10-Nights Highlights of South Korea - Tailormade Journey — CALL

1 Arrive Seoul, South Korea
Seoul is a phoenix — all but destroyed in the Korean War, it is now a towering, electric capital, glinting with bright lights and brimming with self-confidence.


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2 Seoul – Diving Into Korean Culture
Begin your exploration with a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of Seoul's five historic palaces, its compound housing a wealth of museums, gardens and architectural wonders. Browse the revealing cultural exhibits of the National Folk Museum and visit Bukchon Hanok Village, a collection of hundreds of hanoks (traditional houses) dating back to the 14th century. After a traditional Korean barbecue lunch, stop at bustling Gwangjang Market, one of the oldest and largest traditional street markets in South Korea, and home to over 5,000 shops. This evening, take in a NANTA show, a performance that cleverly blends acrobatics, martial arts, comedy and culinary flair set to traditional folk rhythms.


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3 Seoul – A Peninsula Divided
Explore the tunnels and watchtowers of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the highly fortified line between the free South and communist North. With unique insight from a North Korean defector, gain a deeper understanding of life in the mysterious North, as well as the history that binds these two greatly differing nations.


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4 Seoul – Connecting With Nature
Escape the city with a visit to scenic Nami Island, a popular filming location renowned for its lovely tree-lined paths. Explore the Garden of Morning Calm, its 70-plus acres hosting some 5,000 plant species, or take a bike ride along a disused railway that snakes through forested mountains along the Bukhangang River.


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5 Gyeongju – Sacred Wonders
Coming from the bustle of Seoul, Gyeongju is another world, a riveting look into Korea’s still, sacred waters. Begin your exploration at Seokguram Groto, entering a cave where you pass beautifully carved stone reliefs depicting the guardians of Buddha before reaching the large granite domed ceiling protecting a large Buddha statue. Move on to the Bulguksa Temple, the finest example of the golden age of Buddhist art during the Silla period. Also visit Donggung Palace, a Silla dynasty complex of elegant pavilions mirrored in the placid waters of Wolji pond. Proceed overland to Busan, a dynamic city that packages the best of the nation with the golden sands of the southeast. The home of a proud filmmaking culture, it promises seaside temples, jade-green mountains and charming cafés.


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6 Busan – A Market Day Unlike Any Other
Start your day amid the soaring seaside cliffs of Taejongdae Park, visit the bustling Jagalchi Fish Market and take in the lively vibe of BIFF Square, the heart of Busan’s movie district. Later, explore Gukje Market, a massive shoppers’ paradise overflowing with everything from cosmetics to kimchi. Ascend the iconic Busan Tower and peer out from its 400-foot-high observation deck. Finally, explore the Gamcheon Culture Village, an area of formerly low-income housing transformed by residents into a rainbow-colored sea of cafés, studios and playful art installations.


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7 Beomeosa – Mountain Views And A Temple Stay
Head out to Igidae Park, where you take in the towering rock cliffs of Jangsanbong Peak. If you’re feeling adventurous, step out onto the Oryukdo Skywalk, a translucent walkway affording butterfly-inducing views down the cliffs to the ocean below. Conclude with a visit to the UN Memorial Cemetery Park, a solemn memorial that marks the final resting place of more than 2,000 Korean War veterans. This afternoon, proceed to Beomeosa Temple for your overnight stay. Once settled in, walk a forested mountain path, perhaps visiting the legendary Golden Well, and then reverently explore the serene seventh-century stone temple, Korea’s original seat of Seon Buddhism, built by the great master Uisang. As the sun sets over the temple's historic pagodas, join monks in meditation, chanting and communal meals. Later, receive a lesson in making prayer beads, as monks living here have done for hundreds of years.


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8 Beomeosa – Immersive Buddhist Temple Experience
Devote your morning to activities that offer a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the tranquil rhythms of Korean Buddhist monastic life. If the spirit moves you, rise very early for a Buddhist ceremony. After breakfast, partake in a Seon-meditation, a tradition aimed at vanquishing distracting thoughts by focusing on direct experiential awakening. As you depart, you may opt to visit the Beomeosa Museum to peruse its fascinating collections of Buddhist artifacts, historical paintings, and wooden and metal art treasures. Afterward, fly to Jeju, a volcanic island of lava tubes and mountain-side caves, thick forests and hidden waterfalls.


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9 Jeju – Meet The Free Divers
Linger on the coast to meet Jeju’s famous haenyeo, local women who free dive to harvest fish and seaweed from the ocean by hand. Watch as they plunge into the sea to gather its bounty by hand, a practice passed down through generations. Gain firsthand insights into their fascinating way of life and browse historic haenyeo artifacts at the Jeju Haenyeo Museum. Later, dive deeper into Jeju culture at Seongeup Folk Village, a living museum of traditional houses, schools and the ruins of a historic fortress.


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10 Jeju – Hiking The Highest Peak
Today, take in the towering majesty of Hallasan, the nation’s highest peak, its slopes scored with hiking trails that lead to a summit crowned with a gleaming crater lake. Pick a trail that suits you and head for the peak to take in stunning views you’ll never forget — a fitting climax to your South Korean adventure.


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11 Depart Seoul



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