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Essential Korea


  • seoul city
  • jeju island beach

Essential Korea

 South Korea

14 days from $6910 pp return flights

South Korea, here you come. Explore futuristic skyscrapers, historic markets, picturesque temples and oh-so scenic walking trails on this adventure.

At a Glance

  • Visit the bustling Jagalchi fish market
  • Take a glimpse into traditional Korean life
  • Immerse yourself in Jeju's natural side
  • Enjoy a day trip to Yangdong Folk Village
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South Korea, here you come. Explore futuristic skyscrapers, historic markets, picturesque temples and oh-so scenic walking trails on this adventure. First things first: your tastebuds will absolutely be taken care of with traditional delicacies like green tea and crisped-to-perfection fried chicken. But you’ll of course venture deep into Korean culture with visits to the DMZ and Hanok villages, peaceful stays in a mountain temple, and watching haenyeo women divers off the shore of Jeju.

The short itinerary

Day 1 : DEPART NEW YORK
Day 2 : SEOUL
Day 3 : SEOUL
Day 4 : SEOUL/GYEONGJU-SI
Day 5 : GYEONGJU-SI
Day 6 : GYEONGJU-SI/BUSAN
Day 7 : BUSAN/SEOUL
Day 8 : SEOUL
Day 9 : SEOUL/JEONJU-SI
Day 10 : JEONJU-SI/YEOSU
Day 11 : YEOSU
Day 12 : YEOSU/JEJU-SI
Day 13 : JEJU-SI
Day 14 : JEJU-SI

Day 1 : DEPART NEW YORK

Today you will depart NEW YORK! Get ready to explore South Korea!

Day 2 : SEOUL

Welcome to Seoul! As fellow travellers are arriving throughout the day, there are no planned activities until a group meeting at 6 pm. Check into the hotel and enjoy the city.

Day 3 : SEOUL

Sit back and relax on a private bus and enjoy a tour of the bustling metropolis where modern skyscrapers, high-tech subways and pop culture meet Buddhist temples and street markets. Visit Gyengbokgung Palace, the National Folklore Museum, Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong alley.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4 : SEOUL/GYEONGJU-SI

After breakfast, board a high speed bullet train for a relaxing morning ride through the countryside to Gyeongiu. Once the group arrives to this old capital city for 1,000 years, they will experience an overnight stay in a local temple. During the stay the group will learn about temple etiquette, watch a monk martial arts performance, experience the daily prayer ritual and a temple style dinner.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 : GYEONGJU-SI

Enjoy a peaceful morning meditation, martial arts practice, and drum and bell ritual before exploring in Gyeongiu. On the city tour visit to the UNESCO site of Bulguksa Temple located on the slopes of Mount Toham and admire the national treasures there, such as Dabotap and Seokgatap stone pagodas, Cheongun-gyo, and two gilt-bronze statues of Buddha. Afterwards, experience the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia, Cheomseongdae Observatory, and the surrounding Royal Tombs.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6 : GYEONGJU-SI/BUSAN

Travel by bus to Busan. Along the way enjoy a day trip to Yangdong Folk Village, a 500-year-old UNESCO site located in Gyeongju National Park, to get a feel for life during the early Joseon Dynasty. Afterwards, continue on to the picturesque 14th century seaside temple hidden in the rocks - Haedong Yonggungsa. After exploring the temple, check in to your hotel and get your bearings with an orientation walk on Haeundae Beach and Dongbaek Island (APEC House). Spend the evening getting to know colourful Busan, opt to treat yourself at a Jjimjilbang spa or sing your heart out at a popular karaoke bar.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7 : BUSAN/SEOUL

In the seaside city, Busan, visit the bustling Jagalchi fish market, Gukjesijang market, Yongdusan Park, and the colourful Gamcheon Culture Village before traveling back to Seoul. After arriving in Seoul by train, check out Korea's oldest traditional market - Namdaemun Market. Then make your way by cable car to N Seoul Tower to see this beautiful landmark and opt to make the trip up to the observation deck. Spend the rest of your day in Seoul opting to see Banpo Bridge, the floating islands, or hanging out in the Gangnam district.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8 : SEOUL

Visit the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), founded in 1953, separating North and South Korea. With over a million soldiers on watch each day, it is one of the last remnants of the Cold War. With a buffer zone 4km wide and spanning 250 km long there has been very little development in the area, therefore nature and wildlife have pretty much taken over. Spend about 3-4 hours visiting the Demilitarized Zone, then head to The War Memorial of Korea. Later, return back to Seoul for another night in the city.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 9 : SEOUL/JEONJU-SI

Today take a glimpse into traditional Korean life. After a free morning in Seoul, we head to the hanok village of Jeonju by train. Enjoy a tour of this picturesque hanok town, followed by a Hanjeongsik Dinner, a traditional Korean multiple course meal.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10 : JEONJU-SI/YEOSU

From big city, to traditional towns, today we move to the greener side of South Korea. We'll venture to Damyang to take a tour of the mighty Juknokwon Bamboo forest, the greatest in South Korea. After some time under the bamboo blades, we travel to even greener pastures in the Boseong Green tea field. In the evening, arrive to Yeosu, where the city meets the sea.

Day 11 : YEOSU

Breathe in the sea air and join your Representative to visit some of the more iconic spots in Yeosu. Ride the cable car for a perfect seaside view of Odongdo Island. Then immerse yourself in larger than life sculptures and interactive art exhibits at Yeosu Art Land. Experience the art and walk out onto the Hand of Midas for an equally impressive view of the sea. In the afternoon, enjoy free time during your last night on the South Korean main land.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 12 : YEOSU/JEJU-SI

In the morning, board a flight to the volcanic island of Jeju. With waterfalls, lava caves and miles of beaches, the next three days will not disappoint. After lunch on the island, head to Seongsan Sunrise Peak for an easy hike up the volcanic formation to reach an incredible views of the ocean. This afternoon, you'll have the unique opportunity to witness the women divers on Jeju. Watch as they dive for seafood, using their incredible breath-hold abilities. Then, join your group at the Seongeup Folk Village to learn about the history and people of Old Jeju.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 13 : JEJU-SI

Today, immerse yourself in Jeju's natural side. In the morning, see the colorful side of Jeju at Hallim Park, the island's botanical garden. Stroll through the various themed gardens, caves and folk village all within this huge park. Then head Yongmeori Coast to witness the dramatic cliffs and to Mt. Sanbang for a short coastal hike to a temple atop the mountain.

After lunch, we'll take the scenic route to Cheonjiyeon Waterfalls, perfect for a photo op. Last stop of the day is to Soesokkak Estuary where you'll hop aboard a boat for a tour of the sea and the incredible coastline.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 14 : JEJU-SI

Depart at any time.

Meals included: Breakfast

What's included

  • Return flights from NEW YORK
  • Domestic flights
  • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Representative and Group
  • Your Local Living Moment: Overnight Temple Stay, Gyeongju-si
  • Your Local Living Moment: Hanok Village Tour, Jeonju-si
  • Your Foodie Moment: Hanjeongsik Traditional Dinner, Jeonju. City tour of Seoul. DMZ visit. City tour of Gyeongju. Yangdong Folk Village visit. Haedong Yonggungsa Temple Visit. City tour of Busan. Haeundae Beach and Dongbaek Island (APEC House) Visit. N Seoul Tower Visit. Namdaemun Market Visit. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities. Damyang Bamboo Forest. Boseong Green tea field. Yeosu Cable Car Ride. Odongdo Maritime National Park tour. Visit to ARTE Museum. Explore Seongsan Sunrise Peak. Visit Seongeup Folk Village. Tour of Yongmeori Coast & Mt. Sanbang. Visit Cheonjiyeon Waterfalls. Explore Shoesokkak Estuary. Free time in Seoul. Transport to/from included activities
  • Meals Included: 11 breakfasts, 0 lunches, 2 dinners
  • Allow USD355-465 for meals not included.

What's not included

  • Travel insurance
  • Visas
  • Early Check-in or Late Check-out at accommodations
  • Any meals/beverages not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Any optional admission & activity fees
  • Tips for guide & driver
  • Anything not mentioned in the 'What's included' list
Start Date End Date Price Note AVAILABILITY Booking
Thu, 20 Feb, 25 Wed, 5 Mar, 25 $6910 GUARANTEED Book Now
Thu, 6 Mar, 25 Wed, 19 Mar, 25 $6910 GUARANTEED Book Now
Thu, 3 Apr, 25 Wed, 16 Apr, 25 $6910 GUARANTEED Book Now
Thu, 1 May, 25 Wed, 14 May, 25 $6910 GUARANTEED Book Now
Thu, 5 Jun, 25 Wed, 18 Jun, 25 $6910 GUARANTEED Book Now
Thu, 7 Aug, 25 Wed, 20 Aug, 25 $6910 GUARANTEED Book Now
Thu, 18 Sep, 25 Wed, 1 Oct, 25 $6910 GUARANTEED Book Now
Thu, 23 Oct, 25 Wed, 5 Nov, 25 $6910 GUARANTEED Book Now
Thu, 6 Nov, 25 Wed, 19 Nov, 25 $6910 GUARANTEED Book Now
Thu, 19 Mar, 26 Wed, 1 Apr, 26 $6910 GUARANTEED Book Now
Thu, 2 Apr, 26 Wed, 15 Apr, 26 $6910 GUARANTEED Book Now
Thu, 14 May, 26 Wed, 27 May, 26 $6910 GUARANTEED Book Now
If you wish to travel on any other date than dates above or have any other queries please call our office at 1-888-214-4856 or email to sales@lumle.com

A private departures on any day all around the year can be arranged for this trek/tour, for more details and dates E-mail sales@lumle.com

AVAILABILITY OPTIONS

OPENED: This date is available and open for bookings.
LIMITED: There are very limited number of available places on this departure. Immediate booking.
GUARANTEED: We have reached minimum numbers and this trip is guaranteed to depart.
CLOSED: This date is currently unavailable. Please contact us, if you are interested in travelling on this date.

Your Program Duration = 14 Days
All the Prices are in USD ($) Per Person.

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