Autumn 8 Days South Korea Tour Including Jeonju,damyang,mt.naejangsan

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Incheon airport - Seoul

Pass By: Incheon International Airport, 272 Gonghang-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon, South Korea
Welcome to South Korea! Upon your arrival in Seoul, you will meet your driver at Incheon international airport, and proceed into hotel check-in in Seoul.

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: - 3 star : Rex or Benikea Premier Dongdaemun Hotel
- 4 star : Best Western Arirang Hill or BestWestern Kukdo Hotel

Day 2: Seoul - Jeonju

Stop At: Jeonju Hanok Village, Eunhaeng-ro, Wansan-gu, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do South Korea
Hotel Pickup Head to Jeonju(3hrs) Lunch(Jeonju Bibimbab)

Jeonju is a city that is famed as the starting point of Joseon Dynasty, the last kingdom existed in pre-modern Korea. As a hub of Korean culture, Jeonju Hanok Village hosts over 800 traditional Korean Hanok houses. We will stroll around the village, appreciating their subtle beauty in graceful simplicity. Slightly raised towards the sky, their roof ridges brim with classic, ancient charm.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Jeonju Korean Traditional Wine Museum, 74, Hanji-gil, Wansan-gu, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do 55041 South Korea
Jeonju Korean Traditional Wine Museum offers visitors a unique chance to explore the world of traditional Korean liquor.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Jeonju National Museum, 249, Ssukgogae-ro, Wansan-gu, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do South Korea
This museum hosts collections of the most adored art and craft forms found in larger Jeollabuk-Do Province. From Buddhist artifacts and ceramics to traditional paper art, the visitors can savor and comprehend the long-live traditions of ancient Korea.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Deokjin Park, 1314-4, Deokjindong2-ga, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do South Korea
Located in the hub of Jeonju city, Deokjin Park bears at least a single precious memory in the heart of each if its citizens. You can find the picturesque central lake embellished with hundreds of lotus flowers, in the backdrop of vibrant musical fountains. The park is also famous as a place where traditional celebration of Dano, a day of spiritual rites takes place. Women wash their hair in water boiled with sweet flag, believed to make one''s hair shiny.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Gyeonggijeon Shrine, 26, Gyo-dong 1-ga, Wansan-gu, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do 560-070 South Korea
Gyeonggijeon Shrine was erected in 1410, and holds the portrait of King Tae-jo, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty. The shrine complex also comprise a rare pavilion purposed to preserve the Veritable Records of Joseon Dynasty, which cover the longest continual records of a single dynasty in the world.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: 롯데마트 전주점, 240 Ujeon-ro, Hyoja 4(sa)-dong, Wansan-gu, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea
You can go grocery shopping in Lotte Mart.

Dinner(Rice wine table)- You will be introduced to "Southern" Korean dinner table accompanied by Korean raw rice wine(Makgeolli). The fertile soils of Jeolla Province and gathering of diverse products from all around into the central Jeonju made this city a gastronomic capital of Korea.

Makgeolli is a centuries-old unfiltered grain alcohol, often referred as "farmer's liquor." This alcohol in distinctive milky-white appearance and sweet-sour flavor is served in wide brass cups. One can expect only light effervescence after drinking this friendly wine.

Hotel check-in
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: White Tourist Hotel in Jeonju

Day 3: Jeonju - Damyang - Gwangju

Stop At: Pungnammun Gate, 1, Pungnammun 3-gil, Wansan-gu, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do 55043 South Korea
Every city in Joseon Dynasty was surrounded by a city fortress. The walls regulated the curfew hours and prevented enemy invasions. As the only ancient gate remaining in Jeonju, Pungnammun Gate is remembered as a site of fierce battle in Donghak peasant Revolution.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Jeondong Catholic Church, 200-1, Jeon-dong, Wansan-gu, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do 560-040 South Korea
Built in 1914 in honor of Roman Catholic martyrs of Joseon Dynasty, Jeongdong Catholic Church was founded on the very ground the martyrs lost their lives. Introducing Christian faith to Korea was initiated by its Confucian Scholars, who took interest in Bible as a subject of study in Western society. Despite the persecutions and oppression that followed, the new religion evolved from a unique history of voluntarily importing Christian missionaries from China.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Jeonjuhyanggyo Confucian School, 139, Hyanggyo-gil, Wansan-gu, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do 55045 South Korea
Entering the grounds of Jeonju Hyanggyo Confucian School, you will find a big old ginko tree as the legends told Confucius taught his pupils under the same type of tree. Hyanggyo was a Confucian school that ran as a national education center in Joseon period.
Duration: 1 hour

Pass By: Omokdae and Imokdae, 55, Girin-daero, Wansan-gu, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do 55045 South Korea
After climbing a steep hill, you will arrive in Omokdae, an observatory to look over the picturesque Jeonju Hanok Village.

Head to Damyang(1h)

Stop At: Damyang Juknokwon, 282 Hyanggyo-ri, Damyang-eup, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do 517-802 South Korea
In the city of Damyang, our first stop is this vibrant bamboo garden. We will stroll around bathing in such refreshing environment, renowned for high level of oxygen production. The cooling breeze blowing through the bamboo will accommodate us a good rest, relaxation, and mind-soothing meditation.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Metasequoia-lined Road, 12 Metasekwoia-ro, Damyang-eup, Damyang, Jeollanam-do, South Korea
This gorgeous path in 8.5km is lined up with tall metasequoia trees reaching lofty heights of 10-20 meters. The fall sees its leaves turning deep brown, bending and swaying in the brisk air.

Dinner(Local Food)/Hotel Check in
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Damyang Boo Hotel in Damyang

Day 4: Damyang - Mt. Naejangsan - Seoul

Stop At: Naejangsan National Park, Bongdeok-ri, Bokheung-myeon, Sunchang-gun, Jeollabuk-do South Korea
Hotel Pickup and Head to Naejangsan National Park(1h) for autumn foliage

Naejangsan National Park is one of the most popular places in all of Korea to see the Autumn foliage. During the autumn season, the hillsides and pathways are covered in a multitude of red, orange, and yellow leaves. This 763.5 meters tall mountain is also a host to exhilarating waterfalls and scenic, precipitous cliffs.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Naejangsa Temple, 590, Naejang-dong, Jeongeup, Jeollabuk-do 580-300 South Korea
Walking past the herculean rocky peaks along our trail, we will soon be arriving in Naejangsa Temple, warmly nested by the hills.

In the company of numerous hikers who come to enjoy the season's autumn orchestra, the Buddhas in the temple must be relieved from their lifelong solitude.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Baekyangsa Temple, 26, Yaksu-ri, Bukha-myeon Naejangsan National Park, Jangseong-gun, Jeollanam-do 515-854 South Korea
Past the maple trails and restful streams in the background of Mt. Naejangsan, we will enter into a historic temple adorned with mesmerizing murals. Baekyangsa temple's name means White Sheep temple in English.

It was first founded in 632 A.D. This is a temple that played a key role on the Joseon peninsula under Japanese Occupation, and currently it is the 18th regional headquarter for the Jogye Order. It serves an important role in educating monks in Jeolla Province.

Head to Seoul(3hrs 30mins up to 4hrs)/Dinner(Local Food)/Hotel check-in in Seoul
Duration: 30 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: - 3 star: Rex or Benikea Premier Dongdaemun Hotel
- 4 star: Best Western Arirang Hill or Best Western Kukdo Hotel

Day 5: Seoul - Gapyeong - Rail Bike - Sokcho

Stop At: Garden of Morning Calm, 432 Sumogwon-ro, Sang-myeon, 상면 Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Hotel Pick-up/Head to Gapyeong(1h 30mins)

This garden is the oldest private garden in Korea. It is an artistic space with a beautiful balance between the Korean concept of natural curves with asymmetry, and plants with synthetic materials, attracting about 600,000 visitors annually. Its name has been taken from a poem written by Sir Tagore, a great Indian poet, who described Korea during the Joseon Dynasty as "The Land of the Morning Calm."
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Nami Island, 1, Namiseom-gil, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24464 South Korea
Famous for its beautiful tree lined roads, many Korean dramas were filmed at this location. The island is an adorable spot for not only savoring the nature, but also to be amused by the installations and creative playgrounds put up by the artists who reside in the island. Animals such as deer, rabbit, and ostrich can be spotted during your walk.

Lunch(Korean Chicken BBQ- the best around the city)
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Gangchon Rail Park, 1383 Gimyujeong-ro, Sindong-myeon, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Deserted railroads gone out of operation were transformed to present its visitors a unique bike ride experience through the scenic hills and themed caves. Up to 4 people can pedal a single vehicle together, which can speed up to 15 km/h.

Head to Sokcho(2hrs)/Dinner(local food)/Hotel Check-in
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: The class 300 or similar in Sokcho

Day 6: Sokcho - Mt. Seorak - Seoul 

Stop At: Seoraksan National Park, Sokcho, Gangwon-do South Korea
Hotel pickup and tour of Mt. Seorak national park

As the sunlight seep through the morning mist, the entire valley of Mt. Seoraksan shine in copper and gold. We will venture out together in magical valleys and taste Oseak, the region's famous mineral water.

Being the first to change its color in South Korea for their high altitude, this widely beloved 1,700 meters tall mountain owns such stunning views, impressive waterfalls, and famous hot springs. There are several hiking courses varying in distance and duration, and we will take a route of your preference.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Gwongeumseong Fortress, Seorak-dong, Sokcho, Gangwon-do 217-120 South Korea
By taking Gwongeumseong cable car, you can climb up to the top of mountain range, and see the fascinating rock formations. On a day with a clear view, your sight can reach as far to look over the ocean by Sokcho city.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Sinheungsa Temple, 170, Seorak-dong, Sokcho, Gangwon-do 217-120 South Korea
Built in the mid 7th ceuntury, Sinheung-sa is believed to be the oldest Zen Buddhist temple in the world. The trail to the temple starts from a giant iron Buddha statue known as Tongil Daebul. This masterful statue was erected in the 1990's to symbolize the Korean people's hope for the reunification of North and South Korea. The almost-smiling Buddha adds a sense of serenity and spirituality to the park. Stopping again to marvel at the view of stunning valley, Sinheungsa Temple comes into view under the sharp, jagged peaks of Mt. Seoraksan.

Lunch at Daepo port/Head to Seoul(3hrs)
Duration: 1 hour

Pass By: Daepo Port, Daepo-dong, Sokcho, Gangwon-do South Korea
Exiting Mt. Seorak and drive into downtown Sokcho, we will stop at Daepo port to have our lunch. You can find freshly caught seafood at a good price without the circulation expense. Steamed king crabs and filleted raw fish(Hoe) are the menus most commonly sought after.

Dinner(local food)/Hotel check-in Seoul

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: - 3 star: Rex or Benikea Premier Dongdaemun Hotel
- 4 star: Best Western Arirang Hill or Best Western Kukdo Hotel

Day 7: Seoul

Stop At: 3355 Hanbok Rental Bukchon Hanok Village, 21, Bukchon-ro, Jongno-gu B1, Seoul 03060 South Korea
Welcome back to Seoul! We will first head to a Hanbok Rental shop and rent Korean traditional dress(optional). Wearing the dress will leave you both a special memory and dreamy pictures.

Afterwards, we will go stroll in this labyrinth accommodating about one thousand traditional homes cramped together, at times even sharing walls. Created by the first city-planner of Korea, these intimate structures will delight you while discovering your way around the hillside village.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Changdeokgung Palace, 99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03072 South Korea
Changdeokgung Palace was the second grand royal villa built in 1405. It was the principal palace for many kings of Joseon Dynasty, and is the most well-preserved of their five remaining palaces. This palace is considered as a historically significant attraction that represents the beauty of Korea. Along with the beauty of Huwon, the Secret Garden, Changdeokgung Palace was chosen as the UNESCO World Heritage in 1997.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Insadong Ssamziegil, Insa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Ssamziegil Plaza is a retail center with 4 floors of fashion, art & home goods shops. It is most frequented by youths inspired by their creative decorative goods. Check out the handcraft stores and art galleries through the connected pathways, and coming down the floor is Insadong Area. Insadong is a district well-known for hosting generations-old antique and traditional craft stores of all kinds, ranging from ceramics, caligraphy, and theater masks to embroidery. Afterwards, you should enjoy a cup of traditional jujube tea in an old cafe secluded in small streets.
Duration: 2 hours

Pass By: Cheonggyecheon Stream, Seoul South Korea
Cheonggyecheon Stream flows for 12 kilometers through downtown Seoul. It is a modern park where Seoulites come relieve stress after their work hours, skinny-dipping in the company of wild-lives including fish, small cranes, and even turtles. Under this deep contrast between the skyscrapers and wilderness, night markets and lantern festivals often take place.

Stop At: N Seoul Tower, 105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan 2(i)ga-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Take in the breathtaking 360-degree view of the Seoul Metropolis! At this tower, you can also check out other highlights including the famous Locks of Love and beacon mounds. Entrance to the observatory is included.

Dinner(local Food)/Hotel Check-in Seoul
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: - 3 star: Rex or Benikea Premier Dongdaemun Hotel
- 4 star: Best Western Arirang Hill or Best Western Kukdo Hotel

Day 8: Seoul - ICN Airport 

Pass By: Cheong-Wadae, 960-3 Ilsan-dong, Dong-gu, Ulsan, South Korea
In the rainy season, the wet, black roof-tiles of aristocrats' housings resembled each a whale's back. So it was commonly told among the peasants how they dreamed about living underneath a whale's back. For the aristocrats and kings, they had a different dream. The luxury of their dream was to bake blue porcelain tiles for their roofs, with the blue color dyes imported via Silk Road. Embodying such ancient dream of the royals, Cheong-Wa-Dae, the presidential Blue House stands majestically behind the wall of Gyeongbokgung Palace.

We will pass by it by car without a stop.

Stop At: Gyeongbokgung Palace, 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul South Korea
Situated at the top of Gwanghwamun Square, the presence of Gyeongbukgung palace gleams brightly in the central spine of the nation. As the first and largest palace built by Joseon Dynasty in 1395, the grand villa consisted of 330 buildings and had up to 3,000 staffs.

Before entering to explore the palace, we will watch the changing ceremony of royal guards. This enactment is an excellent opportunity to experience a rare tradition, performed exactly as it used to be held. Guards appear wearing royal uniforms, carrying traditional weapons and playing traditional instruments.

Lunch - Ginseng Chicken Soup(Samgyetang) at Tosokchon
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Haneul Park, 95, Haneulgongwon-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul 03900 South Korea
Sky park for Silver Grass festival - Haneul Park (Sky Park) is full of lush eulalia and is home to the Seoul Silver Grass Festival, held every year in October when the grass is in full bloom. Originally a site of waste disposal, the area was revitalized in commemoration of 2002 World Cup. What puts this park different than others is that the park is run only by renewable natural energy, mostly through windmills. Many migrant birds pass here every year on their way south.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Kwangjang Market, 88, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03195 South Korea
Gwangjang Market, one of the oldest traditional markets in Seoul, is such large and animated place. We will go sampling some of the best Korean street foods here. Recently popularized among foreigners by a Netflix show, the specialties in this market are octopus tartar and mung bean pancakes. You will also be introduced to eccentric Korean foods such as steamed pork feet, blood sausage, and spicy chicken feet.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Start of Myeondong Shopping Street, 1-5 Myeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Myeong-dong is Seoul's shopping mecca with a mixture of street stalls and retail outlets selling everything from high fashion to Korean cosmetics. The streets are filled with abundance of street food vendors.

Afterwards, we will drive to Incheon. A visit to Incheon Korean Grocery Market & Head to Incheon International Airport
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.