EASTER IN SOUTH KOREA & SEOUL - 8 DAYS

Meeting at the airport, final instructions and flight to Seoul, the city of technology, k-pop and k-drama.

Arrival in Seoul and transfer to the hotel. Time to settle in and then a first introduction to the city. Seoul is known for its dynamic and artistic atmosphere, offering a combination of modern fashion boutiques, street food and street performances with live music and dance, making it a popular destination for locals and visitors.

We start our day with a sightseeing tour of the Jongno and Jung areas. Our first stop is the central square, Gwanghwamun Plaza, with over 600 years of history and the backdrop of the Gyeongbokgung Royal Palace and Bugaksan Mountain. In this square we will see statues of two emblematic figures: King Sejong, who created the Korean script Hangul, and General Yi Sun-si, who achieved important naval victories. At 10 am we will watch the changing of the guard at the Gyeongbokgung Royal Palace, a traditional, colorful ritual, with traditional costumes, weapons and rhythmic instruments. Then we will tour its interior. The palace of the Joseon Dynasty was the residence of the kings for about 200 years. In addition, before our arrival at the palace you will have the opportunity to rent a traditional Hanbok costume, to take unforgettable photos and create unique memories. Of course, we do not skip our entrance to the museum located inside the palace and hosting exhibits such as Korean cultural artifacts, traditional customs, historical dioramas and folk art. Then we will head to the traditional neighborhood "Bukchon Hanok". This traditional neighborhood, which
dating back to the 15th century AD, it stands out for its well-preserved hanok (traditional Korean houses). Shortly before the end of this tour we will find ourselves on the most commercial street of the capital, Insa-dong. Time to explore the area and shop for souvenirs in the stone alleys. We end our day with a visit to the impressive Buddhist temple of Jogyesa. Shortly before returning to our hotel, we make a stop at the historic tributary of Gheonggyecheon, which crosses the heart of Seoul, is full of flowers all around and is the ideal place for a "breath" of freshness. We will do the same of course. Return to the hotel.

Today we will depart for the traditional neighborhood of Ikseondong (Ikseondong Hanok Village). We will walk through the picturesque alleys of the area and try traditional tea at a local teahouse. We will walk through the picturesque alleys of the area and try traditional tea at a local teahouse. We continue our walk to the most popular outdoor food market, Gwangjang, the largest and oldest in the country. There we will try “Haemul Pajeon” and Tteokbokki for the first time. For those who dare, here you can also try some strange Korean dishes such as fried chicken feet and raw octopus. To conclude with the best parts of Korean k-drama series, we will visit one of the most beautiful places in the city, Namsan Park. It is a picturesque park that surrounds the N-Seoul Tower and offers a panoramic view of the city. Don't forget to place a love lock and make a wish. Our program includes a cable car ride to the tower. There is the option of purchasing tickets for the Tower in advance, which we highly recommend, because the wait locally can be up to an hour. In the afternoon, we will take a tour of Myeongdong to enjoy the
world-famous Korean street food. It is also a good opportunity to shop at the largest department stores in the country, especially beauty products, such as masks and face creams, which you will find more affordable. In the evening return to our hotel.

Today we will start our day in the Yongsan area where we will visit the National Museum of Korea. Then, we will visit the artificial lake Seokchon, where during the Olympic Games the Olympic Village was located in the surrounding area. Today at this point, one will encounter the 5th tallest skyscraper in the world “Lotte Tower”, as well as the spectacular park “Lotte World”. On your free day, you can come back and climb to the observatory located at the top of the skyscraper, with 123 floors and 555 meters high, which offers you an impressive panoramic view of the city of Seoul. We continue our walk in the Gangnam area and visit the COEX Mall, which is one of the largest underground shopping centers in Asia. There you will find a variety of shops, along with entertainment options, such as a cinema, an aquarium and the popular Starfield library. In the afternoon we will meet in the Yeouido area, where a night cruise on the Han River will take place, in which you will relax as you enjoy the illuminated city skyline. During the cruise we will stop under the Banpo Bridge to enjoy the rainbow fountain show.

This day is ideal for discovering Seoul at your own pace and living unique experiences that combine tradition, flavors, art and spectacle. Your experienced travel consultant will suggest activities for your free time according to your interests. One of the best options to start your day is a walk in one of the city's famous street food markets, such as Gwangjang Market or Namdaemun Market, where you can try local delicacies such as tteokbokki, mandu and crispy hotteok. For those who want a more experiential contact with Korean culture, we recommend participating in a traditional kimchi class, where you will learn preparation techniques and create your own side dish. An excellent option is also a visit to one of the city's well-known museums, such as the Seoul Museum of Art or the War Museum of Korea, which feature permanent and temporary exhibitions that highlight the country's history and contemporary art. For K-pop fans, there is the opportunity to participate in the special BTS Footsteps Tour program, a journey to iconic filming locations and history of the famous band.
For something more adventurous, you can enjoy a tethered balloon flight over the Han River and the city, reaching a height of 130 meters, with a unique panoramic view. Alternatively, those interested in modern architecture and design can visit Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), an emblematic building in Seoul with exhibitions, outdoor spaces and a special aesthetic. In the evening, it is recommended to watch one of Seoul's impressive shows, such as the comedic and rhythmic Nanta Show or the exciting The Painters Live Art Show, for a highly entertaining artistic experience. For romantics, a second visit to the N-Seoul Tower observatory or the Lotte Tower Sky Deck is ideal, so that you can enjoy the illuminated cityscape. Optional day trip to Nami Island, and the Gardens of Morning Calm Nami Island is shaped like a crescent moon. Located in Chuncheon, it was formed when the land around it was flooded by the rising water of the Han River due to the construction of the Gyeongpyeong Dam in 1944. The dominant tree species and attraction is the Metasequoia, commonly known as the “Redwood of Dawn”, which reaches up to 30 meters. We continue the excursion with our visit to the “Garden of Morning Calm” park, which opened on May 11, 1996 as a private garden. Its name came from Rabindranath Tagore, an Indian poet, who called Korea “the land of morning calm”.
"Return in the afternoon. Evening at leisure. Optional day trip to the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea (DMZ zone) Tour the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) with an experienced guide who shares the history and highlights of this important strip of land that separates North and South Korea. The tour includes points such as the Freedom Bridge, the 3rd infiltration tunnel, Imjingak Park, the DMZ Museum, the Dora Observatory and the suspension bridge. A unique experience that combines history and natural scenery.

Free breakfast for one last walk around the city and early afternoon departure for the airport.