Special Offer on a 12-Day Best of Hong Kong & Korea with Goway
Price: from $6,925 CAD Per Person, based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season.
Savings: $250 CAD
Departure Dates: February 15, 2025 to March 15, 2025
Embark on an unforgettable adventure that starts in vibrant Hong Kong, blending modern skylines with rich traditions. Continue on to South Korea and dive into Seoul's dynamic culture, from historic landmarks to mouthwatering street food, then step back in time in Gyeongju with its fascinating heritage.
Photo: Iconic Peak Tram in Hong Kong and Gyeongbokgung Palace in South Korea
Inclusions:
- Private arrival and departure airport transfers in Hong Kong and Seoul
- 3 nights first-class accommodations in Hong Kong
- 4 nights first-class accommodations in Seoul
- 2 nights first-class accommodations in Gyeongju
- 2 nights first-class accommodations in Busan
- Join-in Full Day A Hong Kong Story: East Meets West Journey City Tour
- Private-guided Full Day Classic Seoul Tour
- Private-guided Evening Seoul After Dark and Street Food Tour
- Private-guided Full Day Gyeongju Heritage Discovery Tour
- Private-guided Full Day Busan City Tour and Songdo Cable Car Tour
- KTX Bullet Train Tickets: Seoul - Gyeongju - Busan - Seoul (Economy Class)
- Train Station Transfers in Seoul, Gyeongju and Busan
- Breakfast daily (excluding day 1), 3 lunches, 1 dinner
Photo: Best of Hong-Kong-Korean Vacations
Trip Itinerary Details:
Day 1 : Arrive Hong Kong
Hong Kong International Airport to Hong Kong Island - Causeway Bay. Accommodation at Regal Hong Kong Hotel with Full Breakfast.
Day 2 : Full Day A Hong Kong Story: East Meets West Journey
Meet your guide at the designated meeting point to begin your journey through the history and development of Hong Kong. Start with a ride on the iconic Peak Tram to the Peak, where you will enjoy a guided walking tour and visit the Lion's Point View Pavilion. Continue to Old Town Central for a guided exploration of Pottinger Street, the Central Escalator, Tai Kwun, Hollywood Road, Lascar Row, and Man Mo Temple. Along the way, your guide will provide fascinating insights into the area's rich history. Conclude your day with a delightful dim sum tasting at the Michelin-awarded Tim Ho Wan.
Photo: Delicious signature meal from the Michelin Star restaurant in the world, Tim Ho Wan
Day 3 : Hong Kong at Leisure
Photo: Wong Tai Sin Temple, Hong Kong. Credits (Hong Kong Tourism Board)
Day 4 : Hong Kong to Seoul
Hong Kong Island - Causeway Bay to Hong Kong International Airport. Seoul Incheon International Airport to Seoul - City Centre. Accommodation at Mercure Ambassador Seoul Hongdae with Full Breakfast.
Day 5 : Private Full Day Classic Seoul Tour
Today, explore the city like a local using public transport. Begin with a visit to Gwanghwamun Plaza, where you will encounter the statues of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-Sin. Through Gwanghwamun gate, visit Gyeongbokgung (Gyongbok) Palace, the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. Originally built in 1395, it was expanded in 1867 to become the largest, and arguably most beautiful of Seoul’s five palaces, with 330 buildings in total. Witness the ceremonial changing of the guard which takes place at 10:00 at Gwanghwamun Gate. While at the palace, there is an option to visit The National Folk Museum. Located within the palace grounds, the museum contains interesting exhibits about the history of Korean people and their culture. From there, take a short walk to Bukchon Hanok. This village dates back to the Joseon period and features traditional Korean houses, called hanok, many of which are still inhabited today. Spend time exploring the area, getting a closer look at the unusual architecture and learning about traditional village life. Conclude this city tour at another must see area in Seoul, Insadong. Located in the heart of Seoul, this neighbourhood is steeped in tradition and boasts a plethora of art galleries, antique shops, craft stores, and traditional teahouses. It's the perfect place to be immersed in Korean culture and explore traditional arts and crafts.
Day 6 : Private Evening Seoul After Dark and Street Food Dinner
Your evening tour starts with a visit to Changdeokgung Palace, a palace from the Joseon dynasty. In addition to being one of the best-preserved palaces, this UNESCO site is known for its Secret Garden where man-made structures were built in harmony with the natural surroundings. Next stop is Jogyesa Temple located in the heart of the city. The temple is very vibrant at night with lanterns throughout the sacred grounds. Continue with a visit to Gwangjang Market, one of the country's oldest and largest traditional markets, for street food dinner. The market features busy, colourful stalls where you can try new and exciting Korean dishes such as Japchae (Korean glass noodle salad), Tteokbokki (spicy rice cake), Kimbap (rice roll), Mandu (dumplings), Eomuk (fishcakes). Taste a variety of dishes from the various stalls, a delicious dinner feast of local cuisine before taking the subway back to the hotel for the evening. wine.
Day 7 : Seoul to Gyeongju
Seoul - City Centre to Seoul Station. KTX Bullet Train - Seoul to Gyeongju Station. Gyeongju Station to Gyeongju. Accommodation at Kolon Hotel Gyeongju with Full Breakfast.
Day 8 : Full Day Gyeongju Heritage Discovery
Your tour today begins with a visit to the religious architectural complex of Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple. Built during the time of the Silla Kingdom, the site highlights the mastery of the architects and artists of that era. Admire the Buddhist carvings and statues of Seokguram and Bulguksa's wooden buildings and stone terraces. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, enjoy a visit to Gyeongju National Museum with its vast collections of artifacts, relics, and royal treasures, the museum offers a comprehensive insight into the art, culture, and history of the Silla dynasty. Continue on to the Daereungwon Tomb complex. Also known as Tumuli Park, the area has more than 20 tombs from the Silla period. Take a closer look at the Cheonmachong Tomb, a typical upper class tomb of the Silla era, with a wooden coffin placed inside an underground chamber covered with a mound of boulders and earth. End the day with a walk to the Woljeong Bridge, an historical gateway connecting the royal palaces of Silla to the south. The walk will conclude at Woljie Pond, an artificial pond that was part of the palace complex of the ancient Silla. Following the tour, you'll be transferred back to your hotel.
Day 9 : Gyeongju to Busan
Gyeongju to Gyeongju Station. KTX Bullet Train - Gyeongju to Busan Station. Busan Train Station to Busan. Accommodation at Lotte Hotel Busan with Full Breakfast.
Photo: Korean vegetable foods at Seoul Gwangjang market
Start today with the colorful Gamcheon Cultural Village, known for the houses built in a tightly-knit fashion on the hillside, giving it the unique appearance. Originally, the area was with substandard living conditions, and settled by refugees fleeing from the Korean War. Next, head to The United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Busan, a significant and poignant site commemorating the Korean War. Visiting the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Busan is not only a way to pay respects to the fallen soldiers but also an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the history. Lunch is served at a local restaurant. Our next stop is Gukje Market, initially established by refugees and traders who settled in Busan after the war, making it one of the oldest markets in the city. The market played a crucial role in helping the local economy recover during difficult times. Just a short walk from Gukje Market is Jagalchi Fish Market, which is South Korea's largest seafood market. It's an excellent opportunity to experience the local seafood culture. Then, it’s time to sit back and relax on a cable car for a 1.62km journey (15-20 mins) across the ocean at a height of 86m. With the cable car traveling in the middle of the sea, enjoy panoramic views of Songdo Beach, Yeongdodaegyo Bridge, Namhangdaegyo Bridge, Songdo Coastal Dullegil Road and rock cliffs. Hop out of the cable car, follow the signs and head to Songdo Yonggung Suspension Bridge which connects Amnam Park to the small uninhabited island of Dongseom Island. Take in the 360 degree views of the ocean, cliffs and surrounding islands.
Photo: Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul
Busan to Busan Train Station. KTX Bullet Train - Busan to Seoul Station. Seoul Station to Seoul - City Centre. Accommodation at Amid Hotel Seoul with Full Breakfast.
Day 12 : Depart Seoul
Seoul - City Centre to Seoul Incheon International Airport.