6 DAYS BEST OF SEOUL & MOUNT SEORAK

Arriving into Seoul, we drive 180km or about 3½ hours into Sokcho in Gangwon Province, your base to explore Mount Seorak, the country’s third highest mountain. With the mountain changing colours with the turn of the season, picturesque landscape can be expected at any time of the year.

Rise early to hike Seoraksan National Park trail (5-6 hours). Pass through Sinheungsa Temple, Carved Bridges. Heundeublawi Rock, Rocking Stone and a vantage point from Kyejoam Grotto. The last stretch comprises of steep stairs and smaller walkways into the Ulsanbawi Rock’s viewing platform.

Drive 110km or about 3 hours to Pocheon Art Village, a former quarry transformed into a cultural space featuring outdoor sculptures, a lake and stone pit. Continue 68km or about 1 hour to Museum of Stone Art (closed Mon) and the Museum of Leeum Samsung (closed Mon) run by the Samsung Foundation of Culture, comprising of two parts housing traditional Korean art and contemporary art.

Dive into the Korean war history at the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Highlights include Imjingak Park, DMZ Exhibition Hall, views of the Freedom Bridge and Dora Observatory with telescopes over the North Korean border town. After walking down the 3rd Tunnel which the North Korean Army built in the 1970s to infiltrate the South Korea, we return to Seoul for a non-verbal Gugak performance (Sun-Mon only) with traditional Gugak melody and modern hologram images.

Drive 30km or about 1½ hours into Gongju subub for a glimpse into the Baekje Kingdom era. Gongsanseong Fortress (UNESCO) was built as a defensive royal palace utilizing its mountainous topography. Explore Songsan-ri Royal Tombs, boasting seven ancient stone tombs, especially the royal tomb of King Muryeong. Head to Magoksa Temple, a head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism in Gongju. If you’d like, conclude with a royal cuisine in a traditional Hanok at Seokprang (additional cost, reservation required).

Start the day at Seoul Battleship Park (closed Mon), a new landmark along the Hangang riverfront. Continue to Hahn Moo-Sook House, a traditional Korean-styled house built in the early 20th century by a famous Korean architect. Stroll the alleys of Bukchon Hanok Village which simulates Korean life 600 years ago into Samcheong-dong where you will find majestic palaces, artisan cafes and local indie boutiques. At the end of the day, we transfer 38km or abour 45mins to Seoul Incheon Airport.