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A Modern Korean Adventure
Is it a true story? Or rather, "Sibaya," which means "it's true"! In fact, during that time, the Cherry Blossom Festival takes place at Seokchon Lake. Of course, we can’t promise you’ll see them at their… best, since accurately predicting when the cherry blossoms will bloom is nearly impossible.
Dust off whatever Korean you’ve learned from popular K-POP songs, and if necessary, rewatch your favorite Korean TV shows, because it’s time to put it into practice. Well, it’s not like you can’t join this trip if you don’t know a single word of Korean! Korea remains an “unexplored” country, as more than half of its visitors don’t venture beyond Seoul. It may be one of the largest and most advanced cities in the world, but it’s not just about skyscrapers, technological marvels, and shopping malls. It is a country steeped in history. Here, 14th-century palaces, imperial gardens, bustling markets, and traditional tea houses continue to exude charm.
On this trip, you won’t just take photos at the country’s most famous landmarks, because those are for tourists. We are true travelers and we want to see the authentic side of the country. You’ll learn about its turbulent history and have the option to visit the 4-kilometer-wide Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), which shares a border with China. From there, you’ll see North Korea—through a telescope, of course, but you’ll see it. You can take a cooking class if you’d like, try soju, the traditional Korean liquor, and wander through its markets, which are an important part of Asian culture. Of course, you’ll also have free time to visit one of the spas, as Korea is considered a leader in this field.
Thessaloniki "Macedonia" Airport (Google Maps)
These days, your mind has surely been wandering… Well, it’s no wonder, since you’ll be flying off to amazing Korea any day now! At the airport, get ready to meet the group that will share this special journey with you. Tours of traditional villages, strolls through the bustling streets of Seoul, and evenings filled with K-pop vibes are just some of the things you’ll experience. All you need is your passport, your suitcase, and, of course, your best attitude.
And yes! You’ve finally arrived in South Korea’s capital, the vibrant and unpredictable Seoul! You board the bus and head to the hotel. You drop off your bags, and we head out for our first stroll through Insadong. It’s a quiet, cozy neighborhood known for its traditional character. If you want to get a taste of old Korea, this is the perfect spot. As you stroll along the pedestrian streets, you’ll see shops selling handmade goods, ceramics, and lovely souvenirs. There are also many small cafes and traditional tea houses where you can sit and relax with a cup of Korean tea.
We continue on to perhaps the most popular area of Seoul, Myeongdong. Here, everything is bright, colorful, and… mouthwatering! Neon signs flash above every kind of shop, from beauty brands to restaurants, while the aromas from the street food stands beckon you to stop. Go ahead and try them! After all, sampling local flavors is a key part of any trip. What we would wholeheartedly recommend is Korean BBQ, one of the most authentic and fun culinary experiences you can have in Korea. You’ll see many locals sitting around the table, grilling their own meat (usually pork or beef) on a built-in grill, while side dishes (known as banchan), such as kimchi, pickles, sauces, vegetables, and rice.
After breakfast, our tour of Seoul begins. Our first stop is Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of Seoul’s five major palaces. It was founded in 1395 and is commonly referred to as the “Northern Palace” because it is located in the northernmost part of Seoul compared to the neighboring palaces of Changdeokgung and Gyeonghuigung. Although it was destroyed by the Japanese in the early 20th century, today it has been fully restored and is truly impressive.
Next, we head to one of Seoul’s most authentic and atmospheric neighborhoods, the Bukchon Hanok Village. There, you’ll stroll among old Korean houses, known as hanok, which have been preserved to this day, giving you the feeling that you’re traveling back in time. The entire area is built on hills, with narrow streets and panoramic views of the city center. Many of these traditional houses have been respectfully converted into elegant restaurants, art galleries, craft workshops, and small shops selling unique items.
The rest of your day will be free. You could take a cooking class. Korean cuisine is considered top-notch in Asia, so why not learn some of its secrets? Another thing you could do in your free time is visit Seokchon Lake.
If you’re interested in history, we’d recommend an optional excursion to the DMZ (the Korean Demilitarized Zone), located on the border between South and North Korea. First, you’ll visit Imjingak Park. You’ll see the Freedom Bridge, which was used by prisoners of war repatriated from the North. Next, you’ll head to the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, an unfinished passageway built by North Korea that runs beneath the Demilitarized Zone. Discovered in 1978, the tunnel runs through the rock, 73 meters below ground.
Once you return to the surface, the driver will take you to the slopes of Mount Dora for a view of the entire country from the Dorasan Observation Post. In good weather, you can see North Korea without using the observation post’s telescope. You’ll arrive at Dorasan Station, the northernmost station in South Korea, which is connected to Pyeongyang Station in North Korea. After a dose of history, you’ll return to the capital.
If you don’t want to join this excursion, you can have free time in Seoul. Optionally, you can visit Lotte World, which, according to Guinness World Records, was the largest indoor theme park in the world. But if the main reason you booked this trip is K-POP or comics, today you’ll have time to visit places connected to them! Korea is a leader in the beauty industry, so you can spend your day pampering yourself.
Today, after breakfast, we’re heading to the station to catch the KTX high-speed train that will take us to Busan. It’s South Korea’s second-largest city. We’re heading to the bustling Jagalchi Market, where you can immerse yourself in the aromas and flavors of local cuisine. Next, we’ll visit the Gamcheon Culture Village, built during the 1920s and 1930s. Next, we’ll take the Songdo Marine Cable Car to enjoy the breathtaking view of the vast ocean. The rest of your day will be free. We recommend taking a stroll down Biff Street, the heart of Korean cinema.
Today, after breakfast, our first stop is Seokguram Grotto, one of the most important cultural and religious monuments and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located on Mount Toham, near the city of Gyeongju, and houses an impressive statue of Buddha. We continue on to the absolute must-see Bulguksa Temple. This World Heritage Site is considered a masterpiece of the golden age of Buddhist art in the Silla Kingdom. We return to Busan, where we will spend the night.
After breakfast, we’ll set off for Namwon. We’ll visit the enchanting Juknokwon Bamboo Forest, located in the Damyang area. There, we’ll walk through a lush natural landscape filled with tall, dense bamboo. After our visit to the forest, we’ll continue on our way to the beautiful city of Jeonju, where we’ll spend the night.
Today we’ll explore Jeonju. This traditional village is known as the cultural capital of Korea. If you’d like, you can try on a traditional hanbok and take some unique photos. We recommend relaxing at one of the traditional tea houses. In the early afternoon, we’ll board the bus and head to Seoul, where we’ll spend the night.
Today you’ll get to experience two of Seoul’s liveliest neighborhoods! Our first stop is Hongdae, the artsy student district. Next, we’ll head to glamorous Gangnam, made famous by the viral song “Gangnam Style.” This area is also home to the much-photographed Starfield Library inside the COEX Mall. In the evening, we’ll head to the airport for our return flight to Greece.
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The reservation is finalized in accordance with the procedure set forth in the General Terms and Conditions (e.g., confirmation and payment of the amount/deposit, where required). For specific steps and deadlines applicable to this package, please contact us.
The itinerary is based on available schedules and services; however, changes or adjustments may occur before and/or during the trip due to operational reasons and/or unforeseen circumstances. In any case, the General Terms and Conditions of Participation apply, and relevant updates will be provided.