INCENTIVE
Busan 4 days
Day 1 Arrive Busan (D) 40km
On arrival, a private transfer to the hotel of choice. During the check in, a welcoem drink is served, followed by a folk art pillow gift. A delightful evening with entertaining cuisine in the hotel.
Day 2 Busan - Gyeongju - Busan (D) 220km
Today, you are treated to one of the ten most historically significant sites in the world with ancient temples, weathered stone pagodas, royal tombs, Buddhist bas-reliefs, and fortress ruins.
Your exploration will begin with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Bulguksa temple. Following the one-pillared gate and the four guardian's gate, you will reach two double level arched stone staircases - the symbolic bridges, leaving the world of sufferings behind and to enter Buddha's land. Up from the bridges on the terraced main courtyard stands the Hall of Great Enlightenment. The hall houses Sakyamuni Buddha who is flanked on the right by Kasyapa and Maitreya Bodhisattva and on the left by Dipankara and Ananda. Before this hall stands a stone carved lantern and two stone pagodas. Three-storied Seokgatap with its calm simplicity of lines and minimal decoration and Dabotap with highly ornate and the noted complexity of the universe stands blending well into the architectural harmony.
The architectural design of Bulguksa is one of constrained dignity, peace, and harmony and the temple still remains one of the most remarkable achievements of the ancient Far East.
Next up is Gyeongju National Museum. The first thing that you will notice is The Bell of King Seongdeok, the largest extant bell in Korea. You must certainly stand in awe before the bell from the 8th century with such artistic beauty of design. The bell is distinguished not only for its outstanding beauty but also for its long reverberating sound, the incredibly precise casting technique, in addition to the sad legend surrounding it. On entering the museum, you will marvel at the priceless archaeological and historical artifacts including splendid gold crowns, earrings, belts, ornaments, glassware, potteries, and clay figures as well as a royal barge.
You also witness the world's oldest existing astronomical observatory, Cheomseongdae. Each stone used in the observatory bears symbolic meaning; the same number of the days of the year by lunar calendar, the number of the major stars, the months of the year and the numbers of the seasonal divisions. Nearby Tumuli Park encompasses 23 huge tomb mounds where Silla rulers were buried. One of the tombs, Cheonmachong, is opened to the public and you can go inside and see how the tombs were made and replicas of the treasures excavated in 1973.
Evening is highlighted with short beef ribs, one of the most famous dishes grilled over charcoal at the table. Strong flavors and seasoning, colorful presentation, informally served and eaten - just Korean way of dining experience.
Day 3 Busan (B L D)
Spend the day exploring Busan's highlights. Enjoy a short stop at Haeundae, a world-class beach resort blessed by beautiful water. The soft sand stretches 1.5km along the beautifully curved coastline, which culminates in the summer. There is a Dongbaek Island off Haeundae. This tiny island became more popular after holding the 13th APEC summit conference here at Nurimaru in 2005. It offers a stunning view of ocean vista on one side and that of skyscrapers on the other. A scenic trail is well established around, making it a great venue for walking tour.
You will then drive through the Gwangan bridge, the second-longest suspension bridge in the country after the Incheon Bridge. Built over the Suyeong Bay of Busan spanning 7,420 meters, the view from the bridge is superb and the bridge itself is among the Busan's attractions. Adorned with over 10,000 colorful LED lights, you can imagine the light show when the bridge lit up in the evening.
You will tour the Yongdusan park, sitting on top of a steep slope. The first thing you will see is Busan Tower, towering over Busan at 120 meters, topped by an observatory dominating the most of the area of the city and the harbor in a breathtaking view. And smack dab in the middle of the park stands the statue of Yi Sunsin, who is credited with the perfection of the first iron-clad warship in history. You will also see a flower clock and a Busan citizen's bell that they ring on New Years' Day and March 1.
Just off the park is busy shopping area of Gwangbok-dong. As you leisurely stroll down the Gwangbokro culture and fashion street, enjoy the massive commercial districts including BIFF square packed with trendy shops, movie theaters and street vendor stalls. Crossing the main street, you will be amazed at a colorful and fascinating Jagalchi fish market. Located on the downtown docks, the market offers a wide variety of fish and a flexible pricing system makes it a big draw among locals and visitors alike. The neighboring blocks are Gukjesijang and Bupyeongsijang where thousands of shops spill out into the busiest districts of Busan, and you can discover all that local merchants have to offer.
An elegant buffet dinner on a cruise while enjoying an illuminated bridge and a superb night view of hustle bustle Busan - an innovative dining option fuelling winners for Busan's thriving night life. Prizes are awarded as you reminiscence over your time in Busan.
Day 4 Departure (B) 35km
With time to reflect on your surprise in your experience of Korea, you are transferred to the airport in time for your flight. By boarding you are already high above Gimhae heading for home.
