PACKAGE
Culture Route 12 days
Tour Highlights
- Mangbaedan Altar
- Freedom Bridge
- Locomotive Engine
- Peace Stones
- Peace Bell
- The 3rd Tunnel
- Dora Observatory
- Dorasan Station
- Gyeongbokgung Palace
- National Folk Museum of Korea
- Insadong
- Namdaemun Market
- Hwaseong Fortress
- Yeongneung Tomb
- Dodam Sambong Rocks
- Gosu Cave
- Buseoksa Temple
- Sosueowon Confucian Academy
- Ginseng Market
- Bongjeongsa Temple
- Hahoemaeul Village
- Hanji Paper Workshop
- Andong Folk Museum
- Jebiwon Buddha
- Beopjusa Temple
- Gongju National Museum
- Songsanri Tombs
- Gungnamji Pond
- Jeongrimsa Pagoda
- Buyeo National Museum
- Busosan Fortress
- Gwanchoksa Temple
- Mireuksa Temple Site
- Wanggungri Palace Site
- Jeonju Hanok Village
- Tapsa Temple
- Haeinsa Temple
- Goryeong Tumuli Museum
- Daegaya Museum
- Seokguram Grotto
- Bulguksa Temple
- Gyeongju National Museum
- Cheomseongdae Astronomical Observatory
- Tumuli Park
- Yangdongmaeul Village
- Gameunsa Pagodas
- Tomb of King Munmu
- Tongdosa Temple
- Bokcheon Museum
- Haeundae Beach
- Busan Modern History Museum
- Yongdusan Park
- Jagalchi Fish Market
Click on the days to access the program quick
| Days | Visits and Activities | Distance |
| Day 1 | Arrive Seoul | 60km |
| Day 2 | Seoul - DMZ - Seoul | 140km |
| Day 3 | Seoul - Suwon - Yeoju - Danyang - Cheongpung | 250km |
| Day 4 | Cheongpung - Punggi - Andong | 190km |
| Day 5 | Andong - Songnisan | 140km |
| Day 6 | Songnisan - Gongju - Buyeo | 160km |
| Day 7 | Buyeo - Nonsan - Iksan - Jeonju | 90km |
| Day 8 | Jeonju - Jinan - Gayasasn - Goryeong - Gyeongju | 320km |
| Day 9 | Gyeongju | |
| Day 10 | Gyeongju - Gampo - Yangsan - Busan | 150km |
| Day 11 | Busan - Seoul | 450km |
| Day 12 | Departure | 60km |
Day 1 Arrive Seoul (- - -)
60km
Touching down at Incheon International Airport places you in the heart of Korea. After you clear Passport and Customs control, you will be welcomed by the tour guide and then transferred to your hotel.
Day 2 Seoul - DMZ - Seoul (B) 140km
Please note that the DMZ is a politically sensitive area, and is therefore not always open to tourists.
In the event that the area cannot be visited, alternate sightseeing will be arranged
The 3rd Tunnel tour
Rules and Regulations |
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Your touring today will be private today until you reach Imjingak, at which time you will board a bus with other tourists as private tours of the tunnel and DMZ area are not allowed. Your private tour guide will remain with you throughout the day.
Imjingak is the furthest north point in the area than you can go freely, and a park with an array of monuments and statues that speak to the Korean War (1950-1953), representing the wishes for unification and the pain the war caused to Korean people. One such monument is Mangbaedan, a memorial site where displaced North Koreans pray for their ancestors. Near Mangbaedan is the Freedom Bridge, and was an important site where 12,773 prisoners of war returned to freedom. This short, sturdy wooden structure ends at a barricade, which embodies the North. The altar and the bridge now serve as places of remembrance for displaced families, and the millions of bright colored ribbons tied to the fence have messages of hope, dreams and wishes for unification between South and North Korea.
You can also see a derelict locomotive engine shot full of bullet holes and its bent wheels - not particularly special in any way other than it shows the destruction of war. Having been left in the DMZ since bombs derailed it during the Korean War; it was cleaned up and moved here in 2009. There is a collection of stones from 86 battlefields in 64 countries known as the Peace Stones that have witnessed suffering and grief of war.
Then, you board a bus to continue with other tourists on to the Demilitarized Zone which straddles the South and North Korean border. A 4km wide buffer of land stretches the breadth of the Korean peninsula. Total 1,292 signboards of the Military Demarcation Line were established and 696 of which are controlled by the U.N. Forces while 596 are under the control of North Korea and China. Although an Armistice came into effect in July 1953, the two Koreas are still technically in an active state of war. Tensions between the two countries remain high, and the border is patrolled by thousands of troops on both sides.
Before being allowed to enter the DMZ, you will have to obtain passport and security clearance at the Unification Bridge, the first control line with sentries and photo opportunities will be limited.
The 3rd tunnel is one of the four infiltration tunnels dug by the North to facilitate an invasion of the South. Discovered on October 17, 1978, it is a 1,635m long, 2m high and 2m wide, and could have accommodated 30,000 soldiers per hour in what was apparently designed for a surprise attack on Seoul. The tunnel runs through bedrock at a depth of about 73m below ground; 435m of which are found in the South over the Military Demarcation Line (MDL). It is designed at a three thousandth angle with northern side lower than southern side, so that water does not stagnate inside tunnel.
After ducking and crouching your way 265m through the tunnel, you will reach one of the cement walls with iron door near the MDL that will prevent you from going any further north and where you peep through a small window at a barricade, just to see another barricade in the distance. You can clearly see the drill marks for dynamite all pointing toward the South. This finding, along with other clues, clearly affirmed their construction.
After exploring the tunnel, climb back out of the tunnel and make your way to the DMZ Exhibition Hall for a unique insight into the Korean War and model of soldiers digging the tunnel, equipment used by the North, model of Panmunjeom (Joint Security Area), a timeline of major North Korean provocations over the South since 1950, and photographs of the historical events about Korea's division. And time for a short video including old film that takes you back in time to the signing of the armistice and the creation of the DMZ.
Situated on top of Mount Dora, the Dora Observatory looks across the Demilitarized Zone including Kaeseong Industrial Complex. Financed and managed for the most part by South Korea, the project was launched in 2004 as a gauge of the volatile security situation on the peninsula, and South Korean companies could manufacture their products using North Korean labour. It once employed 803 South Korean and 54,764 North Korean workers, but this jointly run Industrial complex is totally shutdown as of February 10, 2016 in response to North Korea's nuclear test. You will see a South Korean flag in Daeseong-dong near Panmunjeom and a North Korean propaganda village, Gijeong-dong where 270kg (30m x 14m) North Korean flag hangs on a 160m-tall jamming tower and North Korean city of Gaeseong. In 1981, the South Korean government built a 99.8m-tall flagpole with a 130kg (18m x 12m) South Korean Flag. The North Korean government responded by building what was then the tallest flagpole in the world at 160m, in what some have called the "flagpole war". The flagpole was superseded as the world's tallest, following the construction of the flagpole in Baku's National Flag Square at 162m. Both flagpoles were topped in 2011 by the Dusanbe Flagpole in Tajikistan at 165m.
You will also tour the Dorasan Station, the last railway station in South Korea before the North Korean border. This station drew world attention when President Bush visited here in February 2002. On December 11, 2007, freight trains began traveling north past this station into North Korea, however, on December 1, 2008, the North Korean government closed the border crossing. The station is heavily guarded and signs are up showing the future destination of Pyeongyang in North Korea. The milepost "Seoul 56km/Pyeongyang 205km" still stands from the time when trains could still cross past this station and into North Korea.
On return to Seoul this afternoon, Your exploration begins with a driving tour of Seoul, featuring sites such as Seoul Plaza, City Hall, Cheonggye Square and pedestrian-friendly Gwanghwamun Plaza that is hemmed in on both sides by rushing traffic and office buildings. The plaza is lined on each side with 365m long streamlets, two centimeters deep and one meter across, the stone bed of the plaza's east side waterway engraved with important events in chronological order from 1392 to 2008.
Standing high on a stone pillar is a statue of Yi Sunsin who had engaged in twenty-three naval battles and emerged victorious in all of them during the Hideyoshi invasion (1592-1598). King Sejong who propagated the Korean alphabet in the 15th century is also honored with prominent statue. On August 16, 2014, Pope Francis celebrated Mass in this plaza to beatify 124 Korean martyrs. Near the southwest corner of the plaza is Korea's Kilometer Zero, marking the distances to 64 cities around the world, including Seoul's antipode, Montevideo, Uruguay, 19,606km.
Step back in time to when life was gracefully slow and discover Gyeongbokgung Palace, a particularly charming spot that represents a colorful and turbulent side of the capital's 500-year history. Depending on timing, you may witness the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony featuring parade, password verification, duty shift and patrolling the gate. Accompanied by a court band with its colorful costumes and royal flags, the ceremony is performed daily basis at 10:00 and 14:00 except Tuesdays, although it is cancelled in case of rain or extremely hot or cold weather.
Up from the gates is a spacious stone-paved courtyard that is fully enclosed by wooden cloisters, and at the center of which runs three footpaths through two rows of rank stones, indicating the positions of the officials with the highest rank being closer to the hall.
Standing majestically on top of a two-tiered stone platform that is lined with detailed balustrades is Geunjeongjeon Hall, where the king formally granted audiences to his officials, gave declarations of national importance, presided over large official functions, and greeted foreign envoys and ambassadors. Check out the royal throne and a large painting, depicting sun, moon, five peaks, streams and pine trees, which was the crucial signifier of the king. And up in the center of the ceiling, the bright golden dragons in bold relief indicate the presence of the king.
At the back of the throne hall is a group of court offices. Displayed in front of the King's official quarters is sundial, conceived in order to catch the shadow of the sun, which tells time and 24 periods of seasonal change from the winter solstice to the summer solstice.
Sitting on the island in the rectangular lake is Gyeonghoeru. Supported by 48 square and cylindrical massive stone pillars representing the idea of Yin and Yang, this magnificent pavilion was used for many purposes ranging from receptions to national examinations.
Gangnyeongjeon is the king's sleeping and living quarters while Gyotaejeon is the queen's domain containing a number of halls. The noted feature of these main buildings is an absence of a top roof ridge.
Amisan Garden, landscaped with four hexagonal chimneys in orange bricks, is seldom noticed by the hurried visitors. Jagyeongjeon is the queen dowager's residence. Although less colorful, it is worth noting the wall, adorned with floral designs and the chimneys with ten longevity symbols.
Hyangwonjeong features a small pond with a manmade islet that supports a beautiful two-story pavilion. Behind this serene garden is Geoncheonggung, where the king and queen could relax in peace and quiet. It was here that the first electric lights in the country were installed in 1887 after 8 years of Thomas Edison's invention and a tragic chapter in Korea's history was recorded when empress Myeongseong was assassinated by the sword-bearing Japanese assassins in the early morning of 8 October 1895, allegedly under orders from Miura Goro.
Your visit to the National Folk Museum of Korea will familiarize you with wealthy culture of this friendly and picturesque nation. It is an excellent facility to illustrate the history of traditional life of the Korean people from the prehistoric age to the Joseon dynasty. The permanent exhibition features life and work, costumes and ornaments, handicrafts and technology, educations, living quarters, dietary life, oriental medicine, performing arts and games, beliefs and rituals, and
socio cultural life.
Insadong, at one time the center of traditional Korean art and antiques, features a mixture of historical and modern atmosphere representing the cultural glimpse of the nation. Clustered along the main street and alleys are lined with street vendors, wooden tea houses, restaurants and numerous galleries and shops dealing in antiques, oriental art supplies, and modern Korean art of all types and styles. Soak in the paintings, upscale artworks, antiques and potteries while you can. Get lucky and you just might meet the artist themselves. It can be plenty of fun walking on the main street, but you venture into the hidden alleys that do spring some unexpected surprises. While here, you may want to buy some souvenirs or simply wander and browse at leisure admiring cultural ambience.
Drive past Cheonggyecheon Stream. After the Korean War (1950-1953), more people migrated into Seoul to make their living and settled down along the stream in shabby makeshift houses. The accompanying trash and waste, and deteriorating conditions resulted in an eyesore for the city. The stream was covered with layers of concrete in the mid 1950s and roadway until the massive urban renewal project freed it in 2005. Today, a 5.8km creek tumbles gently through downtown Seoul, providing a much needed source of peace and relaxation for the citizens of this fast-paced city. You may have a chance to view the sculpture standing tall at the head of the stream on a small plaza. Created by Dutch artist Coosje Van Bruggen and Swedish artist Claes Oldenburg, a shell rising upward like pagoda symbolizes new life.
You will tour the centuries-old Namdaemun Market brimming with well over 11,000 shops selling anything you can imagine. One of the most colorful aspects of the market is an endless sprawl of street-vendor stalls that setup in the alleys and walkways between the buildings. The market is seriously crowded, so be prepared to get bumped around. A fantastic place to haggle over the price to get the best deal on something you want or simply admire the vibrancy of this massive market.
At the western entrance of the market in the middle of a traffic circle stands Sungnyemun. It is a formidable and iconic construct that served as the southern gate of the wall that surrounded Seoul during the period of the Joseon Dynasty.
Day 3 Seoul - Suwon - Yeoju - Danyang - Cheongpung (B) 250km
Explore UNESCO World Heritage site of Hwaseong Fortress from the 18th century. Though it is relatively small in scale, it is well acknowledged as the best structure of its kind ever built in Korea. A 5.74km-long fortress enclosing both flatland and hilly terrain is parapeted with crenels and merlons and highlighted by four main gates and well over 50 structures including temporary palace where the king sought refuge during war and found rest during times of peace. A walk through the whole fortress could take several hours but it is well worth making a short walking tour to enjoy the splendor of the fortress, including the Korea's largest Janganmun Gate.
Next up is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Yeongneung, a tomb of royal couple of King Sejong who is widely regarded as the most enlightened king in Korean history. He promulgated Korean Alphabet and also invented such scientific devices as a rain gauge, a celestial globe, sundial, armillary sphere, water clock, promoted the development of classical court music, and improved metal type printing techniques. Many replicas of inventions that were commissioned by the king are displayed near the entrance to burial mound. Near the tomb and all around it are life-sized statues of warriors and horses, put here to protect the King.
Danyang is a charming city set in the beautiful surroundings. Here, you will enjoy the views of Dodam Sambong rocks representing the typical love triangle of ancient Korea: a husband, his wife and his mistress. Near the rocks is Gosu cave, known as the most beautiful limestone cave in Korea, formed about 400 million years ago. The cave is filled with intriguing shapes of stalactites and stalagmites formed by large quantity of flowing underground water and the consequent erosions. It is virtually an integrated exhibition hall of all imaginable cave resources.
Day 4 Cheongpung - Punggi - Andong (B) 190km
Travel to Andong, a stronghold of Confucianism that has deeply influenced the lives of Koreans in all aspects. En route, visit 7th century Buseoksa representing the Flower Garland school of Buddhism, that developed as part of the Mahayana branch. The teachings of the Hwaeom sect are based on the Avatamsaka Sutra, that includes Ten Grades of Faith, Ten Stages of Wisdom, Ten Activities, Ten Transference of Merits, Ten Stages of Bodhisattvas, teachings about enlightment, about developing as a Boddhisattva, and about how to enter Buddha's world. Muryangsujeon is the second-oldest wooden structure in Korea and enshrined here is Amitabha Buddha with the earth-touching and evil-expelling hand posture. A stone lantern stands in the front and to the west of the hall at the bottom of a steep bluff, there is a legendary floating stone. To the east is a three-story pagoda behind which is a pavilion dedicated to the Chinese girl who, in the form of a dragon, helped Master Uisang. It is a bit out of the way, but worth the trip.
Visit Sosuseowon from the 16th century, the first private institute established in Korea. It was a birthplace of Confucian education and a cradle of prominent scholars. The compound itself is composed of two sections; academic studies and research, and memorial service. There are several old buildings where scholars learned and studied loyalty, filial piety, manners and knowledge. Although the educational function of the facility has long since ceased, the commemorative ceremonies have been and are still held twice a year.
While in Punggi, a small remote town famous for quality apples and ginseng, you will explore ginseng market with piles of fresh ginseng roots, including variety array of ginseng products. This mysterious root, which has a good smell better than it tastes, has historically been considered an empowering medicine and a cure-all. Street vendors sell flowers, fruits, food stuff and home grown grains and vegetables. With all these features combined creates a rural ambience of Korea's remote town.
Your tour takes you to Bongjeongsa, literally meaning "the Temple of Phoenix Landing", dating back to 672 AD. It is a small temple with only 10 buildings. Daeungjeon, a main worship hall of Bongjeongsa, is particularly apparent in the multi-cluster bracketing of the eaves which is characterized by simplicity and sturdiness. Geukrakjeon, the Korea's one of the oldest wooden edifices, three storied ancient stone pagoda, the main sanctuary of the temple, Hwaeom lecture hall, Yeongsanam hermitage, belfry, and Deokhwiru pavilion are among the temple attractions. Queen Elizabeth II came to visit this temple on April 21, 1999.
Later, explore UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hahoemaeul from the 15th century. It is the best preserved traditional village portraying and spanning the life of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) and some 480 Korean traditional houses, both large and small, are still fully functioning. As you take a walk in the narrow alleys, enjoy the rustic and old charm of this unique village. You cannot possibly miss a 600-years old zelkova tree, the home to the village spirit. At the tree's base is where residents still make their wishes. The village is also known for traditional festival, Hahoe Mask Dance which gave common people the opportunity to mock those in authority, and in particular the Byeolsingut, a shaman ritual exorcising evil spirits, dating back to the Goryeo dynasty (918-1392).
Stop off at a traditional paper-making workshop to get a glimpse into the world of hand-made paper manufacturing - a painstaking process which hasn't changed much from ancient times. Start with bark from the mulberry tree, then separate the bark from the fibers that would eventually be transformed into paper. After straining the pulp, adding some glue, drying the paper, and cutting or coloring according to need, they get a quality paper that is unique to Andong.
Tour also includes Andong Folk Museum offering in-depth information of traditional life and illustrating traditional Confucian culture. The museum exhibits a variety of legacies relating mainly to four cardinal ceremonies, coming of an age, wedding, funeral, ancestral memorial service, as well as dozens of pieces of pottery, utensils, clothing, farming tools and traditional folk games in small models.
Day 5 Andong - Songnisan (B) 140km
Visit Jebiwon Buddha or Ichon-dong Stone Buddha. The awe-inspiring Buddha statue stands guard over the northern entrance way to Andong for nearly 1000 years. It's a relief-carving of the body on a sheer boulder-side, under a 3D-carved head made from a natural stone found on top of that cliff.
Your journey continues to Songnisan national park, weaving through the picturesque countryside. En route, make a short stop at a 600-year-old pine tree shaped like an open umbrella. In recent years several branches were damaged by wind and snow, though what remains is still beautiful. Upon entering Beopjusa dating back to 553, you will certainly stand in awe before the enormous golden Buddha gazing down at the temple and a five-story wooden pagoda, the only one left in Korea. Check out a giant iron pot whose diameter is 2.7 meters that may well had been used to feed 3,000 priests in the early 12th century. A stone carved lantern supported by twin lions standing face to face is a rare example of the magnificent Silla sculptures. A stone water cistern is considered unique for beauty and design. Two stone pillars once held the temple banner pole. An excellent carved relief called Maaebul and worship halls also can be seen.
You cannot miss Four Buddhist Instrument Ceremony. The sounds of each instrument, Brahma bell, Dharma drum, wooden fish and cloud-shaped gong, have a function in saving beings of other realms. Hearing them reverberating through the universe, you will reflect upon the profound symbolism of the instruments. It is a great vow to save or enlighten the creatures in the universe including those on land, in the sea, in the air and in hell.
Day 6 Songnisan - Gongju - Buyeo (B) 160km
Gongju is a charming city that once served as the Baekje's capital for 63 years from 475 to 538. Today, you will explore archaeological sites and ancient historic areas, which were collectively named as a UNESCO World Heritage sites. Visit Gongju National Museum to get a glimpse of the fascinating archaeological articles from Baekje (BC18-AD660) era, and artifacts excavated from the royal tomb of King Muryeong (501-524), one of the last rulers to reign in the capital of Gongju.
Near museum is UNESCO Heritage site of Songsanri Tombs, a group of royal tombs that just look like a cluster of grassy knolls. The tomb which belongs to King Muryeong (462-523) and his wife, the queen was found completely intact since it was sealed in the early 6th century. The actual tomb was permanently closed, but you will see an excellent, albeit miniature duplicate.
Buyeo is a melting pot of Baekje culture which is often regarded as the most artistically sophisticated of the Three Kingdoms. Gungnamji is the Korea's oldest artificial pond dating back to 634. Ringed by weeping willow trees, it creates a colorful spectacle with its stock of water lotuses in summer. Jeongrimsa temple site with its five-storied stone pagoda recalling the glorious past is one of the city's most distinctive and outstanding landmarks.
At Buyeo National Museum, you will feel the spirit and the essence of the brilliant Baekje culture as you appreciate the beauty of the archaeological relics. A beautiful gilt bronze incense burner is impossible to miss. Crafted over 1,500 years ago, it shows a graceful dignity and the elaborate skills of Baekje craftsmen.
Stroll up paths to Busosan to explore Baekje fortification. At the top of the hill sits Yeongillu pavilion where the king once came to watch the sun rise over his kingdom.
A little further down the trail, you will see a pavilion called Baekhwajeong perched at the top of the rock beside which locates Nakhwaam, literally meaning Falling Flower Rock, on a bluff overlooking the Geum River at the bend called Baekma. As enemies swarmed into the capital, the court ladies flung themselves into the water from this bluff rather than suffer the shame of submitting to atrocities of the conquering enemy armies.
Day 7 Buyeo - Nonsan - Iksan - Jeonju (B) 90km
Visit Baekje Culture Complex, a history theme park with its restored royal palaces of Baekje, an elegant five-story wooden stupa,
and a fascinating museum where you may observe the history and culture of the glorious kingdom.
Gwanchoksa boasts the Korea's largest free-standing stone Buddha image from the 10th century. It is an extraordinary statue with a head disproportionately large in relation to the body, and wearing a lofty mortar board hat on top of its headpiece with wind chimes hanging from its four corners. The image features seem jolly and complacent, though perhaps not so intended.
While in Iksan, you will tour UNESCO Heritage sites of Mireuksa temple site with its 7th century stone pagoda and Wanggungri palace site that recalls the glory of the ancient kingdom. The temple has been a symbol of spiritual guidance and support for Baekje, and in Wanggungri you will witness the five-story stone pagoda standing alone on a vast archaeological site.
Jeonju boasts a time-honored tradition as well as significant cultural and artistic heritage. There's a plenty of history and artifacts of many kinds to go around. Explore Jeonju Hankok village, a Korean House complex retaining much of their perfection intact. Near the entrance of the complex stands Gyeonggijeon that holds the portrait of founder king of Joseon dynasty, featuring him seated in a magnificent red chair with three gold-foiled dragons on his royal blue robes. And on its front is a beautiful Jeondong Catholic church of Byzantine and Romanesque architectural design. Completed in 1914, it is one of the oldest and largest Western-style buildings in the region. It was designed by master church builder Victor Lousi Poisnel, the Norman priest whose work in Korea includes Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul. Just west of the church is the stately Pungnammun gate, where three Catholics paid for their religion with martyrdom on December 8, 1791, marking the first time in Korea.
Hat Museum offers a collection of handmade hats and a carefully chosen selection from among the most characteristic styles, providing a wide-angle cultural perspective on what has always been the essential accessory. Some 300 hats are on display ranging from traditional Korean hats such as the Gat, made from bamboo and horse hair, to the modern hunting cap and beret. While not particularly worth visiting on its own, a small traditional wine museum within features a decent exhibition of some traditional Korean alcohols and the processes that created them. Hanji Industry Support Center is a good source of learning traditional Korean paper gaining global recognition.
Day 8 Jeonju - Jinan - Gayasasn - Goryeong - Gyeongju (B) 320km
Jinan is better known as Tapsa. It is an unusual temple surrounded by over mysterious 80 conical stone pagodas. In 1885, a lone Buddhist hermit layman Yi Gapyong (1860-1957), at the age 25, came to Maisan to meditate and cultivate himself living on such as raw pine needles. Over the next 30 years he constructed, single handed, as many as 108 conical natural stone pagodas, all without mortar. It is quite a trek to reach, but you will be rewarded with unusual and quiet different style pagodas from that of the stone pagodas seen in other temples.
Journey continues to the 9th century Haeinsa. Renounce each of 108 worldly desires of the mind as you climb 108 stairs. Within the Hall of Great Peace and Light, you will see Vairocana Buddha attended by Bodhisattvas and highly detailed and rather unusual wall paintings of the Buddha's life. And on the outside walls are a fair number of paintings portraying Buddhist stories. At the back of this hall is a group of four depositories or Janggyeong Panjeon from the 15th century. Housed within the depositories are 81,258 wood-blocks of Tripitaka Koreana, the world's oldest and a complete collection of the Buddhist sutras as well as an offering to the Buddha for national protection from the looming Mongol forces. The printing blocks are some 70cm wide, 24cm long and 2.8cm thick on the average. Each block has 23 lines of text, each with 14 characters, on each side. Each block thus has a total of 644 characters on both sides. Some 30 men carved the total of 52,382,960 characters in the clean and simple style. The characters are perfectly carved as if from the same hand. They were completed in 1251 after 16 years of work on Ganghwado and were transported here for safekeeping. The Mongol forces eventually took over the Goryeo Dynasty but the wooden blocks remain preserved today having survived other invasions, wars and fire. Even more amazing aspect is that neither birds built nests nor spiders make webs on these buildings. Check out two long depositories are designed to have natural ventilation by facing different size windows in the front and rear of the building. Tripitaka Koreana and Janggyeong Panjeon have been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage for their artistic as well as religious value. In order to control the temperature and humidity within the depositories and protect the Janggyeon Panjeon and woodblocks from fire, full-time security guards and a 24-hour surveillance system are in place.
Visit Goryeong Tumuli Museum featuring a perfect replica of the Jisan-dong Tomb No. 44 itself and learn about the ancient sacrificial burial custom a funerary practice. About 40 persons were presumably entombed together. Such examples of massive human sacrifice have not been found in other ancient tombs of the era of the Three Kingdoms. Visit also includes Daegaya Museum exhibiting a huge collection of artifacts excavated in Goryeong.
Gyeongju is an ancient capital of Silla (BC57-AD935), often dubbed as Museum without Walls. 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.
Day 9 Gyeongju (B)
With a full day to explore the delights of UNESCO World Heritage Site, Seokguram grotto. It is the home of the serene stone Buddha of the eighth century. Inside, a white statue of a seated Buddha in a sublime state of enlightenment, is surrounded by 37 relief figures of Bodhisattvas, disciples, devas, and guardian kings. The grotto represents the magnificent harmony of religion, science and the arts of Buddhism, symbolizing the pure land in which Buddha resides.
A short ride leads you to another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bulguksa temple, where you will witness the impressive gates, symbolic bridges leading up to the world of Buddha, graceful architectures, Three-storied Seokgatap and highly ornate Dabotap blending well into the architectural harmony.
At Gwaneumjeon hall, check out the image of the Avalokitesvara who is referred to as the Bodhisattva of Compassion and has a thousand hands, and eyes in each so as to reach out to those in need of help. You will see a gilded statue of Vairocana with the gesture of the first wisdom, Sakyamuni Buddha along with sixteen figures of Buddha's disciples sitting in deep meditation, and a gilt-bronze Amitabha Buddha who is the ruler of the Western Paradise Sukhavati. 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.
The Gyeongju Historic Areas contain a remarkable concentration of outstanding examples of Korean Buddhist art, in the form of sculptures, reliefs, pagodas, and the remains of temples and palaces from the flowering, in particular between the 7th and 10th centuries, of this form of unique artistic expression.
Visit Gyeongju National Museum for a great insight into Silla culture and history. 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 check out 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.
You will explore UNESCO World Heritage Site, Yangdongmaeul, a delightful journey to the traditional clan village which embraces simple, unadorned natural beauty. There are some steep hills to climb but also easier streets. Over 150 homes as well as two shrines are in perfect harmony with the natural topography, presenting different angles where walls ascend a hill interspersed with tiled roof houses or thatched roof buildings.
Day 10 Gyeongju - Gampo - Yangsan - Busan (B) 150km
Depart Gyeongju for a 30km drive and en-route, stop at Gampo to see Gameunsa Twin Pagodas. The immense pagodas have a three-story body on a two-tier foundation. Stair step effects are seen under the eaves of the roof while the roof line has a gentle slope and is comparatively broad-brimmed. You will marvel at these true masterpieces of Korean architecture.
A short ride from the ancient temple site of Gameunsa dedicated to the Dragon Spirit of King Munmu (626-681) is an unusual Underwater Tomb of King Munmu, about 200m off the coast. The king wished his body to be cremated and buried at sea so he could protect his kingdom even after his death as a spirit of the sea. In the center of the calm sea a large rock marks the site. About 20m long rocky islet has a small pond at the center and at the bottom is a granite stone of 3.6m long, 2.9m wide and 0.9m high. At low tide, the top of this oval rock is almost visible above the sea surface.
Visit the 7th century Tongdosa, representing the Temple of the Buddha. The approach to the temple is completely entrancing. Magnificently set by a lane of pine trees dancing in the wind and beside which a mountain stream sings a babbling song, a distinctive and exalting place. The main worship hall is unique in that it does not contain a statue of the Buddha, but rather a window looking out onto the Diamond Precepts Altar with a bell-shaped stupa that contains the cremated remains of the Buddha himself. You will find the temple more like a museum as it houses many local treasures and cultural properties.
Continue to Busan, Korea's second largest city surrounded by the ocean on one side, and mountains on the other. Its deep harbor and gentle tides have allowed it to grow into the largest port in Korea and the fifth largest in the world. It is also a center of industry and commerce, a thriving metropolis formed unusually long in shape along its coastal line.
Your tour includes Bokcheon museum, which has extraordinary burial mounds built along the top of a ridge that overlooks the city. The actual site of the tomb is currently marked with bushes. Here, you will see fascinating archaeological relics such as bowls made of earth, metal tools, ornaments, horse saddles, and armor. There is one glass dome structure in the middle of the open pavilion to showcase the tomb and you will see how toms are constructed.
Enjoy a short break at Haeundae, a world-class beach resort blessed by beautiful water and screened by skyscrapers along the beautifully curved coastline. Then time to stroll Dongbaek island. The years of sedimentation have connected the island to the mainland. The most impressive landmark is Nurimaru Hall that played host to an APEC conference in 2005. Further down the boardwalk along the shore, you will come upon a statue of a mermaid sitting on a rock amid the crashing. The trail offers a stunning view of ocean vista on one side and that of skyscrapers on the other, making it a great venue for walking tour. Afterward, cross the Suyeong Bay over Gwangan Bridge, installed with over 10,000 colorful LED lights which sparkle brightly under the night skies.
Day 11 Busan - Seoul (B) 440km
Visit Busan Modern History Museum. Built in 1929, the building was once used by the Japanese Oriental Development Company to implement Japanese economic policies that dominated Korea. After Korea’s liberation it was used as U.S. Army barracks and later, the US Information Service. Today, the museum portrays the history of Busan from the late 19th century to modern-day including the opening of the port in 1876.
You will tour Yongdusan Park where Busan Tower sits atop a hillock of a steep slope, affording 360-degree views of the hilly terrain of this mountainous coastal city and the harbor. 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, March and August 15.
Just off the park is Gwangbokro Street, full of shops selling everything from bargains to luxury items. Adjacent is a maze of small streets alive with color, sidewalks sprinkled with unique shops and local eateries. Enjoy the vibrant ambience as you leisurely make your way to the BIFF square, Busan’s modern movie district having hand prints of the famous movie stars and directors on the sidewalk, movie theaters, trendy shops and street food stalls. The area with originally little more than a pair of cinemas that were built over half a century ago had turned into the newly transformed district, and was named BIFF Square on August 14, 1996.
Across the street from the square is a fascinating Jagalchi fish market, a great attraction located dockside. Here you will find a diverse array of seafood on display as you walk along the narrow alleys of street vendors. A nearby indoor market features live fish in the tanks and the upstairs are dried fish along with many restaurants selling raw fish at reasonable prices. The market is really a visual and culinary treat. Return this afternoon on a speed train to Seoul.
Day 12 Departure (B) 60km
After this wonderful trip exploring Korea and with time to reflect on your surprise in your experience, you will return to the airport in time for your flight. By boarding, you are already high above Incheon heading for home.
