Sacred Sites and City Lights: Korea & Japan Tour

- Arrival in Seoul

- Transfer to the hotel by TREX express train.

**Hotel: N285 Hotel Insadong**  

- Take Express Train from Incheon International to Seoul Station.  

- The old quarter of the city.

 Today, we delve into the sidestreets of Insadong and beyond. From teahouses to temples, palaces to delectable street food, and unique shopping experiences, we're in for a day of discovery.

- This afternoon, we'll gather for a walking tour around spectacular Gyeongbokgung Palace. 

- Afterward, we'll have free time to explore the shopping streets in search of unique treasures and souvenirs to take home as mementos.

- Tonight, a very special dining experience: Korean BBQ!   

**Overnight - N285 Hotel Insadong**

- Today we head out and walk along Cheonggyecheon Stream. Cheonggyecheon Stream is an 11 km-long stream that runs through downtown Seoul.

- After we walk along the stream, we head to Myeong Dong and Namdaemun Market. We have the chance to buy some new glasses from a friend's shop if anyone needs new glasses.

- Namdaemun is Korea's oldest market with many side streets and thousands of stalls.

- Tonight, we hit the street food markets and eat our way through the food stalls.

- **Korea DMZ Tour from Seoul with Hotel Pickup (Suspension Bridge)**

  - Tour the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) with a knowledgeable guide who shares the history and highlights of this important strip of land that separates North and South Korea. Established in 1953 after the Korean War, the DMZ includes key sites such as the Freedom Bridge, the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, Imjingak Park, the DMZ Museum, and Dora Observatory. Visit the DMZ from Seoul on a morning or afternoon half-day tour, with an optional upgrade to a full-day tour that also visits the suspension bridge.

  - Full- or Half-day tour to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) from Seoul.

- **Dinner tonight is at Gwangjang Market**

  - The market is one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in South Korea, with more than 5000 shops and 20,000 employees in an area of 42,000 m².

  - The handout noodle lady from the Netflix Asian Street Food series is located here.

- **Free Day**

  - Let's discuss what to do today. My local friend Jue would like to go to dinner with us and maybe enjoy some music at night.

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- Today, we leave the city lights behind and embark on a scenic journey into the heart of the Korean countryside. A change of scenery with breathtaking landscapes, our train ride is an experience in itself. Brace yourself for a mind-boggling fast train experience where JeongJu's history, culture, and famous Bibimbap await!

- After a captivating 90-minute train ride, we arrive in Jeongju, a place steeped in history and culture. Prepare to be captivated by the birthplace of Korea's renowned dish, Bibimbap. Upon arrival, we'll be transferred to our Hanok stay. These traditional Korean houses hold centuries of history and culture within their walls. With 900 of these remarkable structures in Jeongju, we are in for a very unique experience.

- A visit to Jeongju would not be complete without savoring Bibimbap, an iconic Korean dish. We'll enjoy a scrumptious dinner at a local restaurant, indulging in the local flavors of this beloved culinary masterpiece.

**Overnight - Traditional Home Stay**

- Explore JeongJu in the morning.

- Take the KTX back to Seoul.

- Check into a hotel near Gimpo Airport for the night.  

**Hotel: ART**

- **JEJU AIR**  

- Depart from Gimpo Airport to Osaka 

- Arrival in Osaka 

- Take an express train to Kyoto.

- Check into the hotel near the station.  

**Hotel: Keihan Kyoto Ekimae**

- Explore Nishiki Food Markets, temples, and local attractions.

- Enjoy guided tours and cultural experiences.

 Day trip to Uji to visit green tea fields and temples.

**Super Hotel Kyoto Shijokawaramachi**  

- Breakfast Included 

- Day tour to Harie Countryside.

**Super Hotel Kyoto Shijokawaramachi**  

- Breakfast Included

- Purchase a Heritage Pass and travel from Kyoto to Osaka to catch a train to Koyasan.

- Stay in a monastery.

- Explore Japan's oldest cemetery and participate in morning worship.

**Koyasan Shukubo Zofukuin**  

- Dinner NOT included 

- Return to Osaka and explore the foodie capital of Japan.

**Kamon Hotel Namba**

**Kamon Hotel Namba**  

- Breakfast Included 

- Morning free to prepare for the flight back home.

- Express Train back to Kansai International Airport (KIX).

- Depart from Osaka 

Giving Back with Purpose

At Travel 4 Good, we believe in giving back to the places that inspire us. I am proud to be part of a travel experience where profits are donated to charity and nonprofit projects in our destinations, amplifying positive impact. Additionally, Travel 4 Good contributes $5 per participant per day to local NGOs and nonprofits, helping continue the amazing work being done to support communities and the environment.

In this trip we donate to KLM https://korealegacy.give.asia 

Watch this inspiring video about their amazing work 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEWtquipIi0