South Korea Explore With Hong Kong

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival, Seoul

  Welcome to Seoul! Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by our local driver. Please look out for your name on the welcome board. Then be transferred to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to recover from jet lag or venture out for a discovery on your own. You can explore the street food paradise of Myeongdong, where the alluring aroma of fried chicken, grilled prawns, stir-fried noodles, spices Tteokbokki rice cakes, and much more come from stalls lining pedestrian streets. Weave through the locals and visitors having a great time here and satiate your appetite with delicious street eats!

  • Seoul

• Day 2: Seoul, City Highlights Tour

  Explore the highlights of Seoul with a full-day city tour! Start with Gyeongbokgung Palace, the most beautiful one among the five grand palaces in Seoul. Hanbok rental service is available if you wish to spice up your visit. Wander the grounds learning about its architecture and traditions, and catch the guard-changing ceremony and photo opportunities with the guards in historical costumes. Afterward, walk around the Bukchon Hanok Village, a dreamy village with unique architecture in which Joseon dynasty officials and wealthy nobility once lived.

  Kwangjang Food Market is one of the ultimate places to experience authentic Korean street food and traditional Korean food culture under one delicious roof. People would usually stumble out of this place while patting their stomachs with extreme satisfaction. Afterward, continue to Namsan Park, where you will see the much-loved Seoul landmark N Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower). After a cable car ride to the top of Namsan Mountain, you'll have a 360-degree unobstructed view of the city and the Hangang River.

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  • Seoul

• Day 3: Seoul, DMZ Day Tour

  45 kilometers north of Seoul lies the Korean Demilitarized Zone, a no-man's land near the 38th parallel north, around 250 kilometers long, established as a buffer zone between the two Koreas under the provisions of the 1953 Korean Armistice Agreement. Today, you will get to know this DMZ's past and present on a small-group day tour from Seoul.

  Head to Imjingak Park first. You will see the Freedom Bridge and an old, rusted steam train, reminding everyone of the tragedy of war. Take the shuttle bus to explore the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, built by the North Korean Army in the 1970s to infiltrate the South, see a DMZ Exhibition, peer into North Korea with your naked eyes and binoculars at Dora Observatory, and step into Dorasan Station, the northernmost stop on South Korea's railway line. Afterward, pass by Unification Village on your way to Mt. Gamaksan Suspension Bridge, one of the longest suspension bridges in Korea and the site of a fierce battle during the Korean War. Return to Seoul for a good night's rest at the end of the day.

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  • Seoul

• Day 4: Seoul - Gyeongju

  A 2-hour train ride will take you to Gyeongju today. Meet your local guide upon arrival and embark on a journey through the rich history of the Silla Dynasty at Gyeongju National Museum, which showcases an extensive collection of artifacts, including a 4th-century gold crown and the elaborately decorated Divine Bell of King Seongdeok. Next, explore Tumuli Park, home to 23 royal tombs, including the renowned 5th-century Cheonmachong Tomb, and opt to venture inside to witness remnants of a king's lavish lifestyle. You will then stop at Cheomseongdae Observatory, the oldest existing astronomical observatory in Asia, dating back to the 7th century.

  Afterward, visit Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond (Anapji Pond). It is a palace site from the Unified Silla period and one of the representative ancient Korean structures. Then, stop at the Woljeonggyo Bridge, a two-story wooden structure with a stunning reflection on the water's surface, which also served as a filming location for the popular K-drama "The King: Eternal Monarch".

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  • Gyeongju

• Day 5: Gyeongju - Busan

  Explore more of the city of Gyeongju on this half-day tour! Start at Bulguksa Temple, an excellent example of Silla architecture. It is home to six national treasures of South Korea, including two stone pagodas - Dabo-tap and Seokga-tap, preserved from the original construction. Your next destination is Seokguram Grotto, situated on the slopes of Mount Toham. Here you will discover a monumental Buddha statue facing the East Sea, and other depictions of gods and disciples.

  You will then head to Busan in a private car. The overland journey takes around 1.5 hours. Upon arrival, get to Haeundae Blue Line Park to take the colorful Sky Capsule and enjoy the sweeping view of the vast blue ocean, verdant hills, and Busan cityscape. After getting off, make your way to Haeundae Beach and take a stroll on the soft, white sand. With gentle waves and soft white sand, this 1.5-kilometer-long beach is especially popular among swimmers and surfers in summer. The remainder of the day is for you to relax at Spa Land, the finest Korean-style bath house in the nation, located within Busan's iconic Centum City. With modern and luxurious facilities, Spa Land offers a variety of themed saunas ranging from Korean steam to international concepts. Rejuvenate yourself in the Spa Land before heading back to your hotel.

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  • Busan

• Day 6: Busan, Gamcheon Culture Village

  Discover more of Busan today! The first stop is Gamcheon Culture Village, a kaleidoscope of brightly painted houses layered sweepingly along a steep mountain slope. Be awed by the beautiful street art, munch the sweet ssiathotteok (a kind of fried pastry with sugar, honey, and nuts stuffed inside), and capture the smiley faces with pastel-colored houses as a backdrop. A stroll on the glass-floored Songdo Skywalk (Songdo Cloud Trails) will then reward you with a fun experience walking above the waves, as well as a sweeping view of the Songdo Beach area.

  Take the Songdo Ocean Cable Car to Amnam Park with unbeatable views of emerald waters and towering cliffs along the way. With a panorama of the blue ocean, unique rock formations, and modern buildings in the distance, the Yonggung Suspension Bridge in the park is a definite highlight. Afterward, stroll around the buzzy BIFF Square to treat your stomach with delicious street food, before heading to Jagalchi Fishery Market, the largest seafood market in the country. From fish and prawn to shellfish, lobster, and squid, seafood of all kinds and sizes is sold here every day.

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  • Busan

• Day 7: Busan - Jeju Island, Cooking Class

  Today you will discover the secrets behind Korean cuisine with a join-in cooking class! Receive expert guidance from a professional chef, and try your hands at cooking a few classic Korean dishes, such as seafood pancakes, spicy small octopus stew with rice, and seaweed soup. Sit down to enjoy your creation with a glass of local rice wine, and go on a fascinating market tour to deepen your understanding of Busan's food culture.

  When the cooking class ends, your private driver will then take you to the airport for your hour-long flight to Jeju Island. Meet your friendly local driver upon arrival and head to your hotel for check-in.

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  • Jeju Island

• Day 8: Jeju Island, Manjanggul Cave & Seongsan Ilchulbong

  Your tour today starts with the world's largest known lava tube created by volcanic activity—Manjanggul Cave. Feel the magnificence of nature when being inside the tube. Head to the Women Diver Museum, where you get the chance to learn about Haenyeo (women divers who dive into the sea to gather shellfish, seaweed, etc, without using any underwater diving equipment) and their unique culture. Nearby, Woljeongri Beach is known for its scenery. The soft white sand and beautiful emerald ocean, with a stretch of cozy and beautiful cafes nearby, will provide you with a refreshing experience.

  The next stop is the famous Seongsan Ilchulbong, which is also called “Sunrise Peak”. The peak rose from under the sea in a volcanic eruption over 100,000 years ago. The crater is about 600m in diameter and 90m high. With the 99 sharp rocks surrounding the crater, it looks like a gigantic crown. The nearby Seopjikoji is where you will visit next. From here, the Ilchulbong along with a beautiful vista of the ocean and fields of canola flowers can easily be seen. The last stop of today's tour is Seongeup Folk Village, where you can gain insight into the traditions and culture of Jeju Island. The houses here are still preserved well with impressive piles of stones designed to protect roofs from the wind.

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  • Jeju Island

• Day 9: Jeju Island, Hallasan Mountain & Cheonjiyeon Falls

  Kickstart today's tour from Hallasan Mountain. Hike along the 1.3-kilometer Eoseungsaengak Trail and arrive at the top of Eoseungtaeng Summit after around 30 minutes. Enjoy unbeatable views of Hallasan and the surrounding greenery. After finishing the hike, head to the expansive O'sullock Green Tea Plantation. Walking between the rows & rows of beautifully laid out fragrant tea leaves will be a good experience. Filling the air with a pleasant and refreshing aroma, the nearby Green Tea Museum will provide you with a chance to catch a simple tea demonstration and taste some fresh tea.

  In the afternoon, roam around the Spirited Garden to immerse in a beautiful world of bonsai, volcanic cones, and water features. A short drive then takes you to Jusangjeoli Cliff to witness spectacular stone pillars and rock formations along the coastline formed by lava erupting into the sea. Afterward, walk for a few minutes through the lush forest to Cheonjiyeon Falls, a set of three waterfalls with the largest dropping 72 feet off a cliff into the pool below. The name Cheonjiyeon means sky (Ch'eon) connected with land (ji).

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  • Jeju Island

• Day 10: Jeju Island - Hong Kong

  After breakfast, say goodbye to South Korea and be transferred to the airport for your flight to Hong Kong. Nonstop flights take around 3 hours, while flights with a layover could cost 7 hours or longer, and you can take advantage of this time to rest. Upon arrival, a private transfer will whisk you to your hotel. Settle down and for the remainder of the day you can spend at leisure.

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  • Hong Kong

• Day 11: Hong Kong, City Exploration

  Your Hong Kong exploration kickstarts with a Peak Tram ride to Victoria Peak, one of the must-visit landmarks of the island boasting gorgeous views of the skyscrapers in the city below. A short drive then brings you to the southern shores of the island, where Repulse Bay, with a lovely white sandy beach and laid-back vibe, will provide a refreshing escape from the fast-paced rhythm of the city. Proceed to Aberdeen to discover the unique lifestyle of fishing families living on houseboats with a leisurely sampan ride, and roam around the open-air Stanley Market to soak up the sights and sounds and perhaps haggle with the store owner to get a bargain.

  Afterward, the art and heritage complex of Tai Kwun will offer you the chance to immerse in the artistic atmosphere and learn about the fascinating stories behind century-old architecture. Gain insight into the local's pious beliefs and find a moment of inner peace at Man Mo Temple, which is a tribute to the God of Literature and the God of War, and soak up the enchanting view of Victoria Habor at dusk at the Golden Bauhinia Square.

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  • Hong Kong

• Day 12: Day Trip to Macau

  Embark on an enthralling day trip to Macau today! Board the TurboJET cruise and this high-speed boat will whisk you to Macau in around an hour. Meet your local guide upon arrival and start the city tour from the Macau Tower, a landmark of the city standing at 338 meters (over 1,100 ft). Next up is A-Ma Temple, a place of worship with a history longer than the city itself. Be fascinated by the elaborate design and decoration of the halls and pavilions and learn about multiple beliefs including Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. Move on to the Ruins of St. Paul's, where a beautiful granite façade adorned with delicate carvings reminds every visitor of the grandeur of one of Asia's largest Catholic churches in the 17^th century.

  Afterward, visit Senado Square and Leal Senado building, which is a two-story neoclassical architecture that once served as the city's municipal chamber, to delve into Macau's history when under Portuguese rule. Taipa and its bustling Cunha Street then await with a plethora of shops and stalls selling mouth-watering local delicacies such as curry fish balls, almond cakes, pork jerky, and egg tarts. Munch on the tasty snacks (at your own expense), and wrap up this exciting day at one of Macau's famous casinos (the Venetian, MGM, or similar). Say goodbye to the amazing city of Macau and return to Hong Kong by TurboJET at the end of the day.

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  • Hong Kong

• Day 13: Hong Kong, Departure

  Bid a fond farewell to Hong Kong today! Your private driver will be waiting to pick you up at the hotel lobby at the appointed time. Proceed to Hong Kong International Airport by private car (around 40 minutes) and board your flight home/to the next destination. Safe travels!

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