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.

Breakfast at the hotel

Transfer by KTX train (~2h) to Gyeongju, former capital of the Silla Kingdom. On arrival, luggage drop-off and check-in.

Lunch at leisure

Free afternoon to soak up the city's peaceful atmosphere.

Dinner at leisure

Overnight in a traditional house (hanok), Hanok Doran Doran (or similar).

Breakfast at the accommodation

Free day to explore the Daereungwon Tumuli Park (UNESCO), the Cheomseongdae Observatory (UNESCO), the remains of the Wolseong Fortress, the peaceful Kyochon Village and admire the Wolyeonggyo Bridge, which looks stunning in the evening.

Lunch at leisure

Enjoy local specialties during your visits.

Dinner at leisure

Overnight at Hanok Doran Doran (or similar).

Breakfast at the accommodation

Departure by express bus (~1h15) to Busan. Transfer by local transport to your accommodation.

Lunch at leisure

Free visit of Busan: the Jagalchi fish market, the Nampodong shopping district, and the colourful Gamcheon art village. At the end of the day, stroll along the Gwangalli beach.

Dinner at leisure

Overnight at the Stanford Hotel Busan (or similar).

Breakfast at the hotel

Free day with suggestions: Huin-yeo-ul art village, Haedong Yonggungsa temple by the sea, a monorail ride from Cheongsapo to Dalmaji, or lazing on Haeundae beach.

Lunch at leisure

Try the street-food or local restaurants around the beaches.

Dinner at leisure

Overnight at the Stanford Hotel Busan (or similar)

Breakfast at the hotel

Free day to explore: the F1963 Cultural Complex, the UN Cemetery and Sculpture Park, Taejongdae Nature Park with its cliffs and the Danubi Tourist Train. In the evening, stroll through the Bupyeong (Kkangtong) night market.

Lunch at leisure

Eat as you wish: street food or local cafés.

Dinner at leisure

Overnight at the Stanford Hotel Busan (or similar).

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

Spend the day at leisure and refer to the travel pack for recommendations on places to visit.

Gangnam District – Tradition and Modernity: Explore Gangnam, a symbol of modern Seoul. Visit the serene 16th-century Bongeunsa Temple, nestled amongst skyscrapers. Experience the futuristic atmosphere of the COEX Mall and the renowned Starfield Library, which provides a spectacular backdrop for photos. Gangnam showcases the duality of Korean culture, blending spirituality and innovation.

Seoul Art Museum (Leeum Samsung): Immerse yourself in contemporary art at the Leeum Museum, founded by Samsung and housing an extensive collection of traditional and modern Korean art. Designed by the renowned architects Mario Botta, Rem Koolhaas and Jean Nouvel, the museum displays ceramics and paintings from the Joseon dynasty, as well as contemporary Korean and international art installations.

Evening in Hongdae (leisure option): Experience the creative nightlife of Hongdae, a trendy district near the Mercure Hongdae Hotel. Explore street concerts, artistic performances, local designer boutiques, urban art galleries and a plethora of relaxed bars and restaurants. Take a stroll through Hongdae to experience Seoul's underground art scene and enjoy Korean street food and cocktails in a lively setting.

Spend the day at leisure and refer to the travel pack for recommendations on places to visit.

Traditional Bukchon Village: In the morning, discover the charming, well-preserved neighbourhood of Bukchon Hanok Village. Take a leisurely stroll through the narrow streets lined with traditional wooden houses dating back to the Joseon era, which now house craft shops, galleries and teahouses. Take in spectacular views of Seoul's rooftops and the surrounding palaces, and immerse yourself in history and serenity in the heart of the city.

Street Food at Gwangjang Market: For an authentic culinary experience, explore Gwangjang Market for lunch. Treat yourself to local street food delicacies such as bindaetteok (crispy thick pancakes) and mayak kimbap (small rice rolls with marinated vegetables). Enjoy specialities such as spicy tteokbokki, fresh yukhoe (seasoned raw beef) and mandoo (steamed dumplings) in a welcoming setting.

Futuristic Design at Dongdaemun : In the afternoon, explore Seoul's ultramodern world by visiting the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), an avant-garde building designed by Zaha Hadid. Explore design exhibitions and trendy boutiques in the heart of Dongdaemun's shopping district, and visit the on-site museum. Finish the day by enjoying the lively night market and sampling local snacks from the food trucks.

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:

Round-trip airport-hotel transfers by public transport with the help of your assistant.

You will be given a T-Money card with a 12-trip refill for personal travel.

Seoul - Gyeongju: by KTX train (approx. 2h) and transfer to your accommodation by local bus.

Gyeongju - Busan: by express bus (approx. 1h15) 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:

From the second to the last day, you will have breakfast included, except for two nights in a traditional house in Gyeongju.

Activities:

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

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