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Remarkable Experiences. Extraordinary Value.
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PRIVATE 

Journey to

South Korea

4 Nights Featuring Seoul

This Journey has been curated specifically for private touring, combining the highlights of the region with enriching cultural experiences. Whether you are traveling solo, as a couple, or with a small group of friends, a private tour offers an intimate travel experience. An immersive experience awaits you on this Journey to South Korea, where ancient traditions harmoniously blend with modern marvels. Immerse yourself in vibrant markets like Tongin Market and stroll through traditional villages such as Namsangol Hanok Village, savoring the rich cultural tapestry and innovative spirit that defines Seoul. Engage in a hands-on cooking class to uncover the secrets of Korean cuisine, cruise the Han River for panoramic city views, and ascend Seoul N Tower for breathtaking vistas. This adventure promises a perfect fusion of history, culture, and modernity, leaving you with cherished memories of Seoul’s unique charm. Ask about pairing with your cruise!

Pricing Available Upon Request

Active pace with most days including a full-day tour. Be prepared to walk a couple miles per day while on full-day tours. Breakfast is always included at the hotel. Some additional meals will be included.
Itinerary

At a Glance

Private Tour, At Your Own Pace

The driver and guide are dedicated to you, and can adjust the pace of the tour to match your preferences. Wish to shop a little longer at the market? No problem. Prefer to head back to the hotel early? Let’s go. Guests who wish to make alterations to the itinerary prior to booking may also do so for a nominal fee.

Savor the Flavors of Korean Barbeque

Experience a traditional Korean barbecue for your farewell dinner, where you will enjoy an array of perfectly grilled marinated meats, crisp vegetables, and vibrant, mouth-watering flavors right at your table.

Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace

Discover the majestic beauty of Gyeongbokgung Palace, a historical gem in Seoul, where the grandeur of Korea's Joseon Dynasty comes to life amid stunning architecture and tranquil gardens.

Visit Namsangol Hanok Village

Experience a beautifully restored traditional Korean village, showcasing Joseon Dynasty lifestyle and architecture with preserved houses, seasonal cultural performances, and serene gardens against the backdrop of Namsan Mountain.

Daily Program

Day 1 – Arrive Seoul

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to the hotel.

Day 2 – Seoul

After breakfast, we will start our exploration of Seoul with a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace, known for its stunning architecture and expansive garden. There you will explore its grand halls and witness the traditional Royal Guard Changing Ceremony. Next, head to the Tongin Market, renowned for its diverse and delectable street food. There you can purchase traditional brass coins (Yeopjeong) which can be used to buy a variety of dishes from the numerous vendors lining the market’s narrow alleys and make your own lunch box with food from different stores. From savory tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) to crispy hotteok (sweet pancakes), Tongin Market offers a delightful culinary adventure that captures the essence of Korean street food culture.

In the afternoon you will visit Insadong street. As you stroll down this bustling pedestrian-friendly street, you’ll encounter an array of art galleries, antique shops, and quaint tea houses, each showcasing the rich heritage of Korean culture. Street vendors and boutiques offer unique souvenirs, from traditional hanbok clothing to handcrafted ceramics and calligraphy. We finish our visits at the Jogyesa temple, known for its beautiful architecture and tranquil ambiance. As the chief temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, it plays a vital role in the country’s spiritual and cultural life. The temple grounds are adorned with centuries-old trees and colorful lanterns, creating a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Note: Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed on Tuesdays

Day 3 – Seoul

After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, you are invited to discover Korean culture through a hands-on cooking class, learning traditional dishes with fresh, local ingredients. After watching the chef demonstrate, you will have the opportunity to cook the traditional Bulgogi and Japchae. At the end, we will settle at the table to enjoy the fruits of our labor!

Our day continues with an Herbal Medicine Footbath Experience at the K-Medi Center, an oriental medicine complex. Feel the healing of your body and mind by dipping your feet in warm water with seasonal medicinal herbs and enjoy some relaxation, before our drive to the Han River Park, a popular recreational area that offers a variety of activities and scenic views for both locals and tourists. The park is composed of multiple sections, each with its unique attractions and amenities, including walking and cycling paths, picnic areas, sports facilities, and playgrounds. You will have some time to observe and relax in your picnic blanket savoring a light snack. As the sun sets and the night unfolds, the vibrant city lights of Seoul begin to twinkle, casting a magical glow over the Han River, the perfect time for a night cruise.

Note: The Cooking Class and the Han River cruise are shared experiences. K-Medi Herb Center is closed on Mondays.

Day 4 – Seoul

Today, you will visit the National Museum of Korea, the largest museum in the country and a premier cultural institution. Explore diverse exhibits featuring ceramics, paintings, sculptures, and historic relics, each telling a unique story of Korea's cultural heritage. The museum's modern architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens provide a serene backdrop for a day of educational exploration and cultural enrichment.

Next, we will visit Namsangol Hanok Village, located at the base of Namsan Mountain in Seoul. This beautifully restored traditional Korean village offers visitors a glimpse into the lifestyle and architecture of the Joseon Dynasty. The village features meticulously preserved traditional Korean houses with authentic furnishings and decor, representing various social classes from that period. Seasonal cultural performances and ceremonies are often held, providing deeper insight into Korea’s rich heritage. The tranquil gardens and pavilions, set against the picturesque backdrop of Namsan Mountain, make Namsangol Hanok Village a serene and educational escape from the bustling city.

Afterward, take the cable car up to Seoul N Tower, also known as Namsan Tower, an iconic landmark offering panoramic views of Seoul from its observation decks. Enjoy the vistas and observe the tower’s love locks, where couples leave padlocks as symbols of their affection. In the evening, reflect on the memorable experiences of your visit to Seoul and the rich cultural experiences the city has unveiled as you enjoy a traditional Korean barbecue dinner.

Note: the National Museum of Korea is closed on Mondays.

Day 5 – Seoul

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for your return flight home, or to the cruise port for your cruise.

Note: Guests who wish to customize this itinerary may do so for an additional charge. Please see the Extensions section for optional extension options.

For meals not included in your land programs, all hotels chosen include a restaurant on property where you may relax and enjoy a meal. In addition, your guide is available to make suggestions on nearby dining, shopping or sightseeing.

Accommodations

Hotel options will be included in your quote. Please indicate your preference for a 4-star or 5-star hotel. Please note that in most major cities, 5-star properties are typically a few hundred dollars more per night. Although we contract for hotels a year or more in advance, unforeseen circumstances do occasionally require a change of hotel. Should it be necessary to change a hotel, one of equal quality or value will be substituted and you will receive confirmed hotel information with your final itinerary.

This Journey

4-night land program in South Korea

6 meals on tour (4 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 1 dinner)

Always Included

English-speaking Local Guide during land program

Guaranteed early hotel check-in on arrival day

Centrally located four- or five-star hotels (at guest's request)

More Information

What to Know Before You Go

Dates and Prices

This Private Journey to South Korea is typically priced between $3,299–$3,599 per person for two guests, based on double occupancy at 4-star hotels, depending on the departure date. International airfare is not included in the land quote; however, all guests on Private Journeys receive complimentary access to our Air Department for assistance with their airfare.

For questions regarding this Private Journey to South Korea or any of our Enrichment Journeys, please speak to a Personal Vacation Manager at 888-546-8617.

When you are ready to request a custom quote, Start Your Request Online, or speak to a Personal Vacation Manager. Requests for Private Journeys require a non-refundable deposit of $200, which will be applied toward the total cost of your land program. Guests who wish to make alterations to the itinerary may do so for an additional charge of $300. Once your request for a Private Journey has been accepted, a team member will contact you to review the next steps and to collect your deposit.

Each Private Journey will have its own deposit and cancellation terms, which will be specified in the quote. Quotes for Private Journeys are valid for 14 days. Final payment is typically 150 days prior to departure. Private Journeys will typically be fully refundable, minus the $200 non-refundable deposit and any additional charges for alterations, up until final payment; after final payment, the entire land package is non-refundable. Certain factors (such as the inclusion of airfare, local festivals or holidays, luxury properties, etc.) may necessitate a deviation from our standard policy and/or require a separate non-refundable deposit to be obtained at the time of booking.

All prices on our website and e-Journey Travel Guide are subject to change without notice. While we make every effort to provide you the most accurate and up-to-date information, occasionally, a trip or pricing category may be misprinted or unavailable at the time of booking. In the event of an incorrect price due to typographical, photographic, or technical error, or error in pricing information received from our suppliers, we retain the right to correct the price and to refuse or cancel any bookings placed at the incorrect price. In addition, all offers, prices, and conditions of sale may be subject to change without notice including tours, included features, highlights, minimum or maximum stays, itinerary, times in port, and/or other conditions/restrictions.

Physical Activity

This Journey should be considered active and includes a considerable amount of walking.

Enrichment Journeys will do everything in our power to ensure comfort through our third-party providers, including air-conditioned buses and comfortable accommodations where applicable. However, some areas cannot be accessed by coach, so our drivers will get you as close to sites as is legally allowed. Sensible, rubber-soled walking shoes are strongly recommended. Historical sites often do not have elevators, escalators, or ramps due to the age of the building/structure. Steps can be steep and uneven. Based on crowds and traffic, order of visits may be changed. You may have to walk a moderate distance to transfer to coach stations and airport terminals. Time spent on the road and traveling can be long, so you will need to be prepared for stretches of down time in between destinations.

Wheelchair access at many sites is limited. A fold-up wheelchair may be able to be stored on the bus but requires prior arrangements. Guests must be able to transfer from their chair to the transportation. Guides/drivers are not allowed to lift or push wheelchairs, so guests requiring physical assistance must travel with a companion who can assist. Motorized wheelchairs and scooters cannot be accommodated on this group program.

Airfare

International airfare is not included in the land quote. If you would like a separate quote for international airfare, please indicate that in your request.

Enrichment Journeys is committed to providing remarkable experiences at extraordinary value. As a result, airlines and routes are selected to maximize that value and may involve multiple stops and extended layovers versus non-stop or direct flights. Passengers wishing to utilize specific carriers, direct/non-stop flights, Business Class upgrades, or to extend their time in any of our beginning or ending destination cities may do so by contacting Enrichment Journeys and inquiring about the Custom Airfare Program. There is a $100 per person charge for this service, however this charge will be applied toward any flights or upgrades you choose to purchase. The $100 charge must be paid prior to receiving a custom air quote.

Passport and Visa Requirements

To travel internationally, you must have a passport in good condition, and it must be valid for at least 6 months after the last day of your trip. Visa requirements change frequently and for various reasons. As a result, our Personal Vacation Managers are not always able to provide visa information. The best way to obtain up-to-date information regarding visa requirements is to visit the official US government website for Americans traveling abroad, Travel.State.Gov (Canadian citizens should visit https://travel.gc.ca/, for all other countries please visit your government website or local embassy), which details specific information on the countries you would like to visit, including visa requirements. You may also use a third-party visa service, such as Expedited Travel. These services require an additional service fee but make the process of applying for a visa much simpler.

Customizing Your Journey

Guests who wish to make alterations to the itinerary may do so for a nominal fee.

To extend a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your Journey, please speak to a Personal Vacation Manager for assistance in making those arrangements.

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