Spectacular South Korea 12 Days | Starts/Ends: Seoul

TRIP NOTES

Spectacular South Korea 12 days | Starts/Ends: Seoul

PRIVATE TOUR: South Korea is • UNESCO Listed Seokguram Grotto - • Touring of Seoul, Jeonju, rich in tradition, culture and natural one of Asia's finest Buddhist shrines and Boseong,Namhae, Busan, Suncheon, beauty. Starting in the nation’s Bulguksa Temple Gyeongju, Yeongju • Jeonju Hanok Village, home to 700 bustling capital, Seoul, travel south traditional Korean homes What's Not Included through the rolling tea plantations • Boesong - stunning mountains and rolling • International flights and visa of Boesong to the ‘Treasure Island’ green hills of tea plantations • Tipping - an entirely personal gesture of Namhae and bustling port city • Suncheonman Bay - 40 kilometres of stunning wetlands Busan, before exploring ancient DETAILED ITINERARY • Gyeongju and the spectacular Jeonju - home to the Gyeonggijeon Shrine towering granite peaks of Mount Day 1 : Seoul • Namhae - known as the ‘treasure island of Upon arrival in Seoul you will be met by Seoraksan. Discover the wonders Korea’ our representative at Incheon International of South Korea in 12 memorable • The Sosuseowon Confucian School, Airport and transferred to your hotel. Day 1 is the first private Confucian academy days! designed as an arrival day, rest of the day at established in Korea leisure. • Mt.Seoraksan National Park - with HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS towering granite peaks and lush green Day 2 : Seoul Sightseeing Trip Highlights valleys • Seoul - the nations captivating capital; What's Included Gyeongbokgung Palace, National Folk • 11 nights 3 star hotels (4 & 5 star upgrade Museum, Jogyesa Temple, Insadong available, please enquire) Antique Alley, Cheonggycheon Stream • Breakfast daily and Seoul Tower • Airport arrival and departure transfer on • Busan - South Korea's principal port city day 1 and 12 and the Kukje Fish Market • Services of an English speaking guide/ • Gyeongju - former capital of the Silla driver for all scheduled sightseeing Kingdom and historic heart of the nation; • All entrance fees as per the itinerary Today is spent visiting Seoul’s most Gyeongju National Museum, Tumuli Park • All transfers and tranportation in private famous landmarks, this morning we see and the Silla royal tombs, Anapji Pond, air conditioned vehicles Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of the the ancient Cheomseongdae Observatory “Five Grand Palaces” built by the last Korean Dynasty, the Joseon Dynasty. Within the Palace grounds visit Jogyesa Temple

Spectacular South Korea - 12 days updated on 30-09-2021 04:04:56 www.onthegotours.com This information has been compiled with care and good faith. They give an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday. Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or other reasons could force us to make changes to UK 020 7371 1113 [email protected] this itinerary. Any costs shown are subject to change, though are an accurate reflection of costs at time of writing. Please also note that visa AUS 1300 855 684 [email protected] requirements are subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of On The Go Tours. NZ 0800 44 77 69 CAN 1 866 890 7038 - 1 - USA 1 866 606 2960 SA 0800 990 311 TRIP NOTES

Spectacular South Korea dedicated to Buddhism and still influential Day 4 : Boseong and 57BC – 935AD, Gyeongju is a living history today. We also learn more of Korean culture, Suncheon museum containing archaeological sites of tradition and history at the National Folk the Silla Kingdom as well as ancient relics Museum also situated in the grounds of the pertaining to Buddhism, the national religion palace. at the time. During the afternoon you will visit the UNESCO listed temples of Bulguska Afterwards we stop at Insadong, “dong” including the Seokguram Grotto, one of Asia’s meaning neighbourhood or district, the finest Buddhist shrines, resting 750 metres picturesque Cheonggycheon stream runs above sea level and looking out over the along the main street and divides what Sea of Japan, it is considered to contain one were once two villages, “In” and “Sa”, which of the best Buddhist sculptures in the world. have now combined as one. The area Overnight - Gyeongju (B) Today tour Boesong with its stunning has a traditional atmosphere and represents Day 7 : Gyeongju sightseeing Korean culture both past and present with mountains, the Boseong River flowing a mixture of modern and historical buildings through the centre and the rolling green hills and alleys. This afternoon take the chance to of tea plantations famous for its green tea of explore the many antique, craft and pottery supreme quality. Before visiting picturesque shops as well as traditional restaurants and Seonamsa Temple at the western end of teahouses. If time permits you will also have Mount Jogyesan with its beautiful arch the opportunity to visit an amethyst or ginseng bridges then continuing to Suncheonman specialist. Evening at leisure. Bay, the ecological capital of South Korea Overnight - Seoul (B) and part of the United Nations Environment Programme, the UNEP. A 40 kilometre long wetland with its vast fields of reeds makes Day 3 : Jeonju Located in the North Gyeongsang province for a spectacular landscape. Onwards to Today travel Southwest towards Jeonju the and once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Gwangyang where you will spend the night. capital of Jeollabuk-do province situated Silla,Gyeongju which ruled most of the Korean Overnight - Gwanyang (B) in the fertile Honam Plain famous for its Peninsula during the 7th till 9th Centuries, quality produce, especially its exceptional Day 5 : Namhae many remnants remain of this period leading strawberries, as well as being rich in tradition to the city being known as “the museum Leaving Gwangyang travel along the coastline and culture. In the afternoon explore Jeonju without walls”. An afternoon tour of Gyeongju to Namhae, known as the ‘treasure island Hanok Village, home to 700 traditional Korean takes you to Tumuli Park to visit some of the of Korea’. Connected to the mainland by homes built from clay, wood and stone, large and small tombs from the Silla period a 660 metre long and 80 metre high a rarity in today’s South Korea. Many are including that of King Michu, the 13th King of suspension bridge giving an impressive view still residential properties while others have the dynasty famed for fending off invaders. of the surrounding landscape. In Namhae been converted into guesthouses, museums, Legends even tell of soldiers with bamboo visit Daraengi Village with its 108 terraces galleries and teahouses. leaves stuffed in their ears arising from his of rice patties covering the hillside and the tomb to fend off invaders after his death, German village. Built in the style of German Jeonju is also home to the Gyeonggijeon explaining why his tomb is known as the architecture and even using German materials Shrine in honour of King Taejo the founder “Bamboo Soldier Tomb”. imported from Germany. The village was built of the Joseon Dynasty as well as Jeondong for German - Koreans who had moved to Catholic Church built in 1914 in a western-style Germany in the 1960’s seeking work and since Also once part of the ancient Silla complex cathedral design and the largest such western returned. Continue to Busan for the night. is Anapji Pond, an immense oval shaped style structure in the province. Later depart for Overnight - Busan (B) man made pond measuring 200 metres from Gwangju where you will spend the night. east to west and 180 metres from north Overnight - Gwangju (B) Day 6 : Busan to south. During renovations to the area A morning tour of Busan takes in the Busan in the 1970’s and 80’s many relics were Tower in Yongdusan Park and provides unearthed and are today housed in the perfect views of the entire city. See the vivid Gyeongju National Museum alongside the life of the Jagalchi Fish Market as locals Emille Bell, with its shady legend, is the largest haggle with the fishermen selling their fresh extant bell in Korea. Later we visit the oldest catch before you depart for Gyeongju. Serving surviving observatory in East Asia and one of as the capital of the Silla Kingdom from the world’s oldest scientific installations still

Spectacular South Korea in existence, Cheomseongdae Observatory. Travelling along the beautiful coastline We recognise any vaccine that has been Evening at leisure. to Mount Seoraksan we stop en-route authorised for use in the country where Overnight - Gyeongju (B) at Unification Park wher you can see the vaccine was administered. This includes the salvaged remains of a North Korean vaccines such as AstraZeneca, Covaxin, Day 8 : Yeongju submarine which was wrecked off the coast in Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, Pfizer- 1996 before making our final stop for the day BioNtech, Sinopharm, Sinovac and Sputnik. at Daepo Port, one of the finest places to find the freshest fish and seafood restaurants. In all instances, you must be fully immunised. Overnight - Mt.Seoraksan (B) This means you must receive the full dosage of the COVID-19 vaccine and allow a minimum Day 10 : Mount Seoraksan of 14 days before travelling in order for Today is spent hiking and exploring immunity to take effect. Each COVID-19 Mt.Seoraksan National Park, one of the vaccine has different dosages and timeframes most beautiful national parks in Korea, with for immunisation, so please check the related towering granite peaks, lush green valleys, medical advice associated with your vaccine. An early departure for Yeongju where en- Buddhist temples, dense forests and clear Children under 18 years are not required to route you visit the Sosuseowon Confucian streams. You will be able to view the park in provide evidence of vaccination to travel at School, the first private Confucian academy the best way possible as you take a cable this time. established in Korea before touring car to Gweongeumseong Peak before visiting Seonbichon Village, the home of the If you are unable to be vaccinated due Shinheungsa Temple nestled at the foot of Korea’s classic Confucian scholars, a good to medical reasons, you may apply for an the park. This afternoon depart for Seoul. opportunity to learn more about traditional exemption. Exemptions will be assessed on Overnight - Seoul (B) Korean ways. Later tour Buseoska Temple, a case-by-case basis. To apply, you must huge in size it is considered one of the Day 11 : Back to Seoul provide supporting documentation from a most beautiful in all of Korea. Onward to medical professional. Cheonpung. Overnight - Cheonpung (B) Proof of COVID-19 immunisation must Day 9 : Cheongpung Lake be provided to us no less than 4 weeks prior to travel. We accept COVID-19 digital certificates, NHS Covid Pass or Vaccination Record Cards e- mailed to [email protected] or you can upload your vaccination history yourself via our traveller login. https:// www.onthegotours.com/Login Today is free to spend as you please, why not visit some of the well known open air markets The information you will need to upload such as Namdaemun or Dongdaemun for includes: Administering national authority or some last minute shopping. Overnight - Seoul government, document No, name of Vaccine, We visit Cheongpung Lake where board (B) date/s of vaccination. a ferry to visit Danyang’s Eight Scenic Wonders mostly referring to mountain peaks Day 12 : Seoul Visas surrounding the lake - Dodam Sambong, Tour ends after breakfast. Included onward UK, EU, Australian, New Zealand, Canadian Seokmun, Sainam Rock, Haseonam, transfer to airport.(B) and US passport holders do not require a visa Jungseonam, Sangseonam, Gudambong and to enter South Korea for touristic purposes for Oksunbong. Please note the ferry ride KNOW BEFORE YOU GO a stay of up to 90 days. South African passport is subject to weather conditions, in the holders can obtain a visa upon arrival enter for unlikely event that it is cancelled it will be COVID-19 Vaccination a stay of up to 30 days. substituted with a visit to Dodamsambong Requirements Peak and Gosu Cave. Later pay a visit to A full passport with two full blank pages and As of 01 November 2021 it is a condition of Chamsori Gramophone Audio Museum, a at least 6 months validity beyond date of exit travel, as detailed in our Terms & Conditions private museum created by its curator, Seong from South Korea upon entrance is essential. that all travellers over 18 years provide proof Mok Son, and is the first of its kind in the world. Please Note: Visa information is subject to of COVID-19 vaccination. change. Contact your nearest South Korean

Spectacular South Korea

Embassy for the most up to date information. a fake or a genuine item! Those shopping for Visa procurement remains the responsibility Voltage: 220v 60Hz. South Korean plugs arts, crafts, jewellery, antiques or souvenirs, of the passenger and not that of On The Go. are of the European variety with two round should head to the wonderful markets and prongs. If travelling to South Korea with a shops of Insa Dong. Health device that does not accept 220 volts at 60 It is recommended that you be vaccinated Hertz a voltage converter will be required. Shopping tip: You can claim 70-80% of your for Tetanus and Polio, if you haven't had paid VAT and SET (special excise tax) back a booster in the last ten years. Food and Food at certain retail outlets. For purchases of more than ₩30,000 at outlets with 'Tax Free waterborne diseases are more common, so Largely based on rice, noodles, tofu, Shopping' or 'Tax Refund Shopping' signs, we recommend vaccinations for Typhoid vegetables and meat, Korean cuisine is (valid 3 years) and Hepatitis A (validity you can collect your refund in cash at the delicious. Traditionally with main meals a tax refund counters at the airport, have it varies). There is a malarial risk in some quantity of side dishes are served known as mailed to you or sometimes refunded to your remote areas and from June to October banchan, the most popular of these being card. Participating retail shops will issue you Japanese encephalitis can be transmitted kimchi. Kimchi is a traditional fermented dish a 'VAT Refund Check' and you should get a from mosquitoes in rural areas, so do made with vegetables, typically cabbage, certificate stamp on it at the customs desk check the current situation and medical radish, onions or cucumbers and flavoured when you leave Korea. requirements before travelling. with salt, garlic, ginger, and gochujang – a Vaccination information can change regularly fermented chilli paste, it can have a very salty so please visit your local health care provider and spicy flavour. for the most up to date information. One of the best known Korean cuisine exports Tap water is safe to drink in South Korea is the Korean barbecue. This usually involves although it may be best to avoid this grilling of beef, pork or chicken. The grilled when staying for short periods. It's possible dishes are typically prepared at the diner’s to purchase bottled mineral water at a table on a gas or charcoal grill built into the reasonable price. centre of the table or on a portable grill if built in barbecues are not available. One of Avoid stomach upsets, by only eating the most popular dishes served is galbi, beef freshly prepared, well-cooked meat and fish. short ribs, often marinated in spices before Vegetables should be cooked and fruit grilling. In a specialised restaurant the diner peeled. will request from a menu the types of meat they would like, these are brought to the table Climate and the diner cooks them to their liking. For South Korea’s climate is typically temperate those diners that are new to Korean barbecue with four distinct seasons. Late March or early the waiter is always on hand to offer help, April signals the start of Spring when mostly though typically it is only ever foreigners that sunny days can be expected throughout need help. March and May. Summer can be rather hot and wet and by June the average temperature Shopping is 20°C, monsoonal rains can begin around Considered a shopper’s paradise, great deals the end of June lasting through to middle can be had in South Korea on shoes, clothes, or late September. After a typically humid leather goods, silk, antiques, handbags, summer continental winds move in bringing suitcases and so much more. Clothes can be dry and clear weather for autumn and making tailor-made and range in quality depending the month of October the most pleasant time on the amount of money you are willing to to visit. December to February signals the part with. Many department stores have fixed onset of winter which is cold and dry with prices but can still be bargained over within occasional snow. reason. The major open air markets such as Namdaemun or Dongdaemun in Seoul offer Time & Voltage everything imaginable from well known brand Time: South Korea is 9 hours ahead of GMT. names to near perfect rip offs and it is here During British Summer Time (end March - where the true haggling takes place, just be October), time is 8 hours ahead. sure you know whether you are haggling over