The Land of the Morning Calm – South Korea

Upon arrival in Seoul, the capital of South Korea, you will be transferred to your 5-star hotel located near Changdeokgung Palace where you can stay for 3 nights. In the evening, take advantage of the surroundings to discover the typical Korean gastronomy and taste one of their 3 great classics: kimchi (fermented cabbage dish or salad), tteok-bokki (rice cake sautéed in soy sauce) or bibimbap (a mixture of rice, vegetables and meat with a fried egg).

After a hearty lunch at the hotel, discover the city which perfectly combines ultra modernism and ancestral traditions. There is so much to see: City Hall, Seoul Square, Cheonggye Square, Cheonggyecheon River, Gwanghwamun Pedestrian Avenue, Jogyesa Buddhist Temple, visit the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History which traces the evolution from the late 19th century to the present day, the great Gyeongbokgung Palace, meaning “palace of shining happiness”, visit the Seodaemun Museum and Memorial, dedicated to the victims of the Japanese occupation. Don’t hesitate to use the subway which will take you easily from one place to another.

Lunch at the hotel. You still have a whole day left to complete your discoveries of the city. Make time to visit the Itaewon district, one of the trendiest areas of the city. Namdaemun’s traditional markets are also a must.

After your lunch, go to the station and take the train to Andong (about 3 hours). After settling down for 2 nights at your hotel in the city centre, go for a walk in this city of nobility. Andong became known by its Confucian students. There are still 26 private schools dating back to the Joseon dynasty. Pagodas, schools, mask museum or folklore museum are a must. In the evening, allow yourself to taste the traditional dish of the region, jjimdak, spicy steamed chicken.

Today, just 25 kilometres from Andong, you can visit the traditional village of Haohe, a picturesque interlude in an ultra-modern Korea. This village has not changed since its foundation in the 14th century. Here you can photograph the hanoks, traditional Korean houses, and make beautiful discoveries at the amazing mask museum.

Today, you are boarding the express bus that connects Andong to Daegu (1h45), Korea’s fourth largest city. Traditional culture and contemporary charm make this city a very interesting stop. After dropping off your suitcase for 2 nights at the centrally located hotel, head to a tourist information centre to learn all about the city or take one of the trails of Palgongsan Mountain. Here you can admire pagodas and Buddhas carved into the cliffs. In the evening, before tasting another traditional dish, visit the medicinal plant market.

From Daegu, early in the morning, take the express bus (1h40) to Haeinsa Temple, one of Korea’s most revered temples, which houses the 80,000 wooden tablets of the famous Tripitaka Koreana in the sumptuous natural setting of Gayasan National Park.

Departure by train to Gyeongju, former capital of the Shilla kings from the 1st to the 10th century, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take the afternoon to discover the treasures of the historic city: we recommend a visit to the National Museum, which houses a beautiful collection of royal artefacts, the Tumulis Park which contains 23 royal tombs and at nightfall, the illuminated Anapji Pond.

Free day to visit 2 UNESCO World Heritage sites: Bulguksa Temple, symbol of Buddhism in Korea, and Seokguram Cave, home to a beautiful stone Buddha. End the day with a bike ride around Lake Bomun.

After your lunch, departure by train south to Busan, a dynamic and warm coastal city. After dropping off your suitcase for 3 nights at the hotel, we recommend a climb to the Busan tower (90 m) for a superb panorama of the city between bays and hills, a stroll to the huge Jagalchi fish market where you can enjoy delicious grilled fish or a walk in the picturesque Gamcheon district known for its steep streets, winding alleys and brightly coloured houses.

Lunch at the hotel. Finish your discovery of the city by visiting the Gwangbok-ro shopping avenue and BIFF Square. Then head to the United Nations Memorial Cemetery, established in 1951 to commemorate those killed in the Korean War. This visit will make you realize the important contribution Canadians have made to Korea’s history. In the evening, take advantage of the city’s lights as you embark on a “by night” cruise.

You can’t leave the Boseong green tea producing region without discovering the plantations and the traditional preparation of tea. We suggest you visit Daehan Dawon, one of the most emblematic sites in the country thanks to its magnificent terraced crops.

After your lunch, you will be transferred to Busan airport for the flight to Jeju. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your 5-star hotel for 2 nights. The island is one of the New 7 wonders of nature. You will be amazed to learn that the islanders have developed a language and culture distinct from those of South Korea. In the afternoon, we suggest you go to Mount Halla or play a round of golf on one of its 30 courses.

Take the day off to explore the island declared to UNESCO for the exceptional geological features of its lava tubes and their role as a habitat for many rare and endangered species. The island became known through its matriarchal structure symbolized by the daughters of the sea who earn their living by scuba diving offshore to harvest marine products. Another curiosity is the volcanic stone statues that remind us of Easter Island.

Lunch at the hotel. Afterwards, transfer to Seoul airport for your return flight to Montreal.