Korea Trip

31MAR to 12APR 2024 (13D11N) South Korea Cherry Blossom (Seoul, Sokcho, Andong, Gyeongju & Busan)
Trip Cost per pax Rm4600 (15-18 pax) Rm 4800 (12-14pax) EXCLUDE FLIGHT & JEJU EXTENSION
JEJU Extension 4D3N (12-15 Apr 2024) Rm1800 EXCLUDE a dometic flight Busan to Jeju.
Based on KRW1,000 = RM3.61 (Oanda 04 Dec 23) Final adjustments on trip cost is based on exchange rate at time of final collection.

AIR ASIA and Viet Jet - PLEASE DO NOT PURCHASE FLIGHT TICKET UNTIL WE ADVICED
31 MAR 2024 SUN KUL (KLIA2) to ICN (Seoul) 2220 0610 AAX
12 APR 2024 FRI PUS (Busan) to KUL (KLIA2) via HCMC 0845 1920 VietJet / AIR ASIA
Rm1867 WITHOUT check-in baggage both ways. Fare check (04Dec23)

Update 04 Dec 2023 – This is semi-backpacking trip using local buses, trains and subways. Tour leader (based in Seoul) will meet group at Incheon airport and send off at Gimhae Busan airport on the last day.

IMPORTANT NOTICE. This is meant to be a "free and easy" budget trip. Participants should be relatively fit, with a good sense of humour, and above all, have the right attitude for close travel with others through possibly some trying times. Most definitely, this is not a trip for prudes, whiners, fuss-pots, and other similarly assorted types! Although every effort will be made to stick to the given itinerary, ground conditions may change and cause some disruption and/or deviation from the norm. Otherwise, have fun!

This is definitely not the "touch-n-go" Korea 4-8 days tours. It's for people who like to travel like locals, taking local transportations and stay in local accommodations. Tour leader is living in Korea for over 20 years. His in-depth knowledge of cities and country-side made this itinerary uncommon and travel experience unparalleled. OPTION for JEJU extension 4D3N, min 4pax. WhatsApp CF Wong +82 10 57113989 or Yeow Lim +6016 2093360

South Korea is the place to travel if one desires modern facilities and comfort while loving both nature and cultural experiences. This trip is thoughtfully tailored to cover in and around Seoul (4 days), the modern, vibrant city wth futuristic touch and the latest trendsetting city in lifestyles and technology. Savouring East Coast fishing town of Sockho to famous Soreaksan National Park. The hightlights include a night stay in UNESCO heritage site of Hahoe Folk Village, and tour of Gyeongju, another UNESCO ancient city. Before flying home, Busan is the perfect place to shop in addition to its beautiful natural coastline.

Gyeongbokgung Changing Guards & in Spring

Day 1 KLIA2 Meet 31 March 2024 SUNDAY 7.30PM at KLIA2 for AIR ASIA X flight direct to Seoul departing 10:20 PM Flying time 6h50

Day 2 SEOUL LANDMARKS Arrived Incheon airport 610AM on 1 April 2024 (Monday). Local guide will meet group at airport and travel by train/bus to hotel in downtown Seoul. Once settled luggage at hotel, we visit main attractions within the vicinity of 600-year history of Gwanghwamun public square, the epic centre of Seoul Metropolitan City. First stopp, Gyeongbokgung Palace & Changing of Guards Ceremony and the National Folk Museum. Then the Square itself and follows by Cheongyecheon stream and Bukcheon village. ON Seoul.

Day 3 SEOUL GANGNAM STYLE. Gangnam literally means 'South of the river', and this district in Seoul that lies along the south banks of the Han River (or Hangang in Korean). This is an upscale modern area home to gleaming skyscrappers, designer brands and stylish nighclubs and as popular depicted in PSY's hit song 'Gangnam Style'. It's also home to country's top plastic surgery clinics and K-Pop entertainment companies. We visit the COEX Mall (largest underground shopping mall in Asia) in Gangnam, then the tallest in Korea and world's 5th tallest building, Lotte World Tower-Mall & Seokchon Lake cherry blossom trees. On the way back to hotel, we may have dinner at Ikseondong, Seoul’s hipster maze-like streets of restaurants, cafes & handicraft shops. ON Seoul.

Day 4 SEOUL TOWER & LOCAL MARKETS Before visiting the Tower, we have brunch at Gwangjang Market, one of the oldest & largest in Korea, to taste some local most popular traditional foods. Seoul Tower, aka Namsan Tower, it is a communication and observation tower located on Namsan Mountain in central Seoul. At 236m, it marks the highest point in Seoul. Then, we move to Namdaemun "Great Southern Gate", it has the large traditional market offer authentic local food and selling various affordable goods from personal items, indoors and outdoors items. After lunch, we move to nearby trendy Myeongdong shopping district, and upmarket Hyundai Duty Free Departmental Store. ON Seoul.

Day 5 UNESCO HWASEONG FORTRESS We begin with a trip by subway to Suwon, located 31km south of Seoul, to visit the UNESCO-listed 18th century Hwaseong Fortress. A pleasant, large flat trail along the old city wall offers a photogenic view of Joseon architcture as well as some picturesque spots. On the way back to hotel, if time allow, we drop by Hongdae, a neighbourhood known for its youthful ambience, unique shops, cafes and restaurants. The streets are usually filled with buskers and K-pop dance performances. ON Seoul.

Seoraksan National Park / Grilled Fish in Sokcho

Day 6 SOKCHO (EAST COAST). Morning is Free & Easy, then we check-out and re-group about noon to bus 2.5 hours to. Sokcho, which is a coastal town by the East Sea (or Sea of Japan), and gateway to nearby Seoraksan National Park. This pleasant fishing town is well known for its raw-fish eateries. We take leisure walk around the nearby lake, dinner at a local joint, pack some food and rest earlier for tomorrow mini hike. ON Sokcho.

Day 7 SEORAKSAN NATIONAL PARK. We take local bus to Seoraksan National Park, the most popular National Park in Korea. There are various ways to explore the place. One can cable car up to Gwongeumseong for amazing views of the park. The Sinheungsa Temple and surrounding area along the stream just nice to wander for its nature. Others can trek to Heundelbawi (Tottering Rock) and for fitter ones, proceed on to Ulsanbawi, which are the huge stone mountains, accessible via long and steep metal stairways. Later afternoon, it's free adn easy activities around hotel e.g. to explore the north part of the city where the lighthouse Observatory is located, or stroll along the beach, shop at nearby stores and hyypermarket, or simply rest after morning's climbs. ON Sokcho.

Royal Tombs / Andong Hahoe Folk Village

DAY 8 UNESCO ANDONG HAHOE FOLK VILLAGE. Today we will travel to Andong city via Wonju or Donghae by express bus and train. From Andong, we take a local bus westward to UNESCO World Heritage Site Hahoe Folk Village. The village has tile-roofed centuries old buildings and homes, and has been visited by late Queen Elizabeth and President George Bush. We will stay a night in the traditional house (hanok) inside the UNESCO Village itself. ON Hahoe Folk Village, Andong.

Day 9 UNESCO GYEONGJU CITY. We take a tour around the village in the morning. The living working village is surrounded by Nakdonggang River, and it preserves Joseon-style architecture (1392 to 1897). After check-out, we bus to Andong city for lunch, and later board another train heading further south to Gyeongju city. The journey takes about 2 hour. Gyeongju, an ancient capital of Silla Kingdom (57BC to 935AD), is described as an open museum because of its many tombs and UNESCO listed historical places. ON Gyeongju

Day 10 UNESCO GYEONGJU CITY. We visit Tombs of Silla Kings in Royal Tumuli Park - the Daereungwon Tomb Complex and Cheomseongdae, an ancient astronomical observatory. Cheomseongdae (built 647AD) means star-gazing tower and is the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia. Then we hop into local buses to visit Gyongju National Museum to learn more about the city's ancient past, and follow by UNESCO listed Bulguksa Temple. ON Gyeongju.

SKy Capsule, Beach Train & Walkway / Gumcheon Cultural Village

Day 11 BUSAN FISH MARKET & GAMCHEON VILLAGE Morning 1 hour bus to Busan city, and further 40min of subway to our hotel in Nampo area, which is the central commercial and shopping area in Busan. We visit the Fish Market of Jagalchi (Korea's largest seafood market) and sample some typical local lunch nearby. With short bus ride, our next stop is Gamcheon Culture Village. The area is known for its steep streets, twisting alleys, and brightly painted houses, which have been restored and enhanced in recent years to attract tourism. Later, we transfer to Songdo area where one can enjoy the Ocean Cable Car ride over the ocean, or simply stroll along the coastal front and coffee near the beach. On the way back to hotel, we visit BIFF square - a "Star Street" dedicated to film, related to the world-famous Busan International Film Festival. And spot the hand printings (cemented on the street) of famous movie celebrities include Zhang Yimou, Oliver Stone and Kitano Takeshi. ON Busan.

Day 12 BUSAN HAEUNDAE After breakfast, we subway to Haeundae, the area is the location of one of the most popular beaches in Korea. Here, you can take the Haeundae Sky Capsule, some colourful mini trains slow ride along a coastal rail, or some may prefer to stroll along a walkway right next to the train to enjoy the view. Afternoon is free and easy to explore other attractions nearby. The area is perfect place to shop and eat includes Gukje Market (International Market), Bupyeong Kkangtong Night Market and Lotte Department Store. Other nearby attractions include Busan Tower, a symbol of Busan that at height of 120m, its observation deck offers city and sea view. The best visit hour recommended is late afternoon (5pm+) before sunset when you can view Busan at day light and sit around until it gets dark for night scenery. ON Busan.

Day 13 BUSAN - KUL Transfer to Gimhae International airport for flight home. Viet Jet Air VJ869 depart 12 APRIL FRI 0845AM land Ho Chi Min (HCMC) airport at 12noon. Flight time 5h15. Transit 4 hours in HCMC airport, Self-transfer to AIR ASIA AK523 depart 1620 and landing Kuala Lumpur 1920 or 720PM. Flight time 2h.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Trip Cost cover accommodation, transportation to sites mentioned in itinerary.
Accommodations will be in budget to mid-range hotels, local homestays and guesthouses on twin-share or multi share (pension) basis.
Not covered are Flight cost Rm2200 (estimates) and Meals KRW40,000 per day (Rm140 x 11d=Rm1540 estimate), Entrance Fees Rm350 (estimate) and optional activities.
Cost is subject to change depending on fluctuations in exchange rate.
Non-refundable deposit of Rm2000 (main trip) is payable to secure your booking on first-come basis. Additional deposit for Jeju extension is Rm800
Participants are responsible to purchase TRAVEL INSURANCE prior to departure, and be adequately insured.

Contact Wong Chun Fook +82 (10) 57113989 cfwong7@gmail.com
Contact Yeow Lim +6016 209 3360 tanyeowlim@gmail.com

JEJU EXTENSION (Post-Trip) 12-15 APRIL 2024
Cost per pax Rm1800 (minimum 6pax) EXCLUDES one-way domestic flight from Busan to Jeju.
Flight details to be advised.

Seongsan Ichubong / Manjanggul Cave

Day 1 OLD JEJU. Fly Busan Jeju on 12 APRIL 2024 FRIDAY. Afternoon flight arrives Jeju Airport. As soon as we pick-up our rental private vehicle, which will be our mode of transport in Jeju. We first check-in hotel and then explore the northern coastal road for some scenic photo spots. ON Jeju.

Day 2 SOUTHERN JEJU. After breakfast, we drive straight to Yongmeori Coast at the southern Jeju. The UNESCO-listed Yongmeori (means Dragon Head) is a rough and dramatic coastline shaped from volcano lava eruptions. Walking along the spectacular rock formations is an eye-catching experience. Before lunch, we may have a mini Olle Trail experience, i.e. walking trails pass through landscapes, small villages, farms, and coastline; Later, we visit the world’s largest optical art museum - Alive Museum, or fun at Fruit Picking (subject to seasonal factor) before head back to Hotel. ON Jeju.

Day 3 EASTERN JEJU. Today, we explore the eastern-end of Jeju begin with UNESCO's site Manjanggul Cave, which is one of the finest lava tunnels in the world. Only 1km of the 13,422m Manjanggul Cave is open to tourists with comfortable temperature of 11~21℃ all year-round. We then climb another UNESCO World Heritage's site Seogsan Ilchulbong, a tuff cone crater rose 90m from under the sea in a volcanic eruption over 100,000 years ago. "Ilchulbong" means Sunrise. Later, we visit Seopjikoji - a popular site for Korean Drama "All-in" overlooking East China Sea from the cliff. On the way back to hotel, we make a brief stop at Seonggeup Folk Village - which is a small town with traditional houses hold unique local culture of the black lava rock walls. ON Jeju.

Day 5 JEJU KUL Morning transfer to Jeju airport for flight home, CJU to KUL via SIN on 15 APR 2024 MONDAY.