South Korean Express - 7 days

Sunday. Welcome to Seoul! Airport arrival transfer to our city centre hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Today we discover highlights of the nation’s charming capital on a guided tour. First stop is the grand Gyeongbokgung Palace which was once the main residence of the Joseon Dynasty and within the beautiful palace grounds we visit the National Folk Museum which focuses on Korean culture and history.We continue on to Jogyesa Temple, the centre of Zen Buddhism in Korea and nearby Insadong, a lively antique alley, lined with art galleries, antique, craft and pottery shops, traditional restaurants and teahouses. We then take a stroll alongside Cheonggycheon Stream which runs serenely through the heart of downtown’s gleaming sky scrapers. Our final port of call is the lofty Seoul Tower on Mt. Namsa, which provides spectacular panoramic views of the city from its observatory.

Seoul - DMZ - Seoul. We take an exciting excursion to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) today, which is located 45km north of Seoul and acts as the buffer zone and border between the two nations of North and South Korea. Our coach tour provides a fascinating insight into the events that resulted in Korea’s division and also includes a visit to Imjingak Park, built to commemorate those who lost their homes and families when Korea was divided and the 3rd North Korean Infiltration Tunnel. The tunnel, which is 1.5km in length and 150m below ground, was built with the intention of a surprise invasion by North Korea. You’ll also have the chance to peek into the reclusive northby visiting Dora Observatory situated on Mount Dora and visit Dorasan Station, once used for freight trains to travel between the South and the North. On the way back to Seoul the tour coach makes a stop at an amethyst or ginseng shop, for those who are interested. Our arrangements today are offered in conjunction with other travel companies ie. not soley On The Go. Your tour guide will not be accompanying you on the journey to the DMZ.

Seoul - Andong. Leaving Seoul we travel south to Andong, the picturesque home of Korean Confucianism. On an afternoon tour we explore ancient UNESCO Listed Hahoe Village, where approximately 130 traditional houses of varying size and standard have been immaculately preserved by the same families for generations. We’ll also visit the Andong Folk Museum and the historic Dosansewon Confucian School, which was established in 1574.

Andong - Gyeongju. Travelling south we reach historic Gyeongju - the ‘museum without walls,’ which was the capital of Silla Kingdom from 57BC to 935AD. This afternoon we visit Gyeongju National Museum which is home to countless treasures including the 23 ton Emille Bell cast in AD771. At Tumuli Park we see the incredible giant grass-covered burial mounds which house the Silla royal tombs and we take a stroll around scenic Anapji Pond where the Silla royal family spent their leisure. Another highlight of today’s touring is Cheomseongdae Observatory, one the world’s oldest astronomical observatories.

Gyeongju - Seoul. This morning we visit two magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Listed temples - Seokguram Grotto, one of Asia’s finest Buddhist shrines, which is dramatically located on the slopes of Toham Mountain and the beautiful temple of Bulguksa which was built in 528 during the Silla Dynasty. Depart for Seoul this afternoon and spend your final evening at leisure in the capital.

Saturday. After breakfast and hotel check out, spend the remains of the day at leisure before your transfer to the airport for your flight home.