Korea Express

Korea Express

79 Views
7 Days From

$1329

$1196

Korea Express

7 Days Starting and ending in Seoul, South Korea

Visiting: Seoul, Cheorwon, Jeonju, Busan

Tour operator:

Europamundo

Tour code:

2503387

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

36 - 72

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

3-85

From: $1329 $1196 (USD) Operator discount: -$133

NB: Prices correct on 18-Jan-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Korea Express" tour and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and history of South Korea. Begin your journey in Seoul, where you'll explore the iconic DMZ, delve into the rich history at the War Memorial, and marvel at the grandeur of Changdeokgung Palace. Experience the traditional charm of Bukchon Hanok Village and the bustling energy of Gangnam District. Travel south to Suwon and Jeonju, discovering UNESCO World Heritage sites and the historic Hanok Village. In Damyang, wander through the serene Juknokwon Bamboo Forest and learn the art of making gochujang. Visit the ancient Haeinsa Temple, home to the Tripitaka, before heading to Busan to explore its vibrant markets and the serene Haedong Yonggung Temple. Conclude your adventure with a high-speed train ride back to Seoul, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Korea's captivating landscapes and cultural treasures.

Highlights

  • Explore the Cheorwon region and its section of the DMZ, including the Second Tunnel and Cheorwon Peace Observatory.

  • Visit Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul.

  • Discover Gyeongbokgung Palace and witness the ceremonial changing of the guard in Seoul.

  • Experience the Juknokwon Bamboo Forest in Damyang, known for its beautiful paths and bamboo products.

  • Visit Haeinsa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, housing the Tripitaka carved on 80,000 wooden tablets.

  • Explore Busan, including Haedong Yonggung Temple by the sea and the largest fish market in the country.

  • Enjoy a hands-on experience making gochujang at Sunchang Gochujang Village.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Seoul

Location: Seoul

Accommodation Name: hotel

Welcome to Korea! You’ll be transferred to your hotel and have some free time. In the afternoon, you’ll receive information about the start of your tour.

Day 2 : Seoul

Location: Cheorwon

Accommodation Name: hotel

We’ll depart early for the Cheorwon region and its section of the DMZ, the Demilitarized Zone that marks the division between the two Koreas. We’ll explore the Second Tunnel, secretly dug by the North Korean army and discovered in 1975. We’ll then head to the Cheorwon Peace Observatory, offering panoramic views of the DMZ and the first villages of North Korea. Inside, there is a small museum dedicated to the Korean War. Our route will continue with a visit to the abandoned Woljeong-ri railway station. We’ll also visit the Baek Ma Battle Memorial, which honors the role of a French UN battalion during the battles. Finally, we’ll visit a local producer of Makgeolli, a traditional Korean rice liquor. We’ll return to Seoul in the evening.Important note: Please remember to bring your passport, as it is required. The DMZ is a military zone and could be closed unexpectedly without prior notice. If this happens, an alternative route will be provided.With our guide, we go to City Hall, to see this impressive tsunami-looking building. Across from City Hall, we’ll see Deoksugung Palace, beautifully lit at night, allowing us to appreciate the blend of tradition and modernity in this country. From there, we’ll walk to the Myeongdong district, South Korea’s largest shopping and entertainment area, whose name means “bright town.” Dinner will be included at a local restaurant. To return to hotel we’ll take the modern and efficient metro (ticket included). Overnight accommodation.

Day 3 : Seoul

Location: Seoul

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Lunch

Today, we’ll enjoy an extensive five-hour tour of Seoul. We’ll see the Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, set within a large park and home to a collection of palaces. Afterward, we’ll pass by Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional and historic neighborhood with little homes. Next, we’ll learn about the War Memorial of Korea, an impressive museum that provides a deep insight into the various conflicts that have shaped Korea’s history, with a special focus on the Korean War, where soldiers from many countries fought under the United Nations. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant. We’ll then head to the Gangnam District, one of the city´s busiest areas, known for its shopping centers and entertainment venues. To conclude the day, we’ll stop at Lotte World Tower, a stunning skyscraper standing 550 meters tall. You’ll have free time either to go up the tower (ticket not included) or explore the surrounding park and luxury shopping malls. After, we will return to the hotel, and you will have free time.

Day 4 : Seoul, Suwon, Jeonju

Location: Jeonju

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Lunch

Today, we’ll visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, a stunning palace with over 600 years of history. We’ll have the chance to witness the ceremonial changing of the guard if it takes place at that time. Afterward, we’ll depart from Seoul and head south. Our first stop will be Suwon, the former capital of Korea, renowned for its impressive UNESCO World Heritage walls. We’ll see these remarkable fortifications and visit Hwaseong Haenggung, the summer palace. Lunch will be included. We’ll then continue to Jeonju, where we’ll discover its fascinating historic center (Hanok Village), with its little houses, traditional shops, and art galleries.

Day 5 : Jeonju, Damyang, Haeinsa, Busan

Location: Busan

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Lunch

We’ll depart for the Sunchang Gochujang Village, located at the base of Mount Amisan, with its hanok houses and courtyards filled with clay pots called hang-a-ri. This village is home to master artisans who craft gochujang (Korean chili paste) using traditional methods. We’ll enjoy a hands-on experience learning how to make this famous sauce. Afterward, we’ll continue to Damyang to visit the Juknokwon Bamboo Forest, where the paths are considered some of the most beautiful in the country, perfect for meditation and enjoying the fresh breeze. We’ll also find a variety of bamboo products, celebrated in places like the Bamboo Museum. Lunch will be included, and we’ll taste a local specialty: rice cooked and served inside a bamboo stalk. Surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes and forests, we’ll arrive at Haeinsa, one of Korea’s most important Buddhist temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 802, it houses the Tripitaka, the most complete collection of Buddhist scriptures, carved on 80,000 wooden tablets. We’ll then continue to Busan, Korea’s second-largest city, known for its vibrant atmosphere, for accommodation.

Day 6 : Busan, Seoul

Location: Busan

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Lunch

In the morning, we’ll depart from Busan to visit Haedong Yonggung, a 14th-century Buddhist temple located by the sea. We’ll then return to Busan and visit the United Nations Memorial, with a cemetery where people from many different countries are buried. Afterward, we’ll head to the largest fish market in the country, situated next to Nampo Port. Lunch will be included. We’ll then walk to Yongdusan Park, home to the towering 120-meter pagoda. At around 5:30 p.m., we’ll board a modern high-speed train and, after a three-hour journey, arrive in Seoul for accommodation. Upon arrival, we’ll provide a transfer to the hotel.

Day 7 : Seoul

Location: Seoul

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.

What's Included

  • Hotel Transfers

    You will be transferred to your hotel upon arrival in Korea.

  • Lunch on Day 3

    Lunch will be included at a local restaurant during the Seoul tour.

  • Lunch on Day 4

    Lunch will be included during the visit to Suwon and Jeonju.

  • Lunch on Day 5

    Lunch will be included, featuring a local specialty: rice cooked and served inside a bamboo stalk.

  • Lunch on Day 6

    Lunch will be included during the visit to Busan.

  • High-Speed Train Journey

    A modern high-speed train journey from Busan to Seoul is included.

What's Not Included

Lotte World Tower EntryThe ticket to go up the Lotte World Tower is not included.

Mode of Transport

Transportation includes transfers to and from hotels, and a modern high-speed train journey from Busan to Seoul.

Check out our Q&As

  • What unique experience is included on the second day of the tour?

    On the second day, you will visit the Cheorwon region and its section of the DMZ, explore the Second Tunnel secretly dug by the North Korean army, and visit the Cheorwon Peace Observatory with panoramic views of the DMZ. You will also visit the abandoned Woljeong-ri railway station and the Baek Ma Battle Memorial, and have the opportunity to visit a local producer of Makgeolli, a traditional Korean rice liquor.

  • What activities are planned for the third day in Seoul?

    The third day includes a five-hour tour of Seoul, visiting Changdeokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and the War Memorial of Korea. Lunch is included at a local restaurant, followed by a visit to the Gangnam District and Lotte World Tower, where you have free time to explore.

  • What can participants expect to see in Suwon on the fourth day?

    In Suwon, participants will see the impressive UNESCO World Heritage walls and visit Hwaseong Haenggung, the summer palace. Suwon is known for its remarkable fortifications.

  • What hands-on experience is offered on the fifth day of the tour?

    On the fifth day, you will have a hands-on experience learning how to make gochujang, a famous Korean chili paste, at the Sunchang Gochujang Village.

  • What is the significance of Haeinsa Temple visited on the fifth day?

    Haeinsa Temple is one of Korea's most important Buddhist temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It houses the Tripitaka, the most complete collection of Buddhist scriptures, carved on 80,000 wooden tablets.

  • What notable sites are visited in Busan on the sixth day?

    In Busan, you will visit Haedong Yonggung, a 14th-century Buddhist temple by the sea, the United Nations Memorial, and the largest fish market in the country. You will also visit Yongdusan Park, home to a 120-meter pagoda.

Reviews of this operator

Mauro Grasso García (Google Reviewer)  

I have taken a trip...

02-Apr-2024

I have taken a trip with them through Spain and Portugal and everything was very organized. Professional guides and wonderful places. Without a doubt, I will return.

alejandra gonzalez (Google Reviewer)  

We had a fantastic trip...

27-Jun-2023

We had a fantastic trip with EuropaMundo. We visited France, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco and Spain. Gonzalo our guide was incredibly knowledgable and friendly, gave us a fantastic tour throughout the whole trip. We learned about history, art, culture and much more. He kept us entertained, was happy to answer all of our questions, also offered recommendations of things to do, see and places to eat during the tour. Also want to thank our drivers Narciso and Olivier both did a fantastic job driving us safe. Money and time well invested. Highly recommended.

Nimar Sekhon (Google Reviewer)  

I want to let you...

16-Jul-2024

I want to let you guys know your tour guides were excellent Frey, Julie and Alba was very professional. Also hotels in Spain quite clean. Only think you guys need to improve on giving accurate times guides bus because told 8:30 am because told I would little more accurate timings of the tour. I was wondering if guys tours in Greece or Israel plan another vacation next year asking if guys have any tours available in Greece or Israel.

Paul Quan (Google Reviewer)  

Just finished a 3 week...

22-Oct-2023

Just finished a 3 week tour not do long ago. Most of it was great, I couldn't ask for a better experience. Except for 1 tour guide (Maria). First of she and the driver was over an hour late to our hotel to pick every one up, which is fair enough, unexpected things happen. Then I thought that everyone was punished due to them being late. We were rushed everywhere we went. She made us pay for a toilet only to walk us down to the city centre to only allow us 45 minutes to find a restaurant to have so called lunch at around 3:00pm. Then we drove for at least 6 hours with very little breaks, not even to allow everyone to have toilet breaks. I would recommend eurpomando but not Maria as a tour guide. Every other tour guide we had were fantastic.

Julia Macapagal (Google Reviewer)  

We are three from the...

20-Aug-2024

We are three from the Philippines and were set to tour the Czech Republic (June 10). Overall, the tour was satisfactory except we would like to suggest giving more time to the highlights of each city. For instance, we were able to see the exterior of Versailles - but even if we wanted to get in to see more of its beauty, we could not as we were pressured by time to be at the meeting place at a certain point. That is exactly what happened to us during our Eiffel Tower experience as well. The Louvre museum was optional but we finished the cruise at 3:00 PM and the museum would close at 5:00 PM. This schedule was literally just like a tick the box list. Another important thing I would like to say is regarding William or Guillermo. He was our tour guide on June 12 from Pilsen to Germany. We understand that this is a group tour and that time is a big factor such that our punctuality is required. But it is also inevitable that sometimes you get late, you can get lost, but that was not intentional. That is exactly what happened to us, we got lost in Rothenburg and caused us to be late, meters away from the bus, he was yelling at us at the peak of his lungs. Very discourteous and very unethical! He was unlike other guides. Not to mention that he is not so knowledgeable in the topics he was discussing, again, unlike the other tour guides. To think that he has been doing his job for several years “with passion”, it was such a disappointment. His attitude did not show any passion for his work.

Glenn (Google Reviewer)  

We had an incredible time...

12-Dec-2023

We had an incredible time visiting Switzerland and Paris, and there was no need to worry about anything. The organization was perfect, and the hotels were booked and all this was at a resonable cost. But an issue arose with an extremely rude and unpleasant driver(Andres) for one of the days, who abruptly slammed the brakes on a high-speed bus because he was angry at kids talking. This could have been very dangerous for the passengers also. Would have given 5 stars if it wasbt for the driver

Talia Rodriguez (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible agency, total scammers. Booked...

08-Oct-2024

Terrible agency, total scammers. Booked a trip to Europe and didn’t received what was promised. We didn’t have free time (10-30 min in most cases) the whole trip felt rushed, we ate at every gas stations in Europe, not restaurants , we had to drag mas suitcases, couldn’t watch a show/performance because we had to book it advance and according to them this was included until we got to the places and they said “we couldn’t book the show” money was returned. This is false advertisement. Hotels were pure garbage, at some point we found bugs in our bed. To many lies, to many scams, I hated the whole thing. Our group was a gem, they handpicked the most annoying people ever and had to be together from 6 am until 12 pm in the mornings, we couldn’t visit or watch anything in Europe because we were busy 12 h on a bus crossing borders, so what they put in the paper example: “The alps” was literally the view of the alps from a bus, never visited anything that was stated in the world. We were to supposed to visit Switzerland, one of the bests countries and most beautiful places on earth but we were there 1 h, San Sebastián Spain 10 min, what the hell is that? Tourist guides are terrible, while on the bus they won’t tell you the history. We visited France and stayed ij burdeaux (for some reason burdeaux was included but never saw it. Nasty hotels in the middle of nowhere , felt like I was working the whole trip

Pete F (Google Reviewer)  

Poorly organized tours - no...

19-May-2024

Poorly organized tours - no continuity or directions to people on tours. Drivers and guides are often late and, while nice people, are also very disorganized with little support from the home office. We are missing our Versailles tour because the bus driver did not show up. One hotel had no water for the entire hotel. The company is about churning as many people through their tours than providing quality experiences. I plan to report them through our travel agent to prevent more people from using them.

Pedro Rascon (Google Reviewer)  

I had travelled with Europamundo...

24-Jul-2024

I had travelled with Europamundo twice back in 2013 and 2014. This year I decided to repeat a trip with them (Prague-Budapest-Vienna-Innsbruck). In the last 10 years I’ve done about 10 trips to Europe, but this time I decided to go back with them so I could worry less about transportation, hotels, guided tours, etc. I regret so much going with them. After spending about $20K on this trip my vacation got totally ruined by Europamundo. I am never traveling with Europamundo ever again. Rest of my review in screenshots attached...

Arielle Nicole (Google Reviewer)  

The absolute worst. They do...

02-Sep-2023

The absolute worst. They do not follow the itinerary provided. When we arrived in Versailles, tickets are sold out since instead of morning, they changed it to 3-4pm where all the tickets are sold out. Whole day wasted. Most of the museums/sights they state in their itinerary, they will just bring you there, entrance fee is not included. They will only bring you to free places, so just be aware that you will not be getting your money’s worth. Bus is ALWAYS late, today our meetup time is 7:45am, the bus arrived 8:25am, since they had to pick up other guest from a totally different hotel. They frequently change buses, it is a hit or miss. There are times where the airconditioner is good, leg space is acceptable. There are also times, they would rent a bus from a different company, where it is very cramped. Guide: they know the basics but not the nitty gritty details. For example they would just point you “Oh this is blah building, without any further explanation.” Hotels are mostly 4 star hotels with really shitty customer service. Once I had a room (cant remember the hotel in Lyon, France) assigned to me where the room has not been cleaned up. GROSS. One of the other hotel (Dormero Hotel, Zurich), did not have a reception staff at night, so when we were a defective bath tub, we had no one to complain to.

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Europamundo requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of europamundo charges.

    Up to 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 20 days before tour starts: Forfeit 20% of booking price.

    At 10 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 2 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.