12D11N SCENIC KOREA
As the title suggests, experience Korea’s beautiful scenery i.e. walking through private gardens, wandering through bamboo forests. Experience hands on cooking class and learn how to make bibimbap and try your hand at handkerchief dyeing at the Naganeupseong Fortress Village.
Days 1: Fly from Singapore to Seoul
Fly overnight to Seoul, the dazzling capital city of South Korea. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Accommodation: 5* Four Season Hotel Seoul or similar
Days 2: Seoul
A dynamic city, amongst the skyscrapers, nightlife districts and colossal shopping malls of Seoul there is an exceptional amount of culture and tradition. Start your explorations at the Gyeongbok Palace, which will include the Changing of the Guard ceremony, before exploring the National Folk Museum. Learn to cook Korean classic 'bibimbap' in a cookery class – you'll get to eat it for lunch – before strolling Insadong Antique Alley and visiting UNESCO-listed Jongmyo Royal Shrine. End the day with panoramic views over this sprawling city at the N Seoul Tower.
Accommodation: 5* Four Season Hotel Seoul or similar
Day 3: Seoul – Damyang – Gwangju
Travel out of Seoul to the city of Damyang where you'll discover the beauty of Soswaewon. This private garden built in the 16th century in the traditional style features essential elements to bring harmony, such as flowing water, trees and grasses. Wander the bamboo forest of Juknokwon before continuing to Gwangju, where you’ll spend some time discovering this artistic hub full of fascinating history.
Accommodation: 4* Holiday Inn Gwangju or similar
Day 4: Gwangju – Suncheon
Head to Boseong and visit a green tea plantation, learning all about its production and enjoying a tasting. Continue to Suncheon for a stop at the 6th-century Seonamsa Temple. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temple grounds are also home to a beautiful arched stone bridge. Also visit Naganeupseong Fortress Village for a glimpse at a more traditional Korean lifestyle and a chance to take part in a handkerchief dyeing experience.
Accommodation: 4* Ecograd Hotel or similar
Day 5: Suncheon – Yeosu – Busan
Head to Yeosu and ride the cable car over beautiful scenery and open water to Dolsan Island. Continue to Odongdo Island for more spectacular landscapes and take some time to appreciate the array of wild flowers that flourish here before travelling to the port city of Busan.
Accommodation: 5* Park Hyatt Busan or similar
Day 6: Busan – Gyeongju
The laidback to Seoul's bustle, Busan is a city full of character and traditional features as well as mountains, beaches, temples and exquisite seafood. Start the day with a city overview from the top of Busan Tower, before browsing the wares at Gukje Market and Jagalchi Fish Market. Walk over the Oryukdo Skywalk, a glass bridge set on a seaside cliff, soak up the peaceful nature of Dongbaekseom Island, and feel the sand between your toes on Haeundae Beach. Drive to Gyeongju.
Accommodation: 5* Hilton Gyeongju or similar
Day 7: Gyeongju
A city of cultural and historical relics, Gyeongju is called 'the museum without walls'. Capital of the Silla Kingdom for over 1,000 years the city is home to a staggering number of tombs, temples, statues and ruins. Begin at the Gyeongju National Museum before visiting Tumuli Park, a collection of royal tombs, and Anapji Pond. Then head just out of the city to the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Bulguksa Temple, considered the pinnacle of Silla architecture, and Seokguram Grotto.
Accommodation: 5* Hilton Gyeongju or similar
Day 8: Visit Naksansa Temple
Travel to Sokcho stopping en route to explore the 1,300-year history of the Naksansa Temple, a seven-storey stone building overlooking the East Sea.
Accommodation: 4* Lotte Resort Sokcho or similar
Day 9: Explore Mount Seorak
Mount Seorak National Park is a spectacularly scenic area of high, cloudy peaks, craggy bluffs and fragrant pine forest. Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve as a habitat for many rare species of plants and animals, it is one of South Korea's most dramatic natural treasures. Enjoy a short, easy hike along a beautiful valley and see the mountaintop Gwongeumseong Fortress by cable car.
Accommodation: 4* Lotte Resort Sokcho or similar
Day 10: Return to Seoul
Transfer to Gangneung and board a high-speed train bound for Seoul. On arrival, after lunch, there will be free time before a non-verbal performance of 'Nanta', an award-winning show which incorporates the traditional Samulnori rhythm.
Accommodation: 5* Four Season Hotel Seoul or similar
Day 11: Visit the DMZ
Created as a buffer zone between North Korea and South Korea at the end of the Korean War, the DMZ is part of the most heavily militarised border in the world. Your visit will include the Bridge of Freedom, DMZ Theatre & Exhibition Hall and the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel. Return to Seoul, you may want to take a stroll through the huge Gwangjang Market for local street food.
Accommodation: 5* Four Season Hotel Seoul or similar
Day 12: Seoul to Singapore
Transfer to airport for your flight back. Arriving home the same or following day.
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Please note: This itinerary is designed to give you an idea of what to expect on the tour but is not set in stone. What we actually do on a given day is flexible and can be tailored based on the interests of the group.
This itinerary and its package inclusions might be changed later in time, subject to availability.