Exquisite Korean Cuisine
Immediately after the transfer to Seoul - a sightseeing tour of Seoul with a traditional lunch included; then check in at the hotel, free time.
We will talk about feng shui and the principles of building Seoul, about the history of ancient and modern, a little about the Korean War; about how the youth of Korea, middle-aged people, children and the elderly live. And see many of the most famous sights of Seoul! We will periodically stop in order to capture ourselves against the background of sights, or take a short walk through the most picturesque places. The tour around the royal palace will take about an hour!
The open space, created on the site of a former oil storage facility, is an eco-park and cultural spaces created by rethinking and rebuilding former tanks for kerosene, diesel, etc. Tank No. 6 was not recreated, but created from scratch: the material (steel) left after the partial dismantling of Tanks No. 1 and No. 2 went to its walls.
If you are a fan of urbanism, modern art, modern ways of implementing open spaces, or just want to enjoy the harmony of industrial design and nature, you will definitely like Oil Tank Culture Park.
On June 25, 2002, South Korea lost the battle to reach the finals against Germany. She lost at this stadium, built in Seoul on the eve of the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
But can this loss be considered a defeat? Perhaps this was the greatest achievement of the Korean team. Crowds of fans dressed in all red filled the streets and squares not only of Seoul, but of the whole country ...
But we digress. The stadium is Asia's 2nd largest rectangular stadium and is built to resemble a traditional Korean kite in shape. And yes, it was he who became the unwitting culprit of the emergence of a unique urban space - the Park of Culture of the Oil Storage...
A youth district with a large number of various music clubs, cafes (including specific ones with cats, dogs, arctic foxes, meerkats and kangaroos running underfoot). The name of the district comes from Hongdae University located here.
The museum, located in the Yongsan district of Seoul, was opened in 1994 on a site that the city inherited from military units.
First of all, the museum is dedicated, of course, to the Korean War (1950-1953). But not only: all the wars waged between themselves and with neighboring countries by the states that were on the Korean Peninsula from the Bronze Age to the present are displayed in the museum's exposition.
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.
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.
Lunch (included in the tour price): a traditional Korean soup of beef ribs Kalbithan.
On this day, we can recommend you several iconic places for independent dinner (additional charge in the restaurant):
Ureok restaurant: Korean buckwheat noodles, marbled beef (budget from about $ 10 per person - noodles; up to $ 100 per person - marbled beef)
either: Gwangzhan market: varied traditional Korean food (budget - approx. $ 10 per person)
either: high fusion cuisine in the Han-yuk-kam restaurant (Korean marbled beef in a modern serving as part of a set menu; from $ 80 per person)
Walking tour of Seoul's historic center. Explore Insadong, Jogyesa Temple, Gyeongbokgung or Changdeokgung Palace (Tuesdays), Samcheong-dong, Gwanghwamun Square, and Cheongwadae — a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. A passport is required to enter Cheongwadae!
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.
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.
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).
South Korean President Yoon Sogyeol decided to return to the people (although, strictly speaking, he never belonged to the people) the official residence of the presidents of the Republic of Korea. And, true to his word, he did so. in 2022, on May 10, he took office in the building of the Ministry of Defense, never once using Cheong Wa Dae.
We, ordinary people, citizens and non-citizens of the Republic of Korea, can now freely enjoy the presidential views. Inside some buildings, in particular, the main building of the residence, built in 1991, we can go and get acquainted with the interiors and history of Cheong Wa Dae.
The garden and park ensemble of the Former Presidential Palace deserves a separate ode and recommendations.
Korean temple (Buddhist) cuisine.
The true value of temple food is revealed in the understanding of the Buddhist food culture and the philosophical foundations of the teaching. Historically, temple food is food for the following monks' paths; However, in the modern world, it is becoming available for laymen and foreign guests of Korea. Understanding the purpose of cooking and eating from the perspective of a Buddhist believer, we, nevertheless, can relate to this peculiar cuisine in terms of proper and harmonious nutrition, diet and, not surprisingly, very tasty food.
We will get acquainted with the recipe and create, under the watchful guidance of a monk teacher or a nun, one of the traditional Buddhist dishes, which will become our lunch today!
Check-out from the hotel at 9:00 and transfer to the Ethnographic Open-Air Museum in Yonin. Transfer takes about an hour.
Welcome to an ethnographic village steeped in history and culture, located in the picturesque city of Yongin, 30 km from Seoul. If you are looking for adventure and surprise then this is the place to be!
Entering the village, you find yourself in an area full of authentic buildings and romantic landscapes. Here you can immerse yourself in the world of ancient Korean traditions and customs.
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.
Today we have lunch, already included in the price of the tour, to choose from:
soup of what everyone asks
chicken soup with ginseng and oriental herbs
Transfer to the city of Jeongju (approx. 2 hours).
Extract from the hotel and tour of Jeongju.
Literally, the city's name, Jeonju, translates to "complete, perfect, untouched area." The fertile lands around Jeonju have long been the breadbasket of Korea and the subject of encroachment by the inhabitants of neighboring Japan, and the cuisine of Jeonju is considered one of the most delicious in the country (Jeonju-style bibimbap - rice mixed with minced meat and vegetables - is one of the most recognizable dishes in Korea).
Let's go down to the historical center of Jeonju; many institutions associated with the Joseon era have been preserved here, such as the Gyeonggijeong Shrine, dedicated to .... a portrait! A portrait of Lee Song, the founder of the Lee/Joseon Dynasty we already know.
Itinerary (content and sequence may vary slightly): Omoktae - Imoktae - Chaman Graffiti Village - Pungnammun Castle Gate - Jeonju Catholic Cathedral - Gyeonggijeong Shrine - Self-guided walk through the village of traditional hanok houses.
Omokdae-Imokdae
Imokte is in a small area called Chaman Graffiti Village; the walls of the houses here are painted by professionals and amateurs: the world of Japanese manga and Korean manhwa; korean alphabet, fantastic, disney cartoon characters, traditional korean stories.
Unfortunately, the Confucians were not very tolerant of Catholicism. We are reminded of this by the Jeonju Catholic Cathedral (built in 1908-1931), located on the site of the executions of Catholics.
A shrine that houses a portrait of the founder of the Joseon Dynasty, King Taejo (Lee Songye). An extensive complex of buildings, including the sanctuary itself, the state sago archive, a museum, the burial place of the placenta of King Yechzhon, and a complex of auxiliary buildings.
Why and who made portraits of kings, what is a historical archive, why bury the royal placenta - we will try to find answers to these questions in Gyeonggijeong.
In the very historical center of Jeonju, you will find yourself in a fabulous atmosphere. Traditional Korean hanok houses with tiled roofs line the romantic narrow streets. Here, each house is a unique masterpiece of architecture, reflecting the richness and depth of Korean history.
Walking along these streets, you will notice how each house merges with the surrounding nature and creates a harmonious image. You will see small gardens with flowers, well-kept courtyards, as well as traditional decor elements that recreate the atmosphere of antiquity, and sometimes, on the contrary, remind us of modern design trends.
Recently, it has become fashionable for Koreans and guests of the Land of the Morning Calm to rent stylized costumes - traditional hanbok, or European costumes of the era of the first half of the 20th century, which is closer to us. In Jeonju, you will see many such couples or families looking exotic against the backdrop of historical buildings and traditional hanok houses...
The famous Korean dish is rice mixed with vegetables and peppers pasta - bibimbap; but the most famous bibimbap is being prepared in Jeongju! Today we get acquainted with this dish during the lunch included in our tour.
Transfer to Busan (approx. 3 hours).
Korean War (1950-1953). Busan is South Korea's last hope. Streams of refugees from all parts of the country are trying to settle in the city; slums, famine, barter with foreigners in the markets - these are the realities of military Pusan. During the tour, you will get acquainted with the relics of the war, ennobled by the efforts of local residents and turned into attractive bustling neighborhoods of central Busan.
A very piquturesque district in Busan, which was originally founded by some refugees during the Korean War.
The largest seafood market in Korea, where you can see all kinds of marine creatures, both from the plant and animal worlds (and from the border worlds too!).
You can also eat deliciously at the market: fried or raw fish, as well as seafood, is served at the table in numerous restaurants in the market.
If you prefer something less exotic, we recommend the food court at the Lotte department store next door. The observation deck at the department store offers a magnificent view of Busan from a bird's eye view.
Once - a place of barter between Koreans and foreigners, now it is a busy shopping area, quite civilized.
This market owes its origin to the Korean War.
This is the only such kind of cemetery in the world. During the Korean War UN forces sided with the Republic of Korea. They consisted of not only the US forces as it is sometimes thought. Many of those foreign nationals who died during the war are buried in this cemetery.
Sinsege Sentum department store got into the Guinness Book of Records. This is the world's largest department store.
Nearby is another Guinness record: the world's largest cantilever roof. It belongs to the Busan Cinerma Center building.
A picturesque 2-storey bridge over the sea in Busan is one of its most exquiste landmarks.
Most popular beach in Busan and a vivid resort district.
Lunch at Busan's largest seafood market in Korea. We offer lunch including fried saber fish, seaweed soup, rice and kimchi; but if you want to try hve - an analogue of sasimi (raw fish and / or seafood) in Korean, you can do it on the market yourself.
The tour ends approx. 3 p.m. Free time can be devoted, for example, to shopping; or excursions on a cruise boat by sea, or independent exploration of the beautiful Busan.
Check out from the hotel at 9:00
The city of Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Korean state of Silla, is famous for its monuments included in the UNESCO world heritage: burial mounds, ancient Buddhist monasteries, and the artificial grotto Seokguram.
Gyeongju is also a unique national park. Korea's only historical national park!
Attention! If the tour ends before dusk, we visit the National Museum of Gyungju instead of the Eastern Palace.
The Buddha statue in this small temple in an artificial grotto is considered the most elegant in All of Korea! The grotto is located on the slope of Mount Tkhohamsan, where the winding serpentine of the mountain road leads.
The walk to the temple through the mountain forest from the parking lot takes about 15-20 minutes; depending on the weather, either a mysterious foggy landscape awaits us (fogs are not uncommon on this mountain), or breathtaking bird's-eye views of the thousand-year-old Gyeongju.
In the grotto, which is formally the hermitage of the Bulguksa temple, located below the slope, the dominant position is occupied by the above-mentioned statue of Buddha, sitting in a lotus position on a pedestal in the shape of a lotus. Around it at different heights are bas-reliefs and statues of bodhisattvas, arhats, Indra and Brahma, the Four Heavenly Kings.
If the group agrees, we can go down the mountainside to the temple of Bulguksa.
The main Buddhist temple of United Silla, it is now a place of pilgrimage for many guests of Korea.
The temple was built in 774 under the leadership of the premier of the state of Silla, Kim Taesong. Legend has it that Bulguksa was dedicated to the parents of the current, so to speak, Kim Taesong. While Seokguram, the temple-hermitage under Bulguksa, was intended for Kim Taesung's parents from his previous incarnations.
In 1995, Bulguksa and Seokguram were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Cheomseongdae is one of the oldest observatories in the world (7th century). The tower of the observatory is full of symbolism: the total number of hewn stones from which it is built; the number of rows of these stones before and above the small window, the shape of the stones... Reasonable Silakians paid attention to everything.
Cheomseongdae was built under the reigning Queen Seondok - one of three in the history of Silla. The queen ended up in a drama that, of course, was filmed in Gyeongju.
The only mound which inner parts are open to the public (though filled with replicas, it shows the inner construction of a Shilla mound)
The main state Gyeongju temple from the Silla period, the "Temple of the Yellow Dragon", Hwanyeongsa, has not survived; however, we still have a unique opportunity to get acquainted with the pagoda of a hermitage temple of Hwanyeongsa. The hermitage temple is called Punghwansa.
The peculiarity of the pagoda of Punghwansa is that it is built of stones, hewn in such a way that they resemble bricks in shape. What can you not do if you are not familiar with the technology (brick production, in this case)!
Though made anew, it is a nice and quite picturesque place, especially at night.
In Gyeongju, we are waiting for the traditional Korean "complex lunch": ssampap. The main dish is thinly sliced beef (bulgogi) served with many snacks, soup and rice. Typically, Koreans themselves make a kind of "sandwich": a leaf of lettuce, sesame or sea kale serves as the basis, put a little meat on top of it, add the sauce, wrap - and - the sandwich is ready!
After the end of the tour - transfer to Wonju city, approx. 3 hours.
Extract from the hotel at 9:00. In the morning we are waiting for the famous and unusual museum located on the top of the mountain - Museum San; then transfer to Kapyeong County of Gyeonggi-do province, where we enjoy the magnificent Garden of Morning Calm.
High-end museum near Wonju City in Gangwon province.
The beauty of Korean nature and the beauty of human hands awaits us today in the unique private Garden of Morning Calm...
Garden of Morning Calm was founded by Mr. Han Sangkyeon in 1996. This private garden is rightfully recognized as one of the most beautiful in South Korea. The name comes from the poetic name of Korea - "Land of the Morning Calm". The founder and his team tried to introduce the natural beauty of Korea, the oriental mystique and the spirit of the Korean people to visitors.
The design of the garden focuses on curved lines, space, balance and asymmetry, unique natural beauty, classic elegance and the uniqueness of Korea.
During each of the four seasons - winter, spring, summer, autumn - you will find in the garden echoes of a particular "theme" of that season...
Today we offer lunch, included in the price of the tour: tuba (bean curd) with local pine nuts; seasonal soup; many traditional Korean snacks; rice boiled pork with kimchi.
Transfer to Seoul (approx. 1.5 hours); the hotel in Seoul this time is located in the elite Gangnam district, which became famous thanks to the song "Gangnam Style".