South Korea – land of the morning calm and Asian tiger state, guardian of Confucian tradition and economic wonderland on the easternmost edge of Asia. This round trip offers a comprehensive insight into the fascinating South Korea, along the scenic and cultural highlights. We experience the symbiosis and at the same time a contrast between tradition and modernity: Gyeongju, thousand-year-old capital of the old Silla dynasty and UNESCO World Heritage Site, a “museum without walls”, and in contrast the powerful pulse of a booming nation in Seoul, the modern 11 million -Metropolis on the edge of the demilitarized zone. We immerse ourselves in the meditative silence of ancient Buddhist temples far away from hectic everyday life and feel the staccato rhythm of the never-sleeping metropolis of Seoul.
According to Internetsailors, Korea offers both, here colorful night markets and neon worlds, there untouched mountain landscapes in magnificent national parks, soft green rice fields and picturesque coastal villages. We experience subtropical impressions and scenic diversity on the volcanic island of Jeju, which with its impressive lava rock formations stimulates the imagination of the beholder and is rightly a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Living Confucian tradition, which is lived by the local residents to this day, can be found in Andong, as well as one of the largest harbors in Asia in the beautifully situated Busan. We are invited to linger so that the next moment we can be carried away by the joie de vivre of our host country. Korea is Asia you can touch – a truly unforgettable travel experience!
11 day tour
Day 1
Evening departure with LUFTHANSA non-stop to Seoul.
Day 2
Arrival in Korea at noon and transfer to our centrally located hotel. In the afternoon we enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the Seoul Tower. In the Folklore Museum, we will learn more about Korean culture and the lifestyle of the old and new times.
Day 3
Today the special highlights of Seoul: the Changdeaokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (on tours 01, 02 and 04 instead visit the Gyeongbokgung Palace, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the Insa-dong district with many art galleries , traditional restaurants and tea houses. Then a tour of the trendy Gangnam district and a visit to the memorial for the Korean War. In the evening we have dinner together to get in the mood for our trip to South Korea.
Day 4
Flight to the volcanic island of Jeju, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007. Subtropical climate and scenic diversity make Jeju an impressive attraction. Today a tour through the western part of the island. In the tropical Hallimpark we find caves and gardens. Surrounded by large palm trees and mysterious lava grottos, subtropical and tropical plants from all over the world thrive here. In the caves, created by the eruption of Mt. Halla, we discover rare lava rock formations. With a length of over 17 km, over 20 caves are connected to form the longest lava cave system in the world. The Jusangeolli are unusually shaped stone pillars by the wind and waves that we can marvel at on the way to the Yakcheonsa Temple. The Cheonjeyeon waterfall is known as the “Pond of the King of Heaven”.
Day 5
In the morning we get to know the natural beauties in the east of the island while walking on a section of the Jeju Olle hiking trail. The Seongsan Ilchulbong Crater, a picturesque volcanic cone with 99 rock peaks reminiscent of a fortress, is impressive. The 182m high land elevation, also known as Sunrise Peak, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007. Afternoon flight from Jeju to Busan and transfer to our centrally located hotel.
Day 6
In Busan, one of the largest ports in Asia, a morning stroll through the Jagalchi fish market is fascinating. From the 120m high observation tower in Yongdusan Park we enjoy the view of the wonderfully situated city. Busan’s imposing Gwangan Bridge is also on our sightseeing program. On the way from Busan to Gyeongju we visit the enchanting Tongdosa Temple, one of the largest temples in Korea. A “must” for anyone who wants to grapple with the history of Korea is a visit to the Gyeongju National Museum. Inestimable treasures from the Silla empire and the legendary “Emille bell”, one of the most beautiful-sounding bells in Asia, can be found here.
Day 7
Free day or optional full-day excursion dedicated to the Silla Empire: in the early morning we visit the artistic Seokguram grotto (UNESCO World Heritage Site), which has become a place of pilgrimage for devout Buddhists from all over the world and is particularly famous for the white granite Buddha. The Bulguksa Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site), one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries with many original works from the Silla era, dates from the same era. Then we visit Cheomseongdae, the oldest known observatory in the world and the Anapji pond. This was laid out in a former palace complex in accordance with the aesthetics of Taoism and once served as a place for the royal family to relax.
Day 8
On the way to Andong visit of perhaps the most famous Buddhist temple in Korea, the Haeinsa Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site) in Gayasan National Park. The sanctuary, built in 802, houses the Tripitaka Koreana, with over 80,000 printing blocks, the most comprehensive collection of Buddhist scriptures in Southeast Asia (currently only outside viewing possible). In the afternoon we visit the listed village of Hahoe with thatched farmhouses and brick roofed mansions. Simple hotel in Andong.
Day 9
Andong is one of the last ancient cities of Confucian tradition in Korea. Here we visit the Confucian Academy Dosanseowon, founded in the 16th century by the scholar Goelye Yi Hwang, which has since been restored to its former glory. Further to the east coast, in the modern Sokcho, starting point for a visit to the nearby Seoraksan National Park.
Day 10
Morning bus ride to the nearby Seoraksan National Park. Korea’s most beautiful national park with Buddhist temples, waterfalls and unique nature is particularly worth seeing when the trees are in bloom in spring and the color of autumn leaves. The mountain fortress Gwongeumseong from the Silla Empire is connected to the resort of Seorak-Dong by a 1,100 m long cable car. During a walk we can take in the impressive impressions of the mountain range. Then a visit to the Shinheungsa Temple with its imposing bronze cast Buddha. After the return trip in Seoul, our farewell dinner together.
Day 11
In the morning transfer to Incheon Airport and return flight with LUFTHANSA non-stop to Frankfurt. Arrival in the evening.
