Essential Korea
- Trip code: 446X003
- Dauer: 13
- Stil: Classic
South Korea, here you come. Explore futuristic skyscrapers, historic markets, picturesque temples and oh-so scenic walking trails on this 13-day adventure. First things first: your tastebuds will absolutely be taken care of with traditional delicacies like green tea and crisped-to-perfection fried chicken. But you'll of course venture deep into Korean culture with visits to the DMZ and Hanok villages, peaceful stays in a mountain temple, and watching haenyeo women divers off the shore of Jeju.
Übersicht
Accommodation
Hotels (10nts) traditional temple and village stay (2nts)
Checklist
Cold weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers
Conservative Dress:
• Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)
• Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)
Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)
Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket
Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear
Group Leader
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout
Group Size Notes
Max 16, avg 12
Introduction
South Korea, here you come. Explore futuristic skyscrapers, historic markets, picturesque temples and oh-so scenic walking trails on this 13-day adventure. First things first: your tastebuds will absolutely be taken care of with traditional delicacies like green tea and crisped-to-perfection fried chicken. But you'll of course venture deep into Korean culture with visits to the DMZ and Hanok villages, peaceful stays in a mountain temple, and watching haenyeo women divers off the shore of Jeju
Meals Included
11 Frühstück, 2 Abendessen
Meal Budget
Plane USD355-465 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein
Optional Activities
Seoul
- Gwangjang-Markt
- Besuch im historischen Museum von Seoul (Gratis)
- N Seoul Tower Observatorium (16000KRW pro Person)
- Besuch im Stadtviertel Gangnam
- Besuch der Schwimmenden Insel
- Regenbogenwasserspiel an der Banpo-Brücke (Gratis)
Gyeongju-si
- Anapji-Teich (3000KRW pro Person)
- Fahrradverleih – Gyeongju (5000KRW pro Person)
Busan
- Busan Tower Observatorium (12000KRW pro Person)
- Jjimjilbang
- Karaoke
Jeonju-si
- Hanbok Wearing
- Jeonju Hanok Village Craft Museum
Yeosu
- Pocha Street
- Marina Yacht Tour
- Aqua Planet
- ARTE Museum
Jeju-si
- Jeju Dongmun Market
- Hike the Olle Trail
Start / Finish
Seoul nach Jeju-si
What's Included
Dein Welcome-Moment: Anreise und Begrüßungstreffen
Dein Local-Living-Moment: Overnight Temple Stay, Gyeongju-si
Dein Local-Living-Moment: Hanok Village Tour, Jeonju-si
Dein Foodie-Moment: Hanjeongsik Traditional Dinner, Jeonju. City tour of Seoul. DMZ visit. City tour of Gyeongju. Yangdong Folk Village visit. Haedong Yonggungsa Temple Visit. City tour of Busan. Haeundae Beach and Dongbaek Island (APEC House) Visit. N Seoul Tower Visit. Namdaemun Market Visit. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities. Damyang Bamboo Forest. Boseong Green tea field. Yeosu Cable Car Ride. Visit to Yeosu Art Land. Explore Seongsan Sunrise Peak. Visit Seongeup Folk Village. Tour of Yongmeori Coast & Mt. Sanbang. Visit Cheonjiyeon Waterfalls. Explore Shoesokkak Estuary. Free time in Seoul. Transport to/from included activities
Minimum Age
Um ohne Begleitperson mit G Adventures zu reisen, musst du mindestens 18 Jahre alt sein. Das Mindestalter für Kinder in Begleitung eines Erziehungsberechtigten (über 21) beträgt 12 Jahre
Itinerary
Day 1 Seoul
Welcome to Seoul! As fellow travellers are arriving throughout the day, there are no planned activities until a group meeting at 6 pm. Check into the hotel and enjoy the city
Day 2 Seoul
Sit back and relax on a private bus and enjoy a tour of the bustling metropolis where modern skyscrapers, high-tech subways and pop culture meet Buddhist temples and street markets. Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Folklore Museum, Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong alley
Day 3 Seoul/Gyeongju-si
After breakfast, board a high speed bullet train for a relaxing morning ride through the countryside to Gyeongju. Once the group arrives to this old capital city for 1,000 years, they will experience an overnight stay in a local temple. During the stay the group will learn about temple etiquette, watch a monk martial arts performance, experience the daily prayer ritual and a temple style dinner
Day 4 Gyeongju-si
Enjoy a peaceful morning meditation, martial arts practice, and drum and bell ritual before exploring in Gyeongiu. On the city tour visit to the UNESCO site of Bulguksa Temple located on the slopes of Mount Toham and admire the national treasures there, such as Dabotap and Seokgatap stone pagodas, Cheongun-gyo, and two gilt-bronze statues of Buddha. Afterwards, experience the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia, Cheomseongdae Observatory, and the surrounding Royal Tombs
Day 5 Gyeongju-si/Busan
Travel by bus to Busan. Along the way enjoy a day trip to Yangdong Folk Village, a 500-year-old UNESCO site located in Gyeongju National Park, to get a feel for life during the early Joseon Dynasty. Afterwards, continue on to the picturesque 14th century seaside temple hidden in the rocks - Haedong Yonggungsa. After exploring the temple, check in to your hotel and get your bearings with an orientation walk on Haeundae Beach and Dongbaek Island (APEC House). Spend the evening getting to know colourful Busan, opt to treat yourself at a Jjimjilbang spa or sing your heart out at a popular karaoke bar
Day 6 Busan/Seoul
In the seaside city, Busan, visit the bustling Jagalchi fish market, Gukjesijang market, Yongdusan Park, and the colourful Gamcheon Culture Village before traveling back to Seoul. After arriving in Seoul by train, check out Korea's oldest traditional market - Namdaemun Market. Then make your way by cable car to N Seoul Tower to see this beautiful landmark and opt to make the trip up to the observation deck. Spend the rest of your day in Seoul opting to see Banpo Bridge, the floating islands, or hanging out in the Gangnam district
Day 7 Seoul
Visit the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), founded in 1953, separating North and South Korea. With over a million soldiers on watch each day, it is one of the last remnants of the Cold War. With a buffer zone 4km wide and spanning 250 km long there has been very little development in the area, therefore nature and wildlife have pretty much taken over. Spend about 3-4 hours visiting the Demilitarized Zone, then head to The War Memorial of Korea. Later, return back to Seoul for another night in the city
Day 8 Seoul/Jeonju-si
Today take a glimpse into traditional Korean life. After a free morning in Seoul, we head to the hanok village of Jeonju by train. Enjoy a tour of this picturesque hanok town, followed by a Hanjeongsik Dinner, a traditional Korean multiple course meal
Day 9 Jeonju-si/Yeosu
From big city, to traditional towns, today we move to the greener side of South Korea. We'll venture to Damyang to take a tour of the mighty Juknokwon Bamboo forest, the greatest in South Korea. After some time under the bamboo blades, we travel to even greener pastures in the Boseong Green tea field. In the evening, arrive to Yeosu, where the city meets the sea
Day 10 Yeosu
Breathe in the sea air and join your CEO to visit some of the more iconic spots in Yeosu. Ride the cable car for a perfect seaside view of Odongdo Island. Then immerse yourself in larger than life sculptures and interactive art exhibits at Yeosu Art Land. Experience the art and walk out onto the Hand of Midas for an equally impressive view of the sea. In the afternoon, enjoy free time during your last night on the South Korean main land
Day 11 Yeosu/Jeju-si
In the morning, board a flight to the volcanic island of Jeju. With waterfalls, lava caves and miles of beaches, the next three days will not disappoint. After lunch on the island, head to Seongsan Sunrise Peak for an easy hike up the volcanic formation to reach an incredible views of the ocean. This afternoon, you'll have the unique opportunity to witness the women divers on Jeju. Watch as they dive for seafood, using their incredible breath-hold abilities. Then, join your group at the Seongeup Folk Village to learn about the history and people of Old Jeju
Day 12 Jeju-si
Today, immerse yourself in Jeju's natural side. In the morning, see the colorful side of Jeju at Hallim Park, the island's botanical garden. Stroll through the various themed gardens, caves and folk village all within this huge park. Then head Yongmeori Coast to witness the dramatic cliffs and to Mt. Sanbang for a short coastal hike to a temple atop the mountain.
After lunch, we'll take the scenic route to Cheonjiyeon Waterfalls, perfect for a photo op. Last stop of the day is to Soesokkak Estuary where you'll hop aboard a boat for a tour of the sea and the incredible coastline
Day 13 Jeju-si
Depart at any time
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Seoul
After the welcome meeting, join your CEO for an orientation walk down Cheonggyecheon Stream to learn about Seoul while walking past small waterfalls and nearly two dozen overhead bridges. Then, enjoy the dense grid of streets found in the bustling neighbourhood of Myeongdong which is packed with people at all hours of the day looking to enjoy some of the best shopping, street food, and nightlife in all of Korea.
Opt for a group dinner to end your first night! The most convenient way to get around South Korea is by public transportation and on foot. The country's train system is world renowned so the majority of our trips utilize this efficient train network. In this tour, you will need to be able to spend the majority of the day on your feet and carry your luggage through busy train stations and streets. Please ensure you are fit enough to carry your own luggage and spend most of the day on your feet
Day 2 Seoul
After exploring the city, opt to see a show, explore a local museum, or hit the pavement and eat your way through street markets trying local fares such as bibimbap, soondae, and kimchi.
Day 3 Seoul/Gyeongju-si
Stay in rooms called Ondol. These rooms are very traditional, heated to be cozy and comfortable, with beds made up directly on the floor. The rooms here are multi-share, divided up by male and female rooms. Enjoy a traditional dinner and breakfast during the stay.
Have the opportunity to learn about temple etiquette, experience the daily drum and bell ritual and take an easy hike up to the only stone cave temple in Korea for morning meditation.
Day 4 Gyeongju-si
Day 5 Gyeongju-si/Busan
Day 6 Busan/Seoul
Day 7 Seoul
Opt to visit the Samsung Leeum Contemporary Gallery, explore the Itaewon neighbourhood, or prebook the Kimchi making and Hanbok experience.
Day 8 Seoul/Jeonju-si
Day 9 Jeonju-si/Yeosu
Day 10 Yeosu
Day 11 Yeosu/Jeju-si
Day 12 Jeju-si
Day 13 Jeju-si
