South Korea. Mountains, Jeju island and megapolises

Price

€2194

Days

Tour description

We will spend two weeks in a unique country, which has achieved unprecedented technical progress and at the same time fully preserved its traditions and very authentic culture.

Walk between the skyscrapers in Seoul and Busan, see unusual vertical gardens and super high-tech
See the burial mounds of the Korean kings and unique cave monasteries
Climb the Hallasan volcano - the highest point of South Korea
Watch the traditional mask show in the old village of Hahoe
Meet the Haenyeo female free-divers on Jeju Island

Tour departures

21 October 2023 - 04 November 2023

€2194

Book

13 April 2024 - 27 April 2024

€2394

Book

The price of the tour includes

Domestic flights; Accommodation in double rooms of hotels and guesthouses; Almost all breakfasts; All transportation, including buses, trains, subway; Professional guiding services.

What is NOT included

Flight to Seoul and back home. (Let us know if you need help finding the best deals); Insurance (mandatory); Entrance tickets to temples, parks and other places of interest (up to $200); Visa; Food ($15-40 per person per day).

Tour map

Tour itinerary

Day 1-2

Vertical gardens in Seoul City Hall, Changdeokgung palace

We arrive in Seoul and check into a hotel. We begin our acquaince with the rituals of Korean food and then walk in the famous vertical gardens of the Seoul City Hall.

Next morning we go to the city palace Changdeokgung. This residence of the Korean rulers was built in the 15th century, and the last emperor of Korea, Sunjong, lived here until his death in 1926. The palace also boasts the oldest bridge of Seoul and a huge secret garden.

We walk around Insadong art quarter, and then go to the N-Tower to enjoy the best view of the 10 millionth Seoul. In the evening, we study the architectural masterpiece of Zaha Hadid - the building of Dongdaemun Design Plaza. The architect managed to inscribe in this super modern building the remains of an old fortress and even a whole park on the roof.

Day 3-4

Городок Сокчо, Прогулка по горам Сораксана

Early in the morning we take a bus to the port town of Sokcho (3 hours on the way). Here we will begin our hike through the mountains of Seoraksan. This is one of the most famous Korean reserves, a favorite place for active recreation of Koreans. It boasts two routes - one leads to the waterfalls, the other - to the picturesque observation platform. Those who do not like to walk can take a cable car to one of the peaks. Tired and refreshed, we return to Seoul for the night.

In the morning we take a comfortable bus and train on a picturesque road to the town of Danyang, located on the bank of the river near the Sobaeksan reserve (3 hours on the way). This town is a charming Korean province with traditional houses. We walk along the embankment of the river, watching the unusual islands of Dodamsambong.

Day 5

Guinsa temple, Gosu caves

We explore the huge Buddhist Guinsa temple, located on the territory of the reserve among the wooded mountains. Here we will be tasting the temple food, which is served for free to all visitors. By the way, all the products of the monks are grown on their own farm. The monastery kitchen can feed up to 20 thousand worshipers per day! And here we will learn about the features of Korean Cheontae Buddhism. We will walk to the top of the hill to the grave of the founder of the temple on a very picturesque road.

Then we go to the unique limestone caves of Gosu. In prehistoric times, primitive people lived here. We will wander through the huge dark corridors and admire stalactites. In some places you have to squeeze between very narrow passages! In the evening we go by train to the town of Andong (about an hour and a half on the way).

Tour leaders

Yevgeniy Ikhelzon

co-founder, tour leader

Is this trip for you?

This trip is of light physical grade. It includes two short domestic flights, and short bus and train rides. We will also walk in national parks and hike up the 1950 meters tall mountaint for 5-7 hours. (It will be possible to change this hike for one of the easier ones in the same area). Accommodation in double/twin rooms of tourist class hotels and guesthouses. All will have hot water and wi fi internet.