Journeys: Soul of South Korea

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included. In the evening, join an orientation walk to connect with the city of Seoul.

Explore South Korea’s living history with a guided visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace, a symbol of national pride. Stroll through the grounds as you listen to the stories of this Joseon Dynasty palace. At the National Folk Museum, see the everyday artifacts that show the ways of centuries-old customs. Enjoy time to connect with Seoul’s Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong neighborhood, historic alleyways lined with tea houses, traditional shops and calligraphy stalls. This afternoon, suit up in a customary dobok for your taekwondo class led by a local master. Reflecting Korean values of respect and discipline, learn the fundamentals of this ancient martial art and Korean culture.

Enjoy a full day at leisure to uncover the many layers of Seoul. Opt to take a day trip to the famed North and South Korean Border-the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) to learn about and see firsthand one of the most geopolitically significant borders in the world. Alternately, choose to explore the world famous and affluent Gangnam district, where high class and K-Pop culture blend seamlessly. Whether you’re looking to fill up on incredible street food, relax in a traditional jjimjilbang, or wander the rhythmic streets of the city, today is yours to explore.

• 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.
• Gangnam District Visit: Gangnam has plenty to do and see in this historically rich, fast-developing neighbourhood. Gangnam Station is the busiest subway station in Seoul and has a huge underground shopping centre, so feel free to shop until you drop. Choose to visit Bongeunsa, a Buddhist Temple in the centre of Gangnam, or enjoy the nightlife and restaurants in this area.

Travel by train to the ancient capital of the Silla Dynasty–Gyeongju. Delve into the cultural richness of this historic town with lunch and a visit to the Yangdong Folk Village, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Immerse yourself in the tiled-roof homes and centuries-old Confucian traditions, still used today in this living museum. Continue to the Cheomseongdae Astronomical Observatory, the oldest in Asia, followed by a visit to the Royal Tombs–resting place of many Silla Dynasty kings, queens and nobles. Tonight, we are staying at a hanok, a traditional Korean inn, to connect with Korea’s ancient heritage. Here we’ll learn about the meaning and artistry of the iconic Korean dress hanbok, as well as the importance and history of hanok villages across Korea. Finish your day with a delicious traditional dinner.

Begin the day with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site–Bulguksa Temple, a Buddhist temple known for its architectural and spiritual influence tucked in the hilly forest. After, drive to Busan, stopping at the colorful Gamcheon Cultural Village. Take in the sweeping views of the city on the Songdo Marine Cable Car up to the glass-floored observatory deck. Then dive into Busan’s famous street food scene by visiting Jagalchi Fish Market and Gukje Market. Sample fresh and locally caught seafood, such as oysters, snow crab and dried fish at Jagalchi. Then try some sizzling local specialities at Gukje and soak up the energy of South Korea’s most famous coastal bazaar.

After breakfast, visit the dramatically perched Yonggungsa Temple along the rocky coast. Explore this picturesque oceanside sanctuary before rolling up your sleeves for a hands-on kimchi making class to uncover the flavors, history and cultural significance of one of Korea’s most iconic dishes. Try many different types of kimchi, not just cabbage, with the never-ending list of veggies that can be “kimchi-fied” as Judy Joo talks about in her National Geographic article “5 ways to eat kimchi, a Korean staple.” Work off the delicious lunch with a hike along the coastal trails of Dongbaek Island to reach the APEC House, the modern-glass diplomatic building on the shore. The evening is yours to relax on the famous Haeundae Beach, one of Korea’s most iconic beaches.

Fly to Jeju, a volcanic island off the southeast coast. Dive right into the adventure, heading to Seongsan Ilchulbong–Sunrise Peak, where cliffs of lava rise from the sea. Here we’ll meet the legendary haenyeo - “women of the sea.” These elder women free divers are famed for their impressively long breath holds and techniques passed down through generations. This practice has changed the genetics of these divers, as discussed in the National Geographic article “These Korean women divers have evolved traits to survive in frigid water”. Talk to the women and learn of their skills while sampling the freshly caught seafood. After, hike up to the peak for breathtaking views of the volcanic island, then head back down to visit the Haenyeo Museum to gain deeper insight into these incredible women.

Set off on a full day of adventure around Jeju Island, starting at Hallim Park. Full of botanical gardens, lava caves and bonsai trails, Hallim showcases Jeju’s rich biodiversity. Continue to the Yongmeori Coast for a short and easy walk with a stunning view of wave-carved cliffs and Mt. Sanbang–a sacred mountain steeped in legend. A short walk brings us to Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, a stunning cascade 22 metres high and 12 metres wide tucked away in the subtropical rainforest. Cap off the day on a traditional wooden raft, called a taewoo, riding down the Soesokkak Estuary. This evening, choose to join your group for an optional farewell dinner.

Depart at any time.