11-Days South Korea Explorer: Temples, Mountains & Coastal Highlights

After breakfast, you will be picked up from the hotel lobby and begin your Seoul city tour with a visit to Changdeok Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site. After the palace tour, explore Gwangjang Market, one of Korea’s largest traditional markets. Next, head to the National Museum of Korea, which is the sixth largest museum in the world, and houses previous Korean cultural assets showing Korea’s fascinating history, from ancient days to the modern era. ­ Following that, visit COEX Mall which is famous for its instagrammable Byeolmadang Library, one of the hottest places in Seoul with its impressive 13m high bookshelves lined with over 70,000 books across 2 floors. The final stop of today’s tour is N Seoul Tower on Mt. Namsan, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the bustling city of Seoul.

After Breakfast check-out, you will be picked up from the hotel and transferred to the Korean Folk Village, located outside of Seoul. Here, you can experience traditional 18th-19th century Korean life, with villagers practicing old customs and living in traditional homes. ­ Next, head to Mt. Songnisan National Park to visit Beopjusa Temple (UNESCO World Heritage site), home to the tallest Buddha statue in Korea. Afterward, drive to Daegu via expressway. Overnight in Daegu

After Breakfast, Visit the Daegu Yangnyeongsi Museum of Oriental Medicine, located in Yangnyeongsi medicine herb market, which has been a hub for herbal medicine since it first opened in the 17th century. Next, visit Seomun Market, one of the representative markets in Daegu. Afterward, transfer to Gyeongju. Gyeongju was the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom for close to a thousand years, and is home to a great concentration of Buddhist temples, royal tombs, pagodas and palaces. ­ Next, you will enjoy traditional tea at a local tea café. Then, visit the Cheomseongdae Astronomical Observatory and the Royal Tumuli Park, which houses the royal tombs of the Silla Dynasty. You will have the opportunity to enter one of the excavated tombs to explore the construction and burial process behind the royal tombs. Overnight in Gyeongju.

After breakfast, embark on a full-day tour of Gyeongju starting with visits to Bulguksa Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Seokguram Grotto (also UNESCO World Heritage Site). Seokguram Grotto established in the 8th century on the slopes of Mt. Toham features a monumental statue of a seated Buddha gazing out toward the sea and it is considered a masterpiece of Buddhist art in the Far East. Continue your journey to Busan, the second-largest city in Korea. ­ Upon arrival, begin your half-day tour of Busan with a visit to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple a rare seaside Buddhist temple offering breathtaking views of the ocean. Unlike most temples located in the mountains, Haedong Yonggungsa sits along the rocky coastline, making it one of the most picturesque and unique temples in Korea. Next visit Haeundae Beach for your relax time and enjoy the atmosphere of this popular beach destination. A walking tour of Dongbaekseom Island, a scenic coastal park known for its lush pine trees and beautiful ocean views. Visit the Nurimaru APEC House, the modern conference hall that hosted the 2005 APEC Summit, and enjoy panoramic views of Haeundae Bay.

After breakfast, start your day at the vibrant Gamcheon Culture Village, often referred to as the “Machu Picchu of Busan.” Wander through the maze-like alleys lined with colorful hillside homes, art installations, murals, and charming cafés, all offering stunning views of the city and coastline. This artistic neighborhood is a favorite for both photographers and culture enthusiasts. Next, head to Songdo Beach, one of Busan’s most scenic beaches. ­ Enjoy a ride on the Songdo Marine Cable Car(Air-cruise cabin), which glides over the sparkling water and offers panoramic views of the coastline and nearby cliffs — a unique and unforgettable experience. Continue to Jagalchi Fishery Market, where roadside vendors sell a wide variety of fresh seafood, offering visitors a glimpse into the bustling daily life of the locals. Then, visit BIFF Square (Busan International Film Festival Square), a lively cultural and entertainment district. Stroll through this bustling area filled with street food vendors, local shops, and handprints of famous film stars. Make your way to Nampodong Shopping Street for some shopping. Afterwards, visit Busan Tower in Yongdusan Park, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city from the observation deck. Overnight stay in Busan. ­ ★ Note: If the cable car is not operating due to inclement weather, the itinerary may be adjusted and replaced with alternative destinations

After breakfast, transfer by highway to Mt. Gayasan National Park. In the national park, you’ll visit Haeinsa Temple, home to the renowned Tripitaka Korea – a priceless collection of Buddhist scriptures carved onto over 80,000 wooden printing blocks. Created during the Goryeo Dynasty to invoke spiritual protecting against Mongol invasions, the Tripitaka Koreana has been designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. ­ Following your temple visit, continue to Andong, approximately two hours away. Known for its well-preserved traditional culture and noble houses, Andong is home to Hahoe Folk Village, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its mask dance performance. After exploring Andong, proceed to Chungju for your overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and board a sightseeing boat to enjoy the lakeside scenery. ­ (Note : This activity is subject to local weather and water conditions, and may be replaced with an alternative attraction if necessary.) ­ Next, proceed to one of the following temples - Samhwasa Temple, or Woljeongsa Temple, or Shinheungsa Temple – based on availability at the time of booking, depending on availability at the time of booking) for a unique Temple Stay Experience. ­ Upon arrival at the temple, you will change into the provided temple uniform. A brief orientation will be given to explain the rules and schedule for your stay. A simple vegetarian temple dinner will be served, followed by a guided temple tour and participation in the evening Buddhist ceremony. ­ Accommodation for the night will be a traditional Korean-style room, without a bed. A thin mattress and blanket will be provided for sleeping on the floor. Rooms are organized as shared male or female group rooms, with a maximum of six guests per room. An overnight stay at the time is included ­ • Optional Accommodation : Guests who prefer not to stay at the temple may request hotel accommodation when booking. Those opting for a hotel stay will have breakfast at the hotel the next morning, instead of participating in the morning Buddhist ceremony.

Breakfast Wake up at 3:00 AM for Morning Worship service (available to volunteers only). After breakfast, depart from the temple and travel to Goseong to visit the DMZ Unification Observatory, the closest vantage point to view Mount Geumgangsan (Kumgang) in North Korea. The DMZ Museum located within the observatory offers valuable insights into the history of the Demilitarized Zone and its ecological significance ­ Next, continue to Sokcho’s Daepo Harbor and Fish Market – a vibrant coastal destination known for its fresh seafood, bustling market stalls, and local delicacies. Overnight stay at Mt. Seorak(Sokcho) ­ ★ Note: The visit to the DMZ Unification Observatory may be canceled due to local conditions and replaced with an alternative attraction if necessary.)

Breakfast Tour Mt. Seorak National Park, including a visit to Shinheungsa Temple and a cable car ride to Gwongeumseong Fortress. Renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, Mt. Seorak is home to rugged peaks, dense forests, and crystal-clear streams that change colors with the seasons. The park is also a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, preserving its rich biodiversity and unique landscapes. ­ Next, drive to Gapyeong to explore the Garden of Morning Calm, a tranquil flower and tree park showcasing unique Korean wildflowers and trees in a serene mountain valley setting. Afterward, transfer back to Seoul.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and check out. Then transfer to the Incheon International Airport