Arrival at Incheon International Airport ➜ Hotel

Incheon International Airport - Meet the local guide and transfer to the hotel.

Seoul ✈ ➜ Jejudo Island, Korea’s Gem

Bugak Skyway - After breakfast, check out of the hotel. Then, drive up Bugak Skyway to enjoy the beauty of nature and a panoramic view of the entire city. Visitors can explore a traditional plaza, a pagoda resting area, and a wildflower garden.

Gilsangsa Shrine - Visit Gilsangsa Temple, renowned for its cultural exchanges with other religions and programs that help visitors experience Buddhism. Afterward, fly to Jeju Island, also known as the “Island of Gods.”

Yongduam Rock - This volcanic island boasts scenic natural beauty, unique cultural traditions, and a temperate climate. In 2007, the Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in South Korea. Visit Yongduam, Dragon’s Head Rock, before dinner.

Jejudo Island

Ilchul Land - A beautiful theme park featuring a flower garden, including a Bonsai Garden and Micheon Lava Cave.

Seongsan Ilchulbong - Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak emerged from the sea in a volcanic eruption over 100,000 years ago. Located on the eastern end of Jejudo Island, it has a large crater at the top, about 600m in diameter and 90m high. With 99 sharp rocks surrounding the crater, it resembles a gigantic crown. While the southeast and north sides are cliffs, the northwest side is a verdant grassy hill connected to Seongsan Village. The ridge is ideal for walks and horse riding. The sunrise from the crater is magnificent, and in spring, the peak is surrounded by bright yellow canola flowers, creating a breathtaking sight.

Haenyeo Museum - Haenyeo refers to female divers who gather shellfish and seaweed without using underwater diving equipment. A haenyeo carries only goggles, a round tube for balance, and a basket for her collections. These women are found in Jeju-do, Korea, Japan, and Russia. Jeju-do established the Jeju Haenyeo Museum to showcase the unique activities and culture of Jejudo’s haenyeo divers. Exhibition Hall 1, “Haenyeo Diver’s Life,” features a traditional haenyeo’s home and meals, along with various utensils used by female divers.

Jeju Folklore & Natural Museum - The museum is divided into four exhibition halls: the Natural History Hall, Folklore Exhibition HallⅠ, Folklore Exhibition HallⅡ, and the Outdoor Exhibition. The Natural History Exhibition Hall displays natural historical items such as marine life, soil and rocks, and Jeju’s fauna and flora in a three-dimensional way, offering a better understanding of Jeju’s unique nature and culture. It includes an Ecology Hall of Marine Life, a Soil and Rock Exhibition Hall, and a Land Ecosystem Hall. Folklore Exhibition Hall I showcases the transformation in Jeju-do Island’s lifestyle and the Jeju people, with 2,381 displayed items. It plays a crucial role in helping visitors understand the ancient lifestyle on Jeju Island by recapturing Jeju’s traditional housing architecture, rites of passage, and regional food specialties.

Mysterious Road (Dokkaebi Road) - The Mysterious Road of Jeju Island is known for the strange movement of objects, which roll uphill instead of downwards. This phenomenon appears to defy gravity but is actually an optical illusion. The Mysterious Road, or Dokkaebi Road, is one of many magnetic hills worldwide. A slight downhill slope appears uphill due to the high surroundings, creating an optical illusion that objects roll uphill. Witness how this natural illusion tricks the eyes.

Jejudo Island ✈ ➜ Seoul ➜ Suwon ➜ Jeonju, Landmark of Korean Culture

Hwaseong Fortress - This is a prime example of Korean traditional architecture, designated as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Haenggung, meaning detached palace, was built within Hwaseong’s walls to house King Jeongjo when he was away from his palace in Seoul, worshipping at his father’s tomb. When not in residence, it served as a government base for his delegated official. Built in 1789 and expanded between 1794 and 1796, it became Korea’s largest haenggung with 600 compartments. If available, take a mini train to explore the Fortress.

Hanji Museum - Originally named the Hansol Paper Museum in 1997, it was renamed the Pan-Asia Paper Museum in 2001 and later the Jeonju Hanji Museum in 2005. Located in Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do, it is Korea’s first museum specializing in paper, with a collection of 3,000 artifacts and a database documenting Hanji’s long history and superiority. The museum hosts two special exhibitions annually with diverse paper-related themes. Program Information: Themes include paper crafts, archives, old books, 100 types of paper, and paper-manufacturing tools. Hanji experience: Visitors can make Hanji with the help of a jijang (paper-making expert).

Jeonju Hanok Village - Located in Jeonju, overlapping Pungnam-dong and Gyo-dong, Jeonju Hanok Village features 735 traditional Korean hanok houses. While the rest of the city has been industrialized, Hanok Village retains its historical charm and traditions. The village is especially beautiful for its unique roof edges, slightly raised to the sky. Hanok houses are divided into two sections, Anchae and Sarangchae. Sarangchae, where men dwell, is referred to as the Seonbi room. Anchae is situated deep inside the house, secretive and quiet, as men and women had to remain separate. Hanok houses are heated with ondol, a unique sub-floor heating system, keeping the floor warm for sitting, eating, and sleeping. A part of Hanok is set aside for tourists to experience traditional Korean life, called Hanok Life Experience Hall. Visitors can enter the rooms to experience the warm floor firsthand. This system is warm in winter and cool in summer. The food provided is traditional, enhancing the traditional ambiance. At Jeonju Hanok Village, visitors can enjoy traditional Korean life and foods like bibimbap, the most well-known dish from the Jeonju region.

Jeonju ➜ Suncheon, a hidden gem of nature and culture.

Gyeonggijeon Shrine - Historic Site No. 339, Gyeonggijeon Shrine was built in 1410 and houses the portrait of King Tae-jo, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty. The King and his wife’s mortuary tablets are enshrined at Jogyeong Shrine. The structure was partially destroyed during the Imjin War (1592-1598) and remodeled in 1614. Inside Gyeonggijeon, portraits of King Tae-jo and other successive kings like Sun-jong, Cheol-jong, and Yeong-jo are displayed. The carriages used to move the mortuary tablets and transport dignitaries are also on display.

Nagan Eupseong Folk Village - Travel to Suncheon to visit Naganeupseong, the only remaining Joseon dynasty castle in Jeollanamdo. It retains the old images of a Joseon folk village and castle, with about 100 houses and government offices. Today, 85 households and 229 people still live there. Its most notable feature is that it was built on plain fields with narrow stone walls around the castle.

Suncheon ➜ Haeinsa Temple ➜ Busan ➜ Gyeongju, Known as ‘the museum without walls,’ World Heritages designated by UNESCO

Boseong Green Tea Field Daehan Dawon - Daehan Dawon Tea Plantation produces high-quality green tea and is a popular tourist attraction year-round, thanks to the vast rows of tea trees lining the hillside like a deep green carpet. Despite being a small peak at just 350 meters above sea level, the observation deck offers views of the sea on clear days. Daehan Dawon Tea Plantation has been featured as a filming site in dramas such as “Summer Scent (2002),” “Legend of the Blue Sea (2017),” and “The Rebel (2017).”

Haeinsa Temple - Haeinsa Temple was founded during the third year of King Ae-Jang’s reign (802) by monks Suneung and Ijung. The name “Haein” originates from the expression Haeinsammae of Hwaeomgyeong (Buddhist scripture), meaning the truly enlightened world of Buddha and our naturally undefiled mind. Along with the Tripitaka Koreana (National Treasure No.32) and Janggyeongpanjeon (National Treasure No. 52), 15 more public treasures and about 200 private treasures are enshrined at Haeinsa Temple, appointed as a universal cultural heritage since December 1995 for its many cultural properties and historical remains. Iljumun, Daejeokgwangjeon, and the Tripitaka Koreana are recognized as famous treasures. Iljumun Gate was the first gate every sattva must pass to become a Buddha and is considered a representative work of ancient architecture. Daejeokgwangjeon, the grand sanctuary, and the three-story stone pagoda in the yard possess the majestic appearance of the one-thousand-year-old temple. Since the 23rd year of the Goryeo Dynasty (year 1236), it took 16 years to complete the Tripitaka Koreana, the most famous national treasure of Haeinsa Temple, made as a wish to overcome the national crisis caused by the Mongolian Invasion. The printing blocks are 68cm wide, 24.5cm long, 3 cm thick, with wood fixed at each end to maintain balance, and lacquer was applied to prevent corrosion. Silver magnolias growing near the South Sea and Geojae area were cut down, soaked in seawater for several years, and then dried to make these printing blocks. The blocks are a result of the king and his people’s effort to repulse the Mongolian army with support from Buddha. The 81,340 blocks include 6,791 volumes.

Jagalchi Market - Jagalchi Market, located on the shoreside road in Busan’s Jung-gu, is Korea’s largest seafood market, selling both live and dried fish. After the Korean War, the market solidified itself as a fish market. Most of the vendors are women, known as Jagalchi Ajumma, “ajumma” meaning middle-aged or married woman in Korean. This market represents Busan and is famous throughout the country. Visitors can eat fresh raw fish right at the market. Even today, visitors can see women selling mackerel, sea squirts (ascidians), and whale meat on wooden boxes along the road outside the market and along the shore. Every October, the Jagalchi Cultural Tourism Festival is held, and it is easily accessible due to convenient transportation provided by the subway. Jagalchi Market offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of Busan locals.

Gyeongju Historic Area - The century-old historical Gyeongju City, the 1,000-year-old Capital of the Shilla Dynasty. The Gyeongju Historic Areas were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. The protected areas encompass the ruins of temples and palaces, outdoor pagodas and statuary, and other cultural artifacts left by the Silla Kingdom. The historic areas are also known as one of the largest outdoor museums in the world.

Gyeongju ➜ Andong ➜ Yeoju, Korea’s Pottery Village

Bulguksa Temple - Bulguksa Temple is the representative relic of Gyeongju and was designated as a World Cultural Asset by UNESCO in 1995. The beauty of the temple itself and the artistic touch of the stone relics are known worldwide. Bulguksa Temple was built in 528 during the Silla Kingdom, in the 15th year of King Beop-Heung’s reign (514-540). The temple was originally called ‘Hwaeom Bulguksa Temple’ or ‘Beopryusa Temple’ and was rebuilt by Kim Dae-Seong (700-774), who started rebuilding the temple in 751 during the reign of King Gyeong-Deok (r. 742-765) and completed it in 774 during the reign of King Hye-Gong (r. 765-780). Upon completion, the temple’s name was changed to Bulguksa. Bulguksa Temple underwent numerous renovations from the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) to the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) but was burned down during the Imjin War (Japanese Invasions, 1592-1598).

Seokguram - Seokguram, located on Tohamsan Mountain, is the representative stone temple of Korea. The official name of Seokguram, National Treasure No. 24, is Seokguram Seokgul. Designated as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995, it is an artificial stone temple made of granite. The construction was started by Kim Dae-Seong (700-774) in 751 during the reign of King Gyeong-Deok (742-765) of the Silla Kingdom (57 BC - AD 935) and was finished twenty-four years later in 774, during the reign of King Hye-Gong (765-780). Seokguram is known to have been built at the same time as Bulguksa Temple. According to the history book Samgukyusa of the Goryeo Dynasty (the country that unified the Korean peninsula at the end of the Silla Kingdom, 918-1392), Kim Dae-Seong had Bulguksa Temple built for his parents in his current life, and Seokguram Grotto for the parents of his former life.

Daereungwon Tomb Complex - Within Daereungwon Tomb Complex is Cheonmachong Tomb (Ancient Tomb No. 155), excavated in 1973. Cheonmachong Tomb consists of a wooden coffin placed inside an underground chamber mounded with boulders and earth, characterized as a typical upper-class tomb of the Silla period. The mound has a height of 12.7 m with a diameter of 50 m and consists of a layer of rocks collected from streams. Below the rock layer is a wooden chamber with a length of 6.5 m and a width of 2.1, reaching 2.1 m in height, with the wooden coffin at its center. A total of 11,526 artifacts were discovered within the tomb, including Cheonmado, an artwork considered highly valuable as it is Korea’s first artwork to be excavated from an ancient tomb.

Andong Hahoe Folk Village - Hahoe Village is home to descendants of the Ryu clan of Pungsan and is well-known for its traditional houses. Birthplace of renowned scholars of the Joseon Period such as Gyeomam Ryu Un-ryong and Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong, the village became even more famous after Queen Elizabeth of England visited on April 21, 1999. Hahoe Village (translating to “Village Enveloped by Water”) gets its name from Nakdong River, which flows around the town’s perimeter. The village is located at the foothills of Hwasan Mountain, an offshoot of Taebaek Mountain that rises to the east. The center of the village is populated by large tile-roofed houses belonging to the Ryu clan, adding their unique charm to the surrounding thatched roofs. Hahoe Village boasts exquisite scenic sights: the elegant Nakdong River flowing around the village, the magnificent Buyongdae Cliff, endlessly unfolding sandy beaches, and lush, ancient pine trees. Visitors can take the boat to Buyongdae Cliff for a panoramic view of the village. In addition to breathtaking scenery, Hahoe Village offers delectable local delicacies. Try the Andong Soju (distilled alcoholic beverage), Heotjesabap (a type of Bibimbap eaten by the nobles), Andong Gangodeungeo (salted mackerel), and Andong Guksu (a kind of noodle dish).

Wonju ➜ Sokcho (Mt. Seoraksan), spellbinding landscape vistas of Mt. Seoraksan national parks.

Sokcho Central Market - Opened in the 1950s as a five-day market, Wonju Jungang Market is now a permanently operated market. With the construction of the Yeongdong Expressway, the market transitioned from a wholesale focus to individual purchasers. The market naturally developed a food street with many restaurants opening up in the vicinity of each other. The market was losing business with the increase in supermarkets in the area and the ease of internet shopping. To combat this, the market opened an art market in 2013 and was designated as a cultural market in 2015. The second floor of the market houses the Maze Art Market, with twisting pathways lined with small design shops and restaurants. The flea market, held during the second weekend of every month, is not to be missed.

Seoraksan National Park - With its highest point, Daecheongbong Peak, located 1,708 m above ground, Seoraksan Mountain is one of the most beautiful mountains in Korea, boasting a variety of colorful flowers in spring, refreshing clear water streams in summer, vibrant autumn foliage in fall, and a scenic snow-covered landscape in winter. With the mountain changing in color according to each season, a visit to Seoraksan Mountain guarantees a picturesque landscape any time of the year. Hangyeryeong and Misiryryeong serve as a boundary line dividing Oeseorak (Outer Seorak), located towards the East Sea, and Naeseorak (Inner Seorak). The Oeseorak is home to gigantic waterfalls such as Biryong Falls, Oryeon Falls, and Towangseong Falls, as well as notable rock formations such as Ulsanbawi Rock and Geumgang Cave. Convenient facilities are gathered around Seorak-dong, making the area one of the busiest regions within Seoraksan National Park. Noteworthy hiking courses include Biseondae-Madeungryeong course and Biseondae-Cheonbuldong-Daecheonbong Peak course.

Mt. Seoraksan ➜ Seoul, Fashion and technology forward but also deeply traditional.

Gwongeumseong Fortress - Gwongeumseong Fortress is the site of castle ruins located on Seoraksan Mountain, also known as Mt. Onggeumsan Castle or Toto Castle. It is located on the steep Dolsan Mountain of Seoraksan Sogongwon area. It is believed to have been built by the 23rd King of the Goryeo Period (918-1392), Gojong (r. 1213-1259). It is also called Gwon-Kim Castle, as there is a legend that two generals named Gwon and Kim built the castle to avoid war. At the left side of Sogongwon, past the Biryonggyo Bridge over the ravine, there is a path leading to Gwongeumseong Castle, but it takes over an hour of travel through a steep, rocky path (2.5km), so a cable car is used. The cable car was installed by Dr. Gi-Sup Lee in 1971 and is still used by many tourists. It runs from 7 a.m. to 6 or 6:30 p.m., departing every 7 minutes, and you can only purchase round-trip tickets at the ticket counter for that day.

Seoraksan Sinheungsa Temple - Sinheungsa (신흥사) is a short 10-minute walk from the entrance to Sogongwon. Many visit because of its close proximity to Sogongwon. Sinheungsa is a temple that used to be called Hyangseongsa, built by Jajangyulsa (590~658), who traveled to famous mountains all over the nation, in Queen Jindeok’s (?~654) 6th year of reign. It was destroyed and rebuilt many times since. On the path to Sinheungsa, there is a great bronze statue called Bronze Jwabul Statue, which is well over 10 meters high. Just beyond the statue, which is on a granite terrace, there is a bridge to the right called Hyeonsugyo, newly built for crossing the ravine. Past the bridge, there is a long stone wall with a Cheongwang door, and you can enter the temple. At the entrance, there are four Cheonwang (king) statues (Jiguk Cheonwang with a sword, Damun Cheonwang with a lute, Gwangmok Cheonwang with a tower, and Jeungjang Cheonwang with a dragon), placed on either side. The Buddhist statues at Sinheungsa were placed here during the founding days of Seongjeongsa and include the statues Mireukbosal, Gwaneumbosal, and Seji, sculpted by Uisang Daesa. The buildings built during that time are still standing, like the sanctuary, main temple, Myeongbujeon, Bojaeru, and Chilseonggak, etc. There is also an important cultural property, Treasure No. 443, called Hyangseongsaji, a three-story stone tower. You can reach the Ulsan boulder by following the wall outside Sinheungsa. Sinheungsa is an ancient temple with deep historical significance, and many tourists come because of its beautiful scenery.

Myeongdong Shopping Street - Myeong-dong is one of the primary shopping districts in Seoul. The two main streets meet in the center of the block, with one beginning from Myeong-dong Subway Station (Seoul Subway Line No. 4) and the other from Lotte Department Store at Euljiro. Many brand-name shops and department stores line the streets and alleys. Common products for sale include clothes, shoes, and accessories. Unlike Namdaemun or Dongdaemun, many designer brands are sold in Myeong-dong. In addition, several major department stores have branches here, including Lotte Department Store, Shinsegae Department Store, Myeong-dong Migliore, Noon Square, and M Plaza. The department stores carry many premium labels and other fashionable goods at reasonable prices. Myeong-dong also has family restaurants, fast food, plus Korean, Western, and Japanese dining options. Many restaurants in Myeong-dong specialize in dongaseu (pork cutlet) and kalguksu (noodle soup). Other businesses in the area include hair salons, banks, and theaters.

Namdaemun Market - Opened in 1964, Namdaemun Market is the largest traditional market in Korea, with shops selling various goods. All products are sold at affordable prices, and the stores in this area also function as wholesale markets. Most of the goods are made directly by the storeowners. Namdaemun Market is even open overnight, from 11:00 pm to 4:00 am, and is crowded with retailers from all over the country. When day breaks, the sight of busy shoppers bustling around the market creates a unique scene that attracts tourists worldwide. Namdaemun Market sells a variety of clothes, glasses, kitchenware, toys, mountain gear, fishing equipment, stationery, fine arts, accessories, hats, carpets, flowers, ginseng, and imported goods.

Seoul ⇌ DMZ, where you can observe one country being divided into two

DMZ - The Demilitarized Zone is a unique area where you can observe one country being divided into two. Experience the tension but hope for peace in Korea and learn about their history and future. The highlight of today’s tour is the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone). Note: Must bring passport for ID check. Located on each side of the 38th parallel, this infamous border was established at the end of the war in 1953 at the signing of Panmunjom’s armistice to separate North and South Korea. Upon arrival, proceed to passport security control followed by a short introduction at the United Nations’ camp. Visit Dora observatory and Dorasan railway station. Discover Imjingak Park with the Memorial, the Liberty Bridge, and the bell of unification. Late morning, visit the 3rd tunnel dug into the rock at a depth of 73m, capable of moving a full division per hour with their weapons.

Museum Kimchikan - Kimchi is the best-known Korean dish, and Koreans eat it every day with every meal. Kimchi is a catch-all Korean term for fermented vegetables. There are hundreds of kimchi varieties in Korea, but napa cabbage kimchi is the most common variety. This Korean kimchi recipe shows how to make traditional napa cabbage kimchi, aka. pogi kimchi.

Insadong - Insa-dong, located in the heart of the city, is an important place where old but precious and traditional goods are on display. There is one main road in Insa-dong with alleys on each side. Within these alleys are galleries and traditional restaurants, teahouses, and cafes. The galleries are the heartbeat of Insa-dong. There are about 100 galleries in the area, showcasing traditional Korean fine art from paintings to sculptures. The most famous galleries are Hakgojae Gallery, which functions as the center of folk art, Gana Art Gallery, which promotes many promising artists, and Gana Art Center. The teahouses and restaurants complement the galleries. They might be hard to find at first, but strolling around the twisting alleyways, window shopping can be very entertaining. The shops in Insa-dong are popular among all age groups, as each one is unique. Every Saturday from 14:00 to 22:00 and Sunday from 10:00 to 22:00, the main street is blocked off from traffic, becoming a cultural space. Stores set up booths outside, and Korean candy merchants and fortune teller stalls can easily be found; there are traditional performances and exhibits as well. Insa-dong is especially popular among international tourists, offering a firsthand experience of traditional Korean culture and the opportunity to purchase fine art. On the street, you can eat Korean taffy and traditional pajeon (green onion pancake) and enjoy the joyous festivities.

Seoul City Tour, what the world calls New Seoul, will be the highlights of today.

Gyeongbokgung Palace - Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace is also commonly referred to as the Northern Palace because its location is furthest north compared to the neighboring palaces of Changdeokgung (Eastern Palace) and Gyeonghuigung (Western Palace) Palace. Gyeongbokgung Palace is arguably the most beautiful and remains the largest of all five palaces. The premises were once destroyed by fire during the Imjin War (Japanese Invasions, 1592-1598). However, all of the palace buildings were later restored under the leadership of Heungseondaewongun during the reign of King Gojong (1852-1919). Remarkably, the most representative edifices of the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, and Hyangwonjeong Pond have remained relatively intact. Woldae and the sculptures of Geunjeongjeon (The Royal Audience Chamber) represent past sculptures of contemporary art. The National Palace Museum of Korea is located south of Heungnyemun Gate, and the National Folk Museum is located on the eastern side within Hyangwonjeong.

Bukchon Hanok Village - Surrounded by Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and Jongmyo Shrine, Bukchon Hanok Village is home to hundreds of traditional houses, called hanok, that date back to the Joseon Dynasty. The name Bukchon, which literally translates to “northern village,” came about as the neighborhood lies north of two significant Seoul landmarks, Cheonggyecheon Stream and Jongno. 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.

Seoul ➜ ICN airport for departure ✈

Incheon International Airport - Depart Seoul for Incheon airport.

• Breakfast included

Lodging: Finest picked 4-star hotels in the city center.

Tour Guidance: Chosen professional English-speaking guides known for their passion, extensive training, and capability in crafting an unparalleled experience.

Tour Conditions: Top-tier Service, Comfort, Easy and Unhurried Travel.

Kimchi Workshop

Take part in kimchi creation classes led by a kimchi expert.

Hanbok Fitting Experience

Try on Hanbok, Korea’s traditional clothing.

Hanji Workshop: Attendees can create their own Hanji under the guidance of a jijang (paper-making specialist).

With the growing global recognition of Korean culture, an increasing number of people are visiting Korea for a first-hand experience.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.