Taste of South Korea

Welcome to Busan. A tapestry of colours rolling across the magnificent natural setting, Busan is where the locals go for a relaxing getaway, thanks to its laid-back atmosphere, urban beaches, and great street food culture. South Korea’s second largest city represents a harmonious relationship between the calm sea, snaking rivers and lush mountains.

Freechoice: Visit the Gamcheon Culture Village, once a modest mountainside community that has been transformed into an art hotspot, or visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a Buddhist temple built in 1376. Transfer to your hotel for a two-night stay. This evening, get to know your fellow travellers at a welcome dinner. (D)

Discover the treasures of Gyeongju that piece together the city’s long and tumultuous history. Visit temples and other historic sites while discovering what life was like during the Silla dynasty, and learn about how Buddhism, Confucianism and foreign influences have played their part in modern Korean society. Visit the National Museum, home to relics from the Silla Kingdom when Gyeongju was the capital, and view the Cheomseongdae Observatory, Tumuli Park, a collection of royal Silla tombs and Anapji Pond.

Lunch is a fun hands-on cooking class, where you will make unique culinary delights that recreate the cuisine served in the royal courts of the Silla Kingdom. Afterwards, visit World Heritage-listed Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto, both dating from the 8th century under the Silla Dynasty. (B/L)

Discover ancient-stone artifacts, traditional embroideries, and modern Korean paintings at the Korean Stone Art Museum, a place where Korea's past and present coexist harmoniously. Then be immersed in traditional Korean design, architecture and lifestyle at the Korea Furniture Museum, displaying hundreds of pieces from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Following a local lunch, explore one of the most iconic sights in all of South Korea, Gyeongbokgung Palace. Arguably the most beautiful and the largest of the Five Palaces built in Seoul during the Joseon Dynasty, here you will gain an insight into South Korea’s cultural heritage during the dynasty’s 5-century reign. Continue onto Seoul, and check into your hotel for a two-night Special Stay. (B/L)

Depart early this morning to drive to the De-militarised Zone (DMZ) for a morning of exploration and views of North Korea. Here, you’ll gain an insight into the conflict that has spanned decades and continents. Visit the Dora Observatory, Dorasan Station and Freedom Bridge and go underground by monorail to the third infiltration tunnel. Return to Seoul this afternoon and explore the largest traditional market in South Korea, Namdaemun Market, located next to the Great South Gate of the original old city.

Enrich: Immerse yourself into Korean culture at the Hyo Jae Cultural Hall where you can try on Hanbok, the traditional Korean dress, or try your hand at Bojagi, a traditional Korean wrapping cloth. Enjoy a meal of Bibimbap, a rice preparation with meat and vegetables, with your host Lee Hyo-Jae, known as Korea’s Martha Stuart. (B/L/D)