Presentation
Stages: Seoul – Seoraksan – Andong – Gyeongju – Busan – Suncheon and Boseong – Heuksando and Hongdo Islands – Jeonju – Seoul
Description: Go and explore the hidden heritage treasures scattered throughout South Korea with this grand tour of 21 days / 20 nights from €2000.
Day 1: Arrival in Seoul
Welcome 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: airport bus and metro
Stop: Seoul
Accommodation: *** hotel
Day 2: Seoul: discovery of the historical sites of the Joseon dynasty
Seoul is the capital and densest city in South Korea. It is located on the Han River. As an important tourist destination, Seoul has three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Changdeokgung Palace, Jongmyo Shrine, and some Joseon Dynasty royal tombs. 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: visit 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.
Travel: metro
Stop: Seoul
Accommodation: *** 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 3: Seoul: between history and traditions
Start the day by visiting 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 (traditional Korean costume) fitting with a photo session by a professional?
Travel: metro
Stop: Seoul
Accommodation: *** hotel
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 town 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.
Day 5: Seoraksan: Hiking on the heights
Take advantage of this day for a beautiful hike on the heights of Seoraksan where several accessible trails will be offered to you. Once you arrive at the top, you can admire the superb view overlooking the small port town of Sokcho and the Sea of Japan.
For the less sporty but just as curious, a cable car allows you to get to the top of the mountain without difficulty.
Travel: local transport
Stage: Seoraksan
Accommodation: Hotel****
Day 6: Seoraksan-ANDONG: Capital of Confucianism
Andong 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: local transport and taxi
Stage: Andong and Hahoe village
Accommodation: Hanok in double room + breakfast
Day 7: On the way to Gyeongju
Go 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: Daereungwon Mound Park and Royal Tombs, Cheongseongdae Observatory, Ancient Fortress, Ancient Royal Anapji Garden.
Travel: local transport and taxi
Stage: GYEONGJU
Accommodation: Upper Hanok (Korean traditional house)
Day 8: 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: local transport and taxi
Stage: GYEONGJU
Accommodation: Upper Hanok (Korean Traditional House)
Day 9: Direction Busan
Korea’s second city and the country’s largest port, Busan is also considered a dynamic city where department stores, luxury restaurants, parks and magnificent beaches coexist.
By taking the train you can follow the Korean coastline between Gyeongju and Busan, simply magnificent.
Arrival in Busan, head to your accommodation. You can visit the huge fish market where you can taste raw and fresh fish. The city center with Busan Tower, Busan Film Festival Street and the Gamcheon art district.
Travel: Local train and taxi
Stage: BUSAN
Accommodation: *** hotel
Day 10: Discovery of the wild part of South Korea
Departure for the Suncheon region, one of the wildest parts of South Korea. You will pass through exceptional sites such as Cheonghakdong village and one of the most beautiful temples in Korea: 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 hanok
Day 11: Visit Suncheon and its surroundings
Take 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 illustrious 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 hanok
Day 12: Visit the Boseong region En 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
Stop: SUNCHEON Boseong
Accommodation: Pension hanok
Day 13: Hongdo and Heuksando Islands: between land and sea
Early in the morning, direction Mokpo for the ferry departure. Located 115 km southwest of the Port of Mokpo, Hongdo Island, which brings together around twenty islands, owes its name Hong (Red) to its unusual reddish-brown color. When the sun rises over the island, the entire region takes on a red hue. The rocky seaside cliffs constitute a unique and harmonious landscape between blue sea and green forest.
Also located at the southern tip of Korea, Heuksando Island is made up of 11 uninhabited islands and 89 inhabited islands. Its natural beauty has designated it as an integral part of the Dadohae National Maritime Park along with its neighboring islands. Its main coastal road, which we recommend, serves the most beautiful natural and cultural treasures of the island. Itinerary :
MOKPO -HONGDO-OKSANDO-MOKPO
Direction early in the morning (5:00 a.m.) for the port of Mokpo (90 KM approximately 1 hour 10 min)
Arrival at mokpo direction the ferry terminal which will leave at 7:50 a.m.
Travel: train and ferry
Stage: Makpo
Accommodation: Hotel ***
Please note: There are no foreign tourists on this island. Only Koreans visit the place. Few people speak English but the site is exceptional.
Please note: Ferries depart depending on the weather. Provide emergency accommodation in MOKPO (not included in the stay). Cancellation possible at the last minute. A plan B will be proposed if the visit is not possible.
Day 14: Jeonju via Tapsa Temple
After 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 horse-eared mountain”. 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 15: 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 as 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 assets, 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 16: Return to Seoul
Join the capital. After settling into your accommodation, opt for a visit to Namsan Tower and its village.
Travel: airport bus and metro
Stop: Seoul
Accommodation: Hotel ***
Day 17: Visit to the DMZ, high security zone
After breakfast, explore history with a visit to the DMZ, a high security zone, where you can observe the remains of the Korean War: exhibition and projection room, third tunnel, Dora Observatory and unification village store for some souvenir shopping. Back in Seoul, end the day at the War Museum and in the evening stroll through the lively Itaewon district, considered the foreigners’ district.
Travel: DMZ Bus
Stop: Seoul
Accommodation: Hotel ***
Day 18: Visit the huge COEX shopping center and Bongeunsa temple
After breakfast we suggest a bike ride along the Han River which runs through Seoul. A pleasant moment of relaxation. End the day by visiting the COEX, a huge shopping center where there is no shortage of shops to choose from. Very close by, obligatory visit to the Bongeunsa temple in the heart of the city. A striking contrast!
Day 19: Suwon Fortress
Breakfast and subway ride to Suwon city to discover its wonderful ancient fortress! You can also discover the old adjoining palace, and take a lovely walk along the stone walls.
Travel: Metro
Stop: Seoul
Accommodation: Hotel ***
Day 20: Yeouido Island
Breakfast and direction Yeouido Island. Take a walk near the national assembly, before discovering Yeouido Park by heading towards the banks of the Han River. You can rent bikes there and take a nice stroll along the river. Stop at a café/supermarket, where most Koreans like to quench their thirst while contemplating the bustle of the park. You can also take a tour of Tower 63, formerly the tallest tower in the city, it still offers breathtaking views.
Travel: Metro
Stop: Seoul
Accommodation: Hotel ***
Day 21: End of stay
Departure for the airport and return.
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