Highlights of South Korea

This itinerary is the starting point for your tour, but it’s not set in stone. If there are days you would like to change, or specific places you’d like to go, we can work with you to create a personalized program that fits the needs of you and your students.

Day 1: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2: Seoul

Welcome to South Korea! Arrive in Seoul where you will meet your ACIS Tour Manager and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is yours to begin exploring this city’s dynamic blend of modern culture and ancient history.

Day 3: Seoul

Today enjoy a sightseeing tour of Seoul. Witness the changing of the guard ceremony at Gyeongbokgung Palace, a city landmark and the largest palace among the Five Grand Palaces built in Joseon Dynasty. Continue to Gwangjang Market, one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in South Korea, where you can try some of the city’s best local street foods. This afternoon, an excursion brings you to the Demilitarized Zone, known as The DMZ. This heavily fortified border and buffer zone between North and South Korea was established after the Korean War and is filled with history as well as unique wildlife that has thrived in the absence of human activity. During your visit you will see the Third Infiltration Tunnel, Dora Observatory and Dorasan Station—representing the past, present and hope for the future of North and South Korea.

Day 4: Jeonju

This morning visit Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk a section of the magnificent wall, explore the four gates, and try your hand at traditional Korean archery. After a short explanation on archery’s history and instruction in shooting posture, you’ll be loosing arrows like a pro. Then journey south to Jeonju where you'll explore Jeonju Hanok Village, known for its well-preserved traditional Korean houses and vibrant street food scene. Dive right into the area’s strong gastronomic legacy as you participate in a kimchi making workshop, learning about this fermented food’s importance on the Korean table and the techniques for preparation. In the afternoon, enjoy another cultural experience as you don the traditional hanbok costume, with time to then explore more of the village at your own pace.

Day 5: Haeinsa Temple

Journey today into the Kaya Mountains, arriving at Haeinsa Temple. First built in 802, it is noted for housing the exceptional Tripitaka Koreana, the most complete collection of Buddhist texts, which were engraved on 80,000 woodblocks in the 13th century. Begin the unique cultural experience of your Temple Stay by checking-in, receiving your uniform, and settling into your assigned room. Attend an orientation and guided tour of the temple, learning about its rich history and cultural significance. Then experience a traditional monastic dinner, followed by the chance to listen to the Four Dharma Instruments. Participate in this evening’s Buddhist ceremony at your own pace before lights out.

Day 6: Busan

Rise early at Haeinsa Temple to participate in a morning Buddhist meditation ceremony before breakfast. Continue learning more about Korean Buddhism as you participate in one of the activities that is part of the Temple Stay program, such as printing Tripitaka Koreana woodblocks and making a traditional Korean notebook or engaging in 108 prostrations while crafting a prayer bead set. Then check out and travel to Gyeongju, capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla. After time for lunch, visit the scenic, ancient burial mounds of the Daereungwon Tomb Complex; the stone Cheomseongdae Observatory, the oldest astronomical observatory in Asia; and Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, a picturesque site reflecting the beauty of ancient Korea that was used by the princes of the Silla Dynasty. Arrive in Busan for the evening.

Day 7: Busan

Today’s sightseeing tour of Busan includes a visit to Nurimaru APEC House, an eye-catching seaside conference hall, followed by the UN Memorial Cemetery, a site honoring fallen soldiers of the Korean War. Then explore the lively and massive Jagalchi Fish Market and trendy BIFF Square, where you can experience Busan’s unique street food, local culture, shopping and handprints of famous Korean actors. In the afternoon, visit Gamcheon Culture Village, a vibrant, labyrinthine hillside neighborhood famous for its brightly painted houses, quirky art installations, and street murals.

Day 8: Seoul

After breakfast at your hotel, take the high-speed KTX train from Busan to Seoul. Dive into the city’s modern Korean Wave and K-pop culture, first visiting the popular, underground Starfield COEX Mall and photogenic Starfield Library in the Gangnam district. You will have time here for lunch before heading to K-Star Road for photo stop, followed by a visit to HiKR Ground, an immersive arts and media experience where you can enjoy modern art exhibitions and make your own K-pop music video. Following tonight’s dinner, you’ll have time to shop for final souvenirs and soak up the scene in the famous Myeongdong district.

Day 9: Departure

Depart for the USA.