South Korea Cherry Blossom Festival

Welcome to Seoul and the start of your spring cherry blossom adventure. On arrival, make your own way to the hotel for check in. The rest of the day is free for you to head out and explore.

Today we enjoy a full day of included sightseeing in the South Korean capital. Departing from the hotel lobby, we head first to a local hanbok shop to try on the traditional clothing of the Korean people. Next, we head to the iconic Gyeongbokgung Palace, which served as the primary royal residence during the Joseon Dynasty. Watch the changing of the guard ceremony here and admire the surrounding cherry blossom, before we visit the National Folklore Museum, located on the grounds of the palace.

After returning our outfits to the shop, we continue on to Tongin Market, a unique traditional market where you can exchange brass coins for a variety of local dishes and snacks. We then explore the charming Seochon neighbourhood, known for its narrow streets, historic hanok houses and artistic atmosphere.

There’s also time to browse the shops and stalls along Insadong Street, famous for its traditional crafts, antiques and tea houses. Afterwards, we return to the hotel, with the rest of the evening at leisure.

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Check out of the hotel this morning and transfer to the train station. On arrival, we head straight to the Royal Tumuli Park, where grassy burial mounds rise gently from the landscape, marking the resting places of Silla kings and nobles. We stop at Cheonmachong Tomb, one of the few tombs open to the public, offering insight into the burial practices and craftsmanship of the Silla Kingdom.

We then continue to the UNESCO-listed Bulguksa Temple, where elements of the original architecture dating back to 774 AD can still be seen today.

After a day of sightseeing, we head to the laid-back coastal city of Busan.

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We begin today's sightseeing at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, located along Busan's spectacular shoreline. Here, you'll enjoy beautiful ocean views and a calming atmosphere.

Afterwards, we head to the Jagalchi Fish Market and the Gukje Market, two of the largest traditional markets in all of South Korea. If you like fresh seafood, then these are great places to enjoy lunch.

In the afternoon, we visit Gamcheon Culture Village, which was set up by refugees displaced during the Korean War. The rest of the evening is at leisure.

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Today, we join the Jinhae Blossom Festival, Korea’s most famous spring event. The city is transformed into a breathtaking sea of soft pink as cherry blossom trees line the streets.

Stroll along the picturesque Yeojwacheon Stream, wander through the iconic Gyeonghwa Station cherry blossom tunnel, and enjoy festive performances, local food stalls, and cultural displays that celebrate the arrival of spring. The combination of vibrant blooms, historic streets and lively festival atmosphere makes this a truly unforgettable experience.

After the festival, we transfer to the train station and head to Seoul, taking with us memories of one of Korea’s most spectacular seasonal events.

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This morning, we meet with a North Korean defector, who shares personal insights into life in North Korea and their journey to the South. We then travel to Imjingak Park for a guided DMZ tour, visiting key sites including the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel and Dorasan Station, which symbolise hope for future reunification.

On the way back to Seoul, we stop by the lively Hongdae district, known for its youthful energy, street performances and eclectic cafés, before returning to the hotel for your final night in the city.

Please note: In the event the DMZ tour is cancelled, we instead take a ride on the DMZ Gondola, offering views across the border area, and visit the Camp Greaves Exhibition, a former U.S. military base now transformed into a cultural and historical exhibition space.

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After a final breakfast and hotel check out, make your own way to the airport or contact us to book a departure transfer. Safe travels!

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B= Breakfast