Essential Korea
Essential Korea
$1391
Essential Korea
6 Days Starting and ending in Seoul, South Korea
Visiting: Seoul, Busan, Daegu
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2507526
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
36 - 72
Age range:
3-85
Activities:
Art Galleries & Museums, Rail Excursion, Sightseeing, Walking
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Essential Korea" tour and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and history of South Korea. Begin your journey in Seoul, where you'll explore iconic sites like Deoksugung Palace and the bustling Myeongdong district. Travel to Busan via high-speed train, visiting the stunning Haedong Yonggung Temple and the lively Gamcheon Culture Village. Discover the ancient wonders of Gyeongju, including the Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple, before heading to Daegu to explore its rich history of oriental medicine. Experience the traditional charm of Hahoe Village in Andong and marvel at the Banpo Bridge's illuminated fountain in Seoul. This tour offers a perfect blend of modernity and tradition, with guided visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, vibrant markets, and breathtaking landscapes, ensuring an unforgettable Korean adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Seoul
Location: Seoul
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Korea! You’ll be transferred to your hotel, where you’ll meet your guide.Later in the afternoon, we’ll begin our introduction to this fascinating country. With our guide, we’ll take the modern and efficient metro (which you’ll be taught how to use) to City Hall, to see outside this impressive tsunami-looking building. Across from City Hall is the Deoksugung Palace, beautifully lit at night, allowing us to appreciate the blend of tradition and modernity in this country. From there, we’ll walk to the Myeongdong district, South Korea’s largest shopping and entertainment area, whose name means “bright town.” Dinner will be included at a local restaurant. Overnight accommodation.
Day 2 : Seoul, Busan
Location: Seoul
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Lunch
Today, we’ll embark on an extensive tour of Seoul, which will last approximately five hours. We’ll begin by visiting the Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located within a large park and home to a series of royal palaces. Afterward, we’ll stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional historic neighborhood filled with small houses. Next, we’ll visit the War Memorial, an impressive museum that illustrates Korea’s many historical conflicts, with a particular focus on the Korean War, in which soldiers from numerous countries participated alongside the United Nations. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant. We’ll continue to the Gangnam District, one of the most popular areas in the city, with many shopping and entertainment centers. To conclude the day, we’ll stop at the Lotte World Tower, a stunning 550-meter-tall building, where you’ll have free time to either ascend the tower (admission not included) or explore its park and luxury shopping centers. Later, we’ll provide a transfer to the station to board a high-speed train (ticket included) bound for Busan. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and overnight stay.
Day 3 : Busan
Location: Busan
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Lunch
In the morning, we’ll depart from Busan to visit Haedong Yonggung, a 14th-century Buddhist temple beautifully located by the sea. Afterward, we’ll return to Busan to explore the UN Memorial Cemetery, the resting place for people from many nations. Next, we’ll visit the country’s largest fish market, located by Nampo Port, followed by an included lunch. We’ll then stroll to Yongdusan Park, home to the towering 120-meter pagoda. Later, we’ll head to Songdo Beach, where you can ride the country’s first marine cable car (ticket included, weather permitting) and take in the breathtaking views of the bay. Our journey will continue to the Gamcheon Culture Village, known for its vibrant, colorful buildings, maze-like alleyways, art galleries, pottery workshops, and beautiful cafes. Afterward, we’ll return to Busan for an overnight stay.
Day 4 : Busan, Seokguram, Bulguksa, Gyeongju, Daegu
Location: Daegu
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Lunch
We’ll depart for the Seokguram Buddhist Grotto, an 8th-century site nestled on the slopes of the Tohamsan. Afterward, we’ll visit the Bulguksa Temple, considered one of the most beautiful temples in the country. Next, we’ll arrive in Gyeongju, the Korean capital that endured the longest in the nation’s history, with a reign of 992 years under 56 kings. You’ll have the chance to photograph the stunning wooden Woljeonggyo Bridge along the banks of the Namcheon River. Lunch will be included. We’ll then head to Tumuli Park, home to the burial mounds of kings from the ancient Silla Kingdom, which are over 1,500 years old. We’ll visit one of their tombs before walking to the Cheomsongdae Astronomical Observatory, the oldest in East Asia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our journey will continue with our arrival in Daegu, the fourth most populous city in Korea. Before heading to the hotel, we’ll see Dongsan Cheongna Hill, a historic area once home to Christian missionaries, and the commercial street of Dongseong-ro, the city’s liveliest street, with its trendy shops, cafes, and restaurants. Overnight stay in Daegu.
Day 5 : Daegu, Andong, Hahoe, Seoul
Location: Seoul
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Lunch
We’ll begin our day with a tour of Daegu, with a visit to the Yangnyeongsi Museum of Oriental Medicine, renowned for its history of medicinal herbs. Afterward, we’ll take a stroll through the surrounding streets, known as the Herbal Medicine Market, famous for its abundance of herbal shops and the high quality of their products, particularly ginseng. We’ll then head north to Andong, where we’ll visit the outskirts of the traditional Hahoe Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll have time to wander through this rural village, which feels frozen in time. We’ll also visit the Hahoe Mask Museum, showcasing masks from around the world used in dances, medical practices, religious ceremonies, and theatrical performances. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant. Next, we’ll visit the Byeongsan Seowon Confucian Academy, founded in the 16th century and set in a peaceful, idyllic landscape along a river. We’ll arrive in Seoul in the evening. Weather permitting, we’ll stop at the Banpo Bridge over the Han River, famous for its fountain that creates a rainbow of water and lights along the bridge’s path. Overnight stay in Seoul.Note: The visit to Banpo Bridge is subject to weather conditions.
Day 6 : Seoul
Location: Seoul
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.
What's Included
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Airport Transfer
You will be transferred to your hotel upon arrival in Korea.
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Guided Tour
A guide will accompany you to explore various attractions in Korea.
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Metro Instruction
You will be taught how to use the modern and efficient metro in Seoul.
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High-Speed Train Ticket
A high-speed train ticket from Seoul to Busan is included.
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Marine Cable Car Ticket
A ticket for the marine cable car at Songdo Beach is included, weather permitting.
What's Not Included
Lotte World Tower AdmissionAdmission to ascend the Lotte World Tower is not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel conveniently with modern and efficient metro systems in Seoul, high-speed train transfers to Busan, and comfortable coach rides between cities, ensuring a seamless journey throughout South Korea.
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable overnight stays in various cities across South Korea, including Seoul, Busan, and Daegu, providing a restful retreat after each day's exploration.
Check out our Q&As
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What will I learn to do on the first day in Seoul?
On the first day in Seoul, you will learn how to use the modern and efficient metro system with the help of your guide.
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What is included in the tour of Seoul on the second day?
The tour of Seoul on the second day includes visits to Changdeokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, the War Memorial, and the Gangnam District. You will also have free time at the Lotte World Tower.
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What unique experience is offered at Songdo Beach in Busan?
At Songdo Beach in Busan, you can ride the country's first marine cable car, which offers breathtaking views of the bay, weather permitting.
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What historical sites will be visited in Gyeongju?
In Gyeongju, you will visit the Tumuli Park, which contains the burial mounds of ancient Silla Kingdom kings, and the Cheomsongdae Astronomical Observatory, the oldest in East Asia.
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What can I expect to see at the Hahoe Village?
At the Hahoe Village, you can expect to see a traditional rural village that feels frozen in time, and you will also visit the Hahoe Mask Museum.
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Is there a special stop planned in Seoul on the last day of the tour?
On the last day of the tour, weather permitting, there is a planned stop at the Banpo Bridge over the Han River to see its famous fountain that creates a rainbow of water and lights.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of europamundo charges.
Up to 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 20 days before tour starts: Forfeit 20% of booking price.
At 10 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 2 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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