Visit Seoul & Busan with Elsie 2.0! @elsieinthesoop

7:00 P.M.: Transfer via private coach to the restaurant.To kick off the tour, you will meet up with the group for a Korean BBQ welcome dinner. (~1HR)

Overnight in Seoul.

7:00AM Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental full/America, or buffet style. Ibis Insadong offers a buffet with a combination of Korean and Intercontinental breakfast. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

9:00AM After breakfast you’ll take a 20 minute private transfer from the hotel to Gyeongbokgung Palace to explore and learn about the history of the palace. Gyeongbokgung Palace is a majestic architectural masterpiece that served as the main royal palace during the Joseon Dynasty. Built in 1395, it boasts an impressive array of ornate halls, pavilions, and courtyards surrounded by picturesque mountains. The iconic Gyeongbokgung Palace remains a symbol of Korean history and culture. Then you’ll get to experience a traditional Hanbok fitting, a beautifully crafted and elegant Korean attire, characterized by vibrant colors, intricate embroidery, and graceful lines, symbolizing the rich cultural heritage of Korea. It was worn daily up until about a century ago; however, it remains an important part of Korean culture, with people wearing it on special occasions and holidays. With your local Guide, you will be fitted into a traditional Hanbok and take classic photos in Gyeongbokgung Palace.

1:00PM From Gyeongbokgung Palace take a 20 min transfer to the famous Gwangjang Market. Renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse array of stalls, Gwangjang Market offers a sensory feast with its street food vendors, textiles, and traditional Korean goods. The bottom floor serves as a labyrinth of vendors and food stalls. Here you will sample some of the city’s iconic street food staples like bindaetteok, tteokbokki, mayak kimbap, and san-nakji. Be sure to pack some extra cash with you if you want to purchase any additional food,beverages, or souvenirs.

1:00 P.M.: Lunch is included during the Gwangjang Market Tour. (Jongno Sikdang in Gwangjang Market)(~1.5 HRS) Additional food and beverages at own expense.

2:30PM From Gwangjang Market is a 15 minute private transfer to Namsangol Hanok Village. Explore the charm of traditional Korean architecture and culture with a guided tour of Namsangol Hanok Village, where visitors are led through well-preserved hanok houses, tranquil gardens, and cultural exhibits, offering a captivating glimpse into Korea's architectural heritage and daily life during the Joseon Dynasty.

Overnight in Seoul.

7:00AM Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental full/America, or buffet style. Ibis Insadong offers a buffet with a combination of Korean and Intercontinental breakfast. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

9:00AM From the hotel is a 35 minute transfer to Seungsudong. Yeonmujang-gil in Seongsu-dong, once known for its old factories and a street filled with shoemaking workshops, has undergone a transformation into a hub of trendy cafes and cultural spaces. While the energy of car repair shops, printing factories, and handmade shoe streets still persists, the infusion of global restaurant brands, select shops, and cafes has given rise to a distinctive atmosphere unique to Seongsu-dong. The pivotal role played by "Daerim Warehouse'' marked a turning point in the area, serving as the prototype for the warehouse-style cafes prevalent along Cafe Street today. With its preserved red-brick structure, vintage signboards, and spacious interior, the old warehouse has evolved into a venue suitable for fashion shows and exhibits, revealing the renewed potential of Seongsu-dong's historic architecture. Then you’ll walk over to Seoul Forest which provides a serene escape with lush greenery, walking trails, and a deer park. Together, these locations create a diverse and fascinating experience, showcasing the dynamic contrasts within the vibrant city of Seoul. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes for this activity as you’ll be walking around for about 2 hours.

12:00PM From Seoul Forest is a 20 minute transfer to experience the Sky Observatory. Ascend to new heights at the Seoul Sky Observatory perched atop the remarkable Lotte World Tower, soaring to a staggering height of 555 meters (1,820 ft). A swift elevator journey transports you to the observation deck, where expansive floor-to-ceiling windows unveil breathtaking, 360-degree views of Seoul's bustling cityscape, the mountains, and the majestic Han River.

Take the high speed train from Seoul to Busan. There are bathrooms onboard the train. Once you arrive in Busan, you’ll then take a 40 minute transfer to the hotel.

Overnight in Busan.

7:00AM Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental full/America, or buffet style. Ramada Encore Haeundae offers a buffet with a combination of Korean and Intercontinental breakfast. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

9:00AM Following breakfast, embark on a 45-minute private transfer to Gamcheon Culture Village. Nestled on a hillside in Busan, this lively and whimsical community boasts colorful terraced houses, narrow alleyways, and eclectic street art. The village, often referred to as the "Machu Picchu of Busan" due to its staircase-like architecture on the coastal mountain foothills, features vibrant alleys adorned with murals and sculptures created by the locals. Initially a refuge for Korean War refugees, the village has evolved into a thriving artistic hub, enticing visitors with its distinctive charm and imaginative installations. A journey through Gamcheon Culture Village's narrow streets reveals a captivating blend of history, art, and local culture, enhanced by charming cafes along the way.

11:00AM Then take a 20 private transfer to a local shop to make your own traditional bracelets. Engage in a traditional bracelet making experience where you can immerse yourself in the artistry of crafting unique and culturally inspired bracelets. Guided by skilled artisans, you’ll have the opportunity to select from a variety of materials, including traditional Korean beads and charms, to design and assemble your own personalized bracelets. This hands-on activity not only allows for a creative and enjoyable experience but also provides insight into the cultural significance of traditional accessories in Korean heritage.

12:30PM Take a 30 minute transfer to Shinsegae Centum City, a colossal shopping and entertainment complex located in Busan. Recognized as the world's largest department store by the Guinness World Records, Shinsegae Centum City offers a vast array of luxury and everyday brands across its numerous floors. Beyond shopping, the complex features an indoor ice rink, a spa, a cinema, and a diverse range of dining options, making it a comprehensive destination for retail therapy, leisure, and entertainment. You’ll have a few hours to walk around and shop. Lunch is not included today but you will have plenty of time here to have lunch at your own expense. After, you’ll take a 15 minute transfer back to the hotel for an evening at leisure. (~2HRS)

Overnight in Busan.

7:00AM Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental full/America, or buffet style. Ramada Encore Haeundae offers a buffet with a combination of Korean and Intercontinental breakfast. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

9:30AM In the morning, you’ll take a 40 minute private transfer out to Waveon Cafe. One of the most popular cafés in Busan, the ocean view is the perfect place to relax and start your day. Note that one cup of coffee of your choice is included. Additional food and drink are at your own expense. (~1.5HRS)

12:00PM Then take a 40 minute private transfer to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. Perched on the northeastern coast of Busan, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple stands as a rare coastal gem, diverging from the mountainous settings typical of Korean temples. Founded in 1376 by the esteemed Buddhist teacher Naong during the Goryeo dynasty, this temple boasts a scenic vista featuring Haesu Gwaneum Daebul (Seawater Great Goddess Buddha), Daeungjeon Main Sanctuary, Yongwangdang Shrine, Gulbeop Buddhist Sanctum nestled in a cave, and a meticulously crafted three-story pagoda adorned with four lions. The temple underwent reconstruction in 1970, preserving traditional colors, and features a uniquely designed Buddhist sanctum inside a cave. Notable elements include a symbolic four-lion pagoda, 108 stairs, and stone lanterns along the rocky landscape, creating a serene and picturesque retreat by the ocean. (~1HR)

Take a private transfer from Haedong Yonggungsa Temple to Busan Train Station.

Take a high speed train from Busan to Seoul. Bathrooms are available on board.

Overnight in Seoul.

7:00AM Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental full/America, or buffet style. Ibis Insadong offers a buffet with a combination of Korean and Intercontinental breakfast. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

9:00AM After breakfast, take a 20 minute private transfer to the Color Pool Museum. The Colorpool Museum is an art location where you can encounter colors with your five senses. It is a color-themed playground and one of the city's most Instagrammable spots. There are 9 different exhibits within the museum featuring different colors and concepts. Take some time here to play and get some colorful shots! (~1HR)

11:00AM From Ikseon-dong take a 15 minute transfer to a studio for a cheeky costume party and photoshoot. There will be a variety of costumes to choose from at the studio. What a fun way to capture fun photos of the group and celebrate the awesome week you all have had together! (2.5 HRS combined with Ikseondong)

After your colorful photoshoot, take a 15 minute transfer to the Ikseon-dong Neighborhood. Ikseon-dong is a historic neighborhood in Seoul known for its traditional Korean architecture, narrow alleyways, and a blend of old and new establishments. When exploring Ikseon-dong, visitors can stroll through its charming streets lined with hanok (traditional Korean houses) converted into trendy cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. The area offers a unique juxtaposition of modern and traditional elements, making it a popular destination for those seeking a taste of both contemporary and historical Seoul. With its vibrant atmosphere, cultural shops, and culinary delights, Ikseon-dong provides a captivating experience for those interested in Seoul's rich heritage and evolving urban culture. You’ll have a chance to roam around and meet the guide at a designated spot. Recommend getting lunch here (at your own expense).

5:00PM Take a 20 minute transfer to Yeouido Hangang Park for a farewell dinner picnic, a staple activity of the locals. Dinner will typically be Korean fried chicken and pizza. (~1.5HRS)

Overnight in Seoul.

7:00AM Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental full/America, or buffet style. Ibis Insadong offers a buffet with a combination of Korean and Intercontinental breakfast. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.