Discover South Korea

Arrive in Seoul. Time permitting and depending on the arrival time of the

group, the leader will arrange a short orientation tour in proximity of the

hotel.

In the evening we have the chance to visit the Gwangjang market, one of the

oldest food markets in Seoul, where locals meet after work to enjoy

traditional foods and liquor. The market also sells vintage clothing and

textiles during the day, but comes alive in the evenings when unique foods

such as 'bindaetteok', a popular pancake with 'makkolli', the traditional

Korean rice wine, are served.

Today we will enjoy a walking tour of Seoul.



We first head towards the Cheonggyecheon, an age old canal in downtown Seoul

that was filled with concrete in the 1960's but reopened in 2005 in its

original state. Continue to Tapgol Park, the central point of the Korean

independence movement in 1919. From there, we continue on to Insadong, the

artisan neighbourhood where traditional teahouses and souvenir shops are

lined up in a cosy, welcoming atmosphere.



After, we visit Jogyesa Temple, one of the most beautiful temple complexes in

the heart of Seoul. At Gwanghwamoon you can admire the impressive statues of

Admiral Yi and King Sejong; men who played vital roles in Korean history.



The next stop for the day is at Gyeongbokgung Palace. Built by the Joseon

Dynasty in 1394, this immense complex was the centre of power up to Japanese

occupation at the start of the last century. At the Palace, we may see the

changing of guards. 



Our last visit for today will be Bukchon Hanok Village which is home to

hundreds of traditional houses, called hanok, that date back to the Joseon

dynasty.



(Please note that the order of these activities may change).

Today we will have an excursion to Panmunjom, the only place on the peninsula

where North and South Koreans can meet face to face. It was here that the

peace treaty was signed in 1953 and where both parties agreed on a Joint

Security Area (JSA) in the middle of the border between the two countries,

also known as DMZ (Demilitarized Zone). After a short briefing by US army

personnel you will enter the JSA; here you will visit Freedom House, the blue

barracks sharing a conference room for talks between both North and South

Korea, the visitor's observation post and the bridge of no return. En route

you will enjoy a traditional Korean dish for lunch.

Please note that due to government restrictions in place this excursion is

guided by a local JSA specialised guide and not by your tour leader. Please

also note that the Panmunjom tour may be withdrawn at any time and in such

cases this trip will be substituted with visits to other key areas in the

North/South Korean history, such as the Third Tunnel. We must also mention

that some nationalities will not be permitted to take part in the tour (at

time of writing this includes nationals from Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, Iraq,

Libya, North Korea, Pakistan, Sudan and Syria) and it will be more difficult

to obtain permission for South Korean and Chinese nationals to join the tour.

Strict rules are in place for DMZ tours and as such passport details must be

provided in advance. For dual passport holders, please ensure you provide

Exodus with the exact passport details you will be entering South Korea with

(and will be required to carry on the day tour).



During the tour, it is critically important that you follow instructions from

military personnel and guides whilst on the tour. Please refer to the 'What

To Take' section for information on required attire for this day trip.

Today will begin with a private transfer to Gangneung on the east coast

(approx. 3hrs). In the heart of Gangwon Province we will visit one of

Korea’s most picturesque culinary bases, where all the food is produced and

processed naturally and according to centuries-old recipes; fermented food

such as kimchi, red pepper paste, doenjang (bean paste) and fish sauce is

stored and aged in clay vessels, sometimes for over 5 years! Herbs are grown

and harvested from gardens, and wild herbs collected from the mountains

surrounding the area.



Here we learn how bibimbab is made, a traditional dish of rice with

vegetables, herbs, meat and several side dishes. You will then lunch on this

freshly-cooked, healthy food.



In the afternoon we transfer to the hotel in Sokcho, a lively coastal city

which belonged to North Korea from 1945 until the end of the Korean War.



  

Situated on the beautiful east coast, the Seorak Mountains are the most

famous in Korea. At the foot on the mountains we will find an enormous Buddha

statue and from this point one may follow a variety of different trails

between 2 and 10 km. The leader will guide those who wish on an easy and

short optional walk. A more leisurely option for those not wishing to walk is

to take a cable car to one of the mountain tops to enjoy the fantastic views.



 

Transfer from Sokcho to Andong by private minibus (approx. 4hrs). Visit to

the Andong Hahoe Village where century old traditions, influenced by the

teachings of Confucius, are still alive. The inhabitants live in the same way

their ancestors did; in simple houses for the common farmers and in richly

decorated houses for the "Yangban" aristocrats.

Transfer from Andong to Gyeongju by private minibus (approx. 2.5hrs) stopping

en route for a visit to the Dosan Confucian School. In the afternoon Visit

the Tumuli Park with the royal tombs dating back to the Shilla Dynasty. The

numerous artifacts being found in these tombs show a remarkable technological

and cultural advancement in that period (600-900 CE). We also visit

Cheomseongdae, the oldest existing astronomical observatory in Asia. The 362

stones used to build the Cheomseongdae represent the 362 days in the lunar

calendar.

Seokguram Grotto, which we will visit this morning, was discovered by a

postman sheltering from the rain. Inside the man-made cave he found an

astonishing beautiful statue of Buddha, constructed during the Shilla

Dynasty. The grotto is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. From here we will

visit Bulguksa Temple, constructed in the same period.



This afternoon we visit the National Museum of Gyeongju, where one can relive

the rich and advanced culture of the Shilla Dynasty and see the

numerous archaeological findings. Our day ends with a stop at Anapji Pond,

an artificial pond constructed in the royal palace grounds, before exploring

Gyeongju food market.

This morning we transfer from Gyeongju to Haeinsa Temple (approx. 3hrs).



Haeinsa Temple is one of the oldest in Korea and home to the Tripitaka

Koreana, the most complete collection of Buddhist texts, engraved on 80,000

woodblocks between 1237 and 1248 which gained the UNESCO status in 1995.



Here we will experience a strict Buddhist lifestyle and meet the monks who

dedicate their lives to prayer and meditation. On entering the temple you

exchange your own clothes for simple monks’ clothing and after the initial

introductions and opening ceremony you have the opportunity to walk around

the beautiful temple complex. After the vegetarian Buddhist dinner we will

partake in a tea ceremony. Lights out at 9pm this evening, ready for our

early morning wake-up.



Please note, during our stay at the temple, the program and order in which it

runs can be subject to changes.

Start your day early; wake up at 3.30am to participate at the first ceremony

and meditation. After breakfast at 6:00, depart the temple and transfer to

Busan (approx. 2hrs).



From the impressive Gwangalli Bridge we can enjoy a breathtaking view of the

Busan shoreline. We will learn the tragic history of the Korean War

(1950-1953) at the UN War Cemetery. Continue the tour and visit the Nurimaru

APEC House, a wonderful location with gorgeous views over the ocean. We will

also discover Jagalchi Fishmarket, one of the largest markets of its kind,

selling a dazzling array of fish. Here you can taste the famous Korean

sashimi before heading into the adjacent Gukje Market, where you can shop for

souvenirs. After dinner, enjoy an optional visit to the Busan tower (118m

high) for some amazing night vistas!

This morning we take a bullet train back to Seoul (approx. 3hr) and transfer

to our hotel. This afternoon is free for some last-minute shopping or to

perhaps visit the vibrant Hongdae university district. You may also like to

spend your final evening in Seoul exploring lively Itaewon neighbourhood's

nightlife!

The tour ends this morning after breakfast for land only clients.