Korea UNESCO Sites 9days 8nights

Korea UNESCO Sites 9days 8nights

Accommodation: Best selected 4star hotels located in the heart of downtown.

Tour Guide: Best selected Licensed English speaking guides, who are passionate, well-trained, and knowledgeable to create a truly unforgettable experience.

Tour condition: Premium quality Service, Comfort, Hassle-free Travel, Not too rushed.

Gain a true appreciation for Korea’s history and UNESCO world heritage sites on this package of 9days 8nights UNESCO Cities Suwon, Busan, Gyeongju, Andong, Mt. Seoraksan and Seoul , this historical tour allows you to understand Korea’s most important ruling dynasties, sample each regions’ culinary specialties, and compare city to rural life. With your dedicated English-speaking guide and private minivan, sit back and enjoy Korea’s most spectacular sights.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at ICN airport ➜ Hotel

Stop At: Incheon International Airport, 272 Gonghang-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon, South Korea
The local guide picks up from the airport and transfers to the hotel.
Duration: 30 minutes

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Seoul (Incheon), 4star hotel

Day 2: Incheon (Seoul) ➜ Suwon ➜ Jeonju, The Land Mark of Korea Culture

Stop At: Hwaseong Fortress, 910, Jeongjo-ro, Paldal-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do 16253 South Korea
constructed under the guidance of Yu Hyeong-Won (1622-1673) and Jeong Yak-Yong (1762-1836), and is believed to have been constructed very scientifically. The fortress wall was built using Seokjae and Jeondol (bricks) and the holes between the bricks are just big enough to fire guns, arrows, or long spears through in case of an attack. it was designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Jeonju Hanok Village, Eunhaeng-ro, Wansan-gu, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do South Korea
we will set off to the most celebrated village of Jeonju, an important tourist center that is famous for its Korean foods and historic traditional buildings. In May 2012, Jeonju was chosen as a Creative City for Gastronomy as part of UNESCO's Creative Cities Network.

Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in Jeonju, 4star hotel

Day 3: Jeonju ➜ Busan, Home to fantastic seafood, second-largest city

Stop At: Gyeonggijeon Shrine, 26, Gyo-dong 1-ga, Wansan-gu, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do 560-070 South Korea
the symbol of Jeonju Korean-style village. Gyeong gi jeon is especially beautiful in spring and autumn. Historical dramas and movies use the surrounding landscape as their background.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Yongdusan Park, 37-55, Yongdusan-gil, Jung-gu, Busan 48950 South Korea
Yongdusan Mountain (49m) in downtown Busan is one of Busan's three famous mountains. It was originally called Songhyeonsan Mountain, which means a mountain with a view of the sea through the dense pine tree forest. Later, the name was changed to Yongdusan Mountain, as the mountain peak was shaped similar to a dragon's head (yongdu), protecting the area against foreign invaders overseas.

The mountain held shrines for the mountain gods built by the Japanese before the 8.15 Liberation. Now the mountain is home to a variety of monuments, including Cheokhwabi Monument, Chunghontap Pagoda, 4.19 Revolution Monument, a statue of Admiral Yi Sun-shin, and Busan Tower. During the Korea War, refugees built houses on the sides of the mountain all the way to the summit but these neighborhoods were burned down twice, leaving the mountain bare. Since then, fierce efforts of planting trees have led to transforming the burnt mountain to a beautiful park. The park was called Unam Park at the time of the Liberal Party’s ruling but was renamed to Yongdusan Park after the April 19 Revolution in 1960. The park offers a beautiful view of Busan Port and the surrounding scenery. In particular, the night view from Busan tower is magnificent.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Busan Tower, 37-30, Yongdusan-gil, Jung-gu, Busan 48950 South Korea
Busan Tower is a symbol of Busan that stands proudly 69 m above sea level at a height of 120 m. The top of the tower is modeled after the baldaquin of Dabotap Pagoda in Bulguksa Temple, Gyeongju.

Loved by Busan citizens and tourists alike, the tower offers a stunning night view and plenty to see, such as the Statue of the Great Admiral Yi Sun-sin, the Bell of the Citizens, a flower clock and a bust of the Busan-based independent activist, Baeksan An Hee-je.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Jagalchi Market, Nampo-dong, Jung-gu, Busan South Korea
Jagalchi Market, located on the shoreside road in Busan's Jung-gu, is Korea's largest seafood market, selling both live and dried fish. After the Korean War, the market solidified itself as a fish market. Most of the people who sell fish are women, so the vendors here are called Jagalchi Ajumma, "ajumma" meaning middle-aged or married woman in Korean.

This market represents Busan and is famous throughout the country. Visitors can eat fresh raw fish right at the market. Even nowadays visitors can see women selling mackerel, sea squirts (ascidians) and whale meat on wooden boxes along the road outside of the market and along the shore.

Every year in October, the Jagalchi Cultural Tourism Festival is held, and it is easy to visit because of the convenient transportation provided by subway. Jagalchi Market is where you can see the lifestyle of the Busan locals.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in Busan, 4star hotel

Day 4: Busan ➜ Gyeongju, Known as ‘the museum without walls, World Heritages designated by UNESCO

Stop At: Gyeongju Historic Area, 162-27, Noseo-dong, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 780-932 South Korea
the 1,000 year old Capital of the Shilla Dynasty.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Yangdong Folk Village, Yangdong-ri, Gangdong-myeon, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 780-914 South Korea
the entire village has been designated as a UNESCO cultural heritage site. Many people have visited this village to see its wealth of cultural heritages and scenic surroundings. Charles, Prince of Wales, visited this village in 1993.

Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in Gyeongju, 4star hotel

Day 5: Gyeongju ➜ Andong ➜ Wonju

Stop At: Bulguksa Temple, Bulguksa 385 Bulguk-ro, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 38127 South Korea
Bulguksa Temple is the representative relic of Gyeongju and was designated as a World Cultural Asset by UNESCO in 1995. The beauty of the temple itself and the artistic touch of the stone relics are known throughout the world.

Bulguksa Temple was built in 528 during the Silla Kingdom, in the 15th year of King Beop-Heung's reign (514-540). The temple was originally called ‘Hwaeom Bulguksa Temple’ or ‘Beopryusa Temple’ and was rebuilt by Kim Dae-Seong (700-774), who started rebuilding the temple in 751 during the reign of King Gyeong-Deok (r. 742-765) and completed it in 774 during the reign of King Hye-Gong (r. 765-780). Upon completion, the temple’s name was changed to Bulguksa.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Seokguram, 999 Jinhyeon-dong, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 780-400 South Korea
Seokguram, located on Tohamsan Mountain, is the representative stone temple of Korea. The official name of Seokguram, National Treasure No. 24, is Seokguram Seokgul. Designated as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995, it is an artificial stone temple made of granite. The construction was started by Kim Dae-Seong (700-774) in 751 during the reign of King Gyeong-Deok (742-765) of the Silla Kingdom (57 BC - AD 935) and it was finished twenty-four years later in 774, during the reign of King Hye-Gong (765-780).

Seokguram is known to have been built at the same time as Bulguksa Temple. According to the history book Samgukyusa of the Goryeo Dynasty (the country that unified the Korean peninsula at the end of the Silla Kingdom, 918-1392), Kim Dae-Seong had Bulguksa Temple built for his parents in his current life, and Seokguram Grotto for the parents of his former life.

Inside the round-shaped main hall are the Bonjon Statue, Bodhi-sattva and his disciples. The Bonjon figure wearing a generous smile is seated on the stage engraved with a lotus flower design. The rounded ceiling looks like a half-moon or a bow and has a lotus flower decorated cover on it. The view of the sunrise is quite beautiful and many people hike the mountain at daybreak.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Daereungwon, 9 Gaerim-ro, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 38165 South Korea
Within Daereungwon Tomb Complex is Cheonmachong Tomb (Ancient Tomb No. 155), which was excavated in 1973. Cheonmachong Tomb consists of a wooden coffin placed inside an underground chamber mounded with boulders and earth, characterized as a typical upper class tomb of the Silla period. The mound has a height of 12.7 m with a diameter of 50 m, and consists of a layer of rocks collected from streams. Below the rock layer is a wooden chamber with a length of 6.5 m and a width of 2.1, reaching 2.1 m in height, with the wooden coffin at its center. A total of 11,526 artifacts were discovered within the tomb, including Cheonmado, an artwork considered to be highly valuable as it is Korea's first artwork to be excavated from an ancient tomb.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Andong Hahoe Folk Village, Hahoe-ri, Pungcheon-myeon, Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do South Korea
Hahoe Village is home to descendants of the Ryu clan of Pungsan and is well-known for its traditional houses. Birthplace of renowned scholars of the Joseon Period such as Gyeomam Ryu Un-ryong and Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong, the village became even more famous after Queen Elizabeth of England visited on April 21, 1999.

Hahoe Village (translating to “Village Enveloped by Water”) gets its name from Nakdong River, which flows around the town’s perimeter. The village is located at the foothills of Hwasan Mountain, an offshoot of Taebaek Mountain that rises up to the east. The center of the village is populated by large tile-roofed houses belonging to the Ryu clan, adding their own unique charm to the surrounding thatched roofs.

Hahoe Village boasts exquisite scenic sights: the elegant Nakdong River flowing around the village, the magnificent Buyongdae Cliff, endlessly unfolding sandy beaches, and lush, ancient pine trees. Visitors can take the boat to Buyongdae Cliff for a panoramic view of the village.

In addition to breathtaking scenery, Hahoe Village offers delectable local delicacies. Try the Andong Soju (distilled alcoholic beverage), Heotjesabap (a type of Bibimbap eaten by the nobles), Andong Gangodeungeo (salted mackerel), and Andong Guksu (a kind of noodle dish).

Nearby attractions include Bongjeongsa Temple (built during the Silla Period), Gosan Seowon (Confucian Academy), Gwiraejeong, Gyemyeongsan Mountain Recreational Forest, Hakgasan Mountain Recreational Forest, and Waryongsan Mountain.

Hahoe Village, along with Yangdong Village in Gyeongju, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List under the category of “Historic Villages in Korea” on July 31, 2010.

Andong Mask Dance Festival is held every autumn.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in Wonju, 4star hotel

Day 6: Wonju ➜ Mt. Seoraksan, spellbinding landscape vistas of Mt. Seoraksan national parks.

Stop At: Seoraksan National Park, Sokcho, Gangwon-do South Korea
offers breathtaking views and is the home of 2,000 animal species and more than 1,400 rare plant species. UNESCO Historical Site designated this national park a Biosphere

Preservation District in 1982 and the park has become the most famous national park in Korea. The best time to visit would be spring and autumn, when the park is at its finest.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Gwongeumseong Fortress, Seorak-dong, Sokcho, Gangwon-do 217-120 South Korea
Gwongeumseong Fortress is the site of a castle ruins located on Seoraksan Mountain, and it is also known as Mt. Onggeumsan Castle, or Toto Castle. It is located on the steep Dolsan Mountain of Seoraksan Sogongwon area. It is believed to have been built by the 23rd King of the Goryeo Period (918-1392), Gojong (r. 1213-1259). It is also called Gwon-Kim Castle, as there is a legend that two generals named Gwon and Kim, built the castle to avoid war.

At the left side of Sogongwon, past the Biryonggyo Bridge over the ravine, there is a path which leads to Gwongeumseong Castle, but it takes over an hour of travel through a steep, rocky path (2.5km), so cable car is used. The cable car was installed by Dr. Gi-Sup Lee in 1971 and is still used by many tourists. It runs from 7 a.m. to 6 or 6:30 p.m., departing every 7 minutes, and you can only purchase round-trip tickets at the ticket counter for that day.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Sinheungsa, 1137 Seoraksan-ro, Seorak-dong, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Sinheungsa (신흥사) is a short 10min walk away from the entrance to Sogongwon. In fact, many visit because of its close proximity to Sogongwon. Sinheungsa is a temple which used to be called Hyangseongsa, built by Jajangyulsa (590~658), who traveled to famous mountains all over the nation, in Queen Jindeok’s (?~654) 6th year of reign. It was destroyed and rebuilt many times since.

On the path to Sinheungsa, there is a great bronze statue called Bronze Jwabul Statue, which is well over 10 meters high. Just beyond the statue, which is on a granite terrace, there is a bridge to the right called Hyeonsugyo, which was newly built for crossing the ravine. Past the bridge there is a long stone wall with a Cheongwang door, and you can enter the temple. At the entrance there are four Cheonwang (king) statues (Jiguk Cheonwang with a sword, Damun Cheonwang with a lute, Gwangmok Cheonwang with a tower, and Jeungjang Cheonwang with a dragon), placed on either side. The Buddhist statues at Sinheungsa were placed here during the founding days of Seongjeongsa, and include the statues Mireukbosal, Gwaneumbosal and Seji which were sculpted by Uisang Daesa. The buildings which were built during that time are still standing, like the sanctuary, main temple, Myeongbujeon, Bojaeru, and Chilseonggak, etc. There is also an important cultural property, Treasure No. 443, called Hyangseongsaji, a three-story stone tower.

You can reach the Ulsan boulder by following the wall outside Sinheungsa. Sinheungsa is an ancient temple with deep historical significance, and many tourists come because of its beautiful scenery.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Sinheungsa, Seo-myeon, Seoraksan, South Korea
Great Bronze Statue

called Bronze Jwabul Statue, which is well over 10 meters high. Just beyond the statue, which is on a granite terrace, there is a bridge to the right called Hyeonsugyo, which was newly built for crossing the ravine. Past the bridge there is a long stone wall with a Cheongwang door, and you can enter the temple. At the entrance there are four Cheonwang (king) statues (Jiguk Cheonwang with a sword, Damun Cheonwang with a lute, Gwangmok Cheonwang with a tower, and Jeungjang Cheonwang with a dragon), placed on either side. The Buddhist statues at Sinheungsa were placed here during the founding days of Seongjeongsa, and include the statues Mireukbosal, Gwaneumbosal and Seji which were sculpted by Uisang Daesa. The buildings which were built during that time are still standing, like the sanctuary, main temple, Myeongbujeon, Bojaeru, and Chilseonggak, etc.

Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in Sokcho

Day 7: Mt. Seoraksan ➜ Seoul, Discovering the new era at hand in Korea, what the world calls New Seoul

Stop At: Changdeokgung Palace, 99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03072 South Korea
Changdeokgung Palace was the second royal villa built following the construction of Gyeongbukgung Palace in 1405. It was the principal palace for many kings of the Joseon Dynasty, and is the most well-preserved of the five remaining royal Joseon palaces. The palace grounds are comprised of a public palace area, a royal family residence building, and the rear garden. Known as a place of rest for the kings, the rear garden boasts a gigantic tree that is over 300 years old, a small pond and a pavilion.

The palace gained importance starting from the time of Seongjong, the 9th king of Joseon, when a number of kings began using it as a place of residence. Unfortunately, the palace was burned down by angry citizens in 1592 when the royal family fled their abode during the Japanese invasion of Korea. Thanks to Gwanghaegun, the palace was restored in 1611. Even today, it houses a number of cultural treasures, such as Injeongjeon Hall, Daejojeon Hall, Seonjeongjeon Hall, and Nakseonjae.

Changdeokgung Palace’s rear garden was constructed during the reign of King Taejong and served as a resting place for the royal family members. The garden had formerly been called Bukwon and Geumwon, but was renamed Biwon after King Kojong came into power. The garden was kept as natural as possible and was touched by human hands only when absolutely necessary. Buyongjeong, Buyongji, Juhabru, Eosumun, Yeonghwadang, Bullomun, Aeryeonjeong, and Yeongyeongdang are some of the many pavilions and fountains that occupy the garden. The most beautiful time to see the garden is during the fall when the autumn foliage is at its peak and the leaves have just started to fall.

Though it has been treasured by Koreans for centuries, Changdeokgung Palace was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site by the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Committee in December of 1997 during the committee meeting in Naples, Italy.

Changdeokgung Palace was one of the places visited by the first ladies of the Seoul G20 summit during the G20 conference in Seoul in November 2010. It is one of the most historically significant attractions that represent the beauty of Korea.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnights in Seoul, 4star hotel

Day 8: Seoul ⇌ DMZ, The Demilitarized Zone is a unique area where you can observe one country being divided into two.

Stop At: DMZ, Munsan-eup, Majeong-ri Imjingak Tourist information center, Paju, Gyeonggi-do South Korea
The highlight of today’s tour is the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone).
*Note: Must bring passport for ID check.

Located on each side of 38th parallel, this infamous border was established at the end of the war in 1953 at the signing Panmunjom’s armistice in order to separate North and South Korea.

Upon arrival, proceed to passport security control followed by a short introduction at the United Nations’ camp.

Visit Dora observatory and Dorasan railway station. Discover Imjingak Park with the Memorial, the Liberty Bridge and the bell of unification. Late morning, visit the 3rd tunnel dug into the rock at a depth of 73m and able of moving a full division per hour with their weapons.

Duration: 5 hours

Stop At: Insadong, Insa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul South Korea
Insa-dong, located in the heart of the city, is an important place where old but precious and traditional goods are on display. There is one main road in Insa-dong with alleys on each side. Within these alleys are galleries and traditional restaurants, teahouses, and cafes.

The galleries are the heartbeat of Insa-dong. There are about 100 galleries in the area and you can see every example of traditional Korean fine art from paintings to sculptures. The most famous galleries are Hakgojae Gallery, which functions as the center of folk art, Gana Art Gallery, which promotes many promising artists, and Gana Art Center.

The teahouses and restaurants are the perfect complement to the galleries. At first they might be hard to find, but if you take the time to stroll around the twisting alleyways, the window shopping in itself can be very entertaining. The shops in Insa-dong are very popular among all age groups, because each one is unique.

Every Saturday from 14:00 to 22:00 and Sunday from 10:00 to 22:00, the main street is blocked off from traffic and it becomes a cultural space. Stores set up booths outside and Korean candy merchants and fortune teller stalls can easily be found; there are traditional performances and exhibits as well. Insa-dong is especially popular among international tourists. This is where they can experience and see traditional Korean culture firsthand, and also purchase pieces of fine art. On the street you can eat Korean taffy and traditional pajeon (green onion pancake), and lose yourself in all the joyous festivities of the street.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Seoul K-Medi Center, 26, Yangnyeongjungang-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02570 South Korea
Seoul K-Medi Center, Experience K-medi-related health services including a thermomassage bed, K-medi natural facial pack with foot massage, herbal warmth foot bath and aroma therapy.

Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in Seoul, 4star hotel

Day 9: Seoul ➜ ICN airport for deparutre ✈

Stop At: Incheon International Airport, 272 Gonghang-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon, South Korea
Check out hotel and transfer to the airport
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.