Flower of the Far East: "South Korea" | March 07 – March 14, 2027
THE FLOWER OF THE FAR EAST: "SOUTH KOREA"
SEOUL (3 NIGHTS) - BUSAN (2 NIGHTS) – NAMISEOM ISLAND - GYEONGJU
ALL TOURS AND ENTRANCE FEES INCLUDED
KORAIL HIGH-SPEED TRAIN TRAVEL EXPERIENCE BETWEEN SEOUL-BUSAN-SEOUL INCLUDED
Meeting at 14:10 in front of the Turkish Airlines counter at Istanbul Airport's international departures terminal. After our ticket, baggage, and passport procedures, we will fly to Seoul on Turkish Airlines flight TK20 at 17:10. We will spend the night on the plane.
Arrival at Seoul Incheon Airport at 09:05 local time. After passport and baggage procedures, we proceed directly from the airport to Nami Island, one of Korea's most famous nature routes. This island is known worldwide for its tree tunnels, lake views, and immersive natural atmosphere, especially due to the "Winter Sonata" drama. After walking on the island, we move to Morning Calm Garden, where we spend a peaceful time among colorful themed gardens. These two routes are ideal for experiencing the serene side of Korea. At the end of the day, we return to Seoul, complete our check-in procedures, and settle into our rooms. Overnight stay at our hotel in Seoul.
After having breakfast at our hotel, we complete our check-out procedures. We leave our large suitcases at the hotel and take only what we need for two days with us before heading to the train station by vehicle. We depart for Gyeongju, most of which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, via the KTX high-speed train. First, we visit Bulguksa Temple, one of South Korea's most famous temples. The temple serves as the head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and includes six National Treasures, such as the Dabotap and Seokgatap stone pagodas, Cheongun-gyo (Blue Cloud Bridge), and two gilded bronze Buddha statues. Next, we visit Cheomseongdae, built during the Silla period in the 7th century, which is Asia's—and possibly the world's—oldest surviving astronomical observatory. After free time for lunch, we take a stroll through Gyeongju Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, a former crown prince's palace renowned for its spectacular illuminated views. At the end of our tour, we are transferred to Busan. We complete our check-in procedures and settle into our rooms. Overnight stay at our hotel in Busan.
After having breakfast at our hotel, our first stop is the UN Memorial Cemetery in Korea, built in memory of soldiers from 16 countries who lost their lives during the Korean War between 1950 and 1953. Next, we visit Gamcheon Culture Village, representing Busan's artistic side with its colorful streets. This village is like an open-air photo studio, featuring graffiti walls, art cafes, and vibrantly painted houses. After free time for lunch, we experience the thrill of being above the sea on the Songdo Cable Car, traveling from Songlim Park east of Songdo Beach to Amnam Park west of Songdo Beach, enjoying unique views of Songdo Beach, Busan Yeongdo and Namhang Bridge, and the Songdo Coastal Dulle Trail. Following this tour, we visit Jakalji Fish Market, one of the city's major tourist centers showcasing a wide variety of seafood, before returning to our hotel. Overnight stay at our hotel in Busan.
After enjoying breakfast at our hotel, we visit Haedong Yonggungsa, one of Busan's most impressive seaside temples. This temple blends traditional Korean architecture with a natural landscape where you can hear the sound of waves. After our tour, we return to Seoul via the KTX high-speed train. In the evening, during our walking tour in Myeongdong, one of Seoul's most popular shopping and entertainment districts, we have the opportunity to get up close with globally renowned Korean cosmetic brands and go shopping. Our guide will provide a brief introduction to Korean cosmetics, known for their skincare, masks, sunscreens, and makeup products, and free time for shopping will be given for guests who wish to do so. Overnight at our hotel in Seoul.
After breakfast at our hotel, we depart for the DMZ (Korean Border Zone) tour. In this tour, we visit the military zone established on the border between North and South Korea, gaining insight into Korean history and culture. Following the military zone, our second stop is Imjingak Park. Inside the park, we visit the Freedom Bridge, used by North Korean war prisoners who were repatriated to their country. We then explore Tunnel 3, discovered in 1978 and dug 73 meters below the border by North Korea. After exiting the tunnel, we head toward the slope of Dorasan Mountain and visit the Dorasan Observatory built there. From the observatory, we have the opportunity to view North Korean territory and the border line. In the afternoon, we return to Seoul and ascend N-Seoul Tower, which has become a symbol of the city. From the summit, offering panoramic views of all Seoul, guests who wish can leave their wishes by attaching locks in the "Love Locks" section. Overnight stay at our hotel in Seoul.
Note: Due to the DMZ being a military zone, it may be closed on the tour day without prior notice. In such cases, an alternative program will include a visit to Aegibong Ecopark.
After having breakfast at our hotel, we begin our Seoul city tour. We take a journey through time with Gyeongbokgung Palace, which best reflects Korea's traditional architecture, and the Changing of the Guard Ceremony. Then, we travel back in time at Namsangol Hanok Village, which houses some of the finest examples of traditional Korean architecture. After a pleasant walk through Insadong streets, famous for art, handicrafts, and tea houses, we visit the War Memorial Museum. After the tour, we are transferred to the airport at the time announced by our guide.
After our passport and baggage procedures, we depart from South Korea and complete our return flight to Istanbul with Turkish Airlines' TK91 flight at 00:10. We land at Istanbul Airport at 05:55 local time, marking the end of our tour. We say goodbye, looking forward to meeting again on our next enjoyable journey.
Abbreviations explanations >>> (K): Breakfast | (A): Dinner | (Ö): Lunch
What's Included
Round-trip economy class air tickets on the IST-ICN/ICN-IST route with Turkish Airlines scheduled flights
Airport taxes
Airport – hotel – airport transfers
High-speed train tickets between Seoul-Busan-Seoul
Total 5 nights accommodation at specified or similar hotels
All breakfasts as specified in the program
All tours specified in the program;
Travel by high-speed train between Seoul-Busan-Seoul
Seoul Tour
Busan Tour
Nami Island Tour
Gyeongju Tour
Morning Calm Garden Tour
Visit to Bulguksa Temple
Visit to Cheomseongdae Observatory
Tour of Gyeongju Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond
Visit to UN Memorial Cemetery in Korea
Gamcheon Culture Village Tour
Songdo Cable Car experience
Visit to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
DMZ (Korean Border Area) tour
Namsangol Hanok Village Tour
War Memorial Museum
English local guide service
Turkish language guide service
Professional liability insurance (as required by Law No. 1618)
Not Included
Exit tax
K-ETA South Korea electronic travel authorization
Personal expenses
Travel health insurance
All services not explicitly included in the tour program
Tips (5 EUR per person per day, to be collected by the guide)