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Home > South Korea > 8 DAYS ON THE TRAIL OF SOUTH KOREA’S ANCIENT KINGDOMS

8 DAYS ON THE TRAIL OF SOUTH KOREA’S ANCIENT KINGDOMS

SEOUL, BUYEO, GYEONGJU, BUSAN

History & Culture

Highlights

  • Gain insights into the ancient capital of Baekje Kingdom off the beaten path at Gongju and Buyeo
  • Journey through the World Heritage sites of Gyeongju with your expert guide sharing fascinating tales of the Silla dynasty
  • Combine rich Buddhist heritage with scenic landscapes at UNESCO-listed Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto

Beyond the bustling metropolis of Seoul and ubiquitous K-pop culture lie a wealth of world heritage sites which trace the customs and histories of South Korea’s storied past of ancient kingdoms.

Let us bring you back to the times of Baekje and Silla empires between 57 BC and 935 AD, in the Chungcheong and Geyongsang provinces where a priceless repository of temples, fortresses, tomb complexes will bring to live the tales of these ancient dynasties.

We will also visit Busan, the nation’s second largest city, a seaside gem with historic sites and fantastic seafood.

From

HKD 48,680 Per Person

8 Days 7 Nights

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 01 ARRIVAL IN SEOUL

D1 Seoul
Seoul
Nil

Upon arrival at Seoul Incheon Airport, meet your driver at the arrival hall for your transfer to your hotel in Seoul.

 

Note: at time of writing, you will need to take a COVID-19 PCR test on arrival at the airport, and will need to isolate in your hotel room until you receive a negative test result. Your Travel Specialist will be able to advise on the entry procedures into Seoul.

Day 02 SEOUL / GONGJU / BUYEO

D2 Gongju Gongsanseong
Buyeo
Breakfast included

After breakfast, depart for Gongju (approx. 2.5hrs), the capital of the Baekje Kingdom from 475 to 538. Your first stop is Magoksa Gongju-si, one of the 7 Sansa UNESCO Heritage temples built during the unified Shilla Period.

 

After lunch (on own expense), continue on your tour to learn more about the Baekje period, stopping at Gongsanseong Fortress, which stretches over 2.6km long above the Geumgang riverside and makes for a nice walk while learning about its rich history and culture. Next, visit the Royal Tombs in Songsan-ri, which showcases the different tomb designs as well as reveals the cultural exchanges of the time, and finish with the Baekje History Museum before continuing on your drive to Buyeo (approx. 30min) where you will check-in to your hotel. Buyeo, the site of Sabi, which is the capital of the Baekje Kingdom for the later period (538 to 660).

Day 03 BUYEO

D03 Jeongnimsa Temple
Gyeongju
Breakfast included

Kickstart your day with a visit to the Royal Tombs in Neungsan-ri, which houses the kings of Sabi Baekje and members of the Royal Family, before entering the Jeongnimsa-ji Temple Site, one of the most well-known temples of that time.

 

After lunch (own expense), continue to gain insight to the Baekje dynasty at the Archaeological Site in the Gwanbuk-ri Ruins and Busosanseong Fortress, which are located on the grounds of the royal palace of the Sabi Period. End the day browsing the rich collection of relics and artifacts in the Buyeo National Museum.

Day 04 BUYEO / GYEONGJU

D04 Donggung Palace
Gyeongju
Breakfast included

Depart Buyeo and drive to Gyeongju (approx. 3.5hrs), where you will enjoy lunch (own expenses) before discovering two UNESCO sites of strong Buddhist importance: Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto on the slopes of Mount Tohamsan.

 

After dinner (own expenses), take a stroll to Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond and enjoy the evening lights, with the buildings’ reflections in the pond.

Day 05 GYEONGJU

D05 Gyeongju
Gyeongju
Breakfast included

Kick start your day with a cultural and scenic hike (approx. 2 – 3hrs) up Mount Namsan in Gyeongju National Park – an open-air museum with scared sites from the Silla period and features temples, Buddha statues, stone pagodas amidst unique rock formations and picturesque trails.

 

After lunch (own expense), visit the Daereungwon Tomb Complex, where the Tomb of Cheonmachong is located. Apart from its unique architecture, this is also famous for numerous artifacts and artwork that have excavated. We stop at the Cheomseongdae stargazing tower, the oldest astronomic observatory in Asia and declared a National Treasure in 1962. End the day with a visit to Gyeongju National Museum displaying the Silla Dynasty’s cultural artifacts which puts into perspective the understanding of this important era of South Korea’s history.

Day 06 GYEONGJU / BUSAN

D6 Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Busan
Breakfast included

Drive to Busan (approx. 1hr). En route, you will stop at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, one of the few temples along the coast with scenic sea views.

 

After lunch in Busan (own expenses), enjoy a panoramic tour, first stopping at Gamcheon Culture Village, often called the Machu Picchu of South Korea, with labyrinth-like alleys and houses that are beautifully painted in pastel colours, and used as a cultural space today. Visit Kukjae Market, with a bustling atmosphere of hundreds of vendors selling all kinds of merchandise from food to industrial goods. End the tour at Haeundae Beach, one of the city’s popular spot with a beautiful beach backed by luxury hotels, and where various cultural events and festivals are held throughout the year.

Day 07 BUSAN / SEOUL

D7 Busan
Seoul
Breakfast included

After breakfast, a transfer will be arranged to Busan Train Station for your high speed KTX train back to Seoul. Upon arrival, a transfer will be arranged to your hotel for check-in.

 

The day is at leisure to do some last minute shopping.

Day 08 DEPARTURE FROM SEOUL

D8 Seoul
N.A.
Breakfast included

Meet your driver at your hotel lobby for your transfer to Seoul Incheon Airport (approx. 50min), for your onward journey.

Hotels & Tour Price

Category 1

Indicative Cost Per Person

Minimum 2 Pax HK$ 48,680
Minimum 4 Pax HK$ 28,680
Single Supplement HK$ 5,880

Aloft Myeongdong Seoul • Lotte Resort Buyeo • Commodore Hotel Gyeongju • Silla Stay Haeundae

Seoul

Seoul

Aloft Myeongdong Seoul (Aloft Room)

A stylish 4-star hotel set on the vibrant shopping and dining district of Myeondong. Check out the W XYZ bar for a drink while accompanied by local live performances. (Refurbished: 2018; Rooms: 223)

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Buyeo

Buyeo

Lotte Resort Buyeo (Deluxe Double)

This extensive resort complex offering an impressive variety of recreational facilities suited for the whole family, from a kid’s adventure park, indoor and outdoor pools, several dining options and a cultural park showing the rich history of the region. Comfortable, contemporary style rooms are housed in a modern building that fuses some cultural elements. (Opened: 2010; Rooms: 322)

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Gyeongju

Gyeongju

Commodore Hotel Gyeongju (Deluxe Double Lake View)

an institution that has been welcoming guests since 1979, this hotel has lovely grounds, a wonderful lakeside location and Korean sauna popular with the locals. The rooms are simply furnished, some with great lake views. (Refurbished: 1991; Rooms: 263)

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Busan

Busan

Silla Stay Haeundae (Deluxe Room)

Designed for both business and leisure travel, this smart hotel is ideally situated in Haeundae-gu, one of the city's most popular locales, with easy access to enjoy Busan's attractions and activities. (Opened: 2017; Rooms: 407)

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Category 2

Indicative Cost Per Person

Minimum 2 Pax HK$ 54,580
Minimum 4 Pax HK$ 34,580
Single Supplement HK$ 11,680

Four Seasons Seoul • Lotte Resort Buyeo  • Hilton Gyeongju • Park Hyatt Busan

Seoul

Seoul

Four Seasons Seoul (Deluxe Room)

This international luxury hotel is housed in sleek glass and steel structure in the heart of Seoul, a great base from which to explore this dynamic city. A broad range of facilities from a sophisticated urban spa, an indoor pool and seven F&B establishments offer guests a reprise from the bustle of its central Gwanghwamun location after a day of exploration. (Refurbished: 2015; Rooms: 317)

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Buyeo

Buyeo

Lotte Resort Buyeo (Deluxe Double)

This extensive resort complex offering an impressive variety of recreational facilities suited for the whole family, from a kid’s adventure park, indoor and outdoor pools, several dining options and a cultural park showing the rich history of the region. Comfortable, contemporary style rooms are housed in a modern building that fuses some cultural elements. (Opened: 2010; Rooms: 322)

View More
Gyeongju

Gyeongju

Hilton Gyeongju (Premium)

an upscale, stylish 5-star hotel set in the historically rich city of Gyeongju. The hotel features stunning views of the surrounding mountains and of Bomunho lake. It is the perfect option for business and leisure travellers seeking a luxury experience. (Refurbished: 2014; Rooms: 330)

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Busan

Busan

Park Hyatt Busan (Ocean View)

Everything is about the views at this luxury hotel, located in Busan’s Haeundae-gu district. Floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the hotel from the contemporary bedrooms, to its granite indoor pool and the variety of restaurants and lounges on the top floors of the 33-storey skyscraper offer spectacular city or ocean views. (Opened: 2013; Rooms: 269)
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COST INCLUDES:

  • Accommodation on twin sharing basis in hotel as stated on bed & breakfast basis
  • All transportation & transfer on an air-conditioned vehicle
  • Local English-speaking expert guide throughout your trip
  • All entrance fees in sights stated
  • First class KTX Train from Busan to Seoul

COST EXCLUDES:

  • International Airfare
  • Lunches & dinners
  • Beverages in restaurants where meals are included
  • Gratuities
  • Personal expenses e.g. telephone bill & laundry
  • Visa

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