Discovering South Korea

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Welcome to Korea

  

  After passing through customs and collecting your luggage, you will be greeted by your private driver, who will take you to your accommodation (about 1 hour drive from the airport). Upon your arrival at the accommodation, a travel briefing will be conducted with a member of the team, who will give you your travel documents, including our Roadbook (visit ideas), as well as a presentation of the digital program via our app (explanations about the accommodations, journeys between cities, and the different activities). You will also receive your T-Money transport card and other essential documents for traveling safely. We will of course answer all your questions. Then, set off for your first discoveries of Seoul. Transport: Transfer to the accommodation by private vehicle Stop: Seoul Accommodation: Hotel

• day 2

  Seoul, culture & spirituality

  

  Changdeokgung Palace and its secret garden (listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site) make for a beautiful first discovery of the Joseon period. A few meters away, continue your immersion in the famous Bukchon Hanok Village, where a hundred traditional period houses, called "Hanoks," now serve as cultural centers, guesthouses, restaurants, and tea rooms. Not far away, the large Jogyesa Temple and its three golden Buddhas form the Seoul center of the largest Korean Buddhist branch and are worth a visit, before heading to the traditional street of art galleries and Korean craft shops, Insadong, a prime spot for some souvenir shopping. Transport: Public transport Stop: Seoul Accommodation: Hotel

• day 3

  Seoul, the remains of the Joseon dynasty

  

  Gyeongbokgung is the most complete and imposing of the five palaces of the Joseon dynasty. The morning Royal Guard Changing Ceremony immerses us instantly in the golden age of the 15th century. Then, just a few minutes' walk is enough to reach the large Gwanghwamun Square, always accompanied by its two famous statues standing at the ends of the avenue, in front of the great Bukhansan mountain: King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-shin. The change of scenery continues at Namdaemun – one of the eight gates of Seoul's city wall – whose main attraction is its huge traditional market, the oldest and largest in Korea. Continuation of visits in a nearby district, Myeongdong, the "bright city," where all kinds of shops stand side by side. The street food there is renowned for being excellent and varied, a great opportunity to test your taste buds! End of the day recommended at Namsan Tower, located at the top of a hill overlooking the entire city. It offers an exceptional view of the city and its surrounding mountains. Transport: Public transportation Stop: Seoul Accommodation: Hotel

• day 4

  Gyeongju, the heritage of the Silla kingdom

  

  Former capital of the Silla kingdom, founded in 57 BC, Gyeongju is one of the oldest historical cities in the world. It is a unique place due to its cultural heritage and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Transport: journey by local train, then transfer to the accommodation by private vehicle. Stop: Gyeongju Accommodation: Hanok, single room (traditional Korean house, floor bedding).

• day 5

  Gyeongju, the exceptional UNESCO sites

  

  Slightly set apart in the surrounding mountains are the Bulguksa Temple and the Seokguram Grotto, two exceptional sites of Korean heritage, listed as UNESCO World Heritage. The beautiful walk connecting these two points offers magnificent natural landscapes and is well worth the detour. Transport: public transportation Stop: Gyeongju Accommodation: hanok, single room (traditional Korean house, floor bedding)

• day 6

  Busan, maritime metropolis

  

  Leading international city, Busan is connected by sea to Asia, Europe, and North America. This geopolitical port city, adjacent to the strait between Korea and Japan, is a place of tourism and commercial exchanges. Transport: transfer to Gyeongju train station by private vehicle, then journey to Busan by KTX, the Korean high-speed train. Stop: Busan Accommodation: Hotel

• day 7

  On the coasts of Busan

  

  As a coastal city, Busan is very sunny throughout the year and records much higher temperatures than the rest of the Korean peninsula. Built on a cliffside among the rocks on the northeast coast of Busan, Yonggungsa Temple offers a magical setting. Haeundae Beach is the most famous in the country and stretches for nearly 1.5 km, at the end of which begins a beautiful walk on the verdant Dongbaek Island. Transport: Public transportation Stop: Busan Accommodation: Hotel

• day 8

  Seoul, Yeouido Island

  

  Departure in the morning for Seoul by KTX (Korean high-speed train), then take a stroll along the Han River. Located in the center of Seoul, Yeouido Island was originally the first airport of Seoul, established under Japanese colonization in 1924. Today, it has been transformed into a business district, bordered by large green spaces where it is always pleasant to walk or cycle along the Han River. Transport: journey by KTX, the Korean high-speed train, then public transportation Stop: Seoul Accommodation: hotel

• day 9

  Seoul, chic Gangnam

  

  Considered the richest district in Seoul, Gangnam is also among the most ostentatious districts of the South Korean capital. Its wide avenues, as well as its buildings with ultra-modern architecture, reflect a futuristic design. Transport: Public transportation Stop: Seoul Accommodation: Hotel

• day 10

  Seoul, end of the journey

  

  Transfer to the airport by private vehicle.