Upon arrival at airport in South Korea, you will be warmly met by a representative, who will provide assistance and transfer to your accommodation to check-in.

* If you arrive in Seoul on other dates with pre-extension booking, transfer is not provided. In case you have pre-extension booking at Hamilton Hotel, please take an airport limousine bus to Hamilton Hotel from bus stop 5A or 11B. Please look for bus with sign Hannamdong and prepare cash KRW14,000 per person (as of Aug. 2009). The bus is available every 10-15 minutes from 04:15 until 21:00.

Activities:

• Balance of day is free for your own leisure time or rest.

Overnight: Seoul

Activities:

• 08:00 – 14:30 excursion to the North-Korea border DMZ, the world’s most heavily guarded border. It was established in 1953 after the Korean War.
• We will see the Freedom Bridge, the 3rd infiltration tunnel illegally dug by the North Koreans.
• At the Dora Observatory we can see the North Korean village of Gijeong-dong with a 160 meter tall flagpole.
• (Lunch is inclusive: Bulgogi)

Overnight: List City Name or wording Camp/Lodge or Cruise Ship – (B)

Activities:

• SEOUL DOWNTOWN CITY TOUR (Full Day): Visit to the Jogyesa Tempel and Gyeongbokkung Palace. The Palace was built by the Joseon Dynasty in 1394. For centuries, this immense complex was the center of power, untill the Japanese occupied the country at the start of the last century. At the Palace we may see the changing of guards. From the back gate we see the “Cheongwadae”, the presidential palace and the Cheongwadae Museum. At the Gwanghwamoon Square we can see the statues of King Sejong and Admiral Yi, two national heroes of the past. Insadong has been home to a dozen art galleries, antique shops, traditional tea houses and souvenir shops. The Tapgol Park is of great historical value as it was the starting point of the 1st March 1919 Independence Protest against the Japanese occupation.
• Then visit the Seoul Tower, to enjoy an impressive view over the giant capital.
• Final stop at the Cheonggyecheon Stream, an ancient canal, flowing for centuries through the heart of Seoul. For half a century the canal was filled with concrete to make way for a busy road, but the 5.3 km long canal has been restored in 2005.
• Note: on Tuesdays we visit the Changdeokkung Palace instead of Gyeongbokkung Palace. The Sarangchae Museum is closed on Mondays.
• Optional shopping possibilities can be included in the itinerary.

Overnight: Seoul – (B)

Activities:

• Transfer from Seoul to Gyeongju via Andong by private car/bus (410 km, 6 hrs).
• Visit to the Andong Hahoe Village where century old traditions, influenced by the teachings of Confucius, are still alive. The inhabitants live in the same way their ancestors did; in simple houses for the common farmers and in richly decorated houses for the “Yangban”, the aristocrats.

Overnight: Gyeongju – (B)

Activities:

• The Seogguram Grotto was being discovered by a postman who was sheltering from the rain. Inside the man-made cave he found a astonishing beautiful statue of Buddha, which was constructed during the Shilla Dynasty. The statue is listed on the World Heritage List of UNESCO. Visit to the Bulgugsa Temple, the royal temple constructed in the same period.
• In the ceramic village we visit a workshop where they make the world famous ceramic in the same way as during the Shilly Dynasty.
• Visit the Tumuli Park with the royal tombs dating back to the Shilla Dynasty. The numerous artefacts being found in these tombs show a remarkable technological and cultural advancement in that period (600-900 CE).
• The Cheomseongdae is the oldest existing astronomical observatory in Asia. the 362 stones used to build the Cheomseongdae represent the 362 days in the lunar calender.
• The Anapji Pond is an artificial pond constructed for the royal family for leisure and study.
• Around the train station we visit the Gyeongju food market.

Overnight: Gyeongju – (B)

Activities:

• Transfer from Gyeongju to Busan via Haeinsa Temple by private car/bus (460 km, 7 hrs).
• Visit to Haeinsa Temple in the Southern part of the Korean peninsula. Located in an isolated, mountainous area the temple has miraculously survived war and destruction. Most famous are the 800 year old Tripitaka Koreana, wooden textblocks, the most complete buddhist work of its time and listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Overnight: Busan – (B)

Activities:

• Via the impressive Gwangalli Bridge we can enjoy the breathtaking view of the Busan shoreline.
• At the UN War Cemetry the sad history of the Korean War (1950-1953) is depicted. UN Troops from different nationalities were among the casualties.
• The Busan Museum shows the interesting history of the city of Busan and the history & culture of Korea.
• Continue the tour and visit the Nurimaru APEC House, a wonderful location with a breathtaking view over the Ocean. The Nurimaru was build specifically for the APEC Summit, a major political gathering of Asian political leaders.
• Final stop at the Haeundai Food market and Haeundai Beach, where one can enjoy the boulevard and the beautiful shoreline.

Overnight: Busan – (B)

Activities:

• Visit the Jagalchi Fishmarket, Kukjae Market and Busan Tower. The Jagalchi Fishmarket is one of the largest markets of its kind, selling a dazzling array of fish, often alive. Here you can tase the famous Korean sashimi.
• Adjecent to the fishmarket is the Kukjae Market, where you can shop for souvenirs, glasses (very cheap in Korea!) and clothing.
• Transfer from Busan to Seoul by KTX Train (Bullet train, 2 hrs 30 min) Pickup from train station, transfer to Seoul Hotel.

Overnight: Seoul – (B)

Departure: Independent transfer by Airport Limousine Bus (public bus service between airport and all major hotels in Seoul to Incheon Airport. 60 km, 70 min).