Welcome to South Korea, a shining star in East Asia. Upon arrival, our local guide will meet you at Seoul International Airport and escort you to your hotel in Seoul. The rest of the day, easy and free on your own.

Recommended things to do：

-Do the shopping and dining around Myeongdong.

-Head over to the nearby Seoul Tower in the evening to enjoy the night view.

Myeongdong:

Myeongdong Street, located in Jung-gu, Seoul, is a renowned commercial street stretching approximately 1 kilometer from Myeongdong Station on Subway Line 4 to Eulji-ro and Lotte Department Store. It attracts over 4 million foreign tourists annually and was designated as a tourist special zone by the government in March 2000.

It boasts large shopping plazas such as Lotte Department Store and Shinsegae Department Store, as well as tourist hotels and financial institutions. The merchandise in Myeongdong is mainly mid-to-high-end, including brand name shops, comprehensive shopping malls, and duty-free stores, making it a center for fashion trends. Besides, it also offers a diverse range of dining options, including western restaurants, fast food joints, and Korean, Western, and Japanese restaurants. Additionally, it is equipped with beauty salons, banks, theaters, and other facilities. Cosmetics shops are also scattered here, often offering sampling services.

This morning, visit the traditional Korean houses at Bukchon Hanok Village. Then have lunch in Samcheong-dong and take a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood. In the afternoon, head to Gyeongbokgung Palace to learn about the history of the Goryeo Dynasty, and then wander through the culturally rich Insadong. In the evening, make your way to Cheonggyecheon Stream to admire its beautiful night view.

Bukchon Hanok Village

Bukchon Hanok Village, situated between Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and Jongmyo Shrine, is a dense cluster of traditional Korean houses and represents the most iconic traditional residential area in Seoul. It is abundant with historical sites, cultural heritage, and folklore materials, earning it the nickname of “a street museum in the city center.”

Samcheong-dong

Samcheong-dong is an administrative dong located in Jongno-gu. The area still retains many traditional Korean houses (hanok) built during the Joseon Dynasty of the Lee family. It is said to have the best feng shui in Seoul and has been a residential area for the upper class since ancient times. In recent years, cafes and trendy boutiques have sprung up, gradually making it a new venue for local residents and foreign tourists to meet and unwind.

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung Palace is the main palace (official palace) of the Joseon Dynasty, the last unified dynasty on the Korean Peninsula, serving as the political center of the early Joseon Dynasty. It was first constructed in 1395 AD and has undergone numerous destructions and reconstructions. The size and layout of the palace strictly adhered to the vassal-suzerain relationship with China, being a princely mansion following the regulations for princely residences during the Ming Dynasty.

Insadong

During the later period of Japanese occupation of Korea, some yangban (high-ranking officials) from Insadong, who had fallen on hard times, began selling items from their homes to make money. Gradually, antique shops began to emerge in the area. Later, it developed into a cultural street where cultural goods were bought and sold.

Cheonggyecheon

From the 1950s to 1960s, due to economic growth and urban development, Cheonggyecheon was covered and turned into an underground channel, and its water quality deteriorated because of wastewater discharge. In the 1970s, an elevated highway was even built over Cheonggyecheon. Starting in July 2003, driven by Seoul Mayor Lee Myung-bak, restoration work began. Not only was the Cheonggye Elevated Highway demolished, but the riverbed was also re-excavated, beautified, refilled with water, and planted with various flora. Two separate pipelines were built for clean and wastewater to maintain water quality. The project, costing a total of 900 billion Korean won, was completed in September 2005. It has now become a recreational spot in the heart of Seoul.

Ewha Womans University and the Trickeye Trick Art Museum are located close to each other, allowing you to leisurely explore both places today. In the evening, head to Dongdaemun and enjoy the thrill of shopping.

Ewha Womans University

Ewha Womans University, located in Seoul, Korea, is a private university with one of the longest histories in the country. It was founded in 1886 and is one of the universities in Asia accredited by AACSB. Originally named Ewha Hakdang (Ewha School), the university was named by Emperor Gojong of Korea and Empress Myeongseong in honor of Mrs. Scranton, the wife of a Methodist missionary who was the first to introduce women’s education in Korea at that time. In 1948, it was renamed Ewha Womans University.

The Trickeye Trick Art Museum

The Trickeye Trick Art Museum is a famous tourist spot that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Located in Hongdae, it is known as a paradise for young people’s entertainment. Since its opening in 2010, it has sparked a Korean Wave craze in both the tourism and art circles. Besides Seoul, branches have also been opened in Busan and Jeju Island. In 2014, Trickeye expanded its overseas market, establishing branches in Singapore, Jinan, China, Hong Kong, and other places, causing an unprecedented response.

Dongdaemun

Dongdaemun (also known as East Gate), located on the eastern side of the city wall in Seoul, is open all day. It is both a historical site and a shopping paradise in Seoul. It integrates traditional markets, fashion cities, and food alleys, and is renowned for its late-night shopping, rapid production and distribution, and fashion trends. It is one of the largest wholesale markets and tourist attractions in Asia.

In the morning, depart from Seoul for Busan by the high speed train. Upon arrival, you will be picked up and transferred to Haeundae. After lunch, take a stroll around Haeundae, where you will see the most fascinating beach in Busan. During cherry blossom season, the Welcome Moon Road in Haeundae is also extremely romantic. In the evening, experience the charm of the sunset at the Gangneung-ri Beach, and enjoy the night view of the Gangneung Bridge.

Haeundae

Haeundae is a renowned tourist destination in Busan, located in the southern part of South Korea, nestled within the Suyeong Bay along the southeast coast, approximately 18 kilometers northeast of Busan. Originally a hill projecting into the sea, a platform was constructed here during the late Silla Dynasty, leading to the development of sand dunes. The sea water is crystal clear, and the beach, along with the nearby Donggwan Hot Springs, is famous throughout the country. When night falls, the surrounding areas are illuminated by yellow streetlights. The fine, white sand sinks softly underfoot, and the sea that meets the eye is so clear and captivating.

Welcoming Moon Road

Welcoming Moon Road, located in Haeundae-gu, Busan, is a forest trail that blends the sea, forest, modern architecture, and leisure into a fantastic scenery. During cherry blossom season, Welcoming Moon Road in Haeundae-gu is also filled with romantic charm.

Gwangalli Beach

Gwangalli Beach is renowned for its 1.4-kilometer-long and 64-meter-wide sandy beach with high-quality sand. The beach features an open-air stage where various celebrations such as the Busan Marine Festival are often held. In addition, visitors can engage in various water sports here, including water skiing, jet skiing, and surfing. The area also boasts a cultural center, museums, theaters, cinemas, art exhibition halls, radio stations, as well as shops selling imported luxury brands and domestic high-end fashion.

Guang’an Bridge

The Guang’an Bridge in Busan spans over Namcheon-dong in Suyeong-gu and U-dong in Haeundae-gu, with a total length of 7.4 kilometers. It is the largest sea bridge in Korea that crosses the sea. As a symbol of Busan, the bridge offers stunning views of the surrounding scenery during the day, allowing visitors to appreciate its grandeur. At night, it transforms into a romantic and serene destination filled with beautiful nightscapes, making it a favorite among both domestic and international tourists.

Guang’an Bridge is not just a bridge; the panoramic view from the top is also breathtaking: the vast sea, the Ohyeongdo Islands that seem reachable with an outstretched hand, the magnificent Hwangnyongsan Mountain, and the delicate white sand beach of Gwangalli are all visible from the bridge. Additionally, the bridge’s artistic landscape lighting, which is the first in Korea, is another attraction. Equipped with the most advanced lighting system, the lights change colors and patterns weekly and seasonally, creating a vibrant and colorful display that enhances the nightscape of Busan.

Notes:
• June to September is the peak tourist season in Haeundae. Be sure to book your hotel in advance.

In the morning, visit the Gamcheon Culture Village, known as the “Santorini of Busan”. Have lunch at Jagalchi Market. In the afternoon, explore the Nampo-dong area and stroll around Biff Square. Afterward, you will be taken to Busan International Airport to conclude your unforgettable trip in Korea.

Gamcheon Culture Village

In the heart of Busan city lies a colorful and artistic village – Gamcheon Culture Village. This former slum has transformed into one of the most popular tourist attractions in Busan and is hailed as “Asia’s most artistic village.” Upon entering the village, it’s like stepping into a fairy tale world. Colorful houses are built along the hillside in a well-organized manner, resembling a series of vibrant paintings. The exterior walls of these houses are adorned with various murals, some depicting scenes of daily life, while others showcasing unique creativity and imagination. In the village, you can feel the perfect combination of art and life, with every detail filled with an artistic ambiance.

Jagalchi Market

Jagalchi Market refers to the area from the dried fish market under the Yeongdo Bridge to the morning market in Junggu-dong. It is the largest seafood market in Korea. After the Korean War, it became a live fish market, and most of the fish sellers here are women, known as “Jagalchi aunts.” This market is a representative of Busan and is renowned nationwide. You can enjoy freshly made sashimi in the market, which is quite interesting.

Every October, the Jagalchi Culture and Tourism Festival is held here. With convenient subway access, transportation is very easy. In the gravel fish market, you will see people who best represent Busan citizens working and living hard.

Nampo-dong & BIFF Square

Nampo-dong is lined with theaters, and during the Busan International Film Festival, this cinematic street becomes a central stage where crowds gather. In honor of the film festival, the BIFF (Busan International Film Festival) Square has been built on Nampo-dong Street. Every year, bronze plates engraved with the handprints and footprints of award winners, as well as the names of award-winning films, are embedded in the ground of the square.