6-Day Korean Cultural Exploration Tour in Seoul with DMZ
Summary
Explore the ancient and contemporary culture of South Korea, experience the sensitive border sites.
This trip visits Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Folk Museum of South Korea, Bukchon Hanok Village, Hwaseong Fortress and specially the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on the Korean Peninsula, providing an insight into the history and culture of South Korea from ancient times to the present, as well as the local way of life. In summary, the trip includes both historical and cultural sites and natural scenery, also revealing the mysterious side of the DMZ, turning the page on war and peace in the modern international community.
Seoul is the capital of South Korea and also a historical and cultural city on the Korean Peninsula, there are still many other attractions worth visiting. We would be delighted to customize a tour based on your interests and preferences.
Itinerary Sketch
| Day | Place | Itinerary Attractions | Transportation | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Seoul | Arrive Seoul,Check into hotel | Private Car | Seoul |
| 2 | Seoul | Gyeongbokgung Palace, National Folk Museum, Bukchon Hanok Village. | Private Car | Seoul |
| 3 | Suwan/Yongin | Hwaseong Fortress,Yongin Folk Village | Private Car | Seoul |
| 4 | Poju | DMZ & Imjingak, N Seoul Tower | Private Car | Seoul |
| 5 | Seoul | Departure | Private Car |
Tour Highlights
Step into the rich history of South Korea, explore World Cultural Heritage.
（Suwon Hwaseong Fortress）
Explore the residential areas of ancient Korean capital cities and natural villages.
(Bukchon Hanok Village)
Discovery in the DMZ Between North and South Korea.
（Imjingak, Poju）
Itinerary Overview
In the modern metropolis of Seoul, visiting ancient Korean palaces, castles, and historical villages, and going to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on the Korean Peninsula, can provide a hands-on understanding of a crucial part of Korea's turbulent modern history.
We meticulously plan the itinerary, and with the assistance of professional guides, your trip is more rewarding. It is also suitable for lovers of Korean culture and cuisine. Enroll for your preferred segments of the tour or use the entire itinerary as inspiration, customizing each aspect to create a uniquely tailored experience for you.
Day 1 Seoul Arrival
Welcome to Seoul, the largest city in South Korea!
Upon your arrival in Seoul, your personal guide will warmly greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Start this South Korea tour from here and enjoy the next few days on the road with the company of a professional guide and your own exploration.
Day 2 Cultural landmarks of Seoul.
The tour guide will meet you in the morning at the lobby of the hotel and start today's tour from the famous Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Located in the heart of Seoul, Gyeongbokgung Palace was built by the Joseon Dynasty in 1395 and is one of the treasures of Korean history and culture. Among the five palaces in Seoul, Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace are the largest and most beautifully designed. The other royal palaces have the same architectural style, but are smaller in scale. Marvel at the magnificent architecture and do not miss the guard changing ceremony.
The National Folk Museum is located within Gyeongbokgung Palace, where you can see all aspects of the daily lives of the Korean people from ancient times, and gain a deeper understanding of Korean history and culture.
Bukchon Hanok Village is located right next to Gyeongbokgung Palace and is one of the most representative traditional residential areas in Seoul. There are many historical sites, cultural heritage, and folk materials scattered throughout the village. Therefore, it is called the street museum of the city center. It is a village where people actually lived, and here you can see the changes in the lives of the Korean people over hundreds of years.
The rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure. You can visit Insadong, a famous art and craft market in Seoul, or stroll around the Gwangjang Market to experience the vibrant local life and delicious local cuisine.
DAY 3 Ancient Villages and Castles of South Korea.
Today, continue your journey to Suwon and Yongin, delving deeper into the rich history and culture of South Korea.
Yongin Folk Village is needed to be savored slowly, it has over 240 traditional buildings, where time stands still and the human landscape and regional atmosphere of the Korean Peninsula over 500 years ago are recreated.
Suwon Hwaseong is an ancient fortress with an area of 130 hectares, it’s unique building layout pattern even can’t find in China and Japan, with both military defense and commercial functions, and is considered a model of Eastern fortress. It was designated as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 1997.
Suwon City and Yongin City are not far from Seoul, approximately 50 kilometers away, which is equivalent to the suburbs of Seoul, so you don't have to worry about being in a hurry.
Day 4 Explore the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on the Korean Peninsula.
The Imjingak is located in Poju City, northwest of Seoul, about 56 kilometers away, and is situated 7 kilometers south of the Military Demarcation Line. There are a lot of war relics and former military equipment, as well as museums here.
The adventure today includes Imjingak Park, Freedom Bridge, The 3rd Tunnel, Dora Observatory, Dorasan Station, Freedom House, Conference Room, and Bridge of No Return，etc.
The third tunnel extends to a depth of 73 meters underground. Visitors must wear safety helmets when exploring, and no other items may be carried.
There are telescopes installed on the observation deck, through which you can see the distant North Korea across the border. You can feel the long-term confrontation and the invisible smoke of war between the two countries clearly.
After returning to Seoul, the next destination is Namsan and N Seoul Tower. Arrive at Namsan at sunset to enjoy the beautiful sunset view. Take the Namsan cable car to the top of the mountain and climb up N Seoul Tower to enjoy an impressive urban nightscape of Seoul.
Tips:
1. Visitors to the 3rd Tunnel and Doro Mountain Observatory must obtain a passport and fill out an application at the DMZ Ticket Office located in the parking lot of the Imjingak before purchasing tickets. Therefore, group tours may be more convenient for foreign tourists.
2. Poju City is now a well-known integrated tourist area with beauty, shopping, and cultural prosperity near Seoul. There are also popular tourist attractions such as the Panmunjom Peace Village, Heyri Cultural & Arts Village, and the English Village.
3. The Namsan Cable Car has a length of only 605 meters and takes 3 minutes to ride. Operating hours: 10:00-23:00.
Day 5 Farewell to Seoul.
I think that when you return from the DMZ on the Korean border to Seoul and stand on the top of the Seoul Tower looking at the bustling cityscape at night, you will not be able to help but marvel at how peace is the eternal theme of our world. And this, too, is the meaning of travel, isn't it?
Today we say goodbye to Seoul. Before departing for Incheon International Airport, enjoy this free time. We will arrange a private car to take you to the airport on time.
