Private Tour from Busan to Seoul: Explore Gyeongju's UNESCO Heritage Sites

BUSAN Highlight Tour with Food tasting

Hotel pickup in Busan.
Proceed to Busan city tour of Gamcheon village first of all.
Gamcheon Culture Village is consisted of houses built in staircase-fashion on the foothills of a coastal mountain, this village was originally made by war refugees for their settlement. In 2000's, the city government of Busan launched maintenance and revitalization project in the area, bringing vibrant murals and sculptures into the meandering alleys of this town. The success of the city projects earned this village the nickname "Machu Picchu of Busan."

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is situated on the coast of north-eastern Busan. While most temples in Korea are located in the mountains, this temple has found its charming location along the shore line.

The main sanctuary of the temple was reconstructed in 1970 with careful attention paid to the colors that were traditionally used in such structures. On the right-hand side, inside the a cave, is a uniquely designed Buddhist sanctum.

Other special sites at the temple are four lion statues, the 108 stairs, and stone lanterns lining the rocky landscape. Midway down the 108 steps one can pause and enjoy the calming sounds of the waves, and view the majestic sunrise.

The 72.5 meters long and 20 meters high observatory in the shape of a blue dragon stretches out impressively over the ocean. Visitors are able to see the ocean under their feet from the transparent glass floor for the thrilling experience of walking on the sea.

Korean war was the only war in history where United Nations was involved together. This modest piece of land owned by the U.N. is a burial ground for United Nations Command(UNC) casualties of the Korean War. It contains 2,300 graves and is the only United Nations cemetery in the world.

Busan Tower is one of the most famous landmarks in Busan. You can see the entire metropolis glimmering below as you walk around the top deck! This landmark tower offers a 360 degree view of Busan.

Busan's Bupyeong Market is also known as Kkangtong (tin can) Market. It earned that funny name when it had a variety of imported canned goods from the United States for the US forces stationed in Korea during the Korean War. It was also known as "Dottegi (bustling plea) Market." All foreign products found in the country at that time were supplied from this market. Due to its vast property and many rare goods that were hard to find anywhere else during the time, it was also referred as "Gukje (International) Market." Nowadays, the market has reduced in size as many foreign products are freely imported, but the reputation and potential still remain. Some imported goods including liquor, clothes, ornaments, accessories, fashion items and electronic goods are still sold here.

> Included Food tasting at Gukje market or Bupyeong Kkangtong market - spicy rice cake & crispy fried squid and fried chicken(Gukje Tongdak) and Dessert is Stir-fried ice cream etc.

-Dinner with Korean barbecued pork belly
and Food tasting at Market

5star hotel in Busan : Busan Lotte Hotel or similar

BUSAN - GYEONGJU UNESCO World Heritage Tour - SEOUL

Seokguram, located in Tohamsan Mountain, is the representative stone temple of Korea. This valuable grotto has been kept intact for over 1,200 years, thanks to its design that facilitates natural ventilation and humidity control. Cold spring water was designed to flow beneath the structure, settling down any moisture that formed in the grotto towards the floor.

Bulguksa Temple is an absolute historic jewel of the Silla Capital Gyeongju, also inscribed as a UNESCO Heritage of the World. It's a temple where one can discover sophisticated masonry skills of the era from its stairs, bridges, and pagodas.

Cheomseongdae is the oldest existing astronomical observatory in Asia. Constructed during the reign of Queen Seon-deok, it was used to observe stars in order to forecast the weather. This stone structure is a beautiful combination of straight lines and curves, built in a shape of a cylinder.

Gyeongju Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond were the secondary palace site which was used for the palace of the Crown Prince along with other subsidiary buildings. It was also a banquet site for important national event and important visitors.

After finish tour, drop off at Singyengju KTX train Station to take a KTX Train to Seoul. Upon arrival at Seoul KTX station, pick up by our driver and drop off at hotel in Seoul.

5star hotel in Seoul : Intercontinental Hotel or similar

SEOUL Highlight Tour with Drinking Tea at traditional Korean Tea House at Insadong

Situated at the top of Gwanghwamun Square, the presence of Gyeongbukgung palace gleams brightly in the central spine of the nation. As the first and largest palace built by Joseon Dynasty in 1395, this grand villa consisted of 330 buildings and had up to 3,000 staffs.

Before entering to explore the palace, we will watch the changing ceremony of royal guards. This enactment is an excellent opportunity to experience a rare tradition, performed exactly as it used to be held. Guards appear wearing royal uniforms, carrying traditional weapons and playing traditional instruments.

Insa-dong, located in the heart of the city, is an important place where old but precious and traditional goods are on display. There is one main road in Insa-dong with alleys on each side. Within these alleys are galleries, traditional restaurants, teahouses, and cafes.

The galleries are the heartbeat of Insa-dong. There are about 100 galleries in the area and you can see every example of traditional Korean fine art from paintings to sculptures. Traditional craft stores dealing with calligraphy, ceramics, embroidery, and stamps are interesting complement to galleries.
- Included Drinking tea at a traditional Korean Tea House

Bukchon Hanok Village is home to hundreds of traditional houses called hanok, that date back to the Joseon Dynasty. We will go stroll in this labyrinth of traditional homes cramped together, sharing walls. Created by the first city-planner of Korea, these intimate structures will delight you as you discover your way around the hillside village.

Jongmyo Shrine was a primary place of worship for kings throughout Joseon Dynasty. The memorial service, called Jongmyo Jaerye, is said to be the oldest complete ceremony in the world, and was carried out in obedience to the king’s order.

Gwangjang Market was the first permanent market in Korea and continues to thrive as a popular tourist destination today, popularized by a recent Netflix show. The second floor of the market is filled with silk, satin, and linen bed-sheet stores, which are the largest and most famous in Seoul.

The highlight of this market is, however, discovering the animated street food stalls! We will go sampling some of the best Korean street foods here. The specialties in this market are octopus tartar and mung-bean pancakes. You will also be introduced to eccentric Korean foods such as steamed pork feet, blood sausage, and spicy chicken feet.

Take in the breathtaking 360-degree view of the Seoul Metropolis! The top of the tower is at almost 480m above sea level, including Namsan Mountain(243m) and the tower’s own height(236.7m).

The tower was first established as a broadcast tower to send out TV and radio signals in 1969. As of now, it has become one of the representative landmarks and multi-cultural venues in Seoul. At the tower, you can check out other highlights including the famous 'Locks of Love' and ancient beacon mounds.

Lunch and Drinking tea at a traditional Korean Tea House at Insadong

5star hotel in Seoul : Intercontinental Hotel or similar