Presentation
Courses: Seoul – Seoraksan – Danyang -Andong – Gyeongju – Busan – Jeju Island – Suncheon and Boseong – Jeonju – Seoul
Description: Discover this 21-day and 20-night self-drive tour which will allow you to tour Korea from €2,300.
Day 1: Arrival in SeoulWelcome to Korea! After going through customs and collecting your luggage, you will be greeted by a member of our French-speaking team and escorted to your accommodation (approximately 1 hour journey from the airport).
Arrival at your accommodation, travel point with a member of the team and delivery of your travel documents, in particular our Roadbook (ideas for visits) and Transportbook (explanations on journeys between cities) as well as your transport card and other essential documents for safe travel. We will also of course answer all your questions.
Travel: limousine bus
Stop: Seoul
Accommodation: Hotel***
Day 2: Seoul: discovery of the historical sites of the Joseon dynastySeoul is the capital and densest city in South Korea located on the Han River. As an important tourist destination, Seoul has three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Changdeokgung Palace, Jongmyo Shrine and some royal tombs from the Joseon Dynasty. As the cultural center of the country, Seoul is the birthplace of K-POP and the spread of Korean culture across the world.
Your day with your local friend: Meet at your hotel then start of the day: Visit the Changdeokgung Palace, its secret garden, the district of traditional houses, the Jogyesa Buddhist temple and the street of Insadong art galleries/souvenirs. Return to your hotel and free meal. In the evening, go to the Jongno district, a trendy area of Seoul where you can have dinner and a digestive stroll along the Cheonggyecheon River.
Getting around: metro or on foot
Stop: Seoul
Accommodation: Hotel***
Local Friend Day: The local friend is a French-speaking person who has lived in Korea for some time, has a lot of knowledge about the local culture and will share their passion for the country with you. He or she will introduce you to his or her city of residence and favorite places, like a member of the family, and will share with you his or her own vision of life in Korea. Please note: the costs of the local friend (meals, transport, entries) are your responsibility. Allow around €25 for the day.
Day 3: Seoul: between history and traditionsStart the day with the discovery of Gyeongbokgung Palace where you can watch the changing of the guard. You will then go to see Gwanghwamun Square where you will learn a little more about the history of King Sejong. This will be followed by visits to the Namdaemun market and the Myeongdong shopping district. At the end of the day, go to the top of Namsan Tower, which offers an exceptional view of the city.
Possible options: Traditional Korea House show and/or Hanbok fitting: Why not end this beautiful day with a traditional dance and music show, and/or have a Hanbok fitting (traditional Korean costume) with a photo session by a professional?
Travel: Metro
Stop: Seoul
Accommodation: Hotel***
Possible option in **** Hotel
Option: day Local friend: The local friend is a French-speaking person living in Korea for a while, with a lot of knowledge about the local culture and will share their passion for the country with you. He or she will introduce you to his or her city of residence and favorite places, like a member of the family, and will share with you his or her own vision of life in Korea. Please note: the costs of the local friend (meals, transport, entries) are your responsibility. Allow around €25 for the day.
Day 4: Seoul – Seoraksan: Korea’s favorite mountain Go to your accommodation and head to the car rental company to go to Seoraksan. While drinking coffee, we will give you all the documents for the rest of your trip and provide you with all the explanations you need for a peaceful stay. You will also receive a GPS pre-programmed with the accommodations for your stay and a long list of tour suggestions.
Mount Seoraksan is the third highest in Korea after Hallasan Volcano and Jirisan Mountain. It is located on the edge of the port city of Sokcho. Seoraksan National Park has been designated as a preservation area by UNESCO given the many rare species it is home to. You can go on beautiful mountain hikes, visit the Sinhuengsa temple and spend the night in the heart of the park.
Travel: Rented car with pre-programmed GPS
Stage: Seoraksan
Accommodation: Hotel****
Day 5: Seoraksan – Danyang Morning departure for Danyang with a stop at the Naksansa temple by the sea. Danyang, which offers a beautiful harmony between hills and lake, is a very popular travel destination in spring. Arrival on the Danyang side, visit the magnificent Guinsa Temple, the seat of the Korean Buddhists of the Cheontae order, leading more than 140 temples in the country. Magnificent site in spring and autumn. Installation at your home. Walk and visit the small town along the river.
Travel: Rented car with pre-programmed GPS
Stage: Danyang
Accommodation: Guesthouse or pension
Day 6: Danyang and its wonders In the morning, set off to discover the wonders of Danyang with a visit to Gosu Cave and the eight marvelous landscapes (listed as national treasures of Korea). Take the opportunity to go for a beautiful hike in Seobaeksan, a boat cruise on the lake, or simply a drive around Chungju Lake.
Travel: Rented car with pre-programmed GPS
Stage: Danyang
Accommodation: Guesthouse or pension
Day 7: Danyang – AndongAndong is the ancestral, spiritual and traditional capital of South Korea. During the Joseon Dynasty period, it was an important center for Confucianism in Korea. As a result, there are many relics from this era, such as a magnificent Confucian school and neighborhoods typical of the era. A real return to the past.
Departure for Andong with the typical Hahoe village (UNESCO), the mask show and the museum on the same theme, end of the day with the Confucian school of Byeongsan Seowon.
Then head to the Jyrie artists’ village where you will spend a timeless night. Village overlooking a small lake. Simply magnificent (1 hour from Hahoe village).
Travel: Rented car with pre-programmed GPS
Stage: Andong
Accommodation: Hanok (traditional house)
Day 8: On the way to GyeongjuReturn to your accommodation and head to the Bus Terminal to go to Gyeongju. While drinking coffee, we will give you all the documents for the rest of your trip and provide you with all the explanations you need for a peaceful stay.
Located in the Gyeongsangbuk-do region, Gyeongju was the capital of the Silla Kingdom and one of the oldest historical cities in the world. It is a unique place for its cultural heritage and the originality of the site. A mecca of Korean culture and heritage. Furthermore, this site has been classified by UNESCO.
Arrival in Gyeongju, installation in your hanok, a typical Korean house, and visits around your accommodation. Historical sites: Tumuli Park and the royal tombs of Daereungwon, Cheongseongdae Observatory, ancient fortress, ancient Anapji royal garden.
Travel: Rented car with pre-programmed GPS
Stage: GYEONGJU
Accommodation: Upper Hanok (Korean traditional house)
Day 9: Visit to exceptional sites (UNESCO) Departure for Bulguksa temple and Seokguram cave, two exceptional Korean heritage sites. You can take a nice walk between the two stages (1 hour walk). After the visit, you can visit the Gyeongju Museum, one of the most beautiful in Korea. Return to your accommodation.
Travel: Rented car with pre-programmed GPS
Stage: GYEONGJU
Accommodation: Upper Hanok (traditional Korean house)
Day 10: Gyeongju: Walk on the mountain with a thousand Buddhas Considered a sacred place during the Shilla Dynasty, Mount Namsan is full of mysteries, temples and sanctuaries. Mount Namsan is a veritable open-air museum with 100 temples, 80 stone Buddha statues and 60 stone pagodas scattered around the mountain. Finally, you can also enjoy the surrounding picturesque landscapes. A moment of relaxation in nature!
Travel: Rented car with pre-programmed GPS
Stage: GYEONGJU
Accommodation: Upper Hanok (Korean traditional house)
Day 11: Direction BUSAN Second city in Korea and the country’s first port, Busan is also considered a dynamic city where department stores, luxury restaurants, green parks and wide beaches coexist. By taking the train you can follow the Korean coastline between Gyeongju and Busan, and admire the magnificent landscape.
Arrival in Busan, head to your accommodation. You can visit the huge fish market to taste raw and fresh fish. Stroll through the city center with Busan Tower, Busan Film Festival Street and the Gamcheon artistic district.
Travel: Rented car with pre-programmed GPS
Stage: BUSAN
Accommodation: Hotel ***
Possible option in **** Hotel
Day 12: Charming BUSAN Discover Busan differently, head to Yonggungsa temple, unique for its construction on the side of a cliff by the sea. In the afternoon, go for a walk on Haeundae beach and the peninsula Dongbaek, charming stroll! You can also stop for a while at the Busan Aquarium.
Travel: Rented car with pre-programmed GPS
Stage: BUSAN
Accommodation: Hotel ***
Possible option in **** Hotel
Day 13: BUSAN-JEJU: Discovery of the island of lovers Departure for Jeju-do by plane after dropping off your car at the airport.
Jeju-do is the romantic island, the island of lovers for Koreans. It is a top destination for newlyweds. It is also the only place in Korea where you can find a coral beach. In addition, as on Easter Island, there are granite statues called Dolharubang which represent an Old man.
The island is also known for its landscapes which have inspired many Korean filmmakers. We thus find the landscapes of Jeju-do in historical dramas such as the Drama “Taewangsasingi” (actor: Bae Yongjoon) which was a great success in Korea. It is frequently used as a filming location for Korean dramas. The island is also famous for hiking in winter and summer. In spring you will enjoy the beauty of the island thanks to its flowers.
Installation at your accommodation in Jeju and first discovery around your hotel.
Travel: Plane – Limousine airport bus
Stage: JEJU
Accommodation: Hotel ***
Possible option in **** Hotel
Day 14: Wonders of Jeju with your local friend Meet at 9:00 am at your accommodation with your local friend and depart for a day of sightseeing.
Walk planned on Jungmun beach to meet the divers of Jeju-do (women only), we call them Haenyo. You will also have the opportunity to eat the seafood served by these female divers. Visit Cheonjiyeon Falls and Jussanggeolli Cliffs then stop at Yackcheonsa Temple, the most beautiful on the island. Return to the hotel.
Circuit adaptable according to the weather, your desires and the suggestions of the local friend, an expert on the island.
Travel: local friend’s car
Stage: JEJU
Accommodation: Hotel ***
Possible option in **** Hotel
Day 15: Jeju: Temple, Volcano and Sea CanyonMeet at 9:00 a.m. at your accommodation with your local friend and set off for Sambangsan Mountain, an ancient mythical secondary volcano. Discover a sea temple and its cave nestled in the mountain, then explore the “dragon-headed” coast (Yongmori Canyon): site of the historic shipwreck of a Western ship. Meals nearby. Possibility of visiting the small museum dedicated to this event and walking to the 2 neighboring beaches.
Circuit adaptable according to the weather, your desires and the suggestions of the local friend, an expert on the island.
Travel: local friend’s car
Stage: JEJU
Accommodation: Hotel ***
Possible option in **** Hotel
Day 16: Jeju – Suncheon via Busan Return to Busan, where you will collect your car then departure for the Suncheon region, one of the wildest parts of South Korea. You will pass through exceptional sites such as the Cheonghakdong village and one of the most beautiful temples in Korea: the Ssanggyesa temple. You will also discover magnificent and unique landscapes such as Suncheon Bay, a coastal marsh 39.8 km long and, above all, surrounded by a reed field of 54.2 km². An incredible ecological place with the presence of migratory birds. The beauty of the site is worth the detour!
After a visit to the traditional Hadong village, check-in to your accommodation.
Travel: Rented car with pre-programmed GPS
Stop: Suncheon
Accommodation: Pension
Day 17: Visiting Suncheon and Surrounding AreasTake the day to spend at Suncheon Bay and Botanical Garden, two places that are both beautiful and very different. Suncheon Bay is known for its breathtaking natural space, perfect for a lovely stroll by the sea among the reeds.
The international garden houses gardens from several countries around the world: Thailand, Japan, England, Italy, Turkey, United States, Netherlands, Germany, France and China. Inspired by the particularities of the floral cultures of each country, this place is a perfect place to admire the harmony of differences.
You can also visit Songgwangsa Temple, located on the west side of Mount Jogyesan, and known to be one of the three jewels of Korean Buddhism where many famous monks were trained. The temple is 1 km after the entrance counter. Very beautiful, the road to the temple is lined with huge trees.
Travel: Rented car with pre-programmed GPS
Stop: Suncheon
Accommodation: Pension
Day 18: Visit the Boseong regionEn route, pass through the village of Nagan and its fortress before going to Boseong. Becoming the number one tourist destination in Korea during the months of April and May, this plantation is the largest in Korea. You can easily experience the spacious and unique tea rows. Located on the hillsides, the green leaves provide a charming landscape. The Boseong region produces 70 tonnes of tea leaves each year, harvested from more than 600 hectares, and its name is quickly linked to green tea since it is its specialty. The mountain slopes, covered as far as the eye can see by tea plants, are a spectacle not to be missed.
Travel: Rented car with pre-programmed GPS
Stage: Boseong and suncheon
Accommodation: guesthouse in Suncheon
Day 19: Jeonju via Tapsa TempleAfter your breakfast you will head towards Jeonju with a stop at Mount Maisan. Known for its natural beauty, it is often said that its two peaks resemble horse ears. “Maisan” therefore means “the mountain with horse ears”. At the foot of this mountain is a splendid temple. The Tapsa temple and its 80 pagodas which give it a unique appearance in Korea. Legend has it that these pagodas were built by a hermit who wanted peace, it is also said that they are indestructible: wind and rain cannot topple them.
Travel: Rented car with pre-programmed GPS
Stage: Jeonju
Accommodation: Hotel***
Day 20: Visit the ancient city center and the Confucian shrine Jeonju is an ancient city with a thousand-year history. It offers a countless number of timeless remains. Jeonju is home to Pansori, a UNESCO-listed genre of musical storytelling. This town is known for its Hanok houses and Hanji papers. It is also famous for its cuisine, particularly its bibimbap and Hanjeonsik (table with a multitude of side dishes).
Named one of the best places to visit in 2011, Jeonju Hanok Village is made up of 700 households and has the largest concentration of Hanoks in Korea. Jeonju has important cultural attractions, such as Gyeonggijeon Shrine, Omokdae Pavilion, and Hyanggyo (Confucian School). Bathe in the style of the “slow city” and immerse yourself in the history and tradition of Jeonju!
Travel: Rented car with pre-programmed GPS
Stage: Jeonju
Accommodation: Hotel***
Day 21: Return to Seoul via Suwon Return to Seoul in the morning with a visit to Hwaesong Fortress in Suwon (UNESCO). You will return the car to the same place as you left and then rest at your accommodation. Last night before your return to France.
Travel: Rented car with pre-programmed GPS and metro or taxi
Stop: Seoul
Accommodation: Hotel***
Day 22: End of the trip Return to France, hoping that you had a good trip with us!
| The price includes | Are not included |
|---|---|
|
|
