Highlights of South Korea Tour Itinerary

Highlights of South Korea Tour Itinerary
REF: ASK1
VERSION: 3

Duration:	7 days - Seoul to Seoul
Countries Visited:	Republic of Korea
Age Guide:	18-65 years
Max Group Size:	16
Transport:	Private Vehicle, Train, On Foot
Accommodation:	Hotels (6 Nights)
What's Included:	6 Breakfasts - All Activities and Entrance Fees as per Itinerary - Escorted Tour - English Speaking Local Tour Guide - City Tours – Seoul, Gyeongju, Busan - Kimchi Cooking Class - Bullet Train from Busan to Seoul
Local Payment:	NO LOCAL PAYMENT
Highlights:	South Korea - Seoul - Gyeongbokgung Palace - National Folk Museum - Kimchi Cooking Class - N Seoul Tower - Namdaemun Market - Gyeongju - Tumuli Park - Cheomseongdae Observatory - Anapji Pond - Gyeongju National Museum - UNESCO Seokguram Grotto - UNESCO Bulguksa Temple - Yangdong Folk Village - Busan - Busan Tower - Jagalchi Fish Market - Haeundae Beach - Nurimaru APEC House - Yonggungsa Temple - UNESCO Suwon Hwaseong Fortress - Korean Folk Village - Itaewon Street Markets
Optional Highlights:	No optional highlights
Meeting Point:	Best Western New Seoul Hotel #29-1, Tyaepyeongno 1-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea Tel: +82 2 735 8800
Introduction:	This fascinating seven day tour is the perfect way to enjoy the highlights of South Korea. We start in the capital city of Seoul, where we visit the majestic Gyeongbokgung Palace and other must see sights of the city including Namdaemun Market. A stay in Seoul would be incomplete without learning how to make Korea’s famous dish, ‘Kimchi’. We then travel to Gyeongju, known as the “Museum Without Walls” due its wealth of historical buildings, temples and artifacts. We explore many of these treasures, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Seokguram Grotto, Tumuli Park, a collection of royal Silla tombs, and Cheomseongdae Observatory, one of the world's earliest known existing observatories. Our journey continues to the port city of Busan, where we experience panoramic views over the city at Busan Tower. We then take in the sights and sounds of the Jagalchi Fish Market and Haeundae Beach along with other highlights of the city, before hopping on the Bullet Train to Seoul. Next we travel to Suwon and explore another of Korea’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, Hwaseong Fortress. We also tour the Korean Folk Village and then return to Seoul where we can shop at the markets of Itaewon Street for souvenirs to take home.
Day 1:	Seoul. Today is a joining day. There is no set itinerary planned, so if you arrive early, you are free to explore Seoul. There is so much to see and do in this intriguing city, you can visit museums and palaces, shop at one of the many markets or department stores or even spend the day at Lotte World Theme Park. At 6pm, we will meet in the lobby of the hotel for a pre departure meeting with our guide and our fellow travellers. Following the meeting you are free to check out one Seoul's many Korean restaurants for dinner.
Day 2:	Seoul. After breakfast, we begin our full day tour of Seoul exploring the impressive Gyeongbokgung Palace. Built in 1394, this palace is the oldest and considered the grandest of those built in the Joseon Dynasty and was the primary residence of the Royal Family. While here we visit the National Folk Museum, which showcases the contrasting lifestyle of the Korean people from the pre-historic age to the Joseon Dynasty. Next we learn how to make the famous Korean dish, Kimchi. This pickled vegetable side dish is served at almost every Korean meal and is known to have many health benefits. We then take in the 360-degree views over Seoul at N Seoul Tower followed by shopping at Namdaemun Market. This market is one of the oldest in Seoul and is a wonderful mix of traditional open-air market stalls with modern shopping centres. (B)
Day 3:	Seoul - Gyeongju. Today after breakfast we drive to the ancient capital city, Gyeongju, known as the "Museum Without Walls". We begin our afternoon tour exploring Tumuli Park, where we can view a vast collection of royal Silla tombs from the Pre-unification Era. Next we visit the Cheomseongdae Observatory, one of the world's earliest known existing observatories and then stroll through the grounds of Anapji Pond where the Silla royal family entertained important guests went to relax and unwind. We then explore the Gyeongju National Museum which houses many historical artifacts from the Silla Kingdom (57BC - 935AD). Items on display include gold crowns, pottery, stone sculptures and the Divine Bell of King Seongdeok the Great. This legendary bronze bell, also known as the Emille Bell, weighs 25 ton and stands 11 feet high, making it one of Asia's largest bells. (B)
Day 4:	Gyeongju - Busan. After breakfast we continue our tour of Gyeongju starting at Seokguram Grotto. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, Seokguram Grotto is considered one of the world's finest shrines of Buddha. Next we visit Bulguksa Temple, also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Originally built in AD535, this temple is a true testament to the skill of the Silla architects and the depth of the Buddhist faith. We then explore Yangdong Folk Village, a unique site preserving the traditional culture of the Joseon era before driving to Busan, Korea's largest port city where we will overnight. (B)
Day 5:	Busan - Seoul. Today we tour Busan starting at the Busan Tower where we can enjoy panoramic views over the city. We then experience the sights and sounds of the Jagalchi Fish Market, Korea's largest seafood market and Haeundae Beach, regarded as one of the best beaches in the world due it's beautiful coast line, white sands, hot spring, and five star hotels. Next we visit Nurimaru APEC House, a modern building designed in a traditional Korean architectural style. Its roof shape symbolizes the ridgeline of beautiful Dongbaekseom Island on which it stands. Our last stop in Busan is the beautiful Yonggungsa Temple, built in 1376 and located on a rock overlooking the ocean. Here we can enjoy breathtaking sea views and the peaceful sounds of ocean waves and Bhuddist chants before boarding the Bullet Train to Seoul. (B)
Day 6:	Seoul. After breakfast we drive south of Seoul to the city of Suwon. Here we explore the Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site, built over two years from 1794 to 1796 by King Jeongjo to honour his father. The fortress wall is over 5km long and surrounds most of central Suwon. When then visit the Korean Folk Village, where we can travel back in time and experience the life of the Korean people from several centuries ago. This village is an open-air museum with houses from different social classes and regions, a street market, restaurants, workshops displaying traditional crafts along with performances of traditional dances, ceremonies and other activities In the afternoon we return to Seoul for some shopping at the markets of Itaewon Street. Here we can find many goods on offer such as clothes, bags, shoes, and even gifts and souvenirs to take home to remember our time in Korea. (B)
Day 7:	Seoul. The tour finishes after breakfast. (B) Please note - you may wish to book an additional night in Seoul to give you time to see more of the sights of this city.
Finishing Hotel:	Best Western New Seoul Hotel #29-1, Tyaepyeongno 1-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea Tel: +82 2 735 8800
Please Note:	Please be aware that arrival times and the itinerary may change due to unforeseen delays or events such as festivals and public holidays. However, we shall endeavour to ensure all sites are visited and that your tour runs as smoothly as possible. Be flexible, you will enjoy your tour much more. Kumuka makes a point of visiting the indigenous populations of each country you visit, in order to give a true reflection of the country; please treat the local people and their customs with respect. This itinerary will be followed as closely as possible. However there may be times when it is necessary to change the route according to local conditions. There will be times travelling long hours as there will be days where we have to cover great distances. Weather patterns can change dramatically - high altitudes tend to be a lot cooler. You are free not to participate in any of the included excursions. However, please note that there will be no refund for any excursions not taken. Lastly, your tour leader is always conscious of everybody's views, but sometimes he/she will have to make an unpopular decision and your understanding will be appreciated in these circumstances.
What's Not Included:	All optional excursions and meals unless otherwise stated in the itinerary, drinks, visas, tipping, pre-tour and post-tour accommodation.

Pre Departure Information Follows


Pre Departure Meeting:	The Pre-Departure meeting is held at 6pm THE DAY of the scheduled departure date. The pre-departure meeting is held to discuss the tour itinerary in more detail, meet your crew and fellow passengers. In each departure city we have named a joining hotel from where the tour will leave. It is your responsibility to make your way to this hotel. Your Tour Leader will leave a notice at reception on the first day of departure with information as to where he/she can be contacted and you should inform him/her that you have arrived. PLEASE ADVISE KUMUKA OR YOUR AGENT IF YOU WILL BE ARRIVING LATE AND ARE THEREFORE UNABLE TO ATTEND THE PRE-DEPARTURE MEETING. In addition the crew will check that all passengers have the necessary travel documents, insurance and immunization certificates for the tour. It is IMPORTANT that you attend this meeting. Please advise KUMUKA or your AGENT if you CANNOT attend this meeting. All passengers MUST bring: 1. Passport. 2. Vaccination Certificate. 3. Travel Voucher. 4. Travel Insurance Policy. In most of the hotels in Asia you may be required to deposit your passport at Reception. This is a perfectly normal practice and nothing to be concerned about. Just make sure that you retrieve it before when you check out of the hotel.
Insurance:	Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment, repatriation, etc. Also, be aware that many activities such as trekking, bungy jumping or white water rafting may not be covered on your insurance policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original. If you have not already arranged your own travel insurance then Kumuka can do this for you. Please visit http://www.kumuka.com/Travel-Insurance.aspx for more details or contact your nearest Kumuka office. Please Note: You will not be permitted to join a Kumuka Tour without travel insurance.
Passport:	Your passport is a valuable document and you should exercise extreme care in keeping it safe. We recommend that you keep your passport on you at all times, preferably in a money belt that is worn under your clothing. We advise that you take copies of relevant pages in your passport and any visas that you may purchase in case of loss or damage. Your tour leader will require your passport details at the pre-departure meeting. Again, we recommend that you have a photocopy of all passport details, kept separate. Your passport must be valid for six months after the END of your tour, and must have one blank page for each country to be visited.
Visa Requirements:	It is important that you obtain the appropriate visas before you embark on your Asia trip. Country entry regulations change daily, www.kumuka.com provides you with visa information. Please consult the relevant embassy for all details such as opening hours or costs. Certain visas cannot be obtained once you have started your tour, and during the peak summer months it can take longer than normal to get visas, please allow extra time to do this. EACH CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY VISAS BEFORE JOINING A TOUR. Kumuka does not accept responsibility for changes in regulations or requirements for visas. The information provided is given in good faith.
Departure Tax:	All non-Koreans leaving by air are subject to a W10,000 Departure Tax at the airport and W17,000 Passenger Service Charge. The fees are often included in the ticket price. Please note that these taxes are subject to change.
Medical Information and Vaccination:	Vaccinations: No vaccinations are compulsory in Asia, but we do recommend you are covered for diphtheria & TB, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, malaria, typhoid, polio and tetanus. NB A Yellow fever certificate is required if arriving from infected areas. Vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure. You may need additional inoculations so please contact your G.P or a travel medical centre for further information. Please consult your doctor for up-to-date information and prescriptions for vaccinations, anti-malarial requirements and any reasonably foreseeable illnesses whilst travelling in Asia. We also recommend: - A dental check-up prior to travelling. - That you know your blood group in case of emergency. - That if you have any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader and your agent/Kumuka at the time of your booking. You can also visit www.kumuka.com for further details. Medical Supplies: We advise that all passengers bring along their own personal first aid kit. Below is a list of some recommended items: Band Aids/Bandages, Laxatives, Upset stomach remedy, Anti-diarrhoea remedy, Panadol/Aspirin, Rehydration remedy, Antiseptic cream/powder, Sterile dressing, Any relevant course of medication such as contraceptive pills. A complete Travellers Medical Pack can be purchased for approximately US$25 at most Vaccination Centres, Chemists and outdoor travel shops.
Climate Information:	For detailed climate information see www.kumuka.com Rainy Season - The Rainy Season usually begins around the end of June and lasts until mid to late July. Sudden downpours of heavy rain fall throughout the day, so always carry an umbrella and rain jacket. Temperatures are warm so dress lightly. Four distinct seasons calls for careful planning before you pack! Summer: June to August are generally South Korea's hottest months, with high humidity and temperatures up to 25 - 30° C. The southern areas are usually warmer than the north. Autumn: The leaves begin changing colour to vivid golds and vibrant reds at around the end of September and continue until late November. During this time the weather is warm, clear and dry during the day and cooler at night, making this one of the most pleasant times of the year to visit South Korea. Spring: In late March or early April flowers begin to blossom everywhere and trees burst into leafy splendour marking the beginning of Spring, The days are warm and the nights cool so you will still need a jacket until late March/early April. Winter: The severity of weather during December, January and February depends on the latitude. Winter is generally crisp and fresh with frosty mornings that clear with the rising sun and occasional snow depending on location. Warm clothing is recommended although most buildings and public transport is heated, so layers are recommended. You’ll want sweaters, warm jackets and gloves, especially if you’re going to a snowy area. Travel Tip: Always bring a lightweight, waterproof jacket and/or an umbrella even during the height of summer - this should prepare you for anything!
Security:	Do not take unnecessary valuables with you. A money belt, or something similar, worn close to your body is the best way to carry passports, airline tickets and money. DO NOT leave any valuables in ANY hotel room in Asia, please use SAFETY DEPOSIT BOXES. Items are left at the individuals’ risk. Pickpockets operate everywhere, particularly in tourist areas and in crowded markets; you must always exercise care. Be aware that anything left lying around will also be liable to theft.
Books and Reading Material:	You might like to read up on the destinations that you are about to visit as these cities all have interesting sites and histories. We recommend a variety of guidebooks such as Lonely Planet, The Rough Guide and Insight Guides. All these publications have good general information as well as more specific country information that will help orientate you in the countries you visit.
Money:	We suggest passengers budget for between US$75-100 per day for personal expenses, souvenirs, evenings out, alcoholic drinks etc. There will be some days when you spend nothing at all and others when you exceed your budget. South Korea is very much a cash society. Although credit cards are becoming more widely accepted, even in major cities you will still find that most transactions are settled in cash. On arrival it is a good idea to be carrying enough local currency to cover your immediate needs. Foreign currency is not accepted by most South Korean businesses, and unless you are carrying US dollars, you may find it difficult to exchange foreign notes for won. City banks usually offer foreign exchange services (look for a ‘Foreign Exchange’ or currency sign), although this process can take some time. Some tourist shops and hotels may also exchange money, however it is alwasy best to compare their rates and commissions with the banks and exchange centres before using their services. Airport Currency Exchange Centres are generally the best place to cash foreign notes. Although South Korea is a relatively safe place to carry cash, travellers' cheques remain the safest and most practical way to carry money while you are travelling. In South Korea you will also get a slightly better exchange rate with travellers' cheques than with foreign notes. Travellers' cheques denominated in Korean Won or US dollars are easily cashed at banks and major hotels. Many banks can also exchange cheques in Pound Sterling but cheques in other currencies are more difficult to exchange. Be sure to have your passport with you when exchanging travellers' cheques. Travellers' cheques are not readily accepted as payment in stores or restaurants. Cash and credit card are the most common means of payment in South Korea. Credit cards are not as widely accepted in South Korea as they are in the UK and Europe. In urban centres you should be able to use your credit card at major hotels, stores and restaurants but many smaller establishments will still only accept cash. Businesses that accept credit cards have signs posted on the door or near the cash register indicating which cards they accept. Foreign credit cards are not always accepted. Credit cards can be used in Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) to get a cash advance, however the number of ATMs that accept foreign credit cards is limited and most have restricted operating hours.
Local Customs:	Please use your discretion and be sensitive to cultural differences in the countries that you visit, in particular visits to religious buildings and when taking photographs. Your Tour Leader will advise you of any specific customs to observe. Care should be taken to respect the conventions of other religious and ethnic groups, particularly in respect of clothing and footwear.
Luggage & Personal Equipment:	How much should I take? - Please bring lightweight walking shoes or sandals, and a day sac. - Because of limited luggage space on transport, we must limit each passenger to ONE main suitcase or frameless backpack and one day bag. Your main bag must not weigh more than 20 kg’s. A frameless or internally framed backpack is the best way to carry your belongings since it is easy to lift on and off vehicles. - A small daypack is practical for keeping general items (e.g. camera, books, wallets etc.) at hand when your main pack is out of reach. It is also handy for day trips and excursions. - We also recommend that you keep your passport, credit cards travellers checks etc. on you at all times, preferably in a money belt worn under your clothes. TRAVEL TIP: You might be tempted to buy a few souvenirs here and there, so leave a little room for those extra purchases!!
Personal Effects:	We suggest that you take into account the time of year you will be travelling, and pack accordingly to the season. Quick drying clothes are recommended, and at many hotels there are laundry facilities. Your tour leader will advise where laundry facilities are available. Personal Effects: Camera & film, Spare passport photos, Water bottle, Money belt, Torch, Sewing kit, Sunhat/ Sunglasses, Music cassettes /CDs, Books, Wet Ones, Soap to wash clothes, Writing materials, Swiss Army knife, Calculator, Personal toiletries, including tampons, Contraceptives, Insect Repellent, Sunscreen. NOTE: If you wear glasses, it is advisable to bring a spare pair since opticians are uncommon. If you wear contact lenses you may find that climatic changes and dust can create visual irritation, therefore, it is advisable to bring a pair of glasses.
Time:	For detailed information see www.timezoneconverter.com or www.timeanddate.com
Language:	Korean is the official language of South Korea. English will be spoken in the larger cities. You might like to take the time before your trip to read up on the country you will be visiting and perhaps learn a few words of the language. Your effort will always be welcomed and will make your trip all the more enjoyable.
Photography:	Please remember, we are guests in the countries through which we travel and we may sometimes inadvertently cause offence by taking photographs without first asking permission. It is absolutely forbidden by law to take photos at any borders, as they are all active military installation
Food:	Korean food is known for its unique aromas and tastes along with being very healthy and delicious. This is mainly due to the use of a large variety of vegetables and seasonings such as garlic, red pepper, scallions, soy sauce, fermented bean sauce, ginger and sesame oil. . A typical Korean table setting consists of rice, soup and a number of side dishes for all to share. The number of side dishes can range anywhere from two to twelve and usually consist of vegetables, meat and ocassionally seafood prepared in a variety of different ways. The most famous Korean side dish is Kimchi, a fermented vegetable dish. There are now over 160 different varieties depending on region and available ingredients, however most of them are spicy and cabbage is the most commonly used vegetable. Koreans enjoy many delicious sweets such as Hangwa and Rice Cakes and beverages such as Hwachae and Green Tea. Hwachae is a cold drink generally made with fruits and grains and sweetened by either sugar or honey. Green Tea was first introduced to Korea during the Silla Kindgom (57 BC - 935 AD) it is known to have many health benefits and is used by Buddhist monks and many Koreans to invigorate their minds. Vegetarians, or those with special dietary needs can also be catered for, however in some places the type of food may be limited. Please let the Reservations team know your special requirements as soon as possible so we can do all possible to assist your needs.
Accommodation:	We have put a lot of thought and effort into locating the most appropriate type of accommodation for each tour. It will always be clean, comfortable and of a very high standard. All accommodation is in comfortable tourist class accommodation. Depending on the tour, this ranges from overnight sleeper train or cruise boat through to delightful lodges and excellent hotels (generally 3 star or above). If you wish to spend a few additional days in your start city before the departure of your tour, then we can arrange accommodation for you. If you would like to book accommodation to stay additional nights after the tour ends, we will be more than happy to arrange this for you as well. All our accommodation is carefully chosen, conveniently located, clean and comfortable. In most of the hotels in Asia you may be required to deposit your passport at Reception. This is a perfectly normal practice and nothing to be concerned about. Just make sure that you retrieve it when you check out of the hotel.
Arrival Information:	Arriving: Making Your Own Way - The Meeting Point for your tour is advised at the beginning of this dossier. If you have not arranged for us to meet and transfer you on arrival and are therefore making your own way to the Meeting Point, it is best upon arrival at to take a metered taxi. Drivers may want to negotiate a price before leaving the airport. Do not agree to this, insist that they switch on the meters and pay the amount that it displays when you arrive at your destination.
Optional Activities:	Kumuka endeavors to advertise a compliment of optional activities available locally during tours with selected ground handlers to make your tour more enjoyable. These ground handlers and activity partners are selected for their standards in quality, professional ability and reputation. Although Kumuka has developed a travel insurance policy to cover all activities offered during your journey, Kumuka cannot be held responsible for injuries or claims arising from adventurous activities by a third party. Details and prices of optional activities will be advised by your tour guide.
Drug Policy:	Under no circumstances are any illegal drugs allowed on any part of the trip. Anyone discovered in possession of any such drugs, will be asked to leave the tour immediately without question or refund.
Staying in Touch:	Whilst on tour you will probably want to stay in touch with family and friends. There are several ways of doing this: Mobile Phone – Before departing your home country check with your phone supplier to see if it compatible with the mobile phone networks in the countries that you are traveling to, and how much will it cost to use abroad. Email – Internet Cafes are very cheap and popular, and you are sure to come across several during your tour. If you haven’t done so already, set up a free Google Mail, Hotmail, or Yahoo email account which you can then access from any computer. Internet Cafes will charge a nominal fee for using their computers. Within Europe some hotels charge a wifi connection fee and we cannot guarantee a wifi connection at all hotels we use. Twitter – A method of communication that is rapidly gaining in popularity on the Internet especially amongst travelers. Twitter allows you to send short messages and update your friends and family with where you are on tour and what you are doing. Create your free account at http://twitter.com. Visit Kumuka’s page on Twitter at http://twitter.com/kumuka Facebook – Very popular website that allows you to upload stories, get in touch with fellow travellers before and after your Kumuka tour, upload photos and videos to share with other travellers, your family and friends. To create a free account, go to www.facebook.com and then become a fan of Kumuka’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Kumuka-Worldwide/26617121087?ref=ts Postcards – The good ol’ fashioned postcard. But you will probably get home before the postcard does!
Tour Feedback:	Tour Questionnaire - We would like to hear about your experiences on tour. One week after your tour ends you will automatically receive a feedback questionnaire via email. If we do not have your email address you can still complete a questionnaire by visiting www.kumuka.com/feedback Email - If you have any specific comments about your tour then please write to us by email to operations@kumuka.com
Contact Details:	KUMUKA WORLDWIDE UK OFFICE Hillswood Business Park 3000 Hillswood Drive Chertsey KT16 0RS Tel: 020 7937 8855 Fax: 020 7937 6664 Email: sales@kumuka.com www.kumuka.com AUSTRALIAN OFFICE Level 5, 387 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Tel: 02 9279 0491 Fax: 02 9279 0492 Email: sales@kumuka.com.au www.kumuka.com.au
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This tour is operated by Kumuka Worldwide. Information given in all brochures, leaflets and dossiers is given in good faith by the company, and is based on the latest information available at the date of publication. The company reserves the right to change any of the facilities or vehicles described in the brochure without becoming liable for compensation or refund.

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