South Korea Holiday

Welcome to Busan, the second largest city of South Korea! Upon your arrival at Busan International Airport, you’ll be picked up and transferred to the hotel in 20 minutes by a private driver.

After checking in, you could enjoy some leisure time on the 21st floor of the hotel, where there is the bar and restaurant lounge with superb views of the sea and Busan city, especially during sunset. If you want to explore the surroundings on your own, there are supermarkets, convenience stores, cafes and restaurants that can be reached on foot. For your reference, Bonjeon Dwaeji Gukbap (1200-6 Choryang-dong, Dong-gu, Busan), a traditional Korean restaurant serving pork soup with rice, would be a good choice for dinner, and the average cost per person is around USD 8.

► SIM Card vs. Wi-Fi
Generally, a SIM card can keep you connected during your holiday. A good news is, free Wi-Fi is available in most public places, hotels, stations and restaurants across South Korea. So if you don’t need internet connection all the time, public Wi-Fi could meet your needs. If you intend to purchase a SIM card, book online in advance or buy one at the kiosk of one of the major operators at the airport: SK Telecom, KT South Korea, or LG U. The cost is from USD 18 to 25. If you are not travelling solo, renting a pocket Wi-Fi at the airport is a more wallet-friendly choice for you and your family or friends to stay connected. The cost is about USD 2 per day.

► Getting around
Google Maps is not widely used in South Korea. Actually, NAVER Map and Kakao Map are both nice options for you to navigate. The best way to get around the cities is to take a taxi or public transportation. Getting a Namane or T-Money transportation card at a subway station or convenience store can help a lot when taking a bus or subway. The price is KRW 2,500 (USD 2) without balance. The card can also be used to pay at convenience stores or for taxis. If you want to book a taxi online, Kakao is a helpful app to avoid language problems.

Accommodation: ASTI Hotel Busan Station (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, meet your private driver guide at the hotel and start your Busan sightseeing. First, go to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, the only seaside temple in South Korea with a history of over 600 years. Worshippers from across the country come here to make a wish or toss a coin to pray for good luck. There is a 10-meter-high (33 ft.) Bodhisattva statue, which is the tallest one in South Korea. Overlook the sea from the cliffs where the temple situates, and immerse yourself into the gentle breeze and the magnificent scenery.

★ Special Experience: Ride Sky Capsule to Capture Busan’s Romantic Coastline

Head to Haeundae Blueline Park, which is transformed from the old railroad of the Donghae Nambu Line which stretches for 4.8 kilometers (3 mi). With Beach Train and Sky Capsule running within, the modern park offers a romantic and enjoyable experience for visitors. Embark on a red, green, blue, or yellow candy-colored pod, glide above the city and coast, and enjoy the wide open breathtaking sea view from up in the air. If it’s during the cherry blossom season from March to April, pink and white will be added to the palette of Busan, creating unforgettable memories for you.

Next, let’s continue to visit Haeundae Beach, where modernity and nature combines together harmoniously. Although backed by several lofty skyscrapers, the beach has a peaceful and pleasant atmosphere, with cafes and restaurants scattered everywhere. Walking on the soft clean sand and soaking in the sun, you may encounter buskers performing music by the sea. Every May, delicate sand sculptures are on display, depicting everything from city landmarks to K-pop culture, attracting people from all over the world. Last, go to Dongbaekseom Island, a small peninsula covered with lush camellia trees and pine trees, overlooking the picturesque Haeundae Beach. Take photos with the 2.5-meter-tall (8 ft.) Princess Hwangok Mermaid Statue, and get to know the tragic love story behind her. Nurimaru APEC House is another popular attraction on the island, which is one of the most beautiful hosting places for APEC Summit. Finally, relax on our private car to pass the magnificent Gwangan Bridge before returning to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: ASTI Hotel Busan Station (4 stars) or similar

This morning, the driver will send you to the train station for your 1-hour KTX bullet train to Daegu. Upon arrival, you will be picked up and led to Palgongsan Mountain. Home to a couple of temples and Buddhist monuments, the mountain has been one of the most significant Buddhist centers in South Korea. Put on your hiking shoes and bring some food and water, we’ll hike along the Birobong Trail to the 1,192-meter (3,910) main peak - Birobong. Walk among the serene forests and breathe in the fresh air. Admire the rocky peaks, and let the greenish landscape sweep away your fatigue. At the top of the peak, marvel at the towering Gatbawi Shrine, which is actually a huge Buddhist statue called “Rock Hat Buddha”. Standing 4 meters tall (13 ft.), it is one of the most outstanding Buddhist statues of the 9th century. Donghwasa Temple, built in 493, is the most impressive and oldest temple located on the slope of Palgongsan Mountain. The temple is enclosed by verdant trees, with streams, cascades and fountains inside, being not only a place of worship but also a haven of peace. Follow the pathway to reach the Yaksayeorae-bul statue in the temple. With a height of 30 meters (100 ft.), it is the largest stone Buddha statue in the world, symbolizing Korean people’s hope for unity. During the Buddha’s Birthday Season (April to May) every year, the shrines and temples on Palgongsan Mountain will be decorated with colorful lanterns.

Afterward, we’ll return to the downtown area of Daegu and visit Seomun Market. Used to be one of the three largest markets of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), Seomun Market has the largest amount of silk and fabric shops in South Korea. The vibrant market overflows with stalls of various traditional street food, attracting visitors with strong scents of the roasting meat and sizzling pancakes in the air. Every weekend, the market is brightly lit all night long, waiting for diners to tuck into. Don’t miss the local specialties: flat dumplings and sauced meat pancakes. Later, we will return to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Daegu Grand Hotel (4 stars) or similar

Today, follow your guide to enjoy a walking tour along the Modern Culture Alley, and touch the essence of Daegu’s history and culture. Modern Culture Alley is 1.64 kilometers long (1 mi.), with churches and old residences that are all witnesses to Daegu’s modern history. First, ascend 90 stone steps of the March 1st Independence Movement Road to get to Cheongna Hill, where you could appreciate the graceful architecture of First Presbyterian Church of Daegu. Originally built in 1896, it is one of the oldest Protestant churches in northeastern South Korea. The building is in the classic Gothic style, showing the aesthetics of traditional Western architecture. Then, we’ll continue to visit Gyesan Catholic Church, which was first built in 1886 and is of great significance for the development of Western religion in South Korea. It was constructed in a combination of Romanesque and Gothic styles, with red bricks and towering spires. Step into the church and admire the gorgeous decorations like the stained glass and statues.

Thereafter, we’ll visit the former residences of Daegu’s famous historical figures. Then, passing through the Yangyeongsi Gate wrapped in the aroma of herbs, let’s explore Daegu Yangnyeongsi Museum of Oriental Medicine. The museum was opened in 1993, showcasing the origin of the traditional Yangyeongsi Medicine Market with a history of over 350 years. South Korea, deeply influenced by Chinese culture, introduced the traditional Chinese medicine that has been passed down for thousands of years, and developed the unique Korean medicine culture, which has become an important part of the Oriental medicine. You could take part in some interesting hands-on activities to touch the herbal medicines, cut the herbs or make herbal soaps. You could also try on a doctor’s hanbok costume to imitate an ancient doctor. Later, drop by Jin-golmok Alley and admire the murals that depict the historical events took place here. Have a look at the old hanok houses of the aristocrats in ancient times, one of which has even been transformed into a remarkable Starbucks café. After the walking tour in Daegu, you’ll be escorted on a 1.5-hour drive to Andong, and check into the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Stanford Hotel Andong (4 stars) or similar

Today, the guide will accompany you to explore the UNESCO-listed World Heritage sites in Andong. First, visit Byeongsanseowon Confucian Academy. Academies of Classical Learning, originated in the Tang Dynasty (618-907) of ancient China, are crucial educational institutions that have existed for over 1,200 years in East Asia. Confucianism and Confucian Academy were introduced into Korea in the 15th century, and Byeongsanseowon Confucian Academy is one of the most representative ones. It was built in 1613, with simple but graceful wooden architecture. Sit on the stone steps in front of the hall, which tells the stories of how the revered Confucian scholar Yu Seong-nyong (1542-1607) gave lessons to his students, in the peaceful background of the surrounding mountains and the flowing Nakdong River. Within the grounds of the academy, there are centuries-old structures like the snail-shaped toilet ruins and the Mandaeru Pavilion for holding lectures and ceremonies.

Next, head to the Andong Hahoe Folk Village, which was once visited by Queen Elizabeth II in 1999. Surrounded by water and mountains, the ancient small village is well-known as the hometown of the scholar Yu Seong-nyong mentioned above. Little plagued by war in the past hundreds of years, Hahoe Village was incredibly well-preserved with tile-roofed houses of noblemen and thatch-roofed houses of commoners. Various kinds of strange masks will catch your eyes when you enter the village. They are an important part of the Hahoe Byeolsingut Mask Dance, which was performed in ancient rituals to please the god and pray for a good harvest and favorable weather in the coming year. Nowadays, the village holds the International Andong Mask Dance Festival from the end of September to early October every year to display the cultural treasure to the world. After the visit, we’ll drive 1.5 hours to your hotel in Danyang.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Danyang Tourist Hotel Edelweiss (3 stars) or similar

This morning, let’s discover the natural beauty of Danyang, a picturesque county which is the origin of several rivers that flow through South Korea. Walk along the 1.2-kilometer-long Danyanggang Jando Trail constructed along the rocky cliffs, and enjoy the scenic view brought by the twists and turns of Namhangang River. See the reflections of the clouds and hills while bathing in the cool river breeze. Then, explore the Mancheonha Skywalk, a 120-meter-tall (393 ft.) observation deck built on the peak of Sobaeksan Mountain, looking like a huge horse’s hoof. Ascending the spiral staircase, you could enjoy the breathtaking views of Danyang from different perspectives. On top of the observation deck, you may overlook Namhangang River 80 to 90 meters below from the thrilling hollowed-out or glass-bottomed walkways, and be embraced by the panoramic scenery of the valleys and water. After that, you’ll be transferred to Sokcho by 3 hours’ driving.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Ramada by Wyndham Gangwon Sokcho (4 stars) or similar

Put on your hiking shoes and windproof coat in the morning, and follow your guide to climb the third highest mountain in South Korea - Mount Sorak (Seoraksan). The mountain is located in Seoraksan National Park, with several snow-capped peaks and among them Daecheongbong Peak is the highest one that stands 1,708 meters (5,603 ft.) above sea level. Rocks, forests, waterfalls and streams together form the ever-changing beauty of Mount Sorak, and also make it the only UNESCO biosphere reserve in South Korea. We’ll take the cable car from the foot of the mountain up to an altitude of 700 meters (2,296 ft.), and witness the rugged peaks and steep rocks that stab into the clouds. At the end of the ride, you could see a platform called Gwongeumseong Fortress, which is said to be the defensive structure built by the local Gwon and Kim clans in 1253 to resist the Mongol invasion. From the ruins of the fortress, you could enjoy the best view of the magnificent Mount Sorak, and overlook Sinheungsa Temple below. When you approach the temple gate, you’ll come across the statues of the Four Heavenly Kings. With a history of over 1,300 years, the temple is impressive with a 14.6-meter-tall (48 ft.) bronze Buddha statue named “The Great Unification Buddha”, conveying the hope for peace and Korean reunification. After the tour, we’ll proceed to Seoul by 3 hours’ private car ride. After arriving, you may rest in the hotel, or explore the capital city by yourself.

► Recommended Activity for the Night in Seoul (at your own expense):
Han River Cruise is well worth experiencing to soak up the night views of Seoul. E-Land Cruise offers extraordinary service for you to admire the city’s skyline and look out over the iconic Namsan Seoul Tower while enjoying the live music on the cruise. If lucky, you may have a chance to watch a Moonlight Rainbow Fountain Show when passing by the giant Banpo Bridge.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Fraser Place Namdaemun Seoul (4 stars) or similar

Today, your private guide will lead you to visit some of Seoul’s highlights to dive into the history and culture of South Korea. Your sightseeing starts with a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace. For thousands of years, the countries on the Korean Peninsula were tributary states of China. Therefore, the palace architecture in South Korea shares similar styles and features with that of China. It’s not hard to find Chinese elements from the design of the verge tiles and the building structure. Typically, the ancient buildings in Korea were painted red and cyan, distinguished from the golden royal palaces in China. As the earliest palace built during the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of the few existing palaces in South Korea. One of the most significant parts of the palace is Sujeongjeon Hall where King Sejong the Great (ruled from 1418 to 1450) invented Korean alphabet with his court officials. We’ll not miss the National Folk Museum inside the palace, where you could vividly go into the daily life of Koreans from ancient times to the present, and get up close to their wooden pickle jars, traditional wedding gowns, agricultural tools, and the sedan chairs for officials in the past. The three permanent exhibits - ‘A Day of a Korean’, ‘A Year in Korea’, and ‘Korean Life Passages’ - offer a great chance to see how Korean people have held coming-of-age ceremony, marriage, and funeral ceremonies from generation to generation.

► Tip: If it happens to be a Tuesday when Gyeongbokgung Palace is regularly closed, we’ll go to Changdeokgung Palace instead.

Next, let’s head for Samcheong-dong Street in downtown Seoul, which connects the Blue House and Insadong Antique Alley. The street is lined with coffee shops, specialty restaurants, and quaint boutiques, perfect for street snaps. Antique shops and galleries show a fascinating blend of history and modernity, giving Samcheong-dong Street an artistic and retro vibe. Then, walk into Bukchon Hanok Village nestled in the center of Seoul. The authentic village has a history of over 600 years, and still serves as an important residential area for local people. Discover the traces of history through the ancient stone steps, brick walls, wooden doors, and curved eaves. If you want to have a better understanding of Korean culture, there are some handicraft workshops and cultural centers offering paid experiences that can enrich your trip (not mandatory, just for your reference). You could, for example, try on hanbok clothes, make traditional Korean paper (Hanji), or learn Korean calligraphy, choosing based on your interests and time.

After that, we’ll go to another captivating block - Insadong Antique Alley, which is packed with over a hundred galleries, as well as art supply stores and handicraft studios. Stroll through the alley and feast your eyes on the delicate antiques, board paintings, and carvings. Or find a traditional tea house to take a sip of fragrant green tea and have some refreshments. Before returning to the hotel, we’ll spend some time in the peaceful Cheonggyecheon Stream Park. Popular Korean TV series like ‘Queen of Tears’ and ‘Lovestruck in the City’ were filmed in the park. Roaming in the beautiful gardens and listening to the gurgling stream, you can never imagine that only a few decades ago, this place was a severely polluted area filled with garbage and wastewater. The flowing water of Cheonggyecheon Stream witnesses the changes of Seoul, and has become a retreat for people to take a walk and enjoy the scenery at a slow pace. After the sightseeing today, your guide could either escort you back to the hotel or drop you off at the vibrant Myeongdong Shopping District, depending on your needs.

► Dinner Recommendation (at your own expense):
Myeongdong Street, a ten-minute walk from your hotel, is one of the busiest districts in Seoul and a paradise for food lovers. Indulge in the appetizing street food like the spicy fried rice cake, fried chicken, grilled cheese lobster, tornado potato, and egg bread. You could have a taste of the authentic Korean cuisine at Myeongdong Restaurant The Sic-ddang. Smoked octopus and clam soup are the must-tries. The cost per person is about USD 14.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Fraser Place Namdaemun Seoul (4 stars) or similar

Our friendly driver will pick you up based on your departure flight time and transfer you to the airport. Wish you a nice journey!

► If you want to extend your South Korea holiday package to explore Jeju volcanic island, or further discover the culture and history of Japan and China, we are glad to make a new itinerary for you according to your needs and preferences.

Meals: Breakfast