Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

Welcome to enchanting Republic of Korea – that offers the traveller a dazzling range of experiences, beautiful landscapes & 5000 years of culture & history.

Arrive in Seoul, South Korea’s busy capital that casts a spell on many who visit this charming city. Fashion & technology forward yet also deeply traditional, this dynamic city mashes up palaces, temples, cutting-edge design & mountain trails, all to a nonstop K-Pop beat.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Seoul Incheon International Airport, subsequent to Customs & Immigration, you will be met by a Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel. He / she will provide assistance during Check-in & also discuss the program that we have planned for you here.

Arrive at the hotel & Check-in & relax.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Breathtaking Antiquity | Urban Buzz| Korean Spirit | Epicurean Encounters

Over the last decade, Seoul has worked hard to soften its industrial hard edges into an appealing urban ideal of parks, culture & design. Glass, concrete & steel are crafted into natural forms at the spectacular Dongdaemun Design Plaza (a futuristic convention hall with curving architecture & a rooftop park) & City Hall. The popularity of the beautifully landscaped Parks alongside the central Cheong-gye stream & the Han River has spurred on the creation of more green spaces & cycle routes. Join Seoulites enjoying time out shopping in stylish boutiques & drinking at cool cafes & convivial bars.

The heart of South Korea’s culture and education as well as politics & economics, Seoul which has been the capital of Korea since the 14^th century, is a city of infinite discoveries. The ancient capital of an ancient land, Seoul is a city where the traditional & the cutting-edge exists side-by-side in perfect harmony. Today, the old & the new have fused to create beautiful palaces, great food & a hopping nightlife.

Gaze down on this sprawling metropolis of around 10 million people from atop any of Seoul’s four guardian mountains & you will sense the powerful pungsu-jiri (feng shui) that has long nurtured & protected the city. History clings tenaciously to the ‘Miracle on the Han’, a phoenix arisen from the ashes of the Korean War. So while Seoul has its eye clearly on the future, you will also encounter fascinating fragments of the past in World Heritage listed sites such as Jongmyo shrine, in the alleys between the graceful hanok (traditional wooden homes) in Bukchon & striding along the magnificent Seoul City Wall.

Seoul is heaven for passionate foodies. Whether tucking into the snacks of commoners or the cuisine of kings, you just can’t lose. A hanjeongsik (multicourse banquet) is a feast as much for the eyes as the tummy, as are the creations of chefs crafting neo-Korean dishes. Equally satisfying is scoffing down piping-hot, crispy hotteok (pancakes with sweet or savoury fillings) on a street corner, or delicious, fresh & fiery crab soup in Noryangjin Fish Market. And don’t get us started on the wonderful universe of teas served in charming teahouses: this is where the soul of Seoul lies.

For all of its headlong rush into the 21^st century on a hallyu (Korean popular culture) wave, what charms one most about the ROK is its proud promotion of age-old traditions & culture. Meditate at a Buddhist temple retreat where the honk of traffic is replaced by the rhythmic predawn chants of shaven-headed monks; hike along Seoul's 600 year old city walls; and walk on & around the Jeju Olle Trail, connecting with history & island traditions on the way.

It is a 24 hour City. Whatever you want, at any time of day or night, Seoul can provide. An early morning temple visit can lead to a palace tour followed by tea-sipping in Bukchon & gallery-hopping in Samcheong-dong. Soju (a vodka like drink) & snacks in a street tent bar will fuel you for shopping at the buzzing Dongdaemun or Namdaemun night markets, partying in Hongdae or Itaewon, or singing in a self-service karaoke noraebang. Follow this with steaming, soaking & snoozing in a jjimjilbang (sauna & spa). By the time you look at your watch, it will be dawn again.

Public transport is brilliant, so there is no excuse for not stretching your travel horizons beyond the city limits. The fearsome Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), splitting South from North Korea, exerts a powerful attraction & makes for a compelling day trip. To the west, Incheon is a fascinating port where the modern world came flooding into Korea at the end of the 19^th century, and today whose Chinatown & waterfront are still an interesting fusion of people. To the south is Suwon, home to impressive World Heritage listed fortifications, built by King Jeongjo, that snake 5.7km past majestic gates & pavilions. Notable attractions include the ancient UNESCO Heritage listed Gyeongbokgung Palace, which once had more than 7,000 rooms & Jogyesa Temple, site of ancient locust & pine trees.

Balance of the day free to relax or for optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions & make the arrangements).

Morning, meet the Tour-guide in the lobby at 09.00 am & embark on a full day 8 hour sightseeing  tour of Korea's capital city that is full of rich heritage, culture, history & tourist attractions. 

First Stop will be the pedestrian-friendly Gwanghwamun Plaza.

Hemmed in on both sides by rushing traffic, office buildings, concert hall & foreign embassies, the Plaza is lined on each side with 365 meter long streamlets, 2 centimeters deep & 1 meter across. The floor of the Plaza's east side waterway is a carving depicting historic events into the stones in chronological order from 1392 to 2008. Near the southwestern corner of the Plaza is Kilometer Zero, marking the distances to 64 cities around the world including Seoul's antipode, Montevideo, Uruguay, 19,606km. You will see a statue of folk hero Yi Sunsin who had engaged in 23 naval battles & emerged victorious in all of them during the Hideyoshi invasion (1592-1598). He is also credited with the production of the first iron-clad warship in history. King Sejong who propagated the Korean alphabet in the 15^th century is also honored with prominent statue in this Plaza. Gwanghwamun Plaza was also the locale where Pope Francis beatified 124 Korean martyrs on 16 August, 2014.

From here, proceed through the city traffic to the main gate of the majestic Gyeongbokgung Palace meaning "Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven."  

It was the first & largest of the royal palaces built in 1395 during the Joseon Dynasty rule (1392-1910), in the center of the newly appointed capital of Seoul (then known as Hanyang) with Mount Bugaksan in the rear & Mount Namsan in the foreground, an auspicious location according to the traditional practice of geomancy.  

It represents a colorful yet turbulent period of the capital’s 500 year history.  See its magnificent gates, graceful architecture & lovely gardens,

The Japanese during the Hideyoshi invasions of 1592-98, razed all the Palaces including Gyeongbokgung Palace. Gyeongbokgung Palace was left derelict for the next 273 years until it was finally reconstructed in 1867 by the order of the Prince Regent. The reconstructed new Palace was markedly different from the original. Some 500 buildings were built on a site of over 40 hectares & constituted a small city. The architectural principles of ancient China were harmoniously incorporated into both the tradition & the appearance of the Joseon royal court.

Gwanghwamun Gate was dismantled & relocated to the east, and an enormous building housing the Japanese Government-General was constructed in front of the main sector of the Palace.

On entering the Gate, you will experience a rare opportunity to appreciate a slice of colorful culture. Depending on the time, you may witness the Changing of the Royal Guard ceremony.

During the Joseon Dynasty, the royal guards were responsible for guarding and patrolling the gates of the capital city and the royal palaces. They were in charge of opening & closing the palace gates, inspecting all visitors & maintaining a close surveillance of the palace. They were divided into day & night shifts, and the Changing of the Guard ceremony took place whenever the shifts changed over.

After some extensive historical research, this splendid & elegant traditional Korean royal court cultural ceremony was first re-enacted in 1996 & has been a must-see among Seoul's tourist attractions ever since. This daily ceremony is a great opportunity to experience a rare traditional scene in Korea, replicated exactly as it was, with the Guards dressed in traditional colorful royal uniforms, carrying traditional weapons & playing traditional instruments, march in a procession in front of Gwanghwamun, the main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace twice a day at 10.00 am & 02.00 pm.

Walk to Geunjeongjeon, the Throne Hall where the king formally granted audiences to his officials, gave declarations of national importance, presided over large official functions, and greeted foreign envoys & ambassadors. See royal throne & a large painting, depicting sun, moon, five peaks, streams & pine trees, which was the crucial signifier of the king. The bright golden dragons in bold relief in the center of the ceiling indicate the presence of the king. The two-tier edifice stands on top of a two-tiered stone platform that is lined with detailed balustrades & decorated with numerous sculptures depicting imaginary & real animals.

The center of the stone-paved courtyard fully enclosed by wooden cloisters, is lined with two rows of rank stones, indicating the positions of the officials with the highest rank being closer to the hall & where the court officials used to stand.

 
At the back of the Throne Hall is a group of 3 offices where the king used to meet with his top officials. Displayed in front of the King's official quarters is Angbuilgu, an interesting Sundial that was used during the Joseon period. Learn how to tell time & 24 periods of seasonal change from the winter solstice to the summer solstice.

Take time to see Gyeonghoeru literally meaning “Pavilion of Joyous Meeting”. Sitting on the island in the rectangular lake that is 128m wide & 113m across and supported by 48 square & cylindrical massive stone pillars representing the idea of Yin & Yang, this magnificent Pavilion was used for many purposes ranging from receptions of foreign envoys to national level examinations.

Next up is Gangnyeongjeon, the king’s sleeping & living quarters. Named after the “virtue of health”, this is the main residence with 14 bedchambers resting on top of a tall stone foundation. Behind this complex is Gyotaejeon, the queen's domain containing a number of halls. It was a private space for the king & queen but was also a space for the queen’s public role & responsibilities. The noted feature of these main buildings is an absence of a top roof ridge. A prominent theory is that, since the king was symbolized as the dragon, the Yongmaru, which contains the letter dragon or Yong, cannot rest on top of the king when he is asleep.

You cannot miss Amisan Garden landscaped with four hexagonal chimneys in orange bricks & decorative roof tiles, and artistic patterns of brick on the walls of queen's quarters which are seldom noticed by the hurried visitors. Jagyeongjeon is the queen dowager's residence. Although less colorful, it is worth noting the wall of Jagyeongjeon, adorned with floral designs & the chimneys with 10 longevity symbols.

Hyangwonjeong features a small pond with a manmade islet that supports a beautiful two-story pavilion & is one of the famous sites in the palace. Behind this serene garden is Geoncheonggung, where the king & queen could relax in peace & quiet. It was here that the first electric lights in the country were installed in 1887 in 9 years of Thomas Edison's invention and a tragic chapter in Korea's history was recorded when empress Myeongseong was assassinated by the sword-bearing Japanese assassins in the early morning of 8 October 1895, allegedly under orders from Miura Goro. The assassins killed 3 court women suspected of being Empress Myeongseong. When they confirmed that one of them was the Empress, they burned the corpse in a pine forest in front of the Okhoru Pavilion. 

Upon exit through the Sinmumun Gate, & walk out of the Palace. Spend a few minutes to take some pictures in front of the Blue House, the executive office & official residence of the President of Korea.

Then back into the palace for further insights about the cultural wealth of this friendly & picturesque nation. Explore the National Folklore Museum showcasing life & work, costumes & ornaments, handicrafts & technology, education, living quarters, dietary life, oriental medicine, performing arts & games, beliefs & rituals, and socio cultural life of the Korean people from the prehistoric age to the Joseon Dynasty.

Then, stroll down the cobblestone walkways admiring upscale art galleries & antique shops in Insa-dong. It is a unique area of Seoul that truly represents the traditional Korean art & antiques. Clustered along the main street & a multitude of alleys that lead deeper into the district, are numerous shops dealing in antiques, oriental art supplies, and modern Korean arts of all types & styles. A number of Galleries also vie for attention with their exhibitions of works by modern artists. Here, you will look for some souvenirs or simply wonder around & browse.

The Palace Tour concludes & you hop on to the vehicle again & drive past Dongdaemun which once served as the east gate of Seoul. Originally built in 1398 & called Heunginjimun or “Gate of Uplifting Mercy”, it sits in a low & flat region of Seoul & was an easy target for invaders. To compensate for this topographic weakness, a semicircular fortress which extends beyond the arched gateway was constructed, providing a narrow entranceway.

Next stop is at Gyeongdong herb market, one of the largest herbal medicine markets in Korea. There are more than 1000 pharmaceutical stores, oriental health clinics & herbal drugstores selling various Asian medicines, ginseng, spices, herbs & roots. All sorts of things with medicinal value are laid out, including herbs, flowers, mushrooms, roots, berries, chili & seeds. You can also find licorice, mugwort, & ginger. Here, you will learn how Korean traditional market merchants live in their own way. There are lot of things that may not be familiar to foreigners, but most of them can be sampled. The atmosphere is filled with the rich fragrance of raw medicinal products. Stroll down the market & take a deep breath nd you will immediately feel rejuvenated & relaxed,

Proceed to enjoy a panoramic view of Seoul from the N Tower observatory.

Perched on top of Namsan Mountain at 243m the, 236.7m tall Tower tops out at 479.7m above sea level. It is the absolute best place to enjoy the most enthralling vistas of Seoul.

Near the tower base, you cannot possibly miss the Time Capsule. Buried in 1985 under 15m of the ground, it holds 466 relics representing contemporary Korean lifestyle & culture. The Capsule is scheduled to open five hundred years later in 2485. There are thousands of Love Padlocks hanging from all sides, overwhelming the wire fence, without their keys to symbolize that the couple’s love for each other is forever. Furthermore, Love Trees made of hundreds of locks are quite a sight to behold.

The sightseeing concludes & you will be transferred back to the hotel by late afternoon.

Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or for optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions & make the arrangements).

Alas, this wonderful glimpse of Korea comes to end & it is time to say good-bye to the "Land of Morning Calm" & go home.  We sure hope that you may want to discover a bit more of Korea on your next visit. 

Check-out of the hotel by 12:00 noon (if the departure time is later in the evening, we will request the hotel to allow use of the hotel facilities & to leave the luggage at the Bell Desk). 

In time, you will be met by a Journeys Rep, who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to Terminal? - Seoul Incheon International Airport for your onward journey. B

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