Korean Cultural Odyssey Temples to Towers - 9 Days

Welcome to Korea! Upon your arrival in Busan, you will be transferred to your hotel. You'll have some free time to begin exploring this lively city at your own pace. In the afternoon, we'll provide you with important details to prepare you for the exciting journey ahead. Take this time to relax and immerse yourself in Korea's vibrant culture and beautiful coastal environment. 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.

On the second day of our journey, we set off in the morning from Busan to visit Haedong Yonggung, a magnificent 14th-century Buddhist temple uniquely situated by the sea. We then return to Busan for a poignant visit to the UN Memorial Cemetery, a resting place for individuals from numerous nations. Our next stop takes us to Korea's largest fish market near Nampo Port, where you can explore the vibrant array of seafood before we enjoy a provided lunch. Following this, we proceed to Yongdusan Park, home to a majestic 120-metre pagoda. Afterwards, we head to Songdo Beach, where you have the opportunity to experience Korea's first marine cable car (ticket included, weather permitting), offering spectacular views of the bay. Our day continues with an exploration of Gamcheon Culture Village, famed for its colourful buildings, labyrinthine alleyways, art galleries, pottery workshops, and charming caf�s. We then conclude our day by returning to Busan for an overnight stay, enriched by the day�s diverse experiences.

Today, we embark on a journey to the Seokguram Grotto, a remarkable 8th-century Buddhist site nestled on the Tohamsan Mountain slopes. Our exploration continues at the Bulguksa Temple, celebrated for its architectural beauty and historical significance in Korean Buddhism. Later, we make our way to Gyeongju, a city renowned for enduring 992 years as Korea's capital under 56 kings. Here, you�ll have the opportunity to capture the picturesque Woljeonggyo Bridge, a stunning wooden structure along the Namcheon River. Lunch is included before we visit Tumuli Park, the resting place of Silla Kingdom monarchs with burial mounds over 1,500 years old. We'll also explore one of these ancient tombs and walk to the Cheomsongdae Observatory, East Asia's oldest astronomical site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our journey proceeds to Daegu, Korea's fourth-largest city, where we�ll discover Dongsan Cheongna Hill, once home to missionaries, and the bustling Dongseong-ro, filled with trendy shops and cafes. We will conclude the day with an overnight stay in Daegu.

Our day begins in Daegu with a visit to the Yangnyeongsi Museum of Oriental Medicine, famed for its rich history of medicinal herbs. We�ll take a leisurely stroll through the nearby Herbal Medicine Market, known for its plentiful herbal shops and high-quality ginseng. Our journey continues northwards to Andong, where we will explore the outskirts of the traditional Hahoe Village�a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll have free time to wander through this charming rural village, seemingly untouched by time. We�ll also explore the Hahoe Mask Museum, which houses a diverse collection of masks used in dances, medical practices, religious ceremonies, and theatrical performances. Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant.

After lunch, we proceed to the Byeongsan Seowon Confucian Academy, established in the 16th century, set amidst serene riverside landscapes. We aim to reach Seoul by evening, where, if the weather allows, we'll make a stop at Banpo Bridge on the Han River to witness the dazzling water and light displays. We will then check-in for our overnight stay in Seoul. Please note, the visit to Banpo Bridge is weather dependent.

We begin our day with an early departure to the Cheorwon region to explore a section of the DMZ � the Demilitarised Zone that divides North and South Korea. We'll delve into the fascinating history at the Second Tunnel, clandestinely excavated by North Korea and unveiled in 1975. Our next stop is the Cheorwon Peace Observatory, where you can enjoy sweeping views of the DMZ and catch glimpses of the first villages in the North. While there, take the opportunity to visit a small museum, which offers insights into the Korean War. Our journey continues with a visit to the deserted Woljeong-ri railway station and the Baek Ma Battle Memorial, honouring a French UN battalion's role during significant battles. A lunch is included in the day's agenda. We'll later visit a local producer of makgeolli, a beloved Korean rice liquor, before making our way back to Seoul by evening.

Please carry your passport, as the DMZ is a military area and can be closed without warning, potentially leading to changes in the itinerary.

In Seoul, accompanied by our guide, we'll head to City Hall to marvel at its modern, wave-like architecture. Directly opposite, the beautifully illuminated Deoksugung Palace offers a striking juxtaposition of historical and contemporary influences unique to Korea. From there, you'll have time to explore Myeongdong, the nation's prime hub for shopping and entertainment, where you'll savour dinner at a local restaurant. To conclude the day, we'll return to the hotel via Seoul's efficient metro system, with tickets included for your convenience. Overnight accommodation in Seoul awaits.

Today, we'll embark on an extensive five-hour tour of Seoul, beginning with Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site set within expansive parkland and home to an impressive ensemble of palaces. Next, we'll pass through Bukchon Hanok Village, a charming neighbourhood renowned for its traditional homes. We will then visit the War Memorial of Korea, an insightful museum that delves into various conflicts, particularly the Korean War, highlighting the contributions of soldiers from numerous countries under the United Nations. A local restaurant will serve us lunch.

Our journey continues to the bustling Gangnam District, famous for its lively shopping and entertainment scene. To round off the day, we'll stop by Lotte World Tower, an architectural marvel standing at 550 metres. You will have the opportunity to journey to the top (ticket not included) or explore the surrounding park and luxury shopping areas. Afterwards, we'll head back to the hotel, giving you the evening to enjoy at your leisure.

Today, we delve into the rich history of Korea with a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace, a majestic structure with over six centuries of history. We will time our visit to hopefully witness the ceremonial changing of the guard. Departing from Seoul, we then travel south to Suwon, the former capital, celebrated for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed fortress walls. Here, we will explore these remarkable fortifications and visit Hwaseong Haenggung, the grand summer palace. Lunch is included today. Our journey continues to Jeonju, where we will uncover its charming historic centre, the Hanok Village. This area is noted for its traditional houses, quaint shops, and vibrant art galleries, allowing us to enjoy a peek into Korea's cultural heritage.

Start your day by travelling to the charming Sunchang Gochujang Village, nestled at the foot of Mount Amisan. Here, you'll find traditional hanok houses and courtyards filled with large clay pots known as hang-a-ri. This village is renowned for its skilled artisans who create gochujang, the quintessential Korean chilli paste, using age-old techniques. You�ll have the chance to get hands-on and learn the art of making this famous condiment. Our journey then continues to the serene Juknokwon Bamboo Forest in Damyang, where the tranquil paths offer a perfect setting for meditation and taking in the fresh breeze. While there, explore an array of bamboo products at the Bamboo Museum. Enjoy an included lunch, sampling the regional delicacy � rice cooked and served in a bamboo stalk.

Our adventure proceeds to Haeinsa, situated amidst spectacular mountain scenery. This is one of Korea's most revered Buddhist temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a history dating back to 802 AD. It is home to the Tripitaka Koreana, the most complete collection of Buddhist scriptures, impressively carved on over 80,000 wooden tablets. Finally, we head to Busan, Korea's bustling second-largest city, where we will settle in for the night.

Following breakfast, our tour concludes, leaving you with cherished memories of your time with us in Korea.