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PACKAGE

Korea Delight 20 days

Tour Highlights

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Click on the days to access the programs quick

Days	Visits and Activities	Distance
Day 1	Arrive Seoul	60km
Day 2	Seoul
Day 3	Seoul - Ganghwa - Suwon	170km
Day 4	Suwon - Haemi - Gongju - Buyeo	200km
Day 5	Buyeo - Nonsan - Ganggyeong - Gunsan - Buan - Gochang - Gwangju	200km
Day 6	Gwangju - Damyang - Namwon - Gurye - Songgwang - Yeosu	230km
Day 7	Yeosu - Nagan - Boseong - Hwasun - Gwangju	180km
Day 8	Gwangju - Jeju	230km
Day 9	Jeju	130km
Day 10	Jeju	110km
Day 11	Jeju - Busan	310km
Day 12	Busan - Yangsan - Gampo - Gyeongju	150km
Day 13	Gyeongju
Day 14	Gyeongju - Goryeong - Gayasan - Songnisan	290km
Day 15	Songnisan - Andong	140km
Day 16	Andong - Dosan - Jeongdongjin - Gangneung - Seoraksan	290km
Day 17	Seoraksan
Day 18	Seoraksan - Hwajinpo - Geojin - Haean - Bangsan - Hwacheon	220km
Day 19	Hwacheon - Cheorwon - Seoul	170km
Day 20	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 (B)
Your exploration this morning 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 three sides by rushing traffic. 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 - Ganghwa - Suwon (B) 170km
Explore Ganghwado, a fascinating island that is often called a microcosm of Korean history. But, due to its strategic location, Ganghwado has historically been one of the first targets of many foreign attacks particularly in the late 19th century when Korea unsuccessfully sought to maintain its status as a "Hermit Kingdom".

Ganghwa History Museum provides glimpse into the historical records of the entire spectrum of Korean existence, from the mythical foundation of Korea to the opening port to the outside World marked by Ganghwado Treaty signed in February 1876.On the nearby ground sits a huge Ganghwa Jiseokmyo Dolmen. This 53-ton capstone of 6.4 meters long, 5.2 meters wide and 1 meter thick rests on two sturdy supporting prop stones. This prehistoric dolmen including many others in Gochang and Hwasun has been registered by UNESCO in December 2002 as a World Heritage for their archaeological value.

Next up is Peace Observatory, perhaps the most striking part of the tour. The location of the observatory is astounding as the separation line is fascinated by a river and lots of green mountains on both sides. Standing at the nearest point of only 2.3 kilometers away from North Korea, learn about complicated modern Korean history as you take a glimpse at the living environment of North Koreans. A visit to the observatory ushers in the common hope for the Korean unification.

Tour also includes Ginseng market which has a good smell, better than it tastes. There are small stalls in the building type market, all of which has piles of fresh ginseng roots, ginseng preserved in wine in fancy bottles, dried ginseng, tea, extract, candy, and honey ginseng slices. This mysterious root has historically been considered an empowering medicine and a cure-all; effective in recovering the liver's functions, improving anticancer and immunity functions, and treating diabetes, hypertension, low blood pressure and stress. Ginseng also facilitates recovery from fatigue and the activation of nervous cells. Apart from the ginseng, you will see a typical example of local market where many elderly women selling fishes, home-grown vegetables and grains on the roadsides nearby.

Later, visit Jeondeungsa, an active Buddhist temple dating back to 381 providing a glimpse into Buddhist culture. The temple came into prominence during the late Goryeo period (918-1392) when King Gojong commissioned the famous Tripitaka Koreana wood blocks to be carved there which are now preserved in Haeinsa temple. Within the main worship, you will see Sakyamuni Buddha who is flanked on the left by Manjusri, the Bodhisattva of Perfect Wisdom, and on the right by Samantabhadra, the Bodhisattva of Perfect Compassionate Action. As you approach the hall, look carefully way up in the eaves at the corners of the roof, and there you can just see tiny human figures, one at each corner. One version says that the forsaken carpenter carved his two-timing girl up in the rafters, eternally bearing the burden of her deceitfulness. It is also worth noting a dharma bell dating back to 1097. It is the only Chinese bell designated a Korean treasure.

Near the temple is Chojijin that speaks to the battles against foreign powers. In 1866 the Korean court came to blows with the French campaign led by Admiral Pierre-Gustave Roze in retaliation for the earlier execution by Korea's Joseon dynasty of French Catholic priests proselytizing in Korea. In 1871 the United States expedition, the Sinmiyangyo, was the first American military action in Korea to avenge the General Sherman incident near Pyeongyang. The expedition consisted of about 650 men, over 500 sailors and 100 marines, as well as five warships. On board the Colorado was Rear Admiral John Rodgers, also Frederick F. Low, the United States Ambassador to China. And in 1875 the collision with the Japanese ship Unyomaru.

Day 4 Suwon - Haemi - Gongju - Buyeo (B) 200km
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.

On the way stop at Haemi to learn about the holy place for the Catholics. Haemi has been the military base since the construction of fortress in 1491. The fortress has an oval shape and measures 5m high and 1,810m long. Architecture aside, Haemi Fortress's historical importance is closely tied with the history of the Catholic Church in Korea. It was here that many Catholics were executed during the Byeongin Persecution of 1866, and the fortress and its surroundings are considered holy ground by Korean Catholics. Near the fortress is Yeosutgol holy site, where Catholics were buried alive, drowned and otherwise made dead en masse. There is a memorial dedicated to those who martyred here. The rock to the right of the memorial is particularly macabre - some of the victims were executed by ramming their heads repeatedly into the stone. The pope Francis visited the Haemi Martyrdom Holy Ground and the Haemi Fortress to meet with Asian bishops and closing mass for Asian Youth Day on August 17, 2014 during his five days trip to Korea.

Gongju is a charming city that once served as the Baekje's capital for 63 years from 475 to 538. Visit Gongju National Museum and 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 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. Today, you will explore archaeological sites and ancient historic areas, which were collectively named as a UNESCO World Heritage sites. 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 5 Buyeo - Nonsan - Ganggyeong - Gunsan - Buan - Gochang - Gwangju (B) 200km
Visit Gwanchoksa to see 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.

A short detour to Ganggyeong. Visiting Ganggyeong is like stepping back into the past. As a historical experience, it's even more profound than other towns in the region. Ganggyeong's fame is a traditional salted seafood market. The market stocks both fresh seafood and salted seafood, which has been fermented at low temperatures. Today, the market accounts for half of the nation's total sales of salted seafood. As you stroll through the old downtown area, you will see a number of shops selling salted seafood and some of the old buildings; electric company office, banks, custom tailor shop, clinics, school, and labor union office recalling the glory days.

Enjoy driving tour over a 33.9km long dyke. This seawall, located on the southwest coast of the Korean peninsula, is the world's longest man-made dyke linking two headlands between the industrial port city of Gunsan and Buan.

Tide permitting, stop off at Chaeseokgang, natural rock formations that look like stacked books. Next, Naesosa. At Naesosa entrance, fir trees stand tall providing a tunnel under which you will walk into the main gate of the Buddha's world. Unlike most of the Korean temples, Naesosa is less colorful, mostly bare wood, with a few faded murals on the ceiling and beams inside the temple. It is an immensely tranquil place. Nothing is out of place, nothing is hurried or loud, everything moves on slowly, steadily, towards no specific end. Timeless is too brief for this place.

Gochang Dolmen Museum provides a comprehensive information about Dolmen with its theme park featuring a life-size village replica. It is an excellent facility that gives visitors an idea of Bronze Age culture, including quarry, transportation, construction, burial and tomb formats, rituals, relics excavated in Gochang, and life of the pre-historic people. Near the museum is UNESCO World Heritage stie of Dolmen Park, the largest concentration of dolmens perhaps anywhere in the world. A total of 447 dolmens of various types are scattered at the foot of a series of hills. Generally, the capstones of the dolmens are around 1 to 5.8 m in length and may weigh up to 225 tons.

Explore Gochang Fortress which has a total perimeter of 1.7km, and is a good example of Korea's fortress architecture. Local belief being that the one trip around the fortress will cure leg disease, two trips will prevent disease and give you a long life, and three trips will bring you to the paradise.

Day 6 Gwangju - Damyang - Namwon - Gurye - Yeosu (B) 230km
Damyang was once the home of Salim, the elite of the society and politics. They chose this area as a retreat for their tranquil lives, when they found no place to realize their aspiration under the absurdity and contradiction of the political realities. They made a companion with nature and wrote verse and prose, while disciplining themselves and teaching their disciples. One such example is Soswaewon, a Korean traditional garden from the 16th century. Its name implies a clean and transparent garden where the righteous enjoy the life of being content and taking pleasure of simple and honest life. Small valleys and natural stream have in them an ideal harmony between nature and man.

You cannot go anywhere without realizing the significance of bamboo in Damyang, which has always been one of the most admired plants in Korea - its tall, hight stems often likened to the unyielding spirit of a true gentlemen. Juknokwon, located near the city centre, is a theme park landscaped with bamboo. Be amazed at peaceful paths lined with dense bamboo groves and the shady walkways that are incredibly refreshing.

The bamboo museum is a very interesting source of information on bamboo. There are ancient and modern objects built from bamboo on display, as well as detailed exhibits explaining the life cycle and cultivation of the hardy plant. There are workshops of bamboo artists outside the museum where they display their crafts. These range from small utensils and fans all the way up to tables and furniture.

Namwon is a charming city with many historical sites and tourist attractions. It is also famous as the home of Chunhyang, the faithful maiden whose story has been often compared to the Romeo and Juliet. At the center of the town is a park, in which stands Gwanghallu pavilion where Chunhyang and her lover are said to have first met, and there is a bridge built on a pond that is supposed to ensure connubial bliss to any couple that steps on it.

The journey continues to Gurye for a visit to the 6th century Hwaeomsa. The whole atmosphere of the temple is sublime and the wooden structures give it a real earthly feel, very calming. The temple is dedicated to the vairocana Buddha, the cosmic head of the Hwaeom trinity. First, One-Pillar Gate standing at the lower part greets you and leads you up to the second and the third gate - from the secular world into the spiritual world. On the second level, there is the Bojeru, the Save All Beings Hall, beside which stands bell and drum tower. And on its ground stands two magnificent 5-story stone pagodas from Silla period that adorn the temple.

Gakhwangjeon has a double storied roof and houses seven figures on its altar. Sakyamuni Buddha sits in the middle attended by Amitabha and Prabhytaratna, as well as Avalokitesvara, Samantabhadra, Manjusri, and Ksitigarbha. You check out the largest stone lantern on the Korean peninsula that is designated National Treasure out in front of this hall. And up from the left of Gakwhangjeon hall, a steep set 108 uneven stairs on the hillside stands the Three-Story Stone Pagoda supported by four lions each of which represents the four primary human emotions: love, sorrow, anger and joy. Here, you will enjoy the intricacies of this masterpiece as there are numerous other designs etched onto the pagoda.

Yeosu itself is nothing special to look at but the natural surroundings offer some spectacular sights along the jagged coastline. Dolsan Park in the city will offer views to remember. Yeosu is definitely a hidden gem when it comes to scenery. You may stop off at the Hamel Park. Dutch sailor Hamel and his seven crew members made their escape from Yeosu on September 4. 1666 after 13 years and 28 days detention. Hamel Lighthouse stands tall in a small port and a bit further from the lighthouse is a statue of Hamel. At the fish market, you cannot but help notice the region's abundant resources in terms of seafood and fish resources.

Day 7 Yeosu - Nagan - Boseong - Byeongyeong - Gwangju (B) 210km
En route, stop at Nagan Fortress Village which has survived time and modernization. Entering the village, you could feel as if you have gone back to the centuries past. Surrounded by 1,410-meter long fortress which was built into a mud rampart in the 14th century to repel Japanese pirate raids, the village features nearly 90 traditional thatched roof houses presenting a peculiar townscape in harmony with the rectangular stone rampart. One unusual aspect of the town is that it was inhabited by a number of different clans rather than having one dominant one. Part of the fortress wall arches over the hill and you will today take in a great view of the entire village as well as the traditional housings, cultural landscape, time old customs and rituals representing the agricultural society of Korea while strolling around the small alleyways within the village.

Boseong is known as the home of tea, hemp clothes and Sori or a Korean traditional genre of singing. A number of tea plantations where the carefully trimmed tea trees stretch endlessly over steep mountain slopes - a lush green carpet that is a sight to behold. A short walk along the path lined with cedar trees that had been planted to block the wind leads you to the tea plantation delightfully accommodating visitors. The tea bushes rising in regular curves are great. Here, you will freely roam the hills, walk between the rows of bushes and take pictures of each other at every bend.

Byeongyeong is a notably unusual village with Dutch influence. There is a 1,500m-long fortress constructed on flat ground. It was a military base where Dutchman Hamel and his crews stayed 7 years from 1656 to 1663. The garrison is not there anymore, only remains of the old surrounding wall are the heritage of the ancient grandeur. In the village, you will find stonewalls, high enough to prevent mounted police guards from looking into the house. Stones comprising the walls were laid obliquely at about 15 degrees - the way of the building walls is Dutch style.

Day 8 Gwangju - Jeju (B) 230km
An hour flight places you in the most famous of the 3,300 islands of Korea. Towering over the island is Korea's highest peak, Mt. Halla, an extinct volcano topped by a huge crater. Jejudo was once a place of exile for those who fell out of favor with the Korean court, but it has today become the most popular tourist destination.
If the day falls on a 5-day market, currently on the dates of a "2" or a "7" and ending with a "2" or a "7", you will explore Jeju Oilsijang, a colorful market with stalls brimming with home grown vegetables and fruits including clothes, grains, fishes, jars, mats, pets and folk art crafts. You can feast your lips on local specialties sold at the market eateries or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere and warm-heartedness.

Drive past Gwandeokjeong, the oldest building in Jeju which was previously the site of government offices in the period of the Joseon dynasty (1392-1910). On its front stand two Dolharubang figures serving as fertility and protective totems only found on Jeju. Both statues have protruding eyes, bulbous nose, tightly closed lips and a phallic symbol head under the brimmed hat. Both arms are bent at the elbow, hands resting above and below a rotund stomach. Many couples and visitors as well come here, each standing to either side, to have their pictures taken with their hands on its nose. A group of buildings in the neighborhood is a restored Mokgwana, which has been the hub of local administration.

Jeju Folklore and Natural History Museum is an excellent facility providing a fascinating insight into the tenacious and independent lifestyle of Jeju islanders, the natural history of geological features and marine organisms, including plants, animals and minerals native to Jeju Island. Outdoor exhibition is highlighted by millstones, grave guards, tombstones and various stone tools used for daily living.

A short walk from the museum is Samseonghyeol literally three clan hole, a very symbolic spot to the islanders. According to legend, it was here that three demigods emerged from the holes in the ground to become the founding fathers of Tamna and its people. The descendants continue to uphold the traditions and still perform ritual ceremony twice a year on the 10th of April and October. Even more amazing aspect is that moisture from rain and snow do not penetrate the holes and the surrounding old trees face them at an angle as if they are worshiping three founders.

Day 9 Jeju (B) 130km
Spend a full day exploring western half of the island, including many of the top attractions of Jeju. Hallim Park is a subtropical botanical garden that is strongly scented with exotic sentiment. Every turn brings new surprises. You cannot miss out two unusual caves, one has both stalactites and stalagmites in it while the other is the only spot in the world that is actually a cave within a cave.

Sanbangsan is up next and you will see a magnificent trachyte cone abruptly rising 395 meters by the sea that lacks crater on its summit. Access to the grotto is steep stairs up for 10 minutes. There is a tiny cubbyhole of the 10 meter cave with a small pool and a stone Buddha surrounded by burning candles. The grotto's aura is enchanting with the welcoming scent of incense hanging heavily and the sound of water steadily dripping into the pool. The views from the grotto over the coastal fields, offshore islands, and the ocean are absolutely stunning.

Tide and weather permitting, explore Yongmeori Coast, a tuff ring outcropping into the sea showing the sedimentary structure of volcanic ash. The way to the coast is down a steep path with huge rocks. The rippled cliffs, appeared to undulate towards and away from you, and the fancy rock formations are well worth your time to visit. The Dutch trade ship The Sperwer was wrecked nearby coastal waters on August 16, 1653 and of the 64 crewmembers only 36 survived. A duplicate of the ship with its rare exhibits is on display on the dry land, that provides insight into an exciting moment in history.

Jisatgae columnar joint forms an extraordinary and striking cliff face. A spectacular 1km stretch of coastline with hexagonal rock columns, bizarre formations resulted from rapid cooling and contraction of lava, is definitely one of the more mysterious and beautiful spots on the island. The surging ocean smashing against the rocks are remarkably refreshing.

Oedolgae needle rock holding a sad legend of old fisherman stands alone off the cliffy coast. Rising over 20 meters, it creates an awesome coastal views with its perfect backdrop of ocean and outlying islands. A great place to soak in the area's barely-touched nature amid fresh ocean breeze.

Tour also includes Cheonjiyeon waterfall cascading down a cliff 22m high and 12m wide into a pool inhabited by giant eels and surrounded by lush vegetation. The tour involves a short walk through a subtropical woods, the home to more than 400 individual species of plants and animals. In fact, the diversified biosphere is one of the most unique on the island, making your walk so relaxing and enjoyable - a peaceful way to spend some time with nature.

Day 10 Jeju (B) 110km
With another day of further exploration of the fascinating culture and natural wonders of Jeju. The day begins with a tour of Sangumburi, the only Maar in Korea. The access to the main viewing area is very easy. This spectacular crater is well over 2km in circumference, about 650m in diameter and 100m deep in that it could be easily mistaken for a circular stadium. The views in every direction with sprawling eulalia fields, stunning panoramas of the ocean, and volcanic cones dotting the island's landscape are absolutely breathtaking.

Experience the heritage of the Jeju people and soak up the local culture in Seongeup folk village where nearly 400 traditional thatched houses are still fully functioning. Scattered among the village are many houses that you can enter yourself and look around. Jeongnang gates are some of good examples that represent a beautiful tradition and culture of this friendly people with No Thief, No Beggar, and No Gate. While not overly exciting, the tour gives you a chance to get a glimpse into some of Jeju's unique culture.

You are treated to the UNESCO World Natural Heritage site of Seongsan Ilchulbong. Known as Sunrise Peak, it is the island's largest tuff cone which is surrounded on three sides by the ocean rising 182 meters strait from the water. You may wish to climb this steep cone up to the spectacular crater. A great for photos every step of the way!

Next up is Haenyeo Museum showcases the women diver's harsh work and life as well as their strong tenacity. The display includes the tools, diving outfits, as well as diving techniques and a full-size replica of a traditional women diver house including a primitive log raft that once used for fishing.

You will tour another UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, Manjang Cave. It is the world's longest lava tube which has a known length of 13.4km. On entering the cave, you are likely to be greeted by a cold breeze oozing out of the lava tubes, and the cave's ceiling tends to drip at times. Although the floor is full of puddles and the lighting inside is dim, you can easily cover up to 1km by walk, exploring the weirdly shaped stalactites, stalagmites, flow ledges and finally lava stone pillar. One of the major attractions inside the cave is the Stone Turtle, which many believe is shaped like Jejudo.

Day 11 Jeju - Busan (B) 310km
Morning flight 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.

Gamcheon village is an amazing community built on the side of a hill. Once a poverty-stricken village, it has been spruced up with colorful houses, cafes, murals, galleries and arts shops, sculptures, and scenic views. The atmosphere feels more fun, creative and quirky, less commercial and mercenary. The attraction weaves in and out of back alleys where people still live. It is out of the way, but relatively easy to get to. The artistic vibes in the village in light of its history makes it a culturally distinctive place in an urban city. You can take winding alleys and stairs that form a maze around and through and freely walk up and down hills taking in the views and the culture.

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 1 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.

Day 12 Busan - Yangsan - Gampo - Gyeongju (B) 150km
En route, 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.

After the visit, depart Tongdosa for a 70km drive and en-route, stop at Gampo to see the 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.

A short ride from the shore is an ancient temple site of Gameunsa dedicated to the Dragon Spirit of King Munmu (626-681). The immense Twin 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.

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 13 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.

Enjoy a tour of Donggung palace and Wolji pond, a pleasure garden built to commemorate the victory of Silla, and later used as the recreational area for the Silla's royal family, followed by a relaxed walking tour covering the ruins of Banwolseong or half moon fortress where Silla palace and eight fortress gates stood. There is a Seokbinggo, a freezer made of stones. Half of the structure is underground while the other half is above ground with three air vents on top. You can feel the cold oozing out of this simple structure. Near fortress is Gyerim, literally meaning Rooster Forest. It is a sacred woodland area where progenitor of the Gyeongju Kim family, Kim Alji, was supposed to have been born.

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.

Poseokjeong was a summer pavilion where the later kings of Silla often forgot their loyal duties and spent most of their time banqueting. All that can be seen now is the abalone-shaped stone channel through which at one time a cool stream of water was directed into the palace. The elm, in large trunk and gnarled with age that may have witnessed the final day of Silla.

Later, visit Bunhwangsa temple with 10m-high three-storied rectangular pagoda, the main worship hall with Buddha of Medicine, and legendary well that is said to have saved the kingdom. The nearby open field was once occupied by Silla's largest temple Hwangyongsa. The 67m tall nine-storied pagoda made entirely of wood stood here until it was destroyed during the Mongol invasion in 1238.

Day 14 Gyeongju - Goryeong - Gayasan - Songnisan (B) 290km
En route stop at 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.

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.

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 15 Songnisan - Andong (B) 140km
Journey to Andong, a stronghold of Confucianism. 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.

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.

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 16 Andong - Dosan - Jeongdongjin - Gangneung - Seoraksan (B) 290km
Journey northward through cliffy passes over the chains of rugged mountains and scenic coastal roads to Seoraksan. En route, visit Dosan Seowon, a Confucian-shrine academy which was established in 1574 in memory of Yi Hwang (1501-1570) who introduced Neo-Confucianism into Korea. The facility is composed of 16 buildings most of which were built in a simple and concise style. About hundreds of Seowon were functioning by the early 1800s, but then most of them were destroyed around 1870 by the court order. Dosan Seowon is among some of the few survived academies. Although the educational function of the facility has long since ceased, but you can feel Confucian ideology and value that has deeply influenced the lives of Koreans in all aspects.

Next up is Hwanseongul Cave. About 30 minute grueling uphill hike from the ticket office or a 6 minute on a mono rail gets you to a cave entrance of overwhelming size in the middle of the mountain. The cave itself is super massive and it would take well over one hour to explore. Be prepared for wet walkways, maneuvered up a narrow corridor with a rapidly flowing creek below it and hung off the side of the cave's walls above the creek. Many waterfalls are actively eroding the floor. Only 1.6km open to the public; yet that section alone will provide unforgettable memories. Cave tour is absolutely at your choice. You could opt out by staying outside, or simply relax.

Enjoy a short break at Jeongdongjin, a tiny village located by the ocean with a quaint railway station of being the closest to the ocean anywhere in the world, then drive past the salvaged North Korean submarine that is on display together with retired Korean navy ship. The three armed guerillas infiltrated into the land on September 15, 1996, to spy on the naval installations in the area while the others were on standby in the submarine. However, it ran aground on September 18. The crew eventually abandoned any attempt to find their way back to the North and split up in several groups. But, one was soon spotted by a civilian who became suspicious and alarmed the authorities. Counterespionage operation was in progress for 49 days and of the 26 North Korean infiltrators, 1 was captured alive, 13 spies were shot, 11 were murdered by their colleagues and 1 reportedly escaped back to North Korea.

You will then pass by Gisamun beach, in the middle of which runs the 38th parallel north latitude that divided the country in 1945. Tucked away in a small village, the beach is rather unpopular to casual vacationers while popular among surfers, being one of the best five winter surfing spots in Korea. The water runs deep and the beach has high waves that approach the shore in a straight line without breaking up into small waves.

Seoraksan national park is a place that you can definitely find lots of outdoor activities to make it worth while for an extended stay. Rugged peaks, fantastic cliffs, numerous waterfalls, unique rock formations, and scenic valleys altogether make this park and surrounding area some of the most beautiful sceneries on the Korean peninsula, and give this area an unparalleled popularity around the year..

Day 17 Seoraksan (B)
The word of the day is hiking of varying lengths and difficulty. Only a small walk from the park entrance, you will marvel at a large bronze statues, Unification Buddha, symbolizing Korean people's hope for reunification of the country. A little further on is Sinheungsa temple where Cheonbuldong valley and Ulsanbawi trails begin.

Cheonbuldong valley Trail
It is the most impressive valley in the park, leading to Biseondae, Yangpok waterfalls and finally the peak of Seoraksan (1,708m). One hears many legends of the heavenly nymphs who come down to play at Biseondae while taking a bathe in the placid pools of the valleys that are hidden from the human eyes. Near Biseondae rises Janggunbong majestically and among the crags of it is Geumgang cave with a tiny temple inside. You will head up a very steep incline for 600m from the gentle slope of the trail, and you can scale only by carefully ascending the long, steep, metal stairs bolted onto the sheer cliff face. The hike, although hard, comes with a stunning view of numerous cliffy peaks and mountain valley. From Biseondae, another 3.5km to Yangpok Falls, so spacious yet everywhere you looked you are surrounded by giant mountain peaks.

Ulsanbawi Trail
About an hour and half into the walk from the park entrance is Gyejoam hermitage. Located at the base of Ulsanbawi, and the point at which the trail takes a sharp rise upwards. In front of the hermitage on a spacious stone slab is a huge spherical rock called Heundeulbawi. This rock is so perfectly balanced that it can be shaken with some effort, but nobody gets further than waggling it. Your adventure begins by climbing a massive steep staircase that winds its way up the side of the cliff that angle up Ulsanbawi, a 2.8km-long ridge of naked, gray stone peaks jutting 873m into the sky.

Biryong waterfall Trail
The trail is relatively easy for anyone to enjoy and you will view Biryeong waterfalls at the trail end. About 400m further above the falls, you will be amazed at Towangseong waterfalls cascading down a 320-meter cliff.

Cable Car
There is a cable car that picks you up at the valley floor to the Gwongeumseong. The peak is surrounded by cavernous drop-off cliffs, cloaked in more towering rocky summits. Definitely, you stand in awe on the top: sweeping panoramic views of the park around you, the Pacific Ocean, and the small beachside town of Sokcho. Be careful as always as there is not much room to move about and people constantly going up and down and moving around.

Among the recommendable trails from Sogongwon or park entrance (230m above sea level) are as follow and the given times are based on round trip starting and ending at Sogongwon in a relaxed pace.
1. Biryong Falls (310m) + Towangseong Falls observatory (5.6km): 3 hours 30 minutes - Moderate and Strenuous
2. Biseondae (334m) (6km): 2 hours 30 minutes - Moderate
3. Biseondae + Geumgang cave (495m) (7.2km): 4 hours - Moderate and Strenuous
4. Biseondae + Yangpok (715m) (13.2km): 7 hours - Moderate
5. Heundeulbawi (510m) (6.6km): 3 hours - Moderate
6. Heundeulbawi + Ulsanbawi (873m) (7.6km): 5 hours 30 minutes - Moderate and Strenuous
7. Gwongeumseong (800m) Cable car (3.4km): 1 hour (roughly four minutes each up and down) - Moderate

Sokcho has so much more to offer than just mountains. Daepohang becomes a great attraction when this small alley lit up. You will see a wide variety of fresh seafood harvested from the nearby sea and a number of small restaurants serving sliced raw fish. You will find something to enjoy, from simply feeling the ambiance of this small fishing port to taking picture. And in downtown, there is a colorful market selling fishes, fruits, vegetables, grains and daily necessities, and a little further down is a North Korean refugee village that can be accessible by a hand-pulled boat.

Day 18 Seoraksan - Hwajinpo - Geojin - Haean - Bangsan - Hwacheon (B) 220km
Today, you will experience significant military presence and learn about the stark reality and immense tragedy of divided Korea. And here will be a lot of driving today and you will have a chance to see a tranquill nature and beautiful landscape.

Hwajinpo is a charming coastal town located near the military demarcation line and by the scenic lagoon edged by sweetbriers and reeds. Stop at Kim Ilsung villa not to glorify him but to learn Korea's complicated history. Situated at the foot of a small mountain by the beach, it is where Kim Ilsung and his family spent their summer holidays until 1950. The villa displays photos and documents chronicling his life and modern Korean history. When the Korean War ended in 1953, the border between the Koreas was redrawn, and the Hwajinpo wound up in the South.

Next, explore Geojin where the quaint charm of this coastal town captivates every visitor. As you stroll down the quayside, you will take in the view of boats sailing in and off, drying fishes in the sun, fishermen tending their nets and, on the sleepy roadsides off the dock, elderly women selling fishes - a delightful treat to a rural lifestyle.

Being so close to the border, Haean and Hwacheon are still very much a slow and rural. They are less-traveled locations where you may not have the comforts and conveniences of luxury travel. Punch Bowl is a natural geologic bowl several kilometers across, ringed by steep mountains on four sides. The bowl creates the richest farmland, and the area is starkly beautiful. Many fierce battles were fought here during the Korean War because of its strategic location. The Battle of Bloody Ridge took place here from August to September 1951 and this was followed by the Battle of Heartbreak Ridge from September to October 1951, meanwhile the 1st Marine Division reinforced by the Korean Marine Corps Regiment captured the line of hills in the Battle of the Punchbowl from 31 August to 20 September 1951.

Take time to witness Eulji Observation Post and the 4th Tunnel. At the peak of the observatory, 1000 meters above sea level, enjoy the stunning 360 panorama of the Punch Bowl, including an ominous view of North Korea. Then, explore one of four known tunnels passing under the DMZ, dug secretly by the North. and check out a vivid hint of the surprise attack and to carry out future military operations against the South. Persons who suffer from claustrophobia, heart conditions or asthmatic symptoms are not allowed to enter the tunnel.

Along the way, you will stop off at Peace Dam that measures 125m high and 601m long. It was built to stave off possible catastrophic flooding should the upstream Imnam Dam in North Korea collapse, either intentionally or by accident. Although it can hold back 2.63 billion tons of water, there is no reservoir behind this dam. As it stands, you will find it merely preventive. Near the dam is a World Peace Bell that was made from empty cartridge cases gathered from the world’s conflict zones in that it carries a significant meaning. The bell weights 37.5 ton but is incomplete. Check out a broken pigeon wing that is on display near the bell. It will be added bringing the bell complete on the day of unification of Korea.

Day 19 Hwacheon - Cheorwon - Seoul (B) 170km
Cheorwon was one of the Iron Triangle of the Korean War along with Geumhwa and Pyeonggang. Baegmagoji Hill was the bloodiest area of the Korean War, during one 10-day offensive, ownership of the hill switched 24 times. A monument stands tall there honoring the soldiers who lost their lives in the battle to defend the hill and Baegma Museum speaks to the battle with bazooka guns, ammunition, and other items used at the time.

Then, check out the ruins of a Russian style structure - Labor Party Building standing alone in the middle of the empty Cheorwon lava plateau. A three-story, non-iron concrete building was completed in 1946 was used by the North Koreans to promote communist politics and control people until the outbreak of the Korean War. This is a locale where they committed numerous brutal attacks and killed many people. The traces of the history remaining in the building include many bullet holes on the back of this building, sickles, wires, and human bones. You will never miss a Kilometer Zero marker, a clear evidence of the town center.

Later, join the escorted tour of The 2nd Tunnel and a number of sites evocative of Korean War memories. Discovered in March 1975 about 13km north of Cheorwon, a 3.5km long tunnel runs through bedrock at a depth of 50 - 160m below ground, 1.1km of which are found in the south over the Military Demarcation Line. The tunnel is large enough to move heavy weapons such as tanks, field artillery and armored personnel carriers. Persons who suffer from claustrophobia, heart conditions or asthmatic symptoms are not allowed to enter the tunnel

At Peace Observatory, you can see into ultra-secretive North Korea. Pyeonggang plateau and the Propaganda village, as well as Kim Il-sung Hill and Baldy Ridges. The DMZ, which has been restricted from any civilian access for more than half century, symbolizes the heartbreak of the divided Korean people, but has been a boon to the natural ecosystem. Thus, it became home to many wild species like black bears, mule deer, wild boars, wild geese, eagles, Chinese egrets, Manchurian cranes, black-faced spoonbills and swan geese, to name a few. As you drive past, you will witness the Woljeongri Railroad Station, the defunct last stop on the line that once ran from the South into what is now North Korea and the bombed remains of a train last used more than 60 years ago standing as a symbol of the broken state of inter-Korean relations.

Day 20 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.

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