South Korea Discovery

Upon arrival at Incheon International Airport, you'll be greeted by our representative who will assist with your transfer to your hotel in Seoul. After check-in, depending on your arrival time, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to rest or begin exploring the vibrant city at your own pace. In the evening, meet your tour guide and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at a local Korean BBQ restaurant, where you'll be introduced to the interactive dining culture of Korea and receive a briefing about your upcoming journey. Overnight in Seoul.

After breakfast, embark on a full-day exploration of Seoul's highlights. Begin with Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of the Five Grand Palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty, where you can witness the colorful changing of the Royal Guard ceremony. Visit the National Folk Museum located within the palace grounds to learn about traditional Korean lifestyles and culture. Continue to the Blue House (Presidential Residence, exterior view only) and Insadong Antique Street, a popular shopping area for traditional Korean arts, crafts, and tea houses. After lunch featuring traditional Korean cuisine, explore Bukchon Hanok Village, a well-preserved traditional Korean village where hundreds of hanok (traditional houses) remain. Later, enjoy panoramic views of Seoul from N Seoul Tower atop Namsan Mountain. End your day with a visit to the bustling Myeongdong shopping district, famous for Korean cosmetics, fashion, and street food. Overnight in Seoul.

After an early breakfast, embark on a half-day tour to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the buffer zone between North and South Korea (subject to security conditions). Visit Imjingak Park, which houses artifacts related to the Korean War and the partition, the Freedom Bridge, and the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel discovered in 1978. From the Dora Observatory, view North Korean territory including the propaganda village of Kijong-dong. Return to Seoul for lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Gwangjang Market, one of Korea's oldest traditional markets famous for its street food, particularly bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and mayak gimbap (seaweed rice rolls). Continue to Cheonggyecheon Stream, an 11-km-long modern urban recreation space that was restored after being covered by an elevated highway for decades. Enjoy the evening at leisure or opt for an optional K-Pop show or Nanta non-verbal performance (at additional cost). Overnight in Seoul.

After breakfast, check out and transfer to Seoul Station to board the KTX high-speed train to Gyeongju (approximately 2 hours), the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom for nearly a thousand years and known as the "museum without walls" due to its wealth of historical sites. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before beginning your exploration of this UNESCO World Heritage city. Visit Bulguksa Temple, one of Korea's most famous Buddhist temples that houses seven national treasures. Continue to Seokguram Grotto, which contains a monumental statue of the Buddha looking out to sea. Explore Tumuli Park, home to large royal burial mounds including Cheonmachong (Flying Horse Tomb), where a quarter of all Silla tombs are located. Visit the Gyeongju National Museum to see incredible artifacts from the Silla period, including the Divine Bell of King Seongdeok and the impressive Golden Crown. Check into your hotel in Gyeongju. For dinner, enjoy a traditional Korean meal with cultural performance. Overnight in Gyeongju.

After breakfast, check out and visit Anapji Pond, a beautiful man-made pond constructed in 674 CE as part of the palace complex where the Silla royal family spent their leisure time. Continue to Busan (approximately 1-hour drive), South Korea's second-largest city and principal seaport. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at a local seafood restaurant. Visit Gamcheon Culture Village, known as the "Machu Picchu of Busan," a hillside community of brightly painted houses that has been transformed into a vibrant arts district. Continue to Jagalchi Fish Market, Korea's largest seafood market, where you can observe the daily life of fishermen and vendors. End your day with a relaxing visit to Haeundae Beach, one of Korea's most famous beaches. Check into your hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure, perhaps exploring the beachfront area. Overnight in Busan.

After breakfast, begin your full-day exploration of Busan's attractions. Start at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, one of the few seaside temples in Korea, spectacularly built on rocky cliffs overlooking the ocean. Continue to the Nurimaru APEC House on Dongbaekseom Island, a modern meeting facility set in a beautiful natural setting where the 2005 APEC Leaders' Meeting was held. After lunch, visit Busan Tower at Yongdusan Park for panoramic views of the city and harbor. Explore BIFF Square in the Jung-gu area, which became famous as the center of Korean cinema after the first Busan International Film Festival was held there. End your day with a visit to Gukje Market (International Market), which began as a refuge for war refugees to sell their possessions and has now grown into a large traditional market. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant featuring fresh seafood. Overnight in Busan.

After breakfast, check out and transfer to Busan Station to board the KTX high-speed train back to Seoul (approximately 2.5 hours). Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Lotte World Tower & Mall, one of the world's tallest buildings, for shopping and, optionally, a visit to the Seoul Sky observatory on the 117th to 123rd floors (additional cost). Alternatively, explore Gangnam district, made famous by the global hit song "Gangnam Style," to experience this affluent area's modern lifestyle and excellent shopping opportunities. In the evening, enjoy a special farewell dinner featuring Korean royal court cuisine, a refined multi-course meal that was once served to Korean kings, accompanied by a traditional cultural performance. Overnight in Seoul.

After breakfast, depending on your departure time, enjoy free time for last-minute shopping or visit the Noryangjin Fish Market, where you can observe the lively auction process and diverse marine products. At the appointed time, transfer to Incheon International Airport for your departure flight. End of services.