ESSENCE OF SOUTH KOREA - 7 days

DAY 1: ARRIVE SEOUL
Upon arrival in Seoul, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for a three-night stay.

DAY 2: SEOUL
Today's full day orientation tour includes Changdeok Palace, Gyeongbok Palace, the National Museum, South Gate market, and a leisurely stroll through the narrow streets of Insadong Alley, well known for its antiques and art galleries. (B)

DAY 3: SEOUL
An excursion outside of the city takes you to Korean Folk Village, a living museum that recreates traditional lifestyles including blacksmiths, weavers, and other artisans. The evening features a lavish Korean dinner followed by a performance of classical and folk dancing at Korea House, previously a private home and built in traditional style. (B,D)

DAY 4: SEOUL - ANDONG - GYEONGJU
Drive to Gyeongju, stopping en route at Andong Hahoe Village. Andong is one of the last living vestiges of old Korea, a treasure trove of Confucian tradition, and the small village of Hahoe embraces a charming blend of thatched-roof homes and tiled-roof yangban villas. Once the cradle of Shilla civilization during Korea's golden age from 668 to 935 AD, Gyeongju is today an open-air treasury of ancient relics and architectural wonders. (B)

DAY 5: GYEONGJU
A full day of private touring begins with a visit to the treasured Bulguksa Buddhist Temple. Other highlights include the Gyeongju National Museum; the World Heritage-listed Seokguram Grotto, which houses the most beautiful of all Korean Buddha images; Cheomseongdae Observatory; and other important historical sites. (B)

DAY 6: GYEONGJU - DAEGU - SEOUL
Return to Seoul via Daegu, home of the impressive Haeinsa Temple. Established in the year 802, this World Heritage-listed site is the depository for the Tripitaka Koreana, a set of over 80,000 wooden printing blocks engraved with one of Asia's most comprehensive compilations of Buddhist scriptures. Spend the overnight in Seoul. (B)

DAY 7: DEPART SEOUL
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board your onward flight from Korea. (B)