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Save $1,000 per couple | $500 solo

Korea Discovery

Our Distinctive A+R Style

  • Discover the legacy of the ancient Silla Dynasty on our expertly guided tours of two World Heritage Sites – the exquisite Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto.
  • Mingle with residents in a variety of markets where you’ll find everything from the day’s catch and fresh produce to traditional snacks, Celadon pottery and fine Korean silks.
  • Our in-depth visit to the DMZ also includes Panmunjom, designated in 1953 as the only place where officials from both the North and the South could gather together for meetings and talks.
  • Learn the traditional techniques of fine Korean ceramics at our hands-on pottery class; your finished piece will be fired and shipped directly to your home!
  • A culinary class with an expert chef is the best way to learn about – and sample – a variety of traditional Korean dishes.
  • With 7 nights deluxe and luxury hotel; 9 meals; complete sightseeing; all on-tour transportation including VIP Seats for both rail journeys; and all gratuities except for your Trip Leader
c Visit 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

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On arrival at the airport, you’ll be warmly greeted and escorted into the heart of the capital to our luxury hotel. Settle in to your Premier King guestroom and enjoy the rest of this day to relax, explore and enjoy as you wish.

Day
2

Discover Seoul… Past + Present

Four Seasons Hotel - Seoul, Korea

Your guided exploration into Korea’s rich history begins at the resplendent 500-year-old Gyeongbokgung Palace where you’ll see the Royal Changing of the Guard, a colorful spectacle that traces its roots to 1469! On the grounds of the Palace, the National Folk Museum offers fascinating insight into Korean history and culture. Stroll along the streets and alleys of Insadong, home to numerous antique shops and handicraft galleries, and then explore Gwangjang Market. Established in 1905, this was the country’s first daily market and although it’s become popular with visitors from abroad, it’s still where local residents come to shop for the finest quality silks, textiles, beddings and handicrafts. And with numerous food vendors specializing in traditional Korean snacks, it’s also a foodie’s paradise!  Meals B

Today we’ve included guided sightseeing that will take you to both the Demilitarized Zone and also to Panmunjom in the Joint Security Area. When the Korean War ended in 1953, the North Korean village of Panmunjom was designated as the one place where officials from both sides could meet – which is exactly what happened on January 9, 2018 when delegates from both the North and South gathered for face-to-face talks. It’s a fascinating place where time seems to have stopped 65 years ago at the height of the Cold War. 

The day begins with visit to Odusan Observatory, situated less than two miles from the North Korean border, overlooking the confluence of the Han and Imjin Rivers, which seperate the two Koreas. Next visit Imjingak Park, dedicated to the 10 million South Koreans who were sepeated from their families during the war. You'll see the Freedom Bridge where 13,000 POWs were exchanged in 1953. sits along the 38th Parallel, you’ll be able to see the spectacularly rugged Geumgangsan Diamond Mountains as well as North Korean military personnel. Not far from the Observatory is the infamous Third Tunnel; discovered in October 1978, this is one of four known tunnels under the border between North and South Korea. Back in Seoul, the balance of your evening is at leisure to dine and enjoy as you wish.  Meals B

Day
4

After breakfast and checkout, we'll take you to the rail station where you’ll board the high-speed KTX Train. Enjoy comfortable VIP Seating on the journey to Busan where you’ll be escorted to our 5-star hotel. This afternoon’s city tour explores this bustling Pacific port, the second largest city in Korea. Your sightseeing begins at the historic Gukje Market, founded by refugees from the Korean War who fled to Busan and set up their market stalls as a way to make their living. Next up is Jagalchi Fish Market, the country’s largest seafood market where you’ll see hundreds of vendors, many with fresh and saltwater tanks, selling a remarkable variety of fish - along with eels, squid and shellfish. It’s a terrific way to experience local customs and daily life. Then ascend Busan Tower for breathtaking views of the city and its lovely setting between mountains and sea. End your sightseeing at the Oryukdo Sky Walk, a glass-floored platform that extends from a rocky cliff high above the ocean! Return to your hotel where your evening is free.  Meals B

Day
5

This morning’s scenic 90-minute drive takes you north to Gyeongju. Here in the ancient capital of the Silla Dynasty, your exploration begins with our unique cultural experience at the historic Golgulsa Temple, built into the sides of a rocky cliff amidst forested mountain slopes. Observe a morning training session in Sunmudo, a Korean martial art that has surged in popularity over the past few decades; the adventurous can even participate! You’ll also have a chance to engage with Buddhist monks and to learn about various practices from meditation to the art of the Korean tea ceremony. Enjoy a traditional Buddhist lunch here at the Temple before our afternoon sightseeing including the ancient Royal Tombs at Daereungwon and the Gyeongju National Museum where an extensive collection of artifacts offers insight into the Silla Dynasty that endured for nearly 1,000 years. End your touring at Anapji Pond; originally part of an ancient palace complex of the 7th century, you’ll discover a tranquil body of water surrounded by forests and lovely pavilions.  Meals B+L

Day
6

Discover Ancient Gyeongju

Hilton Hotel - Gyeongju, Korea

Today's exploration into Korea’s ancient past begins at Bulguksa Temple , an exquisite complex of ancient wooden pavilions and pagodas built on stone terraces amidst picturesque forests and hills. At Seokguram Grotto , established in the 8th century, you’ll behold a monumental statue of Buddha looking out toward the seacoast. With their picturesque setting on the slopes of Mt. Tohamsan, both the Temple and Grotto are recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites c for their architectural and religious significance. Then learn about the ancient traditions and techniques of highly-prized Korean ceramics as you join a hands-on pottery experience. After your finished piece has been fired, we’ve made special arrangements for it to be shipped directly to your home – a wonderful memento of your travels!  Meals B

Day
7

Back to Seoul + A Taste of Korea

Four Seasons Hotel - Seoul, Korea

After breakfast and checkout, you'll be escorted to the rail station. Board the high-speed KTX Train and settle in to your comfortable VIP Seats for the journey to Seoul where you’ll be met and escorted once again to the luxury Four Seasons Hotel. This afternoon’s culinary experience begins in a city market where you’ll learn how to select the right ingredients and freshest produce for your hands-on cooking class. In the company of an expert chef, this congenial activity will include a variety of traditional Korean favorites – maybe some savory Japchae noodles, the classic rice dish Bibimbap, or even grilled Bulgogi. This delightful afternoon ends as you sit down to dinner with your fellow students to enjoy the dishes you’ve prepared.  Meals B+D

Day
8

Depart Seoul

We’ll take you to the airport today for your onward journey.  Meals B

Korea tour mapSearch

Add On: Japan, From the Inland Sea to the Alps  

Enhance your travels with our uniquely comprehensive, fully-guided tour including Kyoto, Hiroshima, Miyajima Island, Nara, Kanazawa, Takayama, Tokyo and Hakone.

Travel in April during Cherry Blossom season - and delight in the springtime beauty of both Korea and Japan where the cultural reverence for this annual event has endured for centuries.

Learn More >>>

Occupancy


Date RangeFrom
28 December 2024 - 28 December 2024$8,999
29 December 2024 - 31 December 2024$8,999
01 January 2025 - 01 January 2025$8,499
02 January 2025 - 02 January 2025$8,499
03 January 2025 - 22 February 2025$8,499
23 February 2025 - 23 February 2025$8,599
24 February 2025 - 26 February 2025$8,699
27 February 2025 - 27 February 2025$8,699
28 February 2025 - 28 February 2025$8,699
01 March 2025 - 01 March 2025$8,699
02 March 2025 - 31 May 2025$8,899
01 June 2025 - 25 June 2025$8,899
26 June 2025 - 30 June 2025$8,899
01 July 2025 - 01 July 2025$8,999
02 July 2025 - 01 September 2025$8,699
02 September 2025 - 21 December 2025$8,899
22 December 2025 - 27 December 2025$8,999
28 December 2025 - 31 December 2025$8,999
01 January 2026 - 01 January 2026$8,999
02 January 2026 - 02 January 2026$8,999
03 January 2026 - 03 January 2026$8,999
04 January 2026 - 21 February 2026$8,499
22 February 2026 - 22 February 2026$8,899
23 February 2026 - 26 February 2026$8,899
27 February 2026 - 27 February 2026$8,899
28 February 2026 - 28 February 2026$8,899
01 March 2026 - 01 May 2026$8,899

Family + Friends

Travel is one of  life's most rewarding experiences, perhaps even more so when it's shared with those you love! Take advantage of our Family & Friends offer and Save $100 per person anytime you book 4 or more people on the same A+R program.

Pay-In-Full

Save $1,000 per couple + $500 solo on all of our Small Group, Small Ship and Private Journeys when you book and pay-in-full within 7 days of booking and prior to the final payment date listed in our published terms and conditions. Book by December 31, 2024 for travel any time in 2025 or 2026.