South Korea, Seoul

South Korea: The land of peaceful mornings 3^*

Arrival in Korea.

Meet your assistant and transfer to your accommodation by public transport. Check-in at your hotel and first steps in Seoul. Program according to your arrival time.

After breakfast, explore the city at your leisure (visit recommendations also in your travel pack).

• Gwanghwamun Square, recently renovated, the historic heart of Seoul. Facing the royal palace of Gyeongbokgung, it is a must-see on any visit to Korea.
• Gyeongbokgung Palace (or Changdeokgung depending on opening days). The residence of the Joseon dynasty from 1395 to 1592, and again from 1867 to 1911, the Gyeongbokgung Palace is the perfect example of Korea's grandeur during its golden years.
• Stroll around Insadong and its charming boutiques. Famed for its stalls and tea rooms, Insadong was originally the place where artists came to stock up on traditional brushes and paper. Visitors and couples alike come here on weekend afternoons.
• Exploration of the district of Ikseondong, and its traditional houses that have been preserved from destruction. Destined to become a housing development, the Ikseondong district owes its survival to the restoration of its small houses, which have become trendy boutiques and surprisingly well-designed cafés, and to the many restaurants where passers-by and employees of the neighbouring high-rise buildings come to eat.
• Cheonggyecheon River, the green channel of life running through the heart of Seoul. It has undergone gigantic works during its modern history. Originally a small river, it became a shanty town at the end of the Korean War. Completely destroyed, it was replaced by a suspended ring road in the 1970s before being restored to its semi-original form in a project that lasted almost 2 years and cost a whopping USD 300 million.
• See out the day in the Myeongdong district, the vibrant heart of the city's shopping and street-food scene, then enjoy the night view from City Hall with its stunning glass and steel skylight.

Departure for Daejeon by KTX train (approx. 1 hr 30). Transfer to your accommodation by local bus and luggage drop-off.

Departure for Gongju by local bus (approx. 1 hr journey). Walking tours in the middle of the Baekje kingdom (18 BCE to 660 CE).

Discovery of the Gongsanseong Fortress (UNESCO). A magnificent example of military construction under the Baekje dynasty, the fortress remains one of the centrepieces of Buyeo's heritage. The walls may have disappeared when the kingdom fell, but what is left is nonetheless impressive, and a stroll through what is now a park overlooking the River Geumgang is sure to delight you.

Visit the Jeongnimsaji Shrine (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). The remains include a flat-faced Buddha, and the sanctuary site is also home to a museum that goes into detail about the techniques used at the time to build architecture that is still impressive today.

Stroll around the Gungnamji lotus pond. Legend has it that a prince of Buyeo seduced a princess of Silla here. Their love affair was forbidden by their parents for obvious political reasons, so the princess and the prince fled together to take refuge by this pond whose lotuses would bear immortal witness to their unconditional love.

Return to Daejeon at the end of the day.

Departure for Gyeongju by SRT train (approx. 1 hr journey). Transfer to your accommodation by local bus and luggage drop-off.

Self-guided tours around the historic heart of Gyeongju. Suggested tours:

• Daereungwon Tumuli Park (UNESCO). A collection of royal tombs and tombs of high dignitaries, the park includes the most famous tomb: the tomb of the celestial horse. Virtually complete (unlike many other tombs that have been looted over the centuries), it has provided an insight into the burial rites of the Silla dynasty (57 BC - 935), as well as revealing some fabulous artefacts, including a crown made of pure gold and jade, and many items of royal ceremonial dress.
• Cheomseongdae Astronomical Observatory (UNESCO). The observatory was used for astronomy and made it possible to map a large proportion of the stars visible to the naked eye. It is a building that sums up the particularly remarkable interest in and development of the sciences during the reign of Queen Seondeok.
• Remains of the Wolseong fortress, designed to protect the city of Gyeongju (otherwise known as Seo-ra-e-bol), which had a population of almost 2 million at its peak.
• Small village of Kyochon. Holiday home of the Ryu family, who had a huge influence on the code of conduct for nobles under the Joseon dynasty (the family is often compared to the Rothschild family for its special rules and strong family cohesion).
• Wolyeonggyo reconstructed bridge. Best seen at night, this bridge, built 2 years ago, was the main access to the heart of the Silla dynasty capital.

Free day with recommendations for visits (in your travel pack):

• Gyeongju National Museum. Built to protect the finds from the excavations begun in the 1970s, the museum has become one of the finest in Korea, with its dynamic, free-flowing exhibits and an impressive collection of objects found in the region.
• Seokguram Grotto and Seated Buddha (UNESCO). Considered the epitome of Buddhist art under the Silla dynasty, the Seated Buddha was found by sheer chance during logging operations by local residents. It is now protected by glass and a building, but first and foremost by celestial Apsara dancers and ancient warriors.
• Bulguksa Temple (UNESCO). A superb site with architecture that is found nowhere else in Korea, the temple contains many national treasures, including the 2 famous stupas in front of the central pavilion. Arranged according to the lay of the land, it remains one of the masterpieces of Buddhist art under the Silla Dynasty.
• Anapji Pond by night. Originally built to provide entertainment for the court and royal family, the pond should have been much larger. However, it was never completed due to the fall of the dynasty. Best seen at night when it is illuminated, it transports visitors back to the past with its haunting atmosphere and magical lighting.

Departure for Busan by express bus (approx. 1 hr 15 journey). Transfer by local transport to your accommodation.

Self-guided tours (with recommendations in your travel pack):

- Jagalchi fish market, a must-see in Busan, with its stalls and aquariums of fresh fish and seafood. The atmosphere is always lively, with passers-by zigzagging between delivery people, sharp-tongued fishmongers and fishers returning from their fishing trips.

• Nampodong district. During the '70s and '80s, the district became a nerve centre for incoming international trade and foreign imports especially, and also played host to the Busan International Film Festival.
• Artistic village of Gamcheon. An unremarkable hamlet, Gamcheon first gained a reputation for taking in North Korean refugees during the Korean War. Then by covering itself with picturesque murals. This enabled it to survive the property crisis of the 1990s. Today Gamcheon is a lively area, with cafés, shops and popular, picturesque alleyways.
• Evening stroll along Gwangalli beach, admiring the bridge of the same name. A meeting place for young people and families to enjoy the beach as well as the night view, the shellfish barbecues and a glass of wine by the sea.

Free day with recommendations for visits in the travel guide:

• Huin-yeo-ul art village. Nestled on the slopes of Yeongdo island, facing the Nampodong area, this village has earned its nickname of Korean Cinqua Terra. Its murals, sunny atmosphere and south-facing seafront combined with its location on the slope give it a totally picturesque air.
• Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. Dating back to the 14th century, but completely rebuilt in the 1930s, Haedong is one of the few seaside temples. Its seafront layout and Maitreya Buddha are its most distinctive attractions.
• From Cheongsapo to Dalmaji on the monorail ** Formerly a railroad line, the monorail has become a landmark for its views and the peace and quiet it offers. Its proximity to Haeundae creates a particularly interesting contrast, delighting young and old alike.
• Haeundae beach, with its seafront and small hidden market. Haeundae is famous for its beach (said to be the most densely populated in summer) and its bars, nightclubs, busking zones (areas on the waterfront where artists come to perform free of charge and voluntarily) and its promenade always revealing events, festivals and other festive activities.

Departure for Seoul by KTX train (approx. 2 hr 30).

Free day with recommendations for visits in the travel pack.

Free day with recommendations for visits in the travel pack:

Free day with recommended visits. Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to the airport by public transport and check-in before boarding.

For short stays of fewer than 90 days, French nationals do not require a visa. They will also be granted a temporary exemption from K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation) from 1 April 2023 to 31 December 2024, as part of a plan to support the revival of tourism and the celebration of the "Visit Korea Year" (2023-2024). For more information: https://www.k-eta.go.kr/portal/apply/index.do

**A valid passport is required for entry into Korea ** 6 months of validity after the date of exit from the country is not required.

Before travelling to Korea, you should make sure that your passport is not torn, damaged or otherwise defective, otherwise you may be refused entry by the immigration authorities.

Transfers:

The return airport-hotel transfer is by public transport with the help of your assistant.

You will receive a T-Money card with a 12-trip top-up for your free travel.

Seoul - Daejeon: by KTX train (approx. 1 hr 30) and transfer to your accommodation by local bus.

Daejeon - Gongju: by local bus (approx. 1 hr).

Journey Daejeon - Gyeongju: by SRT train (approx. 1 hr) and transfer to your accommodation by local bus.

Journey from Gyeongju to Busan: by express bus (approx. 1 hr 15) and transfer to your accommodation by local transport.

Busan - Seoul by KTX train (approx. 2h30).

Accommodation:

During your stay, you will be accommodated in a double or twin room, subject to availability.

Board:

Breakfast will be provided from the second to the last day, with the exception of 2 nights in a Traditional House in Gyeongju.

Activities:

The costs of activities/visits not mentioned or only recommended in the travel pack are not included.

The travel pack will be sent to you 7 days before your arrival.