Discover South Korea with Tokyo

Your Small Group Discovery tour begins!

Welcome to Seoul, the nation's capital. With its rich history and modern innovation, the city is full of opportunities to experience tradition and popular culture. Hotel check-in is available mid-afternoon.

Palace Gates & Plentiful Plates

Begin your vacation with a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest and most impressive of Seoul's five palaces. Continue to the National Museum of Contemporary Korean History to learn how Korea has transformed from an agricultural society to an economic powerhouse.

After lunch at a local restaurant, explore Gwangjang traditional market, one of the oldest and largest in Korea. Then, visit Bukchon Hanok Village, home to over 900 hanoks (traditional Korean houses). This historic district has been restored to evoke the country's timeless charm. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a special welcome dinner featuring Korean BBQ!

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - COLORFUL DYNASTIES & CULTURAL DRESS: Gyeongbokgung Palace is the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty, originally built in 1395. The palace complex was razed by the Japanese invasion of 1592 and sat abandoned for nearly 300 years before it was rebuilt in the mid-19th century. Tour the palace and witness the ceremonial changing of the guard. If you wish, experience a taste of Korean culture and don a traditional outfit called hanbok for a memorable photo of your visit.

A Tale of Two Countries

Journey to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) for an unforgettable tour of the world's most fortified border. Return to Seoul and enjoy the balance of the day at your leisure. Consider an optional rickshaw ride through the city's popular streets and alleyways.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - A LEGENDARY LAND: Since 1953, the DMZ has separated North and South Korea. This stretch of land measures about 160 miles long and 2.5 miles wide. For decades, it has been steeped in history and intrigue. Your Local Guide will explain the various sites and exhibitions including the Freedom Bridge, 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, Imjingak Park, the DMZ Museum, and the Dora Observatory. Please note this is a politically sensitive area, so tour with discretion.

Relics & Rituals

Travel by high-speed train to Gyeongju, often called the “Museum without Walls” due to its rich cultural history and natural beauty. The capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom, the city today is known for its relics, temples, and palaces. Upon arrival, visit Golgulsa Temple for a unique opportunity to experience the lifestyle of Korean Buddhist monks.

LOCAL FAVORITE - SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE: Join your small group for a unique experience to learn the art of Sunmudo. This Korean meditative martial art style was a secret of Buddhist monks for many years as a practice of developing mindfulness through motion. You'll also learn about temple etiquette and try your hand at archery before enjoying a vegetarian dinner at the temple.

Pavilions, Pagodas & Parks

Your full day sightseeing tour of Gyeongju includes a visit to Bulguska Temple and Gyeongju National Museum. End your day with a walk to Woljeong Bridge and Wolji Pond.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CULTURE & TRADITION: Visit Bulguska Temple and its ancient wooden pavilions and pagodas built on lush, forested hills. Within the temple complex is stunning Seokguram Grotto, one of Asia's finest shrines, with its large Buddha statue overlooking the Sea of Japan. Then, visit Gyeongju National Museum, housing artifacts reflecting the art, culture, and history of the Silla dynasty, and Tumuli Park to see several tombs from the Silla period, including King Michu.

Historic Village & Harbor Views

This morning, visit Yangdong Folk Village, one of the best-preserved historic villages dating back to the Joseon Dynasty. Then, continue to Busan, South Korea's second-largest city, known for its stunning beaches and harbor views. Before dinner at local restaurant, join your Tour Director for a scenic coastal walk on Dongbaekseom Island.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ANCIENT WISDOM: Surrounded by forested mountains and open fields, Yangdong Folk Village features clusters of hanok (traditional style houses) with mud walls and thatched roofs facing the river. Visit the village shrine and Confucius school, and stroll along the village trail to admire the traditional hanoks.

Beautiful Busan

Sightseeing today starts with a walking tour of Gamcheon, originally founded by refugees of the Korean War and today transformed into an artistic center with galleries and cafés. Participate in a Korean cooking class for lunch, then proceed to Jagalchi fish market, Korea's largest and most famous seafood market. This afternoon, take a cable-car ride across the ocean for panoramic views of Songdo Beach and rock cliffs. You'll also experience stunning views from Songdo Yonggung Supension Bridge.

LOCAL FAVORITE - SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE: Korean cuisine is unmatched! Learn authentic and local specialties with a private cooking class under the instruction of a local chef. You'll also have the opportunity to taste local rice wine. Collect the recipes and try to recreate your masterpiece at home.

Korea to the Tea

This morning, visit the UN Memorial Cemetery, a significant site which commemorates fallen soldiers from the Korean War. Later, enjoy a tea tasting. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE: Immerse yourself in Korea's floral tea culture with your small group as you taste different types of local floral and herbal teas to soothe the senses with aromatic flavors. You'll even learn how to create your own signature blend!

Seoul Searching

Fly to Seoul, then visit Insadong Arts and Craft Street. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a farewell dinner to celebrate your discovery of Korea.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CULTURE & TRADITION: Explore Insadong Arts and Craft Street, a vibrant hub for Korean traditional culture and craftsmanship. Walk along the Seoul City Wall, built more than 600 years ago.

So long, Seoul!

Today, fly to Tokyo, the capital of Japan, where you will be met by a Globus representative.

Tokyo Go!

Today, meet your Local Guide and hop on Tokyo's subway system for a private guided sightseeing tour of the city. Start with a visit to Meiji Shrine, a magnificent 20th-century Shinto monument set in a man-made forest. Reach new heights at Tokyo Skytree. Tour the Samurai and Ninja Museum for a hands-on history lesson of Japan's famous warriors, including the armor, weapons, and swords from the Medieval era. Lastly, visit bustling Nakamise shopping arcade and Asakusa Kannon Temple, the oldest of their kind in Tokyo.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - TOUCH THE SKY: Ascend to Sorakara Point on the 450th floor of soaring Tokyo Skytree. Reach the highest point accessible to visitors at some 450 meters(1500 feet). Marvel at the stunning panoramic views over the city and, on a clear day, Mount Fuji.

Get to Know Tokyo

Enjoy a full day at your leisure.

ENHANCED FREE TIME - EXPLORE MORE: in Tokyo with a full day at leisure for your own discoveries. Utilize your included Tokyo Metro Pass to explore more of Tokyo's unique neighborhoods, take a day trip to Mount Fuji, or visit the street-food markets for local specialties.

Safe travels until we meet again!

Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.