SOUTH KOREA• Independent Programme South Korean Explorer The Landscapes, traditions and temples of South Korea outh Korea has ridden a helter-skelter of economic, Spolitical and social rebirth through the ravages of the 20th century but is now a flourishing, delightful and absorbing destination that blends both modern cosmopolitan and traditional Confucian elements. Our tour of this historic country has been carefully planned to showcase its natural beauties and ancient culture as well as the bustling high-tech capital. We show you quaint alleyways and thousand-year-old palaces that stand aloof from Seoul’s glittering neon lights.

Andong Hahoe Folk Village i

arched stone bridge and Nakaneupseong Day 10 Gyeongju, Andong Drive to Andong 13 days Day 1 London (Wednesday) Depart London Fortress Village that contains a town castle. and visit Hahoe Village where the housing Seoul (3 nights) Heathrow at around 1750 on the Air France The castle has been preserved and about architecture and the village structure of the Gwangju (1 night) flight to Seoul via Paris. 100 families still reside there. Overnight at Joseon dynasty has been preserved. Overnight Suncheon (1 night) Day 2 Seoul Arrive Seoul around 1555 and Suncheon Ecograd Hotel. (B) at traditional hanok guest house. (There is no Busan (1 night) transfer to the Center Mark Hotel for 3 nights. western-style bed, there will be a Korean-style Day 7 Suncheon, Yeosu, Busan Drive to Gyeongju (2 nights) mattress on the floor, called a ‘yo’). (B) China Day 3 Seoul Join a full day seat in coach Yeosu and visit Odongdo Island, famous for Andong (1 night) tour of Seoul, visiting the Jogyesa Temple and its camellia forest and Hyangiram Hermitage, Day 11 Andong, Seoul Breakfast at a local Seoul (2 nights) North the Gyeongbok Palace, which is undergoing located in the top of Mt. Geomosan and restaurant (the guest house doesn’t provide Korea SEA OF extensive restoration to its former grandeur. In established by monk Wonhyo in the 7th meals). Return to Seoul by road and stay at the JAPAN KOREA the grounds is the National Folk Museum where century. Continue to Busan, the largest port Center Mark Hotel. (B) BAY •Seoul you can see thousands of everyday utensils city in South Korea and stay at the Busan Tower Day 12 Seoul Day at leisure to enjoy this •Andong and ceremonial items. Explore the shops and Hill Hotel. (B) fantastic city at your own pace. (B) •Gyeongju galleries along Insadong Antique Alley where YELLOWY SEA Day 8 Busan, Gyeongju Full day tour of Busan Gwangju• •Busan you can buy ceramics and other traditional Day 13 Seoul, London Early transfer to • Suncheon pausing at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple crafts. Continue to a Korean folk Village. (Bl) the airport for your return flight to London first built in 1376 and situated on the coast of Heathrow flying with Air France via Paris arriving Day 4 Seoul Join a seat in coach tour to the the north-eastern part of Busan. Continue to later the same day. (B) DMZ, the Demilitarized Zone along the 38th Dongbaekseom Island, noted for its beautiful Gyeongbok Palace i parallel that divides North and South Korea, natural landscape accented by dense camellia Tour code SOUKOR and which is the most heavily fortified border in and pine trees, Haeundae Beach, Busan Tower Departures 2016 Twin share the world. Also see the 3rd Tunnel, one of four for fantastic panoramic views of Busan city, tunnels under the border. Continue to Imjingak and Jagalchi Fish Market, the largest seafood Low Season Price from £3995 Park, Dora Observatory, Dorasan Station and market in Korea. Drive to Gyeongju and stay 2 High Season Price from £4195 the Unification Village. The tour ends at Itaewon nights at Gyeongju Commodore Chosun Hotel. The above prices are based on minimum 2 Street and you return to your hotel on your own. (B) passengers (B) Day 9 Gyeongju Full day tour of Gyeongju Single supplement from £695 (minimum 2 passengers) Day 5 Seoul, Jeonju, Gwangju Drive to visiting Gyeongju National Museum, which Jeonju and tour Hanok Village, where over preserves much of the Silla heritage, including Air France Business Class upgrades from 800 traditional Korean houses can be seen. magnificent gold crowns, pottery, Buddhist £1595 return Continue to Gyeonggijeon Shrine, erected artifacts, stone sculptures and the legendary Price includes in 1410 and holds the portrait of King Tae-jo, Emille Bell - 25 tons of bronze standing 11 feet • Economy class flights • Twin-shared accommodation, transfers, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty. See the high. Continue to Tumuli Park, a collection transportation and sightseeing as listed Jeondong Cathedral, then continue your of royal Silla tombs, Cheomseongdae (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner) journey to Gwangju to stay overnight at the Observatory, the world’s earliest known existing • Services of English-speaking local Tour Guides Holiday Inn. (B) observatory, Anapji Pond, Seokguram Grotto designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site Not included Day 6 Gwangju, Boseong, Suncheon Drive Travel insurance and Bulguksa Temple, a monument to both • to Boseong and visit a tea plantation. Continue • Gratuities the skill of the Silla architects and the depth of • Any government taxes or compulsory to Suncheon and visit the Seonamsa Temple charges introduced after brochure Seoul i Buddhist faith at the time. (B) where you can see Korea’s most beautiful publication Photographs courtesey of Korea Tourism Orginisation 50 Book direct, call 020 3750 1655, fax 020 7256 9776 or email [email protected] Book direct, call 020 3750 1655, fax 020 7256 9776 or email [email protected] 51