Korean Heritage and Japanese Harmony Tour - 8 Days

Welcome to Korea! Upon your arrival in Seoul, you'll be whisked away to your hotel, giving you a chance to settle in. In the afternoon, you’ll have some free time to unwind and begin exploring the city at your own pace. Later, we'll provide you with important information about the commencement of your tour. Enjoy your first day in this bustling metropolis as you prepare for the exciting experiences that lie ahead. 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, we set off early for the Cheorwon region, home to a significant part of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that separates the two Koreas. Our exploration begins with the Second Tunnel, a clandestine passage constructed by the North Korean military and uncovered in 1975. We proceed to the Cheorwon Peace Observatory, where we enjoy sweeping views of the DMZ and the initial villages of North Korea. The observatory also houses a small museum dedicated to the Korean War. Our journey then takes us to the deserted Woljeong-ri railway station, followed by a visit to the Baek Ma Battle Memorial, which commemorates the contribution of a French UN battalion. Lunch is provided. We conclude our regional visit with a stop at a local Makgeolli producer to taste this traditional Korean rice liquor before returning to Seoul in the evening.

Please remember to carry your passport, as this is necessary for the DMZ, a military area that might be closed at short notice. Should this be the case, an alternative itinerary will be offered. Later, with our guide, we head to City Hall to admire its striking architecture, and opposite, observe the Deoksugung Palace, beautifully illuminated at night. This juxtaposition of old and new is captivating. We continue our evening with a stroll through Myeongdong, South Korea’s largest shopping and entertainment district, aptly named 'bright town'. Dinner awaits at a local eatery, and to conclude the day, we return to the hotel via Seoul's modern and efficient metro system, with travel fare included.

Today, we will embark on an extensive five-hour tour of Seoul, beginning with a visit to Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled within a scenic park and boasting an array of elegantly designed palaces. Following this, we will pass through Bukchon Hanok Village, a charming traditional neighbourhood featuring quaint, historic homes. Our next stop is the War Memorial of Korea, a compelling museum providing insights into the conflicts that have significantly shaped Korea's history, with a particular emphasis on the Korean War, which saw soldiers from numerous countries serve under the United Nations banner. We’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading to the vibrant Gangnam District, famed for its dynamic shopping and entertainment scene. To round off the day, we’ll make our way to the impressive Lotte World Tower, a towering skyscraper reaching 550 metres into the sky. Here, you’ll have some free time—consider ascending the tower for stunning views or exploring the surrounding park and luxury shopping centres. Afterward, we will return to the hotel, leaving you free to explore or unwind at your leisure.

Today, we begin our day with a visit to the majestic Gyeongbokgung Palace, which boasts over 600 years of history. If the timing is right, we can witness the impressive ceremonial changing of the guard. Leaving Seoul behind, we head southwards to Suwon, once Korea’s capital. This city is famed for its imposing UNESCO World Heritage walls, which we will have the opportunity to explore. We'll also visit Hwaseong Haenggung, a summer palace that offers insight into the region's past. Lunch will be provided. Our journey continues towards Jeonju, where we will stroll through its captivating historic centre, known as Hanok Village. Here, you can find a charming array of traditional homes, shops brimming with local crafts, and vibrant art galleries.

Leaving Jeonju, we head to Sunchang Gochujang Village, nestled at the foot of Mount Amisan. Here, traditional hanok houses with courtyards brimming with hang-a-ri, large clay pots, set the stage for a unique hands-on experience in crafting gochujang, the famous Korean chilli paste. Our journey then takes us to Damyang, renowned for the Juknokwon Bamboo Forest, celebrated as one of the country's most beautiful spots for meditation and enjoying the invigorating fresh air. While here, you can browse an array of bamboo products, highlighted at the Bamboo Museum. Lunch is included, where we savour a local specialty: rice cooked and served inside a bamboo stalk. Later, amidst breathtaking mountain and forest scenery, we visit Haeinsa, a significant Buddhist temple and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Established in 802, it safeguards the Tripitaka, the most complete collection of Buddhist scriptures, meticulously carved onto 80,000 wooden tablets. We continue onwards to Busan, Korea’s vibrant second-largest city, where we will stay overnight.

Today, we start with a visit to Haedong Yonggungsa, a striking 14th-century Buddhist temple perched along the coastline. After returning to Busan, we'll explore the United Nations Memorial Cemetery, a poignant site honouring soldiers from numerous countries. We then head to Korea's largest fish market located by Nampo Port, where the energetic atmosphere is matched by the variety of fresh seafood on display. Lunch is included today. Following this, we'll enjoy a leisurely walk to Yongdusan Park, home to a towering 120-metre pagoda offering splendid views. As our day progresses, we'll make our way to the port to begin boarding processes for our ferry journey. Please ensure you check in by 5:30 p.m. at the latest, as our ferry is scheduled to set sail from Busan at 9:00 p.m., crossing the Sea of Japan. Overnight accommodation will be aboard the ferry, where you'll stay in double cabins equipped with private bathrooms. Note: If double cabins are unavailable, an alternative high-speed ferry will depart Busan at 3:00 p.m., arriving in Fukuoka, Japan, by approximately 6:30 p.m., where you'll have some free time and hotel accommodation.

We'll dock at Shimonoseki Port around 8:00 a.m. (please note that breakfast is not provided on board). After completing border formalities, we proceed to Iwakuni, a delightful town renowned for its stunning Kintai-Kyo Bridge, steeped in history and beauty. Our adventure continues as we take a ferry to Miyajima island, famously dubbed "where gods and humans coexist." Here, we'll visit the Itsukushima Shrine, a magnificent site dedicated to the guardian of the seas, partially constructed over the water. You'll have time to explore this enchanting shrine, wander through the charming town centre, and enjoy lunch.

Our journey then takes us to Hiroshima, a city marked by the tragic atomic bombing of 1945. We'll explore the Peace Memorial, witness the haunting ruins of the atomic bomb dome, and visit the impactful Peace Museum, which deeply reflects on these historic events. Dinner will be included in your evening plans.

Following breakfast, you will conclude your journey, hopefully taking with you a wealth of cherished memories from your travels.