Key Highlights
~ visit Incheon Open Port, Chinatown and Singi Market;
~ visit Arte Museum, Korea’s largest immersive media art exhibition;
~ stroll along Jeongdong Simgok Sea Fan Road coastal trail;
~ discover Gangneung Coffee Street;
~ visit the oldest Seon temple in the world, Sinheungsa Temple;
~ hike to Heundeulbawi Rock and Ulsanbawi Rock;
~ stop at Yeonggeumjeong;
~ hike to the highest peak in Seoraksan National Park, Daecheongbong Peak at 1,708 metres above sea level;
~ walk the stunning nature sanctuary Wondaeri Birch Forest;

Day 01 - Arrive Incheon

 Welcome to Korea! Upon arrival into Incheon International Airport, there will be a designated group transfer.

 Enroute, visit Incheon Open Port Old Town - walk the streets of Incheon Open Port Old Town, reflecting a “bustling” time in Incheon during the late 19th Century. Opened in 1883 as the country’s first port, the area reflects the country’s history and culture from 130 years ago when foreigners arrived to the country. From Korea’s early days of modernisation with the arrival of international traders, and till today, many of its buildings’ architecture retain influences from both the East and West. Modern architecture stands alongside unique Japanese style historical buildings that were used to house trading companies, financial institutions, hotels and even the former Japanese consulate.

 Stop by Incheon Chinatown for a short stroll through the colourful streets. The area harbours many of the flavors of China, preserving the traditional culture of the first-generation Chinese in South Korea. Certain parts of the streets are regularly used as filming location for Korean dramas.

 See the shades of autumn colours as we take a scenic stroll around Majang Lake, admiring the lovely scenery. Walk across the suspended pedestrian bridge, said to be able to carry up to 1,200 people. 

 Meals: Lunch, Dinner

 Stay: Incheon Riveria Verium Hotel, or similar

 Day 02 - Incheon – Sokcho

 Transfer to the province of Gangwon.

 Visit Arte Museum – Korea’s largest immersive media art exhibition. The digital media artworks, created around the theme of eternal nature, provide a perfect immersive experience with its impactful visuals, sensuous sound and elegant fragrance.

 Take a stroll along Jeongdong Simgok Sea Fan Road (weather permitting). This 2.86 KM coastal trail is the only coastal peninsula area in Korea that tectonic changes of 23 million years ago can be observed. Relax and enjoy the stunning charm of sheer rock cliffs and the view of the cool blue sea.

 Whether you are a coffee lover or not, a visit to Gangneung Coffee Street is a must. Cafes lined along the coastline of Anmok Beach. Each café has its own unique décor and character, all café windows offer scenery of the sea. Be sure to spend some time to walk around the beach for some worthy picture session.

 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 Stay: Delphino Sonomoon Resort, or similar

 Note: an alternative walking experience to another attraction may be offered if Jeongdong Simgok Sea Fan Road is closed due to bad weather.

 Day 03 - Seoraksan National Park

 Seoraksan is known as one of Korea’s most beautiful mountains and listed as Korea’s first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1982. The national park is famous for its views, crystal clear mountain streams, vibrant flora and fauna. It also boasts some of the most enchanting hiking trails in the country.

 Sinheungsa Temple is believed to be the oldest Seon temple in the world and is now a head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It is home to many cultural heritages including the Geungnakbojeon Hall, the three-storey Stone Pagoda and a giant Buddha statue.

 Start the day to Heundeulbawi Rock with a gentle hike. It is a large rock that rests on top of a larger stone platform and it rocks back and forth when pushed. Naturally, hikers will make a stop here for a photo.

 The trail gets steeper as we hike towards Ulsanbawi Rock – shaped with 6 peaks. Standing at 873 metres above sea level, it is the most well-known attraction at Seoraksan Mountain. From here, see the gorgeous scenery of Seorak Mountain, the East Sea, Dalma Peak, and Haksapyeong Reservoir.

 As we make our way to return to Sokcho city, make a stop at Yeonggeumjeong – a flat rock area located near the sea. The name is derived as the sound of waves hitting the rocks is comparable to the melody of geomungo (traditional stringed instrument with 6 strings). Walk above the rock via a bridge to the end with a traditional Korean pavilion overlooking great views of the East Sea and the Sokcho Lighthouse nearby.

 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 Stay: Delphino Sonomoon Resort, or similar

Hiking Duration: est. 4 - 5 hours     Hiking Distance: approx. 7.2 KM

Elevation: est. +561 M / -561 M

 Day 04 - Seoraksan National Park

 Transfer to Osaek, the southernmost part of Seoraksan National Park to embark our hike to the highest peak within the park. The Daecheongbong Peak, stands at 1,708 metres above sea level is also the third highest peak in Korea. The trail to the summit with wooden and stone steps ascends continuously through the forest. Hike past Seorak Falls which serves a halfway mark before you reach Daecheongbong Peak. Enjoy the views and savour your lunch at the summit.

 Descend via Yangpok Shelter. As you descend and past impressive rock formations, the route gets intertwined with countless terrain rock steps and numerous purposed built walkways but you will be distracted with amazing views in sight. Peaks rose impressively below, sometimes with clouds filled the valleys like steam and engulfed the peaks like cotton candy.

 Once again, you will see the Giant Buddha statue at the foot where the Seorakdong Information Centre is located nearby.

 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 Stay: Delphino Sonomoon Resort, or similar

Hiking Duration: est. 10 - 12 hours     Hiking Distance: approx. 17 KM

Elevation: est. +1,274 M / -1,525 M

Day 05 - Sokcho – Seoul

 A relaxed start this morning for our journey to Seoul.

 Take a walk through Wondaeri Birch Forest – a stunning nature sanctuary lushed with over 690,000 birch trees and scenic walking trails. Immerse in the tranquility with the tall white bark tree trunks raising towards the contrasting blue sky as we explore the forest in 3 hours.

 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

 Stay: Sotetsu Hotel Splasir Seoul Myeongdong, or similar

 Note: an alternative recovery walk experience to another attraction may be offered if majority of the hikers in the group are not in their good form for Wondaeri Birch Forest.

Day 06 - Depart Seoul

 Depart at your own timing for your onward arrangement/flight back home. Or simply rest and relax until official check out time, 12 PM and the tour concludes.

 Meals: Breakfast