Korea's Autumn Colors Tour
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Korea’s Autumn Colors Tour October 27th -November 4th, 2019 7nts from: $2495 double/triple and $2795 single Cool temperatures and colors change from the vibrant greens of summer to a rich palette of red, orange, and yellow, signaling the arrival of autumn. South Korea is renowned for having some of the most beautiful autumn foliage and fall landscapes in the world. Though numerous areas across Korea offer brilliant displays of autumn leaves, the mountains are still considered the quintessential destination. On this tour, not only can you enjoy the fall foliage in and around Seoul, but we have also included a two-night stay in Sokcho, close by to Seoraksan Mountains and the stunning fall scenery of Seoraksan National Park. There’re also fun items including a visit to the KBS Drama Center, Jeongdong Theatre show and plenty of time for serious shopping in Myeongdong, the shopping epicenter of Seoul. Come along, join us on this fun filled fall foliage tour! Itinerary Day 1 –October 27th, 2019 - Sunday- Departure from Honolulu (D/S) Please meet your Panda Travel escort at the Hawaiian Airlines check-in counter, located in Terminal 2, Lobby 4, a minimum of 3 hours prior to the departure time. A dinner and snack will be served on your flight. Hawaiian Airlines # 459 Departs Honolulu at 2:35pm – Arrives Incheon at 8:00pm + 1 Day 2 – October 28th, 2019 - Monday-Seoul (D) On arrival at the Incheon, please make your way to the baggage claim area as we need to clear immigration and customs. On exiting our local English speaking guide will be there to meet us. The drive into the city is approximately 1 hour, but first we will give you time to exchange currency. If you do not exchange currency here, there are plenty of opportunities close by to our hotel. Accommodations in Seoul are at the recently renovated Seoul IBIS Myeongdong Hotel, ideally located in the heart of Myeong-dong, the epicenter of fashion and culture. Famous Namdaemun Market and Seoul City Hall are within a 10- minute walk. The remainder of the evening is free. A dinner bento box with bottled water will be provided on arrival at the hotel Accommodations: Seoul Ibis Myeongdong Hotel Free Day 3 – October 29th, 2019 - Tuesday-Seoul (B/L) After breakfast, please meet your guide in the lobby as we are off on a full day of touring. After breakfast, off on a full day of tour in Seoul. Lunch is also included in today’s itinerary. The morning begins with a drive by Blue House, named for the blue tiles that cover the roof. It serves as the presidential home, much like the White House in Washington, D.C. Set in an old Joseon Dynasty royal garden, the Blue House sits with Mount Bugaksan as its backdrop in a spot deemed auspicious. Built in the traditional Korean architectural style, the Blue House has more than 150,000 tiles on its roof, each formed and baked individually and thought to be strong enough to last for centuries. From here we will be visiting Deoksugung Palace, one of Seoul’s five grand palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty. It first served as a palace in 1593 and is a fascinating mix of traditional Korean and western-style neoclassical structures which adds uniqueness to its surroundings. It is the only palace in that is has a modern seal engraving and a western style garden and fountain. It stands as a bridge between the old and modern eras. Outside the palace is a picturesque road flanked by an elegant stone wall. During the fall foliage season, enjoy the many yellow ginkgo leaves that add to the surrounding scenery. Just inside the palace’s main gate we will stop and take in the entertaining changing of the guard ceremony. From here, a visit to Bukchon Hanok Village, home to hundreds of traditional houses, called hanok, that date back to the Joseon Dynasty when the aristocratic classes lived here. The name Bukchon, which literally translates to "northern village," came about as the neighborhood lies north of two significant Seoul landmarks, Cheonggyecheon Stream and Jongno. Today, many of these hanoks operate as cultural centers, guesthouses, restaurants and tea houses, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience, learn and immerse themselves in traditional Korean culture. Just steps away is Samcheongdong, home to distinctive cafés, shops, and galleries. Art appreciators have their choice of roughly forty different galleries. The area is filled with European-style cafés and trendy shops that have blended into the traditional landscape, some even taking up residence in renovated hanok that otherwise may have been left to ruin. Next, a stop at Cheonggyecheon Stream and Plaza, a public square in central Seoul that commemorates the restoration of this stream which was once an elevated highway. Restored in 2005, Cheonggyecheon is a cool respite from Seoul’s summer heat. It is one of the best places to go for a spring or summer stroll. On weekends from April to November, the plaza hosts events for the Cheonggyecheon Cultural Festival. We may be in luck! Our last stop on today’s touring is at Gwangjang Market, one of Korea's largest traditional markets and is renowned for its quality silk goods, linen bedding and hand-made goods. The market was first established in 1905, is today the oldest remaining daily market in Korea. Though most visit the market for the street food, many shoppers venture away from the street food to one of the other levels of the market. It is here where you will find a vast selection of vendors selling textiles, silk, linens, bed sheets, hanbok (traditional Korean dress), second-hand clothes, and more. Many of the vendors stationed here own their own factories which supply fabrics and other goods to nearby markets and department stores including Namdaemun, Dongdaemun, and Pyounghwa Clothing Market. Now, back to our hotel and the remainder of the afternoon and evening is free. Accommodations: Seoul Ibis Myeongdong Hotel Free Day 4 – October 30th, 2019 - Wednesday-Seoul-Chuncheon-Sokcho (B/L/D) Please meet your guide in the lobby after breakfast as we are off on a full day of touring. Our morning begins with a drive to Nami Island, a tiny half-moon shaped island located in Chuncheon. The island was formed from the inundated rising waters of the North Han River as the result of the construction of Cheongpyeong Dam in 1944. The drive is a little more than one hour. Nami Island attracts lovers and families who come to stroll along its tree lined paths and enjoy a taste of nature outside the city. It is also known as the filming site in a scene of the famous Korean drama, Winter Sonata. This also makes a visit here a must do for lovers and fans of Korean drama. Access to the island is by ferry. When you arrive, there is a “visa line”, but don’t panic, its only to give this island an imaginary independent country feel. It is also known as Namimara Republic and has its own currency. You can purchase currency here on island and it is accepted at several shops. Once here we will enjoy a tour as well as their famous Dakgalbi BBQ chicken lunch, spicy chicken and vegetables. This is also a great place to enjoy beautiful autumn views with vibrant colors of green, yellow and red. Next, a visit to Gubongsan Mountain Observatory. The drive is one of the most scenic routes in Chuncheon, offering breathtaking views overlooking the downtown area. Interestingly, it does not feature the usual observation deck. Instead, the area is lined with cafés that are great for taking in the sights. In other words, the cafés here are the observatories. Each of the cafés is decorated with different themes and styles, but all of them offer a spot to gaze out on the beauty of Chuncheon. At this time of year, enjoy the colorful fall foliage. We are now off to Sokcho, a charming coastal town that serves as the gateway to Seoraksan National Park. It’s gorgeous seaside and breathtaking mountainous landscape makes Sokcho a one-of-a-kind gem that can reveal a side of Korea you’ve never experienced before. Accommodations for our two nights here are at the Ramada Gangwon Sokcho, opened in 2016 and located a short walk from Daepo Port where you can enjoy a variety of shop and restaurants. Dinner is included in today’s tour and will be at a local restaurant. Accommodations: Ramada Gangwon Sokcho Hotel Free Day 5 – October 31st, 2019 - Thursday-Sokcho (B/L) After breakfast, please meet your guide in the lobby as we are off on a full touring day. Don’t forget to bring along comfortable footwear. The morning begins with a visit to Seorak National park, offering some of Korea’s most beautiful sceneries. Sit back and enjoy the 6-minute cable car ride to the top. When it comes to autumn destinations, Seoraksan Mountain is usually the first to come to mind, for its rich fall colors. Also keep an eye out for the fascinating rock formations of the Gwongeumseong Fortress, the site of a castle ruins. The park has been designated as a nature reserve since 1965, due in part that it is home to many plants and animals, including some that are rare. More than 1,000 species of plants and 1,562 animal species have been identified. If we are lucky, just might catch a glimpse of the rare Korean musk deer or Korean goral.