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The Soul of South Korea

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Fully Guided Coach Small Group Scenic
Our Price From 11,672 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 1,019 Per Person
 Trip Length
10 Days
 Trip Starts
Busan
 Trip Finishes
Seoul
10 Day The Soul of South Korea Itinerary (Scenic)
Countries Explored: South Korea
Trip Operator
Trip Style
Land Journey
Departures
Accommodation
4.5 - 5 Star
Max. Group Size
24
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
SKSK-1

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Scenic's 10 Day The Soul of South Korea. Discover a nation with one of the most heavily militarised borders in the world and one of the fastest growing economies in Asia, which is also the land of serene ‘slow cities’, and canopies of pink blossoms. On this compact tour of South Korea, learn about its people, cuisine, ancient history and culture and appreciate the modernisation strides this Asian tiger economy has taken. From the ancient villages around Gyeongju and Jeonju, high tech factories in Ulsan, the futuristic skylines of Busan and Seoul to the...read more high-speed trains in between, come and explore this lesser-known Asian treasure.

Itinerary

Welcome to Busan, South Korea. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for a two night stay. Today is yours at leisure before meeting your Korean Tour Director and fellow travellers at tonight’s welcome briefing and dinner. (D)

Begin the day with a visit to the Jagalchi Fish Market, the largest seafood market in Korea. Then visit BIFF Square, the district where the Busan International Film Festival is held before wandering through the maze of nearby Gukje Market, where you can try some street snacks from local venders. Afterwards partake in a Korean cooking class and create your lunch for the day. This afternoon and evening is your choice.

Freechoice Dining: Enjoy fine Italian cuisine or sample high quality Korean sirloin BBQ. (B/L/D)

Admire the views from Busan x the Sky, an observatory located on the 98th to 100th floors of Haeundae LCT The Sharp - Landmark Tower, the tallest building in Busan. From the sky observatory you can enjoy views of the Busan's famous landmarks and the surrounding mountains and sea.

Then drive north to Tongdosa Temple, the head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. In 2018 Tongdosa Temple was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch continue to Ulsan to visit the world’s single largest automobile plant, the Hyundai Car Factory, which is in itself made up 5 different factories. Later arrive in Gyeongju, the ‘museum without walls’ and check into your hotel for a two night stay. (B/L/D)

Begin with a visit to the National Museum which houses numerous historical and cultural artifacts of the Silla dynasty (57 BC-AD 935). Later visit Tumuli Park - Daereungwon Tomb Complex, a collection of royal Silla tombs. After lunch, visit World Heritage-listed Bulguksa Temple, built in 774.

After dinner visit Anapji (Wolji) Pond, a harmonious royal garden, best seen illuminated at night. (B/L/D)

Drive to Gayatgo Village, home to the traditional Korean musical instrument Gayageum.

Afterwards drive to Mt. Gayasan National Park and Haeinsa Temple, famous for being the home of the Tripitaka Koreana, a Korean collection of the Tripi?aka, carved onto 81,258 wooden printing blocks in the 13th century. It is the oldest intact version of Buddhist canon in Hanja script. Continue on to Gwangju and check into your hotel for a night. (B/L/D)

Drive to Samjinae village, the first Korean place designated as a ‘slow city’ in 2007. Compared with fast moving city life, the village seeks a slow life, highlighting regional cultures and food in natural surroundings. Later visit the historical Jeonju Hanok Village, an old capital with a history spanning 1.300 years.

This afternoon relax in your Deluxe Class seats on the KTX high-speed train to Seoul. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel for a four night Special Stay, located in the very heart of Seoul and walking distance to local attractions. Afterwards enjoy a traditional, local style Korean BBQ Chicken feast for dinner. (B/L/D)

Step back in time throughout the day with visits to many historical sites within Seoul. Visit Changdeokgung Palace, a Joseon dynasty palace, including a stroll through the incredible Secret Garden before witnessing the changing of the Royal Guard at the smaller Deoksugung Palace.

Later visit the Korean Furniture Museum, marvelling at the more than 2,000 pieces of traditional Korean wooden furniture placed within a Korean traditional house and garden. Later move to Myeongdong Night Market, one of the oldest and largest traditional markets where dinner will be local street food in the market. (B/L/D)

Drive to the De-militarised Zone (DMZ). Visit the Dora Observatory, offering views across the DMZ towards North Korea, Dorasan Station and Freedom Bridge, where prisoners were exchanged after the war, and go underground into the third infiltration tunnel. As one of four tunnels dug by North Korea as means to invade, this was one was discovered by accident in 1978. Return to Seoul for your choice of touring this afternoon.

Dinner tonight is a Korean Beef Bulgogi feast. (B/L/D)

Drive to the UNESCO listed World Heritage Site and largely intact Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon. The fortress was built from 1794 to 1796 by King Jeongjo to honour and house the remains of his father. Upon returning to Seoul enjoy a rickshaw ride around Bukchon Hanok Village, one of the oldest areas of Seoul dating back 600 years to the Joseon Dynasty.

Enrich: Tonight, enjoy your farewell dinner in a Hanok, a traditional Korean house. (B/L/D)

Say farewell and transfer to Incheon airport.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the journey will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. (B)

Trip Inclusions

Five Star Luxury
Five Star Luxury

With Scenic, perks and privileges come included. Enjoy a full range of luxurious benefits that will enhance your experience throughout your journey. Read more

Scenic Freechoice
Scenic Freechoice

These are hand-selected activities for you to choose from and enjoy at a pace that suits you. Read more

Scenic Enrich
Scenic Enrich

These are experiences that offer once-in-a-lifetime multi-sensory moments that are completely inaccessible to the ordinary traveller. Read more

The nth Degree
The nth Degree

Whether you’re travelling by road, ship or rail, you can look forward to first class or luxury standard transport with comfort and enjoyment in mind. Read more

Special Stays
Special Stays

Every carefully selected hotel on our tours has been handpicked by our expert Journey Designer to ensure it offers outstanding location and luxury. Read more

Rail Journeys
Rail Journeys

Both China and Japan have state-of-the-art high-speed rail systems, and Scenic's itineraries allow you to enjoy both. Read more

Brochure

Japan & South Korea

Scenic Japan & South Korea (2023-24)

The Far East has always conjured an image of mystical and exotic faraway lands shrouded in mystery and allure. Embark on a memorable journey of enlightenment and discover the different cultures, natural wonders and innovative spirit of the people of Japan and South Korea.

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Wednesday 23 Oct 2024
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Wednesday 08 Oct 2025
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Wednesday 23 Oct 2024
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Wednesday 19 Mar 2025
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Wednesday 02 Apr 2025
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Wednesday 08 Oct 2025
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From: $15,680 $14,632
Save $1,048 Enquire
Note
Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Scenic. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Scenic. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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