Essential Korea

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Depart at any time.