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 welcomed 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).

Early morning, depart for Andong, a market town, located on the Nakdong River is the capital of Gyeongsangbuk-do.

Andong is the self-proclaimed "Capital City of Korean Spiritual Culture", having maintained aspects of the traditional culture of Korea throughout the past 2,000 years. It is a terrific base for exploring the notably 280 cultural & historical assets scattered around the city.

The old ‘hanja’ name for the city that you will see outside the train station & in other places is Peaceful East. The city itself has a very laid-back vibe and is strikingly friendly, with a good selection of places to eat & stay.

Famous for its mackerel, particularly strong soju (local vodka), wooden masks & of course, myriad ancient sites but its international claim to fame comes from having been visited by Queen Elizabeth II of England. So the story goes, the Queen asked to be taken to the most Korean place in Korea & the Korean government took her to Andong.

Immediately on arrival in the city, proceed to see the 15^th century UNESCO World Heritage listed Hahoe -maeul Village (translating to “Village Enveloped by Water”) which became internationally famous after Queen Elizabeth of England visited on April 21, 1999. You can enjoy the true folk culture of Korea & glimpse a bucolic enchantment & gentle rhythms of countryside village life.

Hahoe Village located at the foothills of Hwasan Mountain, an offshoot of Taebaek Mountain that rises up to the east, gets its name from Nakdong River, which flows around the town’s perimeter. 

The best preserved traditional village portraying & spanning the life of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) has 480 fully functioning Korean traditional large tile-roofed houses, adding their own unique charm to the surrounding thatched roof huts of the common people encircle them. Unlike most Korean villages where all the houses face south, the dwellings in this community face in all directions each capturing a unique aspect.

Graced by raised gates representing the power & social status of the Clan, the tile roofed Yangban houses stand serenely & impressively in the central part of the village. The 2 most significant structures are Yangjindang, the head house of the Ryu clan of Pungsan & Chunghyodang - home to descendants of 16^th century scholar & prime-minister, Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong.

This delightful traditional riverside village formed by people who actually live there in every house, is a place to commune with the traditional fabric of old Korea which has preserved the housing architecture & the village structure of the Joseon Dynasty.

You cannot possibly miss an old zelkova tree, the home to the village spirit Samshin-goddess. At the tree's base is where residents still make their wishes by walking around it three times & writing your wish on a tag. Peace or reunification seems to be common answers if stumped. The sight alone of all the aging tags hung off such an ancient tree is worth a peek.

Hahoe Village boasts exquisite scenic sights: the elegant Nakdong River flowing around the village, the magnificent Buyongdae Cliff, endlessly unfolding sandy beaches & lush, ancient pine trees.

The village is also known for traditional festival, Hahoe Mask Dance which gave common people the opportunity to mock those in authority & in particular, the Byeolsingut, a shaman ritual exorcising evil spirits, dating back to the Goryeo dynasty.

In addition to breathtaking scenery, Hahoe Village offers delectable local delicacies. Try the Andong Soju (distilled alcoholic beverage), Heotjesabap (a type of Bibimbap eaten by the nobles), Andong Gangodeungeo (salted mackerel), and Andong Guksu (a kind of noodle dish).

The 64m Buyongdae cliff is where at one time the ruling class would conduct a poetry meeting as a traditional fireworks display would pop & crack above the river. Visitors can take the little wooden ferry boat (not included - direct payment) to the Cliff for a rather spectacular panoramic view of the entire village.

Nearby attractions include Bongjeongsa Temple (built during the Silla Period), Gosan Seowon (Confucian Academy), Gwiraejeong, Gyemyeongsan Mountain Recreational Forest, Hakgasan Mountain Recreational Forest & Waryongsan Mountain.

You will participate in a traditional paper-making workshop to get a glimpse into the world of hand-made paper manufacturing - a painstaking process which hasn't changed much from ancient times. Start with bark from the mulberry tree, then separate the bark from the fibers that would eventually be transformed into paper. After straining the pulp, adding some glue, drying the paper & cutting or coloring according to need, they get a quality paper that is unique to Andong.

Visit Andong Folk Museum offering in-depth information of traditional life & illustrating of Confucian culture. The Museum exhibits a variety of legacies relating mainly to four cardinal ceremonies, coming of an age, wedding, funeral, ancestral memorial service, as well as dozens of pieces of pottery, utensils, clothing, farming tools and traditional folk games in small models. Its outdoor area has thatched houses and a pair of carved totem poles.

The sightseeing concludes & you are transferred to the hotel.

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

 Morning, depart for the coastal city of Gyeongju.

Gyeongju an ancient capital of Silla kingdom (BC57-AD935), which ruled about two-thirds of the Korean Peninsula at its height between the 7^th & 9^th centuries, for close to one thousand years. Silla was a prosperous & wealthy country & its metropolitan capital of Gyeongju was the 4^th largest city in the world.

Gyeongju is often referred to as the “Museum without Walls". Gyeongju has more tombs, temples, rock carvings, pagodas, Buddhist statuary & palace ruins than any other place in South Korea. Among such historical treasures are UNESCO World Heritage Sites Seokguram grotto, Bulguksa Temple, Gyeongju Historic Areas & Yangdong Folk Village.

It is a lovely city, stuffed to the gills with history. Most visitors touring the city centre are taken aback by the distinctive, low-lying urban centre sculpted by astonishing & substantial round grassy tombs - called tumuli - as well as traditional architecture, with colourful hip roofs set against a canvas of green rolling mountains. Two of Gyeongju’s not-to-be-missed sites - Bulguk-sa & Seokguram - are in the outlying districts.

Reach Gyeongju by late morning & immediately proceed on a sightseeing tour.

First stop will be Gyeongju Yangdong Folk Village at the foothills of Toman mountains, established in 1986 to preserve & develop crafts of the Silla kingdom.

This village consists of 45 Hanok or traditional Korean tiled & thatched roof houses, where artisans of Gyeongju origin live & work on their traditional arts & crafts following the valuable techniques of the ancestors.

You will visit the various craft workshops to watch the artisans create artifacts by hand, working with metal, ceramic, wood, pottery, jewels, hanbok (Korean traditional clothes) & stone-crafts and also observe the entire production process. Even the potters use wood fire kilns to create the same traditional environment that their ancestors used, allowing them to preserve the Shilla traditions for future generations.

The Village helps in promoting the traditional artisans by allowing them to sell beautiful craftworks directly to the public. At the entrance to the village is a large building with various shops selling traditional handicrafts where visitors may purchase the products at a relatively cheaper price than usual retail. Some shops even offering hands-on programs for visitors to experience.  You can also visit the traditional Craft Exhibition Hall.

After spending time at the Village, proceed to the hotel by afternoon & Check-in.

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

Today, you are treated to one of the 10 most historically significant sites in the world with ancient temples, weathered stone pagodas, royal tombs, Buddhist bas-reliefs & fortress ruins.

Meet the Tour-guide at 09.00 am & proceed for a full day 8 hour sightseeing of the area.

First stop will at the UNESCO World Heritage listed Seokguram grotto & Bulguksa Temple which were both built during the glorious period (BC57-AD935) of the Silla kingdom, on the slopes of Mt. Tohamsan, 4 km apart.

Gyeongju Seokguram Grotto portrays the enlightenment of Buddha & Bulguksa Temple represents the Buddhist utopia taking its form in the terrestrial world. The 2 sites are closely linked physically, historically & culturally and form a religious architectural complex of exceptional significance.

According to history,  Samgukyusa of the Goryeo Dynasty (the country that unified the Korean peninsula at the end of the Silla Kingdom, 918-1392), Kim Dae-Seong had Bulguksa Temple built for his parents in his current life & Seokguram Grotto for the parents of his former life. The grotto represents the magnificent harmony of religion, science & the arts of Buddhism, symbolizing the pure land in which Buddha resides.

Seokguram is an artificial grotto constructed of granite that comprises an antechamber, a corridor & a main rotunda.  The circular main hall enshrines a monumental statue of the Sakyamuni Buddha looking out to sea with his left hand in dhyana mudra, the mudra of concentration & his right hand in bhumisparsa mudra, the earth-touching mudra position. The Bonjon figure wearing a generous smile is seated on the stage engraved with a lotus flower design. With the surrounding portrayals of 37 devas, Bodhisattvas & disciples, all realistically & delicately sculpted in high & low relief on the surrounding walls, it is considered a masterpiece of East Asian Buddhist art. The view of the sunrise is quite beautiful & many people hike the mountain at daybreak.

The domed ceiling of the rotunda & the entrance corridor employed an innovative construction technique that involved the use of more than 360 stone slabs. The rounded ceiling looks like a half-moon or a bow and has a lotus flower decorated cover on it. The main statue & most of the stone sculptures has preserved their original form.

A short ride from the grotto is the Bulguksa Temple complex comprising a series of wooden buildings on raised stone terraces. Following the one-pillared gate & the 4 guardian's gate, you will reach 2 double level arched stone staircases - the symbolic bridges, leaving the world of sufferings behind & to enter Buddha's land. 

Up from the bridges on the terraced main courtyard stands the Hall of Great Enlightenment. The hall houses Sakyamuni Buddha who is flanked on the right by Kasyapa & Maitreya Bodhisattva and on the left by Dipankara & Ananda. Before this hall stands a stone carved lantern & 2 stone pagodas.

3 storied Seokgatap (Pagoda of Sakyamuni) with its calm simplicity of lines & minimal decoration and Dabotap (Pagoda of Bountiful Treasures) with highly ornate masonry work of the Silla kingdom & the noted complexity of the universe stands blending well into the architectural harmony. The architectural design of Bulguksa is one of constrained dignity, peace & harmony and the temple still remains one of the most remarkable achievements of the ancient Far East.

Continue to Gwaereung - Tomb of the King Wonseong, 38^th king of the Silla Kingdom (785-798) 

Gwaereung is styled after Tombs of the Tang dynasty, but still retains all the characteristics typical of Silla tombs; namely, the stones around the tomb. The tomb is 21.9m in diameter & 7.7m high on a circular mound made of piled-up soil, encircled by a stone fence decorated with 12 oriental zodiac images on the protective walls & decorative stonework.

What makes this tomb really significant and unique are the statues carved from granite along the promenades leading up to it - a two sets of lions, a couple of scholars & a pair of military guards who in particular is a favorite among visitors because it appears to be a person of Arabic or Persian descent, much like the merchants who came to Silla in ancient times.

The area is also home to a number of stone monuments that stand facing each other: Hwapyoseok (marking the border of the tomb), Muninseok (civil servant statue), Muinseok (statute of a military officer) & Dolsaja (a stone lion that protects the tomb). Muinseok in particular is a favorite among visitors because of its exotic appearance. The statue is sometimes compared to a strong and charismatic person of Arabic or Persian descendant, much like the merchants who came to Silla in ancient times.

Next stop is Gyeongju National Museum immediately adjacent to the royal tomb complex, in an area which also includes the Gyerim forest, Cheomseongdae observatory, Banwolseong palace & Anapji Pond.

There are a number of national museums in key locations across Korea, but the national cultural heritage collection of this Museum devoted to relics of the Silla kingdom, of which Gyeongju was the capital, is especially important because it allows the public, archaeologists & historians to understand the rise of civilization in southeast Korea.

It houses numerous historical & cultural artifacts of the Silla dynasty (57 BC - AD 935). The volume of archaeological & historical artifacts in the collection of the Museum is so large that most of the objects cannot be displayed & are thus stored out of the view of the general public. 

They include the 8^th gigantic Emille Bell, of such artistic beauty of design, which is said to ring with the sound of a child who was sacrificed for its casting.

You will marvel at the priceless archaeological & historical artifacts excavated from the Anapji Pond & Hwangnyongsa Temple site including splendid golden Silla crowns gold crowns, earrings, belts, ornaments, glassware, potteries, and clay figures as well as a royal barge. Many holdings are displayed outdoors, a common practice in Korean museums.

Gyeongju National Museum is contributing to the community & re-establishing its identity as a museum by making efforts to provide lifelong learning opportunities & improve management. As a significant cultural center, the Museum not only strives to preserve, exhibit & research the rich history & culture of Silla, but it also strives to take a leap forward to become a cultural multi-complex center by promoting international exchange opportunities, social education programs & a variety of special exhibitions.

Then head to the world's oldest existing astronomical observatory, Cheomseongdae constructed during the reign of Queen Seon-deok (r. 632-647), to observe stars in order to forecast the weather.

Cheomseongdae is the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia & possibly even the world. The stone structure is a beautiful combination of straight lines & curves and was designated as National Treasure. Cheomseongdae was built in a cylinder shape with stones. The pavilion stone is believed to have been used as a standard of deciding directions, north, south, east & west. Each of the 362 stone used in the observatory piled up to make 27 levels, bears symbolic meaning; the same number of the days of the year by lunar calendar, the number of the major stars, the months of the year & the numbers of the seasonal divisions.

Walk to the nearby Tumuli Park (Daereungwon Tomb Complex) that encompasses 23 huge tomb mounds where Silla rulers were buried.

From the Latin word tumulus ‘mound’ or ‘small hill’, tumuli are found all over the world, from Sweden, to India to…South Korea. Mounds of soil & rocks piled high over the ensconced coffin or corpse within, over the centuries these burial sites attain a smooth & vivid mantle of green grass that look just a little bit alien to Western eyes, more accustomed to their deceased being buried six feet under.

Lasting almost 1000 years from just before the time of Christ, the Silla dynasty in Korea was one of the longest in recorded history & the people of that time revered their dead through the erection of tumuli.

The largest of these were, of course, for royalty. If the queen was also buried with her husband, the mound would be a little smaller, adjoining the larger mound for the king, resulting in a tumuli with the profile of a gourd cut lengthways, lying on its side.

While the largest were for royalty, this didn’t preclude the commoners from also following the same traditions in the burial of their dead. You may stumble upon these small mounds of soil, perhaps a metre high & a couple of metres diameter. In some cases the deceased had been long forgotten, but in others there was still evidence of ongoing care & maintenance by family.

The tomb complex is one of many in Gyeongju. The Daereungwon Tomb Complex in the ancient capital city Gyeongju provides an opportunity to walk around & even inside one of these incredible structures.

One of the tombs, Cheonmachong, is opened to the public & provides an opportunity to walk around & even inside one of these incredible structures to see how the tombs were made & also replicas of the treasures excavated in 1973.

Next stop is Poseokjeong Pavilion.

Poseokjeong Pavilion served as a separate summer palace where the later Silla kings enjoyed banquets with nobles. The building no longer exists & all that can be seen now is the abalone-shaped stone channel through which at one time a cool stream of water was directed into the palace. The abalone-shaped stone water canal, which has an estimated length of 10m & a width of approximately 35 cm with an average depth of 26 cm, still remains, which is speculated to have been built during the Unified Silla period with the exact year unknown. There is an Elm tree with a large trunk & gnarled with age that may have witnessed the final day of Silla.

Last stop of the day is Bunhwangsa Temple.

Bunhwangsa from the Old Silla era of Korea, is recorded to have been built in 634 under the auspices of Queen Seondeok, the 27^th ruler of the Silla Kingdom. Prominent Buddhist priests Wonhyo & Jajang resided at the temple.

The Temple has a long history & it once held many historical relics, which have been lost due to the Mongolian invasion & the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592. The remaining relics are 9.3m Mojeon Stone Tower built using bricks carved from andesite rocks. While the tower is presumed to be originally a 7-9 story structure, only 3 stories remain today.

The nearby open field was once occupied by Silla's largest temple Hwangyongsa & Hwajaengguksabibu (a memorial stone placed in memory of Wonhyo, a renown Buddhist priest from the Silla Kingdom) & Samnyongbyeoneojeong (a well in which 3 dragons that protected Silla were believed to reside).

There are two 3.6m high Danggan flagpoles made of either wood, metal or stone that were used to hang flags which signified Buddhist festivals so that even people far away would be aware of them. The pillar flagpoles located at the entrance of Punhwangsa Temple, are supported by stone turtles, a unique feature as most pillars do not possess such characteristics.

There are also statues of Buddha now displayed in the yard of Gyeongju National Museum, which were found in a well situated 30m north of the rear wall of Bunhwangsa Temple.

Return to the hotel.

Balance of the evening is at leisure or for independent activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions).

Morning, depart for the coastal city of Busan, Korea’s 2^nd largest metropolis after Seoul, driving down beautiful Dalmaji Road, lined with cherry blossoms & pine trees that runs along Haeundae Beach on the slope of Mt. Wausan.

Reach Busan & immediately proceed for a sightseeing tour.

Home to majestic mountains, glistening beaches, steaming hot springs & fantastic seafood, Busan is a rollicking port town with tonnes to offer. From casual tent bars & chic designer cafes to fish markets teeming with every species imaginable. Surrounded by the ocean on one side & mountains on the other, its deep harbor & gentle tides have allowed it to grow into the largest port in Korea & the 5^th largest in the world.

Busan features beaches, mountains & temples. Busy Haeundae Beach features the Sea Life Aquarium, plus a Folk Square with traditional games such as tug-of-war, while Gwangalli Beach has many bars & views of modern Diamond Bridge. Beomeosa Temple, a Buddhist shrine founded in 678 A.D., is at the base of Geumjeong Mountain, which has hiking trails.

Rugged mountain ranges slice through the urban landscape & events such as the Busan International Film Festival underscore the city’s desire to be a center for international conventions, hosting APEC in 2005. It is also a venue for major sports tournaments in Korea, having hosted the 2002 Asian Games & FIFA World Cup. It is also a center of industry & commerce, a thriving metropolis formed unusually long in shape along its coastal line. It is home to the world's largest department store, the Shinsegae Centum City.

Stop at Yongdusan Park, located at the head of a steep slope that looks over the city & harbor in a breathtaking view. Yongdu means “dragon’s head” & “san” means “mountain”. The name is an allusion to the similarity of the mountain park, which is said to resemble a dragon’s head.

Yongdusan Mountain (49m) in downtown Busan is one of Busan's 3 famous mountains. It was originally called Songhyeonsan Mountain, which means a mountain with a view of the sea through the dense pine tree forest.  Later, the name was changed to Yongdusan Mountain, as the mountain peak was shaped similar to a dragon's head (yongdu), protecting the area against foreign invaders overseas.

The mountain held shrines for the mountain gods built by the Japanese before the 8.15 Liberation. Now the mountain is home to a variety of monuments, including Cheokhwabi Monument, Chunghontap Pagoda, 4.19 Revolution Monument & Busan Tower.

During the Korea War, refugees built houses on the sides of the mountain all the way to the summit but these neighborhoods were burned down twice, leaving the mountain bare. Since then, fierce efforts of planting trees have led to transforming the burnt mountain to a beautiful park. The Park was called Unam Park at the time of the Liberal Party’s ruling but was renamed to Yongdusan Park after the April 19 Revolution in 1960. Today, the Park is home to 70 tree species, making Yongdusan Park as one of the best places to enjoy autumn colors in Busan & it offers a beautiful view of Busan Port & the surrounding scenery.

Yongdusan Park offers not just sights & attractions to see, but an opportunity to appreciate big open spaces for visitors not just to enjoy urban outdoors in Busan. With 70 species of trees & flowers, it is a great area to relax & enjoy downtime exploring the city.

And smack dab in the middle of the park stands the statue of Admiral Yi Sun-shin, Korea's greatest naval hero who is credited with the production of the first iron-clad warship in history. In the Park's octagonal pavilion, you cannot help but appreciate the huge collection of miniature ships of basically every kind. The ships in exquisite craftsmanship include the sailboat, merchant ship, fishing boat, warship, Santa Maria, the Titanic, supertankers & several others.

Towering at 120 meters high, standing 69 meters above sea level in one of the city’s major mountain, magnificent Busan Tower is definitely the city’s major landmark. The top of the tower is modeled after the baldaquin of Dabotap Pagoda in Bulguksa Temple, Gyeongju & features an Observatory which offers spectacular harbor views.

Loved by Busan citizens & tourists alike, the Tower offers a stunning night view & plenty to see, such as the Statue of the Great Admiral Yi Sun-sin, the Bell of the Citizens, a flower clock & a bust of the Busan-based independent activist, Baeksan An Hee-je.

From here, move to Haedong Yonggung Temple, a Buddhist temple built in 1376 by the teacher named Naong Hyegeun (1320-1376), a royal consultant during the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) & a great Master who helped lay the foundation for Buddhism in the Joseon era (1392-1910). Nestled on a beautiful stretch of cliffy coastline, it is one of Korea’s most unique places of worship, known for its mystical occurrences.

It is said that while Naong was practicing asceticism at Bunhwangsa Temple in Gyeongju, the kingdom that is now present-day Korea was plagued by a drought that resulted in the destruction of crops & subsequent famine. Angry at the gods for not providing rain, people began to reject Buddhism, which had already been waning in popularity due to the corruption that was rampant in the religion at that time.

Legend has it that one day a sea god appeared to Naong in a dream. The god told him that if he were to build a temple on the fringes of Bongrae Mountain & prayed there, people would once again live happily, without hardship.

Following the dream, Naong traveled to the site where Haedong Yonggungsa is currently located. He instantly recognized that the site was auspicious according to the principles of pungsu-jiri-seol, being situated between a mountain & the sea. Naong named the mountain Bongrae, which refers to the pure state of mind achieved by great hermits & built a temple there. It was later known as Bomun Temple (which denotes the absolute & limitless power of Gwanseum-bosal, the Goddess of Mercy). 

Like most temples in Korea, Haedong Yonggungsa was damaged & rebuilt over the years. During the early Japanese invasions of Korea (1592-1598), also called the Imjin War, the temple was nearly destroyed by a fire, falling into ruin, where it remained for many years. It was only in the early 1930s that the monk Ungang of Tongdosa Temple began to reconstruct the complex. Following his initial efforts, Ungang’s fellow monks took great care to restore & care for the temple.

In 1974, when the temple’s newly-appointed head monk Jeong-am was practicing jeong-geon kido - 100 days of intensive prayers - he had a vision. The apparition that appeared to him was none other than the Goddess of Mercy herself, cloaked in a white gown riding on the back of a dragon emanating a multicolor beam of light. It was then that Jeong-am renamed the temple Haedong Yonggungsa, meaning Korean Dragon Palace Temple.

Today, Haedong Yonggungsa continues to preserve its unique religious traditions as well as its harmony with nature, and is one of three temples devoted to the Goddess of Mercy.

Proceed to Dongbaekseom (Island of Camellias), an island located off one end of Busan’s famous Haeundae Beach. Although the years of sedimentation have connected the island to the mainland, Dongbaekseom was originally an island & is still referred to as one.

The island has several attractions, including the monument inscribed with a poem of Choi Chi-won - a writer during the Silla Kingdom, 8 feet tall mermaid statue based on the legend of Princess Hwagok & the Nurimaru APEC House. It also offers fantastic views of the Busan shoreline towards Mipo, Dalmaji Hill, Gwangangdaegyo Bridge & Oryukdo Island. As the name suggests, camellias burst into bloom everywhere on the island from winter to spring & many dongbaek trees & evergreens thrive.

Spend time here & depart for the nearby hotel by afternoon & Check-in.

Balance of the evening is at leisure to relax (we will be happy to offer suggestions).

Morning, meet the Tour-guide at 07.00 am & proceed for a sightseeing tour in Korea’s 2^nd largest city.

First stop will be the fascinating Jagalchi Fish market, the largest seafood market in South Korea, selling both live & dried seafood.

Located on the downtown docks, compared to other fish markets in Korea, this bustling market offers a nice ambience with outdoor street performances on some days, great sea views & of course, a wide variety of fish including sea bream, sea bass, snapper, saury, pollack, halibut, corvina, cutlass fish, mackerel, octopus, sea squirt, cuttlefish, frogfish, flounder, abalone, crab, shells, to name just a few & a flexible pricing system, which makes it a big draw among locals & visitors alike.

You can purchase the live seafood on the ground floor & bring it to one of the many restaurants on 2^nd floor for preparation & cooking at additional charge; or simply turn up at the restaurant and pick the dishes you preferred. Alternatively, there is a seafood buffet restaurant on the 5^th floor that you can try out huge varieties of seafood dishes.

There are also many restaurants selling sliced raw fish at reasonable prices. Trying them here in the market is really a visual and culinary treat.

Spend an hour walking around before moving to neighboring BIFF Square, packed with trendy shops movie theaters & even a walk of fame where famous stars & directors have pressed their handprints into the sidewalk.

This is the main venue of the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) & the well-known modern movie district was named 'BIFF Square' in August 1996. The stage installed at the end of the extending alley between Daeyeong Cinema & MEGABOX Busan Theater is where diverse events are held during the Busan International Film Festival. Hand prints of well-known actors & actresses also add an interesting charm to BIFF Square.

To the street food lovers, BIFF Square is a well-known food paradise. One of the most popular specialities at BIFF Square, often seen in Korean TV shows (including Running Man) & Asian travel / food TV shows is Ssiat Hotteok (Korean sweet pancake stuffed with seeds). Long lines of customers queued at the popular stalls visited by celebrities. This yummy Ssiat Hotteok is a must-try in Busan!

Right next door is Gukjesijang where thousands of shops spill out into the busiest districts of Busan. Each alleyway is crowded with stalls & it connects to several other markets such as Bupyeong Market, Kkangtong Market, Jagalchi Market. Since vendors deal in wholesale & retail sales as well, the average customer can purchase various items at incredibly inexpensive prices.

Gukjesijang or Gukje Market (Gukje means International in Korean) used to be a place for refugees to strive to earn a living over the period of Korean War. It soon evolved into one of Korea’s largest traditional markets where both locals & international visitors come to pick up some bargains.

Imbued with the old-fashioned marketplace spirit, it is full of goods from electronic items, home appliances, clothing, fish, fruit & vegetables. It stocks such a tremendous variety of both new and used items; especially, it is an ideal destination to purchase Hanbok - Korean traditional dress.

Discover all that local merchants have to offer, while enjoying the ambience of this massive landmark.

Move on to Tongdosa - a head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism & one of the Three Jewels Temples that represent Gautama Buddha.

Famous for its lack of statues, it is often called ‘the temple without a Buddha’. Instead, the courtyards in the Temple are structured around several pagodas & a elaborately-built Buddhist Diamond Precepts Altar. This altar leads up to a platform with a bell-shaped stupa that contains the cremated remains of the Buddha himself, thus earning a name the Temple of the Buddha.

The legend holds that an eternal flame was supposed to have been kept for over 1,300 years. The Temple flourished throughout the subsequent centuries until the Japanese invasion of 1592 - 1598. Like most Korean temples at this time, Tongdosa was also ransacked. Its main hall, however, miraculously survived & can still be seen. The rest of the Temple was rebuilt in the early 17^th century & is now the country’s largest monastic complex, with around 500 monks, nuns & 18 hermitages on its extensive property.

As you continue through the gate of the Four Heavenly Kings into the Temple proper, you will notice the old halls that contain stupas, housing relics of Sakyamuni - or so goes the legend. Pilgrims & worshipers can also be found in all of Tongdosa’s halls, particularly on weekends. The non-Buddhist visitor will find their presence adds to the sanctity of the atmosphere, making it less touristy.

What attracts people to Tongdosa is the scenery & the layout of the charmingly rundown buildings. Unique among all Buddhist temples in Korea, a sandy trail about a kilometer long leads up to the Temple front from the entrance gate; woods on the right & a beautiful stream on the left surround it. As you get closer to the temple, more & more steles and other stone monuments of distinguished deceased monks appear among the trees.

Finally, the modern 2 story Tongdosa Museum which houses both ancient & modern Buddhist paintings, appears on the right, while across the stream one can see several historic stone bridges. Overall, if you only have time to visit one jewel temple in Korea, Tongdosa is a must-visit. Once you walk down the wooded trail beside the rushing stream & into the spiritual realm of the buildings, you will never forget it.

Continue on to visit Gamcheon Cultural village, a unique village on the foothills of a coastal mountain, that is formed by houses built like a staircase on the foothills of a coastal mountain & nicknamed "Machu Picchu of Busan."

The quaint Village is the epitome of beauty & chaos, all rolled into one. Nestled into the side of a mountain, once a dilapidated neighborhood that housed refugees following the Korean War, it is a mishmash of pastel-colored, Lego-like houses, painted in 2009 to lure visitors up steep slopes & through its tiny alleys. The village is vibrantly decorated with murals & sculptures created by the residents.

Under the theme, “Dreaming of Busan Machu Picchu,” painters & sculptors added their artistic touch to the streets, homes & businesses. Nowadays, tourists flock to the Village to marvel at some of the most vibrantly decorated murals & beautiful street art in the country.

One of the best things to do in this vibrant neighborhood is to simply get lost in its labyrinth of alleys. Because it is still very much a residential area, it is easy to get a feel for what local life is like.

Explore the rich history of Gamcheon at the Little Museum, a small attraction that exhibits more than 70 old-fashioned household items donated by local residents, illustrating the vibrant past of the neighborhood. Visitors can also see replicas of old shanties & learn more about the artistic transformation of Gamcheon through the co-operation of residents, artists & local authorities.

While residents are very friendly, it is important to be mindful of their privacy & refrain from taking intrusive photos without permission.

On the way back to the hotel by afternoon, pass by the Gwangan bridge, the 2^nd longest suspension bridge in the country at four & a half miles long.

Balance of the day at leisure for independent exploration or for Optional activities (we shall be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Morning, meet the Journeys Rep who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to Busan Gimhae International Airport for the short flight to Jeju.

Arrive in Jeju-do City on Jeju, Korea’s largest island (also known as the "Island of the Gods") long been the country’s favourite vacation spot for Koreans & foreigners, thanks to its beautiful beaches, beach resorts, lush countryside, volcanic landscape of craters & cave like lava tubes.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Jeju-do International Airport, you will be welcomed 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’.

Jeju province encompasses the Island of Jeju in the Korea Strait. Jeju Island has 2 major cities, on the central northern & southern coastlines. Jeju City is the capital where you will arrive. Seogwipo is located in the south of the island & close to a wide range of tourist sites. It is also home to Jeju's World Cup Stadium & Jungmun Tourist Resort Complex. Smaller villages dot the coastline along the eastern & western interior.

It remains the top honeymoon destination for Korean newlyweds. Despite attempts to market the island as "the Hawaii of Korea," climatologically & geographically it bears little in similarity to the Hawaiian Islands in the U.S. Most of the attractions on Jeju Island are outside the city but there is a wide range of bars & restaurants.

Visitors can enjoy the island’s stunning natural splendors all year round: fields blanketed with yellow canola flowers in spring; emerald blue sea washing away the heat in summer; silver grass in fall & camellia flowers in winter.

The island offers visitors a wide range of activities: hiking, catching sunrise & sunset over the ocean, riding horses, touring all the locales made famous because of a favorite television K-drama, or just lying around on the sandy beaches.

Jeju Island is one of the world's New 7 Wonders of Nature, designated as a Biosphere Reserve in 2002 & a World Natural Heritage in 2007. Well known for natural wonders, including waterfalls, white sand beaches & a dormant volcano, Hallasan Mountain - South Korea's highest mountain - at the center of the island & a crater lake at the 1,950m summit & Gwaneumsa Temple. There is the Geomunoreum Lava Tube System which includes 7km long Manjanggul Cave, created centuries ago when Hallasan Volcano was still active.

There is plenty on Jeju-do to appeal to those who prefer to be active. Hike up South Korea’s highest mountain, Halla-san, or climb the incredible tuff cone Seongsan Ilchul-bong, rising straight from the sea, to watch the sun rise from the ridge of a crater. For a less-demanding nature experience, meander along one of the Jeju Olle Trails & explore tangerine-trimmed country roads, jagged coasts & narrow lanes dotted with cottage-style homes made from black lava rock. The ocean is never far away, so plunge into blue seas to view coral as colourful as the sunset & dig into Jeju-do’s unique cuisine, including seafood caught by haeneyo (female free divers).

The local traditional culture stands in stark contrast to the mainland (& much of Asia) as being matriarchal. Stemming from this basis & some odd tax reasons, the role of seafood gathering on the island has been dominated by women. As such, a common sight around Jeju's coastline is that of the "haenyo" or "woman diver" also known as "Korean mermaids”, a figure that has become somewhat iconic of the island. Perhaps even more iconic are the "Dol Hareubang" or "grandfather statues", giant basalt statues. You will often see them outside restaurants, plus a few are thrown into any tourism site for good measure.

Later, accompanied by the tour-guide, proceed on an exploration of Jeju starting with Yongduam Rock.

The popular oceanfront volcanic rock formation in the shape of a dragon's head & serves the symbol of a dragon’s unfulfilled dream. As per local folklore, once upon a time, a dragon that lived in the underwater palace wanted to ascend to heaven, which was not an easy task. The dragon found out that it could fly up to heaven by holding the orb of the Hallasan Mountain God. So it stole the orb & hid itself under Yongyeon Valley, but it was caught before it could ascend.

It was struck by the arrow shot by the Hallasan Mountain God & while it was writhing in anger & resentment, it became a rock which came to be known as Yongduam Rock & like its name, is in the shape of a roaring dragon that looks like it is springing out from the ocean. Its total height above water is 10m & the underwater portion of the body is about 30m long. When the wind & the waves are strong, it looks as if it might fly away to the sky.

If you gaze into Yongduam Rock during sunset, you will fall under the illusion that the dragon is actually writhing. In order to catch a good view of the rock, one of the most famous spots to watch from 100m west from the rock is most advisable.

Return to the hotel.

Balance of the day is at leisure for independent explorations (we will be happy to offer suggestions).

Morning, meet the Tour-guide at 08.00 am & proceed to discover Jeju Island on a full day excursion.

Begin with a visit to the popular Hallim Park located just outside Jeju City & near Mt. Hallasan along the beach in Hallim-eup. It faces the pleasant scenery of Biyangdo Island, Hyeopjae & Geumneung Beaches and features a variety of scenic gardens, 2 caves & a small zoo, plus a folk village. ,

The Park was established on barren land in Hyeopjaeri, Hallimeup, then covered with tons of earth & the planting of assorted subtropical plants began in early 1971. It has a variety of gardens that can be enjoyed in any season.

You have the chance to see Palm Tree Road, Jeju Stone & Bonsai Garden, Water Garden, Subtropical Botanic Garden & much more etc. Also visit the Spirited Garden, where hundreds of potted plants are grown in a nature garden alongside alongside stone walls, stacked volcanic stones, an artificial waterfall & a pond with large carp.

The most famous tourist sites in Hallim Park are Hyeopjaegul & Ssangyonggul Caves, known to be the only 2 dimensional caves in the world. Both caves are thought to have been created by lava from the eruption of Hallasan Mountain around 25 million years ago. The Caves feature both a lava tube & a limestone cave filled with stalactites & stalagmites.

You will have the option of hiking one of the well-developed trails on Hallasan Mountain, which rises up from the center of the island & is perhaps the island's most memorable landmarks.

From here, make your way to Seokwang tea fields to explore O'sulloc Green Tea Museum & learn about Korea's traditional tea culture.

In a busy life where every minute and second counts, there are moments when a good cup of tea means everything. Sharing that moment with good people makes our life even more beautiful.

It was the first tea museum in Korea aiming to introduce the depth of tea culture & propagate Korean tea history & its tradition. The entire building is shaped like a green tea cup & seeks to harmonize the cultures of East & West and old traditions with the modern world. There is a lotus pond where you can relax & enjoy the unique O'sulloc teas. It features a variety of spaces including indoor garden, Tea Cup Gallery & Tea Stone cafe opened in 2013. It has exhibits related to green tea, an Observatory with countryside views & a popular gift shop.

It was chosen as one of top 10 museums in the world by designboom, the world’s most popular online magazine for architecture, art & design for the beautiful scenery in & outside the Museum.

Organic farming by OSULLOC does not just leave green tea leaves in the wild. It incorporates the advanced organic farming method, which integrates their proprietary R&D technology to produce tea that is safe and whose quality & reliability is globally recognized. Since 2010, OSULLOC tea field only produces tea leaves that earn organic farming certification marks not only locally but also internationally from U.S. & Europe among others. OSULLOC completed its unique signature fermentation method that combines Korea’s traditional science for fermentation with the natural environment & the spirit of Jeju.

They make healthy premium fermented tea with extracts from Korean traditional fermented pastes, and aged in the natural environment of Jeju, deepening the taste & aroma of tea.

The tour finishes & you are transferred back to the hotel.

 Balance of the day is at leisure for independent explorations (we will be happy to offer suggestions).

Morning, meet the Tour-guide at 08.00 am & proceed for another full day of exploration.

First stop will be at Sangumburi Crater - a natural monument located on the southeast side of Jeju.

Sangumburi Crater differs from the 360 or more parasitic cones of Jeju in that it was not formed when the materials ejected from the eruption stacked. Instead, it is a maar-type parasitic cone that was formed as a crater with a hole in it when many materials were ejected. This flat crater looks like a man-made circular stadium filled with a variety of flora including red-thorn, maple, evergreen & magnolia trees

The inner area is 300,000㎡, while the interior bottom circumference is 756m & the exterior circumference is 2,070m. Nearly vertical, the crater is approximately 130m tall, making it slightly larger & deeper than Hallasan Mountain.

 In autumn, when the ridges of Sangumburi Crater are colored gold by waves of silver grass, the planted Japanese cedar becomes the dominant species that takes up most of the eastern & western slopes, with Sawtooth oak in the surrounding area. Excluding these lush forests, colonies of Eulalia grass cover large patches of the crater.

Korean Fir has been planted to form a forest path.  You can walk around part of the rim on a well-paved path to the viewing area. There are also a number of traditional Jeju graves on the peak.

Depending on the time (& discretion of the Tour-guide), you may also visit Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak. This mountain rose from under the sea in a volcanic eruption over 100,000 years ago & the sharp rocks that surround the crater look like a gigantic crown. If you are up to it, you can climb up to the peak for exceptional views.

Next, visit the Seongeup Folk Village, a former provincial capital located at the foot of Halla Mountain.

The old-fashioned village preserves the living site of the people of old Jeju & has been designated as an Important Folklore Cultural Heritage. Cultural properties in the village have been handed down from generation to generation & include treasures such simple traditional lava rock-walled, thatched-roofed houses, Confucian shrines & schools, ancient government offices, stone statues, large millstones (pulled by horses or ox), fortress ruins & stone monuments, all surrounded by black lava rock walls. 

The Village shows the unique culture of Jeju Island: the black lava rock walls, the straight but curvy alleys to block the wind, and the iconic Harubang (stone grandfather statues), which have become a prime feature of the landscape. The local black-haired pigs & tongsi (pigsty / restroom) are especially well-known characteristics of Jeju folk culture. Among the cultural gems of the folk village are intangible cultural assets such as folk plays, native foods, craftsmanship & local dialect.

Even the trees are an important part of the area’s heritage. Several Saw-leaf zelkova & Japanese hackberry nettle trees that are hundreds of years old stand at the center of the village, preserving the dignified atmosphere of a bygone era.

Though it can be considered a folk village of sorts, it differs from regular folk villages in that people still live & work here. The village residents act as volunteer guides to offer visitors all sorts of information.

Though modern intrusions include souvenir shops, restaurants & car parks, most of it still looks fantastically feudal.

For lunch (included), be sure to try the Jeju black pork, which is a popular dish of the Jeju culture & is said to be very nutritious.

From here, head to the coastal edge of the island to see the women divers known as Haenyeo (sea women) going after their catch of daily seafood.

Haenyeo are female divers, known for their independent spirit, iron will & determination. The haenyeo are representative of the semi-matriarchal family structure of Jeju. For centuries, these female divers have eked out a living by plunging into the sea to gather its edible treasures and sell them.

This community of women some aged in their 80s, who spend hours at a time to go diving 10m under the sea without the use of any breathing apparatus to gather shellfish, such as abalone or sea urchins & seaweed. With knowledge of the sea & marine life, the Jeju haenyeo (female divers) harvest for up to 7 hours a day, 90 days of the year holding their breath for just one minute for every dive & making a unique verbal sound when resurfacing.

Divers are categorised into 3 groups according to level of experience: hagun, junggun & sanggun with the sanggun offering guidance to the others. Before a dive, prayers are said to the Jamsugut, goddess of the sea, to ask for safety & an abundant catch. Knowledge is passed down to younger generations in families, schools, local fishery cooperatives which have the area’s fishing rights & haenyeo associations,

The Haenyeo School & Haenyeo Museum, designated by the provincial government as representating the island’s character & people’s spirit. The culture of Jeju haenyeo has also contributed to the advancement of women’s status in the community & promoted environmental sustainability with its eco-friendly methods & community involvement in management of fishing practices.

In the 1960s, at their apex, there were 23,000 haenyeo women on Jeju, according to the island’s Haenyeo Museum. But now, only 4,300 haenyeo remain; many experts believe this generation will be the last, as young people flee to cities & pollution destroys the haenyeo’s place of work: the fragile aquatic ecosystem of the Strait. As of last year, Jeju was home to only 67 haenyeo under the age of 50.

But as the haenyeo’s numbers have dwindled, interest in them has grown. The aforementioned Haenyeo Museum was opened in 2006 & Jeju government is actively involved in preservation measures for the haenyeo, such as subsidizing the cost of their wetsuits & helping pay for their accident & medical insurance; and in 2016, UNESCO awarded the divers a Cultural Heritage of Humanity designation.

No one’s quite sure when Jeju’s inhabitants first started harvesting shellfish from the ocean floor. Archaeologists have found evidence of shellfish-gathering from as far back as 300 B.C.E., while the first historical mention of divers appeared in a court document from 1460. These early haenyeo contributed to a shell trading network with China & Japan. Then, at some point in the 1600s, women started taking over the diving work. This could be because foreign wars drained Jeju’s men away from the island; it could be because women’s earnings were exempt from the onerous taxes imposed by the Korean king in this era. No one knows for sure. But for whatever reason, the haenyeo became exclusively female, a tradition that’s endured until today.

Experts say that today’s increased interest in the haenyeo stems from the fact that haenyeo is not merely a profession, but a way of life that may soon be lost.

Continue on to Manjang-gul Cave, a UNESCO Natural Monument, filled with a variety of interesting structures, including stalagmites & stone pillars.

Manjang-gul is the main access point to one of the world’s finest & longest system of lava-tube caves. In total the caves are 7.4km long, with heights between 2m & 23m.

In this section you can walk around 1km underground to a 7m-high lava pillar, the cave’s outstanding feature. The immense black tunnel with swirling walls looks like the lair of a giant serpent & it is hard to imagine the geological forces that created it aeons ago, moulding rock as if it were Play-Doh.

Tour finishes.

On the way back to your hotel, drive by Jongdalri Shore Road & admire the beautiful coastal scenery.

Continue on to Manjang-gul Cave, a UNESCO Natural Monument & the cave is filled with a variety of interesting structures, including stalagmites & stone pillars.

Manjang-gul is the main access point to one of the world’s finest & longest system of lava-tube caves. In total the caves are 7.4km long, with heights between 2m & 23m.

In this section you can walk around 1km underground to a 7m high lava pillar, the cave’s outstanding feature. The immense black tunnel with swirling walls looks like the lair of a giant serpent & it is hard to imagine the geological forces that created it aeons ago, moulding rock as if it were Play-Doh.

Reach the hotel by late afternoon.

Balance of the day is at leisure for independent explorations (we will be happy to offer suggestions).

Morning, meet the Journeys Rep who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to Terminal? - Jeju-do International Airport for the short flight to Seoul.

On arrival at Terminal? - Seoul Incheon International Airport you will be welcomed 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.

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

Today you will travel to the site of the DMZ, which serves as a buffer zone between South & North Korea to prevent any military conflicts between the two countries.

Morning, meet the Tour-guide at 07.30 am & embark on a full day excursion to see the iconic The 4km wide, 240km long buffer known as the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) slashes across the peninsula, separating North & South Korea & learn about Korea’s divided history.  

Enroute, stop at the small village of Haean that sits in the circular concave shape of the terrain resembled a punch bowl, as the Tour-guide give you insights on the dividing line between North & South.

It is a natural geologic bowl several kilometers across, ringed by steep mountains on four sides. The bowl encompasses the starkly beautiful farmland in the area. Many fierce battles were fought here during the Korean War because of its strategic location. The Battle of Bloody Ridge took place here in August 1951 immediately followed by the Battle of Heartbreak Ridge just a couple of months later. Meanwhile the US 1st Marine Division reinforced by the Korean Marine Corps Regiment captured the line of hills in the Battle of the Punch Bowl later.

The place where most visitors want to go, is the Joint Security Area (JSA), 55km north of Seoul, where North & South meet at the truce village of Panmunjeom - there is nowhere else in South Korea where you can get so close to DPRK soldiers without being arrested or fired at.

Lined on both sides by tank traps, electric fences, landmines and armies in full battle readiness, it is a sinister place where the tension is palpable.

Surreally, it's also a major tourist attraction, with several observation points allowing you to peek into the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK; North Korea). For history buffs and collectors of weird and unsettling experiences, a visit here is not to be missed.

Reach Imjingak Park located along the banks of Imjin River, dedicated to the 10 million South Koreans separated from their families when the peninsula was divided postwar. It was built to console those from both sides who are unable to return to their hometowns, friends & families because of the division of Korea.

The Park has many statues, monuments artillery & war artifacts that were used during the Korean conflict.                          

Mangbaeddan is a Memorial, which enables displaced people whose hometowns are located within North Korea to bow down to their parents or family in North Korea as a sign of respect during cultural events such as New Year & Chuseok (the Korean Mid -Autumn Festival, which usually entails paying respect to your elders and ancestors). This Memorial holds many sorrowful memories of separated families during the Korean War.

Proceed to Freedom Bridge (a former railroad bridge) which was used to repatriate nearly 13,000 Korean POWs / soldiers returning from the North & until 1998 was the only point of egress in the western sector other than Liberty Bridge (which was controlled by the South Korean Army) onto the DMZ & the only direct link to Camp Greaves, Liberty Bell & Panmunjom.

On December 12, 1987, the President visited the Army's 1862 unit to propose the establishment of a Security Education Center & the complex including the Observatory was built.

See the nearby Eulji Observation Post & the 4^th Tunnel

The Eulji Observatory located on the ridge of Gachilbong, about 1 km south of the Military Demarcation Line & 7.2 km from the Yanggu Unification Hall.

This Observatory is a 2 story concrete slab building with a height of 10m & a floor of 98 pyeong.  From the Observation Deck, 1000m above sea level, in good weather, you can enjoy the stunning 360 degree panorama of the Punch Bowl & the 4 Peaks (Ceilbong, Wolchulbong, Mireukbong, Sunrisebong) in addition to an ominous view of North Korea.

Then, explore one of the 4 known tunnels passing under the DMZ, dug secretly by the North & check out a vivid hint of the surprise attack & plans for future military operations against the South.

The 4^th Infiltration Tunnel located 1,200m from the Military Demarcation Line in the demilitarized zone was discovered on March 3, 1990. This is the only tunnel to be discovered that provides full access to public on guided tours. Instructions are given in the square outside the tunnel. This 27 mile tunnel was designed for a surprise attack on Seoul from North Korea & can accommodate 30,000 men. Around the entrance, there are many safety centers & monuments including military equipment to see.

Among the artifacts, the most noticeable is the statue of the military dog, ‘Hunt’ - an investigatory dog that died during the process of initial exploration & discovery of the Tunnel. It died as it stepped on a North Korean mine & thus saved the lives of the Squad.  There are no ranks for military dogs, but Hunt was declared as a lieutenant upon his death.

The Safety Education Center has a theatre & an exhibition hall with a capacity of 200 people & offers 3D projections featuring the North Korean sites to enable a better understanding of North Korea.

Next stop is the Peace Dam that measures 125m high & 601m wide. It was built to stave off possible catastrophic flooding should the upstream Imnam Dam in North Korea collapse, either intentionally or by accident.

Although it can hold back 2.63 billion tons of water, there is no reservoir behind this dam. Peace Dam was built as merely preventive. Near the Dam is a small Water Museum, which teaches the importance of water conservation. Alongside the dam are plaques with prints of photos & wish-well notes from Nobel Peace Prize winners. 

In the Peace Dam complex, there is the International Peace Art Park with all kinds of manifestations to demonstrate what the South Koreans (& presumably the North Koreans) really want: peace. There are brightly colored tanks, one of them chained to the ground, another turned into a slide for kids, a third on which the barrel has been sculptured into a trumpet.

You will also see World Peace Bell made in 2008, using empty cartridge cases gathered from the around 30 of the world’s conflict zones & it certainly carries a significant meaning.

The humongous bell weights 37.5 ton but is incomplete. One part is missing: a piece of a decorative pigeon wing, which is visible behind glass on the side with a note “When the reunification is a fact, the wing will be added” to signify that Bell would be completed on the day of unification of Korea.

Alongside are displays with cartridges that weren’t used. Behind them are explanatory panels with copies of the sender of those cartridges. It tells personal stories that had made people feel connected this project. Among the countries that contributed were:

·          Mexico (1846-1848 American Mexican War and 1910-1917 Civil War)

• UK (1812-1814 Anglo American War)
• Ethiopia (1935-1936 Italy Ethiopia War)
• China (various confrontations, with Taiwan, Indian border and Tibetan independence movement)
• Among the others are Israel, Papua New Guinea, Japan, Russia & Vietnam

The exciting adventure ends & you start on your drive back to Seoul.

Reach the hotel by late afternoon.

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

Alas, this wonderful experience 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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