Day 1: ISTANBUL – DOHA
We meet at the international departure terminal of Istanbul Airport three hours before the flight. After baggage, ticket, and boarding procedures, we begin our flight to Doha with the scheduled flight of Qatar Airways.
Day 2: SEOUL – GANGNAM SQUARE – SEOUL
Following our arrival in Doha, we will transfer to our flight to Seoul with the scheduled flight of Qatar Airways. We spend the night on the plane. After arriving in Seoul, we proceed to our private bus waiting for us at the airport. Following that, we transfer to Gangnam Square. Meaning "South of the Han River," Gangnam is the third largest district in Seoul. This area gained popularity after PSY's song "Gangnam Style" and among the places to be seen are Cheongdam Fashion Street, Gangnam Station, Bonguensa Temple, and Starfield Library, which will be viewed panoramically. After our shopping, dining, and photo break, we will transfer to our hotel in Seoul and have free time to relax. Accommodation at our hotel.
Day 3: SEOUL
After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for our tour of 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 beauty and cultural events, offering different beauties in every 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 particularly famous for its tree-lined paths such as Metasequoia Road and Ginkgo Tree Road. Afterwards, we move to visit "Morning Calm Garden" Arboretum, established in 1996 by Professor Han Sang-kyung. Covering an area of about 330,000 square meters, this garden hosts over 5,000 plant species. The garden takes its name from the famous Indian poet Tagore's description of Korea as the "Land of Morning Calm." During the continuation of our tour, we will have a photo break at N-Seoul Tower, the city's symbol, and then transfer back to our hotel in Seoul for free time to relax. Accommodation at our hotel.
Day 4: SEOUL – BUSAN
After breakfast at the hotel, we head to Busan, Korea's second-largest city, by high-speed train. Upon our arrival, we will visit the UN Memorial Cemetery, built in honor of the soldiers of 16 countries who fell 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. Especially, the Turkish Martyrdom, with the graves of 462 Turkish soldiers, is one of the greatest symbols of Turkish-Korean friendship. Next, we will head to Ahopsan Bamboo Forest for our tour. Famous for its dense areas of Maengjongjuk bamboo and having hosted many Korean films and dramas, this nature wonder has been carefully maintained by the Nampyeong Moon family for about 400 years. Opened to the public in 2016, this forest offers a unique experience to visitors with its rich vegetation and peaceful atmosphere. During the continuation of our tour, we will visit Yonggungsa Temple. With its unique architecture combining with the sea view, the temple was rebuilt in 1970 using traditional colors. It also features a three-story pagoda adorned with four lion sculptures that symbolize joy, anger, sadness, and happiness. Then, we will transfer to Mipo Station for our Blue Line Park Sky Capsule tour. This attraction offers a unique tourist experience along a two-kilometer route from Mipo Station to Cheongsapo Station, moving automatically at a height of 7 to 10 meters above the ground and providing magnificent views of Haeundae Beach. The average speed of the Sky Capsule is 4 km per hour and has vibrant colors like red, yellow, green, and blue. During the journey, you can enjoy the panoramic view of Haeundae Beach and take unforgettable photos. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel in Busan for free time to relax. Accommodation at our hotel.
Note: Travel will be by high-speed train from Seoul to Busan and back. We suggest that guests bring two days’ worth of clothing for the trip to Busan. Large luggage will be left at the hotel in Seoul.
Day 5: BUSAN – GYEONGJU – BUSAN
After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer to the Gamcheon Culture Village, a tourist area famous for its narrow streets, colorful houses, and wall arts, known as "Busan's Santorini" or "Lego Village." With its colorful atmosphere and artistic texture, Gamcheon offers an unforgettable experience; it was built by refugees during the Korean War in the 1950s. In 2009, with the "Imagining Machu Picchu in Busan" art project, artists and students decorated the village's walls and homes with vibrant colors, making it a popular tourist destination. Following our tour, we will head to Gyeongju, known for its rich historical heritage and referred to as the "Museum Without Walls," listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our first stop in the city, which served as the capital of the Silla Kingdom from 57 BC to 935 AD for nearly a thousand years, will be Bulguksa Temple. Built in the 8th century during the Silla Kingdom, the temple is considered one of Korea's most valuable cultural heritages. In 1995, it was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, together with the nearby Seokguram Cave. Bulguksa Temple is noted for its architectures reflecting the architectural elegance and artistic details of the Silla period, hosting seven significant objects recognized as National Treasures of Korea. Following this, we will head to visit Cheomseongdae Observatory. It is 17 meters tall and shaped like a cylindrical tower. Its body consists of 365 cut granite stones representing the days of the year. The square window in the middle divides the structure into two sections of 12 stones each, representing the 12 months. Afterwards, we will visit Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond. The palace was used as the residence of the crown prince during the Silla period and for important state ceremonies. Wolji Pond, also known as "The Reflection Pond," is an artificial pond surrounded by stone walls. Today, Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond offer enchanting views, especially with nighttime lighting. After a photo break here, we will transfer back to our hotel in Busan for free time to relax. Accommodation at our hotel.
Day 6: BUSAN – SUWON – SEOUL
After breakfast at the hotel, we return to Seoul by high-speed train. Upon arrival, we will make a short walk along the walls of Hwaseong Fortress, built in honor of Prince Sado by King Jeongjo in Suwon, followed by a visit to Korean Folk Village. This open-air museum allows you to experience traditional Korean life and culture from the Joseon Dynasty and has hosted many Korean dramas and films. After our visit to the village, we will transfer to Namdaemun Market, one of the largest traditional markets in the country, opened in 1964. The market features more than 10,000 stores and stalls, offering a wide range of products such as clothing, cosmetics, accessories, kitchenware, toys, stationery, flowers, ginseng, and imported products. The market is lively at all hours, where you can sample the delicious street food of Korean cuisine and closely observe the local culture. After the tour, we will transfer to our hotel in Seoul for free time to relax. Accommodation at our hotel.
Day 7: SEOUL – DOHA
After breakfast at the hotel, we check out of our rooms. Afterwards, we set off for a full day city tour of Seoul. During our tour, we will see Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Folk Museum of Korea, Bukchon Hanok Village, Myeongdong Street, and N Seoul Tower. Our first stop, Gyeongbokgung Palace, constructed in 1395, is known as the Northern Palace because of its location furthest north compared to neighboring palaces, Changdeokgung (Eastern Palace) and Gyeonghuigung (Western Palace). Next, we will visit the National Folk Museum of Korea. The museum gives visitors insight into the lives, arts, and cultural development of the South Korean people throughout various periods. After that, we will tour Bukchon Hanok Village, meaning "Northern Village." Hanok refers to Korea's traditional houses, and approximately 700 Hanok can be found in this village. Continuing on our tour, we will transfer to Myeongdong for shopping and cosmetics stores, as well as many restaurants. In this highly famous shopping and fashion area of Korea, you can shop and taste local delicacies. After the tour, we will transfer to Incheon Airport for our flight to Istanbul with a stopover in Doha.
Day 8: DOHA – ISTANBUL
After baggage, passport, and ticket procedures, we undertake our flight to Doha with Qatar Airways. We spend the night on the plane. After our arrival in Doha and the subsequent transfer, we will begin our flight to Istanbul. With our arrival at Istanbul Airport, this marks the end of our tour and services.
Entrance Fees to Museums, Heritage Sites, and Temples, Blue Line Park Sky Capsule, and Local Guides + Tourist City Taxes
€125 per person
***To be paid to the guide during the tour***
Hotel check-in times are between 15:00 – 17:00 / Check-out times are between 10:00 – 12:00.
Departure and arrival times are in local time.
Flights denoted with an * arrive at the destination on the calendar day following the departure date.
Prices are not valid for groups; ask for our special prices.
Participants acknowledge and accept in advance that they will pay the specified amounts related to the local guide, museum and heritage site entrance fees, city taxes, and any headsets or audio systems during the journey, agreeing that they will attend the tours indicated in the program and will not disrupt the schedule. Participants have been fully informed in this regard.
Due to the limited size of hotel rooms, Triple (3 adults) accommodation is not available.
Traveling from Seoul to Busan will be done by high-speed train both ways. We advise guests to bring two days' worth of clothing for the trip to Busan. Large luggage will be left at the hotel in Seoul.
Guests traveling to Korea must apply for and obtain approval through the website (www.k-eta.go.kr) or the mobile application (K-ETA) no later than one month before boarding the plane. Moreover, the Consulate cannot assist with the K-ETA application process. It is recommended that applications be submitted 40 days prior to the tour departure for effective tracking of K-ETA procedures.
K-ETA applicants whose applications are rejected can find the visa application link and steps to follow as follows:
https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/tr-istanbul-tr/brd/m_8764/view.do?seq=761645&page=1