Scenic South Korea
Scenic South Korea
$6899
Scenic South Korea
13 Days Starting and ending in UK
Visiting: Seoul, Damyang, Suncheon, Busan, Gyeongju, Sokcho, Mount Seorak, DMZ
Tour operator:
Tour code:
1671
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 28
Age range:
12-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Meat
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through South Korea with the "Scenic South Korea" tour, where modernity and tradition coexist in harmony. Begin your adventure in the vibrant city of Seoul, exploring its bustling streets and cultural landmarks. Experience the art of handkerchief dyeing and savor the flavors of Korean cuisine with a bibimbap cooking class. Discover the serene beauty of Soswaewon Garden and the historical treasures of Gyeongju, known as 'the museum without walls.' Enjoy a scenic hike in the breathtaking Mt Seorak National Park and delve into the history of the DMZ. With visits to tea plantations, temples, and bustling markets, this fully guided tour offers a comprehensive exploration of South Korea's rich heritage and natural wonders. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, full board meals, and seamless transportation, ensuring a hassle-free and enriching travel experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 - 2 : Days 1-2: Fly Overnight To Seoul
Location: Seoul
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Fly overnight to Seoul, the dazzling capital city of South Korea. Depending on your
time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture. This
evening meet your National Escort and fellow travellers to enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 3: Explore Seoul
Location: Seoul
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A dynamic, 24-hour city, amongst the
skyscrapers, nightlife districts and colossal
shopping malls of Seoul there is an exceptional
amount of culture and tradition, from busy
teahouses to magnificent palaces. Start your day
watching the Changing of the Guards ceremony,
and then explore the Gyeongbok Palace. Next,
learn to cook a delicious Korean classic -‘bibimbap’
in a cookery class which you'll get to eat for lunch.
Also visit the UNESCO-listed Jongmyo Royal
Shrine, and enjoy panoramic city
views at the N Seoul
Tower. After dinner, watch a non-verbal
performance of Nanta – an award-winning show.
Day 4: Visit Soswaewon Garden
Location: Damyang
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel out of Seoul to the city and explore the
bamboo forest of Juknokwon. Next, head to
Damyang where you’ll discover the beauty of
Soswaewon. This private garden built in the 16th
century in the traditional style features essential
elements to bring harmony, such as flowing
water, trees and grasses. Continue to Gwangju,
where you’ll spend some time discovering this
artistic hub full of fascinating history.
Day 5: Explore Seonamsa Temple
Location: Suncheon
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Head to Boseong, considered the best place
in Korea to grow tea, and visit a green tea
plantation, learning all about its production
and enjoying a tasting. Continue to Suncheon
for a stop at the 6th-century Seonamsa
Temple. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the
temple grounds are also home to a beautiful
arched stone bridge. Also visit Naganeupseong
Fortress Village for a glimpse at a more
traditional Korean lifestyle and a chance to
take part in a handkerchief dyeing experience.
Day 6: Travel To Busan
Location: Busan
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Head to Yeosu and ride the cable car over
beautiful scenery and open water to Dolsan
Island. Continue to Odongdo Island for more
spectacular landscapes and take some time to
appreciate the array of wild flowers that flourish
here before travelling to the port city of Busan.
Day 7: Discover Busan
Location: Busan
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The laidback to Seoul’s bustle, Busan is a city
full of character and traditional features as well
as mountains, beaches, temples and exquisite
seafood. Start the day at the Jagalchi Fish
Market then see the city from above at Busan
Tower. Also browse the wares at Gukje Market.
After lunch, walk over the Oryukdo Skywalk, a
glass bridge set on a seaside cliff, soak up the
peaceful nature of Dongbaekseom Island, and
feel the sand between your toes on Haeundae
Beach. Drive to Gyeongju.
Day 8: Explore Gyeongju
Location: Gyeongju
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A city of cultural and historical relics, Gyeongju
is called ‘the museum without walls’. Capital
of the Silla Kingdom for over 1,000 years the
city is home to a staggering number of tombs,
temples, statues and ruins, some of which you’ll
explore today. Begin at the magnificent UNESCO
World Heritage Bulguksa Temple, considered the
pinnacle of Silla architecture, and Seokguram
Grotto. After lunch, visit Gyeongju National
Museum before visiting Tumuli Park, a collection
of royal tombs, and take a stroll at Anapji Pond.
Day 9: Visit Naksansa Temple
Location: Sokcho
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel to Sokcho stopping en route to explore
the 1,300-year history of the Naksansa
Temple, a seven-storey stone building
overlooking the East Sea.
Day 10: Explore Mount Seorak
Location: Mount Seorak
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mount Seorak National Park is a spectacularly
scenic area of high, cloudy peaks, craggy bluffs
and fragrant pine forest. Designated a UNESCO
Biosphere Reserve as a habitat for many rare
species of plants and animals, it is one of
South Korea’s most dramatic natural treasures.
Take the cable to the mountaintop and then
hike to Gwongeumseong Fortress. After lunch,
take a hike along the beautiful valley floor as
well as an optional visit to the temple.
Day 11: Return To Seoul
Location: Seoul
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer to Gangneung and board the train
bound for Seoul. On arrival, after lunch, there
will be free time for those who wish to shop or
further explore Seoul on your own.
Day 12: Visit The Dmz
Location: DMZ
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Created as a buffer zone between North Korea
and South Korea at the end of the Korean War,
the DMZ is part of the most heavily militarised
border in the world. An early start is needed
today as tickets the DMZ are limited. See the
DMZ Theatre & Exhibition Hall and walk along
the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel. (Should tickets not be available, take a ride on the DMZ gondola and visit the Odusan Unification Observatory). Return to Seoul
explore the huge Gwangjang Market. A farewell
dinner tonight is the perfect time to reflect on
your adventures!
Special conditions apply to this day, please
refer to your tour dossier for more information.
Day 13: Fly Seoul To The Uk
Location: Seoul
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
What's Included
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Accommodation
11 nights in 3+/4 star hotels are included.
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Airport Transfers at Destination
Airport transfers at the destination are included.
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All Domestic Transportation
All domestic transportation, including internal flights, is included.
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Country Entry Visas
Country entry visas are included.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees to various attractions are included.
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Fully Guided
The tour is fully guided.
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International Travel
International travel is included.
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Local Taxes
Local taxes are included.
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Meals – Full Board
Full board meals are included: 11 breakfasts, 10 lunches, and 11 dinners.
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Fully Inclusive
The tour is fully inclusive with guides and entrance fees.
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
Tipping and gratuities are not included.
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Drinks with Meals
Drinks with meals are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel seamlessly with all domestic transportation included, featuring internal flights and coach tours, ensuring a smooth and convenient exploration of South Korea's diverse landscapes and cultural sites.
Accommodation
Enjoy 11 nights in comfortable 3+ to 4-star accommodations, providing a perfect blend of modern amenities and traditional charm throughout your journey in South Korea.
Experiences
Watch the Nanta Performance
First performed on the Edinburgh Fringe in 1997, the Nanta is a showcase of Korean culture and performance art, presented as a non-verbal show, instead using music and motion and integrating a traditional Korean Samulnori rhythm.
Handkerchief Dyeing at Naganeupseong Village
As part of discovering traditional Korean lifestyle at Naganeupseong Fortress Village, you can try your hand at one of Korea's oldest cultural arts – handkerchief dyeing.
Visit the DMZ
Embark on an informative and unusual adventure to the DMZ, the buffer zone between the Koreas. Your visit will include the Bridge of Freedom, DMZ Theatre & Exhibition Hall and the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel.
Check out our Q&As
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What cultural activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes a handkerchief dyeing experience, a cookery class to learn how to make 'bibimbap', and a visit to the UNESCO-listed Jongmyo Royal Shrine. You will also watch a non-verbal performance of Nanta, an award-winning show.
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Will there be opportunities to experience traditional Korean tea culture?
Yes, the tour includes a visit to a green tea plantation in Boseong, where you will learn about tea production and enjoy a tasting.
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What kind of natural landscapes will we explore during the tour?
The tour includes an easy hike in Mt Seorak National Park, a visit to the bamboo forest of Juknokwon, and a cable car ride over the scenic landscapes of Yeosu to Dolsan Island. You will also visit Odongdo Island, known for its wildflowers, and explore the beautiful valley floor of Mount Seorak.
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What historical sites will we visit in Gyeongju?
In Gyeongju, you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto, explore the Gyeongju National Museum, and visit Tumuli Park, which is a collection of royal tombs. You will also take a stroll at Anapji Pond.
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What can I expect from the visit to the DMZ?
The visit to the DMZ includes seeing the DMZ Theatre & Exhibition Hall and walking along the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel. If tickets are not available, you will take a ride on the DMZ gondola and visit the Odusan Unification Observatory.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If, after our confirmation invoice has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, we will endeavour to make these changes, but it may not always be possible. Any changes to confirmed bookings need to be sent to us in writing via your travel agent. Please refer to our booking conditions for further information and fees.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your Final Travel Documents are usually sent to you 2-3 weeks prior to your departure. Your travel pack will include your tour itinerary, hotel details, flight e-tickets and a travel guide. If you have booked with a travel agent, your tickets will be dispatched to your travel agent unless we have been otherwise informed.
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Will I be travelling with passengers from other countries?
Our passengers generally enjoy the mixture of British, Australian and American clients on tour. Occasionally we are joined by English-speaking passengers from other countries.
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What is 'Happy to Share'?
Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date. If a share partner is found, the Single Supplement will be removed from your booking. If a share partner is not found, the Single Supplement will remain and is payable with your final balance in line with our normal booking conditions. Either way, our Operations Team will contact you around 75 days before departure to let you know whether a share partner has been found or not. We regret that Happy to Share requests cannot be accepted within 75 days of departure. Wendy Wu Tours reserves the right to change or withdraw this arrangement at any time.
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Do you allow children on your tours?
We allow children 12 years and over on our group tours. We recommend that families with children of any age take advantage of our private or tailormade tours. This will give you more flexibility while on tour.
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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