Of Wars and Adventures
Korea
8 days / 7 nights (land only)
Recommended: year-round, Best Months: Mar - Jun
Korea has an amazing history of wars and leaders, of bloodshed and triumph. This unique tour of Korea takes you to see first hand the historic battle fields that shaped the culture, and then on to the modern day proving grounds that are redefining this dynamic society. This itinerary is great for outdoor enthusiasts and energetic history buffs.
The following itinerary can be tailored to meet your specific interests, or can become part of a longer visit to Korea.
Adventure On!
DAY 1: SEOUL
Upon arrival in this lively and contemporary city you will be met and transported to your lodging for the night. The balance of the day is free for you to explore the city on your own. You will be conveniently located to restaurants, shopping, banks and ATMs and will have time in the evening for a Nanta or Jeongdong Theatre show. (No Meals)
Nanta is a totally energetic and fun non-verbal performance of reckless rhythms that dramatize customary Korean percussion in a most uncustomary manner. You will laugh and be amazed at the musician performers as they bang their way through preparation of a wedding banquet set in a kitchen stage. Think of it as a combination of Stomp and Blue Man Group with knives and cutting boards. This performance is sure to please people of all ages!
Jeongdong Theatre is representative of traditional art performance theatre of Korea. With diverse cultural surrounding facilities Jeongdong Theatre is very popular. This evening performance comes with dinner. (closed on Mondays)
DAY 2: SEOUL
Consider this your “get over jet lag day.” This morning you will be picked up at your hotel for a full day tour of the city and a visit to the local landmarks. One minute you will find yourself marveling at the modern skyscrapers soaring toward the heavens, and the next minute you’ll find yourself in a traditional village featuring life in Korea before modern amenities arrived. Antique and art enthusiasts will especially like the visit to Insadong where you will be able to stroll the quaint streets in search of the perfect gift for a loved one (or yourself!). The evening is free. (B)
DAY 3: SEOUL - INJE
Today you will depart Seoul’s cityscape, driving through the countryside to visit the gateway to outdoor fun in Korea. For our winter travelers you may have an opportunity to take part in one of the world’s largest ice fishing festivals or try your hands (and feet!) at ice climbing. For our summer travelers you may spend your day whitewater rafting or mountain biking, or off-roading in a 4-wheel drive jeep. What a riot! All activities today are guaranteed to be fun! (BL)
DAY 4: INJE - SOKCHO
Driving further east toward the coast you’ll pass the magnificent Seoraksan National Park as you skirt north toward the Iron Triangle Zone. It is here you’ll walk back into time, where recent bloody history whispers stories in your ears as you pass through the ruins of the old (North) Korean Workers Party headquarters (House of Labor Party), the 2nd Tunnel, and gaze upon North Korea from the Iron Triangle Observatory. You will continue on to visit the Punch Bowl Battleground in Yanggu, site of many fierce battles during the Korean War, the 4th Tunnel, and Eulji Observatory. Your evening is free for strolling along the extensive beach. (B)
DAY 5: SOKCHO - BUSAN
A morning flight will whisk you away to the southern port city of Busan (Pusan). Shoppers… have your running shoes out because this is a city you’ll love! You’ll first visit the extensive fish market before having the remainder of the day free for exploring on your own (and we’ll be happy to point you towards the Russian market as well as the Korean streets filled with vendors). (B)
DAY 6: BUSAN - JEJU
Rise and Shine! After breakfast you’ll head for the airport for a short flight to scenic Jeju Island. This popular spot for tourists and honeymooners has much to offer no matter what you enjoy. Upon arrival you’ll visit Yongduam Rock on the picturesque coast where a natural basalt dragon’s head yawns at the sea. From here you’ll briefly visit the Jeju Folklore & History Museum before continuing on to Tamna Mok Sok Won where you’ll find a special garden featuring artistically shaped natural stones and dried tree roots. Your evening is free to explore this friendly and diverse island. (B)
DAY 7: JEJU
Today you will have a full-day tour of Jeju Island, the southern-most province and home to Mount Hallisan the highest point in South Korea. Begin the day with a drive to the south coast where you will visit Chongjeyon waterfall and then have some time to stroll at the Joongmun resort. Later in the day you will visit the Seongeup Folk Village and Sunrise Peak. Part of Seongsanpo or “Fortress Mountain Port” Sunrise Peak is one of the 360 parasitic volcanoes that dot the island. In the early morning hikers make their way up a steep slope for the most spectacular view at sunrise (this can be arranged for you, schedule permitting). (B)
DAY 8: JEJU
Today is completely free day for you to enjoy as you wish. We suggest you consider pre-arranging a full day hike on Mt Hallasan, or perhaps partaking of water sports. For those who would like to just kick back – today’s your day. (B)
DAY 9: JEJU - SEOUL
The morning is free for you to take in one last tour, relax, or finish your shopping on the island. Tours include sea rafting, paragliding, horseback riding, fishing, scuba diving, jet skiing, and parasailing. Shoppers will want to pick up a small dolharubang or “stone grandfather”. These black lava statues of a kindly old man were once considered guardian deities, but now are favorite island symbols. In the afternoon you’ll have a flight back to Seoul and the remainder of the day free for shopping, theatre, dining, or simply strolling the lively city streets. For those wanting a different perspective of the city, watch the night light up in Seoul from a Han River Evening Cruise. (B)
DAY 10: SEOUL
Your day is free until time for your transfer to the airport for your flight back to the States. For anyone extending their holiday, appropriate arrangements will be made to accommodate your flights or transfers. (B)
Korea
8 days / 7 nights (land only)
Recommended: year-round, Best Months: Mar - Jun
Korea has an amazing history of wars and leaders, of bloodshed and triumph. This unique tour of Korea takes you to see first hand the historic battle fields that shaped the culture, and then on to the modern day proving grounds that are redefining this dynamic society. This itinerary is great for outdoor enthusiasts and energetic history buffs.
The following itinerary can be tailored to meet your specific interests, or can become part of a longer visit to Korea.
Adventure On!
DAY 1: SEOUL
Upon arrival in this lively and contemporary city you will be met and transported to your lodging for the night. The balance of the day is free for you to explore the city on your own. You will be conveniently located to restaurants, shopping, banks and ATMs and will have time in the evening for a Nanta or Jeongdong Theatre show. (No Meals)
Nanta is a totally energetic and fun non-verbal performance of reckless rhythms that dramatize customary Korean percussion in a most uncustomary manner. You will laugh and be amazed at the musician performers as they bang their way through preparation of a wedding banquet set in a kitchen stage. Think of it as a combination of Stomp and Blue Man Group with knives and cutting boards. This performance is sure to please people of all ages!
Jeongdong Theatre is representative of traditional art performance theatre of Korea. With diverse cultural surrounding facilities Jeongdong Theatre is very popular. This evening performance comes with dinner. (closed on Mondays)
DAY 2: SEOUL
Consider this your “get over jet lag day.” This morning you will be picked up at your hotel for a full day tour of the city and a visit to the local landmarks. One minute you will find yourself marveling at the modern skyscrapers soaring toward the heavens, and the next minute you’ll find yourself in a traditional village featuring life in Korea before modern amenities arrived. Antique and art enthusiasts will especially like the visit to Insadong where you will be able to stroll the quaint streets in search of the perfect gift for a loved one (or yourself!). The evening is free. (B)
DAY 3: SEOUL - INJE
Today you will depart Seoul’s cityscape, driving through the countryside to visit the gateway to outdoor fun in Korea. For our winter travelers you may have an opportunity to take part in one of the world’s largest ice fishing festivals or try your hands (and feet!) at ice climbing. For our summer travelers you may spend your day whitewater rafting or mountain biking, or off-roading in a 4-wheel drive jeep. What a riot! All activities today are guaranteed to be fun! (BL)
DAY 4: INJE - SOKCHO
Driving further east toward the coast you’ll pass the magnificent Seoraksan National Park as you skirt north toward the Iron Triangle Zone. It is here you’ll walk back into time, where recent bloody history whispers stories in your ears as you pass through the ruins of the old (North) Korean Workers Party headquarters (House of Labor Party), the 2nd Tunnel, and gaze upon North Korea from the Iron Triangle Observatory. You will continue on to visit the Punch Bowl Battleground in Yanggu, site of many fierce battles during the Korean War, the 4th Tunnel, and Eulji Observatory. Your evening is free for strolling along the extensive beach. (B)
DAY 5: SOKCHO - BUSAN
A morning flight will whisk you away to the southern port city of Busan (Pusan). Shoppers… have your running shoes out because this is a city you’ll love! You’ll first visit the extensive fish market before having the remainder of the day free for exploring on your own (and we’ll be happy to point you towards the Russian market as well as the Korean streets filled with vendors). (B)
DAY 6: BUSAN - JEJU
Rise and Shine! After breakfast you’ll head for the airport for a short flight to scenic Jeju Island. This popular spot for tourists and honeymooners has much to offer no matter what you enjoy. Upon arrival you’ll visit Yongduam Rock on the picturesque coast where a natural basalt dragon’s head yawns at the sea. From here you’ll briefly visit the Jeju Folklore & History Museum before continuing on to Tamna Mok Sok Won where you’ll find a special garden featuring artistically shaped natural stones and dried tree roots. Your evening is free to explore this friendly and diverse island. (B)
DAY 7: JEJU
Today you will have a full-day tour of Jeju Island, the southern-most province and home to Mount Hallisan the highest point in South Korea. Begin the day with a drive to the south coast where you will visit Chongjeyon waterfall and then have some time to stroll at the Joongmun resort. Later in the day you will visit the Seongeup Folk Village and Sunrise Peak. Part of Seongsanpo or “Fortress Mountain Port” Sunrise Peak is one of the 360 parasitic volcanoes that dot the island. In the early morning hikers make their way up a steep slope for the most spectacular view at sunrise (this can be arranged for you, schedule permitting). (B)
DAY 8: JEJU
Today is completely free day for you to enjoy as you wish. We suggest you consider pre-arranging a full day hike on Mt Hallasan, or perhaps partaking of water sports. For those who would like to just kick back – today’s your day. (B)
DAY 9: JEJU - SEOUL
The morning is free for you to take in one last tour, relax, or finish your shopping on the island. Tours include sea rafting, paragliding, horseback riding, fishing, scuba diving, jet skiing, and parasailing. Shoppers will want to pick up a small dolharubang or “stone grandfather”. These black lava statues of a kindly old man were once considered guardian deities, but now are favorite island symbols. In the afternoon you’ll have a flight back to Seoul and the remainder of the day free for shopping, theatre, dining, or simply strolling the lively city streets. For those wanting a different perspective of the city, watch the night light up in Seoul from a Han River Evening Cruise. (B)
DAY 10: SEOUL
Your day is free until time for your transfer to the airport for your flight back to the States. For anyone extending their holiday, appropriate arrangements will be made to accommodate your flights or transfers. (B)
