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 of high-tech gadgetry, glittering skyscrapers & scrumptious eats 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 (vodka like alcoholic 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 morming / afternoon free to relax or for optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions & make the arrangements).

Your Korean Culinary adventure really kicks off in the evening. Meet the Journeys & Rep & proceed for a welcome dinner - a traditional Korean 'Chimaek' experience.

There are some food discoveries that feel like breaking into the vault & there are others that feel like finding cash on the ground. 'Chimaek' is a mash-up of fried chicken (chi) & beer (maekju), a combination that has been a staple of Korean dining for years.

Chimaek started in the 1970s & fried chicken has remained the anjoo of choice ever since. ("Anjoo" refers to any food that pairs well with an alcoholic beverage). "Peak Chimaek" hit during the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup, when it seemed as though the entire nation packed into bars to watch TV & eat fried chicken. Koreans, in a true collective stroke of genius, built an entire business model around this pairing.

The chicken is typically double fried & covered in a thick, tangy sauce. There is always a side of pickled radish. In Korea, the meal is considered incomplete without it. As far as the beer goes, the theme is light & watery, as Korea hasn't had much of a beer culture until very recently. That is another thing to love about chimaek - it is a refined indulgence.

To finish off the day, walk to one of the night markets in Seoul for an immersive introduction to the sights, smells & of course, tastes of South Korean street food. 

A holiday in Seoul never disappoints the avid shoppers & food junkies! The city comes alive at night with locals & tourists heading out to hunt for bargains & devour sumptuous snacks. The heart of the action is Seoul’s bustling traditional Korean night markets, open all night.

Explore the oldest one established in 1905 - Gwangjang Market. A popular go-to place among Korean shoppers, yet it is still lesser known to tourists. This market featured in the Netflix series ‘Street Food’,  

While the higher level boasts a splendid collection of fabrics & textiles (the market is known for selling the traditional Korean attire, hanbok), the street level is equally enticing when night falls - the food alleyway, meokja-golmok, opens up for both the fabric sellers & foodies touring around the area.

From freshly cooked noodles & dumplings, tantalising meat & seafood to Korean mung bean pancakes (bindaetteok) & spicy rice cakes (tteokbokki), the food alleyway is like a food haven, with steam rising out from each of the tiny kitchens, all busy preparing delicious Korean street food for their eager & hungry visitors. Fresh sashimi anyone? You can have some beer or soju with it too!

Return to the hotel.

Morning, meet the Journeys Rep & proceed to Yongsan Station to board the Korail fast rail to Jeonju.

On arrival at Jeonju Station, you will be met & transferred to 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’.

You may also opt to stay in a hanok guesthouse. Similar to a Japanese ryokan, the bedding in a hanok is a futon mattress on the floor with a light covering. The floor of your room is heated and provides a comfortable nights' sleep.

Jeonju - a city in western South Korea, that is all about doing things slowly and doing them well - both in food & in life, though it remains under the radar for international travellers.

The centrally located Jeonju is one of South Korea's top destinations and boasts a time-honored tradition as well as significant cultural & artistic heritage. In 2012 the city was designated a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

The name Jeonju literally means "Perfect Region". It is famous for being the birthplace of both the Joseon dynasty & Korea’s most well-known culinary delight, bibimbap (rice, egg & vegetables with a hot sauce), for its historic buildings, sports activities & innovative festivals.

The largest city in the country's southwest, Jeonju has a vibrant historic district and a fantastic food scene: 'eat once in Jeonju and you will be spoiled for life', Koreans say. Though the city itself sprawls, the main attractions are mostly clustered in one area, making Jeonju a manageable weekend getaway. You can wander cobblestone lanes, graze food stalls, spend the night in a hanok (traditional home) & join the locals for a deliciously boozy night out.

Relax for an hour before meeting the Tour-guide again & proceed for a 4 hour sightseeing tour.

Proceed to explore culture at Jeonju Hanok Heritage Village.

Start in the historic centre, the Hanok Maeul (maeul means village). The Hanok are, distinguished by their elegant, sloping slate roofs.

This is one of the largest collections of hanok in the country. Constructed in the Joseon period (1392-1910) there are literally hundreds, side-by-side, their outer walls forming a maze of cobblestone alleys,   retaining much of their perfection intact along with craft shops & food stalls. Some hanok are still private homes, but most are now guesthouses, restaurants, boutiques or artisan workshops. If you need a caffeine hit, there are also numerous coffee shops. Story makes a delicious latte.

Strolling here will make you feel entirely encapsulated in an alternative Korea - not one that is entirely antique (many buildings have been restored or rebuilt) but one that is aesthetically opposed to neon.

At the heart of the maeul stands 15^th century Gyeonggijeon Shrine that holds the portrait of founder king of Joseon dynasty - Yi Seong-gye, featuring him seated in a magnificent red chair with three gold-foiled dragons on his royal blue robes.

And on its front is the beautiful Byzantine & Romanesque Jeondong Catholic church, one of the oldest & largest Western-style buildings in the region, designed & constructed in 1914 by master church builder Victor Lousi Poisnel, the Norman priest whose work in Korea includes Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul.

Just west of the church is the stately Pungnammun gate, where 3 Catholics paid for their religion with martyrdom on December 8, 1791, marking the beginning of the persecution in Korea.

There are also many small museums & you can pop in at some of them.

Visit Jeonju Korean Traditional Wine Museum which offers visitors the unique chance to explore the world of traditional Korean liquor & engage in related hands-on experience programs, making of local rice wines

There is the Hansol Paper Museum that records the history of paper making & usage since the age of the Egyptians.  There are some displays on traditional Korean paper making. You will also have a chance to make a piece of paper there as well. There is an interesting movie shown in English upon request although the signage is in Korean only.

Another place worth visiting (depending on the time), is the small Jeonju National Museum. Established in 1990, the Museum is committed to collecting, preserving, investigating, teaching & exhibiting the outstanding cultural heritage of Jeollabuk-do & has evolved into the region’s principal cultural institution, playing a crucial role in cultural exchange with other institutions, both domestic & international.

Walking around, you can see the Gaeksa built around 1471. The building was used to accommodate important visitors. Rituals to honour the king were also held here. Today, it is a meeting place for many as well as a hangout location for many older people.

You may also visit Ohmockdae - a small hill with a traditional house on top located just outside the Village. There are a couple of centuries old hilltop pavilions with sweeping views, especially night view of the city. Across the footbridge from the pavilion is another village Jaman Art Village. This 'moon village' - a euphemistic term for hillside shantytowns that sprung up after the Korean War - has been given new life with colourful murals & sculptures. A number of artists have also moved into the neighborhood, opening up galleries & cafes.

A half day is hardly enough time to take in the village's outstanding features & experiment with new food while exploring a delightful mishmash of crooked lanes, some just wide enough for two people to pass.

Just about every other person in Hanok Maeul is carrying something fried or grilled on a stick: in the last few years the village has become a street food hot spot. Some of the dishes on offer like the fluffy brown sugar-filled hotteok (pancake) that fits in with the traditional vibe of the neighborhood. Others, like the baguettes stuffed with spicy pork are totally modern concoctions. You can also find meatballs, mandu (dumplings), churros & deep fried squid.

After eating, visitors can revive themselves with tea at the iconic Gyodong Dawan, the first business to set up in the village.  It is still a wonderfully quiet place, specialising in a rare, golden-coloured tea once reserved for kings.

And now for the raison d’etre for this journey.

Meet the Host / Chef & proceed to a Hanok to participate in a Cooking class. Learn the art of making kimchi - a Korean slow food poster dish & a delicious kimchi pancake.

Learn how to cook a traditional Korean meal with help from a local Chef during this 3 hour, small-group Cooking Class.

Traditional Korean food creates a unique gastronomy that includes once obscure dishes; now found squarely on the modern culinary map. Unusual food offerings include Kimchi, which could perhaps be designated as the national dish. It is a fermented vegetable dish, usually consisting of Napa cabbage & spices, though regional & seasonal variations use scallions, cucumbers & other vegetables. Kimchi is eaten alone or used as a component, to augment other ingredients.

Fermented soybean paste is another national culinary staple called Doenjang. Once known only in Korea, the popularity of ancient dishes like these has spread through immigration & Asian-fusion inspired continental cuisine. Although rice & greens are equally as popular on the Korean dining table, where all dishes are served at one time, the piquant fermented components are the source of great international intrigue

An intensive exploration of Korean cuisine turns up a tapestry of ingredients & cooking methods. Side dishes like kimchi & others are called “bachan” & accompany every meal, often in great numbers. Main courses are grilled or stewed meats, noodle dishes or steamed greens & vegetables. Pork, beef, oxen, & chicken commonly provide the meals' protein.

Dishes are flavored with soy, red chili paste, green onions & fish sauce. Seasonings are at times sparse; to let natural flavors come to fore & in other instances spicy & complex. And don't be surprised to see raw octopus or squid show up on your plate - raw foods are a staple in the Korean diet.

Accompanied by your Host, take a short walking tour to a nearby food market to learn how to select the finest, freshest produce. As you explore the stalls, mingle with the locals & gain insight into Korean food culture as the Host purchases the ingredients to use in preparing the meal.

Proceed to the Host’s house & commence the lesson to discover the secrets of creating Korea’s most popular dishes.

The Chef / Host will carefully show you how to create the marinade that gives the dish its flavor & teach you how to cook the meat to make it perfectly tender. Learn how to saute the vegetables & beef to achieve just the right texture & flavor before arranging it on perfectly steamed rice.

Once you have finished in the kitchen, interact with the Host’s family & enjoy your preparation in the company of your group.

Return to the hotel & relax.

Later in the evening, meet the Journeys Rep & proceed to a Makgeolli bar for another traditional culinary experience.

Jeonju’s 7 Makgeolli bars specialise in locally produced versions of the tipple & have a curious arrangement: guests pay for the drink, which comes in huge copper kettles, and the food is thrown in for free. Jeonju loves its makgeolli (a milky spirit made from fermented rice) & locals will tell you it is a food, not a beverage. Accompanied by a parade of inventive side dishes, this singular drink is enjoyed in ritual fashion, served in special brass bowls from the coveted makgeoli kettle.

Sit down for dinner & enjoy some noodle soup & dumplings & wash it down with craft beers. More kettles you get through, the more dishes you get to sample. South Korea’s craft beer scene is exploding all across the country after a rise to popularity in Seoul. It is an experience unlike any other and a true South Korean highlight!

Return to the hotel.

Morning, start your day with a traditional breakfast of kongnamul gukbap - a hot soup of soybean & sprouts. 

Meet the Tour-guide at 09.00 am & embark on another culinary experience.

South Korean cuisine is spicy & robust, just like its people. Red chillies provide the heat & Gochujang is the famous traditional spicy sauce / garnish made with fermented soybean, rice powder & Chillies, used with almost every dish in Korea. The one prepared in the Sunchang region, is most popular & known internationally for being especially tasty.

Drive to Sunchang Gochujang, a village located at the foot of Mt. Amisan, famous for the production of gochujang (a traditional red chilli paste), for a tasting & demo on how it is made.

The village has a population of just 149 people who live in 46 Hanoks (traditional Korean style houses). When you first walk into the village you will notice rows of traditional hang-a-ri (large clay jar) all lined up everywhere you go transporting you back into Korea’s past.

Actually, it has not been too long since Sunchang Gochujang Village was established. Gochujang-making artisans from all over the region came together & started up this village.

Every year in early November the village hosts the Sunchang Gochujang Festival drawing many visitors to the place.

Ther are many attractions nearby including Hoemunsan Natural Forest, a lovely woody area & historical site; Gangcheonsan County Park; Baegyangsa temple, beautifully scenic in the snowy winter; Churyeong Jangseungchon, an adjacent  village where visitors can see various forms of jangseung (Korean totem poles made of wood); Hyangga Yuwonji, a public park famous for being the place where scholars would come to boat & live a peaceful life in these inspiring surroundings; & Naejangsan, a mountain that turns into a vision of fiery autumnal shades in the fall.

In rural communities, chilli farmers nearing retirement age & young people alike have been abandoning their home towns for big-city opportunities, making agriculture's future look sketchy. Store bought, commercially processed gochujang has nearly vanquished the time-consuming, time-honoured homemade stuff, a sterling example of how progress is gradually putting South Korean traditions on the shelf.

And it seems that fewer Korean women choose life on the farm any more. Tied to the land & committed to farming, rural men were isolated & lonely, until a pipeline of mail-order brides opened up. Since 2000, tens of thousands of women from China, Vietnam & Philippines, among other countries, have moved here. It is an unparalleled demographic shift that has changed the make-up of rural society & challenged attitudes towards biracial children & the country's harsh patriarchal family structure.

Here, you will observe the traditional methods to prepare Gochujang & participate in a workshop with a hands-on experience, making your own gochujang or cooking foods like pizza or rice cakes with gochujang.

Enjoy lunch in one of the many village restaurants. Fermented bean soup is recommended.

Later, take a stroll around “Gangcheon-san-kun Park", especially beautiful in autumn, on one of the Mountain Trail (the path has sand so a lot of people prefer to walk barefoot) at the base of 584m Mt Gangcheon.

Starting from the ticket office, a clear stream of cool water flows towards the nearby Yongso Waterfall & the vegetation on both sides makes it a pleasant sight. The low mountains & the natural beauty of the gorge with rock cliffs, valleys & lush forests make it very picturesque. It was designated as Korea's first Military Park in 1984. There are many temples in the area but since the Unification Shilla, only a few remain, some of them featuring 5 story Pagodas.

Time to get back to Jeonju but 1 more stop enroute.

Visit a Brewery to see the process involved in making Craft Beer.   

The owner / brewmaster is making some amazing beers using old recipes mixed with some new ingredients and experiments. It is s new place so the brewer is getting used to the region & the clientele. I think this is one of the magical things about craft breweries: they adapt, change and evolve to their locals.

John & his wife's brewery / restaurant has a modern yet rustic feel. They are avid campers so it has a natural, forest vibe. Right now they have 8 beers on tap. The faves were the American Wheat, IPA & an Amber. They have brewed 31 batches of beer in 19 different styles from start to finish. They have great looking pizzas as well have serve homemade popcorn as beer snacks.

Reach the hotel by late afternoon & relax.

Evening, meet the Journeys Rep & walk out for dinner.

It would be a crime to visit Jeonju & not sample the city's signature dish, bibimbap. This dish of rice topped with egg, vegetables & chilli sauce is among Korea's most recognised exports. The city has a particular way of serving it, making use of the fresh, flavourful greens & sprouts (rendered into jelly) that the surrounding farmland provides. There are countless places that serve bibimbap & you will visit one of the acclaimed one.

After dinner, toast the city with a bottle of Jeonju moju, a sweet local liquor seasoned with cinnamon. Take a bottle (or 2, it is not very strong) to the public gazebo perched on top of Jeonju Stream, the city's central waterway.

Walk back to the hotel.

Early morning, depart for Gyeongju, a coastal city rich with temples, tombs & palace ruins (many of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites).

Arrive in Gyeongju by noon. 

Gyeongju  was 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 Seokguram grotto, Bulguksa Temple, Gyeongju Historic Areas & Yangdong Folk Village are designated as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

It's 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.

Immediately on arrival, start your sightseeing with a stroll through Gyeongju Jungang Market opened in 1983 & currently consists of approximately 700 shops & vendors that sell a variety of products such as clothing, hanbok, vegetables & meat. Recently, it has opened a night market & is now bustling with tourists.

Enjoy lunch at one of the Food Stalls. Taste some of the building blocks of Korean cuisine & see how the ingredients come together to make popular local dishes.

First stop on the tour 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.

From here, drive to Golgul-sa Temple (literally means "Stone Buddha Temple") located just outside the ancient Silla Dynasty capital city of Gyeongju, for an overnight stay which provides a unique accommodation & cultural experience, offering an insight into monastic cuisine & rituals.

Check-in at the Temple Reception & relax.

*The monastery is located on a hill which requires a moderate level of fitness to ascend.

Depending on the time, witness monks practicing sunmudo & enjoy wandering around the tranquil temple grounds. 

Temple stay is a unique cultural program which lets you experience the life of Buddhist practitioners at traditional temples which preserved the 1700 year old history of Korean Buddhism & an experience for a better understanding of Korean traditional culture & Korean Buddhism. Korean Buddhist temples have been the bedrock on which brilliant Korean culture has been blooming since Buddhism was first introduced to Korea.  Various Buddhist cultural properties including the structure, architecture, sculpture, art, craft, Buddhist painting & Dancheong (temple paintwork) contain the teachings of the Buddha. The temple stay includes chanting, meditation, conversation over tea, Buddhist meals will give you a new perspective on your life. We hope you find your ‘True-self’ while staying at a temple.

A short temple stay includes a temple tour, meditation & a tea ceremony. Do nothing but relax. The temple becomes a shelter for your fatigued mind & body and will give you renewed energy. Away from a busy daily routine, guests breathe in nature & restore life forces through meditation & Buddhist ceremonies.

Golgul-sa Temple is located amid the natural beauty of Hamwol-san Mountain, situated just outside of historic Gyeongju City & here can be found the oldest historical Buddhist ruins. The Golgul-sa is the oldest grotto temple in Korea established by Master Gwangyu & his retinue which came to Korea from India about 1,500 years ago.

According to a painting of Jeong Seon during the mid-Joseon era, Golgulsa Temple was built by constructing a wooden antechapel in front of several stone grottoes & then covering it with tiles. It was left in ruins after it was burnt down in the mid to late Joseon era. Then about 70 years ago, the Bak clan of Gyeongju moved there & began reconstruction. The Temple was sold to an individual in 1989, but Ven. Seol Jeogun, then head of Girimsa, eventually purchased it. Currently Golgulsa is registered as a branch temple of Bulguksa, the head temple of the 11^th religious district, Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism.

The seated rock-carved Buddha of Golgulsa Temple was carved into the limestone cliff in the 9^th century during the United Silla Dynasty. The statue gazes toward the East Sea with a gentle smile & beautiful nimbus in which luxurious lotuses and flames are carved. It also faces the underwater tomb of King Munmu & around the Buddha, are many grotto Dharma halls, such as Avalokitesvara Grotto, Ksitigarbha Grotto, Medicine Buddha Grotto, Arhat Grotto & Guardian Deities Hall. There are also relics of traditional folk religions such as rocks carved into phalluses & vaginas.

At Golgul-sa Temple, you can experience many activities such as Sitting or Walking Meditation, practicing Sunmudo, Archery, Joining Chanting Services, 108 prostrations, Dharma Talk with a Buddhist monk over tea & the healthy simplicity of temple cuisine.

The Temple has run the unique Sunmudo training programs since 1992 for those who would like to experience the traditions of Korean Seon (Zen) Buddhism including Sonmudo.

A nurturing yoga that opens the energy points of body while relaxing the mind. Sunmudo is a moving meditation & meditative martial arts. It emphasizes the harmony of body and mind through observing one's breath. It is a traditional Korean Buddhist martial art that traces its origins back over a thousand years.

Soft & meditative, Qi Gong movements that cultivates an awareness of our own internal energies, while leading us towards a greater sensitivity of the external energies flowing all around us.

Cham-Seon is an important method of Korean Buddhist practice, where you can learn mindfulness & concentration. Meditation is to cut off all thoughts. 

Da-Seon (Tea Ceremony) is one of the meditations to practice of mindfulness & concentration through brewing & drinking tea. When you drink tea, your five senses work at the same time. Your eyes see the color, ears hear the sound of water, nose smells the fragrance, the tongue tastes the flavor of the tea & your hands feel the warmth of the cup. The Korean tradition of drinking tea features neither the formality of Japan nor the popular daily routines of China & the West. It is somewhere in between, with the freedom of being neither totally monastic nor totally secular.

Balwoo-gongyang (monastic meal) is a traditional way of eating a meal by Buddhist monks & nuns using Balwoo bowls containing a moderate amount of rice & vegetables. It is not only the manner of eating but one of the processes of practice.  Balwoo-gongyang involves the spirit of Equality, Cleanliness & Thrift because everybody shares the same food equally, cooked in a clean environment & there is no waste. Balwoo-gongyang has a symbolic meaning representative of Buddhism from Sakyamuni Buddha period to present. The meal offering is conducted in the half-lotus position and in total silence, without even the wooden spoons & chopsticks making a sound, and not a single grain of rice is wasted. There is no talking, with the monks chanting being the only words uttered in this stirring ritual. You can learn the wisdom of non-possession.

A day at the temple begins with Yebool. Yebool is a ceremony that pays respect to the Sakyamuni Buddha, Bodhisattvas & all his disciples. It affords a chance for self-reflection of practice. The Buddhist chanting contends that Buddhists take refuge in Buddha, Buddha's teachings & Shangha (the community of Buddhist monks & nuns). While you are listening to Buddhist chanting, you will feel calm & purified.

Experiencing Korean Traditional Culture is a program to experience facets of culture linked with historical characteristics of Buddhist temple. You can learn many traditional arts such as Lotus Flower Lantern Making, Ingyeong (Wood Block Printing from the Tripitaka Koreana), peparing Temple food & so on by yourself.

For a Temple stay, visitors have to strictly adhere to the prescribed etiquette. Dress should be clean, neat & conservative. One should avoid bright colored clothes, outlandish clothes, heavy makeup, strong perfume & excessive accessories. One must not wear revealing clothing such as sleeveless tops, mini skirts & short shorts. Bare feet are not allowed in the temple.

A temple is a sacred place for worshipping the Buddha, is a place where monks & nuns live & practice. So, making loud noises, drinking alcohol, smoking inside the temple are strongly prohibited. Pagodas, stupas, stone lanterns or any other sculptures are all religious objects. Therefore, sitting or writing graffiti on them are considered disrespectful & not allowed.

Facing palms together is a standard way of greetings in the temple. In Korea, it is called ‘Hap-jang.’ When you do hapjang, you place your palms together in front of the chest. To greet someone, hold palms together & bow down. Putting our palms together means ‘center one’s mind’ and ‘you & I are not two separate beings but one.’

When walking around the temple, you should do ‘Cha-su.’ It means putting the right hand across the top of the left with your right thumb locked under the left & placing them near the lower abdomen.  You would see everyone in the temple adhering to this primary posture.

Use the doors on the left or right to enter a Buddha’s Hall. The main door in the middle is for monks & nuns only. If you enter the hall, first, do a half-bow with palms together toward the Buddha & then greet the statue with three prostrations. You should not talk too loud in the hall. And if someone is praying in the hall, be careful not to bother him or her. You can light incense or a candle to worship the Buddha & Bodhisattva.

In the evening, relax with a chanting & meditation session, then choose to be guided through a sunmodo training session or simply settle in for an early night's sleep.

Dinner will be vegan, in line with monastic custom.

Today, following the temple etiquette, you will wake up at 04.00 am & participate in the morning Meditation Session (you can opt out of it if early mornings are not your thing, but we highly recommend you partake in this unique experience).

Enjoy a traditional Korean breakfast as you learn about the spiritual values & beliefs of Korean Buddhism over tea with a resident monk.

Post breakfast, drive to a nearby Farm for an insight into agricultural life.

One of the tenets of Buddhism is Ulyeok (Community Work)  

One rile of the Monastery is Monks is a day without work is a day without food. All Korean temples adhere to this rule and it is not merely an admonishment, but in the self-sufficient life in a remote Buddhist temple it is an axiom of practicality.

Normally Ulyeok starts after breakfast, and may include farming, cleaning the living quarters or sweeping the courtyard. This is not just physical work, but should be seen as another way of practicing & developing patience & discipline. While not as intensive as Seon meditation, the rhythmic routine of basic work affords a strong foundation for the monks' daily practice.

After meditating, reading sutras & worship, monks find Ulyeok relaxing. Sweeping autumn leaves from the courtyard or snow from the pathways o working on the community farm provides an opportunity to relate quietly with nature & with each other. Taking part in Ulyeok is a way for visitors to express gratitude to the hosts, & to join in an important daily ritual.

Walk around the farm, participate in the farm chores & enjoy some home-made snacks.

Return to the temple & depart for Busan.

Reach Busan by afternoon.

Home to majestic mountains, glistening beaches, steaming hot springs & fantastic seafood, South Korea’s 2^nd largest city 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. 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.

Enjoy a Seafood BBQ Lunch at a restaurant by the sea.

Before reaching hotel, 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 and 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 and flowers, it is a great area to relax and 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.

Yongdusan Park is more than just an open space. There are sights to see & lot of activities to do & Busan Tower is located here.

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.

Walk to Haeundae Beach, Korea's largest & most popular beach. The white sand beach is roughly 1.5 km long, over a 30-50m wide area, creating a beautiful coastline before a shallow bay, making Haeundae Beach perfect for swimming. Beyond the sea of parasols that line the shore in a beautiful colour-coordinated formation, the sea dazzles & entices. Nearby are equally good Songjeong Beach & Gwangalli Beach.

People flock to Haeundae Beach every summer, making this the perfect summer vacation spot. Haeundae Beach is also famous for various cultural events & festivals held throughout the year. Other facilities in the area include Dongbaek Island, Busan Aquarium, a yachting dock, BEXCO, driving courses and more.

Spend an hour here & depart for the nearby hotel & Check-in.

Evening, you will enjoy a sumptuous dinner of Korean lamb skewers with eggplant, dumplings & other side dishes.  

Back to the hotel.

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 & 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.

Reach the hotel by evening & Check-in.

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

Morning, meet the Journeys Rep who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to Busan Station to board your fast train to Seoul.

Arrive in Seoul Central Station & immediately embark on another iconic adventure to the most famous ‘border’ in the world.

You will travel to the site of the DMZ, which serves as a buffer zone between South and 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 & Check-in.

Relax for a couple of hours before meeting the Journeys Rep & embarking on yet another experience.

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 08.00 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 cloister, 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.

At the Palace, you will enjoy some personally memorable moments.

Seoul is a unique city where past & present coexist. Enhance your experience of the ancient Joseon dynasty palaces by donning traditional Korean dress (Hanbok) & having your pictures taken throughout the palace grounds by a professional photographer.

Capture memorable moments inside the famous ancient palaces as you dress up in Hanbok to relive & experience the grandeur of the city's imperial past.  

Prepare for your photoshoot by choosing your favorite of the various Hanbok costumes provided by the photographer. Basic hair styling will also be provided for ladies. Once you are styled to resemble the palace's original residents, the Photographer will lead you to the most photogenic spots in & around the palace. Experienced in avoiding the crowds, your personal Photographer will locate hidden spots where you will be pictured reliving Seoul's rich past.

In order to experience not only the city's past but also its present, you also get snapped at Cheonggyecheon Stream, a spot frequented by young locals & tourists alike due to its unique and relaxed atmosphere. The Photographer will direct you to pose naturally & capture your authentic moments in the Korean metropolis. After the tour, the link for all photos taken will be shared. 

Leave the Palace & drive to the 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 and you will immediately feel rejuvenated & relaxed,

Then, 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.

Evening at 06.00 pm, embark on yet another iconic Korean experience.

Proceed to the Korea House, the official government reception hall of Korea in the center of Seoul, where you will be greeted by staff dressed in traditional attire & folk music.

Before the Performance, get a taste of authentic Korean cuisine ancient kings have had in the past.

Enjoy dinner inside a hanok (traditional Korean house) & discover how Korea House continues the legacy of serving up a royal feast. Help yourself to exquisite dishes made from the finest ingredients, guaranteed to give you a both scrumptious & aesthetically-pleasing traditional Korean food dining experience. Choose from Eojin, Haerin, Cheongwoo & Nogeum Jeongsik and treat your palates to healthy & mouth-watering dishes, laid on a surasang (royal table). 

Following the tasting of the authentic Koran dishes, make your way to an intimate theatre for a 2 hour dance & music performances.

Korean traditional dance can mainly be divided into the following categories: court dancing, folk dancing, dancing with masks & ritual dancing.

At Korea House, visitors can discover the diverseness & richness of Korean music & art performance. It has been a venue for traditional performing arts for more than 20 years, presenting various musical performances, court dances & folk dances. The programs are produced based on the changing seasons, using various arts to create these unique illustrations of Korean culture.

Put on by a troupe of top musicians & dancers, the shows have English commentary on a screen. Some of the most popular routines include the fan dance, where female dancers wear colorful hanbok & use colorful fans to create shapes, Pungmulnori (farmers’ percussion performance), Talchum (a dance drama where dancers wear masks & create a story), Pansori (a traditional narrative vocal performance), Sinawi (an ensemble of 8 traditional musical instruments) & samgomu (featuring acrobatic female drummers)

Enjoy a traditional & elegant Performance amid modern visuals & UNESCO recognized music. Just one experience of watching the light & graceful movements of Korean traditional dance will have you captivated.

Return to the hotel.

Today also, you have a busy day in you Korean immersion.

Morning, meet the Journeys Rep / Host / Chef at 09.30 am & proceed for another culinary adventure.

Learn how to cook a traditional Korean meal with help from a local during this 3 hour, small-group Cooking Class.

Traditional Korean food creates a unique gastronomy that includes once obscure dishes; now found squarely on the modern culinary map. Unusual food offerings include Kimchi, which could perhaps be designated as the national dish. It is a fermented vegetable dish, usually consisting of Napa cabbage & spices, though regional & seasonal variations use scallions, cucumbers & other vegetables. Kimchi is eaten alone or used as a component, to augment other ingredients.

Fermented soybean paste is another national culinary staple called Doenjang. Once known only in Korea, the popularity of ancient dishes like these has spread through immigration & Asian-fusion inspired continental cuisine. Although rice & greens are equally as popular on the Korean dining table, where all dishes are served at one time, the piquant fermented components are the source of great international intrigue

An intensive exploration of Korean cuisine turns up a tapestry of ingredients & cooking methods. Side dishes like kimchi & others are called “bachan” & accompany every meal, often in great numbers. Main courses are grilled or stewed meats, noodle dishes or steamed greens & vegetables. Pork, beef, oxen, & chicken commonly provide the meals' protein.

Dishes are flavored with soy, red chili paste, green onions & fish sauce. Seasonings are at times sparse; to let natural flavors come to fore & in other instances spicy & complex. And don't be surprised to see raw octopus or squid show up on your plate - raw foods are a staple in the Korean diet.

Accompanied by your Host, take a short walking tour to a nearby food market to learn how to select the finest, freshest produce. As you explore the stalls, mingle with the locals & gain insight into Korean food culture as the Host purchases the ingredients to use in preparing the meal.

Proceed to the Host’s house & commence the lesson to discover the secrets of creating Korea’s most popular dishes.

The Chef / Host will carefully show you how to create the marinade that gives the dish its flavor & teach you how to cook the meat to make it perfectly tender. Learn how to saute the vegetables & beef to achieve just the right texture & flavor before arranging it on perfectly steamed rice.

Once you have finished in the kitchen, interact with the Host’s family & enjoy your preparation in the company of your group.

Return to the hotel & relax for an hour.

Another iconic traditional & unique phenomenon in Korea is Korean Spa & Bathhouse - a Jjimjilbang. A seasoned traveller does not leave Seoul without enjoying a sweat & a soak in one of the many spas, saunas or jjimjilbangs.

Most spas are open 24 hours & offer body scrubs, manicures, pedicures & facials. Watch out though, the massages and body scrubs are usually more on the rigorous than relaxing side.

Spas offer a variety of baths (maybe green tea or ginseng) & saunas (try mugwort, pine or jade). Soap & shampoo are supplied, as well as toothpaste & toothbrushes, and the ladies section usually has hairdryers, foot massagers, lotions & perfumes. You can have your hair cut as well as your shoes shined. Men & women are always separate in the bath area when it Is time to strip off, but saunas, napping rooms & other facilities may be mixed.  

Evening, accompanied by the Journeys Rep, proceed to a Bathhouse.

Bathhouses / Saunas can be conveniently found within walking distance in all neighborhoods, an integral facet of Korean lifestyle.

Traditional bathhouses are an essential part of contemporary Korean culture. Literally 'heated rooms', these jjimjilbang are where locals come to unwind, hang out and engage in a whole host of health & beauty rituals that go far beyond a quick soak. A Korean bathhouse attracts grandmas & young couples alike. Read up on the towel techniques & Korean bathhouse etiquette to experience your first-time jjimjilbang visit like a local (all our guests get an info sheet illustrating the etiquette, with the travel documents).

The typical local Jjimjilbang. will include a hot & cold bath (it is recommended to go back and forth between them for optimized circulation). Most bathhouses will also have a wet / dry sauna room, shower facilities, an area to lounge around in & even take naps! The more elaborate joints have restaurants, outdoor swimming pools, hair & nail salons and karaoke rooms in addition to the usual baths & saunas. There is no time limit how long you can stay inside.

There is, however, an unspoken code of manners and customs, which can make visiting a jjimjilbang intimidating for foreign travellers.

Standing stark naked in a room filled with strangers & trying to act natural about it, is just not a normal experience for anyone - is it? You have to be totally naked & Korans go with friends / family.

The average jjimjilbang takes up a few floors of a random walk-up building on a street people wouldn’t walk down unless they lived there, and can be pretty lacklustre.

The hot baths in the jjimjilbang are like a little taste of heaven during a Korean winter. They are filled with water averaging temperatures of around 38 degrees Celsius and loaded with varying health herbs & petals. It is bathing, goddess style. Popular ingredients added to the baths include rose petal, jasmine & ginger, the effects of which are said to provide significant health benefits, like reducing blood pressure.

There is far more than simply hot baths at the jjimjilbang. There is the steam & ice rooms, the arcade room, the one-on-one body scrubs, usually performed on naked customers by quite elderly staff & also the vast Korean facial beauty rituals.

They charge an additional fee ($10-40) for a total body scrub down where women rub you down until dead skin & dirt roll off your body like eraser crumbs. You can pay another additional fee ($20-40) on top for a full body massage that also usually includes a scalp massage with sesame seed oil & / or milk, which isn’t that bad for a little pampering!

Despite all the getting up close & personal with both strangers & friends, the jjimjilbang is overall, extremely relaxing & quite a culturally insightful experience into the importance of personal care in Korea. Physical & mental health benefits aside, the time spent at the jjimjilbang with friends, with no outside world distractions, clothes or phones, is a very pure, innate interaction; rare in a modern world where designer clothes & iPhones create status, and vanity & bravado too often take over.

The amount of time spent at the spa session may mean a formal dinner has to be skipped. You can head over to the food counter in the main hall to consume a strange combination of tea stained eggs, fried chicken & flavoured ice slushes (not included - direct payment) - a meal truly unique to the jjimjilbang.

The 3 - 4 hour experience ends & you are transferred back to the hotel.

Finally, 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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