Discovering South Korea - Jeju Extension

Day 1: Seoul

Arrival in Korea and transfer to your accommodation by public transportation. Check-in at your hotel and first exploration of Seoul. Schedule based on your arrival time.

Day 2: Seoul

After breakfast, explore the city (recommended visits): - Gwanghwamun Square, recently renovated, the historic heart of Seoul. Facing the Gyeongbokgung Royal Palace, it is a must-see for anyone discovering Korea. - Gyeongbokgung Palace (or Changdeokgung, depending on opening days). The residence of the Joseon dynasty from 1395 to 1592 and again from 1867 to 1911, Gyeongbokgung Palace is a perfect example of Korea's grandeur during its golden years. - Stroll through Insadong and its charming shops. Famous for its art supply stores and tea houses, Insadong was originally where artists would buy traditional brushes and papers. Nowadays, visitors and couples leisurely stroll here on weekend afternoons. - Explore Ikseondong, a neighborhood of traditional houses saved from demolition. Once destined to become a real estate project, Ikseondong survived thanks to the restoration of its small houses, which have turned into trendy shops, cafes with unique designs, and numerous restaurants frequented by both passersby and employees from nearby office towers. - Cheonggyecheon Stream, a green artery in the heart of Seoul. Originally a small stream, it became a slum after the Korean War. Completely destroyed, it was replaced by an elevated highway in the 1970s before being restored to its semi-original form in a massive two-year project that cost $300 million USD. - End your day in Myeongdong, the vibrant hub for shopping and street food, and enjoy a night view of the City Hall, with its striking glass-and-steel architecture.

Day 3: Seoul Gyeongju

Departure for Gyeongju by express bus (approximately 3.5 hours). Transfer to your accommodation by local bus and drop off your luggage. Free visits with exploration of the historic center of Gyeongju. - Daereungwon Tomb Complex (UNESCO). This park includes royal tombs and high-ranking officials' graves, with the most famous being the Tomb of the Heavenly Horse. Almost completely intact (unlike many other tombs that were looted over the centuries), it has provided valuable insights into Silla dynasty (57 BC - 935 AD) funeral rites and unearthed incredible artifacts, including a pure gold and jade crown and numerous elements of royal ceremonial attire. - Cheomseongdae Astronomical Observatory (UNESCO). A symbol of the impressive scientific development during Queen Seondeok’s reign, this observatory was used for astronomy and helped map much of the visible stars. - Remains of Wolseong Fortress, built to protect the city of Gyeongju (also known as Seo-ra-e-bol), which had nearly 2 million inhabitants at its peak. - The small village of Kyochon. This was the residence of the Ryu family, which greatly influenced the noble code of conduct during the Joseon dynasty. The family is often compared to the Rothschild family for their distinct rules and strong familial cohesion. - Reconstructed Wolyeonggyo Bridge. Best seen at night, this bridge, rebuilt two years ago, was once the main access point to the heart of the Silla dynasty’s capital.

Day 4: Gyeongju

Free day with recommended visits (from your travel guide): - Gyeongju National Museum. Built to preserve the discoveries from excavations that began in the 1970s, the museum has become one of the finest in Korea, with its dynamic, fluid exhibits and an impressive collection of artifacts found in the region. - Seokguram Grotto and its seated Buddha (UNESCO). A pinnacle of Buddhist art during the Silla dynasty, the seated Buddha was rediscovered by local villagers during logging activities. It is now protected by glass and a building, but even more so by celestial dancers (Apsaras) and ancient warriors. - Bulguksa Temple (UNESCO). A magnificent site with unique architecture in Korea, the temple houses numerous national treasures, including the two famous stupas in front of the central pavilion. Designed to follow the natural terrain, it remains one of the masterpieces of Buddhist art from the Silla Dynasty. - Anapji Pond at night. Originally built as a leisure space for the royal court and family, the pond was intended to be much larger but was never completed due to the fall of the dynasty. Best seen at night when illuminated, the pond enchants visitors with its special atmosphere and magical lighting.

Day 5: Gyeongju Busan

Departure for Busan by express bus (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes). Transfer to your accommodation using local transportation. Begin exploring Busan with your travel guide's recommendations: - Jagalchi Fish Market, a must-see in Busan, known for its stalls and, most notably, its tanks of fresh fish and seafood. The market has a lively, popular atmosphere where passersby weave between delivery workers, talkative fish vendors, and fishermen returning from their catch. - Nampodong District. Once the hub of international trade and foreign imports during the 1970s and 80s, this area has also become the host of the Busan International Film Festival. - Gamcheon Art Village. Originally a quiet village, Gamcheon gained its first reputation by sheltering North Korean refugees during the Korean War. Later, it became famous for its charming murals, which helped it survive the real estate boom of the 1990s. Today, Gamcheon is a vibrant area filled with cafés, shops, and bustling alleyways. - Evening stroll on Gwangalli Beach, facing the namesake bridge. A popular meeting spot for young people and families, it's the perfect place to enjoy the beach, the nighttime view, shellfish barbecues, and a glass of wine by the sea.

Day 6: Busan

Free day with recommended visits from your travel guide: - Huin-yeo-ul Art Village. Nestled on the slopes of Yeongdo Island, facing the Nampodong area, this village is often called the "Korean Cinque Terre." Its murals, sunny atmosphere, and south-facing seaside location on a slope give it a completely picturesque charm. - Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. Originally built in the 14th century but fully reconstructed in the 1930s, Haedong is one of the few seaside temples in Korea. Its oceanfront setting and the Maitreya Buddha statue are its most notable attractions. - Walk along the waterfront from Cheongsapo to Dalmaji with the monorail. Formerly a railway track, this path has become a popular attraction for its scenic views and tranquil atmosphere. Its proximity to Haeundae provides an interesting contrast and is a delight for both children and adults. - Haeundae Beach, its waterfront, and the hidden market. The heart of the area’s day and night activity, Haeundae is famous for its beach (known for being densely crowded in summer), bars, nightclubs, and "booking zones" (waterfront areas where artists perform for free). Its promenade is always bustling with events, festivals, and other festive activities.

Day 7: Busan Jeonju

Departure by express bus to Jeonju (approximately 3 hours). Drop off your luggage at your accommodation. Visit the old town of Jeonju with its traditional Hanok houses: - Jeonju Catholic Cathedral. Built in the early 20th century under the supervision of French priest François-Xavier Baudounet, its architecture is unique with an Anglo-Saxon style featuring red bricks. It hosted a visit from Pope Francis in 2014. - Pungnammun Traditional Gate. Built in 1734, it was part of the structure that protected the old city of Jeonju. It now marks the corner of the traditional market that shares its name. - Gyeonggijeon Shrine. An important Confucian site built during the Joseon dynasty (1410), the shrine was used to house and protect royal portraits, which were blessed by priests after the monarch’s ascension to the throne. It also held part of the royal administrative archives until they were relocated during the Imjin War (1592-1598). - Hyanggyo Confucian School. Built shortly after Gyeonggijeon Shrine, this Confucian school was used to train the intellectual and administrative elites of the region. The layout of its buildings is unusual, as it is on flat ground (most schools and shrines are typically elevated).

Day 8: Jeonju Seoul Jeju

Departure for Seoul by express bus (approximately 2.5 hours). Transfer to Gimpo Airport and flight to Jeju on a local airline (45-minute flight). Arrival in Jeju and transfer to your accommodation using local public transportation (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes). Drop off your luggage at your accommodation and begin free visits: - Jungmun area, featuring Cheonjeyeon and Cheonjiyeon waterfalls. - Jungmun Beach. - Jusangjeolli Cliffs (UNESCO). - Yakcheonsa Temple.

Day 9: Jeju

Free visits with recommendations from your travel guide: - A walk around Udo Island, known as the "lying cow island." - Seongsan Ilchulbong Sunrise Peak (UNESCO). - Seopjikoji Art Zone, featuring modern art, architecture, and works by Tadao Ando. - Aquaplanet Aquarium (Hanhwa Resort).

Day 10: Jeju

Free visits with recommendations from your travel guide: - O'sulloc Green Tea Fields. - Jeju’s Spirited Garden. - Beautiful Hyeopjae Beach. - Dongmun Night Market.

Day 11: Jeju Seoul

Departure to the northern part of the island. - Visit to the Manjanggul Lava Tubes (UNESCO). - Visit to the old Jeju prefecture, Mokkwanna. Departure to the airport and flight to Seoul in the late afternoon (approximately 1-hour flight). Transfer to your accommodation using local public transportation.

Day 12: Seoul

Free day with recommended visits

Day 13: Seoul

Free day with recommended visits

Day 14: Seoul

Free day. Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to the airport using public transportation and check-in before boarding.