 |
Introduction
"Land of the Morning Calm," "Dynamic
Korea," and "Harmony of History and Modernity"
As these popular phrases well attest, Korea is truly
a colorful place filled with sites to see and experience.
Although 11 days may not be sufficient time to fully
know and experience Korea, Visitkorea.or.kr has developed
an itinerary that includes many of the "must-see"
sites in the country. |
| *The following itinerary is not
included with products offered at travel agencies. If
you are interested in similar packages sold by travel
agencies, please click here. |
| ● Itinerary Overview |
| Day |
Region |
Route |
Detailed
Information |
| Day 1 |
Seoul |
National Folk Museum of Korea - Changdeokgung Palace
- Insa-dong - N Seoul Tower |
 |
| Day 2 |
Sokcho |
Sokcho Beach - Mt. Seoraksan - Seorak Waterpia (Hot
Springs Resort) |
|
| Day 3 |
Andong |
Hahoe Village - Byeongsan Seowon (Confucian school) |
|
| Day 4 |
Gyeongju |
Daeneungwon (Cheonmachong Tomb) - Anapji Pond (Imhaejeonji)
- Bulguksa Temple - Seokguram Grotto |
|
| Day 5 |
Hapcheon |
Haeinsa Temple (Temple Stay) |
|
| Day 6 |
Geojedo |
Oe-do Island Paradise |
|
| Day 7 |
Busan |
Jagalchi Market - Haeundae Beach |
|
| Day 8 |
Damyang |
Soswaewon - Jungnogwon |
|
| Day 9 |
Suncheon |
Seonamsa Temple - Naganeupseong Folk Village - Suncheonman
Bay |
|
| Day 10 |
Jeju-do |
Jungmun Resort (Jungmun Beach) - Jusangjeolli |
|
| Day 11 |
Jeju-do |
Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak - Seongeup Folk Village |
|
|
|
| Day
1: Seoul, A Metropolitan City where Traditional
and Modernity Coexist |
The itinerary for a one-day tour was created based
on places approved by many tourists over the years.
But there is still much more to see and enjoy in
Seoul. So, this is the day that you can't afford
to miss!
|
 |
|
|
Located
inside the beautiful Gyeongbokgung
Palace, one of the largest
Joseon Dynasty palaces,
is a museum, which helps
foreigners to understand
Korean culture and Korean
lifestyle. You will discover
the characteristics unique
to Korea compared to those
of neighboring East Asian
countries such as China
and Japan. |
|
* How to get there: Take Seoul subway
Lines No. 3 or 5 and get off at Gyeongbokgung
Palace station. Go out Exit 5, which
will lead you to the palace.
→
For more information, click here! |
| ........................................................................................................................................
|
|
|
|
Built in 1405, Changdeokgung
Palace is best known for
its informal design in the
architectural history of
East Asian palaces. Named
a World Heritage Site by
UNESCO, the palace consists
of buildings ideally located
so as to be in harmony with
the surrounding environment.
Huwon, the serene Secret
Garden located toward the
rear of the palace, represents
the very essence of Asian
style landscapes. |
|
* How to get there: Take Seoul
subway Line No. 3 to Anguk station.
The palace is about a two-minute walk
from Exit 3.
→
For more information, click here! |
| ........................................................................................................................................
|
|
|
|
Located
less than a 10-minute walk
from Changdeokgung Palace,
Insa-dong is famous for
streets filled with the
flavors of tradition and
is universally well-loved
by tourists. Here, foreigners
can purchase traditional
souvenirs at low prices
and taste authentic dishes
by stepping into a Korean
restaurant found on every
street corner. |
|
→
Recommended restaurants in Insa-dong:
Click here!
→
Shopping information: Click here!
* How to
get there: Take Seoul subway Line No.
3 to Anguk station. There is a tourist
information center about 10 meters from
Exit 6. The back entrance of Insa-dong
street begins when you turn left at
the information center. |
| ........................................................................................................................................
|
|
|
A
panoramic view of the entire
city unfolds before you
here. As a dating spot where
you can enjoy dinner while
appreciating the view of
the Han River and the city's
colorful night lights, it
is popular not only among
those visiting Korea but
also with young Koreans.
|
* How to get there:
City Tour Bus: Take the Night City Tour
bus from in front of the Donghwa Duty
Free Shop (located outside Exit 6 of
Gwanghwamun station on Line No. 5)
Daily departure: 19:50 and 20:00 except
Mondays
Route: Gwanghwamun - Deoksugung
Palace - Hangang River - N Seoul Tower
(Two-hour bus ride)
The City Tour
Bus that passes through N Seoul Tower
is the downtown tour bus that leaves
every 30 minutes.
→
For more information about the City
Tour Bus |
Night-Time
Entertainment: Things To
Do
1.
Non-verbal Performance,
"Jump" - "Jackie
Chan meets Charlie Chaplin."
Ranked No. 1 at the Edinburgh
Festival box office for
two consecutive years, the
performance brings laughter
to audiences through a unique
combination of martial arts
and comedy.
→
For more information
2. Casinos
Casinos operated exclusively
for foreigners can be found
at the Millennium Seoul
Hilton Hotel, Gangnam COEX
Center, and the Walkerhill
Hotel.
→
For more information
3. Recommended Nightlife
Districts in Seoul
Itaewon - Most popular hangout
for foreigners residing
in Korea as well as tourists.
There are a number of restaurants
specializing in Western
foods as well as bars and
clubs.
→
For more information
Streets around Hongik
University - With many
cafes and dance clubs, the
area is crowded with young
people. It is also famous
for "Club Day,"
the last Friday of every
month.
→
For more information |
|
 |
|
 |
|
| Day
2: Sokcho, Gateway to Beautiful Beaches and Mountains |
Popular among tourists, Sokcho takes pride in its
clean beaches and its beautiful Mt. Seoraksan. Fishing
is a major industry, which means fresh seafood is
abundant. Visitors can also taste local dishes including
soft tofu and squid sausage, made with the famous
squid caught in the East Sea. Many hotels and short-leased
condos are located near Mt. Seoraksan, and reasonably-priced
lodging with ocean views can be found along the
shorefront.
How
to get to Sokcho from Seoul (Distance
285 km)
The most convenient
way to travel to Sokcho is by express
bus. There are two terminals in Seoul
where these buses leave from.
1. From Dong Seoul Terminal (take Subway
Line 2 to Gangbyeon station) → to Sokcho
(Travel time: 2 hrs, 50 min. ~ 3 hrs,
30 min. * Travel time varies depending
on bus line. First bus departs at 06:25
and the last one at 23:00 with a total
of 49 buses leaving each day. Bus Fare:
18,900 won)
2. From Gangnam
Express Bus Terminal (take Subway Line
3 to Express Bus Terminal station) go
to Sokcho. (Travel time: 4 hrs. First
bus departs at 06:30 and the last one
at 21:00 with a total of 27 buses leaving
each day. Bus Fare: 14,900 won)
* As of December 2006.
|
|
 |
|
|
Sokcho
Beach is well-known for
its clean waters, fine sands
and pine trees framing it
all in the background. The
tall pines surrounding the
beach emit a pleasant aroma,
making the beach ideal for
tanning with an "aromatic
forest“ scent. Since the
water is not deep and slopes
down gently, the beach attracts
many visitors during the
summer.
Also, Abai
Village, which is only
a 15-minute walk from the
beach, is famous as the
site where the drama Autumn
in My Heart (Gaeul Donghwa)
was filmed. You can visit
the store owned by Eun-seo's
(played by Song Hye-gyo)
mother, ride the skiffs
that actors were filmed
in, and stroll along Cheonghodong's
White Sand Beach, one of
the drama's backdrops. The
village is about a 5 minute
drive from Sokcho Beach.
(Though a short distance,
it's not easy to reach by
foot; therefore, a taxi
is recommended. Taxi fare
costs about 3,000 won). |
☞ How to get to Sokcho Beach
from Sokcho Express Bus Terminal:
After exiting the bus terminal, continue
toward the left about 500 meters and
you will arrive at the beach.
→
For more information, click here! |
| ........................................................................................................................................
|
| ●
Mt. Seoraksan's Cable Car |
|
If your time is limited
but you still want to experience
just how magnificent Mount
Seoraksan is, it is highly
recommended to take a cable
car. As the cable car climbs
its way up the mountain,
you can view the grand Buddha
statue at Sinheungsa Temple
and the rocky cliff of Gwongeumseong.
In autumn, the brilliant
mountain foliage is sure
to leave you breathless. |
A
Helpful Tip When Riding
the Cable Car
Cable
car tickets are sold on
a round-trip basis, and
the wait can be long during
peak seasons (during summer
vacation and autumn time).
So you might want to buy
a ticket upon arrival and
then tour the small park
referred to as Sogongwon.
The return trip is on a
first-come basis based on
your preferred time choice. |
☞ How to get to Mt. Seoraksan
from Sokcho Express Bus Terminal:
After exiting the bus terminal, cross
the street and take bus No. 7 or 7-1
(comes at every 10 min. intervals /
travel time: 30 mins.) and get off at
Sogongwon, the final destination. The
cable car station is located straight
ahead, about a 5-minute walk through
the park.
→
For more information, click here! |
| ........................................................................................................................................
|
|
|
Seorak
Waterpia at Hanhwa Resort
is a hot springs theme park
that utilizes the natural
mineral waters from the
local area. Visitors can
soak in a hot-spring bath
and also enjoy exciting
water rides. In particular,
the "rafting slider,"
in which you descend down
a slide on a mat from a
height of 20 meters, and
the "body slider,"
which allows riders to slide
down without equipment using
your body, are both popular
and lines are relatively
short. |
|
A
Helpful Tip When Visiting
Seorak Waterpia
To enter the water park,
you must wear a swimsuit
and a bathing cap. Once
inside, you need to obtain
a locker key and a Waterpia
money card, which can be
deducted when you purchase
food and drinks or buy equipment
from the rental shop such
as a swimsuit, beach towel,
swimming goggles, life jacket,
etc. Waterpia money can
only be purchased with cash
and any remaining balance
can be refunded in full. |
☞ How to get to Seorak Waterpia
from Mt. Seoraksan:
From Seokraksan
Small Park(Sogongwon), take bus No.
7 or 7-1 (comes at every 10-min. intervals
/ takes 40 mins.) and get off at the
Sokcho Fire Station(Sobangseo) stop.
Then, cross the street, take bus No.
3 or 3-1 (comes at every 15-min. intervals/takes
15 mins.), and get off at the Hanhwa
Resort's Seorak Waterpia stop. Bus No.
7 and 7-1 pass through the Sokcho Express
Bus Terminal; if you choose to take
a taxi from the bus terminal, the fare
is around 10,000 won.
→
For more information, click here!
☞ How
to get to Seorak Express Bus Terminal
from Seorak Waterpia:
Cross
the street outside Waterpia and take
bus No. 3 or 3-1 to the Sokcho Fire
Station(Sobangseo) stop. Get off, cross
the street and take bus No. 1, 1-1,
7, 7-1, 9 or 9-1 (takes 10 mins.) to
the bus terminal stop. If you choose
to take a taxi instead, the taxi fare
will be around 10,000 won.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
| Day
3: Andong, a Journey into the Past |
Traces of distinguished scholars of the past can
be felt in Andong, a town of nobility. Cultural
heritage is preserved in many forms such as the
seowon (memorial hall), old-style homes, and traditional
performances such as the Hahoe mask dance drama.
The area acquired a measure of fame after Britain's
Queen Elizabeth II visited in 1999. Visitors can
also enjoy authentic local cuisine including heotjesabab
(a memorial service meal) or gangodeungeo (marinated
mackerel) as well as try the local liquor, Andong
soju.
There are a number of accommodations including
hotels and motels that can be found near the Andong
train station. However, for a taste of traditional
living you may wish to spend the night in a countryside
home.
[
Sokcho → Seoul → Andong, or Sokcho
→ Chuncheon → Andong ]
* Since
there's no bus that goes directly to
Andong from Sokcho, you need to first
go to either Seoul or Chuncheon and
then continue to Andong.
Sokcho
→ Seoul (239 km) → Andong (267 km):
Total travel time : 6 hrs, 50 mins.
Sokcho → Seoul
1. The bus ride
from Sokcho Terminal to Dong Seoul Express
Bus Terminal (take subway Line No. 2
to Gangbyeon station) takes 4 hours.
The first bus departs at 06:50 and the
last one at 23:10. The bus operates
21 times a day (Night buses after 20:00
run only on weekends.) Bus fare costs
18,900 won.
2. The bus ride
from Sokcho Terminal to Gangnam Express
Bus Terminal (take subway Line No. 3
to Express Bus Terminal station) takes
4 hours. The first one departs at 06:30
and the last one at 23:00. The bus operates
27 times a day. Bus fare costs 14,900
won.
Seoul → Andong
1. The bus ride from Dong Seoul Express
Bus Terminal (take subway Line 2 to
Gangbyeon station) takes 2 hrs, and
50 min. The first bus departs at 06:00
and the last one at 20:30. The bus operates
34 times a day. Bus fare costs 15,400
won.
2. The bus ride from Gangnam
Express Bus Terminal (take subway Line
No. 3 to Express Bus Terminal station)
takes 3 hrs. The first bus departs at
06:40 and the last one at 19:40. The
bus operates 9 times a day. Bus fare
costs 12,500 won.
Sokcho
→ Chuncheon (175 km) → Andong (101
km) : Total travel time: 6 hrs.
Sokcho → Chuncheon
The trip takes 2 hrs, 10 min. The bus
operates 17 times a day with the first
bus departing at 06:30 and the last
one at 19:00. Bus fare costs 12,800
won.
Chuncheon → Andong
Trip takes 4 hrs. The bus operates only
once a day, departing at 16:18. Bus
fare costs 17,700 won.
* As of December 2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hahoe Village makes a fine place to delve into the traditional
culture of Korea because the old courtyard
homes from the Joseon era and the Hahoe
mask dance drama are both well-preserved.
In the village, you will find Namchon-daek
and Bukchon-daek, which represent the
homes of the gentry. It's also interesting
to visit the Samshin-dang area, home
to a 600-year-old zelkova tree. There
is a local belief that mistreating this
tree can bring misfortune. Visitors
can write a wish on a paper and hang
it from one of the strings that surround
the tree for good luck.
From March
to November, the mask dance performance
known as "Hahoe byeolsingut talchum"
is held at the village's folklore preservation
center (schedule varies by season),
and from summer until winter one can
take part in the harvest by picking
melons and other produce.
A
Helpful Tip When Visiting
the Hahoe Village
To gain a better experience
of the Hahoe Village, it
is recommended that you
stay at one of the traditional
homes located in the Hahoe
Village. Accommodations
cost about 30,000 won for
a small room (2 or 3 guests)
and 50,000 won for a big
room (4 or more guests).
(prices are higher in summer).
Most homes also provide
meals and drinks at low
prices.
Some homes offer
guests traditional rice
cakes as well as offer pottery-making
or tea-making lessons. You
can take a look inside these
houses before deciding where
to stay. Be sure and ask
to see the bathroom for
some houses are not equipped
with western-style plumbing
nor a western-style toilet
seat.
Outside the
Hahoe Village, it is also
recommended to stay some
of well-preserved Korean
traditional houses, Hanoks.
→
For more information, click
here. |
☞ How to get to Hahoe Village
from Andong Regional Bus Terminal:
After exiting Andong Regional Bus Terminal,
cross the street and take bus No. 46
to the Hahoe Village ticket office.
(The last bus takes you inside the village.
Bus times are 6:20, 8:40, 10:30, 11:25,
14:05, 14:50, 16:00, and 18:10. Travel
time is about 40 minutes.)
→
For more information, click here! |
| ........................................................................................................................................
|
| ●
Byeongsan Seowon (Confucian
School) |
|
|
|
As its name describes, Byeongsan seowon is a beautiful seowon,
or memorial hall, lined up against a
mountain that spreads out like a folding
screen. From the top of the Mandaeru
Pavilion, visitors can enjoy a panoramic
view of the surroundings, while from
Ibgyodang a scene of the memorial hall
exquisitely set across the backdrop
of nature can be appreciated.
It
is especially lovely in the fall when
the colorful autumn foliage is at its
peak, and in winter when the rocky cliffs
become more prominent. However, many
visitors come to see Byeonsan Seowon
in summer to relax and enjoy the refreshing
cool breeze by the river. Visitors can
also stroll down the sandy path along
the stream flowing in front of the memorial
hall.
A
Helpful Tip When Visiting
Byeonsan Seowon
Because the bus bound for
Byeongsan Seowon runs only
twice a day, you may choose
to take a call-taxi instead.
The fare is about 20,000
won. In the event that you
stay at a homestay, some
offer a ride to Byeongsan
Seowon, so you might want
to check into the service.
(This service is provided
at the home owner's discretion;
thus, availability may depend
on his/her schedule and
the price varies. In the
case of the Beonnam Gotaek
Minbak (homestay), the price
is 20,000 won for a party
of four during the off-peak
season.) |
☞ How to get to Byeongsan Seowon
from Hahoe Village:
Take bus
No. 46 from in front of the ticket office
of Hahoe Village at 11:05 or 14:45 (This
bus departs from downtown Andong and
stops at Hahoe Village en route to Byeongsan
Seowon, so there may be a 10-minute
delay.) Upon arriving at Byeongsan Seowon,
the bus waits 10 to 20 minutes before
returning to Hahoe Village/downtown
Andong. So, you may take the bus from
the drop-off location to return to the
bus station.
→
For more information, click here!
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Day
4: Gyeongju, Roofless Museum - World Heritage |
Often referred to as a "museum without a roof,"
Gyeongju is the ancient capital of the thousand
year-long Silla Dynasty, and the history and remains
from that period can still be seen. With cultural
heritage spread throughout the city, Gyeongju possesses
a subtle yet awesome combination of modern structures
and ancient relics. It's also a great place for
a bike tour. (Bike rental shops can be found near
Gyeongju Bus Terminal, the train station and Daeneungwon.
A one-day rental costs about 18,000 won.)
A
range of lodgings including hotels, are located
in and around the Bomun tourist district, and visitors
can also enjoy authentic local cuisine including
soft bean paste-filled hwangnamppang; gyodong beopju,
a liquor with a unique aroma; and Gyeongju ssambab,
a rice dish made with seasonal ingredients.
Andong
→ Gyeongju (140 km)
Take a
Gyeongju-bound regional bus from the
Andong Regional Bus Terminal.
Takes
3 hrs. / Departure: 10 times daily between
08:00am and 18:40 / Bus Fare: 12,000
won)
[* As of December 2006.]
|
|
|
|
| ●
Cheonmachong Tomb (Daeneungwon) |
|
One of the 23 tombs that
belong to Daeneungwon, the
largest group of ancient
mounds found in Gyeongju,
Cheonmachong is the only
tomb where visitors are
allowed inside. Among the
many other attractions in
Daeneungwon are: Michu Wangneung,
used as a ritual hall in
times of national crisis,
and Hwangnam Daechong, referred
to as the twin tombs. Daeneungwon
is especially beautiful
at twilight with the sun
setting in the background.
|
☞ How to get to Cheonmachong
from the Gyeongju Express Bus Terminal:
After exiting the bus terminal, continue
to the left for about 15 minutes. You
will find the entrance on the right
side of the street. It is recommended
to exit the terminal from the rear.
If you want to take a bus instead of
walking, cross the street after exiting
the terminal and take bus No. 70, which
will bring you to Daeneungwon. (Comes
in 10-minute intervals/ Takes 10 minutes
to arrive)
→
For more information, click here!
|
| ........................................................................................................................................
|
|
|
Anapji,
the largest man-made pond
dating back to the Silla
era, was built with a curved
shape, so it's difficult
to view the entire pond
from any single location.
This makes the pond seem
infinitely long and wide,
but what's more interesting
is that its shape appears
to change depending on where
one is standing. So it's
intriguing to circle the
pond entirely; a stroll
which takes about 30 minutes.
Also, because the pavilion
and the pond look mysterious
under the twilight, many
people prefer to visit here
in the evening. In summer,
the full lotus blossoms
create quite a spectacle.
|
|
☞ How to get to Anapji from Cheonmachong:
From the Daeneungwon exit, you can find
Cheomseongdae (a Silla-era astronomical
observatory) to your left. Proceed towards
the structure and turn right at the
first intersection. It's about a 15-minute
walk from Cheonmachong, and then take
a taxi, which costs about 2,000 won.
→
For more information, click here!
|
| ........................................................................................................................................
|
|
|
Situated
on the slopes of Mt. Tohamsan,
Bulguksa Temple is famous
as a structure embodying
Buddhist beliefs. For instance,
the two stone pagodas that
stand before Daeungjeon,
the simple yet graceful
Seokgatap and the highly
ornate Dabotop, represent
the yin and yang, respectively.
Dabotop pagoda is engraved
on Korea's 10-won coin.
|
|
☞ How to Get to Bulguksa from
Anapji:
From the Anapji exit,
you will see the Gyeongju National Museum.
Take bus No. 11 from in front of the
museum and get off at the Bulguksa bus
stop. (Comes in 15-minute intervals
/ a 30-minute ride)
→
For more information, click here!
|
| ........................................................................................................................................
|
|
|
Recognized
as a UNESCO World Heritage
site together with Bulguksa
in 1995, the Seokguram grotto
temple is shaped by hundreds
of granite stones with soil
plastered on the outer layer
to make it resemble a natural
cave. The man-made grotto
contains mysteries that
modern science has yet to
solve including humidity
control and control of the
angle of light falling into
the main chamber where the
Buddha is located. If you
visit before dawn you can
appreciate a surprisingly
beautiful sunrise.
|
A
Helpful Tip When Visiting
Seokguram Grotto Temple
The shuttle bus operating
between Bulguksa Temple
and Seokguram grotto runs
every hour. To save time,
you may want to check the
departure time of the next
bus and decide which site
to visit first. A tour of
Seokguram usually takes
40 minutes while an hour
is needed for Bulguksa Temple. |
☞ How to get to Seokguram from
Bulguksa:
At the Bulguksa parking
lot, take shuttle bus 12 to get back
to the Seokguram parking lot. (bus operates
hourly from 8:40 to 16:20, and takes
15 minutes.)
→
For more information, click here!
☞ How to get to Gyeongju Regional
Bus Terminal from Seokguram:
To return to downtown Gyeongju from
Seokguram, take shuttle bus 12 to Bulguksa
(last departure: 17:20), and then take
bus No. 10 or 11 from in front of the
Bulguksa information booth to Gyeongju
Regional Bus Terminal, the last stop
on the bus route. (Buses 10 & 11
every 8-minutes & a 40 minute bus
ride)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Day
5: Temple Stay at Haeinsa |
Hapcheon is a town where Mt. Gayasan and Haeinsa
Temple blend together in harmony. This temple is
where Palman Daejanggyeong (Tripitaka Koreana) is
kept. Visitors can enjoy sanchae jeongsik, a local
vegetable dish, and a traditional temple meal at
Haeinsa as well as famous regional cuisine made
from Korean-grown beef and pork. Although lodging
can be found near Gayasan National Park, if you
are interested in experiencing Buddhist temple life,
it is recommended to stay at Haeinsa.
[
Gyeongju → Masan (185 km) → Hapcheon
(89 km) ]
* There is no direct
bus from Gyeongju to Hapcheon, so a
bus transfer at Masan is required.
Gyeongju → Masan
To get
to Mason from Gyeongju, it takes 2 hrs.
The bus operates 20 times a day with
the first bus departing at 6:00 and
the last one at 23:10. Bus Fare: 7,300
won Night fare (last bus): 8,000 won
Masan → Hapcheon
It takes
1 hr and 40 mins to get there. The bus
operates 6 times a day with the first
bus departing at 7:00 and the last one
at 18:20. Bus Fare: 6,800 won
* As of December 2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A Temple Stay at Haeinsa presents a variety of activities;
making lotus lamps is especially popular.
If you are interested in a Temple Stay,
you may want to check the dates of the
Palman Daejanggyeong Festival (this
festival was held during October in
2006.) in advance. Held in connection
with the Haeinsa Temple Stay, the festival
provides a great opportunity to experience
Korea's traditional printing methods
firsthand. During the festival, visitors
can enjoy such events as a re-enactment
of the exchange of the Tripitaka Koreana
from Ganghwa-do Island to Haeinsa Temple
during the early Joseon period.
A
Helpful Tip When Staying
at Haeinsa
The Temple
Stay at Haeinsa is on demand,
but if you visit individually
(participation fee: 10,000
won, free for children under
13 years of age), you can
only take part in some basic
programs such as yebul and
meals. Special programs
are available only for group
participation (20 or more
people, participation fee:
40,000 won per person). |
☞ How to get to Haeinsa from
Hapcheon Regional Bus Terminal:
Take a Haeinsa-bound bus from the Hapcheon
Regional Bus Terminal. It takes about
one hour and buses depart 4 times a
day (7:35, 10:40, 3:00 and 19:10). Bus
Fare: 4,300 won. After getting off the
bus, walk for 20 minutes along Mt. Gayasan.
→
For more information on Haeinsa Temple,
click here!
→
For more information on Palman Daejanggyeong
Festival, click here!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Day
6: Geoje-do, an Island Where Nature Prevails |
In addition to Geoje-do, Korea's second largest
island after Jeju-do, Geoje city consists of 10
inhabited and 52 uninhabited isles. It is the islands
that draw tourists: Each is unique in a different
way with splendid natural scenery. The local tastes
include gorosoe yaksu (a type of mineral water),
maengjong juksun duruchigi (bamboo shoot stir-fry)
and gulgukbab (oyster soup with rice).
[
Hapcheon → Busan (144km) → Geoje (24km)
]
Hapcheon → Busan
Take a Busan-bound bus at Hapcheon Regional
Bus Terminal. Travel time is about two
hours and the bus departs 17 times daily
(first one at 7:00, last one at 19:00).
Bus Fare: 9,500 won
Busan
→ Geojedo Island
After arriving
at Busan Sasang Express Bus Terminal,
take subway Line 2 from Sasang station,
located in front of the terminal, to
Seomyeon station and transfer to Line
No. 1 to get to Jungang-dong station.
(Takes 35 min.)
Go out Exit 10
and cross the street toward the Busan
Customs Office. The Busan Port International
Passenger Terminal is located to the
left of the customs office. (a 5 minute
walk)
At the passenger terminal,
take a boat bound for Jangseungpo Part.
(Hourly departures from 8:00 to 18:00
/ takes 45 minutes)
[ * As of December
2006 ]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Day
7: Busan, a City with Diverse Festivals and Attractions |
| The country's second largest city and largest port,
Busan offers many attractions as well as festivals.
Its beaches are especially popular in summer because
of their size and good water quality. Besides seafood,
Haeundae galbi (beef ribs) is another famous local
dish. A good choice of lodging is found along the
beachfront. |
|
|
|
|
|
Korea's biggest seafood market, Jagalchi Market is always
noisy, filled with Busan's local accent
haggling over prices. At the same time,
it's where visitors can witness the
peculiar "jeong" of Korea
from merchants who give customers extra
or accept less money for their products.
Around October each year, the market
hosts the Busan Jagalchi Festival filled
with all kinds of seafood to see, taste
and buy.
☞
How to get to Jagalchi Market from Busan
Port International Passenger Terminal:
Upon exiting the passenger terminal,
take subway Line No.1 from Jungang-dong
station. Get off at the next station,
Nampo-dong, and exit toward the Nampo
Police Station. The market is a five-minute
walk, or you can take a taxi. (Taxi
Fare: 2,000 won)
→
For more information on Jagalchi Market,
click here!
→
For more information on Busan Jagalchi
Festival, click here!
|
| ........................................................................................................................................
|
|
|
Haeundae Beach gets crowded
in summer, for the water
is shallow and there is
hardly any tidal change.
The beach's white sands
don't stick to your body,
and the beach has earned
a measure of fame for the
sunrise over the horizon
and the moonrise view from
Haewoljeong Pavilion.
|
A
Helpful Tip When Visiting
Haeundae Beach
There
are numerous accommodations
around Haeundae Beach ranging
from five-star luxury hotels
to well-furnished inns at
reasonable prices as well
as a wide selection of restaurants. |
☞ How to get to Haeundae Beach
from Jagalchi Market:
Take subway
Line No. 1 from either Jagalchi station
or Nampo-dong station, and transfer
to Line No. 2 at Seomyeon station. Get
off at Haeundae station (Line 2), and
go out of Exit 3 or 5. (Takes 50 minutes)
→
For more information, click here!
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Day
8: Damyang, a Town Offering Aromatic 'Forest Bathing'
amid the Bamboo |
Set in a region long regarded as famous for its
bamboo groves, Damyang has many attractions and
offers many kinds of souvenirs made from bamboo.
Especially in summer, visitors can find abundant
groves of green bamboo and also enjoy a healthy
"forest bath" beneath the towering bamboo
stalks. Authentic local cuisine includes tteokgalbi
(seasoned rib steak), juksunhoe (bamboo shoots and
squid seasoned with condiments) and daetongbab (rice
cooked in bamboo).
Busan
→ Gwangju (271 km)
Take
a bus headed for Gwangju Regional Bus
Terminal from Busan Sasang Bus Terminal.
(22 bus departures daily between 6:10
and 21:30 / Allow 3 hrs, 30 mins. for
travel time. Bus Fare: 14,400 won)
[As of December 2006.]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Soswaewon is a private garden from the Joseon period where
nature and art coexist in harmony. Upon
entering the garden, one passes along
a walkway through thick bamboo groves,
eventually reaching Daebongdae Pavilion.
From the deck of the pavilion, you will
be able to see a full view of Soswaewon
entirely. The garden is uniquely arranged
in that the water flowing down from
the north passes beneath the fence.
Also, the view of the garden from Gwangpunggak
Pavilion is a worthwhile visit.
☞ How
to Get to Soswaewon from Gwangju Regional
Bus Terminal:
Take bus No. 225
from in front of the bus terminal and
get off at Soswaewon bus stop. (Comes
every 40-minutes / takes one hour to
get there). Then, cross the street and
you will find the ticket office for
Soswaewon. A taxi ride costs from 20,000
to 25,000 won. (The fare varies depending
on which taxi you take. It's best to
agree on the fare with the driver before
leaving.)
→
For more information, click here!
|
| ........................................................................................................................................
|
|
|
At
Jungnogwon one can enjoy
an aromatic "forest
bath" while listening
to the crisp sound of bamboo
leaves falling. The park
consists of eight paths,
each with a different theme
and a unique atmosphere.
Pavilions and benches are
located along the paths,
encouraging visitors to
relax and enjoy the forest
tranquility. While it's
wonderful in spring with
bamboo sprouts appearing
everywhere, summer is definitely
the most gorgeous season
with bamboo at their greenest.
Other attractions near Jungnogwon
include Gwanbangjerim, a
special man-made forest
cultivated to improve the
water quality of Damyangcheon
Stream. |
A
Helpful Tip When Visiting
Jungnogwon
Business
hours: Winter (November
- February) 9:00 - 18:00
Summer (March - October)
9:00 - 19:00
* Entrance
to park during non-business
hours is free.
| Per |
Adult |
Youth |
Child |
Remarks |
| Person |
1,000 |
700 |
500 |
Group
of 20 or more
people
※
Child under
7 and senior
citizen over
64 is free |
| Group |
800 |
500 |
300 |
|
☞ How to Get to Jungnogwon
from Soswaewon:
From Soswaewon,
take bus No. 225 to Mangwol-dong bus
stop. Cross the street after getting
off the bus, and wait for bus No. 311
(comes in 10 minute intervals) to travel
to Jungnogwon bus stop, which is in
front of Gwanbangjerim. From the bus
stop, cross the street, walk over a
bridge and walk about 5 minutes to Jungnogwon.
If you choose to take a taxi, the fare
is about 2,000 won.
Damyang
→ Gwangju → Suncheon
Cross
back over the bridge and take bus No.
31. (comes in 10-min. intervals / takes
40-mins.). Get off at Gwangju Bus Terminal
stop, and take a Suncheon-bound express
bus. (94 km in length; takes 1 hr, 10
mins. Buses depart 25 times daily from
05:30 to 23:00. Bus Fare: 5,900 won)
From Suncheon Express Bus Terminal,
take a taxi to Suncheon train station.
(Bus Fare: 2,500 won)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Day
9: Cultural Tour of Suncheon Aboard a Bus |
With many well-maintained cultural sites nearby,
Suncheon makes an ideal place to explore and learn
about Korean culture. Near to Boseong, famous for
its green tea plantation, and Beolgyo, a town well-known
for its kkomak, cockle-shelled mollusk, Suncheon
offers many special types of Korean cuisine as well
as related events such as the Namdo Culinary Festival.
As for lodging, hotels and motels are found around
Suncheon Station while private homestays are available
at the Naganeupseong Folk Village.
Suncheon
City Tour Bus
A city tour
bus that operates daily is a great way
to see all of Suncheon at a reasonable
price. Reservations are recommended,
although you may still be able to get
on board by showing up at the departure
location without prior reservations.
(Generally, seats are not available
without a reservation during festival
or vacation periods.)
Weekday
(Only Tour Course 2 is offered):
Tour Course 2 begins at 9:50 and ends
at 17:30.
Weekend (Both Tour
Course 1 and 2 are offered): Tour
Course 1 begins at 9:40, and ends at
17:30, and Tour Course 2 begins at 9:50,
and ends at 17:30.
Departure
location: Tourist information center
at Suncheon Station
Fare:
Ages 14 to 64 ￦3,000 / Ages 14 to 19
￦2,000 / under 13 ￦1,000
Reservation:
+82-61-749-3107 (Korean)
* Due to
the rotation of employees, not all foreign
language services are available at all
times. If you need to make a reservation
in a foreign language, please use the
Tourist Information Hotline (+82-2-1330,
available in Korean, English, Japanese,
Chinese).
Website: http://english.suncheon.go.kr/
(available in Korean, English, Japanese,
Chinese)
Tour Courses:
① Course 1 (Available only on weekends):
Suncheon Station - Drama film set -
Naganeupseong Folk Village - Songgwangsa
Temple - Suncheonman Bay - Suncheon
Station
② Course 2 (Available both
on weekends and weekdays):
Suncheon
Station - Drama film set - Seonamsa
- Naganeupseong Folk Village - Suncheonman
Bay - Suncheon Station |
|
|
|
|
|
|
A beautiful temple located on the slopes of Mt. Jogyesan, Seonamsa
has produced a number of distinguished
Buddhist monks, and even nowadays, many
monks meditate in the temple's Gangwon
and Seonwon. In and around the temple,
visitors can find chestnut, maple and
camellia trees that are over a hundred
years old, which together create impressive
autumn colors. In spring, green sprouts
and colorful seasonal flowers offer
a splendid sight. Oddly enough, another
must-see temple site is its restroom.
This traditional restroom is uniquely
structured to accommodate three people
at a time.
→
For more information, click here! |
| ........................................................................................................................................
|
|
|
|
What makes Naganeupseong Folk Village special is not the well-preserved
thatch-roofed houses, but the fact that
families continue to live in them. On
weekends and holidays, a changing-of-the-guard
ceremony (dating back to the old days
when they protected the fortress) can
be seen, and traditional folk games
are offered for visitors to experience.
From the highest point of Naganeupseong's
fortress walls, you can obtain a panoramic
view of the town, and there's also Mt.
Geumjeonsan ("golden money")
in front, which is said to make a person
rich when they stare at it. The mountain
is especially beautiful at twilight
because of how the sunlight strikes
the rocky western part of the peak.
If you are interested in experiencing
the local village lifestyle, you may
stay at one of the private homes offering
overnight accommodation.
→
For more information, click here! |
| ........................................................................................................................................
|
|
|
|
Famous for its coastal plains and fields of reeds, Suncheonman
Bay is a place to take a look at rare
bird species from around the world.
There are interesting attractions year-around;
thick fog in spring, jjangttungeo (a
rare type of goby fish) and the coastal
plains in summer, reeds in autumn and
some 200 kinds of migrating birds including
the hooded crane in winter. But, the
bay is especially beautiful in fall
when the Reed Festival is held and in
winter when groups of dancing birds
can be seen. The S-shaped waterway in
the bay is famous for creating a splendid
glow at sunset.
If you want an up-close
experience of the natural environment
around the bay, a tour by boat or bicycle
is recommended. A boat tour can bring
you to just about any corner of the
bay, and while onboard you can also
enjoy a hot drink as well as ocean fishing.
Fishing equipment can be rented at no
extra charge.
A
HelpfulＴip When Taking
a Boat Tour or Bicycle Tour:
* Boat tour
Fare:
Boats depart only when there
are 5 or more passengers;
the fare is 30,000 won for
five people.
(When there
are 6 or more passengers:
14 years old and above:
￦5,000, 13 year and younger:
￦3,000 per person)
Duration: 40 minutes (length
may vary according to passengers'
desire for fishing. No extra
charge for a longer trip)
* Bike rental
Fee: ￦3,000 per hour |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Day
10: Jeju, the Country's Hottest Vacation Destination
- Home to Natural Wonders and a Distinct Culture |
The country's leading tourist destination, Jeju
Island is the ideal vacation region where natural
wonders and unique cultural traditions can be experienced
all at once. With a mild year-round climate, the
island offers an exotic natural environment as well
as diverse attractions, making it an ideal place
to tour and relax. Among the local specialty dishes
are okdom (sea bream), heukdwaeji samgyeopsal (a
kind of grilled bacon) and hallabong, a type of
tangerine. Many luxury hotels including Hotel Shilla
Jeju, the Hyatt Regency Jeju and Hotel Lotte Jeju,
are located in and around Jungmun Resort where affordable
lodging can also be found.
[
Suncheon → Yeosu (37 km) → Jeju or
Suncheon → Gwangju (98 km) → Jeju
]
Suncheon → Yeosu
(37 km) → Jeju : 1 hour, 15 minutes
Suncheon → Yeosu
Take an
airport limousine to the Yeosu Airport
from either Nonghyup Bank in front of
Suncheon Station or at the 21st Century
Pharmacy in front of the Suncheon Regional
Bus Terminal (runs 12 times daily /
takes 30 minutes).
Yeosu
→ Jeju
From Yeosu Airport,
take a Jeju-bound flight - Korean Air
departs at 11:00. Takes 45 minutes (effective
through March. 24, 2007. The schedule
may vary after this period.)
Suncheon → Gwangju (98km) →
Jeju : 2 hours, 15 minutes
Suncheon → Gwangju
Take a taxi
to transfer from Suncheon Station to
Suncheon Regional Bus Terminal (Bus
Fare: ￦2,500), then board a Gwangju-bound
bus. (Bus leaves every 20 to 30 minutes
from 06:10 to 22:40 / takes 1 hour,
30 minutes. Fare: ￦5,900
Gwangju
→ Jeju
Take a Jeju-bound flight
from Gwangju Airport. Travel time is
45 minutes, and there are 9 flights
daily from 8:10 until 18:40.
[ As of December 2006
]
|
|
|
|
|
|
As the largest tourist complex
in the country, Jungmun
Resort attracts visitors
during all four seasons,
thanks to the region's mild
year-round climate as well
as the many hotels and the
diversity of amusements
and facilities found here.
They include Pacific Land,
which offers a dolphin show
and a chimpanzee show; the
Teddy Bear Museum, the largest
of its kind in the world,
and the popular Yeomiji
Botanical Garden, which
has the world's largest
glass greenhouse and a wide
selection of rare plants.
|
|
☞ How to Get to Jungmun Resort
from Jeju Airport:
Follow Exit
1 out of the Jeju Airport, and take
airport bus No. 600 from a bus stop
on the left to go to Jungmun Resort.
(bus leaves every 15-minutes / takes
50-minutes)
→
For more information, click here! |
| ........................................................................................................................................
|
|
|
Located along Daepo Beach
at Jungmun, Jusangjeolli
consists of multifaceted
stone pillars in the shapes
of various sized cubes or
hexagons, that were formed
when cooling lava from Mt.
Hallasan flowed into the
sea. From rough-surfaced
columns resembling raw ore
to stylish and exquisite
pillars that seem to have
been sculpted by an artist,
the Jusangjeolli cliffs
feature layered columns
that some say resemble a
black-and-white painting
created by a god. When the
tide is high, waves can
soar tens of meters high
as they crash against the
columns, creating a magnificent
spectacle.
|
☞ How to Get to Jusangjeolli
from Jungmun Resort:
On the
east side of the Jungmun Resort Convention
Center, a path leads directly to Jusangjeolli.
From the Yeomiji Botanical Garden, it's
about a 20-minute walk. If you decide
to take a taxi, the fare is 2,000 won.
→
For more information, click here! |
|
|
|
|
| Day
11: Jeju, Korea's Ideal Getaway |
|
|
|
|
Seongsan Ilchulbong or Sunrise
Peak, was named after its
shape - with rocks surrounding
this ancient volcanic crater
formed by an underwater
volcanic eruption, it looks
like a castle ("seong")
from a distance. If you
climb up into the crater,
about a 20 to 30 minute
hike from the ticket office,
you can enjoy superb views
of Mt. Hallasan, which changes
colors by season. The beautiful
coastline and small villages
form into pockets along
the coast. But most of all,
don't miss the sunrise from
the peak, which is so magnificent
it's been ranked best of
the "10 sights of Yeongju"
(the old name of Jeju).
Bear in mind that fog and
clouds sometimes block the
view, so be sure to check
the weather forecast in
advance. |
☞ How to Get to Seongsan
Ilchulbong from Jusangjeolli:
Take bus No. 600 from in front of the
Convention Center or a major hotel (the
bus stops at most hotels including Hotel
Lotte, Hyatt Regency and Hotel Shilla),
and get off at the World Cup Stadium.
(buses come at 12-min. intervals / takes
20 minutes).
Then walk to the Regional
Bus Terminal next to the World Cup Stadium
and take a Donhoeseon bus to get to
Seongsan Ilchulbong. (buses depart every
15-25 minutes and takes 1 hour). Some
Donghoeseon buses do not enter Seongsan
Ilchulbong but drops you offbefore the
peak, so be sure to check with the driver
before boarding.
If you wish to
take a taxi instead, it takes about
1 hour and 15 minutes, and the fare
is 30,000 won to 35,000 won.
→
For more information, click here! |
| ........................................................................................................................................
|
|
|
Because it is rich in cultural
heritage such as Jeju folk
music, dol hareubang ("old
grandfather" stone
statues believed to protect
people against demons) and
yeonjamae (horse-driven
stone mills), along with
traditional homes, the entire
village of Seongeup-ri has
been designated as an Important
Folk Heritage. Another must-see
attraction is tongsi, a
traditional Jeju outhouse
with a built-in pig pen
for human waste disposal.
Though it doesn't remain
in actual use today, it's
fun to visit the exhibit
since it shows how they
were used in the old days. |
☞ How to Get to Seongeup
Folk Village from Seongsan Ilchubong:
Walk to the opposite side of the street
from the drop-off location at Seongsan
Ilchulbong, and take a Donghoeseon bus
to go to the village of Pyoseon. (Comes
every 15-25 minutes & takes 25 minutes)
From there, take a taxi to Seongeup
Folk Village (Taxi Fare: 6,000 won).
If you choose to take a taxi all the
way from Seongsan Ilchulbong to Seongeup
Folk Village, the fare is about 10,000
won for a 25-minute ride.
→
For more information, click here!
☞ How to Get to Jeju Airport
from Seongeup Folk Village:
Take tour bus No. 97 from in front of
the folk village to get to the Jeju
Regional Bus Terminal. From the terminal,
take a taxi to the airport (Taxi Fare:
2,000 won). If you choose to take a
taxi from Seongeup Folk Village to the
airport, the fare is about 30,000 won.
|
|
|
|
|
Quick Menu
Guides
