South Korea Highlights: Seoul, Gyeongju & Busan

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival, Seoul

  Welcome to Seoul!

  Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by your local driver. Please look out for your name on the welcome board. Then be transferred to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to recover from jet lag.

  • Seoul

• Day 2: Seoul Highlights Tour

  This morning, have a leisurely walk around the iconic Gyeongbokgung Palace, where you can admire the amazing architecture and learn about the culture and history of the country's ancient Joseon Dynasty. Also, do not miss the guard changing ceremony or photo opportunities with the guards in historical costumes.

  Learn more about Korea's history by visiting National Folk Museum, a well-organized one with beautiful architecture and informative content. Be away from the hustle and bustle, and appreciate the traditional Korean houses in Bukchon Hanok Village, to get a feel for the old Korean way of living. Mingle with city residents in the vibrant Insadong alley, to find loads of terrific shops, restaurants, and galleries. Sample some traditional Korean cuisine at Gwangjang Market to conclude this great day.

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  • Seoul

• Day 3: Seoul to Gyeongju by Express Train

  Be transferred to Seoul station for an express train (KTX) to Gyeongju. On arrival, be welcomed and escorted to the Gyeongju National Museum, with an excellent range of Silla-era treasures. Then comes the Daereungwon Tomb Complex, a tumuli park where the Silla kings and queens rest forever. Pay a visit to the Cheomseongdae Observatory, and stroll around the lovely gardens surrounding the observatory. Continue with the night tour to enjoy the charming night view of Dongung Palace and Wolji Pond, a part of ancient Silla's palace complex.

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  • Gyeongju

• Day 4: Gyeongju - Busan, Bulguksa Temple

  Spend a little more time exploring the heritage treasures of Gyeongju. Be awed by the sizable Bulguksa Temple, an example of Silla architecture. Walk around the temple complex and to various halls for praying. Then, at the Seokguram Grotto, take a few minutes to hike up to pay respect to the Buddha inside and capture gorgeous views of the Japan Sea. Continue to Gyeongju Folk Craft Village to discover over 40 thatched and tile-roofed traditional Korean houses home to many artisans of Gyeongju origin.

  Afterward, move on to Busan by an hour's drive.

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  • Busan

• Day 5: Busan Highlights Tour

  Discover top attractions in and around Busan on this private tour.

  Visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple nestling by the sea. The beautiful ocean lapping along the shoreline with the bridges, temples, and statues in the background form a serene view. Stroll along the winding alleyways of Gamcheon Culture Village, mingle with the locals, and sample freshly-cooked local snacks at Jagalchi Fish Market, browse colorful stalls at Gukje Market, and then catch a panorama of the portal city from Busan Tower. Continue with a 3-hour night tour to catch the best of the city after dark. Start at a lookout on Mt Hwangryeong, ramble on Gwangalli Beach, spot the glittering Gwangan Bridge, the light displays of the Busan Cinema Center, and the city's shining skyline.

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  • Busan

• Day 6: Busan, Free Day

  Today is free for you to discover this charming city, you can enjoy a leisurely city walk or you can take an optional join-in cooking tour to discover some secrets of Korean cuisine, find a nice restaurant for fine dining, or shop around and search for some exotic souvenirs.

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  • Busan

• Day 7: Busan to Seoul by Express Train, Seoul Departure

  In the morning, be transferred to Busan station for your express train (KTX) to Seoul Station. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to Incheon International Airport for your onward flight.

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