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From the bustling capital of high-tech Seoul to the volcanic island of Jeju that is abundant with waterfalls and white sand beaches, South Korea is a fascinating medley of classic and modern. Ancient palaces to quaint tearooms, karaoke bars to mystical centuries-old Buddhist temples, lava tubes to war relics, this itinerary comes packed with surprises every day, in the backdrop of 5000 years of culture and history.
April, May, September & October
10 Days
Beaches, History & Architecture, Nature & Landscape, Vibrant City Settings
High-end boutique hotels
Begin the Korean holiday with a panorama view of the entire capital city from Seoul Sky Observatory at the top of the Lotte World Tower. Reconnect with ground level with a relaxing stroll under the cherry blossoms around Seokchon Lake. Then give in to your inner gastronome at Namdaemun Market and sample bibimbap, kalguksu hand-cut noodles and the hairtail fish with spicy red pepper sauce. Celebrate a wonderful first day with a lively night out at Seoul’s own Jazz Club.
Grand Mercure Ambassador Hotel
Dip into South Korea's culture with the Seoul City Full Day Private Tour that includes the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony and Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Insadong, Jogyesa Temple and N Seoul Tower. Wander in neighbourhoods like Hip Hongdae known for its contemporary art galleries and traditional villages of Namsangol Hanok and Kubkchon Hanok. Continue to the bohemian Ihwa Mural Village and at the top of the village, hit the Seoul City Wall and return via the beautiful downhill hike.
Grand Mercure Ambassador Hotel
Reserve half day for Gangnam District to enjoy the ambience of snazzy boutiques, traditional temples and swishy bars. Contrast the experience with a visit to the Bongeunsa Temple and learn of the K-Pop explosion at the Hanryu Experience Hall. Witness the exciting shark exhibit at COEX Aquarium before hopping on to an hour-long Han River cruise. Back in town, indulge yourself at the city’s retail destination, Myeong Dong. Let your hair down at Lotte World Theme Park, the world’s largest indoor theme park.
Grand Mercure Ambassador Hotel
Thrilling moments await you today during a day trip to the De-Militarized Zone, the buffer zone between North & South Korea, situated 60 km from Seoul city. At the world’s most heavily guarded border, you can wander around war relics and monuments in addition to the one-of-a-kind 1.2 km long tunnel dug by North Korea army, Dorasan station and Korea’s Freedom Bridge, which runs next to the Imjingak River. Wonder about how people escape the North and how they adapt to a new life later.
Grand Mercure Ambassador Hotel
Peruse coastal Busan in a languid half-day tour, spanning Dongbaekseom Island, Busan Cinema Center and Haeundae Beach. The Busan Aquarium containing over 250 species of fish, algae, reptiles, and amphibians spread over three underground levels is a highlight of the tour. Dip into the unique tunnel experience, which feels like a walk along the ocean floor with sea creatures swimming overhead.
Lotte Hotel Busan
Venture out to the coastal city of Gyeongju for the day. Find Asian mystique at the Bulguksa Temple that is nestled on the slopes of Mount Toham. Get blown away by 8th-century engineering feats at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Seokguram Grotto. Meander through the Haeinsa Temple, home to the iconic Tripitaka Koreana, a collection of more than 81,000 wooden blocks inscribed with Buddhist scripture. Trace faded Korean royalty at Tumuli Park, where tombs stand covered by aesthetic green mounds.
Lotte Hotel Busan
Busan’s full-day sightseeing tour takes you through the scenic vistas of Taejongdae, the exciting Songdo Skywalk and the religious atmosphere of Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. Revel in the vibrance of the pastel-painted houses of Gamcheon Culture Village that lure you up the steep slopes into tiny alleys. Remember to pick up an authentic snack of the city’s famous Ssiat Hotteok. Later, pamper yourself at the world’s largest departmental store, Shinsegae Centum City located at Centum City, symbol of contemporary Busan.
Lotte Hotel Busan
Fly to the volcanic island of Jeju to soak in eye-candy landscapes against a pleasant subtropical climate. Learn about Korea’s traditional tea ceremonies at the Osulloc Tea Museum. Stretch your legs as you climb the Mount Halla. Then let your heart skip a beat as you discover the 25,000 feet long Manjanggul Lava Tube Caves. Soak into ancient island living when you visit the traditional village before calling it a day.
The Shilla Jeju
Today, get in touch with your spiritual side at Tadao Ando-designed meditation and art complex. Tour Samseonghyeol Shrine, the birthplace of the island’s three main clans. For those with a green thumb, special delights await at a botanical garden specialising in bonsai. Head to Seongeup Folk to explore cultural treasures like Confucian shrines, large millstones, stone statues, fortress ruins as well as soak in the essence of folk plays, cuisine, crafts and local dialect.
The Shilla Jeju
Consider an early morning walk along the ridge of the 600m wide crater of Seongsan Ilchulbong, (translated as Sunrise Peak), accessed via a sloping, grassy hill. Later, ponder over nature’s mysteries at the dramatic shoreline of the Jusangjeolli Cliffs near Jungmun Beach that are made up of rectangular pillars that look hand carved. Go horseback riding on the special breed of island pony, the Jorangmal. Conclude this beautiful vacation with a luxurious Korean spa.
The Shilla Jeju
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