Korean Cultural Odyssey Seoul to Busan - 9 Days

Upon arrival in Seoul, you'll be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel, where you can settle in and unwind. You'll have some free time to familiarise yourself with your surroundings. In the afternoon, we'll provide you with information about the start of your tour, setting the stage for the exciting adventures ahead. Enjoy the blend of vibrant city life and cultural experiences that Korea has to offer, as you prepare for a journey rich in history and exploration. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

We set off early to the Cheorwon region to explore the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone), the infamous boundary separating the two Koreas. Our first stop is the Second Tunnel, an impressive excavation clandestinely created by the North Korean military and unearthed in 1975. We then proceed to the Cheorwon Peace Observatory, where we are presented with sweeping vistas of the DMZ and North Korea's initial settlements. The observatory houses a small museum dedicated to the Korean War. Our journey continues to the deserted Woljeong-ri railway station before visiting the Baek Ma Battle Memorial, a tribute to the French UN battalion's role in the Korean conflict. Lunch is provided. We conclude our tour of the region by visiting a local Makgeolli producer, where we'll learn about this traditional Korean rice liquor before returning to Seoul in the evening.

Please remember to carry your passport for this leg of the journey, as the DMZ is a secure military area that may close unexpectedly. In such an event, alternative arrangements will be made. Back in Seoul, our guide leads us to City Hall to admire the remarkable tsunami-shaped structure. Opposite, we find Deoksugung Palace, its evening illumination highlighting Korea's unique fusion of the traditional and modern. We continue our exploration in the vibrant Myeongdong district, renowned as South Korea's largest hub for shopping and entertainment, with a name that translates to "bright town." Dinner is included at a local eatery, after which we return to our hotel using Seoul's modern metro system (ticket included) for an overnight stay.

Today, we embark on a comprehensive five-hour exploration of Seoul. Our itinerary begins with a visit to Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning architecture and its enchanting gardens. Next, we pass through Bukchon Hanok Village, a picturesque area steeped in history, known for its traditional Korean homes. Our journey continues with a visit to the War Memorial of Korea, an impressive museum offering profound insights into the country's conflicts, with a special emphasis on the Korean War, during which soldiers from various nations fought under the United Nations. We will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading to the bustling Gangnam District. Known for its vibrant shopping centres and entertainment spots, this area embodies the modern vibe of the city. To conclude our day, we will stop at the remarkable Lotte World Tower, which impressively stands 550 metres tall. You have some free time to ascend the tower (ticket not included) or to explore the nearby park and luxury shopping areas. After this, we will return to the hotel, leaving you with the evening at your leisure.

Today, we explore Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, a magnificent structure with a history spanning over 600 years. If the timing is right, we'll witness the ceremonial changing of the guard. Following our visit, we depart from Seoul and journey south to Suwon, once the capital of Korea. This city is famed for its impressive UNESCO World Heritage fortifications. We'll have the opportunity to see these remarkable walls and explore Hwaseong Haenggung, the summer palace. Lunch is included today. Our travels continue to Jeonju, where we'll explore its captivating historic centre, known as Hanok Village. Here, you'll find charming traditional houses, shops, and art galleries.

We will depart for Sunchang Gochujang Village, nestled at the foot of Mount Amisan. Here, you'll find traditional hanok houses with picturesque courtyards brimming with clay pots known as hang-a-ri. This charming village is famed for its master artisans who skillfully produce gochujang, a celebrated Korean chilli paste, using age-old techniques. We will engage in a hands-on session to learn the art of making this popular sauce. Following our time there, we will continue to Damyang to explore the Juknokwon Bamboo Forest. Renowned for its serene paths, this forest is ideal for meditative strolls and enjoying the gentle breeze. In the area, you'll discover a range of bamboo products, spotlighted in places such as the Bamboo Museum. Lunch is included, featuring a local delicacy: rice steamed and served inside a bamboo stalk. Surrounded by breathtaking mountain and forest landscapes, we will visit Haeinsa Temple, one of Korea�s most significant Buddhist temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Established in 802, it houses the Tripitaka, the most comprehensive collection of Buddhist scriptures, skillfully engraved on 80,000 wooden tablets. Our journey continues to Busan, Korea�s vibrant second city, where we will stay overnight.

We will begin our day in Busan with a visit to the Haedong Yonggung Temple, a striking 14th-century Buddhist site set against the backdrop of the sea. After exploring this mesmerising temple, we will return to Busan to wander through the UN Memorial Cemetery, a solemn tribute to fallen soldiers from numerous countries. Our next stop is the bustling fish market by Nampo Port, the largest in South Korea, where fresh seafood abounds. Lunch will be provided, offering you a taste of local flavours.

Following lunch, we'll take a leisurely stroll through Yongdusan Park, which is graced with a towering 120-metre pagoda. As our day progresses, we head to Songdo Beach. Here, you have the opportunity to glide across the sea on South Korea's first marine cable car, should the weather allow, for a stunning view of the bay.

Our journey continues to the vibrant Gamcheon Culture Village. Known for its brightly coloured buildings and maze-like alleyways, the village is a haven for art lovers, featuring galleries, pottery workshops, and charming caf�s. After a fulfilling exploration, we will return to Busan for an overnight stay.

We'll begin our day by travelling to the Seokguram Buddhist Grotto, a remarkable 8th-century sanctuary set on the gentle slopes of Tohamsan Mountain. Our exploration continues at the Bulguksa Temple, celebrated as one of Korea's most beautiful temples, showcasing a fascinating glimpse into the nation's Buddhist heritage. Next, we'll arrive in Gyeongju, a city with a storied past as the Korean capital for nearly a millennium, ruled by 56 kings. Here, you�ll have the opportunity to capture stunning photos of the elegant Woljeonggyo Bridge, which gracefully spans the Namcheon River. Following an included lunch, we'll proceed to Tumuli Park, where we'll explore the ancient burial mounds of the Silla Kingdom, over 1,500 years old, and enter one of these historic tombs. Our journey will then take us to the Cheomsongdae Astronomical Observatory, renowned as the oldest in East Asia and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As the day winds down, we'll arrive in Daegu, Korea's fourth-largest city. Before checking into our hotel for the night, we�ll visit Dongsan Cheongna Hill, steeped in rich missionary history, and stroll along Dongseong-ro, a bustling street teeming with vibrant shops, cafes, and restaurants. Tonight, we will stay in Daegu, reflecting on a day filled with timeless history and cultural wonders.

We�ll start our day in Daegu with a visit to the Yangnyeongsi Museum of Oriental Medicine, a site celebrated for its rich history of medicinal herbs. After exploring the museum, we�ll wander through the nearby Herbal Medicine Market, renowned for its wide array of herbal shops offering top-quality products, especially ginseng. Our journey continues as we head north to Andong, where we�ll explore the outskirts of the historic Hahoe Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You�ll have time to meander through this beautifully preserved rural village, which seems to stand still in time. We�ll also visit the Hahoe Mask Museum, which houses a diverse collection of masks from around the world, illustrating their varied uses in dance, medicine, religion, and theatre. Lunch will be provided at a local eatery. In the afternoon, we�ll head to the 16th-century Byeongsan Seowon Confucian Academy, nestled in a serene, picturesque setting by the river. Later, we�ll return to Seoul, aiming to arrive in the evening. Should the weather allow, we'll make a stop at Banpo Bridge over the Han River, noted for its colourful water and light displays. Overnight accommodation will be in Seoul. Please note, the stop at Banpo Bridge depends on favourable weather conditions.

As we enjoy a final morning in Seoul over breakfast, it's time to reflect on the fascinating journey we've experienced across Korea. While our expedition draws to a close today, we trust you'll depart with cherished memories of the vibrant cultures, historic sites, and captivating landscapes we've discovered together. May the experiences and friendships from this adventure linger long after you leave Korea. Safe travels on your onward journey!