4D Seoul2soul Cultural Connection

HIGHLIGHTS

~ Unique Stay and immersive experiences in Seoul – Mondiran Itaewon;

~ Seoul sightseeing private city tour;

~ Gwangjang Market Visit;

~ Gyeongbogkgung Palace guided tour;

~ Changdeokgung Palace with Secret Garden (UNESCO) guided tour;

~ Bojewon – Korean oriental medicine experience.

Include:

~ return private airport transfers;

~ 3 nights accommodation in Mondrian Itaewon, basing on twin sharing in choice of room;

~ 3 breakfasts and 2 Lunches;

~ admission fee(s) as required according to itinerary on day 1 and 2;

~ service on an English Speaking Driver-Guide on day 1 and 2;

~ private car transfers according to itinerary on day 1 and day 2

Exclude:

~ air travel to Incheon (Seoul), South Korea;

~ visa arrangement;

~ personal travel insurance;

~ expenditure of personal effects;

~ tipping for your Guide and Driver;

~ suggested places of visit on day 3;

~ anything not specified in the itinerary.

ITINERARY

Day 01 Arrive Seoul

Welcome to Korea! Upon arrival into Incheon International Airport, meet your Driver-Guide at the arrival hall and transfer to the hotel located in the city of Seoul.

Enjoy a guided tour of Gyeongbogkgung Palace, one of the most scenic and beautiful locations in Seoul. The largest and grandest of the five Joseon palaces in Seoul that remain, it was once the main royal palace and official residence of the royal family.  It is a massive complex of 330 buildings and 5,792 rooms. In the early 1900s, numerous exhibitions were held on the palace grounds and today, it is home to the National Palace Museum and the National Folk Museum.

As one of the most vibrant traditional markets in Seoul, Gwangjang Market is the place for a mouthwatering foodie experience. This historic market that continues to retain its old style charm is the oldest continuously operating market in South Korea and has numerous food stalls offering a taste of traditional Korean cuisine. If you would like to buy Korean traditional clothing to bring home as a souvenir, visit the Hanbok stores and vintage clothing shops on the 2nd floor.

Meals: Lunch

Note: an alternative market may be visited if Gwangjang Market is closed during the time of visit.

Day 02  Seoul Sightseeing Private City Tour

Embark on a full day of sightseeing in the city of Seoul.

Located just next to Gyeongbokgung Palace, you will get a chance to see the landmark presidential Blue House (“Cheong Wa Dae” translates to “Pavillion of Blue Tiles”). The colour of the roof blue – was once exclusive to the king and now represents the nation’s elected leader. During the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392), royal palace halls once stood on the same site. Today, it is the place where the President of the Republic of Korea lives and works.  

Changdeokgung Palace & Secret Garden. A World UNESCO Heritage Site, this palace was the second royal villa of the Joseon Dynasty and was built by King Taejong in 1405. It was used as the royal palace of Joseon from the early 1600s – 1800s and was also the site of the royal court until 1858. Changdeokgung Palace is the most well-preserved of the five remaining royal Joseon palaces and houses several cultural treasures. The palace’s rear garden “Biwon Garden” is also described as the Secret Garden because it was where the Kings and members of the royal family would enjoy its peacefulness and use it as a place of rest. In the garden, there is a pavilion that was favoured by the kings as a library where they would spend their days reading.

Visit Bojewon, a medical institution that used to provide medical treatment to the poor people who were suffering from sickness during the Joseon Dynasty. Now, it creates oriental medicine wellness  through oriental medicine experience and treatment for the people. Experience the meridians and acupuncture points of oriental medicine through a mechanical thermal massage mat and thermal eye patch. Soak your feet in warm water containing seasonal medicinal herbs such as mugwort and chrysanthemum under the pavilion where the traditional hanok style is alive. Then enjoy an afternoon oriental tea and refreshment.

This afternoon is spent at Dongdaemum Design Plaza (DDP), an urban playground for you to “Dream, Design, and Play”. It is a major urban development landmark in Seoul with a distinctively neo futuristic design with no straight lines. It is the centrepiece of South Korea’s fashion hub and popular tourist destination, Dongdaemun features a walkable park on its roofs, a design museum, library, futuristic retail stores and restored parts of Seoul fortress walls.

Take a walk along Cheonggyecheon Stream Park. This 11 KM-long stream that runs through downtown Seoul was created as part of an urban renewal project. It is a restoration of the stream that was once there during the Joseon Dynasty. The stream starts from Cheonggye Plaza, a popular cultural arts venue, and passes under a total of 22 bridges before flowing into the Han River, with many attractions along the way.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch


Day 03 Seoul at Leisure

The day is free for self-exploration at leisure. Here are some suggestions what you can do.

Take a leisurely walk through  Seochon Village and soak in the beauty of this picturesque neighbourhood. It is also known as an “artist village” where many great artists from the Joseon Dynasty once resided in the neighbourhood. Here you will find many interesting boutique shops, cafes and art galleries that have harmoniously existed amidst the historical hanoks (traditional Korean houses). Check out Dae-o Bookstore, the oldest bookstore in Seoul for a time travel back into time as you sit in their cafe. Another unmissable landmark is the King Sejong stone plaque that depicts the birthplace of Joseon’s dynasty 4th King, a cultural icon of his time, and also the creator of the Korean alphabet Hangul.

Find your way to Samcheongdong neighbourhood to explore the art galleries, museums, antique shops, and quiet pathways. It is said that “Samcheong” literally translates to “three” and “pure” – and draws its energy from the mountain, water and people. Admire the neighbourhood’s unique identity where European-style cafes blend alongside Hanok architecture, depicting a scene of traditional beauty and modern vibrancy.

For unblocked panoramic views of the city. head up to Seoul’s landmark Namsan Seoul Tower.  Take a leisurely stroll along Namsan Park which is the largest park in Seoul and is well-known for its beautiful walking trails where you can admire nature’s beauty and calming atmosphere, and see local wildlife, such as squirrels.

Return to Mondrian and be sure to unwind the evening away at the hotel’s Privilege Rooftop Bar. Enjoy the stunning views of Seoul while relishing the experiences that nourish your soul.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 04                Depart Incheon

Simply rest and relax until it’s time for your onward journey or check out (1100 hours) and the tour concludes.

Meals: Breakfast

REMARKS

~ Full payment is required upon booking.

~ 1 person to go.

~ Should you require a visa to enter South Korea, it is your responsibility to obtain such document before departure. Check your entry requirement and apply your visa HERE if you require.

~ Our utmost priority is always the safety of the travellers. Therefore inclusion of the itinerary may be altered due to (not limited to) bad weather, local conditions, accommodation book out, the skill levels of the travellers and/or other unexpected circumstances beyond our control. We reserve the right to make changes necessary and there will be no refund should you decide to discontinue with the trip.

~ Option to extend your stay in Incheon or other parts of South Korea.

~ All travellers booked on this trip are strongly encouraged to purchase travel insurance with comprehensive coverage relating to CoVID-19 with minimum insured sum of USD 30,000. Click HERE to purchase.

~ Travel Wander’s booking terms & conditions apply. By making a payment to Travel Wander LLP, you (and on behalf of the rest of travelling companions) acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to the booking terms & conditions, privacy policy and acceptance of risk as set out on our website. For more details, click HERE  to access.

~ To cover any amendment, postponement and/or cancellation fees, travellers are strongly encouraged to purchase travel insurance which includes extensive coverage on (not limited to) travel cancellation/interruption especially CoVID-19 related.