South Korea, Seoul

Discovering South Korea

Arrival in Korea, where you will meet your assistant and be transferred to your accommodation by public transport.
You will check into your hotel and enjoy your first glimpse of Seoul.
Programme according to your arrival time.

After breakfast, explore the city (visit recommendations also in your travel booklet).

The recently renovated Gwanghwamun Square is 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 through 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 many restaurants where passers-by and employees of the neighbouring high-rise buildings come to eat.

The Cheonggyecheon River, a green vein in the heart of Seoul. Cheonggyecheon has undergone enormous changes in its modern history. Originally a small river, its banks 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 took almost 2 years and cost a whopping US$300 million.

Spend the rest of 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 heart of the Baekje kingdom (18BC - 660).

Buseosanseong 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.

Jeongnimsaji sanctuary (UNESCO). The remains include a flat-faced Buddha, and the sanctuary site also houses a museum that reveals the techniques used at the time to build architecture that is still impressive today.

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.

Free time to explore the historic centre of Gyeongju (suggested visits in your travel booklet).

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. Almost untouched (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 (travel booklet):

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). A pinnacle of Buddhist art from the Silla dynasty, the Seated Buddha was found by chance by local villagers while logging. It is now encased in glass and protected by a building, but most of all 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. But 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. Start of free-day visits to Busan with suggestions from the travel booklet:

Jagalchi fish market, a must-see in Busan, with its stalls and, above all, its aquariums of fresh fish and seafood. It's a really popular atmosphere, with passers-by zigzagging between deliverymen, sharp-tongued fish sellers and fishermen returning from their fishing trips.

Nampodong district. During the 70s and 80s, the district became a hub for incoming international trade and foreign imports in particular, and also played host to the Busan International Film Festival.

Artistic village of Gamcheon. An unassuming hamlet, Gamcheon first gained a reputation for welcoming North Korean refugees during the Korean War. Then by covering itself in picturesque murals. This enabled it to survive the property boom of the 90s. Today, Gamcheon is a lively area with cafes, shops and popular 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 booklet.

Huin-yeo-ul artistic village. Nestled on the slopes of Yeongdo Island, overlooking the Nampodong area, this village has earned the nickname of Korea's Cinque Terre. Its murals, sunny atmosphere and south-facing seafront, combined with its hillside location, give it a picturesque feel.

Temple of Haedong Yonggungsa. Dating back to the 14th century but completely rebuilt in the 1930s, Haedong is one of the few temples by the sea. Its seafront layout and Maitreya Buddha are its most distinctive attractions.

Walk along the Cheongsapo waterfront in Dalmaji with the monorail. Formerly a railway line, this path has become a focal point for its views and the peace and quiet it exudes. Its proximity to Haeundae creates a particularly impressive contrast, delighting kids and adults alike.

Haeundae beach, with its seafront and hidden market. At the heart of the area's daytime and night-time activity, Haeundae is renowned for its beach (said to be the most packed in the area in summer) and its bars, nightclubs, busking zones (areas on the seafront where artists come to perform free of charge and of their own volition) and its promenade, which is always buzzing with events, festivals and other fun activities.

Departure for Gimhae airport and flight to Jeju on a local airline (45-minute flight).

Arrival in Jeju and transfer to your accommodation by local public transport (approx. 1 hr 15 journey time). Drop off your luggage at your accommodation and start your free visits.

Jungmun area with the Cheonjeyeon and Cheonjiyeon waterfalls. This area has 2 waterfalls that are well worth a visit. Legend has it that nymphs come here to bathe on full moon nights.

Jungmun beach. One of the island's most famous beaches, despite its modest size, it offers an atmosphere that is unusual on the island: surrounded by cliffs of black volcanic rock, the beach is a favourite with family beachgoers.

Jusangjeolli Cliffs (UNESCO). Seen almost nowhere else in the world, these hexagonal pillars of volcanic stone were formed when magma crystallised on contact with the sea several million years ago.

Yakcheonsa Temple. The main pavilion houses a huge Vairocana Buddha (almost 12m high without the pedestal). It is also unique in that it faces the sea and has semi-tropical gardens.

Self-guided tours with recommendations in the travel booklet.

Walk on the island of Udo, the island of the "reclining cow". A small island accessible only by ferry, where you can enjoy walks and bike rides, including views from the lighthouse. You'll also see Jeju horses (small horses brought by the Mongol invaders in the 16th century and then abandoned).

Seongsan Ilchulbong rising sun peak (UNESCO). A unique example of a volcanic formation right in the middle of the coastline, the peak is also a great place to watch the sunrise (weather permitting).

Seopjikoji Art Zone and Aquaplanet aquarium (Hanhwa Resort). Grouped together on the Seopjikoji peninsula, Tadao Ando's creations, including the famous Glasshouse and the famous Yumin Art Nouveau collection, have been incorporated into a stunning semi-volcanic landscape.

Self-guided tours with recommendations in the travel booklet.

O'sulloc green tea paddies. With several hectares of these valuable shrubs, the O'sulloc area also has all the infrastructure you need to discover the benefits of Jeju green tea. - Jeju's spiritual garden. A perfect example of Korean-style gardens, the Spiritual Garden is a place where you can reconnect with nature.

Superb Hyeopjae beach. Renowned for its fine white sand, the beach also has an amazing arboretum nearby. Enjoy the sun, sea and nature.

Dongmun night market. A unique market with a flurry of activity after dark, it is best known for its many varieties of street food and its ever-expanding range of new delicacies.

Departure for the north of the island.

Manjanggul lava tunnel (UNESCO). Carved out during the last period of tectonic activity on the island several hundred thousand years ago, the tunnel through which the magma flowed was filled by water and then air as the water level fell. The tour ends at the astonishing "elephant's foot", bearing witness to the area's volcanic past.

Former Jeju County Administrative Building, Mokkwanna. Built to represent central power under the Joseon dynasty, the county seat is one of the few old buildings to have been built and preserved on the island.

Departure for the airport and flight to Seoul at the end of the day (approx. 1 hr flight). Transfer to your accommodation by local public transport.

Free day with recommendations for visits in your travel booklet.

Free day with recommendations for visits in your travel booklet.

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

For short stays of less than 90 days, British nationals do not require a visa. They will also get 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, or you may be refused entry by the immigration authorities.

• Activities recommended or suggested in the travel pack are not included.
• Entrance fees for visits are not included. With the exception of programmed guided tours.
• The travel booklet will be sent to you 7 days before your arrival.
• Your stay includes breakfast. Lunch and dinner are not included. Please note that 2 nights in a Traditional House do not include breakfast.
• English-speaking assistance is available from 10-8 p.m. via WhatsApp for any emergency.

Your transport tickets will be given to you at the airport by the people who welcome you.

• Return airport/hotel transfer by public transport.
• You have a T-money card with a 12-trip top-up facility.
• Seoul - Daejeon KTX train journey included.
• Daejeon - Gyeongju KTX train journey included.
• Gyeongju - Busan express bus journey included.
• Busan - Jeju plane journey included.
• Jeju - Seoul plane journey included.

NOT INCLUDED:

The Daejeon - Gongju - Daejeon route by intercity bus. Pay on site.