Santa Rosa Youth Symphony - Korea

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Thursday June 17: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States for your overnight flight to Korea

Day 2, Friday June 18: Seoul

Arrive in Korea in the late afternoon and meet your tour managers, before transferring to your hotel in time for dinner together (D)

Day 3, Saturday June 19: Seoul

This morning after breakfast visit the breathtaking Geongbokgung Palace located in the heart of Seoul. After experiencing the 10am Changing of the Guard Ceremony, take a tour of the palace itself, whilst attired in the traditional Hanbok Korean traditional dress! This palace was the royal center of the Joseon Dynasty who ruled Korea for centuries and has amazing history. After an independent lunch in one of Seoul's colorful markets, participate in an orchestral workshop with an eminent local clinician. Tonight after dinner, continue your immersion in iconic Korean culture with a visit to the Nanta show, a hilarious and entertaining percussion and rhythm spectacular based on cooking! (B,D)

Day 4, Sunday June 20: Seoul

After breakfast this morning take a guided tour to the Korea War Memorial complex, which gives you a deep insight into the history of the Korea conflict in the 1950s, which led to the division of the two Koreas as they are today. The musuem stands as a memorial to the fallen and an initiative for peace and the hoped-for reunification of Korea. Later visit the Gugak Center, the hub in Seoul for traditional Korean music and dance, including the regular afternoon performance of traditional music and movement and your chance to try some of the instruments on display. Tonight you'll perform your first full concert tonight in one of the city's concert halls. (B,D)

Day 5, Monday June 21: Busan

This morning check out and depart to Gyeongju-City to visit the Daereungwon Tomb Complex and Cheonmachong Tomb, famous sites of pilgrimage for Korean Buddhists. Later continue to a uniquely Korean experience in a traditional temple-stay, where you'll learn about the resident monks' martial arts practices and meditation rituals. Dinner tonight is a communal affair at the temple. (B,D)

Day 6, Tuesday June 22: Busan

Continue your temple stay as you participate in the ritual temple sweeping before lunch and departure. Continue to the city of Gimhae to perform your next concert of the tour in a venue such as the West Gimhae Concert Hall, followed by dinner. After dinner continue to the coastal city of Busan and check into your hotel (B,L,D)

Day 7, Wednesday June 23: Busan

After breakfast take a trip across the bay to Amnam park on the spectacular Songdo Cable Car. After an independent lunch in the Jalgalchi Market or Songdo itself, spend a little time on the beach in Haeundae. Today you'll perform your next concert in a venue such as the Haeundae Culture Center or the brand new Busan Concert Hall before a later dinner and return to your hotel (B,D)

Day 8, Thursday June 24: Seoul

This morning first pay your respects to fallen US and international comrades at the UN Memorial Cemetery, before your journey back to the capital city. Check into your final hotel of the tour, before taking dinner together (B,D)

Day 9, Friday June 25: Seoul

After breakfast today it's time to become part of one of the pop phenomena of the 21st Century as you partciipate in a KPOP song and dance workshop. Learn the latest moves, trends and catchy songs that fuel a multi-million dollar industry and make megastars out of young Korean singers. Later today perform your final concert in a concert hall in the city such as the KBS Concert Hall before a farewell Korean BBQ dinner to celebrate your concert tour (B,D)

Day 10, Saturday June 26: Departure

After breakfast check out of your hotel and store your luggage. Dependent upon the flight schedule, either spend some time last minute shopping in one of Seoul's many malls such as Dragon City. or transfer directly to the airport for your return flight to the United States (most flights arrive on the same calendar day) (B)