*NEW* 11 DAYS SOUTH KOREA: THE ANCIENT FOOTPRINTS

Transfer: Airport to Hotel

Upon your arrival at Busan airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. (Early check-in guaranteed)

Gamcheon Culture Village

This afternoon, enjoy a stroll at Gamcheon Culture Village, often called the “Machu Picchu of South Korea”, with its labyrinth-like alleys and houses which are beautifully painted in pastel colours.

Busan: Past & Present

Busan’s modern status as one of South Korea’s key economic and cultural centres builds upon the legacy of its long history which stemmed from even before the Three Kingdoms period.

Today’s journey starts with the Bokcheon Museum, which houses artefacts ranging from the Samhan Era to the Three Kingdoms era, followed with a stroll along a nearby path to Dongnaeeupseong Fortress North Gate, a fortress erected as protection from Japanese invasions in 1592.

Round out the day with a visit to the architecturally stunning Beomeosa Temple. Perched on the slopes of a mountain surrounded by hiking trails and woodland, this quiet temple is a popular getaway for city folks looking for peace and quiet.

Into the Shilla Kingdom

This morning, transfer from Busan to Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Shilla Kingdom, which ruled about two-thirds of the Korean peninsula at its height for close to one thousand years.

The Gyeongju Historic Areas is now inscribed into the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will visit two of the main sites within Gyeongju Historic Areas: the Tumuli Park Belt (Daereungwon Tomb Complex) as well as the Wolseong Belt. We will conclude the day with a visit to the Gyeongju National Museum, which displays key cultural artefacts from the Shilla Dynasty.

UNESCO Village

Our first stop is the UNESCO-listed Yangdong Folk Village, an excellently preserved aristocratic village since the early Joseon Dynasty.

Shilla’s Buddhist Heritage

In the afternoon, your discovery of the Shilla Kingdom continues with two UNESCO sites of strong Buddhist importance: Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto on the slopes of Mount Tohamsan. This Buddhist complex was founded in the 8th century under the Shilla kingdom.

Legacy of Haeinsa Temple

Today, transfer from Gyeongju to Andong with en route sightseeing.

Visit Haeinsa Temple’s Janggyeong Panjeon (literally means the ‘Stamp of the Sea Temple’). This UNESCO World Heritage is renowned for housing the Buddhist scriptures of Tripitaka Koreana.

Unveiling Andong’s Folklores

In the afternoon, continue to Hahoe Village, one of the most famous folk villages in Korea. Surrounded by the Nakdonggang River, the village is home to descendants of the Ryu clan of Pungsan, which still makes up 70 percent of the villagers. Conclude with a visit to a Sansa Temple – the Bongjeongsa Temple.

Korean Neo-Confucian Academies

Dosan Seowon is a well-preserved Confucian school, known for its serene atmosphere and beautiful architecture. It features lecture halls, dormitories, ponds, and a modern museum, making it a valuable site for learning about Korean Confucianism. The school was established in 1574 by Yi Hwang’s students to honor his legacy and academic accomplishments.

In the afternoon, we drive to Buyeo, check-in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.

Into the Baekje Kingdom

Gongju served as the ancient capital of the Baekje Kingdom from 475 to 538. The Baekje Historic Areas, which includes both Gongju and Buyeo, are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Uncover Gongju’s rich heritage with a visit to Gongsanseong Fortress, Tomb of King Muryeong, and the Gongju National Museum.

In year 538, the ancient capital of Baekje Kingdom was moved from the present-day Gongju to the present-day Buyeo. In the afternoon, visit UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Baekje Historic Areas, such as the Royal Tombs in Neungsan-ri, Gwanbuk-ri Ruins and Buso Sanseong Fortress.

Magoksa: Shilla’s Mountain Temple

This morning, proceed to Magoksa Temple, a head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism in Gongju. Built during the times of the Shilla Kingdom, Magoksa is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites as part of the Sansa, the Buddhist mountain monasteries which documented the development of Buddhism in Korea through the centuries. 

Hwaseong Fortress

In the afernoon, continue to Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site built during the Joseon dynasty period. Despite its long history, Suwon Hwaseong Fortress has remained largely intact.

Seoul’s Royal Footprint

Your journey culminates in the bustling metropolis of Seoul, with its glistening skyscrapers standing tall thanks to the legacy paved by the long historic events that shaped the nation. Seoul has served as the capital of the Baekje dynasty, Joseon dynasty, the Korean Empire, the Goryeo state and the present-day South Korea.

You will visit Changdeokgung Palace (UNESCO), one of the Five Grand Palaces built during the times of the Joseon dynasty. Behind the palace lies the Biwon Secret Garden, which was once reserved only for private use of the king.

Later, we pay respect with a visit to the UNESCO-listed Jongmyo Shrine, a Confucian royal shrine housing the spirit tablets of the Joseon Dynasty’s kings and queens. Your day concludes with a visit to the National Museum of Korea.

From Royalties to Presidents

Start the day with a visit to the Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty. Housed inside the palace, you will visit the National Palace Museum of Korea, which houses royal treasures and artifacts from both the Joseon Dynasty and the Korean Empire.

Then, we continue to Cheong Wa Dae, also known as the Blue House. Originally built upon the site of the Joseon Dynasty’s royal garden, the Blue House has served as the executive office and official residence of the president of South Korea from 1948 to 2022.

For your finale, let us treat you to a private jijidaeak performance. This traditional music performance has existed since the times of the Great Joseon Dynasty, the last dynastic kingdom to rule Korea.

Transfer: Hotel to Airport

A transfer will be arranged to Inchoen International Airport for your departure flight