Discover South Korea

Welcome to Seoul! Upon your arrival get transferred head to the lobby of Amid Hotel Seoul at around 08:00 A.M. where you will be picked up by the driver and guide for your Gongju and Jeonju city tour. Stating with a visit to the Gongju to explore the Gongsanseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015. Next head to visit the Tomb of King Muryeong where you will get to see the Baekje culture and the foreign exchanges of that era, although many artifactswere stolen from the tombs. Later head to visit the Gongju National Museum, which houses over 10,000 cultural relics, including 19 National Treasures and three Treasures. The most important artifacts are on permanent display, while others are featured in rotating exhibitions. After your tour comes to an end head to you hotel in Jeonju. Overnight stay at Jeonju. (L, D)

Today after breakfast, head to Jeonju Hanok Village. Upon arrival you will withness the sights of over 800 traditional Korean houses. This village is famous among tourists because of its atmosphere that strongly contrast with the modern city around it. Choose your preferred Hanbok a Korean National Costume and take pictures with your companions. Next head to visit the Gyeonggijeon Shrine which was erected in 1410 and holds the portrait of King Tae-jo, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty. Following that, proceed to Jangseong, where you will visit the Baegyangsa Temple, which is situated within Naejangsan National Park. Upon arrival you will you can experience having a conversation with a monk. Nature reveals its beauty throughout all seasons here, especially through the red maple leaves in fall. Wrapping up our day's explorations after dinner, head to the hotel in Gwangju for an overnight stay. (B, L, D)

After breakfast, head to visit the Green Tea Plantation that produces high-quality green tea and is a popular tourist attraction year-round. You will also have a chance to taste Boseong Green Tea Icecream! After a lunch break, continue with visits to Suncheon Baywhich is a coastal wetland with a 3.5 km stream, expansive tidelands, and vast reed fields. It’s a key habitat for migratory birds and wildlife, and was the first Korean coastal wetland listed as a Ramsar Wetland in 2006. After fully enjoying Suncheon Bay, head to Busan, South Korea's second-largest city. Overnight in Busan. (B, L, D) Note: Sunchonman Bay is closed on the last Monday of every month. Therefore, it will be replaced with Nak-an Fortress.

After breakfast, head to explore Busan. Starting with a visit to the The United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Busan, the only UN cemetery in the world dedicated to honoring UN Command casualties from the Korean War. Spanning 14 hectares, it features 2,300 graves, organized by the nationalities of the fallen soldiers. After lunch, explore the Jagalchi Market Korea's largest seafood market, renowned for its fresh and dried fish. Next visit the Gukje Market, Korea's iconic local market. Known as "Gukje (International) Market" due to its wide variety of unique items, it remains a must-see spot for those interested in Korea’s trade history and vibrant local commerce. Finally head to the Songdo Sea Cable Car now known as Busan Air Cruise. This scenic mile-long ride from Songdo Bay Station to Songdo Sky Park offers stunning views of Songdo Beach, Namhang Bridge, and the coastline. After your tour head back to your hotel and rest of the free. Overnight in Busan. (B, L)

In the morning after breakfast, begin your day with a visit to the Nurimaru APEC House, located on Dongbaekseom Island, an island known for its camellia trees. It was the venue for the 2005 APEC Summit. You can enjoy both the beauty of nature and the building's contemporary design. Afterward, head to Gyeongju and enjoy lunch upon arrival. This journey will take you to Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Korean Buddhist culture from the 8th century. Following this, visit the Daereungwon Tomb Complex, believed to be the resting place of kings and court officials. Your exploration will continue at the Gyeongju National Museum, predominantly showcasing relics from the Silla kingdom, with Gyeongju as its capital. Before dinner, stop at Cheomseongdae Observatory one of Gyeongju's iconic landmarks. Constructed during the reign of Queen Seondeok, this cylindrical observatory stands about 9 meters tall. After your tour head to your hotel in Gyeongju for an overnight stay. (B, L, D]

After breakfast, head to Daegu to immerse yourself in Korean Traditional Culture. Under the guidance of a renowned expert in regional cuisine and a certified master of traditional recipes, you will learn how to make traditional teatime snacks. After the class**, you have a brief tasting session to enjoy the treats we've made. Next visit the Andong Hahoe Village, one of the most famous folk villages in Korea. Surrounded by the Nakdonggang River, the village is home to descendants of the Ryu clan of Pungsan, who still make up 70 percent of the residents. After the Andong tour, we'll head to Pyeongchang, enjoying dinner along the way. (B, L, D) Note: ** The cooking class requires a minimum of 8 participants to proceed. If the minimum number is not met, we will substitute the activity with a visit to Buyongdae Cliff.

After breakfast, walk up in Pyeongchang, and prepare for a visit to the Jujeongol of Mt. Seorak, renowned for its breathtaking fall colors and remarkable valley and rock formations. After the hike,relish lunch at a local restaurant. After your lunch head to Seoul at Seoul Amid Hotel Insadong. Your program comes to an end. (B, L)