SEOUL -6ºC - -6ºC

Welcome to Korea! You’ll be transferred to your hotel and have some free time. In the afternoon, you’ll receive information about the start of your tour.

SEOUL -6ºC - -6ºC

We’ll depart early for the Cheorwon region and its section of the DMZ, the Demilitarized Zone that marks the division between the two Koreas. We’ll explore the Second Tunnel, secretly dug by the North Korean army and discovered in 1975. We’ll then head to the Cheorwon Peace Observatory, offering panoramic views of the DMZ and the first villages of North Korea. Inside, there is a small museum dedicated to the Korean War. Our route will continue with a visit to the abandoned Woljeong-ri railway station. We’ll also visit the Baek Ma Battle Memorial, which honors the role of a French UN battalion during the battles. Finally, we’ll visit a local producer of Makgeolli, a traditional Korean rice liquor. We’ll return to Seoul in the evening.

Important note: Please remember to bring your passport, as it is required. The DMZ is a military zone and could be closed unexpectedly without prior notice. If this happens, an alternative route will be provided.

With our guide, we go to City Hall, to see this impressive tsunami-looking building. Across from City Hall, we’ll see Deoksugung Palace, beautifully lit at night, allowing us to appreciate the blend of tradition and modernity in this country. From there, we’ll walk to the Myeongdong district, South Korea’s largest shopping and entertainment area, whose name means “bright town.” Dinner will be included at a local restaurant. To return to hotel we’ll take the modern and efficient metro (ticket included). Overnight accommodation.

SEOUL -6ºC - -6ºC

Today, we’ll enjoy an extensive five-hour tour of Seoul. We’ll see the Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, set within a large park and home to a collection of palaces. Afterward, we’ll pass by Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional and historic neighborhood with little homes. Next, we’ll learn about the War Memorial of Korea, an impressive museum that provides a deep insight into the various conflicts that have shaped Korea’s history, with a special focus on the Korean War, where soldiers from many countries fought under the United Nations. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant. We’ll then head to the Gangnam District, one of the city´s busiest areas, known for its shopping centers and entertainment venues. To conclude the day, we’ll stop at Lotte World Tower, a stunning skyscraper standing 550 meters tall. You’ll have free time either to go up the tower (ticket not included) or explore the surrounding park and luxury shopping malls. After, we will return to the hotel, and you will have free time.

SEOUL -6ºC - -6ºC - SUWON -6ºC - -5ºC - JEONJU -1ºC - -1ºC

Today, we’ll visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, a stunning palace with over 600 years of history. We’ll have the chance to witness the ceremonial changing of the guard if it takes place at that time. Afterward, we’ll depart from Seoul and head south. Our first stop will be Suwon, the former capital of Korea, renowned for its impressive UNESCO World Heritage walls. We’ll see these remarkable fortifications and visit Hwaseong Haenggung, the summer palace. Lunch will be included. We’ll then continue to Jeonju, where we’ll discover its fascinating historic center (Hanok Village), with its little houses, traditional shops, and art galleries.

JEONJU -1ºC - -1ºC - DAMYANG -2ºC - -2ºC - HAEINSA - BUSAN -1ºC - -1ºC

We’ll depart for the Sunchang Gochujang Village, located at the base of Mount Amisan, with its hanok houses and courtyards filled with clay pots called hang-a-ri. This village is home to master artisans who craft gochujang (Korean chili paste) using traditional methods. We’ll enjoy a hands-on experience learning how to make this famous sauce. Afterward, we’ll continue to Damyang to visit the Juknokwon Bamboo Forest, where the paths are considered some of the most beautiful in the country, perfect for meditation and enjoying the fresh breeze. We’ll also find a variety of bamboo products, celebrated in places like the Bamboo Museum. Lunch will be included, and we’ll taste a local specialty: rice cooked and served inside a bamboo stalk. Surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes and forests, we’ll arrive at Haeinsa, one of Korea’s most important Buddhist temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 802, it houses the Tripitaka, the most complete collection of Buddhist scriptures, carved on 80,000 wooden tablets. We’ll then continue to Busan, Korea’s second-largest city, known for its vibrant atmosphere, for accommodation.

BUSAN -1ºC - -1ºC - BUSAN - SHIMONOSEKI FERRY

In the morning, we’ll depart from Busan to visit Haedong Yonggung, a 14th-century Buddhist temple located by the sea. After returning to Busan, we’ll learn about the United Nations Memorial, where people from various countries are buried. Next, we’ll visit the largest fish market in the country, located next to Nampo Port. Lunch will be included. We’ll then walk to Yongdusan Park, home to the towering 120-meter pagoda. Later, we’ll go to the port to complete boarding formalities (the latest check-in time for the ferry is 5:30 p.m.). The ferry is scheduled to depart from Busan at 9:00 p.m., crossing the Sea of Japan. Night will be spent onboard in double cabins with private bathrooms.

Note: Due to limited availability of double cabins on the ferry, we may take a high-speed ferry departing Busan at 3:00 p.m. and arriving in Fukuoka (Japan) at around 6:30 p.m. (border crossing, free time in Fukuoka, and hotel accommodation).

BUSAN - SHIMONOSEKI FERRY - SHIMONOSEKI 3ºC - 6ºC - IWAKUNI 6ºC - 6ºC - ITSUKUSHIMA - HIROSHIMA 4ºC - 4ºC

Arrival at 08:00 a.m. at Shimonoseki Port (breakfast not included), followed by a border crossing. We’ll head to Iwakuni, a charming town where we’ll pass by the beautiful and historic Kintai-Kyo Bridge. We’ll then take a ferry to Miyajima, the island known as the place “where gods and humans coexist.” It is home to the Itsukushima Shrine, dedicated to the guardian of the seas and partially built over the water. There will be time to explore the shrine, stroll through the picturesque town center, and enjoy lunch. Next, we’ll head to Hiroshima, a city sadly known for the atomic bombing in 1945 that destroyed it. We’ll tour the Peace Memorial, see the atomic bomb dome, and visit the impressive Peace Museum. Dinner will be included.

HIROSHIMA 4ºC - 4ºC

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.