Day 01: Canada - Seoul
Board an overnight flight to Seoul.
Day 02 Seoul
After arrival, transfer to the hotel, and the rest of the day is free leisure.
Day 03: Seoul - Andong - Busan
Visit the traditional village, Andong, which features traditional houses of the Joseon Dynasty period (1392-1897). Then transfer to Busan, stop at one of Korea’s largest markets, Nampo Dong Gukje Market for a wide variety of goods at affordable prices. Then visit Nurimaru APEC House, a memorial hall and prestigious international conference hall located near Haeundae Beach, offering visitors spectacular views of the nearby natural landscape. Overnight in Busan.
Meal: Breakfast
Day 04: Busan - Daegu
In Busan, we visit Haedong Yonggungsa (East Sea Dragon Palace Temple), situated on the coast of the north-eastern portion of the city and overlooking the ocean. Afterwards, you will have an opportunity to view the waves while looking down through the transparent floor of the 15 metre high Oryukdo Skywalk, which is set over a 35 meter-high coastal cliff. Travel to Gamcheon Culture Village situated on the foothills of a coastal mountain and nicknamed ‘Machu Picchu of Busan’. You will be thrilled by the many alleys cutting through this village, vibrantly decorated with murals and sculptures created by the local resident. Then transfer to Daegu to visit Gatbawi Shrine, which is a medicinal Buddha shrine and national treasure, some 850m above sea level and said to date back to AD 638. Then take a stroll in Dongseongno Shopping District, a major fashion retail district. The streets are packed with hundreds of stores full of personality that reflect the city’s fastpaced fashion trends.
Meal: Breakfast
Day 05: Dageu – Gyeongju – Seoul
Today we explore the many archaeological sites and temples, royal tombs, and monuments of Gyeongju, the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom (57 BC – 935 AD). Visit Cheomseongdae Astronomical Observatory, Royal Tumuli Park, Gyeongju National Museum, Bulguksa Temple, and Seokguram Grotto Temple. Enjoiy the special Samgyetang Lunch (Chicken soup with ginseng). Then transfer back to Seoul.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 06 Seoul
This morning, visit Changdeokgung Palace, one of the ‘Five Grand Palaces’ built by the Kings of the Jeoson Dynasty, and Insadong, a street full of traditional Korean antique and art shops, restaurants and tea houses. You may try on a hanbok, the traditional attire of the Korean people and having great photo opportunity. Here we will visit the Ginseng Centre and Cosmetic Shop. Today we will have the Korea BBQ lunch. Continue to Cheonggyecheon Stream and admire this urban oasis before visiting Myeongdong, one of Seoul’s main commercial districts.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 07 Seoul
Today is your free leisure or you may join the optional DMZ half day tour with traditiona lunch (US$115).
After pickup at your Seoul hotel in the morning, drive to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). En route, we will visit Imjingak Park to see artillery and war artifacts before proceeding to Freedom Bridge, where nearly 13,000 Korean POWs crossed on their return back home to South Korea. If permitted, we'll venture into the mysterious 3rd Tunnel. Descend deep underground and explore this secret passage, discovered in 1978, that was designed by North Korea for a potential invasion of the South. See where the South Koreans have blocked the actual Military Demarcation Line with concrete barricades, and browse photographs and war artifacts at the DMZ exhibition hall. At Dora Observatory, prepare for a breathtaking panoramic view of the Demilitarized Zone. Peer through telescopes and catch a glimpse of the North Korean border, witnessing firsthand the stark contrast between the two Koreas. Listen to your guide explain daily life in the village of Kijongdong across the river to conclude the lovely day. Then transfer back to the hotel in the afternoon. A traditional lunch is included.
Meal: Breakfast
** Due to the high demand of this site, daily number of visitors are limited. Entry permit will only be granted in first come first serve basis. If there’s an unannounced official event or unforeseen situation in the DMZ, the program will be cancelled & replaced by Paju tour.
** Reroute to Paju where you will visit the Imjingak Nuri Peace Park. It was built in 1972 as a security tourist site with a view to reflecting upon the painful history of national division and showing aspirations to national reunification. Imjingak, as well as other symbolic sites such as the Imjingang Railroad Bridge, the Bridge of Freedom, Mangbaedan Alter where displaced North Koreans pay salute to their families in the North and Peace Bell, attract as many as millions of tourists every year. Then you will be experiencing the city’s best view at Odusan Unification Observatory. It rests on a mountain where you can actually see North Korea with the naked eye. Listen to your guide explain daily life in the village of Kijongdong across the river to conclude the lovely day. Then transfer back to the hotel in the afternoon. A traditional lunch is included.
Tripoppo will have the right to adjust the itinerary on spot accordingly **
Day 08: Seoul - Canada
After
breakfast, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Canada.
Meal: Breakfast
