Discover South Korea with Jeju

Your Small Group Discovery tour begins! Welcome to Seoul, the nation’s capital. With its rich history and modern innovation, the city is full of opportunities to experience tradition and popular culture. Hotel check-in is available mid-afternoon.

Palace Gates & Plentiful Plates Begin your vacation with a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest and most impressive of Seoul’s five palaces. Continue to the National Museum of Contemporary Korean History to learn how Korea has transformed from an agricultural society to an economic powerhouse. After lunch at a local restaurant, explore Gwangjang traditional market, one of the oldest and largest in Korea. Then, visit Bukchon Hanok Village, home to over 900 hanoks (traditional Korean houses). This historic district has been restored to evoke the country’s timeless charm. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a special welcome dinner featuring Korean BBQ! (B,L,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT COLORFUL DYNASTIES & CULTURAL DRESS Gyeongbokgung Palace is the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty, originally built in 1395. The palace complex was razed by the Japanese invasion of 1592 and sat abandoned for nearly 300 years before it was rebuilt in the mid-19th century. Tour the palace and witness the ceremonial changing of the guard. If you wish, experience a taste of Korean culture and don a traditional outfit called hanbok for a memorable photo of your visit.

A Tale of Two Countries Journey to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) for an unforgettable tour of the world’s most fortified border. Return to Seoul and enjoy the balance of the day at your leisure. Consider an optional rickshaw ride through the city’s popular streets and alleyways. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT A LEGENDARY LAND Since 1953, the DMZ has separated North and South Korea. This stretch of land measures about 160 miles long and 2.5 miles wide. For decades, it has been steeped in history and geopolitical intrigue. Your Local Guide will explain key sites and exhibitions including the Freedom Bridge, 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, Imjingak Park, the DMZ Museum, and the Dora Observatory. As part of your visit, you will have the meaningful opportunity to meet a North Korean defector who will join the tour to share personal insights and lived experiences. Please note this is a politically sensitive area, so tour with discretion.

Relics & Rituals Travel by high-speed train to Gyeongju, often called the “Museum without Walls” due to its rich cultural history and natural beauty. The capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom, the city today, is known for its relics, temples, and palaces. Upon arrival, visit Golgulsa Temple for a unique opportunity to [LOCAL FAVORITE] experience the lifestyle of Korean Buddhist monks. (B,D) LOCAL FAVORITE SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Join your small group for a unique experience to learn the art of Sunmudo. This Korean meditative martial art style was a secret of Buddhist monks for many years as a practice of developing mindfulness through motion. You’ll also learn about temple etiquette and try your hand at archery before enjoying a vegetarian dinner at the temple.

Pavilions, Pagodas & Parks Your full day sightseeing tour of Gyeongju includes a visit to Bulguska Temple and Gyeongju National Museum. End your day with a walk to Woljeong Bridge and Wolji Pond. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURE & TRADITION Visit Bulguska Temple and its ancient wooden pavilions and pagodas built on lush, forested hills. Within the temple complex is stunning Seokguram Grotto, one of Asia’s finest shrines, with its large Buddha statue overlooking the Sea of Japan. Then, visit Gyeongju National Museum, housing artifacts reflecting the art, culture, and history of the Silla dynasty, and Tumuli Park to see several tombs from the Silla period, including King Michu.

Historic Village & Harbor Views This morning, visit Yangdong Folk Village, one of the best-preserved historic villages dating back to the Joseon Dynasty. Then, continue to Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city, known for its stunning beaches and harbor views. Before dinner at a local restaurant, join your Tour Director for a scenic coastal walk on Dongbaekseom Island. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT ANCIENT WISDOM Surrounded by forested mountains and open fields, Yangdong Folk Village features clusters of hanok (traditional style houses) with mud walls and thatched roofs facing the river. Visit the village shrine and Confucius school and stroll along the village trail to admire the traditional hanoks.

Beautiful Busan Enjoy a leisurely morning before today’s sightseeing. Start with a [LOCAL FAVORITE] Korean cooking class for lunch, and visit Jagalchi fish market, Korea’s largest and most famous seafood market. Stroll through Gamcheon, once a hillside settlement for Korean War refugees and today transformed into a vibrant artistic center with galleries and cafés. This afternoon, take a cable-car ride across the ocean for panoramic views of Songdo Beach and rugged cliffs. You’ll also experience stunning views from Songdo Yonggung Supension Bridge. (B,L) LOCAL FAVORITE SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Korean cuisine is unmatched! Learn authentic and local specialties with a private cooking class under the instruction of a local chef. You’ll also have the opportunity to taste local rice wine. Collect the recipes and try to recreate your masterpiece at home.

Korea to the Tea This morning, visit the UN Memorial Cemetery, a significant site which commemorates fallen soldiers from the Korean War. Later, enjoy a tea tasting. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a farewell dinner to celebrate your discovery of Korea. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Immerse yourself in Korea’s floral tea culture with your small group as you taste different types of local floral and herbal teas to soothe the senses with aromatic flavors. You’ll even learn how to create your own signature blend!

Volcanic Voyage Today fly to Jeju Island, a volcanic island cherished for its stunning and serene natural scenery. (B)

Summit and Sea Views Start your day with a visit to Seongsan Ilchulbong, or Sunrise Peak, where a leisurely hike brings you to the rim of this dramatic volcanic crater. Take in sweeping views of the coastline and the island’s rugged volcanic landscape. After lunch, enjoy a captivating Haenyeo demonstration and visit to the Jeju Haenyeo Museum. (B,L) Please note: There are approximately 500 steps to the top of Sunrise Peak. The trail is well maintained and equipped with handrails. TOUR HIGHLIGHT Beneath the Waves Witness Jeju’s Haenyeo legendary women divers and their exceptional skill and endurance. Watch as they glide into the water with practiced ease—demonstrating the traditional harvesting techniques that have sustained island communities for centuries. Afterward, continue to the Jeju Haenyeo Museum, dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of these remarkable divers. Stroll through exhibits showcasing their time-honored tools, daily routines, and personal stories.

From Sea to Tea Begin your day with a visit to Hyeopjae Beach, admired for its white coral sand and clear turquoise waters. Continue to Hallim Park, featuring the unique Hyeopjaegul Cave—one of Jeju’s most distinctive lava formations. Next, explore the O’sulloc Tea Museum, set amid expansive green tea fields. Then visit Cheonjeyeon Waterfalls, “The Pond of God,” where spring water flows through a series of three cascading falls. Conclude your day at the Jusangjeollidae Seaside Cliff, formed when molten Hallasan lava met the sea, creating one of Jeju’s most striking coastal landscapes. (B)

Seoul Searching Fly to Seoul and prepare for your journey home tomorrow. (B)

Safe travels until we meet again! Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)