. Visit Jagalchi Fishery Market, the largest seafood market in South Korea. Here, locals select seafood that is straight from the ocean and take their purchase to the market’s chefs to be prepared just how they like it, for a fresher-than-fresh seafood lunch. Explore the quirky Gamcheon Village, a mishmash of pastel-coloured houses, street art and art galleries. Your final stop of the day is the United Nations Memorial Cemetery, a significant and poignant site commemorating the Korean War. Transfer to the hotel to check in then this evening, head out to the neighbourhood market for a fresh seafood dinner, the speciality of Busan.

Stay: Busan, Shilla Stay Haeundae

• Breakfast
• Dinner

This morning, after breakfast, your exploration of Gyeongju continues with a visit to the religious architectural complex of Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple, both World Heritage-listed. Both sites highlight the mastery of the architects and artists of the Silla Kingdom era. Marvel at the vast collections of artifacts at the Gyeongju National Museum including relics and royal treasures and enjoy a comprehensive insight into the art, culture, and history of the Silla dynasty. Travel to Yangdong Folk Village, a traditional yangban (Korean Aristocracy) village from the Joseon dynasty. Explore the charming neighbourhood consisting of traditional hanok houses against a backdrop of beautiful natural scenery. Head back to Gyeongju and embark on the leisurely evening walk to the Woljeong Bridge, and the historical “gateway” connecting the royal palaces of Silla to the south, on the Namcheon stream. End the walk at the Wolji pond, an artificial pond located in Gyeongju National Park.

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Breakfast is served at your hotel this morning before a transfer takes you to the Incheon International Airport where your South Korea adventure comes to an end.

• Breakfast