Second Step to Korea Tour

We meet with you, our esteemed Explorers, at 22.00 (1 day before the flight date) in front of the Turkish Airlines counters at Istanbul Airport International Departures Terminal. After passport and baggage procedures, we fly to Seoul, the capital of Korea, at 01.50 with Turkish Airlines' flight numbered TK 90. Following our arrival at Incheon Airport at 17.40 local time, we move to our hotel with our vehicle waiting for us.

We start the day with breakfast at our hotel. After breakfast, we set off for a full day of exploration extending from Seoul's historical palaces to modern shopping and living centers. Our first stop is Changdeokgung Palace, one of the most important palaces of the Joseon Dynasty period. Built in the early 15th century, the palace draws attention with its design combining traditional Korean architecture in harmony with the natural environment. The palace complex, where Joseon kings resided for many years, is one of the most impressive structures in the historical center of Seoul. 

After our palace visit, we tour The Secret Garden (Huwon), one of the most special sections of the complex. This vast garden, where trees, ponds, pavilions, and natural landscape come together, was used as a resting and secluded area with nature for the royal family. Accepted as one of the finest examples of Korean garden art, Huwon offers visitors unique landscapes, especially with its seasonal beauties. Following the historical palaces, we turn our route to the Seongsu-dong district, which has become one of Seoul's most popular regions in recent years. Once known for shoe workshops and small industrial businesses, the region today reflects the modern face of the city with creative design studios, concept stores, cafes, and shops of popular brands. In Seongsu-dong, we find the opportunity to closely observe Korea's youth culture, design understanding, and daily life. Guests who wish can shop in the stores in the region, spend time in interesting cafes, or explore the unique streets of the district. Another important stop of the day is the Korea War Memorial, one of the most meaningful museums in Korean history. Telling the wars, military developments, and especially the effects of the Korean War on the country throughout the history of the Korean Peninsula, the museum draws attention with its extensive collections.

Inside the museum, light is shed on Korea's past through historical weapons, military vehicles, documents belonging to the war period, and various exhibitions. During our visit, we get the opportunity to understand not only the military but also the social and humanitarian dimensions of the Korean War more closely. At the end of the day, we go to the banks of the Han River, one of the symbol points of Seoul. During the dinner boat cruise we will perform here, we find the opportunity to watch the impressive silhouette of the city from over the river. This pleasant trip taking place accompanied by Seoul's bridges, lights, and skyscrapers offers a nice opportunity to rest after the historical and cultural explorations we performed throughout the day. While having our dinner on the boat, we view the capital of Korea from a different angle. After our boat tour, we return to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

We start the day with breakfast at our hotel. After the morning breakfast at the hotel, we move to the train station by vehicle. Following a 2.5-hour journey with Korea's KTX trains, we arrive in Busan, Korea's second largest city. After our journey extending from Seoul's bustling city life to Busan, which stands out with its sea views and natural beauties, we explore the different faces of the city throughout the day. 

Busan, Korea's second largest city, is one of the country's most important tourism centers with its natural harbor, long coastline, lively neighborhoods, and seafood culture. After arriving in the city, we continue our program with Busan's stops combining nature, sea, and modern city life. Our first stop is Ahopsan Forest, one of the most impressive natural areas around Busan. Drawing attention with its lush bamboo corridors, dense trees, and calm atmosphere, the forest offers a special experience for those who want to be alone with nature. While walking inside the forest, we find the opportunity to closely observe Korea's natural landscape. Especially the impressive landscapes formed by bamboo trees create a nice environment to take photos and get away from the intense pace of the city. Ahopsan is also known as one of the natural areas used in Korean cinema and TV series productions. 

After our nature trip, we go to Haeundae, one of Busan's most popular coastal regions. The Haeundae Sky Capsule journey we will perform here will allow us to explore the coastal views of the city from a different angle. While advancing inside colorful capsules on a special line extending along the coastline, we watch the panoramic view of the Haeundae coast, hills, and surrounding natural beauties. This slow-paced pleasant journey constitutes one of the most beautiful moments of our program as one of Busan's iconic experiences.

After our Sky Capsule tour, we turn our route to Gwangalli Beach, another famous coastal point of Busan. This region, standing out with the city's modern silhouette, sea view, and especially the Gwangandaegyo Bridge, is one of Busan's most vibrant and enjoyable coastal points. We enjoy the sea air by walking along the beach and experience the impressive atmosphere formed by the bridge and city view. Guests who wish can also closely observe the daily life of the region by spending time in nearby cafes and shops. At the final stop of the day, we visit the MAGNATE cafe, which holds a special meaning for fans of Korean pop culture. Connected with the family of BTS member Jimin, this venue is one of the popular meeting spots frequently visited by fans of the group. We take a pleasant break at the cafe to relieve the fatigue of the day and closely experience Busan's modern cafe culture and youth life. Guests who wish can rest here accompanied by coffee and dessert, and explore the unique atmosphere of the venue. Following the nature, sea, and city explorations we performed throughout the day, we return to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

We start the day with breakfast at our hotel. Following breakfast, we set off to make our final discoveries in Busan and then move on to Jeju Island, one of the most special destinations in the south of Korea.

Our first stop is the UN Memorial Cemetery, created in memory of the United Nations forces soldiers who lost their lives during the Korean War. Located in Busan, this meaningful place holds an important position in understanding the international dimension of the Korean War. While touring the cemetery and memorial areas arranged in memory of soldiers from different countries, we find the opportunity to reflect on the Korean War, one of the most important turning points in the recent history of the Korean Peninsula. Standing out with its quiet and peaceful atmosphere, the area forms a historically and humanely strong stop within our Busan trip. Following our historical visit, we turn our route to the fascinating world of contemporary art. ARTE MUSEUM Busan offers its visitors an atmosphere quite different from a classic museum experience with its impressive exhibitions bringing digital technology together with art. While wandering among the exhibitions where giant-scale projections, light, motion, and sound come together, we find ourselves virtually inside the artworks. Digital works inspired by nature, light, color, and Korean culture offer an impressive experience both visually and aurally. Being our final stop in Busan, the ARTE MUSEUM allows us to discover Korea's modern face in terms of technology and creativity following traditional historical narratives.

After our museum visit, we transfer to Gimhae International Airport. After completing our flight procedures at the airport, we fly to Jeju Island, located on the southern coasts of Korea and famous for its natural beauties. Following our short flight, we arrive in Jeju, the most popular island destination in Korea. With its volcanic formations, lava tubes, waterfalls, beaches, and unique culture, Jeju has a completely different character from Korea's other cities. The island's natural beauties and calm atmosphere mark the beginning of a new and enjoyable part of our program following the bustling city life of Seoul and Busan. Upon our arrival at Jeju Airport, we transfer to our hotel. After completing our check-in procedures, we settle into our rooms and rest.

We start the day with breakfast at our hotel. After breakfast, we set out on an enjoyable day where we will discover Jeju Island's azure coasts, volcanic geography, and traditional living culture preserved for centuries. Our first stop is Hamdeok Beach, considered one of Jeju's most beautiful beaches. Standing out with its turquoise-colored sea, white sands, and shallow waters close to the shore, Hamdeok is one of the coastal spots reflecting the island's natural beauties in the finest way. Walking along the coast, we take in Jeju's clean air and sea view, and enjoy the impressive landscape formed by the azure waters. Especially with its peaceful atmosphere, Hamdeok is a great starting point to feel Jeju's tranquil character far from the cities. Afterwards, we go to Seongsan Ilchulbong, one of Jeju's best-known natural landmarks. Formed as a result of a volcanic eruption that took place underwater approximately 5,000 years ago, this volcanic tuff cone is one of the finest examples of Jeju's unique geological past.

Offering an impressive landscape with its crater appearance rising from the sea, Seongsan Ilchulbong is also known as the "Sunrise Peak" because it is one of the best spots to watch the sunrise. During our walk towards the summit, we watch the panoramic view of the Jeju coasts and the surrounding volcanic geography.

We continue to discover not only Jeju's natural beauties but also its unique cultural heritage. Our next stop is the Haenyeo Women Divers Museum. Jeju's world-renowned Haenyeo women are traditional female divers who dive into the sea without using any oxygen tanks to harvest sea urchins, abalones, and various seafood. Handed down from generation to generation for centuries, this tradition has held an important place in the economic and social life of Jeju society. During our museum visit, we get a closer look at the history of the Haenyeo culture, the diving equipment they use, their daily lives, and their strong bond with the sea. The fact that the Haenyeo tradition is one of Jeju's important cultural heritages recognized by UNESCO makes this visit even more meaningful.

In the final part of the day, we embark on a journey back in time towards Jeju's traditional life. At the Jeju Folk Village, we closely get to know the island's past daily life, traditional houses, and local culture. While wandering among traditional stone houses, farm structures, old living quarters, and examples of local architecture, we discover how the people of Jeju lived in the past. The island's unique volcanic stone walls, traditional houses, and tools used in daily life reveal how different and original Jeju culture is from the Korean mainland. Following the natural beauties we saw throughout the day, this visit allows us to get a closer look at the human stories and traditions of Jeju. After discovering Jeju's unique beaches, volcanic geography, and traditional culture throughout the day, we return to our hotel. We rest to shake off the tiredness of the day and prepare for our Jeju explorations the next day.

We start the day with breakfast at our hotel. Following breakfast, we set off to make our final discoveries on Jeju Island. On our route today, we will discover the island's impressive volcanic formations, turquoise-colored beaches, and Korea's famous green tea culture. Our first stop is Jusangjeolli Cliffs, one of Jeju Island's most impressive natural formations. Formed as a result of volcanic lava meeting the sea, these extraordinary cliffs draw attention with their regular geometric shapes. The basalt columns rising side by side on the coast of the sea create an impressive landscape shaped by nature like a work of art. Accompanied by the view created by the waves crashing against the cliffs, we witness Jeju's geological past dating back millions of years.

Then we turn our route to Hyeopjae Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches on the western coast of Jeju. With its clear turquoise waters, fine white sands, and the view of Biyangdo Island rising from within the sea, Hyeopjae is one of Jeju's natural beauties reminiscent of postcards. Walking along the beach, we enjoy the sea view of Jeju and take in the fresh island air. Guests who wish can take a short break at nearby cafes and enjoy this peaceful atmosphere.

Our final discovery stop in Jeju is the Osulloc Tea Museum, where we will closely get to know Korea's tea culture. We discover the history of green tea grown in Jeju's fertile volcanic soils and its place in Korean culture. At the museum and the surrounding tea plantations, we observe how Korea's traditional tea culture and modern presentation approach come together. While taking a pleasant walk among the lush green tea plantations, we experience Jeju's natural beauties from a different perspective. Guests who wish can try different Korean teas and tea-themed products during the visit or purchase souvenirs unique to Jeju from the museum shop.

Following our Osulloc visit, we complete our program in Jeju and transfer to Jeju International Airport. After completing our flight procedures, we leave the airport to return to the Korean mainland. With our flight, we arrive at Gimpo Airport. Following our return to Seoul, we regain the vibrant atmosphere of the city. Upon our arrival at Gimpo Airport, we transfer to our hotel. After completing our check-in procedures, we settle into our rooms and rest. As we leave behind the nature, culture, and calm atmosphere of Jeju Island, we prepare for the next part of our Korea trip.

We start the day with breakfast at our hotel. Today we set out on an enjoyable Seoul discovery ranging from Korea's thousands of years of history to Buddhist culture, and from traditional neighborhoods to modern city life. Our first stop is the National Museum of Korea, one of the country's most important cultural institutions. Possessing a very extensive collection, the museum allows us to recognize the history of the Korean Peninsula from prehistoric times to the present with a comprehensive perspective. During our museum tour, we find the opportunity to see archaeological artifacts from ancient periods, artworks belonging to the royal period, ceramics, Buddhist statues, and important examples of traditional Korean art. Particularly, works belonging to the Joseon and Goryeo periods enable us to understand Korea's cultural and artistic development more closely. The National Museum of Korea visit constitutes an important starting point for us to discover the country's history not only through events, but also through art, beliefs, daily life, and cultural heritage.

Following our museum visit, we go to Jogyesa Temple, located in the center of Seoul. Being one of the most important centers of Korean Buddhism, the temple appears almost like a calm oasis within the busy pace of the city with its traditional architecture and peaceful atmosphere. While wandering among colorful lanterns, traditional temple structures, and prayer areas, we closely observe the effects of Buddhism on daily life and culture in Korea. Especially decorated with thousands of colorful lanterns during major Buddhist festivals, Jogyesa is considered one of Seoul's most impressive spiritual places.

Then we move on to Ikseon-dong, one of Seoul's most characteristic and popular neighborhoods. This area, where traditional Korean houses called hanok have been restored and converted into modern cafes, boutiques, restaurants, and design shops, is one of the places where the past and the present come together in the finest way. While wandering through its narrow streets, we observe how traditional Korean architecture integrates with modern Seoul life. With cafes having various different concepts, small boutiques, and ideal corners for taking photos, Ikseon-dong offers an enjoyable stop to discover Seoul's young and creative face. Guests who wish can take a coffee or dessert break at the cafes in the region during their free time, and visit shops selling traditional and modern design products.

At our final stop of the day, we visit the Cheonggyecheon Stream, one of Seoul city center's most important transformation projects. Once covered over with roads, the stream was brought back to light with a major urban renewal project carried out and has today become one of the important areas preferred by the people of Seoul to rest, walk, and briefly get away from city life. During our walk along the stream stretching among the skyscrapers and busy streets of the city, we closely observe modern Seoul's emphasis on urban planning and quality of life. Accompanied by the sound of water and green areas, Cheonggyecheon allows us to experience Seoul within a different atmosphere at the end of the day. After discovering Korea's history, art, belief world, and modern city life throughout the day, we return to our hotel.

We take our breakfast boxes from the hotel and depart for the airport. Throughout the days we spent in Korea, we bid farewell to Korea with unforgettable memories by discovering the different faces of the country, ranging from historical palaces to traditional villages, and from volcanic islands to modern city life. At 10:15, we depart for Istanbul with Turkish Airlines flight TK 91. Following our arrival in Istanbul at 15.55 Turkey time, we part ways to meet in another organization!