WHAT’S INCLUDED
- 6 nights’ accommodation at hotels indicated or similar
- Seat in coach sightseeing in Busan, Gyeongju, and Seoul
- Private transfers to/from airport and rail stations
- Train tickets as indicated in itinerary
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- English speaking guides
- Entrance fees
7 Day Essential Korea
Korea is often referred to as the “Land of the Morning Calm”. This independent itinerary is perfect for those who are looking to experience true Korean culture as Korea has 5,000 years of unique cultural history.
Seoul , the capital of South Korea, is a city of contrasts where the new and the old co-exist in perfect harmony. Ancient palaces combine with modern cultural facilities and popular shopping districts. Seoul offers shoppers a wide variety of merchandise at large department stores, duty-free shops and at open air markets and arcades.
During your stay, visit Gyeongbokgung Palace which was rebuilt in 1868. Situated in its grounds is the largest museum in the country, the National Museum of Korea as well as the Korea NationalFolklore Museum. Also visit the JogyesaTemple, the principal Zen Buddhist Temple in South Korea and have lunch in the Secret Garden followed by the Blue House, the official residence of the head of state for South Korea, a large complex of buildings in traditional Korean architectural style. Then it is time for shopping at the open-air South Gate Market and the shopping street, Insa-dong, famous for its antique stores.
Leave for Gyeongju by morning train. For 1000 years until the 10th century, Gyeongju was the capital of the Silla Dynasty. Now, almost 1000 years later, Gyeongju is an open-air museum with the remains of temples, tombs, shrines, palaces, gardens and castles. Start your sightseeing in the centre of town with RoyalTumuliPark, a huge walled area with 20 royal tombs. Nearby is Cheomseongdae, one of the oldest observatories in Eastern Asia. There will be time to go to the Gyeongju National Museum with its collection of mainly Silla relics and Anapji Pond, an artificial lake surrounded by buildings which were part of the palace complex of ancient Silla.
The next morning, see the finest example of Silla temple architecture, Bulguksa, a magnificent temple built on a series of stone terraces just outside Gyeongju. High above the temple, a seated Buddha gazes over Gyeongju from the Seokguram Grotto, also visited. This is followed by the Arts and Crafts Centre and the Silla Millenium Park, a theme park focusing on the Silla period.
Next stop is Busan reached by road, South Korea’s largest port and second largest metropolis. En route there, stop at Korea’s largest temple, the impressive Tongdosa Temple. During your stay in Busan, take in the view from the BusanTower in Yongdusan Park and go to the Jagalchi Fish Market. Also visit Nampodong shopping street, one of the favourite haunts of the locals.
The following morning, visit Haeundae Beach, the Nurimaru APEC House, an imposing and beautiful meeting centre located on an island, the Busan Aquarium and the UN Memorial Cemetery located in a serene park which honours soldiers from 16 countries killed during the Korean War. Then one more stop at the unique YongungsaSeasideTemple.
The next day is farewell to this interesting part of Korea as you head back to Seoul by express train.
Itinerary View Trip Map Day 1 Arrive Seoul Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel for 2 night accommodation. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Duration 2 Nights Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Seoul Euljiro Day 2 Seoul Sightseeing Today, you will be taken on a city tour of Seoul. Tour includes Jogyesa Buddhist Temple – Changing of the Guard Ceremony – Gyeongbokgung Palace (Deoksugung Palace on Tuesday only) – Pass by Presidential Blue House – Cheongwadae Sarangchae (closed on every Monday) – Shopping Center – Lunch – Changdeokgung Palace (N Seoul Tower on Monday only – excluding Observatory) – Insadong Arts and Crafts Market – Shopping Center – Namdaemun Traditional Market. Lunch will served at a local market. Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch Day 3 Seoul to Gyeongju You will be transferred to Seoul station for the morning express train to Gyeongju by a local driver. Transfer to Singyeongju by KTX train. (Included) Upon arrival in Gyeongju, you will be met by tour guide and the guide will take you to Daereungwon Tomb Complex, Cheomseongdae Observatory, Gyeongju National Museum, and Shilla Millennium Park. Meal Plan Breakfast and Lunch Duration 2 Nights Accommodation: The-K Hotel Gyeongju Day 4 Gyeongju Today, you will be picked up from your hotel for a full day’s sightseeing in Gyeongju. Highlights of today’s tour includes Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, Gyeongju Folk Crafts Village, and Anapji Pond. Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch Day 5 Gyeongju to Busan Transfer to Busan by road. En route, visit the Tongdosa Temple. On arrival, check into your choice of hotel. Later visit Youngdusan Park (Busan Tower), Jagalchi Market, and Gukje Market. Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch Duration: 2 Nights Accommodation: Ibis Haeundae Hotel Day 6 Busan Today, you will be picked up from your hotel for a full day tour of Busan. The tour includes a visit to Dongbaekseom Island, Haeundae Beach, UN Memorial Cemetery, Gamcheon Culture Village, and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch Day 7 Busan to Seoul Depart by express train to Seoul in the morning. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to the airport. Meal Plan: BreakfastVIEW ITINERARY
Pricing & Departures
| Daily departures $2,647 |
*Additional dates & departures available, call a Travel team Agent for details
Or, call 1.800.788.0829 to speak with one of our travel experts.
Notes:
- Land only package
- Prices are per person based on double occupancy
- Prices are subject to availability
- All airline taxes and fees are included
- Prices in US dollars unless otherwise noted
- We have limited space on this package and it is subject to availability and prior sale
- All package prices are per person based on double occupancy unless otherwise noted
- Prices reflect cash discount
- Due to constantly changing policies to baggage restrictions, please check with your airline directly for latest updates and restrictions
- Information, including prices are subject to change without notice
- Restrictions and change and/or cancel penalties apply
- UBI-600-307-872-WA
