Korea Trip

19 - 31 MAR 2024 (13D11N) South Korea Cherry Blossom (Busan, Gyeongju, Andong, Sokcho & Seoul)
Cost per pax Rm4600 (min 14pax) EXCLUDE FLIGHT & JEJU EXTENSION
Based on KRW1,000 = RM3.5773 (Oanda 15 Jul 23) Final adjustments on trip cost is based on exchange rate at time of final collection.

AIR ASIA (AA) Flight and fare check as of 15Jul23
20 MAR 2024 WED KUL (KLIA2) to PUS (Busan) 0130 0900
31 MAR 2024 SUN ICN (Seoul) to KUL (KLIA2) 0745 1315
Fare check Air Asia return fare Rm1625 WITHOUT check-in baggage both ways. DO NOT PURCHASE FLIGHT TICKET UNTIL WE ADVICE.

Update 15 Jul 2023 – This is semi-backpacking trip using local buses, trains and subways, packing light and small bag ease your traveling experience. Tour leader will meet group at Busan airport and send off to Incheon Airport on the last day.
OPTION for JEJU Extension 4D3N WhatsApp CF Wong +82 10 57113989 or Yeow Lim +6016 2093360

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 similiarly 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 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. 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. Ancient UNESCO city of Gyeongju and bustling port city of Busan with its gorgeous beach. The hightlights include a stay in UNESCO Hahoe Folk Village in Andong.

Gyeongbokgung Changing Guards & in Spring

Day 0 KUL BUSAN. 19 Mar 2024 10.30PM Meet at KLIA2 for AIR ASIA after midnight flight to Busan departing 1:30 AM on 20 MAR 2024 WED

Day 1 BUSAN FISH MARKET & GAMCHEON VILLAGE. Arrived Busan 9AM 20 MAR. Once settled our luggage at hotel, 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 2 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. Later, with some lucks, we could head to a nearby street which is popular for cherry blossom trees. After back to hotel, you are free & 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.

SKy Capsule, Beach Train & Walkway / Gumcheon Cultural Village

Day 3 UNESCO GYEONGJU CITY. 2hr transfer to Gyeongju city with metro and intercity bus. 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. We visit Tombs of Silla Kings in Royal Tumuli Park - the Daereungwon Tomb Complex and Cheomseongdae, an ancient astronomical observatory. Cheomseongdae (built 647 AD) means star-gazing tower and is the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia. ON Gyeongju

Day 4 UNESCO GYEONGJU CITY. Today we hop into local buses to visit three main attractions. Firstly, Gyeongju National Museum to learn more about the city’s ancient past, follow by UNESCO-listed Bulguksa Temple and then Bomunho Lake, a man-made lake surrounded by trees, eatery, recreation, and the place for locals to visit for cherry blossom. ON Gyeongju.

Royal Tombs / Andong Hahoe Folk Village

Day 5 UNESCO ANDONG HAHOE FOLK VILLAGE. After breakfast, we train 1.5hr to Andong city. Andong is known as a centre of culture and folk traditions. West of the city, UNESCO World Heritage Site Hahoe Folk Village has tile-roofed centuries old buildings and homes and been visited by late Queen Elizabeth and President George Bush. We will take a tour around the village before sunset and stay a night in the traditional house (hanok) inside the UNESCO Village itself. ON Hahoe Folk Village, Andong.

Day 6 SOKCHO (EAST COAST). Today we take a long journey to Sokcho with several transfers through couple of towns and in various transport modes of buses, trains and taxis. Sokcho, which is a coastal town by the East Sea (or Sea of Japan), is a pleasant fishing town well known for its raw-fish eateries. Between transfers, we have time to rest, eat & just enjoy the journey. We shall arrive at hotel before 9pm and rest early. ON Sokcho.

Day 7 SEORAKSAN NATION 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, to visit the local market and dinner at a popular fish restaurant. ON Sokcho.

Seoraksan National Park / Grilled Fish in Sokcho

Day 8 SEOUL BUKCHEON VILLAGE. Morning is Free & Easy activities until we regroup after lunch to bus to Seoul. Some may like to explore the north part of the city where the Lighthouse Observatory is located, or stroll along the beach, shop at nearby stores & hypermarket, or simply rest more after yesterday climbs. In Seoul after 2.5hr bus journey, we will visit Bukcheon Village and dinner near Insadong Street, the premier place for antiques, arts, and crafts. ON Seoul.

Day 9 SEOUL LANDMARKS. We visit main attractions within the vicinity of 600-year history of Gwanghwamun public square, the epic centre of Seoul Metropolitan City. First stop, UNESCO World Heritage site Gyeongbokgung Palace & Changing of Guards Ceremony and the National Folk Museum. Then the Square itself and follows by Cheongyecheon stream. ON Seoul.

Day 10 SEOUL TOWER & SHOPPING. 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 selling various affordable goods from personal items, indoors and outdoors items. Shopping continues to nearby trendy Myeongdong shopping district, and upmarket Hyundai Duty Free Departmental Store. ON Seoul.

Gwangjang Market / COEX Starfield Library

Day 11 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 could have dinner at Ikseondong, Seoul’s hipster maze-like streets of restaurants, cafes & handicraft shops. ON Seoul.

Day 12 SEOUL-HOME. Transfer to Incheon airport for flight home. DEPART 31 MARCH SUN 0745AM landing Kuala Lumpur1.15PM.

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 or multi share basis.
Not covered are Flight cost Rm1600 (estimates) and Meals KRW40,000 per day (Rm140 x 11d=Rm1540 estimate), Entrance Fees Rm350 (estimate), optional activities, eg. Ocean Cable Car, Heaundae's Sky Capsule..
Cost is subject to change depending on fluctuations in exchange rates.
Non-refundable deposit of Rm2000 is payable to secure your booking on first-come basis.
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 (Pre-Trip)
Cost per pax Rm1800 (minimum 6pax) EXCLUDES one-way domestic flight from Jeju to Busan.
Flight details to be advised.

Seongsan Ichubong / Manjanggul Cave

Day 1 KUL JEJU FLIGHT. Fly SCOOT from KLIA2 to Jeju via Singapore on 16 Mar 2024 SAT.

Day 2 OLD JEJU. As soon as we arrive in Jeju, we pick-up our rental private vehicle, which will be our mode of transport in Jeju, we first leave our baggage at hotel, and then explore the city old urban area and it's Dongmun traditional market. On the way back to hotel check-in, we drive along the northern coastal road for some scenic photo spots. ON Jeju.

Day 3 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 4 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 BUSAN. Early morning transfer to Airport for domestic flight CJU to PUS (20 Mar 2024) to join the rest of members in Busan.