Best of South Korea
G Adventures Classic
Ready for a unique travel experience? South Korea fits the bill and then some. On this eight-day trip, you’ll see the highlights in and around Seoul plus visit folk villages, unique Korean temples, and the bustling markets of Busan. Learn about the sombre history of North and South Korea and take an excursion to the Demilitarized Zone separating the two. This is the perfect snapshot of a country coming into its own as a top travel destination.
Highlights
- Visit the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea
- Sleep in a temple in Busan
- Sample the diverse cuisine of Korea
Pricing
Small group tour starting at $3,349* CAD per person, based on double occupancy
8 Days – Seoul to Seoul
Travel Style: Classic
All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price.
Service Level: Standard
Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.
Physical Rating: 2 – Light
Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
Trip Type: Small Group
Small group experience; Max 16, Avg 12.
What’s Included
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Your Local Living Moment: Overnight Temple Stay, Busan.
- 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.
Day
Day 1
Location(s)
Seoul
Meals
Description
Arrive at any time.
Accommodation: Hotel Prince (or similar, 2 nights)
Day 2
Seoul
Breakfast
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 Gyengbokgung Palace, the National Folklore Museum, Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong alley.
Day 3
Seoul – Busan
Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, board a high speed bullet train for a relaxing morning ride through the countryside to Busan. On arrival to the seaside city, visit the bustling Jagalchi fish market, Gukjesijang market, Yongdusan Park and the colourful Gamcheon Culture Village before an overnight stay in a local temple.
Accommodation: Beomeosa Temple (or similar)
Day 4
Busan
Breakfast
Enjoy a peaceful morning meditation before travelling 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). Go for a swim and relax at the beach or perhaps enjoy a light stroll on Dongbaek Island. 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.
Accommodation: Libero Hotel Haeundae (or similar)
Day 5
Busan – Gyeongju-si
Breakfast
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. Continue to the next UNESCO site of Bulguksa Temple located on the slopes of Mount Toham and admire the national treasures 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.
Accommodation: Swiss Rosen Hotel (or similar)
Day 6
Gyeongju-si – Seoul
Breakfast
After arriving in Seoul by train, head to 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 if you’re feeling adventurous. Spend the rest of your day in Seoul opting to see Banpo Bridge, the floating islands, or hanging out in the Gangnam district.
Accommodation: Hotel Prince (or similar, 2 nights)
Day 7
Seoul
Breakfast
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
Breakfast
Depart at anytime.
*Hotel rooms are subject to availability and are confirmed by the supplier at time of booking; they may be replaced by other hotel rooms of similar category at the sole discretion of the supplier.
Interested in the itinerary above? Click on the “START PLANNING” button below and reference “Best of South Korea” in the form, or give us a call at 587.997.5969 to book.
An adventure designed specifically for you
Let us work with you to tailor a journey based on your travel style and interests. We can use the existing itinerary above as a foundation, or build one from scratch to create your ideal vacation. Connect with us to start the conversation.
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*Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and subject to change and availability.