燈 Lantern festival in the city of Jinju and Seoul
During an entertaining and informative tour, which combines short walks and moving on an ordered vehicle, we will get acquainted with the history and modernity of the capital of South Korea - Seoul. (On Tuesdays, the palace we visit is Changdeokgung, Gyungbokkung on other week days.)
A futuristic glass wave rises above the old City Hall, blending past and future in one bold design.
Powered by nature and home to the world’s largest indoor vertical garden, it’s one of Seoul’s greenest landmarks.
Open to visitors — step inside and see the living wall for yourself.
In the heart of Seoul stands a hidden architectural gem — a cathedral first envisioned in the 1920s.
A British design, built with Korean devotion, but left unfinished during colonial rule. Then came the miracle: in 1993, the original blueprints were found in an English library.
Finally completed in 1996, the cathedral now stands in its full, intended glory — a story of faith, time, and perseverance.
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.
The complex of the central Gwanghwamun Square in front of the Gyeongbokgung Royal Palace, which is the compositional center of the capital of Korea, offers amazing views of Seoul: on one side is the main residence of the kings of the Joseon state (now a museum). But along the Sejong-daero Avenue, departing from the square, there are high-rise modern buildings: government, embassies, Kyobo - the largest bookstore in Korea. Further down the avenue we can see the Seoul City Hall and still further - the Great South Gate of Namdaemun (National Treasure No. 1).
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.
Winding lanes, wooden hanoks, hidden cafés — this is where time slows down.
Samcheong-dong charms with its hills and galleries, while Bukchon preserves the everyday beauty of Joseon-era homes.
Together, they offer a quiet, romantic escape — a walk through history lined with soft light and gentle stories.
Insadong is famous for the abundance of souvenir shops, traditional restaurants and tea houses, boutiques.
Insadong-kil Pedestrian Street is the central street of the area.
Often you can see street performances - traditional Korean samul-nori percussion quartet or martial arts tekkyon, taekwon-do or performances of youth groups in the fusion style, etc.
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.
One of the central streets of Seoul, Jongno (literally "Bell Avenue") is named after the pavilion of the same name, which houses the main bell of the country. It is this bell that the best people of the country beat on New Year's Eve.
However, even mere mortals can hit it for good luck: at 12:00 noon, the pavilion is usually opened for visitors. However, a limited number of guests are allowed.
A bustling hub of shopping, street food, and K-beauty.
Amid the trendsetting stores stands Korea’s main Catholic cathedral — a striking symbol of faith and history.
Style meets soul in this lively part of Seoul.
guided tour of the ethnographic village (approx. 1 hour) - village tour - self-catering lunch in the village - transfer to Waujeongsa temple (approx. 40 minutes) - temple tour - transfer to Everland (approx. 30 minutes) - small excursion with Everland guide - then enjoy the park on our own until the final show inclusive (depending on the season, the show ends at 20:00-23:00) - transfer to the hotel.
The first and largest Korean folk village in terms of area and exposition.
There are more than 260 buildings in the village, including houses of representatives of different classes, government agencies, pharmacies and mills, and craftsmen's workshops.
The village recreates in detail the atmosphere of rural life of the Joseon era. Buildings were brought from all regions of Korea: here you will also find houses made of volcanic tuff from about. Jeju (and the famous black pigs from there, by the way!), And thatched houses from the southern provinces of Korea, and the house of the provincial governor, and the Confucian village school. You can taste traditional Korean dishes at the village market.
The journey begins with a fascinating walk through the narrow streets surrounded by traditional Korean houses - hanoks. Each house is a living museum that reflects the unique style and architecture of ancient times.
Travelers hungry for knowledge can discover the craftsmanship of folk artisans.
But that's not all! This wonderful complex offers unique shows and concerts featuring traditional Korean dances, music and rituals.
Each show and concert is organized with love for details and leaves a unique impression. You will be delighted with beautiful costumes, incendiary rhythms and incredible talents of artists. The atmosphere will be filled with energy and delight, and you will find yourself a real witness to the beauty and splendor of Korean culture.
The temple was founded in 1970 by a monk who lost his homeland due to the Korean War (1950-1953). Thus, the architecture and internal philosophy of the temple expresses the desire to unite the two Koreas.
In addition, the temple is the first temple in Korea belonging to the direction (sect, order) of Nirvana.
This temple cannot please lovers of antiquity, due to its young age; but beauty lovers are a must! There are more than 3,000 statues on the territory of the temple, the most famous of which is the huge head of the Buddha, which greets you almost at the entrance to the temple.
In the temple you will see the world's largest (got into the Guinness Book of Records) Buddha statue made of wood. The Unification Pagoda, made from stones brought by temple visitors from holy places around the world.
What is Everland?
Everland is the largest theme park in Korea, nestled in the picturesque city of Yongin, just outside Seoul. It’s a place where adrenaline, enchanting landscapes, and family-friendly entertainment come together to give you a day packed with unforgettable experiences.
The park is open 365 days a year and features five themed zones, each a unique little universe. From thrilling roller coasters to safari adventures with real animals and vibrant seasonal festivals, Everland has something for everyone.
The 5 Worlds of Everland
- Global Fair — Your adventure begins here. This zone offers souvenir shops, restaurants, and street performances to set the tone for an exciting day.
- American Adventure — A trip back to 1950s America, complete with classic music, a rebellious spirit, and exhilarating rides.
- Magic Land — A paradise for kids (and kids at heart), filled with carousels, whimsical characters, and magical decorations.
- Zootopia — The crown jewel of Everland. A safari experience where you can see tigers, bears, giraffes, and even white lions in a natural habitat — all from the comfort of a bus or jeep.
- European Adventure — A charming area with beautiful flower gardens, European-style restaurants, and the iconic T Express wooden roller coaster.
Top Attractions and Experiences
- T Express: Korea’s first wooden roller coaster. With a 77-degree drop and speeds over 100 km/h, it’s a must-ride for thrill-seekers.
- Safari World: Get up close with lions, tigers, and bears while riding a safari bus.
- Lost Valley: A jeep safari that brings you face-to-face with exotic animals, including giraffes, just a few meters away.
- Hurricane: A giant pendulum ride that will get your heart racing.
- Amazon Express: A water ride down a wild river, complete with unexpected splashes.
Festivals and Parades
Everland is a master of transformation, changing with the seasons:
- In spring, enjoy the Tulip Festival with stunning flower gardens.
- In summer, cool off with refreshing water shows.
- In autumn, the park becomes a spooky Halloween wonderland with themed quests and eerie decorations.
- In winter, Everland transforms into a fairy tale land, complete with dazzling lights and Christmas parades.
Good to Know
- Everland offers a wide variety of dining options, from Korean specialties to European delicacies.
- The souvenir shops ensure you can take a piece of the park home with you.
- The park is enormous, so wear comfortable shoes and prepare for an exciting, action-packed day.
Traveler’s Tip: Start with Zootopia to enjoy the safari before the lines build up, and head to T Express while your courage is still intact!
выписка из отеля
8:00 выезд из отеля на заказном транспорте с гидом
По дороге в национальный парк Чирисан нас ждут экскурсии в знаменитую крепость Хвасон и одно из красивейших мест Кореи - национальный парк Соннисан и монастырь Попчуса...
Hwaseong is more than just a fortress — it’s a royal dream set in stone. In the late 18th century, King Jeongjo envisioned building a new capital of the Joseon Dynasty here: modern, fortified, and meticulously planned.
The project was designed by the brilliant reformer Jeong Yakyong, one of the leading figures of the “Practical Learning” movement. For the first time in Korean history, both Korean and European engineering techniques were used in construction.
👉 By the way, why did the king never move to his new capital?
Thanks to detailed blueprints from 1800, the fortress has been faithfully restored — and today, it’s recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In 1970 Sonnisan officially becomes the sixth national park in Korea. It is called small or second Keumgangsan (Kumgang Mountains, located in North Korea, are considered by the Koreans the most beautiful on the peninsula).
Its total area - 274.54 sq. km. The highest mountain is Chhonvanbong (1058 m).
Monastery Popchusa: "The place where the law lives / resides", the law refers to the Buddhist law - dharma.
The temple/monastery is believed to have been built in 6th to 8th, or even to the 13th century AD. Even if it was only the 13th century, it is an old monastery;there are some ancient relics there, but a modern statue of Maitreya Buddha (height 33 m) you will see on the premisis strikes the imagination too.
One of the oldest Buddhist temples in Korea, enlisted in UNESCO world heritage.
Трансфер Соннисан-Намвон (ок. 2.5 часов)
Заселение в отель.
8:00 После завтрака нас ждет романтическая история кисэн Чхунян, разыгравшаяся как раз в городе Намвон (тематический парк Чхунян; парк павильона Кванхаллу).
Затем - трансфер в г. Чинчжу, где проходит фестиваль фонарей.
Lanter Festival in Jinju
Трансфер и заселение в отель в г. Сунчхон
South Korea's first national park (1967).
The main peak of the Cheongwangbong massif ("Top of the Heavenly King") - 1915 m - is the highest mountain in the continent of South Korea (only Mount Hallasan on the island of Jeju-do is higher).
There are 10 famous Buddhist temples on the territory of the Jirisan Mountains National Park, including Ssangesa, one of the main temples of the Chogye school, about 20 peaks and gorges, which make up the 10 Wonders of the Jirisan Mountains. In addition, in these mountains you can see the virgin forest and wild animals, thanks to which, Jirisan is considered the holy mountains. In addition to numerous species of animals and plants, tea and medicinal herbs are grown here.
(route: Surak Waterfall, observation platform on one of the 3 main peaks of the mountain - Nogodan, Ssangesa Buddhist monastery; the route involves movement by car and small pedestrian crossings not related to trekking)
Located in the Hadong province of South Gyeongsang, on the slopes of the Jirisan Mountains - the most majestic mountains of the mainland of South Korea, the largest national park.
The monastery was founded in 722 by two students of master Yisan - Sambop and Tebi. They say that the place of construction of the temple was suggested to them by a mountain spirit in the form of a tiger. Unfortunately, during the Japanese invasion in the late 16th century, the monastery was completely destroyed; most of the modern buildings and structures of the monastery belong to the 17th century.
Not far from the temple is the famous historical Hwagye Changtho market, where we can get acquainted and enjoy, if desired, the products of two provinces - Gyeongsang and Jeolla.
Despite the name, which implies a small area, this "garden" is, in fact, a huge park, consisting of several zones that are completely different from each other.
The ecological park, located about 15 minutes by transport from the Garden, allows you to enjoy nature and, in the winter season, an extraordinary variety of migratory birds.
The ecological park is included in the excursion during the winter months (December-February). Please note that due to quarantine it is sometimes closed to the public!
The garden, which hosted the 2013 World Gardens Exhibition, impresses with its variety of landscapes, abundance of plant species and modern garden design.
The zones of the countries participating in Expo 2014 have been preserved, as well as separate zones created by excellent Korean gardeners.
From April to October 2023, the World Garden Expo 2023 will be held again at the Suncheon National Garden!
Ecopark is famous for its thickets of reeds, reaching heights higher than human height. This is the densest reed thickets in all of Korea. In addition, this place is known for the fact that cranes, storks, spoonbills and other rare birds fly here. There are about 140 different species of birds throughout the park.
По дороге в Сеул нас ждет еще одно приключение - провинциальный парк "Уши лошади"
выезд из отеля в 9:00
Probably, fairy-tale creatures, relatives of trolls, used to live here; no one has seen trolls for a long time, but the entourage remains!
Literally "Horse Ears". The two main peaks of the complex really do look like horse ears. The peaks represent the feminine (higher - 673 m) and masculine (lower - 667 m) principles - yin and yang.
The park is famous for its many man-made pagodas, collected in one place by a zealous monk. The pagodas are also "paired", also carrying the feminine and masculine principles.
The road to the park goes under the shade of majestic cherry trees - some of the latest to bloom in Korea!