10 Day Essence Of South Korea

After breakfast at the hotel, today is spent with a full day comprehensive city orientation to see the best of Seoul has to offer. Visit the Gyeongbok Palace, the largest and grandest of the city’s famous Five Grand Palaces and exquisite Changdoek Palace, you also visit Jogyesa Temple – the center of Korean Buddhism. Explore Bukchon Hanok village, home to hundreds of traditional houses, called hanok, that date back to the Joseon Dynasty. Today, many of these hanoks operate as cultural centers, guesthouses, restaurants and tea houses, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience, learn and immerse themselves in traditional Korean culture. The trip won’t be complete without a perusal of the traditional Korean Bangsan Market. Be sure to pick up some of the intricate pressed wrapping paper. Back to hotel and evening is free at your own account. Overnight at Grand Hyatt Seoul Hotel *****

Breakfast at the hotel and today is spent with a full day comprehensive tour to visit the DMZ, which has served as a buffer zone between South and North Korea for over 50 years. During your visit to the site, you’ll also get the opportunity to see Korea’s Freedom Bridge, abandoned village of Panmunjom, the Third Tunnel and DMZ Exhibition, the Dora Observation Post and the Dorasan Station. Back to the hotel and you will be free at leisure in evening. Overnight at Grand Hyatt Seoul Hotel *****

Breakfast at the hotel and this morning is spent with 3-4 hour cooking class to test your cooking skills to make Korean traditional dishes like including kimchi, bulgogi, bibimbap, tteok and even royal cuisine by your hands. You are brought to tour the local markets mentioned to experience the local culture, interact with the vendors as they shop for the ingredients required for cooking, and later dine in a traditional style Korean room after cooking. If desire, after your meal, marvel at the stunning views from the North Seoul Tower. Back to hotel and you will enjoy your evening free. Overnight at Grand Hyatt Seoul Hotel *****

Breakfast at the hotel and our private vehicle will transfer you to the station to board the KTX for your journey to Busan city. Upon arrival, you will be met by a local tour guide who will accompany you to Jagalchi Market, Korea’s largest seafood market offering an astounding selection of seafood. Venture on a scenic cruise to Oryukdo Island, Taejongdae and Busan port. Overnight at Park Hyatt Busan Hotel *****

Breakfast at the hotel and today you will spend a full day city orientation with your own tour guide and vehicle. You will explore the famous Beomeosa Temple which is located at the eastern edge of Geumjeongsan Mountain, a famous mountain in Busan. It was constructed in the 678 during the Silla Kingdom. Most of the original Beomeosa Temple site was lost during the Imjin War (1592-1598) but was restored in 1613 and has remained until now. Designated as a natural monument, the wisteria woods and valleys around the temple are most beautiful in May. Beomeosa Temple also operates a templestay program for visitors to learn more about the Buddhist culture and discover oneself. Spend your time to see Iljumun – The One Pillar Gate, a great example of Korean craftsmanship. Get away from all the hustle and bustle of the day tour and it is time to relax at the Dongnae Hot Spring Spa and continue the peaceful pampering whilst lying on Haeundae Beach. Overnight at Park Hyatt Busan Hotel *****

Breakfast at the hotel and a private transfer to the airport to take a short flight to Jeju Island. Meet and greet by a local guide and driver upon arrival. Transfer to the hotel to leave your luggage and you will spend your day to explore the traditional and modern craftworks housed in the Bonte Museum. Visit the Yeomiji Botanical Garden, considered one of the best botanical gardens in Asia. Admire Cheonjeyeon Falls, Mt. Hallasan and Marado Island from the garden’s observation platform. Back to the hotel. Tonight you will stay overnight at Shilla Jeju Hotel *****

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel and today is spend with your tour guide to visit to Manjanggul Cave, one of the finest lava tunnels in the world, and is a designated natural monument and a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. A lava tunnel is formed when the lava that was deep in the ground spouts from the peak and flows to the surface. Manjanggul Cave has a variety of interesting structures inside including 70cm lava stalagmites and the lava tube tunnels. Gaze upon the huge crater at the top of Seongsan Ilchulbong Sunrise Peak (UNESCO Heritage Site), rising from under the sea in a volcanic eruption over 100,000 years ago. The crater is about 600m in diameter and 90m high. With the 99 sharp rocks surrounding the crater, it looks like a gigantic crown. While the southeast and north sides are cliffs, the northwest side is a verdant grassy hill that is connected to the Seongsan Village. The ridge provides an ideal spot for walks and for horse riding as well. If you wake up early in morning, the sunrise from the crater is magnificent. Then, stroll down to Seongeup Folk Village, which is renowned for its Confucian shrines and fortress ruins. Overnight at the Shilla Jeju Hotel *****

Breakfast at the hotel and balance of the day will be leisure at your own account. Overnight at Shilla Jeju Hotel *****