Included in this offer :

• A stay of 13 nights in the hotels listed or similar
• Breakfast
• Flights departing from the city of your choice
• T-money card charged with 12 rides
• transfers listed in the programme during the tour
• Welcome and assistance at the airport
• Assistance available via WhatsApp throughout your stay from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

✆ Any questions?

NEED HELP FINALISING YOUR BOOKING?

020 3318 2660
Everyday from 8am-8pm (Local rates apply)

From Abroad +44 20 3318 2660 International call rate

SOUTH KOREA: BLENDING AUTHENTICITY AND MODERNITY

This 14-day, 13-night private tour of South Korea will plunge you into the heart of Korean traditions and natural wonders, such as Jeju-do Island. You'll discover a blend of traditional and modern culture, sea and mountains, cities and countryside. You'll appreciate the peaceful setting of Korean Buddhist temples: a real discovery!

**No activities are included in the package. The activities mentioned in the program are suggestions that will be included in the travel guide **

Your itinerary day by day:

Day 1: Arrival in Seoul

*day 2: First steps in the capital city** *Day 3: Arrival in Seoul

Day 3: Heading to Daejeon

*day 4: Discovering Gyeongju***

Day 5: Gyeongju

Day 6: Departure for Busan

**Day 7: Busan

Day 8: Head for Jeju

**Day 9: Jeju

**Day 10: Jeju

Day 11: Return to Seoul

Day 12: Seoul

Day 13: Seoul

Day 14: Return

Your detailed itinerary

DAY 1 l Arrival in Seoul

Arrival in Korea, meet wotjh your assistant and transfer to your accommodation by public transport using your T-money card. Check-in at your hotel and first foray into Seoul.

DAY 2 | Seoul

After breakfast, explore the city.

Tour recommendations:

- Gwanghwamun Square: Recently renovated, the historic heart of Seoul. Facing the royal palace of Gyeongbokgung, it is a must-see on any visit to Korea.

- Gyeongbokgung Palace (or Changdeokgung depending on opening days): The residence of the Joseon dynasty from 1395 to 1592, and again from 1867 to 1911, the Gyeongbokgung Palace is the perfect example of Korea's grandeur during its golden years.

- Stroll through Insadong and its charming boutiques. Famed for its stalls and tea rooms, Insadong was originally the place where artists came to stock up on traditional brushes and paper. Visitors and couples alike come here on weekend afternoons.

- Exploration of the **district of Ikseondong, and its traditional houses that have been preserved from destruction. Destined to become a housing development, the Ikseondong district owes its survival to the restoration of its small houses, which have become trendy boutiques and surprisingly well-designed cafés, and to the many restaurants where passers-by and employees of the neighbouring high-rise buildings come to eat.

- Cheonggyecheon River, the green channel of life running through the heart of Seoul. Cheonggyecheon has undergone gigantic works during its modern history. Originally a small river, it became a shanty town at the end of the Korean War. Completely destroyed, it was replaced by a suspended ring road in the 1970s before being restored to its semi-original form in a project that lasted almost 2 years and cost a whopping USD 300 million.

See out the day in the Myeongdong district, the vibrant heart of the city's shopping and street-food scene, then enjoy the night view from City Hall with its stunning glass and steel skylight.

Make your own arrangements for dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 3 | Seoul - Daejeon

Breakfast and departure for Daejeon by KTX train (approx. 1 hr 30 mins).

Transfer to your accommodation by local bus and luggage drop-off.

Departure for Buyeo by local bus (approx. 1 hr journey).

Walking tours in the middle of the Baekje kingdom (18BC - 660).

Suggested tours:

• Discovery of the Buseosanseong Fortress (UNESCO). A magnificent example of military construction under the Baekje dynasty, the fortress remains one of the centrepieces of Buyeo's heritage. The walls may have disappeared when the kingdom fell, but what is left is nonetheless impressive, and a stroll through what is now a park overlooking the River Geumgang is sure to delight you.
• Next, a visit to the Jeongnimsaji sanctuary (UNESCO). The remains include a flat-faced Buddha, and the sanctuary site is also home to a museum that goes into detail about the techniques used at the time to build architecture that is still impressive today.

- Gungnamji lotus pond: Legend has it that a prince of Buyeo seduced a princess of Silla here. Their love affair was forbidden by their parents for obvious political reasons, so the princess and the prince fled together to take refuge by this pond whose lotuses would bear immortal witness to their unconditional love.

Return to Daejeon at the end of the day. Make your own arrangements for dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 4 | Daejeon - Gyeongju

Breakfast and departure for Gyeongju by SRT train (approx. 1h journey).

Transfer to your accommodation by local bus and luggage drop-off.

Free time to explore the historic heart of Gyeongju.

Suggested tours:

- Daereungwon Tumuli Park (UNESCO). A collection of royal tombs and tombs of high dignitaries, the park includes the most famous tomb, that of the celestial horse. Virtually complete (unlike many other tombs that have been looted over the centuries), it provides an insight into funeral rites under the Silla dynasty (57 BC - 935), as well as uncovering fabulous artifacts, including a crown of pure gold and jade, and numerous items of royal ceremonial dress.

- Cheomseongdae Astronomical Observatory (UNESCO). A building that epitomizes the particularly impressive interest and development of science during the reign of Queen Seondeok, the observatory was used for astronomy and made it possible to map a large proportion of the stars visible to the naked eye.

- Remains of the Wolseong fortress, designed to protect the city of Gyeongju (otherwise known as Seo-ra-e-bol), which had a population of nearly 2 million at its peak.

- Small village of Kyochon : Resort of the Ryu family, which had a major influence on the code of conduct of nobles under the Joseon dynasty (the family is often compared to the Rothschild family for its particular rules and strong family cohesion).

- Wolyeonggyo reconstructed bridge: Best seen at night, this bridge, built 2 years ago, was the main access to the heart of the Silla dynasty capital.

Dinner and overnight stay in a traditional house.

DAY 5 | Gyeongju

Free day with tour recommendations provided (travel pack):

- Gyeongju National Museum: Built to protect the finds from the excavations begun in the 1970s, the museum has become one of the finest in Korea, with its dynamic, free-flowing exhibits and an impressive collection of objects found in the region.

- Seokguram Grotto and Seated Buddha (UNESCO). Considered the epitome of Buddhist art under the Silla dynasty, the Seated Buddha was found by sheer chance during logging operations by local residents. It is now protected by glass and a building, but first and foremost by celestial Apsara dancers and ancient warriors.

- Bulguksa Temple (UNESCO). A superb site with architecture that is found nowhere else in Korea, the temple contains many national treasures, including the 2 famous stupas in front of the central pavilion. Arranged according to the lay of the land, it remains one of the masterpieces of Buddhist art under the Silla Dynasty.

- Anapji Pond by night: Originally built to provide entertainment for the court and royal family, the pond was initially intended to have been much larger. However, it was never completed due to the fall of the dynasty. Best seen at night when it is illuminated, it transports visitors back to the past with its haunting atmosphere and magical lighting.

Dinner and overnight stay in a traditional house.

DAY 6 | Head for Busan

Departure for Busan by express bus (approx. 1 hr 15 journey).

Transfer by local transport to your accommodation.

Self-guided tours of Busan with recommendations in the travel pack:

- Jagalchi fish market, a must-see in Busan, with its stalls and aquariums of fresh fish and seafood. The atmosphere is always lively, with passers-by zigzagging between delivery people, sharp-tongued fishmongers and fishers returning from their fishing trips.

- Nampodong district: During the '70s and '80s, the district became a nerve centre for incoming international trade and foreign imports especially, and also played host to the Busan International Film Festival.

- The artistic village of Gamcheon: An unremarkable hamlet, Gamcheon first gained a reputation for taking in North Korean refugees during the Korean War. Then by covering itself with picturesque murals. This enabled it to survive the property crisis of the 1990s. Today, Gamcheon is a lively area, with cafés, shops and popular, picturesque alleyways.

- Evening stroll along Gwangalli beach, admiring the bridge of the same name. A meeting place for young people and families to enjoy the beach as well as the night view, the shellfish barbecues and a glass of wine by the sea.

Make your own arrangements for dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 7 | Busan

Breakfast and free day with tour recommendations in the travel pack:

- The artistic village of Huin-yeo-ul: Nestling on the slopes of Yeongdo Island, facing the Nampodong region, this village has earned itself the nickname of Korea's Cinque Terre. Its murals, sunny atmosphere and south-facing seafront combined with its location on a slope give it an extremely picturesque air.

- Haedong Yonggungsa Temple: Dating back to the 14th century but completely rebuilt in the 1930s, Haedong is one of the few temples by the sea. Its seafront layout and Maitreya Buddha are its most distinctive attractions.

- Walk along the Cheongsapo waterfront in Dalmaji with the monorail. Formerly a railway line, this path has become a focal point for its views and the peace and quiet it exudes. Its proximity to Haeundae creates a particularly impressive contrast, delighting kids and adults alike.

- Haeundae beach, with its seafront and hidden market. At the heart of the area's daytime and night-time activity, Haeundae is renowned for its beach (said to be the most packed in the region during the summer) and its bars, nightclubs, busking zones (areas on the seafront where artists come to perform free of charge and of their own volition), and its promenade, which is always buzzing with events, festivals, and other fun activities.

Make your own arrangements for dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 8 | Departure for Jeju

Departure for **Gimhae airport** and flight to Jeju on a local airline (45-minute flight).

Arrival in Jeju and transfer to your accommodation by local public transport (approx. 1 hr 15 journey time).

Drop off your luggage at your accommodation and start your free visits. Suggestions:

- Jungmun area with the Cheonjeyeon and Cheonjiyeon waterfalls: The Jungmun area features 2 waterfalls that are well worth a visit. Legend has it that nymphs come here to bathe on nights where the moon is full.

- Jungmun Beach: One of the island's most famous beaches, despite its modest size, it exudes an atmosphere that is unusual for this island: surrounded by cliffs of black volcanic rock, the beach is a holiday destination for families of bathers.

- Jusangjeolli Cliffs (UNESCO). Seen almost nowhere else in the world, these hexagonal pillars of volcanic stone were formed when magma crystallised on contact with the sea several million years ago.

- Yakcheonsa Temple: The main pavilion houses a huge Vairocana Buddha (almost 12 m high without the pedestal). It is also unique in that it faces the sea and has semi-tropical gardens.

Make your own arrangements for dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 9 | Jeju

Breakfast and self-guided tours with recommendations in the travel pack.

- Walk on the island of Udo, the island of the "reclining cow". A small island accessible only by ferry, you can enjoy walks and cycle rides here. Be sure to take in the view from the lighthouse! You'll also encounter Jeju horses here (small horses brought over and then abandoned by the Mongol invaders in the 16th century).

- Seongsan Ilchulbong rising sun peak (UNESCO). A unique example of a volcanic formation right in the middle of the coastline, the peak is also a great place to watch the sunrise (weather permitting).

- Seopjikoji Art Zone and Aquaplanet aquarium (Hanhwa Resort). Grouped together on the Seopjikoji peninsula, Tadao Ando's creations, including the famous Glasshouse and the famous Yumin Art Nouveau collection, have been incorporated into a stunning semi-volcanic landscape.

Make your own arrangements for dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 10 | Jeju

Breakfast and self-guided tours with recommendations in the travel pack.

- O'sulloc green tea fields: With several hectares of these valuable shrubs, the O'sulloc area also has all the infrastructure you need to discover the benefits of Jeju green tea.

- Jeju Spiritual Garden: A perfect example of Korean-style gardens, the Spiritual Garden is a place where you can reconnect with nature.

- The superb Hyeopjae Beach: Renowned for its fine white sand, the beach also has a quality arboretum nearby. Enjoy the sun, sea, and nature.

- Dongmun night market: A unique market with a flurry of activity after dark, it is best known for its many varieties of street food and its ever-expanding range of new delicacies.

Make your own arrangements for dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 11 | Jeju - return to Seoul

Breakfast and departure for the north of the island.

Suggested tours:

- Manjanggul lava tunnel (UNESCO). Carved out during the last period of tectonic activity on the island several hundred thousand years ago, the tunnel through which the magma flowed was filled by water and then air as the water level fell. The tour ends at the astonishing "elephant's foot", bearing witness to the area's volcanic past.

- Former Jeju prefecture, Mokkwanna: Built to represent central power under the Joseon dynasty, the prefecture is one of the few remaining old buildings to have been constructed and then preserved on the island.

Departure for the airport and flight to Seoul at the end of the day (approx. 1 hr flight).

Transfer to your accommodation by local public transport.

Make your own arrangements for dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 12 | Seoul

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day in the streets of Seoul.

Dinner and overnight at hotel.

DAY 13 | Seoul

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day in the streets of Seoul.

Dinner and overnight at hotel.

DAY 14 | Final day in Seoul and flight home

Free day.

Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to the airport by public transport and check-in before boarding.

Your Accommodation

During your tour you will stay for 13 nights in the four-star accommodation listed or similar:

Seoul: 4 nights at the Mercure Ambassador Seoul Hongdae (or similar)

Daejeon: 1 night at the LOTTE City Hotel Daejeon (or similar)

Gyeongju: 2 nights at the Traditional House (or similar)

Busan: 2 nights at the Crown Harbor Hotel (or similar)

Jeju: 3 nights at Heyy, seogwipo (or similar)

Your Accommodation

During your tour, you will enjoy breakfast on days 2 to 14, except when staying in the Traditional House in Gyeongju (day 5).

FORMALITIES FOR ENTERING AND STAYING IN THE COUNTRY

For short stays of fewer than 90 days, French nationals do not require a visa. They will also be granted a temporary exemption from K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation) from 1 April 2023 to 31 December 2024, as part of a plan to support the revival of tourism and the celebration of the "Visit Korea Year" (2023-2024). For more information: https://www.k-eta.go.kr/portal/apply/index.do

**A valid passport is required for entry into Korea ** 6 months of validity after the date of exit from the country is not required.

Before travelling to Korea, you should make sure that your passport is not torn, damaged or otherwise defective, otherwise you may be refused entry by the immigration authorities.

TRANSPORT / TRANSFERS

Transfers:

• The return airport/hotel transfer is by public transport (bus) with the help of your assistant.
• You have a T-Money card with a 12-trip top-up facility.
• Seoul - Daejeon (day 3 - approx. 1 hr 30 mins) and Daejeon - Gyeonju (day 4 - approx. 1 hr) by KTX (express train).
• Journey from Gyeonju to Busan (day 6) by express bus (approx. 1 hr 15 mins) and transfer to your accommodation by local transport.
• Busan - Jeju (day 8) from Gimhae airport (45-minute flight) and transfer to your accommodation by local public transport (journey time approx. 1 hr 15 mins).
• Jeju - Seoul (day 11) by plane (1 -hr flight) and transfer to your accommodation by local public transport.
• Transfer to Seoul airport (day 14) by public transport.

Please note: the Daejeon - Gongju - Daejeon intercity bus journey is not included. Tickets available on site.

Good to know

If you are travelling alone, you will be asked to pay a surcharge for a single room. This additional charge will be automatically included in your quote.

Child rates will be applied for children from 2 to 12 years old in the case where the child shares the room with two adults. If the child is travelling with just one adult, the surcharge may be applied on an adult basis. If your child or children do not fit into the age group mentioned above, the rate will be communicated to you at the time of processing your order. If the room is equipped with a bunk bed, the bed height is not suitable for children under 6 years of age.

For safety reasons, the wellbeing facilities of most establishments are not accessible to children under 16 years old. Similarly, it is possible that some amenities or services require an additional charge or are unavailable for exceptional reasons.

Unless otherwise stated in the service description, activities and any additional services available at destination, are provided in the language of the destination country and in English.

The opening times and hours of the activities, restaurants and bars are provided as an indication only and may be subject to change. Contact the reception desk in order to be informed of any changes.

Appropriate dress is required. We remind you that gambling may involve risks of isolation, indebtedness, and dependency...

Any additional special requirements the traveller may request which are not included in the travel service description will be communicated to our service provider. Sending this information does not imply acceptance and PerfectStay.com cannot be held responsible for the fulfilment of these special requests. Only the service provider of PerfectStay.com can access this request on location and any additional costs may be paid locally by the traveller.

Unless expressly stated in the description of the services and accommodation, the hotel is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

Transportation

Choose an offer and, according to your preferences, opt for a seat in economy, business or first class.

See the 'View flight info' section for details on each trip.

In order to best organise your time in the airport, we advise that you arrive 2 hours before boarding for a medium-haul flight, or 3 hours before boarding for a long-haul flight (more than 5 hours). Take advantage of your early arrival to pass through security and check your luggage.

You will be informed whether or not luggage is included at the time of your booking.

You will have the opportunity to add additional luggage for a fee.

There are several different cities that are typically offered as departure points. Your arrival destination will show in your travel documents.

Depending on the flight schedule, some arrivals or returns may be made at night with early arrival or late departure. You will not always be able to have your room available immediately and will need to refer to the check-in and check-out conditions of the hotel.

In the event that your transfer is not included in your hotel reservation, it may be offered at the time of your reservation as an additional option. Unless specifically mentioned, transfers may be made in groups of 15 to 55 people.

Important: the modification or the cancellation of a booking is only possible within the limits and including the fees outlined in our general conditions of sale.

Thank you for kindly taking note of the CO2 emissions produced by your means of transport: http://eco-calculateur.aviation-civile.gouv.fr

Formalities

VACCINE




VISA




IDENTITY

Travel documents

Once your reservation has been made, you will receive a confirmation e-mail before your travel documents are sent.

Regarding the transport documents (in the case of a reservation with transport included), we will provide you with all the information relating to check-in and luggage in the "Your travel documents" email, allowing you to leave with peace of mind.

To take advantage of all your reserved services (hotels, transfers, activities, etc.), you will receive one or more exchange vouchers to be presented to each supplier.

The contact details of the establishment will be specified in these documents, to help make your arrival at your destination as straight-forward as possible.

✆ Any questions?

NEED HELP FINALISING YOUR BOOKING?

020 3318 2660
Everyday from 8am-8pm (Local rates apply)

From Abroad +44 20 3318 2660 International call rate