South Korea Family Holiday

Hwan-yeong! Welcome to Seoul – South Korea's vibrant capital of high-tech gadgets, impressive skyscrapers and delicious eats. A metropolis that blends bold innovations with a rich history ready for you to explore, Seoul is one of Asia's great cities. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 4 pm this afternoon. After, join your leader and the other families for a short walk up Naksan Mountain for a view of the city skyline. Tonight, take a stroll around Gwangjang Market with your leader and have some delicious local food for dinner – maybe try tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) or some hand-cut noodles.

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After breakfast this morning, join a local guide for a tour of the fascinating Demilitarised Zone (DMZ). From the South Korean side of the Zone, you’ll learn how the Korean Peninsula has been divided since the devastating Korean War. You’ll visit the Third Tunnel of Aggression, the Unification Bridge, Imjingak Park and the Dora Observatory. After lunch, visit Gyeongbukgung Palace – an impressive royal palace of the Joseon dynasty. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Explore Seoul’s many sights or simply relax at the accommodation or a nearby cafe. Make sure to ask your leader for their recommendations on the best place for dinner tonight.

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Today is a full free day for you and your family to explore Seoul and choose from the many optional activities on offer. Try to keep up with the kids in a fun Taekwondo or K-pop dance class or visit some of the many museums, parks or kids’ cafes dotted around town. Venture into nearby districts like modern, upscale Gangnam for some shopping, or Hongdae – a popular area with the young locals that’s full of urban art. Here, you can see street musicians and artists, wander through the many shops and cafes or, if visiting in summer, cool off in one of the outdoor swimming pools along the Han River. With so much to see and do, it's guaranteed to be a fun-filled day.

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After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to Seoul and head east towards the city of Gyeongju – the ancient capital of the Silla kingdom. On the way, you'll step back in time at the Yongin Korean Folk Village, where tradition is not just showcased but lived. Stroll past charming hanok houses that whisper stories of the past and watch dynamic folk performances that bring history to life before your eyes. Dress in a colourful hanbok (traditional clothing) and capture the perfect moment, take aim with a bow at the traditional archery range and discover hands-on experiences that bring you closer to the spirit of Korean culture. Your day comes to a close in Gyeongju with a peaceful hanok stay.

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Step out this morning to explore Gyeongju – commonly known as the Golden City because of its 1000-year history and many important cultural sites. On your guided walking tour, you'll visit the Royal Tombs and the world’s oldest surviving astronomical observatory to learn more about the rich Silla heritage. Then, visit Girimsa Temple for a talk with a monk over tea – you’ll hear Korean folk tales and learn how these stories have inspired the super popular K-pop Demon Hunters kid’s film. There will also be an opportunity to get crafty and make your very own Buddhist rosary. Later, head to South Korea's second-largest city, Busan, where you'll spend the next three nights.

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Explore the highlights of Busan today, starting with a visit to Gamcheon Culture Village – known for its tiered streets, twisted labyrinthine alleys, brightly painted houses and street art. Then, visit a local family home for an introduction on how to prepare Korean dishes like kimbap and kimchi. After a delicious lunch, set off for a scenic train ride that features views of the Haeundae coast. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy. You might like to take a ride on the Sky Capsule or just spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach and watching the sun set. Make sure to ask your leader if there are any baseball games in town at the nearby stadium – going to a Korean baseball game is a fun local experience you won’t want to miss!

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This morning you'll take part in a Korean calligraphy class where you'll leave with a keepsake to remind you of your family adventure in Korea. Lunch is included, then the rest of your day is free for you to enjoy all that Busan has to offer. You might like to visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple – it sits on the coastline, making for a picturesque scene that’s even more beautiful during cherry blossom season (late March to mid-April). Maybe take a ride on a cable car, visit the nearby amusement park to get the adrenaline pumping or take a walk along the Busan Green Railway – a 4.8 km coastal walking trail. For a more relaxing day, there are plenty of beaches nearby for a swim – Songjeong in particular is well-loved by families and surfers in the summer. This evening, you might like to join your group for dinner to celebrate your final night in Korea.

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Today after breakfast, make the speedy journey back to Seoul on a KTX high-speed train – the kids will love watching the views fly past! Your adventure comes to an end upon arrival at Seoul Station at around 2 pm. If you'd like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation. Alternatively, if flying out today, there’s a non-stop service from Seoul Station to Incheon International Airport that takes around an hour. It’s recommended that you don’t book a flight that departs earlier than 7 pm to allow for travel time and potential delays.