South Korea: Sun & Moon – A Limited Edition Small Group Journey (2023/24)

Arrive at Incheon International Airport to a warm A&K welcome before your private transfer to your hotel. Seoul, South Korea’s captivating capital, is a bustling metropolis where modern skyscrapers, high-tech subways and pop culture meet Buddhist temples, palaces and street markets. The remainder of your day is at leisure to explore the wonders of this buzzing metropolis.

Grand Hyatt Seoul

Meet your fellow travellers and Resident Tour Director at a briefing before beginning your discovery of this fascinating city with a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace. Wander through the grounds, filled with lotus ponds, pleasure gardens and ornate statues, and peruse the exhibits at the National Folk Museum. Head to the charming Bukchon Hanok village, where you’ll stroll the cobbled streets, seek out quaint teahouses or curio-filled galleries and immerse yourself in traditional Korean culture.

Savour lunch at a local restaurant before visiting Gwangjang Market, the first permanent market in Korea, overflowing with fresh produce, textiles, handicrafts and items used in Korean traditional medicine. Later, discover the 2,300-year-old Korean martial art, taekwondo, in a high energy demonstration before enjoying a welcome dinner at an authentic Korean BBQ restaurant.

Grand Hyatt Seoul | Meals: BLD

Journey north to the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) which demarcates North Korea from South Korea. Your guide, a North Korean defector will enlighten you on what it’s like to live under the storied censorship of the northern provinces, and share Korean military history and how the DMZ was created at the end of the Korean War. Much of your exploration is on foot, hiking through tunnels, along rugged paths, to the Unification Bridge and other places of interest. Plot your own course this afternoon with one of these Design Your Day activities:

• Join a Korean culinary experience and uncover the secrets of how to make Kimchi, the perfect traditional Korean side dish, and one of the country’s most famous.
• Visit the Leeum Samsung Museum of Art, a fascinating museum that focuses on traditional and modern paintings, sculptures and installations by a range of Korean and international artists.
• Explore the many hidden wonders of East Bukchon by pedicab. Travel back in time as you explore this traditional village, preserved to showcase a 600-year-old urban environment.

Grand Hyatt Seoul | Meals: B

Begin with a visit to the Korean Folk Village, exploring the farming village, a private house, official districts, Confucian academy, seodang (village school), and village street. This afternoon, visit Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, the official fortress of Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, built as a show of the King’s filial piety towards his father Jangheonseja. Here, try your hand at traditional Korean archery, a long-respected weapon of war. The evening is at leisure.

Grand Hyatt Seoul | Meals: B

Take a thrilling journey on the KTX high speed train from Seoul to Gyeongju, a city with more tombs, temples, rock carvings, pagodas, Buddhist statuary and palace ruins than any other place in South Korea. After lunch, visit heritage listed Bulguksa Temple before a traditional tea ceremony with local monks, immersing yourself in this incredible humbling experience. Afterwards, visit Seokguram Grotto, located on Mt.Tohamsan. A heritage listed wonder, this granite temple houses a monumental Buddha statue overlooking the sea and is considered a national treasure. Continue on and check into your hotel, Hilton Hotel Gyeongju, and settle into your Premium Lake View Room. This evening, enjoy a group dinner.

Hilton Hotel Gyeongju | Meals: BLD

Enjoy a full day sightseeing in Gyeongju, starting with the Daereungwon Royal Tombs Complex, housing large ancient tombs of kings and noblemen of the Silla Dynasty. Continue to Cheomseongdae Observatory, the oldest existing astronomical observatory in Asia. Also, visit Kyochon Village with the opportunity to experience being dressed in Hanbok (traditional Korean costume) before lunch. A long-standing cultural tradition, treasure this incredible honour.

Visit the rebuilt Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond. The pond was originally built in 101 AD within Wolseung Fortress, however the fortress was destroyed and now lies in ruins. In 1974, thanks to excavation findings and existing historical records, Anapji Pond has been restored almost to its former glory. The rest of your day is at leisure.

Hilton Hotel Gyeongju | Meals: BL

Journey to Andong to visit Hahoe Folk Village, a village that preserves many cultural traditions, showcasing Korean living cultures and ancient architectural styles. Witness the Hahoe mask dance, a ritual originating from more than 600 years ago performed to praise the village’s God. After lunch, visit to The Andong-Soju Traditional Food Museum, tasting a traditional spirit known as soju while you explore the sounds, smells, and flavours that awaken your senses. This evening, enjoy a traditional Korean meal with your group.

Hilton Hotel Gyeongju | Meals: BLD

Transfer to Busan, and explore Jagalchi Market, Korea’s largest seafood market and the diverse Gukje Market. Afterwards, check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure to explore this colourful maritime city. In the evening, gather for Sundowner cocktails followed by dinner at the hotel.

Signiel Busan | Meals: BD

Start your sightseeing at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. The many temple treasures can all be seen looking out over the ocean that surrounds this sacred place. Afterwards, wander to Igidae Park a natural haven bursting with picturesque scenery. Enjoy spectacular sea views on a trek along the Oryukdo Skywalk, a translucent walkway crossing over breathtaking ocean scenes.

Visit the UN Memorial Cemetery honouring UN soldiers and aids from five countries killed in battle during the Korean War. After your sobering exploration, visit Gamcheon Culture Village, Busan’s cultural centre and a creative community home to colourfully painted houses, delicious street food, spectacular street art and a labyrinth of intriguing alleyways.

Signiel Busan | Meals: B

Visit Taejongdae Park, especially famous for its rock beach and immense forests. After lunch, journey to Nurimaru APEC House on Dongbaekseom Island, the historic site of the 2005 APEC Leaders’ Meeting, and a modernistic expression of “jeongja,” a pavilion in traditional Korean architectural style. Finish your day relaxing on the crushed shell sands of popular Haeundae Beach.

Signiel Busan | Meals: BL

Transfer to Daegu, starting your immersion with a visit to Palgongsan Mountain, drinking in the scenery from a round-trip cable car ride to the top of the mountain. In the afternoon, pay a visit to Yangnyeong Market in Daegu, showcasing the natural herbs and products used in traditional Korean healing remedies, even and offering exotic wellness experiences. Continue your education with a visit to Yangnyeongsi Museum of Oriental Medicine, with its displays and hands-on demonstrations. Return to Seoul on a thrilling high-speed train journey, watching the landscapes speed past. This evening, gather for an authentic Korean farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Grand Hyatt Seoul | Meals: BD

Transfer to Incheon International Airport for your departure flight.

Meals: B

Minimum age is 10 years.
First group event: welcome briefing at 9:00 a.m. on Day 2.
Last group event: farewell dinner at 7:00 p.m. on Day 11.
Departures are guaranteed to operate with a minimum of 2 guests.

Please Note: The 22 March 2023 & 2024 departures are scheduled over estimated cherry blossom dates. This natural phenomenon is subject to climate and weather, and cannot be guaranteed. Inclusions may be altered to offer optimum opportunities to view the cherry blossoms if available.

Included with every Limited Edition Small Group Journey

• All accommodation as detailed with private facilities
• Meals as specified in itinerary, including welcome and farewell dinners
• Internal flights as mentioned in itinerary
• Services of English speaking A&K Resident Tour Director
• Airport welcome- Porterage
• Group transportation by private air-conditioned vehicle
• Bottled water during transfers and touring
• Wine & beer during lunches and dinners (selected by Resident Tour Director)
• Individual Wireless Audio Systems where appropriate
• All entrance fees- Planning, handling, operational and communication charges
• All tipping

Talk to one of our expert Journey Designers or your travel agent about booking this tour as a private journey for your own small group with family or friends. Or, if you would prefer to travel privately, find out more about creating the perfect bespoke tailor-made journey based on this itinerary.