ESSENTIAL SEOUL TOUR
Half Day Tours (Seoul & Vicinity)
Duration : Approx. 4hours
Course : Gyeongbokgung Palace – National Folk Museum – Joygesa Temple – Insadong Street
Gyeongbokgung Palace was built in 1394 as the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).
Geunjeongjeon, the largest and most impressive building in the palace, served as the throne room and audience hall. Gyeonghoiru, a spacious two-story pavilion, overlooks a picturesque man-made pond just northwest of the throne hall.
It served as a feasting hall for gatherings of royal ministers and diplomats. The Royal Guard-Changing Ceremony held in the palace is a great opportunity to experience a rare scene in Korea.
The guard's splendid costumes with their brilliant primary colors, weapons, and accessoreis as well as their strict ceremonial procedures are a real pleasure to see.
On the palace grounds stands National Folk Museum where visitors can browse the unique cultural and historical traits of Korea and the lifestyle of ancient Koreans.
Nearby Insadong Street is a lively antique alley lined with art galleries, antique, craft and pottery shops, traditional restaurants, teahouses and street vendors selling traditional snacks. Insadong has become a favorite shopping spot among foreigners wanting to feel the traditional culture of Korea while remaining in the heart of the city.
photos (c) korea tourism organization
NATIONAL MUSEUM TOUR
Half Day Tours (Seoul & Vicinity)
Duration : Approx. 5hours
Course : National Museum of Korea – Itaewon shopping district
The National Museum of Korea is the sixth largest museum in the world and the largest in Asia. It houses precious Korean cultural assets that silently tell the story of Korea’s fascinating history, from ancient days to the modern era.
The architectural style harmoniously blends traditional and contemporary styles. It was built to house more than 140,000 national relics and artifacts, and also to serve as a complex cultural facility with a sculpture garden, open plaza and outdoor exhibition area. Also, artificial falls, streams, and green fields have been cultivated to create a beautifully landscaped space for visitors.
Itaewon is where the cultures of east and west collide. It remains Seoul’s largest multicultural district and is a virtual magnet for shoppers on the hunt for styles and sizes reminiscent to what they would find back home. Everything from athletic apparel, outdoor hiking gear, luggage, tailor-made suits, accessories, and baseball caps to a dizzying array of antiques and traditional souvenirs, people can find it all here.
photos (c) korea tourism organization
WORLD CULTURAL HERITAGE TOUR
Half Day Tours (Seoul & Vicinity)
Duration : Approx. 5hours
Course : Changdeokgung Palace & Huwon (Secret Garden) – Jongmyo Royal Shrine
Changdeokgung Palace was built in 1405 as the second royal villa is surrounded by trees and wooded hillside on the northern fringe of Seoul. Changdeokgung Palace was home to 13 Korean kings over 270 years. Despite succumbing to fire over the centuries, the palace's reconstructions always respected the original design. Indeed, the palace and the adjacent "Huwon(rear garden)" were designated in 1997 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historical significance, simplicity, subtleness and harmony with the natural environment.
With scenic natural vistas that include small hilllocks, glens, and wooded areas in perfect harmony with man-made ponds, bridges, and pavilions, Huwon garden is one of the most enchanting gardens in Korea.
Jongmyo Royal Shrine enshrines the memorial tablets of Joseon (the last dynasty ever existed to Korea) Kings and queens. Here the dynasty's royal family still pays homage to their forefathers in the time-honored Confucian tradition. This sedate shrine of beautiful architectural simplicity is appreciated as an invaluable cultural inheritance and was registered on the list of UNESCO's World Cultural Heritage in 1995.
photos (c) korea tourism organization
N SEOUL TOWER & SHOPPING TOUR
Half Day Tours (Seoul & Vicinity)
Duration : Approx. 5hours
Course : N Seoul Tower – Namdaemun Market – Myeongdong Shopping District
N Seoul Tower, a landmark of the metropolitan city of Seoul is 236.7 meter high and was built on the 243m Mt.Namsan. You can enjoy the cityscape and gaze out on the Hangang River that runs through the heart of Seoul. The tower's observatory offers an astonishing 360 degree panorama over the city.
Namdaemun Market is the country's largest traditional market and it sells a variety of clothes, glasses, kitchenware/crockery, home appliances, agricultural and marine produce, toys, mountain gear, fishing equipment, stationery, fine arts, accessories, hats, carpets, flowers, ginseng, imported goods and much more. Visitors to Namdaemun Market will really experience Seoul’s busy, dynamic atmosphere, as 400,000 people visit the market every day.
Myeongdong shopping district has long been the trendsetting center of Korean fashion as well as the mecca for shopping. Towering super stores of Migliore shopping mall to the cozy shopping malls for apparel, shoes, accessories and cosmetics cater to every fad and mode. Every back alley has cafes and restaurants serving snacks and delicacies for breaks while shopping.
photos (c) korea tourism organization
KOREAN CULTURE EXPERIENCE TOUR
Half Day Tours (Seoul & Vicinity)
Duration : Approx. 3hours
Course : Korean culture experience (wearing Hanbok & cooking of Korean food)
It is said that to really understand a country’s culture, you must experience its food. One of Korea's most traditional and representative foods is Kimchi. Through this cultural experience program, you will learn how to wear Hanbok(tradtiional Korea costume) and attend Kimchi cooking class teaching easy-to-learn recipes. Kimchi is made by salting cabbage, and adding red-pepper powder, garlic, ginger, scallions and radishes. This Korean traditional dish, known to have many health benefits, has evolved into a world-wide health food.
photos (c) korea tourism organization
TEMPLE LIFE EXPERIENCE TOUR
Half Day Tours (Seoul & Vicinity)
Duration : Approx. 3hours
Course : Temple Life Experience(Medication, making of lotus-shaped lantern, tea ceremony)
하세요.
Korean Buddhist Temple, which have provided a spiritual sanctuary for the Korean people for 1,700 years, have opened their doors to reveal their daily lives to the public.
A Temple Life Experience is a cultural-experience program designed to help people understand Korean Buddhism better. Located right across the COEX convention center, Bongeunsa Temple is a city temple where visitors can find peace and tranquility from the crowded streets of Seoul. The Temple Life Experience program held at this temple features temple tour, tea ceremony, making of lotus shaped lantern and meditation with a monk.
photos (c) korea tourism organization
DMZ(Demilitarized Zone) & The 3rd Tunnel TOUR
Half Day Tours (Seoul & Vicinity)
Duration : Approx. 6hours
Course : Demilitarized Zone (Imjingak Park – DMZ Theater & DMZ Exhibition Hall
– The 3rd Infiltration Tunnel – Dora Observatory – Dorasan Railroad Station)
Located 45km north of Seoul, the Demilitarized Zone(DMZ) is a strip of land running across the Korean Peninsular that serves as a buffter zone and border between North and South Korea.
DMZ tour provides a rare opportunity to gaze into North Korea, one of the world's most secretive states, as well as to learn about the tragedy of Korea's national division. This tour begins with a visit to Imjingak Park that was built to commemorate those who lost their homes and families when Korea was divided.
The 3rd Tunnel (infiltration tunnel built by the North Koreans into South Korea) which was discovered in 1978 and is over 1 mile long. It penetrates 1427 feet south of the Military Demarcation, and is less than one hour from the city of Seoul. To date, four tunnels have been discovered going from North Korea under the DMZ south; this was the third one, and you will descend into it. You will also have the chance to peek into the reclusive North Korea by visiting Dora Observatory and Dorasan Station, the northernmost railroad station which once used for freight trains to travel between the South and the North.
photos (c) korea tourism organization
DINNER & SHOW AT KOREA HOUSE
Night Tours (Seoul)
Duration : Approx. 3.5hours
Korea House is the traditional Korean building with the beautiful architecture, that introduces the culture and lifestyle of Koreans. You can experience the traditional architecture and the classical atmosphere as well as can taste a various kinds of Korean cuisine in traditional style. The spacious and cozy Folk Theater provides you the various performances by the Korean top traditional dancers and musicians with the interpretation in Korean, English and Japanese.
Watch as centuries of history unfold before your eyes in a stunning performance. The entertainment varies amongst different forms of traditional plays, music, and dances—including captivating fan and drum dances.
photos (c) korea tourism organization
KOREAN FOLK VILLAGE TOUR
Half Day Tours (Seoul & Vicinity)
Conveniently located on the outskirts of Seoul, Korean Folk Village is a living museum recreating Korean's lifestyle of several centuries ago. Set on an expansive 243-acre site, the village features the cultures and lifestyles of each social class, with 260 or so restored traditional houses and 30,000 folk materials and artifacts on exhibit. There are potters, weavers, blacksmiths, and other artisans who practice their trades in traditional fashion. Visitors can also enjoy the cultural performance for music and folk dances, where are held at the amphitheater daily.
Duration : Approx. 4hours
photos (c) korea tourism organization
NANTA PERFORMANCE TOUR
Night Tours (Seoul)
Duration : Approx. 3 hours
‘Nanta’ (or ‘COOKIN’), a non-verbal performance of reckless rhythms that dramatize customary Korean percussion in a strikingly comedic stage show. Integrating uniquely Korean traditional tempos with a western performance style, NANTA storms on stage into a huge kitchen where four capricious cooks are preparing a wedding banquet.
While COOKIN', they turn all kinds of kitchen items - pots, pans, dishes, knives, chopping board, water bottles, even brooms and each other- into percussion instruments. Rhythm rules and audiences are swept along in the primitive sound explosion and actions on stage.
photos (c) korea tourism organization
FANTASTIC NIGHT VIEW OF SEOUL TOUR
Night Tours (Seoul)
Duration : Approx. 5 hours
Course : Hangang River Cruise – N Seoul Tower
The Hangang River Cruise is one of the best ways to enjoy the night view of Seoul. Passengers can enjoy live performances and fine dining as they admire the scenery. Taking a cruise is a great way to enjoy the fresh air and get away from it all. Enjoy spectacular nighttime views of the Hangang River on themed cruises with live magic and delicious food,
N Seoul Tower, a landmark of the metropolitan city of Seoul is 236.7 meter high and was built on the 243m Mt.Namsan. You can enjoy the cityscape and gaze out on the Hangang River that runs through the heart of Seoul. The tower's observatory offers an astonishing 360 degree panorama over the city.
photos (c) korea tourism organization
2Days World Cultural Heritage Tour of Gyeongju
Provincial Tour
Gyeongju located at the southeastern part of the country, was the capital of the Silla Kingdom for 1,000 years and the valley in which it is situated has a great concentration of historic buildings, temples, and artifacts. After the Silla Kingdom unified the peninsula in A.D. 676, the city developed into one of the world's major cultural centers. The area is called a "Museum without Walls" because of the wealth of historical buildings and treasures to be found there.
Bulguksa Temple built in 528 is the representative relic of Gyeongju and was designated as a World Cultural Asset by UNESCO in 1995. The beauty of the temple itself and the artistic touch of the stone relics are known throughout the world.
Seokguram Grotto(UNSCO World Cultural Heritage) built in 774 is an artificial stone temple made of granite, and is considered as one of Asia's finest Buddha shrines. In 1995, Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto were named to UNESCO's prestigious World Heritage List.
Tumuli Park is a collection of royal tombs from the Shilla period. Most famous tomb in this park is the Cheonmachong Tomb which contained a mural painting on birch bark saddle flap of a winged horse.
Cheomseongdae Observatory meaning "Star Gazing Tower." is Asia's earliest known existing observatory and is a 7th-century bottle-shaped stone structure admired by archeologists worldwide.
Anapji Pond is the place where the Silla royal family relaxed and enjoyed themselves. The pond was temporarily drained in 1974 to reveal a veritable treasure trove of Silla artifacts that are now on display in the Gyeongju National Museum.
Gyeongju National Museum is a place of compelling interest, preserves much of the Shilla heritage, including magnificent gold crown, pottery, Buddhist artifacts, and stone sculptures.
Duration : 1 Night 2 Days
Course : Seoul to Gyeongju by car or express train – Gyeongju tour (Seokguram Grotto, Bulguksa Temple,
Gyeongju National Museum, Tumuli Park, Anapji Pond, Cheomseongdae Observatory)
– Return to Seoul by car or express train
photos (c) korea tourism organization
3Days World Natural Heritage Tour of Jeju Island
Provincial Tour
Duration : 2 Nights 3 Days
Course : Seoul to Jeju by domestic fligh – Jeju Island Tour(Yongmeori Coast, Cheonjeyeon Falls, Jusanggeolli Cliff,
Seongsan Sunrise Peak, Seongeup Folk Village , Manjang Cave, Gimnyeong Beach,
trekking tour of Mt.Hallsan or Jeju Olle path)– Fly back to Seoul
Jeju Island, Korea’s largest island, is only an hour's flight south of Seoul. As a result of its isolated location and romantic tropical image, Jeju is considered has become a favorite retreat with foreign tourists as well as local people.
Yongmeori Coast looks as if a dragon’s head is going underwater. There are Gulbangs here which are depressed into the shape of rooms, and wide rocks stacking up on one another along the seashore cliffs which create majestic scenery by the sea.
Cheonjeyeon Waterfalls is named as a legend says that fairies who supported the Heaven Gold came down to have swim and then went up to the sky.
Jusangjeolli Cliff is the scenic stone pillars piled up along the coast in southern Jeju. The rock pillars are shaped like cubes or hexagons of various sizes and almost seem as if stonemasons had carved them out.
Seongsan Sunrise Peak designated to UNESCO World Natural Heritage, rose from under the sea in a volcanic eruption over 100,000 years ago.
Bijarim Forest has a group of about 2,800 nutmeg trees between 500 and 800 years and is the largest nutmeg tree forest in the world. The evergreen trees emit a lot of Phytoncide, which is said to strengthen immune system and natural healing ability of human body.
Manjang Cave is the longest lava tube in the world and is enlisted to UNESCO World Natural Heritage. It has a variety of interesting structures inside including 70cm lava stalagmites and the lava tube tunnels.
Gimnyeong Beach is located in the northern Jeju and is famous for its beautiful scenery with clear waters that are highlighted with cobalt-blue and the soft sand.
Olle Trail is the walking path to enjoy the pleasant walking along scenic road as well as coastal drive with breathtaking landscape of Jeju Island.
photos (c) korea tourism organization
MORE INFORMATIONS
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photos (c) korea tourism organization
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Tel: +82 2 336 3532 l Fax: +82 2 336 3522 l E-mail: info@holidayplanners.co.kr
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