6-Nights Tailor Made South Korea: Culture & Cuisine - Luxury Tailor Made Travel — CALL

Abercrombie & Kent: Tailor Made South Korea: Culture & Cuisine

Day 1 Seoul, South Korea

Arrive in Seoul, South Korea’s iconic capital, where you are met and transferred to your hotel.

Set out to explore the city, seeing 14th-century Gyeongbokgung Palace and the National Folk Museum. Explore the Insadong neighborhood with its narrow alleys, modern galleries and tea shops. Continue to historic Bukchon Hanok Village with its hanoks, traditional Korean houses, dating back to the Joseon Dynasty. Then, observe the N Seoul Tower, a communication and observation tower located on Namsan Mountain. Enjoy the remainder of your evening at leisure.

Begin the day with a fascinating tour of the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the heavily fortified no-man’s-land separating free South Korea and communist North Korea. See where the armistice between the countries was signed, establishing a ceasefire line at the end of the Korean War. Drive along National Road No. 1, observing remnants of the Korean War, including the Gyeongui Line — a line of the Chosen Government Railway, running from Gyeongseong to Sinuiju. Continue to Freedom Bridge, used by repatriated POWs and soldiers returning from the north. Then, descend by elevator into the Third Tunnel. Discovered in 1978, it was dug by North Korea with the intention of invading South Korea. Next, view North Korean territory through binoculars at Dora Observatory. This afternoon enjoy a change of pace with an optional class that teaches you to dance like a K-pop star, and then embark on a private yacht cruise on the Han River, taking in the marvelous scenery. You may also prefer to fill your afternoon with other alternative touring options available.

Transfer to the railway station and travel by high speed train to Busan, a port city known for its beaches, mountains and temples. Upon arrival, set out to explore the city, visiting bustling Jagalchi Fish Market; Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) Square, a renowned movie district; and Gamcheon Culture Village, with its colorful homes, painted murals, shops and cafes. Then, check in to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Enjoy a day trip to historic Gyeongju the former capital of the Silla Kingdom. Upon arrival, visit sixth-century Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the slopes of Mount Toham. Continue to UNESCO-listed Seokguram Grotto, an artificial granite grotto that enshrines a monumental statue of the Sakyamuni Buddha looking out to sea. Next, visit the Daereungwon Tomb Complex, where the Silla Dynasty tombs of kings and noblemen rise in rounded mounds from the earth. Continue to the seventh century Cheomseongdae Observatory, the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia. Before returning to Busan, visit the Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village, and home of the Choi Clan for over 12 generations.

This morning, head to Yonggungsa Temple, unique in its position, constructed along a stretch of rugged shoreline rather than a hilltop as most Korean temples are built. Continue past the fashionable beach of Haeundae, a popular spot among Korean sunseekers. Head to Igidae Park & Oryukdo Skywalk for commanding views of the port city and rugged coastline. Then, honor those who are fallen in the Korean War on a visit to the UN Memorial Cemetery.

After breakfast, transfer to Seoul by train. Continue to the airport and board your homebound flight.