Tanpung
So, let's start - with a visit to Seoul Sky, the highest observation deck in South Korea. You can enjoy the breathtaking views of Seoul, admire the beauty of the city landscapes and capture yourself against their backdrop.
Next, we will have a traditional Korean lunch included in the tour program.
So, top view - Seoul, and inside view - Korean cuisine!
The tallest building in Korea is Lotte World Tower. 123 floors and 555 meters high. And on the highest floors is Seoul Sky - an observation deck.
Floor with transparent floor; the floor where you can go outside, the floor with cafes and souvenirs. Even the elevator that takes you to Seoul Sky is a separate attraction with Guinness records to boot.
Hotel check-in, free time...
Check-out. Meeting with the guide at the hotel reception
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.
From the life of the upper strata of society of the Joseon era - to the life of peasants and artisans. Our path lies to the city of Yongin (the journey will take about an hour)
You can have lunch in Ethnographic Village on your own: traditional Korean dishes are offered, as well as coffee or traditional hot and cold drinks.
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.
After the tour, transfer to the city of Jeongju, check-in at the hotel.
Check-out and meeting with the guide at the hotel reception.
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...
You will have time to dine on your own in one of the cafes in the center of Jeonju.
We gather at the place indicated by the guide at the appointed time and go to the Nejansan National Park; the trip will take about an hour.
Прогулка по национальному парку Нэчжансан ("Горы скрытых сокровищ") - лучшему месту для любования осенними красками алых клёнов.
In Naejangsan National Park, you can experience the splendor of fiery red maples, immerse yourself in the natural world, full of amazement and admiration. This park, spread across two provinces - North and South Jeolla, is a real paradise for fans of autumn colors.
Transfer to Gwangju (about an hour).
Check-in at the hotel, rest.
Check-out from the hotel and meeting with the guide at the hotel reception.
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.
Transfer to the second largest city in South Korea - Busan will take about two and a half 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.
Go on a romantic cruise along the coastal areas of the city of Busan on an elegant ship to enjoy the beauty of the maritime capital of Korea!
What could be more beautiful than sailing along the coastal areas of the city of Busan on an elegant ship? Let's climb aboard our romantic ship and embark on an exciting journey covering the main sea attractions of Busan - from Bay 101 to the beautiful Gwanghalla Beach. Capture these unforgettable moments in your most impressive photos!
Check-out from the hotel and meeting with the guide at the hotel reception. The transfer to Gyeongju takes about an hour.
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.
You will be able learn how to make authentic soju using traditional rice wine distillation methods.
A traditional Korean house (hanok) located in the famous Yangdong Village in Gyeongju...
Here you can try to make real soju by distilling rice wine with old-fashioned methods. The distillery master, born and raised in the village, will teach you how to make the excellent local nectar.
Transfer to Seoul after the end of the tour will take about 5 hours.
In Seoul, a farewell dinner awaits us: pork-bacon fried right on the table (directly by the guests) with traditional Korean appetizer salads.