1. Day ISTANBUL - DOHA
We meet at the international departure terminal of Istanbul New Airport three hours before the flight. After baggage, ticket, and boarding procedures, we start our flight to Doha with Qatar Airways' scheduled flight.
2. Day SEOUL - GANGNAM SQUARE - SEOUL
Upon our arrival in Doha, after a transfer on Qatar Airways' scheduled flight, we start our flight to Seoul. We spend the night on the plane. After arriving in Seoul, we transfer to our private bus waiting at the airport. Then, transfer to Gangnam Square. Gangnam, which means "South of the Han River," is the third largest region in Seoul. After gaining popularity thanks to PSY's song Gangnam Style, notable places include Cheongdam Fashion Street, Gangnam Station, Bonguensa Temple, and the Starfield Library, all viewable panoramically. After a shopping, food, and photo break, we transfer to our hotel in Seoul and have free time to rest. Accommodation at our hotel.
3. Day SEOUL
After breakfast at the hotel, we set off for a tour to Nami Island, a crescent-shaped island located on the Han River. Named after General Nami, who lived during the Joseon Dynasty, the island is known for its natural beauties and cultural events, offering different beauties in each season. In spring, cherry blossoms; in summer, green trees; in autumn, colorful leaves; and in winter, snowy landscapes provide unique experiences for visitors. The island is especially famous for its tree-lined paths, such as Metasequoia Road and Ginkgo Tree Road. Following this, we move on to visit the Morning Calm Arboretum. Founded in 1996 by Professor Han Sang-kyung, this arboretum spans approximately 330,000 square meters and houses over 5,000 plant species. The garden takes its name from Indian poet Tagore's description of Korea as the "Land of Morning Calm." Continuing our tour, we stop for a photo opportunity at the iconic N-Seoul Tower, and then we transfer back to our hotel in Seoul for free time to rest. Accommodation at our hotel.
4. Day SEOUL - BUSAN
After breakfast at the hotel, we take the high-speed train to Busan, the second-largest city in Korea. Upon arrival, we visit the UN Korean Memorial Cemetery built in memory of the soldiers from 16 countries who died during the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. The cemetery hosts the graves of 2,319 soldiers from 11 countries and is the only United Nations cemetery in the world. Notably, the Turkish Martyrdom, with the graves of 462 Turkish soldiers, is one of the biggest symbols of Turkey-Korea friendship. Following this, we move on to our tour of Ahopsan Bamboo Forest, famous for its dense bamboo thickets of the Maengjongjuk type and as a filming location for many Korean movies and dramas. Carefully preserved by the Nampyeong Moon family for approximately 400 years, this natural wonder opened to the public in 2016, offering visitors an unmatched experience with its rich vegetation and peaceful atmosphere. Next, we visit Yonggungsa Temple. This temple, known for its unique architecture combined with sea views, was rebuilt in traditional colors in 1970 and features a three-story pagoda adorned with four lion statues symbolizing joy, anger, sadness, and happiness. Then, we transfer to Mipo Station for our Blue Line Park Sky Capsule tour. Covering a 2-kilometer route from Mipo Station to Cheongsapo Station, this automated capsule moves at an elevation of 7 to 10 meters above the ground, providing passengers with stunning views of Haeundae Beach. The average speed of the Sky Capsule is 4 km per hour and it comes in bright colors such as red, yellow, green, and blue. During the ride, you can enjoy panoramic views of Haeundae Beach and take unforgettable photos. After the tour ends, we transfer to our hotel in Busan for free time to rest. Accommodation at our hotel.
Note: Guests will travel by high-speed train from Seoul to Busan and back. We recommend that guests bring 2 days' worth of clothes for their trip to Busan. Large luggage will be left at the hotel in Seoul.
5. Day BUSAN - GYEONGJU - BUSAN
After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer to Gamcheon Culture Village, known as the "Santorini of Busan" or the "Lego Village," famous for its narrow streets, colorful houses, and wall art. Offering an unforgettable experience with its colorful atmosphere and artistic fabric, Gamcheon was constructed by refugees during the Korean War in the 1950s. With the "Imagining Machu Picchu in Busan" art project in 2009, artists and students painted the village's walls and houses in vibrant colors, embellishing them with various art pieces and sculptures, which made Gamcheon a popular tourist destination. Next, we travel to Gyeongju, known for its rich historical heritage and recognized as the "Museum Without Walls" by UNESCO. Our first stop is Bulguksa Temple, built in the 8th century during the Silla Kingdom and considered one of Korea's most valuable cultural heritages. In 1995, it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List along with the nearby Seokguram Cave. Bulguksa Temple stands out for its architectural elegance and artistic details from the Silla period, featuring seven important sites recognized as National Treasures of Korea. Continuing our tour, we head to Cheomseongdae Observatory, which is 17 meters tall and has a cylindrical shape. Consisting of 365 cut granite stones, its body represents the days of the year, and the square window in its middle divides it into two sections of twelve stones each, representing the twelve months. After this, we visit Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond. The palace was used as the residence of the crown prince during the Silla period and for significant state ceremonies. Wolji Pond, also called “The Pond Reflecting the Moon,” is an artificial pond surrounded by stone walls. Today, Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond offer breathtaking views, particularly with nighttime illumination. After a photo break here, we transfer back to our hotel in Busan for free time to rest. Accommodation at our hotel.
6. Day BUSAN - SUWON - SEOUL
After breakfast at the hotel, we return to Seoul by high-speed train. Upon arrival, we have a short walk along the walls of Hwaseong Fortress, built by King Jeongjo in honor of Prince Sado, and then visit the Korean Folk Village. This open-air museum allows you to experience traditional Korean life and culture from the Joseon Dynasty, hosting many Korean dramas and films. After exploring the daily life, traditional houses, and crafts from the Joseon Dynasty, we transfer to Namdaemun Market, which opened in 1964 and is one of the largest traditional markets in the country. The market offers a wide range of products, including clothing, cosmetics, accessories, kitchen items, toys, stationery, flowers, ginseng, and imported products, with over 10,000 shops and stalls. The market is always lively, providing a chance to sample delicious street food from Korean cuisine and observe local culture up close. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel in Seoul for free time to rest. Accommodation at our hotel.
7. Day SEOUL - DOHA
After breakfast at the hotel, we check out of the rooms. Next, we set off for a full-day city tour of Seoul. During our tour, we will visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History, Bukchon Hanok Village, Myeongdong Street, and N Seoul Tower. Our first stop, Gyeongbokgung Palace, built in 1395, is the northernmost of the neighboring palaces, Changdeokgung (East Palace) and Gyeonghuigung (West Palace), and is often referred to as the Northern Palace. Next, we visit the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History. This museum provides visitors an insight into the lives, art, and cultural developments of the people in South Korea throughout various periods. Afterward, we tour Bukchon Hanok Village, which means "Northern Village," where approximately 700 traditional Hanoks (Korean houses) can be found. Continuing the tour, we transfer to Myeongdong, known for its shopping and numerous cosmetic shops and restaurants. Here, you can shop as much as you like in Korea's most famous shopping and fashion district and taste local delicacies. After the tour, we transfer to Incheon Airport for our flight to Istanbul via Doha.
8. Day DOHA - ISTANBUL
After baggage, passport, and ticket procedures, we embark on our Qatar Airways flight to Doha. We spend the night on the plane. Upon arrival in Doha, we begin our flight to Istanbul with a transfer. With our arrival at Istanbul New Airport, our tour and services come to an end.
NOTE
ENTRANCE FEES TO MUSEUMS, HISTORICAL SITES, AND TEMPLES, BLUE LINE PARK SKY CAPSULE, LOCAL GUIDES, AND CITY TOUR TAXES WILL BE CHARGED €125 PER PERSON TO OUR GUIDE DURING THE TOUR.
FLIGHT DETAILS
QR 246 16JAN ISTDOH 2010 0010*
QR 858 17JAN DOHICN 0230 1715
QR 859 23JAN ICNDOH 0020 0450
QR 239 23JAN DOHIST 0745 1220
QR 240 18MAR ISTDOH 1350 1750
QR 858 19MAR DOHICN 0230 1715
QR 859 25MAR ICNDOH 0020 0450
QR 239 25MAR DOHIST 0745 1220
QR 246 26MAY ISTDOH 2005 0030*
QR 858 27MAY DOHICN 0220 1705
QR 859 02JUN ICNDOH 0120 0530
QR 239 02JUN DOHIST 0740 1155
QR 246 16JUN ISTDOH 2005 0030*
QR 858 17JUN DOHICN 0220 1705
QR 859 23JUN ICNDOH 0120 0530
QR 239 23JUN DOHIST 0740 1155
QR 246 14JUL ISTDOH 2005 0030*
QR 858 15JUL DOHICN 0220 1705
QR 859 21JUL ICNDOH 0120 0530
QR 239 21JUL DOHIST 0740 1155
QR 246 11AUG ISTDOH 2005 0030*
QR 858 12AUG DOHICN 0220 1705
QR 859 18AUG ICNDOH 0120 0530
QR 239 18AUG DOHIST 0740 1155