Heart of Seoul

Day 1: Arrive Seoul, South Korea

Today you will be met on arrival at Incheon International Airport and transferred to your Seoul hotel where you will stay for 4 nights. The rest of your day is at leisure.  You may want to head out to sample popular Korean street food such as Bindaetteok (Mung bean pancakes), Eomukguk (fish cake soup), Boribap (rice and barley with vegetables), Kimbap (small dried seaweed rolls), Kalguksu (noodle soup) and Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes).

Day 2: Seoul – City Sights & Palace

Visit UNESCO World-Heritage listed Changdeokgung Palace in northern Seoul and one of the most important landmarks. Built during the Joseon Dynasty, the large 58 ha. complex includes a grand royal residence and authentic Korean structures that have remained intact since the 15th century. Note: the palace is closed Mondays, as an alternative you can visit Gyeongbok Palace.

You will also visit Gwanghwamun Plaza surrounded by museums, statues with views of Bukaksan mountain. At one end is Gwanghwamun Gate, entrance to Gyeongbokgung Palace and Cheonggye Plaza is on the southern end. Your day also includes visiting Insa-dong, a popular historic neighbourhood renowned for its traditional Korean culture.  Many buildings in Insadong area were originally owned by merchants and bureaucrats. Today, the narrow twisting alleyways are lined with traditional wooden tea houses, cafes, galleries and boutique stores selling arts and crafts. Taste local cuisine at Gwangjang Market, the oldest and largest traditional market in Seoul.  Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 3: Seoul – Royal Tombs

Spend today exploring Seoul in a guided city sightseeing tour.  This will include the tallest building in Seoul, Lotte World Tower (123 stories) and Lotte World Mall.  You will also visit one of the oldest cultural heritage sites in Seoul, the UNESCO World-Heritage listed Seolleung & Jeongneung (also called Seonjeongneung) Royal Tombs. Note: the tombs are closed Mondays, as an alternative you can visit Bongeunsa Temple. Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 4: Korea Demilitarised Zone

This morning, join a tour to the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ). This 241km long and 4km wide ‘no mans land’ zone has divided North and South Korea since the 1953 ceasefire agreement between the UN and North Korea. Just 50km from Seoul, this historic area is a unique symbolic and eerie place to visit while in South Korea and is the only area like this in the world.  This afternoon is at your leisure. Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5: Depart Seoul, South Korea

Today is at your leisure until it is time for you to depart Seoul. You will be transferred to Incheon International Airport for your onward flight (flight not included). Meals included: Breakfast