MODULE 2 TOURISM IN SOUTH KOREA C o n t e n t P a r t n e r : 2 The most popular tourist destinations of South Korea among Indian travelers are Seoul, Busan and Jeju Island. Apart from these, some new destinations are also gaining popularity like Gyeongju (historical town near Busan) and Gangwon Region (for winter activities like Ski, Showboarding etc). Lets explore each of the following city in depth: • Seoul • Busan • Jeju Island • Gyeongju • Gangwon-do Region 3 SEOUL One of the most emerging, vibrant global cities of the world - Seoul is the capital and the largest city of South Korea. It is the main center of Korea‟s culture, education, politics and economy. Seoul is a perfect mix of ancient and modern culture - home to many historic sites and places of traditional culture; Seoul is also one of the leading economic powers of the world. Your guests will be spoilt for choices in the shopping and entertainment districts. 4 SEOUL The Han River, which runs through the center of the city, is a distinctive landscape of Seoul that offers a myriad of recreation areas for citizens and tourists. Seoul city is divided into 2 parts by Han River. The northern part is known as Gangbuk which is the older part of city with main downtown, govt. offices and sightseeing attractions. The southern part is known as Gangnam – the famous area from song “Gangnam Style”. It is the new part of Seoul and is the most high-end and posh location of the country. Population of Seoul is 10- 15 million. The main airport in South Korea is Incheon International Airport which is located at 1 hr driving distance from Seoul city. It is awarded the best International Airport for last 12 years in a row. The airport is itself a tourist hotspot with a range of entertainment facilities like Duty free shopping, Live performances, Observation Deck Ecological Garden, Skating, Movie Theatre, Casinos, Golf Club etc. 5 Incheon International Airport offers Free Transit Tours (1-5 hrs long). These tours can be opted Free Transit Tours for by the transit tour passenger who has same day connecting flight from third countries to other third countries within 24 hours. The details of the different tours offered are: Tour Name Duration Route Timing 1st.07:00~08:00 2nd.08:00~09:00 3rd.10:00~11:00 Yonggungsa Temple Tour 1 Hr Airport→Yonggungsa Temple→Airport 4rd.11:00~12:00 5th.12:00~13:00 6th.15:00~16:00 1st.09:00~11:00 Airport → Heungryunsa Temple → Incheon Grand Bridge → Incheon Temple Tour 2 Hrs 2nd.13:00~15:00 Memorial Hall for Incheon Landing Operation → Airport 3rd.14:00~16:00 Gwangmyeong Cave Tour 3 Hrs Airport→Gwangmyeong Cave→ Airport 15:00~18:00 Hrs Airport→Songdo Central Park→Ocean Scope→Singi Songdo City Tour 4 Hrs 14:00~18:00 Hrs Market→Airport Seoul City Tour 1 5 Hrs Airport→Gyeongbok palace →Insadong street→Airport 8:00 -13:00 Hrs Seoul City Tour 2 5 Hrs Airport→Bukchon HanokVillage→Gwangjang market→ Airport 09:00~14:00 Hrs Seoul City Tour 3 5 Hrs Airport→ Changdeok Palace → Samcheong dong → Airport 10:00~15:00 Hrs Seoul City Tour 4 5 Hrs Airport→ Myeongdong → Namsan Seoul Tower → Airport 13:00~18:00 Hrs Important point to be noted in the transit tours are (A) Its free of cost and (B) Korean visa is not required to avail these tours! 6 THE MAJOR SIGHTSEEING PLACES IN SEOUL Since Seoul is divided into 2 halves by the river Han, major tours that your clients can opt for are city tours of Downtown Seoul and Gangnam District. 7 City Tour of Downtown Seoul The city tour of Downtown Seoul includes a half day tour of the following major attractions in the city: GYEONGBUK PALACE BUKCHON HANOK VILLAGE BLUE HOUSE INSADONG (CHEONG WA DAE) ANTIQUE STREET Located in the centre of Seoul city, It is situated in the centre of the city Blue House is the Official Residence of The most famous antique street of Gyeongbuk Palace is a UNESCO World close to Gyeongbuk Palace. It is a the President of South Korea. It is Korea will be a unique experience for Heritage Site and the main tourist traditional village with hundreds of old located behind Gyeongbuk Palace and your guests. style houses and a perfect example of one of the most distinguished attraction of Seoul. The main USP is the blend of old and the new Korea. buildings in Korea. Royal Change of Guard Ceremony (2 The meandering alleys lined with an times per day). assortment of shops of antiques and souvenir, galleries, traditional restaurants, teahouses and cafes 8 City Tour of Gangnam District The city tour of Gangnam District includes a half day tour of the following major attractions of the Gangnam District: YEOUIDO ISLAND GANGNAM STREET COEX BONGUENSA TEMPLE Also known as the „Manhattan of It is the place for your guests to Coex Mall is an underground Bongeunsa Temple is one of the most Korea‟, this small island on the River experience the essence of the famous Shopping Mall in Seoul. It is Asia‟s famous Buddhist Temples and tourist Han, houses the National Assembly song by PSY „Gangnam Style.‟ The largest underground market. There attractions in Gangnam area. Your most high-end location of South are Convention Centres, Exhibition guests can experience the traditional (Parliament of Korea), Head Quarters Korea, Gangnam has the most high- Halls, Casinos, Duty-Free Shops and Tea ceremony, temple tour and of LG and other Korean big companies end shopping malls, restaurants and COEX Aquarium, the largest aquarium Buddhist Meal on this tour. and world‟s largest church - Yoido Full luxury locations in Seoul. of South Korea. Gospel Church. Apart from the above City Tours, there are plenty of sightseeing and attractions that 9 your guests can opt for. Some of the most important are: N SEOUL TOWER HAN RIVER CRUISE LOTTE WORLD THEME PARK NANTA SHOW (Duration: 2-3 hrs) (Duration: 1 hr 30 min) (Duration: 4-8 hrs) (Total Duration: 2 hrs) One of the most famous tower The cruise on the river Han is a unique It is a major recreation complex which This non-verbal comedy show can be landmarks of Seoul & South Korea, N experience and best way to houses World‟s largest indoor theme a refreshing break for your clients. The Seoul Tower is 240 M high and experience the Seoul city from a park and an Outdoor Amusement 1 Hr 15 min show involves acrobatics, distance. The river cruise is available Park called Magic Island. The theme magic tricks, comedy and pantomime. located on top of Namsan every hour but the best time is 7 PM park is ideal for your guests who are The best location to enjoy Mountain (which itself is approx 240 to see Banpo Bridge fountain show. In travelling with their kids. It is located a Nanta Show is Nanta Theatre in m) making it the highest tower in Asia. the evening your guests can enjoy a near Gangnam. Myeongdong Shopping area. Here The observatory deck located here leisurely cruise along with Dinner. apart from enjoying the show, your offers a spectacular panoramic view of guests can indulge in different the city of Seoul. activities like shopping, leisurely walk, dinner etc. 10 GREVIN WAX MUSEUM TRICK EYE MUSEUM SEOUL SKY EVERLAND THEME PARK (Duration: 2-3 hrs) (Duration: 2-3 hrs) (Duration: 2-3 hrs) (Duration: Full Day) Grevin is the beeswax museum Trick Eye Museum is a very famous World 3rd Highest observation deck Let your guests be thrilled in the company from France and it is their attraction in South Korea. It creates 2D located on 121st floor of newly built largest theme park of South Korea! 1 first wax museum in Asia. More than art into 3D by use of illusion. Your Lotte World Tower, Seoul Sky is the Hr drive from Seoul city, the theme 100 celebrity wax statues with many guests can interact with the paintings, newest attraction of Korea! World‟s park has T-express - world‟s highest themes and zones is truly an amazing posing themselves just right so that fastest elevator, with LED wall and wooden roller coaster, Lost World, experience for the visitor. they look as if they are part of the roof, covers 121 floors in less than 60 Zootopia, Caribbean Bay, and many original work. sec – a one of its kind experience for more themed attractions and rides. your guests. 11 DE-MILITARIZED ZONE HWASEONG FORTRESS ONE MOUNT SNOW PARK (Tour Duration: 5-8 hrs) (Tour Duration: Half Day) (Tour Duration: Half Day) De-Militarized Zone or DMZ is the buffer zone This ancient fortress is a UNESCO World This is an indoor snow theme park which is between North & South Korea which is located Heritage Site and located at a distance of 1 hr open all year round. Located at a distance of 60 km / 1 hr from Seoul city. Your guests can drive from Seoul city. Apart from immersing 40 min drive from Seoul city, this snow park themselves in the glorious history and consists of more than 100 snow related rides feel the excitement of being present at the impressive structure of the fortress, your and activities. The highlight is Dog Sledging world‟s most heavily guarded border and can guests can also experience traditional Korean experience! do the sightseeing of war relics and Archery here. monuments, 3rd tunnel dug by North Korea army (1.2kms long), Dorasan station, etc.