Discover South Korea

TOMB OF KING MURYEONG – GONGSANSEONG FORTRESS
08:00AM: Pick up from the lobby of Amid Hotel Insadong. We begin our day by traveling to Gongju, where our first stop is Gongsanseong Fortress, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015. This historic hillside fortress offers a vivid glimpse into the Baekje Kingdom, allowing you to truly feel the presence of ancient Korea. Next, we visit the Royal Tomb of King Muryeong, renowned for its unique brick-built burial style. The site showcases outstanding artifacts that highlight the craftsmanship, artistry, and royal burial practices of the Baekje era. Our final stop in Gongju is the Gongju National Museum, which houses around 10,000 cultural artifacts. From royal relics to gilt-bronze ornaments and artifacts unearthed from King Muryeong’s tomb, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the elegance and legacy of the Baekje Kingdom. After completing today’s itinerary, we will transfer to our hotel in Jeonju, where you can enjoy a relaxing evening and rest comfortably.

JEONJU HANOK VILLAGE (HANBOK WEARING EXPERIENCE) – BAEGYANGSA TEMPLE
Our destination today is Jeonju Hanok village with over 800 traditional Korea houses. The village is famous among tourists because of its atmosphere that strongly contrast with the modern city around it. Choose your preferred Hanbok, Korean’s National costume and create a special memory wearing Hanbok with your companions. You will explore Gyeonggijeon Shrine which was erected in 1410 and that holds the portrait of King Tae- jo, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty. Afterward you will have Jeonju Bibimbab lunch at a local restaurant. Following that, we will proceed to Jangseong, where Baegyangsa Temple is situated within Naejangsan National Park. Upon arrival, you will experience an intimate tea conversation with a monk. The combination of the mountain and valleys on both sides creates a beautiful scenery. Nature reveals its beauty throughout all seasons here, especially through the red maple leaves in the fall. Wrapping up our day’s explorations after dinner in Gwangju, we’ll head back to our hotel in Gwangju for the night.

FREE TIME TIPS
Sajik Park Observatory (operating until 10:00 PM) offers a panoramic view of the entire Gwangju area and showcases various cultural attractions. Don’t miss the mesmerizing ’Forest of Light,’ a media art installation within Sajik Park.

BOSEONG GREEN TEA PLANTATION – SUNCHEON BAY WETLAND
Today, we visit Daehan Dawon, the largest green tea field in Korea. As you walk between the terraced rows of vibrant tea bushes, you’ll enjoy scenic views that change with every season. Take a moment amid nature and experience the refreshing flavor of authentic Korean green tea (one tea per person is included). After lunch, we continue to the Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve*. Located where the river meets the sea, this vast coastal marshland is one of the world’s top five wetlands and a sanctuary for more than 250 species of migratory birds and wildlife. Stroll along the broad ecological pathways winding through the reeds and mudflats, an immersive wellness experience unique to Suncheonman. Following the day’s activities, we transfer to Busan, where you’ll enjoy a luxurious and relaxing stay at a hotel overlooking Haeundae Beach.
*The Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve is closed on the last Monday of each month. On those days, the alternative visit will be to Nagan Eupseong Folk village.

UN MEMORIAL CEMETERY IN KOREA – JAGALCHI FISH MARKET – SONGDO SEA CABLE CAR
In the morning, we’ll start our day with a visit to The United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Busan, the only UN cemetery in the world dedicated to honoring UN Command casualties from the Korean war. Spanning 14 hectares, it features 2,300 graves, organized by the nationalities of the fallen soldiers. Next, we’ll explore Jagalchi Market, Korea’s largest seafood market, renowned for its fresh and dried fish. Finally, we’ll head to the Songdo Sea Cable Car, now known as Busan Air Cruise. This scenic mile-long ride from Songdo Bay Station to Songdo Sky Park offers stunning views of Songdo Beach, Namhang Bridge, and the coastline. After the tour, your guide will accompany you to the hotel. You’ll then have free time to enjoy dinner and explore the vibrant Haeundae area at your own pace (dinner is on your own).

NURIMARU APEC HOUSE - BULGUKSA TEMPLE - DAEREUNGWON ANCIENT TOMB COMPLEX - GYEONGJU NATIONAL MUSEUM - CHEOMSEONGDAE OBSERVATORY
We begin the morning with a visit to Dongbaekseom Island, where we explore the Nurimaru APEC House, the venue of the 2005 APEC Summit. Step inside the modern, glass-walled conference hall, offering a glimpse into the atmosphere of the landmark meeting and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the coastal trail surrounded by camellia trees and sweeping views of Busan’s blue shoreline. After wrapping up our time in Busan, we head to Gyeongju, Korea’s ancient capital for a thousand years and the host city of the 2025 APEC Summit. Our first stop is Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest examples of 8th-century Korean Buddhist architecture. As you explore the temple grounds, you’ll find traces of Silla’s deep spiritual and artistic heritage at every turn. We then visit the Daereungwon Ancient Tomb Complex, where large royal burial mounds and precious relics, including elaborate gold crowns, offer insight into the grandeur of the Silla royal court. At the Gyeongju National Museum, you’ll encounter iconic artifacts such as golden crowns and masterpieces from a millennium ago, experiencing firsthand the splendor of Silla’s history. The museum’s gift shop also features unique souvenirs inspired by Silla culture, perfect for remembering your journey. We conclude the day at Cheomseongdae Observatory, a beloved symbol of Gyeongju. As you stand before this ancient astronomical structure, imagine how the people of Silla once observed the stars and sought wisdom from the sky, bringing a meaningful close to today’s historical adventure.

FREE TIME TIPS
Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond boast a beautiful night view, highly recommended for your free time at night.

KOREAN TRADITIONAL CULTURE CENTER - ANDONG HAHOE VILLAGE
Waking up in Gyeongju, we will head to Daegu to immerse ourselves in Korean traditional culture. Under the guidance of a renowned expert in regional cuisine and a certified master of traditional recipes, we’ll learn how to make traditional teatime snacks. After the class, we’ll have a brief tasting session to enjoy the treats we’ve made. IMPORTANT: This class requires a minimum of 8 participants to proceed. If the minimum number is not met, we will substitute the activity with a visit to Buyongdae Cliff. Next on our itinerary is a visit to Andong Hahoe Village, one of the most famous folk villages in Korea. Surrounded by the Nakdonggang River, the village is home to descendants of the Ryu clan of Pungsan, who still make up 70 percent of the residents. After the Andong tour, we’ll head to Pyeongchang, enjoying dinner along the way.

ALTERNATIVE: BUYONGDAE CLIFF IF THE MINIMUM OF 8 PARTICIPANTS IS NOT MET)
At 64 meters high, Buyongdae Cliff offers a great view of Hahoe Village, which resembles a lotus flower in shape. The name ‘Buyong’ means lotus in Chinese, reflecting this resemblance.

JUJEONGOL VALLEY
After greeting the morning in Pyeongchang, we make our way to Jujeongol Valley in Seoraksan National Park. Known for its dramatic rock formations, soaring peaks, and crystal-clear streams, Seoraksan is one of Korea’s most iconic natural treasures. Enjoy a light hike as you breathe in the fresh mountain air and take in the tranquility of the surrounding landscape. After lunch, we return to Seoul, arriving at Amid Hotel in Insadong at approximately 6:00 PM to conclude our tour.