South Korea

The Secrets of the Orient

Price

2,700 USD

Duration

8 Days

Level

moderate

Date

October 20, 2023

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Overview Itinerary Details What’s Included Get Inspired

8 days

2,700 USD / 825 KWD / 9,965 AED / 10,250 SAR

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Overview

South Korea is known for its bustling, high-tech metropolitan areas as well as its subtropical islands and green countryside, dotted with cherry trees, centuries-old Buddhist temples, and coastal fishing villages.

With this itinerary, we offer you the opportunity to discover the diverse faces of the country, getting a glimpse of both cosmopolitan Seoul and the stunning landscapes of Jeju Island. Prepare to walk on ancient paths, sipping the renowned green tea of the Orient, while uncovering the secrets of a 5000-years-old civilization. The Koreans themselves, known for their friendly disposition, creativity, and tenacity, will amaze you and will turn this trip into an unforgettable experience.

Trip Highlights:
Get ready to:

Explore Seoul on foot, spending time in the city’s most famous corners, including the old palaces as well as art galleries, teahouses, traditional restaurants, modern towers, and malls full of designers’ brands.
Spend time in the picturesque town of Jeju Island.
Enjoy kayaking at the Gwakji Gwamul beach.
Learn fascinating details about the Korean tea tradition while visiting the O’Sulloc Green Tea plantation and museum.
Go on a leisurely horse-riding adventure.
Hike to the top of SeongsanIlchulbong: a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.
Explore the Manjang Cave which is part of the longest lava tube system in the world.
Hike on Mt. Hallasan and enjoy magnificent panoramic views.

Share this trip:

Activities: caving, cultural sightseeing, hiking/trekking, horse riding, rafting/kayaking

Itinerary Details

Day 1 (20th October 2023): Arrival in Seoul (D)

Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be welcomed by a Rahhalah representative and will be transferred to your hotel in the city.

Note: One group airport transfer is included in the price. Additional transports can be arranged at an extra cost.

Enjoy the rest of the day exploring Seoul at your own pace. In the evening, the group will reassemble for a Welcome Dinner.

Accommodation in Seoul: Fraser Place Namdaemun or similar

Day 2 (21st October 2023): Exploring Seoul (B)

After breakfast, you will embark on a walking city tour around Seoul, visiting some of its most notable highlights.

Gyeongbokgung Palace
Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace is also known as the Northern Palace, as opposed to the neighboring Changdeokgung (Eastern Palace) and Gyeonghuigung (Western Palace).
Gyeongbokgung Palace is arguably the most beautiful and the largest of all. The premises were once destroyed by fire during the Imjin War (Japanese Invasions, 1592-1598). However, all buildings were later restored under the leadership of Heungseondaewongun during the reign of King Gojong (1852-1919). The Gyeonghoeru Pavilion and the Hyangwonjeong Pond (the most representative edifices of the Joseon Dynasty) have remained relatively intact. Woldae and the sculptures of Geunjeongjeon (The Royal Audience Chamber) represent past sculptures of contemporary art.

Insa-dong
Insa-dong is a district in the heart of the city where old but precious and traditional goods are on display. It consists of one main road with alleys on each side. Within these alleys, there are galleries, traditional restaurants, teahouses, and cafes.
The galleries are the heartbeat of Insa-dong. There are about 100 of them in the area, offering to the visitor the opportunity to admire various examples of traditional Korean art, from paintings to sculptures. The most famous galleries are the Hakgojae Gallery, which functions as the center of folk art; the Gana Art Gallery, which promotes many promising artists; and the Gana Art Center.
Many teahouses and restaurants complement perfectly the artistic ambience of the district. Spend time strolling through the winding alleys, enjoying some window-shopping along the way, and discovering the hidden gems of the neighborhood.

Bukchon Hanok Village
Bukchon Hanok Village is a Korean traditional village in Seoul with a long history, located on the top of a hill between Gyeongbok Palace, Changdeok Palace and Jongmyo Royal Shrine. The traditional village is composed of many alleys and hanok and is preserved to demonstrate a 600-year-old urban environment.

N Seoul tower
The Namsan Seoul Tower was the first tower-type touristic spot in Korea. Its peak is almost 480 meters above sea level, including the height of the Namsan Mountain (243m) on which it stands, and the tower’s height (236.7m) as well. This makes it one of the tallest towers in Asia. The complex includes the Seoul Tower Plaza, which only recently opened to the public, and the N Seoul Tower, which is operated by CJ Foodville since 2005. The edifice was first established as a broadcasting (TV and radio) tower in 1969. Today, it has become one of the most well-known landmarks and multi-cultural venues of Seoul.

Accommodation in Seoul: Fraser Place Namdaemun or similar

Day 3 (22nd October 2023): Transfer to Jeju – Walking on the Aewol Handam trail – Sea Kayaking – Green Tea Museum (B)

After breakfast, you will head to Gimpo Airport to board the domestic flight to Jeju Island (flight duration: 1 hour).

Upon your arrival in Jeju, you will be welcomed by your local guide who will introduce you to the secrets of the island.

You will begin with the Aewol Handam coastal trail (1.2km/one way): a popular walking trail along the coast which connects the trendy northwestern town of Aewol, full of cafes and restaurants, with Gwakji Gwamul Beach: one of the most favorite beaches in the region. There, you will enjoy 1 hour of sea kayaking.

Afterwards, you will visit the O’Sulloc Green Tea Museum, where you will learn details about the traditional tea culture of Korea and its famous green tea.

O’Sulloc opened in 2001 and is located at the entrance of the Seogwang Tea Garden. The building itself looks like a green teacup, and is a place of culture, where tradition blends with the modern era and the East meets the West.

Late in the afternoon, you will head to your hotel to rest for the day.

Accommodation in Jeju: Ocean suites Jeju or similar

Day 4 (23rd October 2023): Horse riding – Hiking on Yongnuni Oreum and SeongsanIlchulbong – Exploring the Manjang Cave (B)

After the shopping frenzy and the modern ambience of Seoul, prepare to reconnect with nature, engaging in a series of exciting activities. Today’s agenda includes a leisurely horse-riding tour (30 mins), brief hikes along the Yongnuni Oreum Trek (around 60min-round trip) and on SeongsanIlchulbong (another 60 mins), plus an exploration of the Manjang Cave.

After your morning horse-riding tour, you will continue with Yongnuni Oreum (literally meaning 'Dragon Eye Mountain'), which located on the east of Jeju Island. The trail leading to the top is relatively straightforward and gentle, while, once you reach the peak, you can enjoy marvellous views of 'Seongsan Ilchulbong' and the southern sea.

Later, you will visit SeongsanIlchulbong – also known as the “Sunrise Cliff” – where you will hike (1 hour) to the peak (180m altitude). SeongsanIlchulbong is an archetypal tuff cone resembling a gigantic ancient castle and was formed by hydrovolcanic eruptions upon a shallow seabed about 5,000 years ago. It has a preserved bowl-like crater and displays diverse inner structures created from the sea cliff. Its overall geological value makes it a rare natural monument in the area and, as such, it has been recognized as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, regarded as one of the most scenic destinations in Korea.

Today’s exploration will finish at the Manjang Cave. Manjang Gul is part of the longest lava tube system in the world, measuring 13,422 m in length. The main cave, Manjang (8,928m), the Kimnyeong Snake Cave (705m), and three lesser-known caves Jwolgul, Batgul and Gaewusaegul (3,738m) are all part of this single cave system. This mysterious lava tube ranges from 2 to 30m in height and 2 to 23m in width.

Accommodation in Jeju: Ocean suites Jeju or similar

Day 5 (24th October 2023): Hiking on Hallasan Mountain (B)

Today you will hike part of the Seongsan Trail on Mt. Hallasan. ( 4-5 Hours)

Hiking details: 4-5 hours.
Level: Moderate

Accommodation in Jeju: Ocean suites Jeju or similar

Day 6 (25th October 2023): Flight from Jeju to Seoul (B)

In the morning, enjoy your last hours in Jeju, before checking out from the hotel and heading to the airport for your flight back to Seoul (duration of flight: 1 hour).

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel to enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Accommodation in Seoul: Fraser Place Namdaemun or similar

Day 7 (26th October 2023): Free day in Seoul (B)

Enjoy an extra day of leisure in Seoul, exploring the city and its shopping areas.

Accommodation in Seoul: Fraser Place Namdaemun or similar

Day 8 (27th October 2023): Departure from Seoul (B)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home.

Note: One group airport transfer is included in the price. Additional transports can be arranged at an extra cost.

Notes

This cost is based on Double Occupancy. Single Supplement cost is 920 USD per person.
All services stipulated above are subject to availability at the time of booking/reservation. All prices are subject to change.
All accommodation is subject to change to a similar one depending on availability.
The above cost is valid for a group of min 4 travelers. Rahhalah reserves the right to change the price if the trip runs with a smaller group.

The Price Includes:

Group airport transfers upon arrival and departure.
Transport as per the itinerary.
Domestic airfare Seoul – Jeju - Seoul.
English-speaking guide.
7 nights’ accommodation as described or similar based on double occupancy.
Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B, L, D).
Activities as described.

The Price Excludes:

International Airfare.
Visa and visa fees.
Medical and travel insurance.
Single supplement.
Meals not included in the itinerary.
Extra meals/snacks/beverages.
Personal expenses: phone, fax, bar, beverages, alcohol, etc.
Activities not described/Optional activities.
Tips and Gratuities.
PCR test and quarantine expenses, if needed.

Important: The itinerary and schedule are subject to change due to weather, road challenges or operating conditions. At any moment, the guide has the RIGHT to change the program for the safety and convenience of the travelers.

Also, the trip's price does not cover expenses that may occur due to conditions beyond Rahhalah's control (force majeure). Such cases include but are not limited to extreme weather conditions, flight cancellations or delays, and natural phenomena (earthquakes, volcano eruptions, hurricanes, etc.). We, the Rahhalah team, both in our HQ and on the ground, will do our best to assist you with alternative arrangements (like new accommodation and/or transportation arrangements, revised itinerary and activities etc.), but ALL NEW COSTS incurred because of force majeure are to be covered by the traveler.

We strongly recommend that, before your departure, you purchase travel insurance that covers trip cancellation costs, loss of baggage or personal items, medical emergencies, and other unexpected circumstances that cannot be controlled by Rahhalah or any traveler.

South Korea

The Secrets of the Orient

Price

2,700 USD

Duration

8 Days

Level

moderate

Date

October 20, 2023

8 days

2,700 USD / 825 KWD / 9,965 AED / 10,250 SAR

Overview

Itinerary Details

Notes

The Price Includes:

The Price Excludes:

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