Classic South Korea Group Tour

Arrive in Seoul and transfer to the hotel for two nights. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

After breakfast, begin the Seoul city tour with a visit to Changdeok Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Next, explore Gwangjang Market, known for Korean street food. Then, visit the National Museum of Korea, featuring a large collection of Korean art and relics. Afterward, head to COEX Mall and stop at Byeolmadang Library. End the day at N Seoul Tower on Mt. Namsan for views of the city. (B)

Depart Seoul and transfer to the Korean Folk Village, home to traditional 18th-19th century houses. From here travel to Songnisan National Park and the Beopjusa Temple. Overnight in Daegu. (B)

After breakfast at the hotel, visit Daegu Yangnyeongsi Museum of Oriental Medicine and the historic Yangnyeongsi Market. Explore Seomun Market, a key market from the Joseon dynasty. Transfer to Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla kingdom. Enjoy traditional tea at a local café, then visit Cheomseongdae Astronomic Observatory and Royal Tumuli Park, where you can enter one of the excavated royal tombs. Overnight in Gyeongju. (B)

Enjoy a full day tour of Gyeongju. Visit UNESCO registered Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto which was established in the 8th century. Visit Gwaeneung Royal Tomb and enjoy a beautiful scenic drive along the coastal road to Guryongpo Port. Return to Gyeongju. (B)

Depart Gyeongju in the morning and drive to the Unmoonsa Temple (Buddhist Nuns’ Temple). Continue to Busan and enjoy a city tour of the main sights including Busan Tower, Jagalchi Fish Market and Nampodong Street. Check into the hotel for an overnight stay. (B)

Transfer to Gayasan National Park and visit the famous Haeinsa Temple. The Temple is home to one of Korea’s chief national treasures, the Tripikata Koreana, made to protect Korea with the will of the Buddha’s powers from Mongolian troops. Venture to Andong and Hahoe village, a well preserved traditional village, which was visited by Queen Elizabeth the 2nd in 1999. Hahoe is a village well-known for its mask dance. Later proceed to Chungju Lake, and check into the hotel for an overnight stay. (B)

This morning enjoy a sightseeing boat trip on Chungju Lake (subject to weather conditions, if in winter the lake is frozen the boat tour will be cancelled). Transfer via Gangneung, to Seorak. In Gangneung visit the Chamsori Gramophone and Audio Museum, which has an incredible collection of 19th century gramophones and 1st generation audio systems. From here proceed to Woljeongsa Temple to experience a unique temple stay. Upon arrival at the temple clothes will be given out to wear during the stay. Enjoy an orientation into temple life and customs for the stay here. In the evening attend a bell-ringing ceremony and enjoy chanting mass and a course in meditation. For one night there will no phones/TVs in your traditional Korean style room. Shower and toilet are separated for females and males. No alcohol is allowed at the temple. (B)

An optional early (3am) wake up call is offered for those who wish to attend morning mass view the sunrise over the East Coast. After breakfast transfer to Pine City Gangneung to visit the Chamsori Gramophone & Audio Museum before driving to Sokcho city and Mt Seorak National Park. where you can enjoy hiking if you so wish. Check into the hotel for an overnight stay. (B)

After breakfast transfer to Yanggu and visit the War Memorial Museum. Also visit the 4th infiltration tunnel dug by the North Korean Army as well as the Eulji Observatory located close to the DMZ*. Visit the Morning Calm Flower and Tree Park, which displays unique Korean wild flowers and trees in a garden located in an attractive mountain valley. From here transfer to Seoul. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon free at leisure for any final independent sightseeing. Check into the hotel for an overnight stay. *if DMZ tour is cancelled due to military procedures the tour will visit Chuncheon instead. (B)

Speak to a Regent Travel Specialist to arrange onward travel arrangements.