9 Day Highlights 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 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 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 visit the famous Beomeosa Temple, a famous mountain in Busan. Spend your time to see Iljumun – The One Pillar Gate, a great example of Korean craftsmanship. In afternoon, you will wander around Jagalchi Market, Korea’s largest seafood market offering an astounding selection of seafood. Overnight at Park Hyatt Busan Hotel *****

Today, you’re off to Gyeongju, a coastal city with a picturesque landscape. You will take you around the beautiful city of Gyeongju. Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites, Bulguk Temple and Seokguram Grotto, as well as other important historic places. Wander the Seokguram grottos, and enjoy what are considered some of the best Buddhist sculptures in the entire world. Continue to the National Museum to take a look at their large collection of art and cultural relics. Take a stroll around the Anapji pond, part of Gyeongju National Park and host to over 730 artifacts. In late afternoon, you will be transferred back to Busan. 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. Shilla Jeju Hotel *****

Breakfast at the hotel and you will be free to relax until our driver will transfer you to the airport to catch a flight back to Seoul. Private transfer to hotel and remainder of the day will be at leisure by your own account. Overnight at Grand Hyatt Seoul Hotel *****