Discovering South Korea

Day 1: Seoul

Arrival in Korea and transfer to your accommodation via public transportation. Check-in at your hotel and take your first steps in Seoul. The schedule will depend on your arrival time.

Day 2: Seoul

After breakfast, explore the city (recommended visits): - Gwanghwamun Square, recently renovated, is the historic heart of Seoul. Facing Gyeongbokgung Royal Palace, it’s a must-see for any discovery of Korea. - Gyeongbokgung Palace (or Changdeokgung depending on opening days). 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 with its charming shops. Known for its boutiques and teahouses, Insadong was originally where artists came to buy traditional brushes and paper. Visitors, including couples, enjoy leisurely walks here on weekend afternoons. - Explore Ikseondong, a district with traditional houses saved from destruction. Once destined to become a real estate project, Ikseondong owes its survival to the restoration of its small houses, now trendy shops, cafes with unique designs, and numerous restaurants frequented by passersby and employees from nearby towers. - Cheonggyecheon Stream, a green vein in the heart of Seoul. Initially a small stream, it became a slum after the Korean War and was later replaced by an elevated highway in the 1970s. It was restored to its semi-original form in a project lasting nearly two years and costing around 300 million USD. - End your day in Myeongdong, a vibrant hub for shopping and street food, and enjoy the nighttime view of City Hall with its striking glass and steel roof.

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 time to explore the historic heart of Gyeongju: - Daereungwon Tomb Complex (UNESCO): This park is home to royal tombs and high dignitaries, including the famous Heavenly Horse Tomb. Unlike many other tombs that were looted over the centuries, this tomb was almost completely intact. It revealed important insights into the funeral rites of the Silla dynasty (57 BC - 935 AD), along with remarkable artifacts such as a pure gold and jade crown and various royal ceremonial garments. - Cheomseongdae Astronomical Observatory (UNESCO): This structure highlights the remarkable scientific advancements during the reign of Queen Seondeok. It was used for astronomical observations, helping to map many stars visible to the naked eye. - Wolseong Fortress Ruins: Built to protect the city of Gyeongju (formerly known as Seo-ra-e-bol), which had a population of nearly 2 million at its peak. - Kyochon Village: A retreat for the Ryu family, who had a significant influence on noble conduct during the Joseon dynasty. The family is often compared to the Rothschilds for their unique rules and strong familial cohesion. - Reconstructed Wolyeonggyo Bridge: Best seen at night, this bridge, rebuilt two years ago, was the main access route to the heart of the Silla dynasty’s capital.

Day 4: Gyeongju

Free day with recommended visits (as per your travel guide): - Gyeongju National Museum: Established to preserve the findings from excavations that began in the 1970s, this museum has become one of the finest in Korea, with dynamic and fluid exhibitions showcasing an impressive collection of artifacts discovered in the region. - Seokguram Grotto and its seated Buddha (UNESCO): The epitome of Buddhist art during the Silla dynasty, the seated Buddha was discovered by chance during local logging activities. Now protected by glass and a building, it is also guarded 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 main pavilion. The layout of the temple follows the natural topography of the land, making it one of the masterpieces of Buddhist art from the Silla Dynasty. - Anapji Pond at night: Originally built as a place for the royal court and family to enjoy, the pond was intended to be much larger but was never completed due to the fall of the dynasty. Best viewed at night when illuminated, the pond enchants visitors with its magical lighting and unique atmosphere.

Day 5: Gyeongju Busan

Departure for Busan by express bus (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes). Transfer to your accommodation using local transportation. Start of free time to explore Busan with your travel guide: - Jagalchi Fish Market: A must-see in Busan, known for its stalls and especially its fresh fish and seafood aquariums. The market has a lively, popular atmosphere where passersby weave between deliverymen, outspoken fish vendors, and fishermen returning from their catches. - Nampodong District: Once the nerve center of international trade and foreign imports in the 1970s and 80s, the district is now also home to the Busan International Film Festival. - Gamcheon Art Village: Originally a humble hamlet, Gamcheon gained a reputation for housing North Korean refugees during the Korean War. Later, it became known for its picturesque murals, which helped it survive the real estate boom of the 1990s. Today, Gamcheon is a lively area with cafes, shops, and popular alleys. - Evening stroll along Gwangalli Beach, facing the bridge of the same name. This is a popular spot for young people and families to enjoy the beach, the nighttime view, barbecued shellfish, and a glass of wine by the sea.

Day 6: Busan

Free day with recommended visits in your travel guide: - Huin-yeo-ul Art Village: Nestled on the slopes of Yeongdo Island, facing the Nampodong area, this village has earned the nickname "Korean Cinque Terre." Its murals, sunny atmosphere, and south-facing seaside location on a slope give it a truly picturesque charm. - Haedong Yonggungsa Temple: Originally built in the 14th century but entirely reconstructed in the 1930s, Haedong is one of the few temples located by the sea. Its seaside setting and the Maitreya Buddha statue are its most distinctive attractions. - Walk along the Cheongsapo to Dalmaji seaside path with the monorail. Formerly a railway, this path has become an attraction for its scenic views and peaceful atmosphere. Its proximity to Haeundae creates an interesting contrast, delighting both children and adults alike. - Haeundae Beach, its waterfront, and its hidden market. The hub of day and night activity in the area, Haeundae is famous for its beach (said to be the most crowded in summer) and its bars, nightclubs, as well as booking zones (waterfront areas where artists perform for free). The promenade often hosts 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. Explore the old town of Jeonju with its traditional Hanok houses: - Jeonju Catholic Cathedral: Built at the beginning of the 20th century under the supervision of French priest François-Xavier Baudounet, it has a unique architectural style with its red brick Anglo-Saxon design. It hosted a visit from Pope Francis in 2014. - Pungnammun Traditional Gate: Built in 1734, this gate was part of the structure that once protected the old city of Jeonju. It is now located at the corner of the traditional market bearing the same name. - Gyeonggijeon Shrine: A very important Confucian site built during the Joseon dynasty (1410), the shrine was used to house and protect royal portraits blessed by priests after the king's accession to the throne. It also held some of the royal administrative archives until they were moved during the Imjin War (1592-1598). - Hyanggyo Confucian School: Built shortly after Gyeonggijeon Shrine, the Hyanggyo Confucian School served to educate the region's intellectual and administrative elites. Its layout is unusual, as it is on flat ground, unlike most schools and shrines, which are typically elevated.

Day 8: Jeonju Seoul

Departure for Seoul by express bus (approximately 2.5 hours). Free day with recommended visits

Day 9: Seoul

Free day with recommended visits.

Day 10: Séoul

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