Essential South Korea

Day 1  Seoul            
Arrive into South Korea’s wonderful capital city, Seoul. Transfer to your hotel and collect a T-Money card for use across any public transport in South Korea. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure discovering this city which harmoniously blends the old with the new.            

Day 2  Seoul            
Today join a coach tour to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Established following the end of the Korean War in 1953, this 160 mile long buffer zone divides the Korean Peninsula into north and south. Learn about this fascinating period of history which continues to shape international relations to this day, as you visit key sights including the Freedom Bridge, 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, Imjingak Park, the DMZ Museum and the Dora Observatory.            

Day 3  Seoul            
Enjoy free time to explore more of the delights of Seoul, using your T-Money card to easily navigate the extensive public transport system. Perhaps visit the historic Gyeongbokgung Palace or venture up the N Seoul Tower for panoramic views across the city.  

Day 4  Seoul to Gyeongju      
Transfer to the train station and board a high-speed train to Gyeongju. Upon arrival you will be picked up and driven to Golgulsa Temple for a day immersing yourself in Buddhist temple life. Experience scheduled activities including archery and meditation, then witness a Sunmudo demonstration, a form of meditative martial arts practiced by the resident monks.  

Day 5  Gyeongju            
See the many sights around Gyeongju on a private tour. Admire the beautiful Buddhist carvings of the Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple. After lunch continue to Gyeongju National Museum with its expansive collection of artefacts. Visit the Daereungwon Tomb complex to see the intriguing mounds that mark the burial sights of the Silla era’s upper class. Cross the ornate Woljeong Bridge before the final stop of the day at the beautiful Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond.            

Day 6  Gyeongju to Busan      
After breakfast, transfer back to the train station to continue your journey to Busan by rail. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure, wandering around this picturesque port city.  

Day 7  Busan            
Meet a tour group to explore the highlights of Busan. Begin with a visit to the tranquil Haedong Yonggungsa temple beside the sea. Take a ride along the coastline on the Blueline Park Sky Capsule then visit Huinnyeoul Culture Village for its colourful buildings and sea views.

Day 8  Busan to Jeju      
This morning transfer to the airport and catch a flight to Jeju Island. Spend the afternoon soaking up the relaxed island atmosphere.

Day 9 Jeju            
Join a group tour beginning with a visit to the serene Jeolmul Natural Forest. Learn about the unique local culture at Seongeup Folk Village, then enjoy a hearty lunch of Korean cuisine. Visit Gwangchigi Beach for exceptional views of Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, before trekking to the peak of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Watch a Haenyeo Show, as female divers collect seafood without the use of modern equipment before concluding the tour with a visit to the 500 statues of Jeju Stone Park.            

Day 10  Jeju            
Enjoy a day at leisure to discover more of the stunning natural scenery of Jeju.  

Day 11  Jeju to Seoul      
Fly back to Seoul. Enjoy a final afternoon exploring the city at your own pace, perhaps shopping for souvenirs from the local markets.            

Day 12  Seoul            
Bid farewell to South Korea as you transfer back to the airport for your onward travels