Uncharted West, Gentle South. Discovering the Untamed Beauty and Cultural Grace of South Korea.
Seoul, temples, fortresses and rock bas-reliefs of South Chungcheong Province, Jeonju with its unique preserved historical center, the famous Baekje Smile and the city fortress, where the famous Lee Sunsin began his career, the National Garden of Korea, Jirisan National Park and the mega-cultural Gwangju. And - the largest Buddhist statue in Korea.
Seoul, temples, fortresses and rock bas-reliefs of South Chungcheong Province, Jeonju with its unique preserved historical center, the famous Baekje Smile and the city fortress, where the famous Lee Sunsin began his career, the National Garden of Korea, Jirisan National Park and the mega-cultural Gwangju. And - the largest Buddhist statue in Korea.
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Experiences
A picturesque 2-storey bridge over the sea in Busan is one of its most exquiste landmarks.
A very piquturesque district in Busan, which was originally founded by some refugees during the Korean War.
Most popular beach in Busan and a vivid resort district.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In Buyeo we will get acquainted with the treasures of Baekje, including those included in the register of the State Treasures of the Republic of Korea (Buyo National Museum), we will visit the place where the Buddhist temple of Jeongnimsa was located, with a unique 5-step pagoda.
The majestic fortress, perched high above the Geumgang River, has witnessed both times of great prosperity—when it was the heart of the Baekje capital—and more modest days. We’ll walk along its mighty walls and talk about kings, fortresses, and the city of Gongju.
The only burial of Pek rulers that has survived to this day.
A small town located on the shores of the Western (Yellow) Sea, experienced ups and downs: once the majority of the population in it were not Koreans, but rich Japanese!
In the city, you can feel the atmosphere of the first half of the 20th century, the rapid, uneven growth of the country, the development of colonial capitalism, and the elusive charm of a provincial Korean town, with a touch of Japanese style in architecture.
The unique Buddhist temple Dongguksa has been preserved in the city: it is the only Japanese-style Buddhist temple in Korea. Founded in 1913 by the Japanese monk Uchida under the name "Diamond Temple", it was renamed after liberation (August 15, 1945) as Tonguksa ("Temple of the East Country"; "East Country" is one of the names of Korea).
During the time of the state of Goryeo (910 - 1392), not far from Kunsan in the battle of Jinpo, the first victory of the Koreans over Japan with the use of firearms was won, which is dedicated to the theme park with a collection of tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, aircraft, etc., the joy of the boys.
Itinerary (subject to slight changes): Gunsan Museum of Modern History - former customs building, with a small customs museum - Chinpo Naval Theme Park - Donggukgsa Temple - Walk through the old quarters of Gunsan.
A unique temple in Korea in Japanses style.
In the city of Gwangju in May 1980, terrible events took place. The government of Chon Duhwan, which would be more correctly called the junta, sent troops to suppress the popular uprising in Gwangju ...
Eyewitness accounts of the events, photographs, are collected in this archive. For Koreans, two numbers - 5, 18 (meaning May 18, 1980) - instantly awaken a whole cultural, historical layer in the soul. Without these tragic events of the already distant 1980, it is impossible to imagine the modern Republic of Korea...
It's time to rest. Take a break from the temples-dolmens-palaces ... In the village (of course, this is an area in the "Greater Gwangju", just by tradition, areas in cities in Korea are called "village") you will find, of course, penguin murals (and you will recognize , what do they have to do with it, in fact), a statue of a dog in large quantities, a lot of artistically recycled garbage. Preserved and culturally processed Korea of the 70-80s of the 20th century!
Penguin Village is actually part of the vast pedestrian area of Gwangju, which is pompously called the Historical and Cultural Village (again, a district of the city, of course) Yangnim.
Here we will get acquainted with the history of the Protestant church, missionary work in Korea, the architecture of the early 20th century, both traditional and European.
Gwangju - city of art; therefore, we will meet on the road and galleries small exhibition halls of modern trendsetters in the artistic fashion of Korea!
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.
Did you know that dolmens in Korea are a UNESCO World Heritage Site? Sites with an "increased accumulation" of dolmens in Korea: about. Ganghwa, Hwasun and Gochang counties. Today we will see the largest dolmen in the world - it is located in Hwasun County.
The picturesque valley with beautiful views stretches for 4 km. We will walk along the valley, talk about why dolmens are needed, where they came from in Korea, we will climb into the Bronze Age quarry. And let's get acquainted with the legend of the giantess grandmother (no, that's not the name of the dolmen).
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.
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.
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...
Omokdae-Imokdae
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.
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!
The largest Buddhist statue - the statue of the Bodhisattva Maitreya in the Gwangchoksa Temple - was awarded the title of National Treasure of the Republic of Korea.
If the statues of Unified Silla dazzled the imagination with their desire to express an ideal, ethereal, beauty, then the statues of Goryeo (918-1392) are radically different. Boddhisattva Maitreya at Gwangchhoksa is unique even among the radical Goryeo statues; and with this uniqueness, it has earned the recognition of both scientists and Buddhist believers in Korea.
Stone fortress built between 1417 and 1421. Here was the command post of the army of Chungcheong Province. The main purpose of the fortress is to resist the raids of pirates from Japan. For 10 months, Admiral Li Sunxing served here in 1578.
The famous "Baekje smile" is the characteristic friendly and warm facial expression of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, reproduced in the statues of the state of Baekje (18 BC - 660 AD).
Of course, reproductions and photographs are one thing; but getting to know the smile in the original is different! It used to be quite difficult to get to the "smile" - after all, the Buddhist trinity is located in the Korean outback - Sosan County, South Chungcheong Province, but now an asphalt road has been laid here; we have to walk only a short section of the path ... Nearby are the ruins of the temple, in which there was a hermitage (satellite temple / hermit's dwelling) with the Buddha and 2 bodhisattvas with our smile.
The unique technique and artistry of the unknown master will allow us to see the open, unburdened, friendly expression on the face of the Baekje people who lived here more than 1400 years ago.
The site of the martyrdom of over 1,000 Korean Catholics between 1797 and 1872. Pope Francis made a pilgrimage here in 2014.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
The oldest temple in Korea is Sudoksa. This temple is unique; he, one of the few Korean temples, was lucky enough to survive the war with Japan in 1592-1598. The oldest building of the temple - its main pavilion Taeungjeong - dates back to the Goryeo period (1308). On the beams supporting the roof of the building, you can still see the unique surviving image of the "Golden Dragon" from the Goryeo period. However, the temple was founded much earlier - in the Baekche era, information about its foundation dates back to the 6th century (Sabi period). Sudoksa is the only surviving Baekje temple!
At the end of the 19th - the first half of the 20th century, the temple became the center of the revival in Korea of "proper Korean" Buddhism, which was persecuted both under the kings of Joseon and under the Japanese colonial authorities. In particular, such famous monks as Gyeongho and Mangon lived and conducted their activities in the temple.
Brief price table.
- Minimum price is a sum of prices of all parts/cities of the tour (Seoul, Daejeon, Jeonju, Gwangju, Busan).
- Please be advised that particular hotels included in package tours might be replaced without a prior warning.
Frequently asked questions
For convenience, we recommend exchanging your currency in Seoul or immediately upon arrival at the airport. Even in Busan, where there are also currency exchange offices, searching for an exchanger can take up extra time that you could spend on more useful activities.
In Korean cuisine, there are both spicy and non-spicy dishes. If you prefer non-spicy food, try, for example, kalguksu — homemade noodle soup, or samgyetang — chicken soup with rice and ginseng, or galbitang — a rich beef rib soup.
For meals, budget around $20 per meal for lunch or dinner in a mid-range restaurant. For other daily expenses like transportation, shopping, and entrance fees to attractions, the amount will vary depending on your plans. It’s advisable to have some extra cash for unexpected expenses.
At the airport upon departure, you can exchange Korean won KRW for most world currencies.
In Korea, you can exchange major world currencies (US dollars, yuan, yen, euro) at exchange offices and banks. In addition, the vast majority of sellers (including market traders) accept Visa and Master Card credit cards. Union Pay does not work everywhere! Of course, Korean won is accepted everywhere too! Of course, Korean won is accepted almost everywhere too! "Almost": recently cafes and other establishments have appeared, for example, the Busan Aquarium, where payment can only be made by credit card.