Awakening

In the city of Chungcheong, we will have a master class for making traditional cold buckwheat noodles "makguksu". They did what they ate! The noodles prepared by us will be our dinner. Delicious sauce of your choice (spicy and slightly spicy, or salty, based on soy sauce, attached).

Dorasan Observatory, from where you can see the North Korea's city of Gaeseong

The third in a row (count was kept in order of discovery) of the tunnels that the North Koreans insidiously dug under the demarcation line (i.e., practically, the border between South and North Korea).

A blend of nature and urban design, this stream winds through downtown Seoul — though entirely man-made today.
Once a natural river, it was buried after the Korean War and revived in 2005 as a tranquil walkway.
Fountains, illuminated bridges, and the Palgakdam weir make it one of the city’s most beloved evening spots.

Changdeokgung - "Palace of Flourishing Virtue", built between 1405 and 1412, was the home for the kings of Joseon throughout most of the kingdom's 500-year history (1392-1897). It was also the residence of the last ruler of the Korean Empire.

The palace was destroyed during the Imjin War (1592-1598) and was restored in 1609. From 1623 to 1868, it served as the official residence of Korean kings. Since 1997, the Palace of Flourishing Virtue has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the heart of Seoul stands Jogyesa — the head temple of Korea’s largest Buddhist order.
Small in scale but rich in atmosphere, it changes with the seasons: lotus lanterns in spring, bright chrysanthemums in fall, and peaceful stillness in winter.
No matter the time of year, it’s a place of quiet reflection.

N-Tower, also known as Seoul Tower, Namsan Tower, was built in 1969. Opened to the public October 15, 1980.

If you haven't been to N-Tower, you haven't been to Seoul! The tower offers a magnificent view of the capital of South Korea. During the day, you can see in detail the famous areas of Myeongdong, Gangnam, Itaewon, Mapo, Jamsil; and in the evening, enjoy the streams of cars that envelop Seoul like a web of fire...

The height of the tower is 236.7 m from the foot to the end of the spire (and taking into account Namsan Mountain, on which it is located, it is 479.7 m above sea level).

The tower received its modern name N-Tower after the reconstruction in 2005. The cost of reconstruction is estimated at 15 billion won (about $15 million).

Now the tower positions itself as a place for romantic couples: at the foot of the tower there is a whole park of "trees" hung with locks (it is advisable to throw out the key); special "couple benches" are popular with tower guests.

In the evening, a multimedia laser show is held on the tower, in which the tower itself becomes a kind of screen.

For some reason, the "heavenly toilet" also enjoys great attention of visitors ... Perhaps this is the highest toilet in all of Korea? ..

Attention! Private vehicles are not allowed to enter Mount Namsan, where the N-Tower is located. For groups of 1-3 people, we offer a choice: use the funicular (extra charge: 13 USD, 10 USD for a child; on foot; by public bus (ticket costs approx. 1 USD per person). Or we can climb one of the mountains surrounding the center of Seoul by private vehicle ("Bugak Skyway" on Mount Bugaksan or "Camel Mountain" (Naksan).

Temple of Bongeunsa is located in close proximity to the COEX Convention and Exhibition Center.

Originally named Gyeongseongsa, it was built by King Wonseong of the Silla Kingdom in the 10th year of his reign (794 AD).

In 1498, thanks to Queen Jeonghyeon, it was renovated and expanded to the east of King Seongjong's tomb, and at that time it was given its new name - Bongeunsa.

The iconic view of COEX is visible from the Maitreya Buddha statue on the temple grounds.

The main palace of the Joseon dynasty — rebuilt more than once, but never lost its grandeur.

Its perfect symmetry, royal guard ceremony, and the chance to wear a hanbok turn your visit into a journey through time.

There is a gondola in the park, which we will use to get almost to the top of one of the peaks of Seoraksan, on which the ruins of the ancient Kwonggeum Fortress (lit., "Kwon Geum Fortress") are located. We get to the peak on foot - it's about 20-30 minutes. From this peak, a magnificent panorama of the East Sea, the resort town of Sokcho and the mountain range of the park opens.

Not far from the lower gondola station is Sineungsa Temple (originally built in the 6th century, but later rebuilt many times). The temple complex includes a statue of the Buddha of Unification (Thonil Buddha), the name of which reflects the desire of Koreans to unite the country.

A picturesque route leads us to Hyndyl Pawi ("swinging rock"). A huge rock will sway at the touch of one person.

Optional, if everybody is in: hiking to the top of Mount Ulsan Pawi; you will have to strain a little - the height of the rock is 873 m.

One of the oldest Buddhist temples in Korea, founded by the legendary monk Uisan (7th century AD).

In addition, Naksan-sa is considered (and rightfully) one of the "Beautiful Eight Places of Gwangdong" (Gwangdong - part of Gangwon Province between the East Sea and the Taebaek mountain range). Judge for yourself...

Osek is part of South Sorak. Picturesque valleys with waterfalls, mineral springs, the shortest route to the main peak of Sorak...