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 Seoul 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 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.

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.

Morning, meet the Tour-guide at 09.00 am & embark on a full day 8 hour excursion to see the world’s most famous Border.

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 at 08.00 am & proceed for a full day 8 hour excursion to see Suwon Hwaseong Fortress & Korean Folk Village.

The impressive UNESCO Heritage listed Suwon Hwaseong Fortress is a fortification surrounding the centre of Suwon, the provincial capital of Gyeonggi-do, constructed from 1794 to 1796, as a display of King Jeongjo’s filial piety towards his father & to build a new pioneer city with its own economic power to perform commercial & military functions.

Constructed scientifically using advanced technology such as a crane back in 1794.  The Fortress wall was built using earth, Seokjae  (large stones) & Jeondol (bricks) &  the holes between the bricks are just big enough to fire guns, arrows, or long spears through in case of an attack.

During construction of the Fortress Jeong Yak-Yong invented ‘Geojunggi,’ which uses a ‘hwalcha’ (lever) to lift up heavy stones, greatly reducing construction time.

The Fortress went through many turbulent times & damage, and in the battle of June 25^th, many of the facilities became so damaged that they were deemed irreparable. Even though the fortress restoration initiative (1975-1979) restored many of the sites to their former glory, Paldalmun to Dongnamgakru (an area 491m in length) has still not been renovated.

Snaking up & down Paldal-san (143m), the fortification wall stretches a scenic 5.7km past 4 majestic gates, command posts, pavilions, observation towers and fire-beacon platforms.

The 4 Gates face each of the cardinal directions - Janganmun (north), Paldalmun (south), Changnyongmun (east), & Hwaseomun (west) - and the 7 arch style Sumun gates straddle the point where the nearby stream reaches the palace. Above the Sumun gates is a pavilion called Hwahongmun - a water gate that bridges the Suwon-cheon gurgling beneath it. 

It takes around 2 hours to complete the circuit. Try to go outside the wall for at least part of the way, as the fortress looks much more impressive the way an enemy would see it.

From the Fort, drive down to the Korean Folk Village (KFV) or Minsok village established in 1974, is a living museum in the city of Yongin, a satellite city in the Seoul Metropolitan Area, to expose local & foreign tourists to traditional Korean life & culture.

The 245 acre Village containing several sections that showcase meticulously restored traditional thatched & tiled houses of the different social classes - common people’s & aristocrats’ houses  (peasant, landowner, yangban) relocated here from all provinces, meant to transport you back to the Joseon dynasty as you wander through picturesque grounds & learn about  culture, shaman faith & seasonal customs,  festivals.

Reconstructed through a long survey of houses remaining in different parts of the country & authenticated by specialists, it is a real village consisting of over 260 traditional houses reminiscent of the late Joseon Dynasty.

It presents realistic recreations of a farming village & everyday folk culture meticulously collected & showcased, from  old Joseon period, which includes gwana (provincial government office), seowon & seodang (the Confucian academy & schools), hanyakbang (the medical institution), Buddhist temples and seonangdang (the religious buildings) & the fortune-teller’s place.

At the village entrance, you will see wooden poles carved with Chinese characters placed to mark village boundaries & scare away demons. These Korean totem poles are called Jangseung or Village guardian & were worshipped as village tutelary deities

As you stroll through the many alleys, you will see some people dressed in hanbok traditional costumes of Sato (the governors), Daejanggeum (royal cook of palace), Kumiho (legendary fox with 9 tails), Geosang (business magnate in Joseon dynasty) & many more interesting characters of the Joseon Dynasty. You will see several arts & crafts shops run by artisans working with traditional techniques on wood, metal, earthen ware, bamboo, handmade paper,.

Visitors here can also enjoy traditional Korean cuisine - rice cake like jeungpyeon (steamed & fermented rice cake), injeolmi (rice cake coated with bean powder), bukeo-gui (grilled dried pollack), or pajeon (green onion pancake) along with dongdongju (traditional Korean liquor).

The Folk Village has been a popular filming location for many well-known historical dramas including My Love from the Star (2013), Moon Embracing the Sun (2012), Dong Yi (2010), Sungkyunkwan Scandal (2010), The Great Queen Seondeok (2009) & of course, the hugely popular Dae Jang Geum (2003).

There are also multiple exhibition halls, displaying thousands of cultural artefacts. The village also has its own farm land with lot of trees & you see villagers tending vegetable plots & livestock.

Throughout the day there are shows by traditional musicians, dancers, acrobats & tightrope walkers, and you can also watch a staged wedding ceremony.

The Folk Museum offers a fascinating snapshot of 19^th century Korean life, and there are many hands-on activities for kids, as well as a child-oriented amusement park, which costs extra, plus several traditional restaurants.

Korean Folk Village is a great place to journey into the past to experience the wisdom and wits of Joseon dynasty.

*Posters discouraging loud talking & proper waste disposals etiquette are plastered everywhere.

Return to the hotel.

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

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 exciting 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.

Today, we leave it upto you to send your day as you want to (we will of course, be happy to offer suggestions & / or make arrangements).

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

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

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

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