KR010 Best of Korea (10Days/FRI)

Gyeongbokgung Palace is arguably the most beautiful, and remains the largest of all five palaces.

The National Palace Museum of Korea is located outside of Heungnyemun Gate, and the National Folk Museum is located on the eastern side of Hyangwonjeong Pavillion.

- The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony

In ancient times, the royal guards of Joseon Dynasty performed the given task by guarding the Gwanghwamun Gate, the entrance of Gyeongbokgung Palace where the king ruled the country. 

Since 1469, the ceremony has taken place and its record has been consulted for the present reenactment ceremony.

The National Folk Museum of Korea is located within Gyeongbokgung Palace, and it showcases historical artifacts used in the daily lives of Korean people in the past. Through the exhibitions, visitors can learn about various aspects of Korean culture, including domestic life, agricultural practices, and cultural beliefs.

In addition to the exhibitions, the museum also features a library, a souvenir shop, and other auxiliary facilities to enhance the visitor experience.

Korean Folk Village introduces traditional culture from the late Joseon period to both local and international visitors through cultural classes experience, shaman faith, seasonal customs and others. It recreated the past through the restoration of houses from the Joseon dynasty. theme park equipped with 15 exciting attractions is also available. Visitors can also try various Korean foods at the market street.

Check-into your hotel and have leisure time.

Orakai Daehakro Hotel (4 STAR)

+82-2-6353-7700 ( https://dh.orakaihotels.com/kr/default.asp ) or similar

Meeting at parking lot next to Dongwha Duty Free Shop at exit number 6 of Gwanghwamun subway station at 8 am

(Address : 149, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul)

It takes 1 hour 30 minutes.

The Songsan-ri Tombs and the Royal Tomb of King Muryeong (reign 501-523) contain representative relics of the Baekje period (18BC-660AD). These tombs serve as important evidence of Baekje culture and the exchanges with foreign countries that took place during that period. They are a testament to the rich heritage of the Baekje Kingdom and its contributions to Korean history. Ongoing efforts are being made to preserve and protect these archaeological sites, enabling researchers and visitors to explore and learn from the traces of this ancient civilization.

Located in Gongju-si (city), it is a mountain castle established during the Baekje dynasty. You can enjoy the breathtaking view of the Geumgang riverside righthere. It is worth to visit for its historical and cultural significance, and also for the fantastic sight. 

It takes 1 hour.

the largest traditional hanok korean house village in Korea, with more than 700 hanoks in the Pungnam-dong area of Jeonju. It is the only hanok district that is located in the center of a city. It is an important space in the development process of Korea's modern housing culture, which started in 1910, and is the home of about 20 cultural facilities. Located in Jeonju-si (city). It is a representative travel destination of Korea and is integrated with the style of Korea such as hanok(house), hanji(paper), hansori(song), hanbok(traditional costume), Korean food, and oriental medicine. A part of Hanok is set aside so that tourists can experience traditional Korean life at Hanok Life Experience Hall.

Check-intoyour hotel and have leisure time.

HOTEL : Best Western Plus Jeonju Hotel or similar (4 STAR)

+82-63-231-7777  http://www.bwplusjeonju.com/ 

It takes 1 hour 30 minutes.

Gwangju is birthplace of a modern democratic movement in Korea. Gwangju is a symbol of freedom and democracy. The cemetery holds the graves of 764 victims of the May 18th Democratic Uprising in 1980, seven structures, and many monuments. May 18th became a nationalday commemorating the people's desire for democracy.

It takes 1 hour.

The Suncheon Bay Garden was established in order to turn 1.12 square kilometers of natural habitat into a conservation area. Especially, the numerous groups of tulips and royal azaleas are truly a sight to see. Besides, the canola flowers are in full bloom in May, creating a breathtakingly beautiful yellow "wave" with trees making great shades of canopy for the area. This place, which presents an awe-inspiring display as the most beautiful creation of nature by human hands, was designated as the first national garden of South Korea in 2015.

It takes 40 minutes.

Yi Sunsin Plaza is located in Jungang-dong, a romantic coastal city Yeosu-si, and it showcases the history and achievements of Admiral Yi Sunsin. During the Japanese invasion of the Imjin Waeran War (1592-1598), Admiral Yi Sun-shin chose this site as his headquarters. As a result, the plaza exhibits numerous artifacts that pay tribute to his heroic efforts in defending the country. The indoor display, along with the hall itself, was designated as a National Treasure in 2011. Serving as the starting point for the history culture tourism belt, the plaza offers a captivating experience. The highlight of the plaza is the life-size turtle ship, which visitors can explore both from the outside and the inside.

Check-into your hotel and have leisure time.

HOTEL : Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Yeosu or similar (4 STAR)

+82-61-642-0000 http://www.ramadaplazadolsanyeosu.com

Jinjuseong Fortress is historically linked to the Imjin War with Japan in 1592 and is the site of the Battle of Jinju. It has been preserved from the Three Kingdoms, Goryeo, and Joseon periods to the present day. The fortress contains various artifacts and historic remains. Inside, you can find Chokseoknu, the Kim Shi-min Memorial, Uigisa Shrine, Seojangdae, Bukjangdae, Changyeolsa Shrine, Jinju National Museum, Hoguksa Temple, and an outdoor stage. 

It takes 1 hour 30 minutes.

Depart from Gimhae Domestic Airport (1st floor, Bus ticket office) → Arrive at Jeju

Meet your tour guide at Jeju Airport (upon exiting customs)

Check Into your hotel and have leisure Time

HOTEL: Grand Hyatt Jeju or similar (5 STAR)

+82-64-907-1234 ( https://www.jejudreamtower.com/eng/ )

Hyeopjae Beach is located about 32 kilometers west of downtown Jeju and is near Hallim Park. The white sandy beach mixed with crushed seashells, Biyangdo Island appearing to float on the cobalt sea, and the lush pine forest all combine to create an outstanding scene.

Hallim Park is one of the most popular tourist spots on Jeju Island, located approximately 33 kilometers west of Jeju-si and Hallasan Mountain along the beach in Hallim-eup. It faces the pleasant scenery of Biyangdo Island, Hyeopjae Beach and Geumneung Beach. Hallim Park, reaching almost 100 thousand square meters, has a variety of gardens that can be enjoyed in any season. Visitors can enjoy Palm Tree Road, Jeju Stone and Bonsai Garden, Water Garden, Subtropical Botanic Garden, and much more. 

O'sulloc Tea Museum, located next to O'sulloc's Seogwang Tea Plantation in Jeju, was opened by Amorepacific (Beauty brand) in 2001 with the aim of introducing and spreading Korean teas and the traditional tea culture of Korea. The museum is a cultural space where the West and the East, and modernity and tradition coexist in harmony. The museum has a tea gallery, eco-friendly rest area, and a cafe where visitors can enjoy a variety of tasty tea-based desserts.

See the blissful and picturesque ocean view of Sanbang Mountain and  Yongmeori Beach , which have been designated as Global Geoparks, from the Sanbangsan Mountain Pleasure Boat.

Cheonjeyeon Waterfall has three sections. The first runs from the floor of the mountain on the upper part of Jungmun-dong, which falls 22 meters. The water there falls again two more times to form the second and third sections, which then tributes to the sea. The first segment is usually a pond, but falls when it rains. The forest in which the fall is located is in a warm temperature zone so you can feel rejuvenated while watching the fall and feel refreshed while breathing in the cool air.

Check Into your hotel and have leisure Time

HOTEL: Grand Hyatt Jeju or similar (5 STAR)

+82-64-907-1234 ( https://www.jejudreamtower.com/eng/ )

Located at the foot of Halla Mountain on Jeju Island, Seongeup Folk Village is a small town that holds a vast amount of culture over a wide period of time from 1410 to 1914. Among the cultural gems of the folk village are intangible cultural assets such as folk plays, native foods, local folk craftsmanship, and local dialect. Even the trees are an important part of the area’s heritage. The Seongeup Folk Village shows the unique culture of Jeju Island.

구좌읍 세화리 백사장이 보이는 어촌마을에 위치한 제주 해녀 박물관. 기원전부터의 역사를 가진 제주의 해녀문화를 중심으로 해양, 어촌, 민속, 어업 등에 관한 자료를 전시하고 있다. 박물관 안팎의 전시물들은 모두 해녀들이 기부한 것이다. 전시관 안에는 실제 해녀의 집도 기부 받아 옮겨와 있으며, 음식문화와 양육, 반어반농, 영등굿 문화 등이 자세히 전시되어 있다.

Seongsan Ilchulbong has long been considered one of the top scenic destinations in Korea. It attracts millions of visitors a year, many of whom climb to the top for the breathtaking panoramic view of the ocean, Udo Island, Hallasan Mountain, and the volcanic landscape of the east.

Located in Jocheon-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju Stone Park was inspired by Jeju's culture and applications of stones. The main theme focuses on the foundation and identity of Jeju Island, based on the myth of Seolmundae Halmang (Grandmother Seolmundae), who created Jeju Island and the stones of Obaek Janggun (Five Hundred Generals). The park serves as a historical and cultural space where collected stones respresent Jeju's foundation and culture.

오후 5시 제주 공항에서 부산으로 이동

Check into your hotel and have leisure time

Grand Josun Busan Hotel or similar (5 STAR) +82-51-922-5000  https://gjb.josunhotel.com/main.do 

Haeundae Beach is the most famous beach in Korea as well as in Busan. People flock to Haeundae Beach every summer. It is a perfect summer vacation spot. Haeundae Beach is also famous for various cultural events and festivals held throughout the year. Other facilities in the area include Dongbaekseom Island, Busan Aquarium, a yachting dock, BEXCO, driving courses, and more. Dongbaek Park is Located near the south end of Haeundae Beach, Dongbaekseom Island was designated as a park in September 1, 1966. The island is full of Camellia flower and pine trees and is connected to the main land by a bridge. 

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is situated on the coast of the north-eastern portion of Busan. This superb attraction offers visitors the rare find of a temple along the shore line; most temples in Korea are located in the mountains. 

Gamcheon Culture Villiage is formed by houses built in staircase-fashion on the foothills of a coastal mountain, earning this village the nickname "Machu Picchu of Busan." Many alleys that cut through this community are vibrantly decorated with murals and sculptures created by the residents.

Busan,2nd largest city with a biggest port in Korea, located at the mouth of the Nakdong river in south of Korea. 

Jagalchi Market, located on the shoreside road in Busan's Jung-gu, is Korea's largest seafood market, selling both live and dried fish.

 Busan International Film Festival (BIFF sqaure) has been remade into a cultural tourist attraction promoting the advancement of Korea’s film industry, 

BIFF Square has contributed to Busan’s newfound status as an international cultural tourist city. In recent years, the square has grown into a more complex area, featuring not only movie theaters but also shops and leisure facilities, attracting growing numbers of young visitors and tourists. 

Experience making traditional rice cake with a master rice cake maker and tasting it.

It takes 1 hour 30 minutes.

Gyeongju Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond was a secondary palace used by the crown prince of the Silla Kingdom. It also served as a banquet site for important national events and important visitors. The pond was created in 674. The pond features three small islands, and a landscape of 12 small hills to the northeast. After the fall of Silla, the site was abandoned and forgotten. In the 1980s, a pottery fragment with the letters “Wolji” (a pond that reflects the moon) carved onto it was found, revealing the true name of the pond.  After the discovery, the site was renamed to the current Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond.

Check-into your hotel and have leisure time.

HOTEL : Lahan Select Gyeongju or similar (5 STAR)  +82-54-748-2233 

https://www.lahanhotels.com/gyeongju/ko/main.do   

Gyeongju National Museum houses numerous historical and cultural artifacts of the Silla Dynasty (57 BC - AD 935). Not only strives to preserve, exhibit, and research the rich history and culture of Silla, it also strives to take leap toward becoming a cultural multi-complex center by promoting international exchange opportunities, social education programs, and a variety of special exhibitions.

Cheomseongdae Observatory, one of the landmarks of Gyeongju, is constructed in a cylindrical shape standing approximately 9 meters tall. The observatory is made up of 365 stones, symbolizing the number of days in a year. These stones are stacked in 27 layers, representing the 27th ruler, Queen Seondeok, and the number of days in a lunar month.

Seokguram grotto was constructed during the Silla Dynasty. It is hailed as the pinnacle of Silla Buddhist art, showcasing the remarkable achievements of that era. The statue of Buddha in Seokguram grotto embodies the harmonious fusion of architecture, craftsmanship, geometry, religion, and art. In December 1995, it was jointly inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site along with Bulguksa Temple.

(출처: 저작권자 문화재청)

Bulguksa Temple is a representative relic of Buddhist culture from the Silla Kingdom. The temple currently houses seven national treasures and numerous other important heritage items. The temple's beauty and the artistic value of its stone relics are so breathtaking and captivating that they garner high praise from visitors worldwide.

It takes 1hour 30minutes.

Check into your hotel and have leisure time

Daegu Interbulgo hotel or similar 

+82-53-3800-114 ( http://www.hotel-interburgo-daegu.com/eng/ )

Haeinsa Temple is located in Gayasan National Park. It was founded by King Aejang of the Shilla Dynasty in 802 and is well-known for its famous treasure, the 'Tripitaka Koreana,' which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Tripitaka Koreana is composed of 81,341 wooden printing blocks and was created with the support of Buddha to repel the Mongolian Army invasion.

It takes 2 hours 30 minutes.

Hahoe Village is one of the most famous folk villages in Korea, which has preserved the housing architecture and the village structure of the Joseon Dynasty. Moreover, the village was naturally formed with people who actually live there. Hahoe Village boasts exquisite scenic sights: the elegant Nakdong River flowing around the village. Hahoe Village, along with Yangdong Village in Gyeongju, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List under the category of "Historic Villages in Korea" on July 31, 2010. 

It takes 2 hours 30 minutes.

Check-into your hotel and have leisure time.

HOTEL : Intercontinental Alpensia Pyeongchang or similar  (5 STAR)

+82-33-339-1225  ( https://www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/us/en/gangwon-do/kagha/hoteldetail?cm_mmc=GoogleMaps-_-IC-_-KR-_-KAGHA )

Seoraksan National Park, the peaks of the Seoraksan Mountains break through the clouds while jade-like water flows through the valleys, creating breathtaking views and making this Korea's most famous national park. Due to the many rare species found here, UNESCO designated this national park a Biosphere Preservation District in 1982.

*Seorak Cable Car (Optional for cable car USD20pp)

The ideal way to comfortably appreciate the magnificent landscape of Seoraksan Mountain is using the Seorak Cable Car. The cable car boarding station is located in the Small Park of Seoraksan National Park. It takes about 10 min to get to the Gwongeumseong Fortress (700m above sea level) by the cable car.

*During the peak season in October, Seoraksan National Park will restrict entry for buses and medium-sized buses. Therefore, the bus must park at C District Square, and you must walk 3.6km from C District Square to the entrance. So please be aware that we might not be able to visit Seoraksan National Park for this tour.

It takes 3 hours 30 minutes.

Check-into your hotel and have leisure time.

Orakai Daehakro Hotel (4 STAR)

+82-2-6353-7700 ( https://dh.orakaihotels.com/kr/default.asp ) or similar

enjoy your free time.

[ 사진 저작권은 위로부터 출처: 1.ⓒ한국관광공사 사진갤러리-김지호/ 2.ⓒ한국관광공사 사진갤러리-김지호/ 3.ⓒ한국관광공사 사진갤러리-이범수/ 4.ⓒ한국관광공사 사진갤러리-김지호/ 5.ⓒ한국관광공사 사진갤러리-라이브스튜디오 김학리/ 6.ⓒ한국관광공사 사진갤러리-IR 스튜디오/ 7.ⓒ한국관광공사 사진갤러리-김지호/ 8.ⓒ한국관광공사 사진갤러리-이범수/ 9.유에스여행 자체보유/ 10.ⓒ한국관광공사 사진갤러리-두드림/ 11.ⓒ한국관광공사 사진갤러리-김지호/ 12.ⓒ한국관광공사 사진갤러리- 이범수/ 13.ⓒ한국관광공사 사진갤러리-유형민/ 14.ⓒ한국관광공사 사진갤러리-김지호/ 15.ⓒ한국관광공사 사진갤러리-김지호/ 16.ⓒ한국관광공사 사진갤러리-김지호/ 17.ⓒ한국관광공사 사진갤러리-김지호/ 18.ⓒ한국관광공사 사진갤러리-이범수/ 19.ⓒ한국관광공사 사진갤러리-이범수/ 20.ⓒ한국관광공사 사진갤러리-이항우/ 21.ⓒ한국관광공사 사진갤러리-이범수/ 22.ⓒ한국관광공사 사진갤러리-라이브스튜디오/ 23.ⓒ한국관광공사 사진갤러리-김지호/ 24.ⓒ한국관광공사 사진갤러리-부산관광공사/ 25.ⓒ한국관광공사 사진갤러리- 니오타니스튜디오/ 26.ⓒ한국관광공사 사진갤러리-조광연/ 27.ⓒ한국관광공사 사진갤러리-김지호/ 28.ⓒ한국관광공사 사진갤러리-이범수/ 29.문화재청/ 30.ⓒ한국관광공사 사진갤러리-앙지뉴 필름/ 31.ⓒ한국관광공사 사진갤러리-김지호/ 32.ⓒ한국관광공사 사진갤러리-이범수/ 33.ⓒ한국관광공사 사진갤러리-김지호 ]