9-Day Korea UNESCO Tour: Explore Suwon, Busan, Gyeongju, Andong, Mt. Seoraksan and Seoul

Embark on a 9-day UNESCO tour of Korea, exploring Suwon, Busan, Gyeongju, Andong, Mt. Seoraksan, and Seoul. Stay in 4-star hotels and enjoy the expertise of licensed English-speaking guides.

Duration: 9 days
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights

Arrive at ICN airport ➜ Hotel

Incheon International Airport - The local guide will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to the hotel.

Incheon (Seoul) ➜ Suwon ➜ Jeonju, The Landmark of Korean Culture

Hwaseong Fortress - Built under the guidance of Yu Hyeong-Won (1622-1673) and Jeong Yak-Yong (1762-1836), this fortress is known for its scientific construction. The walls, made of Seokjae and Jeondol (bricks), have holes just large enough to fire guns, arrows, or long spears in case of an attack. It is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

Jeonju Hanok Village - We will visit Jeonju’s most famous village, a key tourist destination known for its Korean cuisine and historic traditional buildings. In May 2012, Jeonju was designated a Creative City for Gastronomy by UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network.

Jeonju ➜ Busan, Home to Fantastic Seafood, Second-Largest City

Gyeonggijeon Shrine - A symbol of Jeonju’s Korean-style village, Gyeonggijeon is particularly beautiful in spring and autumn. The surrounding landscape is often used as a backdrop for historical dramas and movies.

Yongdusan Park - Located in downtown Busan, Yongdusan Mountain (49m) is one of Busan’s three famous mountains. Originally called Songhyeonsan Mountain, it was renamed Yongdusan because its peak resembles a dragon’s head (yongdu), believed to protect the area from foreign invaders. The mountain has various monuments, including the Cheokhwabi Monument, Chunghontap Pagoda, 4.19 Revolution Monument, a statue of Admiral Yi Sun-shin, and Busan Tower. The park offers a beautiful view of Busan Port and the surrounding scenery, especially at night from Busan Tower.

Busan Tower - Standing 69 m above sea level at a height of 120 m, Busan Tower is a symbol of Busan. The top of the tower is modeled after the baldaquin of Dabotap Pagoda in Bulguksa Temple, Gyeongju. The tower offers a stunning night view and features such as the Statue of the Great Admiral Yi Sun-sin, the Bell of the Citizens, a flower clock, and a bust of the Busan-based independent activist, Baeksan An Hee-je.

Jagalchi Market - Located on the shoreside road in Busan’s Jung-gu, Jagalchi Market is Korea’s largest seafood market, selling both live and dried fish. Most vendors are women, known as Jagalchi Ajumma. The market is famous throughout the country, and visitors can eat fresh raw fish right at the market. The Jagalchi Cultural Tourism Festival is held every October, and the market is easily accessible by subway. It offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of Busan locals.

Busan ➜ Gyeongju, Known as ‘the museum without walls,’ World Heritages designated by UNESCO

Gyeongju Historic Area - The 1,000-year-old capital of the Silla Dynasty.

Yangdong Folk Village - This entire village is a UNESCO cultural heritage site, attracting many visitors for its cultural heritage and scenic surroundings. Charles, Prince of Wales, visited in 1993.

Gyeongju ➜ Andong ➜ Wonju

Bulguksa Temple - A representative relic of Gyeongju, designated as a World Cultural Asset by UNESCO in 1995. Built in 528 during the Silla Kingdom, it was rebuilt by Kim Dae-Seong (700-774) and completed in 774. The temple is renowned for its beauty and artistic stone relics.

Seokguram - Located on Tohamsan Mountain, Seokguram is Korea’s representative stone temple and a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Built by Kim Dae-Seong (700-774) and completed in 774, it features the Bonjon Statue, Bodhisattva, and his disciples. The sunrise view from the temple is stunning.

Daereungwon Tomb Complex - Home to Cheonmachong Tomb (Ancient Tomb No. 155), excavated in 1973. The tomb contains a wooden coffin inside an underground chamber, with a total of 11,526 artifacts discovered, including Cheonmado, Korea’s first artwork excavated from an ancient tomb.

Andong Hahoe Folk Village - Home to the descendants of the Ryu clan of Pungsan, this village is famous for its traditional houses and scenic surroundings. Queen Elizabeth of England visited in 1999. The village offers local delicacies and nearby attractions such as Bongjeongsa Temple and Gosan Seowon. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2010. The Andong Mask Dance Festival is held every autumn.

Wonju ➜ Mt. Seoraksan, Spellbinding Landscape Vistas of Mt. Seoraksan National Parks

Seoraksan National Park - Known for its breathtaking views and home to 2,000 animal species and over 1,400 rare plant species. Designated a Biosphere Preservation District by UNESCO in 1982, the park is most beautiful in spring and autumn.

Gwongeumseong Fortress - Located on Seoraksan Mountain, this castle ruin is also known as Mt. Onggeumsan Castle or Toto Castle. Believed to have been built by King Gojong (r. 1213-1259) of the Goryeo Period, it is accessible by a steep, rocky path or a cable car installed in 1971.

Seoraksan Sinheungsa Temple - A short 10-minute walk from the entrance to Sogongwon, Sinheungsa Temple was built by Jajangyulsa (590-658) and has been destroyed and rebuilt many times. The temple features a great bronze statue called Bronze Jwabul Statue and various cultural properties. The surrounding scenery is beautiful, attracting many tourists.

Mt. Seoraksan ➜ Seoul, Discovering the New Era at Hand in Korea, What the World Calls New Seoul

Changdeokgung Palace - The second royal villa built after Gyeongbukgung Palace in 1405, Changdeokgung Palace was the principal palace for many Joseon Dynasty kings. The palace grounds include a public palace area, a royal family residence, and a rear garden. The palace was restored in 1611 after being burned down in 1592. It houses cultural treasures such as Injeongjeon Hall and Daejojeon Hall. The rear garden, known as Biwon, is most beautiful in the fall. The palace was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO in 1997 and was visited by the first ladies of the Seoul G20 summit in 2010.

Seoul ⇌ DMZ, The Demilitarized Zone is a Unique Area Where You Can Observe One Country Being Divided into Two

DMZ - The highlight of today’s tour is the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone). Note: Must bring passport for ID check. Located on each side of the 38th parallel, this border was established in 1953 at the signing of the Panmunjom armistice to separate North and South Korea. The tour includes passport security control, a short introduction at the United Nations’ camp, visits to Dora Observatory and Dorasan Railway Station, and exploration of Imjingak Park with its Memorial, Liberty Bridge, and Bell of Unification. The tour also includes a visit to the 3rd tunnel, capable of moving a full division per hour with their weapons.

Insadong - Located in the heart of the city, Insa-dong is a place where old but precious and traditional goods are on display. The main road is lined with galleries, traditional restaurants, teahouses, and cafes. The galleries showcase traditional Korean fine art, and the teahouses and restaurants complement the galleries. On weekends, the main street becomes a cultural space with booths, traditional performances, and exhibits. Insa-dong is popular among international tourists for its traditional Korean culture and unique shops.

Seoul K-Medi Center - Experience K-medi-related health services, including a thermomassage bed, K-medi natural facial pack with foot massage, herbal warmth foot bath, and aromatherapy.

Seoul ➜ ICN airport for departure ✈

Incheon International Airport - Check out from the hotel and transfer to the airport.

What's Included
  • Breakfast included
Additional Information

Accommodation: Top choice 4-star hotels situated in the bustling downtown.

Tour Guide: Premier selected licensed guides who speak English fluently, are passionate, expertly-trained, and knowledgeable, promising an unforgettable journey.

Tour condition: Superior quality service, comfort, stress-free travels, with a leisurely pace.

Immerse yourself in Korea’s history and UNESCO world heritage sites with this 9-day 8-night tour package of UNESCO Cities including Suwon, Busan, Gyeongju, Andong, Mt. Seoraksan, and Seoul. This historically focused tour lets you explore Korea’s crucial ruling dynasties, try out each region’s culinary delicacies, and observe the contrast between city and country life. With your dedicated English-speaking guide and private van, sit back and marvel at Korea’s finest sights.

Location
LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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up to 7 guests
1 Adult
October 2024
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