Once viewed as a poorer cousin of Japan, South Korea is rapidly coming into its own both as an economic powerhouse as well as a premier tourism destination. Attractions range from the historic palaces and temples to the ultra-modern shopping centres and skyscrapers. Also contributing to the attraction of South Korea is the popular slew of Korean drama productions and more recently the K-Pop (Korean Pop) movement that is taking the world by storm. 
  

Highlights
 
This 7-day trip is ideal for those who have already been to Seoul and are looking to discover the country more in-depth. It is also ideal for those more interested in seeing the historical and cultural side of South Korea. You will experience a train ride on the KTX – Korea’s high-speed rail network, then go on a private tour of Gyeongju, Andong and Mt Seorak, before heading back to Seoul for a day of shopping and city sightseeing.


ITINERARY:

Day 1 ARRIVE IN SEOUL
Upon arrival at Incheon airport, your driver will pick you and transfer you to your hotel. After settling in, spend the rest of the day exploring the area around your hotel.
Overnight in Seoul

Day 2 SEOUL – BUSAN
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Seoul train station by private vehicle. You will catch the noon train from Seoul Station to Busan (2.5 hours). At Busan Station, a private transfer has been arranged to take you to your hotel.
Spend the rest of the day relaxing in the hotel.
 
Overnight in Busan
Breakfast included

Day 3 BUSAN – GYEONGJU
After breakfast, begin your private tour of the region. This morning’s highlights include Yongdusan Park, one of the most popular mountains in Busan. The beautiful park has lots of greenery and features several monuments relating to different points in Busan’s history.
You will also visit Jagalchi Fish Market, which is Korea’s largest seafood market. This market represents the lifestyle of the indigenous Busan native.
Then, move on to the ancient city of Gyeongju, which was built during the Silla Dynasty (BC57 – AD935). The entire place is a museum without walls and highlights include the UNESCO World Heritage Bulguksa Temple, which is one of Korea’s most famous and remarkable temples built during the height of the Silla Dynasty. Another UNESCO World Heritage listed site is Seokguram Grotto, which is the home of the serene stone Buddha of the 8th century. It is said to be one of the finest Buddhist shrines in the world.
One other highlight is Cheomseongdae, claimed to be the world’s oldest astronomical observatory.
Overnight in Gyeongju
Breakfast included

Day 4 GYEONGJU – ANDONG – MT SEORAK
Today, continue on towards Mt Seorak. Along the way stop by Andong, renowned for being the home of Confucian scholars and the intellectual aristocratic class of Korea during the Joseon Dynasty (1392 – 1910). Here, you will learn more about traditional culture, from Hahoe masks to Chajeon games to Hahoe spirit rituals.
At Andong Hahoe Village, you will find that the housing architecture and village structure has been preserved from the Joseon Dynasty. This village was not artificially created and still houses a small community of native villagers. Surrounding the village on three sides is the Nakdonggang River.
Mt Seoraksan Park is your final destination, and if you like, you can go on an optional tour to see the natural limestone cave at Uljin. Otherwise, relax in the hotel. 
Overnight in Seorak
Breakfast included

Day 5 MT SEORAK – SEOUL
This morning, transfer to Mt Seorak National Park, designated as a natural monument preservation area and as a Biosphere Preservation District by UNESCO. Seorak was so named because the snow would not melt for a long time keeping the rocks in a permanent state of white. The park is spread across four cities and countries: Sokcho, Inje, Goseong and Yangyang. The highest peak in the park is Daecheongbong (1,708m).
You can take an optional cable car ride (US$15 per person) up to Gwongeumseong Fortress, which is the site of fortress ruins built during the Goryeo Period (918 – 1392). From here, you can see the Seoraksan Mountains, East Sea, as well as the city of Sokcho.
Alternatively, a 10-minute walk will take you to Shinheungsa Temple, built between AD590 and AD658. It has since been destroyed and rebuilt many times. On the way to Shinheungsa, look out for the great bronze statue which stands at a commanding 10 metres tall.
Another attraction here is the Goseong Unification Observatory, which was built by the army in 1983. This was once the closest point that one could view Mt Geumgangsan in North Korea. It has since been opened to South Korea. The closest part of Mt Geumgangsan is some 16 kilometres away.
In the late afternoon, transfer to Seoul (4 hours’ drive) and check in to your hotel.
Overnight in Seoul
Breakfast included

Day 6 SEOUL
This day is free at leisure for you to explore the city. We will prepare a travel pack for you, which includes information on sights, shopping and dining. This will assist you in exploring the city on your own.
Overnight in Seoul
Breakfast included

Day 7 DEPART SEOUL
Free at leisure until the time to depart to the airport for your flight home. A private transfer has been arranged to take you to Incheon International Airport.
Breakfast included

Accommodation selection for Seoul
Accommodation selection for Busan
Accommodation selection for Gyeongju
Accommodation selection for Mt Seorak


INCLUSIONS:

• 6 nights’ accommodation
• English-speaking driver/guide throughout the trip Private air-conditioned vehicle and driver
• Tickets for KTX from Seoul to Busan Entrance fees for sights as mentioned in itinerary Daily breakfast

 
*This is a land-only package. Price does not include international airfare, unless otherwise stated. Blackout dates: 10-12 Feb, 16-27 Mar, 27 Apr-06 May, 14-17 Jul, 14-16 Sep, 21-23 Sep, 06-07 Oct, 02-03 Nov, 23-24 Nov, 23-25 Dec, 29 Dec-02 Jan