8-Day Best of South Korea Tour from Seoul: Gyeongju-si and Busan | Small Group Tour

(5 Reviews)
Product Code: 20368

OVERVIEW

Highlights

    7 breakfasts, 1 dinner included
    • Visit the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea
    • Sleep in a temple in Gyeongju-si
    • Sample the diverse cuisine of Korea
Tour Code
20368
Duration
8 day
Departure City
Seoul
End City
Seoul
Language
English

IS THIS TOUR FOR ME?

Group Size: Small group tour

Take an intimate and semi-private trip with a small group

Activity Level: Moderate

Designed for travelers in good health who are comfortable with light walking or hiking

Itinerary

Day 01
Seoul

Seoul

Hotel: Hotel Prince or similar

Meal: B:Excluded L:Excluded D:Excluded

Arrive at any time.

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.

After the welcome meeting, join your CEO for an orientation walk down Cheonggyecheon Stream to learn about Seoul while walking past small waterfalls and nearly two dozen overhead bridges. Then, enjoy the dense grid of streets found in the bustling neighbourhood of Myeongdong which is packed with people at all hours of the day looking to enjoy some of the best shopping, street food, and nightlife in all of Korea.

Opt for a group dinner to end your first night!

【Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Meeting - Meet Your CEO and Group】

Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

【Seoul Orientation Walk】

Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. You'll be taken through Cheonggyecheon Stream which is an 8.4 kilometre (5.2 mile) waterway and public space that runs through the heart of downtown Seoul. Myeongdong is another popular spot you'll hit on your orientation walk. This exciting district features street food carts, major shopping malls, and entertainment.


Meal

  • B:Excluded
  • L:Excluded
  • D:Excluded
Day 02
Seoul

Seoul

Hotel: Hotel Prince or similar

Meal: B:Included L:Excluded D:Excluded

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.

After exploring the city, opt to see a show, explore a local museum, or hit the pavement and eat your way through street markets trying local fares such as bibimbap, soondae, and kimchi.

【Gyeongbokgung Palace】

Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty built in 1395. The palace has been destroyed many times over, but more than 50 per cent of the buildings are still standing or are restored. The complex is also home to the National Palace Museum and the National Folk Museum.

【National Folklore Museum】

Located within the grounds of the Gyeongbokgung Palace, learn about the history and traditions of the Korean people during the Joseon era.

【Bukchon Hanok Village Exploration】

Be transported back 600 years into Seoul's past while walking through Bukchon Hanok Village, which boasts the largest cluster of privately owned traditional Korean wooden homes (hanok) in Seoul. Keep an eye out for the half-dozen or so alleys that have beautifully restored architectural features like small courtyards, decorative outer walls, and dark tiled roofs.

【Seoul City Tour】

Enjoy a bus tour of the bustling capital of South Korea. Visit different areas of the city including Gyengbokgung Palace, National Folklore Museum, Jogyesa Temple, Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong alley.

【Insadong Alley】

Explore the narrow and hidden alleys of one of the most memorable places in Seoul. Now filled with antique shops, galleries, tea houses and traditional restaurants, this area once housed the royal studio for painters during the Joseon Dynasty.


Visiting Attractions

  • Gyeongbokgung Palace Gyeongbokgung Palace
  • Bukchon Hanok Village Bukchon Hanok Village

Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Excluded
  • D:Excluded
Day 03
Gyeongjus

Seoul - Gyeongju-si

Hotel: Golgulsa Templestay or similar

Meal: B:Included L:Excluded D:Included

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. Then, enjoy an easy hike up to the only stove cave temple in Korea for a morning meditation.

Stay in rooms called Ondol. These rooms are very traditional, heated to be cozy and comfortable, with beds made up directly on the floor. The rooms here are multi-share, divided up by male and female rooms. Enjoy a traditional dinner and breakfast during the stay.

Have the opportunity to learn about temple etiquette, experience the daily drum and bell ritual and take an easy hike up to the only stone cave temple in Korea for morning meditation.

【Bullet Train】

Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.

【Your Local Living Moment: Overnight Temple Stay】

Stay in rooms called Ondol, which are very traditional and heated to be cozy and comfortable with beds made up directly on the floor. The rooms here are multi-share, divided up by male and female rooms. Enjoy a traditional dinner and breakfast during the stay.


Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Excluded
  • D:Included
Day 04
Gyeongjus

Gyeongju-si

Hotel: Swiss Rosen Hotel - Gyeongju or similar

Meal: B:Included L:Excluded D:Excluded

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.

【City Tour of Gyeongju】

Visit sights around Gyeongju on an included tour. See the UNESCO site Bulguksa Temple, a head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and encompasses seven National treasures of South Korea.

【Cheomseongdae Observatory】

Nestled in the heart of Gyeongju, the capital of the former Silla Kingdom, Cheomseongdae may not appear to be a monumental landmark. But this observatory tower that dates back to the seventh century is actually the oldest existing astronomical observatory in all of East Asia. Cheomseongdae was used for observing the stars in order to forecast the weather in the ancient scientific hub of Gyeongju.

【Daereungwon Tomb Complex】

The Daereungwon Tomb complex in Gyeongju holds 23 tombs that are found inside of large mounds. The complex is beautiful with its rolling mounds and gardens, but the real treat can be found inside the tombs, the most famous being Cheonmachong and Hwangnamdaechong. Each tomb holds thousands of relics that gives us a window into the Silla Dynasty and its royal family. The contents of these tombs are over 1,500 years old and a great treasure to anyone who enjoys Korean history and artistic beauty.

Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Excluded
  • D:Excluded
Day 05
Busan

Gyeongju-si - Busan

Hotel: Libero Hotel Haeundae or similar

Meal: B:Included L:Excluded D:Excluded

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.

【Yangdong Folk Village】

Get a fascinating look into life during the Joseon Dynasty on this visit to the Yangdong Folk Village. Founded in the early 1400s, the village boasts well-preserved buildings and has more than 160 homes displaying traditional Joseon architecture within a gorgeous natural setting.

【Haedong Yonggungsa Temple Visit】

Originally built in 1376, this picturesque, cliffside Buddhist temple overlooks the East China Sea. Opt to grab a bizarre local snack at the traditional market. Legend foretells that should you pray here, at least one of your wishes will come true.

 

Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Excluded
  • D:Excluded
Day 06
Seoul

Busan - Seoul

Hotel: Hotel Prince or similar

Meal: B:Included L:Excluded D:Excluded

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.

【Gukjesijang Market】

Gukjesijang or Gukje Market is nestled near Biff Square, a well-known modern movie district in Busan. The market once was a place for refugees to earn a living over the period of the Korean War. Now, it's a bustling international market where loads of food, home goods, clothes, souvenirs and more can be found.

【Jagalchi Fish Market】

Discover this market and major attraction at Nampo Port. Wander through the rows of stalls selling everything you can dream of from the sea. Watch as locals haggle for the best price and fishmongers hawk their wares.

【Yongdusan Park Visit】

Visit Yongdusan Park, home to more than 70 different types of trees, and see the 118m (387 ft) high Busan Tower. The park's unique shape is said to look like a dragon's head.

【Gamcheon Culture Village】

Explore the pastel-coloured village of Gamcheon, nestled in the side of a mountain, with uniquely painted houses, murals, cafes, and shops.

【Bullet Train】

Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.

【N Seoul Tower Visit】

Take the cable car to visit the most iconic landmark in Seoul! Located at the top of Mt Namsan, and standing at 480m above sea level, what used to be a broadcasting station before it was open to the public, is now a beautiful observatory. If you'd like to go up the tower to the observatory an additional fee is required.

【Namdaemun Market Visit】

​​​​​​​
Dating back to 1414, this is Korea's oldest traditional market and it's largest, with over 10,000 vendors spanning several city blocks. Get ready to shop!



 

Visiting Attractions

  • Gamcheon Culture Village Gamcheon Culture Village
  • Namsan Tower Namsan Tower

Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Excluded
  • D:Excluded
Day 07
Seoul

Seoul

Hotel: Hotel Prince or similar

Meal: B:Included L:Excluded D:Excluded

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.

Opt to visit the Samsung Leeum Contemporary Gallery, explore the Itaewon neighbourhood, or prebook the Kimchi making and Hanbok experience.

【Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) Visit】

Visit the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) the de facto border between North and South Korea, which cuts the peninsula in half. Created in 1953, it is the most heavily militarized border in the world.

【The War Memorial Hall of Korea】

If you love history - dive right into The War Memorial of Korea. The memorial building serves to exhibit and memorialize the military history of Korea and preserve materials related to the Korean War. Divided into indoor and outdoor exhibits containing about 9,000 artifacts, there sure is a lot to see here!


Visiting Attractions

  • DMZ DMZ

Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Excluded
  • D:Excluded
Day 08
Seoul

Seoul

Meal: B:Included L:Excluded D:Excluded

Depart at any time.

Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Excluded
  • D:Excluded
Please note that order of day-to-day itinerary is adjustable depending on tour start day.

Own Expenses

Day Activity Price Additional Information
D4 Anapji Pond KRW3000.00/Person
D4 Bike Rental - Gyeongju KRW5000.00/Person
D5 Busan Tower Observatory KRW12000.00/Person
D6 N Seoul Tower Observatory KRW16000.00/Person
D7 Kimchi & Hanbok Experience KRW35000.00/Person
  • All mandatory fees must be paid in cash to the tour guide and tickets cannot be pre-purchased separatedly.
  • Any optional activities you wish to join must be paid to your tour guide in cash.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Package Includes

    • 7-night accommodations
    • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Meeting - Meet Your CEO and Group
    • Your Local Living Moment: Overnight Temple Stay, Gyeongju-si
    • 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
    • Private van, train, subway, walking
    • Group Leader: 1 CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides
    • 7 breakfasts, 1 dinner (Allow USD220-290 for meals not included)

Package Excludes

    • Airfares or related transportation between your home and destination
    • All personal expenses including hotel room service and meals; however, you have the option to pay for meals that tour guide arranges
    • Optional tours (Items and prices may vary due to different seasons and are subject to the final confirmation made by tour guide when on tour.)

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation made within:

  • 0 - 31 Days Prior to Departure Date - Non-refundable
  • 32 - 61 Days Prior to Departure Date - 50% of total purchase amount can be refunded
  • 62 or More Days - 90% of total purchase amount can be refunded
Please Note:
• We are not responsible for any incidental expenses or consequential losses that the Client may have incurred as a result of the booking such as visas, vaccinations, non-refundable flights or rail, non refundable car parking or other fees, loss of earnings, or loss of enjoyment, etc. If the Client is offered a refund but requests an alternative tour of a higher value than that originally booked, then the Client must pay the difference in price.

Special Notes

    • Be prepared before you leave for your trip
      Please carefully read all of the info below as it's designed to help you have a smooth travel experience.
      * One of our core values is to lead with service. Our Global Connection Officers (or GCOs, the people who answer when you call us) and travel agent partners will do their very best to provide you with the latest information before your trip. There are, however, certain things that are the responsibility of the traveller.
      * All the travellers are responsible for arranging and obtaining the required entry documentation for the countries they intend to visit.
      * In an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19, entry requirements and restrictions dictated by foreign governments can change frequently and irrespective of your intended date of travel. These requirements and restrictions may depend on different factors such as your country of residence, passport nationality, destination and transit points, as well as previous travel history. Given these considerations, it is the traveller’s responsibility to research and to understand the latest travel and health requirements and restrictions by destination which are most relevant to them at the time of travel and to the destination(s) they are planning to visit, as well as to keep themselves up to date.
      * Important considerations:
      - Don't forget to consider the latest travel and health requirements and restrictions by destination, for both directions of travel - not just for the start country of your tour.
      - Don't book your international flights before you do your own research, or before you talk to one of our GCOs or your travel agent, as you may be required to book post-nights before your return flight in order to accommodate COVID-19 testing.
      - If you visit multiple countries as part of your itinerary or on the way to your destination, there may be additional entry requirements. Keep this in consideration when verifying your documentation.
      - If you are travelling with minors (under the age of 18), additional documentation may be required to enter the country visited. Please contact the Embassy for more information.
    • Dossier Disclaimer
      * The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
      * VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
    • Itinerary Disclaimer
      * While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
      * Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
    • Important Notes
      * Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.
    • Group Leader Description
      * All the group trips are accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.
    • What to Take
      * We suggest that you pack as lightly as possible as you are expected to carry your own luggage. Our trips in South Korea use some public transport and most will have limited luggage storage space.
      * You will also be walking with your luggage in busy public train stations to catch connecting trains, so it is highly recommended that you travel light and have easy to handle luggage and capable of walking up and down the stairs with your luggage without any assistance. A large bag will be an inconvenience to you and will slow you down.
      * We recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 10-15kg/22-30lb. Suitcases are not recommended for this trips. Most travellers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size. You will also need a day-pack/rucksack to carry daily essentials like water, cameras, passport, i-pods etc.
    • Laundry
      * Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels but this is very expensive. Your leader can show you self service coin laundries in larger cities. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
    • Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
  • The time we mentioned in the itinerary is for reference only. Please refer to your guide on tour for the actual arrangement. The visiting order and duration might be changed according to actual and practical situation for better service.
  • This tour/activity is overseen by a select local operator in the region. Upon booking your tour or activity and after receiving confirmation, you will be issued an e-ticket detailing the local operator's name and contact information. If you require assistance finding a specific tour, please contact us for more information.

Pricing Info

Your reservation is always subject to confirmation by email, normally within one to two business days.

* Price for Single Occupancy applies when one person stays in one standard hotel room.
* Price for Double applies when two people stay in one standard hotel room respectively.
* Children under 12 years of age are not permitted on this tour.
* All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
* Child shares the same price as adult.
* Maximum room capacity: 2 people.

Reservation Info

    1.Immediately after submitting your reservation you will receive a Receipt of Reservation via email.
    2. Within one to two business days of submitting your reservation you will receive a status update email from us. If you need to book an airline ticket, we recommend that you do so after you receive a confirmation of your tour reservation from us.
    3. An E-Ticket will be sent to you via email as soon as details of your reservation are confirmed or your supporting information is received by us. We will provide you with all detailed information about your tour on the E-Ticket. Contact information for local tour provider will be included on E-Ticket for your convenience or re-confirmation purpose if re-confirmation is required.
    4. Simply print your E-Ticket and present it with your valid photo ID on the day of your activity to your tour guide. Please remember E-Ticket is your proof of purchase.

Terms and Conditions

    - Your purchase does not guarantee confirmation. Your purchase will initiate a reservation process. We will confirm with you via email within one to two business days.
    - Prices may vary due to availability. We reserve the right to make price adjustment without prior notice.
    - Please refer to our Standard Amendment, Cancellation and Refund Policy before you make reservation.
    - Please refer to Customer Agreement before you make reservation.
    - Local tour provider reserves the right to make modifications to tour arrangements including order of tour activities, hotel and its location if deemed necessary.

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    Conditional Cancellation
    This tour qualifies for: Free Cancellation 25 or more Days Prior to Departure
    • 16-24 Days Prior to Departure Date - 75% of total purchase amount can be refunded
    • 7-15 Days Prior to Departure Date - 50% of total purchase amount can be refunded
    • 6 Days Prior to Departure Date - Non-refundable
    All cancellations must be made directly with Tours4Fun, not with tour providers. The day mentioned above is based on the date we receive your signed Cancellation Request Form and travel service start date (departure date).
    • 0 - 31 Days Prior to Departure Date - Non-refundable
    • 32 - 61 Days Prior to Departure Date - 50% of total purchase amount can be refunded
    • 62 or More Days - 90% of total purchase amount can be refunded
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