Itinerary:

 

DAY 1: Seoul, South Korea

Welcome to Seoul! Much of Seoul bears the distinct stamp of the 21st century. 12-lane freeways carry a constant stream of traffic between steel-and-glass skyscrapers. But if you look closer, you'll find ancient temples miraculously escaped destruction in the Korean war, as well as painstakingly restored historic palaces whose designs date back centuries.

 

Great effort has gone into preserving Korean history and culture despite what seems like a headlong rush into the future. Mere steps away from the bustle of commerce, you can find yourself in the serenity of a traditional garden or a market overflowing with ginseng and jade.

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This evening enjoy a welcome dinner with your new travel partners. 

 

Overnight in Seoul: Courtyard by Marriott Seoul Namdaemun (or similar)

Meals Included: Dinner

 

DAYS 2 & 3: Seoul - Andong

After your hotel breakfast, you'll meet your guide and go on a full day tour of Seoul. This excursion will include visits to Gyeongbok Palace & Changing of the Guard Ceremony, Jogyesa Temple, Insadong Art Street, and Bukchon Hanok Village by Pedicab.

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In the afternoon, enjoy a Korean dessert cooking class and try some authentic tasty treats!

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On Day 3, you'll travel to Andong by way of the Icheon Pottery Village en route. Upon arrival you'll check into your Hanok House for a special lodging experience. 

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Andong is the self-proclaimed "Capital City of Korean Spiritual Culture" having maintained aspects of the traditional culture of Korea throughout the past 2,000 years. Over 280 cultural assets are scattered around the city. Andong's international claim to fame comes from having been visited by Queen Elizabeth II of England.

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Overnight in Andong: Hanok Guesthouse

Meals Included: Day 2: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

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DAYS 4 & 5: Andong - Gyeongju

On Day 4,you'll enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Andong. Visits include the Hahoe Village, Hahoe Mak Museum, Buyongdae, Bongjeongsa Temple, Byeongsan Confucian School, and the Wolyeong Bridge.

After this full day excursion, you'll transfer to Gyeongju for dinner.

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On Day 5, after your hotel breakfast, enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Gyeongju. This excursion will include visit to Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, Tumuli Park, Cheomseongdae Observatory, National Museum, and Anapji Pond (Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond.

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Gyeongju is a beautiful city with a cultural history of over 2,000 years and is known as a 'museum without walls'. It was capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom for a thousand years from around 50 BC and the city is dotted with ancient buildings, temples, and the large tombs of the Silla monarchs.

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In the last 30 years many of the historical sites have been restored and all of the new construction has been kept in the traditional style. A man-made lake is located below the old fortress of Myonhwal-san, east of Gyeonju. The area around the lake has many high-class hotels, recreational and entertainment facilities, shopping areas and restaurants. 

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Overnight in Gyeongju: Hotel Hyundai (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

DAY 6: Busan

After your hotel breakfast, check out and drive to Busan via Tongdosa Temple. Upon arrival in Busan, you'll visit the Jagalchi Market, Gukje Market and nearby Nampodong Streets before checking in at your hotel near the Haeundae Beach area.

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Busan, formerly known as Pusan, is South Korea's second largest city and the country's main port for international cargo, as well as passenger ferries to Japan and Jeju island. The city is famous for its seafood and beaches, as well as the Hallyosudo Waterway with its picturesque islands. The Busan fish market has a huge selection of fresh seafood in the early morning. Although primarily known as a port, the city has many steep hills, creating a very unusual mix of mountains and ocean.

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Overnight in Busan: Haeundae Grand Home (or similar) 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

 

DAY 7 & 8: Busan - Seoul

After your hotel breakfast, you'll enjoy morning walks to Gamcheon Cultural Village and Oryukdo Skywalk. You'll then have some free time at the Centum City before departing for Seoul. You'll return to Seoul by KTX bullet train.

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In the evening enjoy an NYU Alumni gathering.

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On Day 8, you'll meet your guide and set off to the third infiltration tunnel, which was discovered in the 1970s. The tunnel is estimated to penetrate 1km into the North Korean border. The tunnel was built for a surprise attack on Seoul and is capable of moving one whole military division per hour.

 

Continue to the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ). This 4-km wide and 248-km long division of land is the most heavily fortified border in the world. The Dora observatory allows visitors to see North Korean military personnel as well as great views of Kaesong, Geumgangsan Diamond Mountains and the renowned propaganda village, Gijeong-dong.

 

You will also stop at the Dora railroad station, which connects North and South Korea. Freight trains used to travel from Dora to Kaesong. However, diminishing diplomatic ties have resulted in a suspension of this service. This tour will be semi private where you’ll have your private guide, but will change vehicle inside the DMZ area. You must bring your passport to this tour.

 

After lunch, return to Seoul and visit the War Memorial of Korea and enjoy late afternoon shopping at Dongdaemun Design Plaza and Dongdaemun Markets & Gwangjang Market. You can try various street food and drinks for dinner on your own!

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Overnight in Busan: Haeundae Grand Home (or similar)             

Meals Included: Day 7: Breakfast

Day 8: Breakfast, Lunch

 

DAY 9: Seoul / Home 

After your hotel breakfast, your driver will pick you up at the hotel and transfer you to Incheon Airport for your flight home. 

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Meals Included: Breakfast

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