Private Tour Highlights
- Explore the coastal city of Busan with a stop by the Haedong Yonggungsa, a rare seaside temple
- Ponder at the exquisite beauty of Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of the most beautiful and grandest of the five palaces found in Seoul with a full day city tour of the Capital
- Wander through some of the country's finest gardens filled with lush tropical fauna while in Hallim Park
- Explore South Korea's first ever optical illusion Trick Art Museum. Admire the head tilting pieces through the several themed rooms that can be admired by all ages!
- Walk through historical Gyeongju, once the capital of the 1,000 year-long Silla dynasty, known for its extensive historical remains
Tour Overview
Spend some time making the fondest of memories in Unforgettable Korea! Explore the Korean peninsula with Yampu, and see what many exciting opportunities Korea has to offer from its capital in the north, to the country’s largest island at its southernmost point. After landing at Incheon Airport, transfer over to Seoul, Korea’s bustling and vibrant capital. Seoul is a city of new and old contrasting the ancient times with its many temples and palaces against the neon city lights of today’s modern architecture. Travel south to Jeju Island to experience the Island’s gorgeous coastal views and to taste the famous freshly caught seafood. Head back to the mainland to learn what the port city of Busan has in store with its lovely beaches and the rare seaside temples such as Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. Returning to Seoul, learn more about the Korean Conflict with a visit to the Demilitarized Zone that divides and separates the two nations. Exploring the entire southern length of the Korean peninsula is the best way to truly experience Unforgettable Korea!
Inclusions
Exclusions
International airfare (unless specifically included), airport departure taxes that must be paid on-site, gratuities, meals not mentioned, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages with meals, early / late check-out, room service, visa fees/services and other personal items or services not mentioned.
Package Price: From £$ 6345
Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.
Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.
Trip Type:
All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!
Tour Itinerary
Welcome to Korea!
Reception at airport and private transfer to the selected hotel. Note: Check in to the hotel is at 3 pm. Early check in may be available directly at the hotel subject to availability. One may store their luggage at the hotel until they are able to check in.
Free Day in Seoul after arrival from airport.
Reception at airport and private transfer to the selected hotel. Note: Check in to the hotel is at 3 pm. Early check in may be available directly at the hotel subject to availability. One may store their luggage at the hotel until they are able to check in.
Free Day in Seoul after arrival from airport.
Full Day Seoul Tour
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Spend the day touring Seoul and all it has to offer. Start at Gyeongbokgung Palace, also referred to as "Northern Palace". Built in 1395, it is arguably the most beautiful and the largest of the five palaces found in Seoul. Next, visit the Korean Folklore Museum before heading to Jogyesa Temple. Following the visit to Jogyesa Temple, head to the Presidential Offices where travelers can explore around the many unique building found there. Next, lunch will be enjoyed before moving on to the next destination.
Following lunch, head to the Ginseng Shopping Center and N Seoul Tower before reaching Namsan Hanok Village. This traditional Korean village consists of five restores traditional Korean houses, a pavilion and a pond, making it the perfect place to go for a stroll. The final stop is Namdaemun Market, where one can enjoy Koreas largest traditional market. From Namdaemun Market, transfer to city hall.
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Seoul- Jeju
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Enjoy a private transfer from the hotel to Incheon Airport to catch the domestic Flight from Seoul to Jeju City. Reception at the airport and transfer to the selected hotel.
Once settled, enjoy a full Day Tour of Jeju City's Western Coast.
Hallim Park, located western 33km away from Jeju City and west of Mt. Hallasan, is one of the most popular tourist spots on Jeju Island. It faces the pleasant scenery of Biyangdo Island, Hyeopjae Beach and Geumneung Beach. The park was established on barren land in Hyeopjaeri, Hallimeup, and then assorted subtropical plants began being planted in early 1971. Hallim Park, which is almost 100,00m in size, has a variety of gardens that can be enjoyed in any season. Visitors can enjoy checking out Palm Tree Road, Jeju Stone and Bonsai Garden, Water Garden, Subtropical Botanic Garden, and much more. Suwolbong peak is a small oreum located in Gosan-ri, the westernmost point of Jejudo Island. Suwolbong rises 77m above sea level. This ocean-facing natural formation is surrounded by stretches of green fields. On top of Suwolbong is a small pavilion called Suwoljeong, which offers views of Chagwido (an island known to be the most beautiful in Jeju), as well as Songaksan Mt. and Jukdo Island. Next to Suwolbong peak is a mountain weather station that observes and forecasts the weather for the western region. Bunjae Artpia first opened its doors at Jeju's Bunjae Artpia in July of 1992, and is now the world's largest botanical garden with a total landscape of approximately 39,700m. The garden is rich with maple trees, wisterias and pine trees that are between 30 to 300 years old. Roughly 100 rare species of trees can also be found in the garden. The garden possesses approximately 1,700 trees, and also boasts 100,000 of its Jeju wild flowers, orchids, and other various garden trees and plants which collectively form a unique scenic harmony. Bunjae Artpia is visited by approximately 300,000 people annually and remains a popular tour site for public figures worldwide such as China's Head of State Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao, Japan's former Prime Minister Nakasone, and many more.
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Jeju City's Eastern Coast- Busan
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Begin the day with a tour of Jeju's eastern coast. Begin with the Trick Art Museum, the first museum in Korea to show optical illusion art. The museum is located in Seogwipo City nearby the Seongeup Folk Village. Exhibitions on walls and floors are rendered in three dimensions. Exhibitions consist of seven themed sections: Parody Zone (showing famous paintings and sculptures), Animal Zone, Jurassic Zone, Aquarium Zone, Egypt Zone, Magic Zone, and Illusion Zone. Trick art renders two dimensional paintings in three dimensions by creating illusion. Each work looks differently when seen from different angles or spots.
Be met at the selected hotel and transfer to Jeju airport
Domestic Flight from Jeju City to Busan. Reception at airport and transfer to the selected hotel.
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Busan
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Tour through the coastal city of Busan with stops made at several temples, local markets and the world summit, or APEC House. The name Nurimaru APEC House is created by combining the Korean words nuri ("world") and maru ("summit"), and "APEC," which refers to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation. Collectively, it means "a house where the world summits gather together for an APEC meeting." Located on Dongbaekseom Island, which is noted for its beautiful, natural landscape accented by dense camellia and pine trees, Nurimaru APEC House has been used as a memorial hall and a prestigious international conference hall since the APEC summit meeting. Nurimaru, a 3-story building, is a modernistic expression of "jeongja," a pavilion in traditional Korean architectural style.
Visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, situated on the coast of the north-eastern portion of Busan. This superb tourist spot and temple offers visitors the rare view of a shoreline temple as most temples in Korea are located in the mountains. Next is Haedong Yonggungsa Temple which was first built in 1376 by the great Buddhist teacher known as Naong during the Goryeo Dynasty. Haesu Gwaneum Daebul (Seawater Great Goddess Buddha), Daeungjeon Main Sanctuary, Yongwangdang Shrine, Gulbeop Buddhist Sanctum (enclosed in a cave), and a three-story pagoda with four lions can all be seen looking out over the ocean.
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Busan- Gyeongju
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Be met at the selected hotel to head to Gyeongju National Museum, steeped in tradition. Representing Gyeongju, which was the capital city of the Silla Kingdom (BC 57-AD 935), the museum is where you can view the cultural history of Gyeongju district. Exhibitions are divided into 4 large areas: the Main hall, Annex I, Annex II, and the Outdoor Exhibit Area (Museum Grounds). In the Main Hall you can see earthenware, with various artworks and craft works in the Arts and Crafts room. Gukeun Memorial Hall exhibits 666 artifacts, which were the personal collection of Dr. Lee Yang-Seon, donated to the museum for preservation. According to the historical records of 'Samguk-sagi,' Anapji Pond was built during the 14th year of King Munmu (in power 661-681 AD) of the Silla Kingdom (57 BC-935 AD). Small mountains were created inside the palace walls, beautiful flowers were planted, and rare animals were brought in to create an exquisitely exotic garden fit for royalty. The pond was originally built in Wolseung Fortress (erected in 101 AD during the Silla period), but the fortress was destroyed and now lies in ruins. In 1974, an excavation project revealed large spherical shapes. Busan Transfer to Seoul
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Korean Demilitarized Zone
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Start off the day visiting Imjingak, located 7 km from the Military Demarcation Line, which is now a very popular tourist destination related to the Korean Conflict. It was built in 1972 with the hope that someday unification would be possible. Imjingak is surrounded by several Monuments, Unification Park, and the North Korea Center. Outside Imjingak, there are 12 kinds of tanks and crafts on display that were used during the Korean Conflict. Visit Freedom Bridge, a focal point of worldwide attention during the Korean War, which became a major link between the truce site of Panmunjom and Seoul, Republic of Korea. Thousands of words have been written about the village of Panmunjom, but Freedom Bridge was not so widely publicized. To the United Nations Command soldiers returning from captivity in North Korea, it was truly a bridge of freedom. Next visit the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, which was discovered in 1978 by Korean forces. It spans over 1635m in length, 2m in width, and 2m in height and is located 52km from Seoul. It is estimated that approximately 30,000 soldiers could move through the tunnel per hour. The tunnel offers various sightseeing points such as the DMZ Video room, symbolic sculptures, the souvenir shops, and more. Next, visit the Dora Observatory situated in Paju (Gyeonggi-do) which is at the northernmost point of the DMZ Line of the Western Front. From the observatory, visitors can overlook North Korea and its various locations including Gaeseong, Songaksan, Kim Il-Sung Statue, and Cooperation Farm (Geumamgol). The observatory offers 500 seats, VIP rooms, and abundant parking space. It was first opened to the public in January 1987. From there, head to Dorasan Station. A railway station on the Gyeongui Line, it is the northernmost stop on South Korea's railway line. Another historical site that travelers will see is Unification Village. Unification Village is in the northern area of the Civilian Control Line and has 133 families and a total of 493 residents. There is an agricultural marketing center there that sells local farm produce. The market sells some interesting products and is a very popular stop on the tours, especially because visitors can purchase Ginseng at much more reasonable prices. Some of the local products sold in the market are uncurdled Jangdan bean curd (sundubu), seasoned mountain herbs, traditional liquors, and maeuntang (hot soup). DMZ tours are not available on Mondays. Passport is required to participate in DMZ tours. Return to the selected hotel in Seoul for the evening. ...read less
Flight Home
Day of Leisure before Departure to Airport to fly home. Private transfer from the hotel to Incheon Airport.
Day of Leisure before Departure to Airport to fly home. Private transfer from the hotel to Incheon Airport.
Seoul, South Korea
Jeju-do, South Korea
Busan, South Korea
Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea
Places You'll See
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Seoul
A modern neon filled metropolis, the capital of South Korea is one of the most populous urban agglomerations in the world. Housing a population of nearly 12 million people, Seoul is an area filled with exciting entertainment, exquisite shopping, and intriguing history. After meandering through the streets of Bukchon Hanok Village and its traditional Korean homes, make a stop at Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of 5 prestigious palaces in Seoul. Afterwards, catch up with the times in Seoul’s hippest neighborhood, Gangnam, where one can find the greatest restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. Also, for the Kpop lovers, take a side step to K-Live for an amazing hologram experience with the likes of superstars PSY and G-Dragon!
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Jeju
Korea’s largest island, Jeju, is one of the country’s top holiday destinations to Koreans and foreigners alike with its lovely beaches, lush inland, and entertaining points of interest. After the Korean war, many arranged newlyweds would honeymoon on the island to relax and get to know one another in a more romantic setting. Today the island is still very popular with honeymooners with the many resort options and adult themed sculpture parks but is a sought after family destination as well offering many outdoor and educational activities. Hike Korea’s tallest mountain, Hallasan, or walk some of the winding trails along its summit. Visitors can also enjoy the tranquil beaches, dive near some of the most colorful reefs, and dine on seafood caught by haeneyo, female free divers.
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Busan
A port city in the southern end of the Korean peninsula, Busan is the second largest city in the nation with a population of just over 3.5 million. Known for its lively yet relaxed atmosphere, Busan attracts travelers and sailors alike from around the world to its tranquil beaches, gorgeous hot springs, and its famous annual film festival. There are many ways to enjoy Busan such as hiking the nearby mountains to ancient ruins, visiting the local temples, or stopping by the local aquarium. Travelers can also take in the rays while relaxing on one of the many famous beaches in the area and steal a glimpse of Japan in the Horizon. One can also take a ferry to Japan to extend their wonderful Northeast Asia experience.
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Gyeongju
Seoul may be the capital of South Korea, but Gyeongju is the cultural and historical hub with the country’s most temples, tombs, Buddhist statuaries and palace ruins than anywhere else within the Republic of Korea. Once the capital of the Shilla dynasty, for nearly 1,000 years and later becoming the capital of the entire Peninsula, Gyeongju acquired a population of around one million people. Thanks to president Park Chung-hee, the city underwent a cultural revival in the 1970s and has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll along the beautiful Anapji Pond and admire the unique landscape, flora, and fauna, introduced during King Munmu’s reign. Witness the marvelous view during sunrise from the Seokguram Grotto, constructed with granite by the rulers of the Silla Dynasty. With so many historic points of interest, Gyeongju is the place for history buffs.