OUT - Remarkable South Korea
Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day, 6-night journey through the captivating landscapes and vibrant culture of South Korea. Discover the perfect blend of tradition and modernity as you explore the country's iconic cities and cultural gems.
Trip Highlights
- South Korea
- Seoul
- Andong
- Daegu
- Busan
- Gyeongju
Inclusions
- Round-trip flights to Seoul (if flight and hotel option is chosen)
- 6 nights of Superior accommodation with meal inclusions according to itinerary (1 night in Seoul, 1 night in Daegu, 1 night in Busan, 3 nights in Seoul)
- Meal inclusions and regional delicacies mentioned in the below itinerary
- Shared round-trip transfers to/from airport
- Shared transfers for all sightseeing activities within the itinerary in air-conditioned vehicle
- Services of English-speaking tour guides and driver service fees
- Landmark entrance fees according to the itinerary, unless specified otherwise
- Hotel taxes, fees, and service charges
- Earn 4,000 extra Aeroplan® points per member on this tour for travel completed by December 31, 2025
- More Moments activities included:
- Andong - Andong Village
- Daegu - Daegu Donghwasa Temple, Dongseongno Shopping District
- Busan - Haedong Yonggusan (East Sea Dragon Palace Temple), Nurimaru APEC House, Oryukdo Skywalk, Gamcheon Culture Village (best known as the Machu Picchu of Busan), Nampo Dong Gukje Market
- Gyeongju - Royal Tumuli Park, Gyeongju National Museum
- Seoul - Gyeongbokgung Palace, Insadong neighborhood, a visit to a *Ginseng Centre, a visit to a cosmetic shop, Cheonggyecheon Stream & Myeongdong Commercial District. *Entrance to these is included, personal purchases are not
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart Canada
Overnight flight to Seoul’s International Airport.
Day 2
Welcome to Seoul
Upon arrival at Seoul’s International Airport, a dedicated local representative/tour guide will greet you at the airport exit with an Air Canada Vacations sign and will escort you to your hotel to check-in. The airport to hotel transfer will be done on a shared service on board of an air-conditioned vehicle. The rest of the day will be at your leisure.
Day 3
Seoul - Andong - Daegu
After breakfast, you will be transferred on an air-conditioned vehicle to visit the traditional Village of Andong. This picturesque village features traditional houses of the Joseon Dynasty period (1392-1897).
Afterwards, you will be transferred to Daegu to visit the Daegu Donghwasa Temple, located on the southern slopes of Mount Palgongsan (1193 m).
After the temple visit, you will continue to the Dongseongno Shopping District, a major fashion retail district. The streets are packed with hundreds of stores full of personality that reflect the city’s fast paced fashion trends. Take a stroll and enjoy some shopping!
More Moments Activities Included
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Village of Andong
UNESCO World Heritage cultural treasure trove renowned for its traditional charm and heritage, making it a must-visit destination for travellers seeking to immerse themselves in traditional Korean customs, arts, and cuisine amidst a beautiful rural setting.
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Daegu Donghwasa Temple
Prominent Buddhist temple located in Daegu, South Korea. Nestled in the serene foothills of Mount Palgongsan, this temple is renowned for its beautiful setting and cultural significance.
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Dongseongno Shopping District
Most popular shopping district in Daegu offering a significant number of fashion stops.
Meal(s): Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4
Daegu - Busan
After breakfast, you will be transferred on an air-conditioned vehicle to Busan, to visit Haedong Yonggungsa (East Sea Dragon Palace Temple), situated on the coast of the north-eastern portion of the city of Busan, and overlooking the ocean.
Your next stop will be a visit to Nurimaru APEC House, a memorial hall and prestigious international conference hall located near Haeundae Beach, here you will have breathtaking and spectacular views of the nearby natural landscape.
Afterwards, you will have an opportunity to view the waves while looking down through the transparent floor of the 15-metre high Oryukdo Skywalk, which is set over a 35-metre-high coastal cliff.
Right after, you will be transferred to the Gamcheon Culture Village situated on the foothills of the coastal mountains and nicknamed “The Machu Picchu of Busan.” You will be thrilled by the many alleys cutting through this village, vibrantly decorated with murals and sculptures created by the residents.
Your next stop on your way to Busan will be one of Korea’s largest markets, Nampo Dong Gukje Market for a wide variety of goods at affordable prices.
More Moments Activities Included
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Haedong Yonggungsa (East Sea Dragon Palace Temple)
Large Buddhist temple, with a spectacular location makes the temple a must-see attraction. This is one of the few temples in Korea to be set on the seaside.
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Nurimaru APEC House
Stands as both a significant historical venue and a picturesque cultural destination, offering visitors an opportunity to learn about international relations, appreciate modern architecture, and enjoy the natural beauty of Busan's coastal landscape.
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Oryukdo Skywalk
Cantilever walkway with a glass floor offering views of the sea and Oryukdo island.
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Gamcheon Culture Village
“The Machu Picchu of Busan” is a picturesque village featuring a broad number of colorful houses, painted murals, shops and cafes.
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Nampo Dong Gukje Market
Bustling and vibrant marketplace renowned for its diverse array of goods, local delicacies, and lively atmosphere. It offers a fantastic opportunity to discover Busan's local culture, one of South Korea's most famous markets.
Meal(s): Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5
Busan - Gyeongju - Seoul
After breakfast you will spend the day exploring some of most iconic archaeological sites and temples, royal tombs, and monuments of Gyeongju, the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom (57 BC – 935 AD). The visit includes: Royal Tumuli Park and Gyeongju National Museum.
After the sites, you will enjoy a special Samgyetang lunch (chicken soup with ginseng) before your transfer back to Seoul.
More Moments Activities Included
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Royal Tumuli Park
Historical site that houses over 20 ancient royal tombs from the Silla Dinasty.
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Gyeongju National Museum
Prominent cultural institution dedicated to preserve and showcase the region’s rich history and culture. Artifacts, educational exhibits, and treasures are some of the highlights to enjoy when visiting the museum.
Meal(s): Breakfast and lunch
Day 6
Seoul
After breakfast, you will start your day with a visit to the Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of the “Five Grand Palaces” built by the Kings of the Jeoson Dynasty.
After the visit to the palace, you will take a stroll through the vibrant neighbourhood of Insadong a street full of traditional Korean antique and art shops, restaurants, and tea houses, where you may try on a hanbok, the traditional attire of the Korean people (a great opportunity for a photoshoot). We will visit a Ginseng Centre and a cosmetic shop (entrance to these locales is included however, personal purchases at these two visits are not included).
At lunch, a delicious and traditional Korea BBQ lunch awaits. Then stroll by the picturesque Cheonggyecheon Stream, which offers a tranquil retreat amidst the urban landscape and peaceful ambience.
Your last stop of the day will be a visit to Myeongdong, one of Seoul’s main commercial districts.
More Moments Activities Included
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Gyeongbokgung Palace
Stands as a cultural gem in Seoul and offers a glimpse into Korea’s royal history, showcasing architectural brilliance and providing a serene retreat within the bustling city.
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Insadong
A must-see neighborhood! Providing an immersive cultural experience through its arts, crafts, culinary offerings, and vibrant atmosphere, making a favorite amongst its visitors.
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Ginseng Centre
Learn about the ginseng history and its use.
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Cosmetic Shop ($)
Buy some of the well-known brands of cosmetics, such as K-beauty products.
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Cheonggyecheon Stream
A serene oasis amid the bustling city, offers a tranquil environment for leisurely strolls and relaxation. The stream is also known for its vibrant public space, walking paths, art installations, and cultural events.
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Myeongdong Commercial District
Bustling shopping and entertainment district, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, trendy fashion boutiques, skincare shops, street food vendors, and a diverse range of restaurants.
Meal(s): Breakfast and lunch
Day 7
Seoul
A day to explore Seoul at your own pace. There are several activities and places to explore that showcase the city's rich culture, history, and modernity. You can also join the optional tour.
($) Optional Activities
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Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) Half-day Tour with Traditional Lunch Included
The highlights:
- History of Korean War
- Imjingak Park
- Freedom Bridge
- If permitted, we'll venture into the mysterious 3rd Tunnel
- Dora Observatory
- Detailed explanation by the tour guide about the daily life in the village of Kijongdong across the river
Note: The site visits may change depending on availability and capacity of some visited sites.
Transfer back to the hotel in the afternoon.
Notes: Due to the high demand of DMZ, daily number of visitors are limited. Entry permits will be granted on a first-come first-serve basis. If there’s an unannounced official event or unforeseen situation in the DMZ, the program will be cancelled and replaced by the Paju tour.
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Paju Half-day Tour with Traditional Lunch Included
The highlights:
- Imjingak Nuri Peace Park
- Freedom Bridge
- Odusan Unification Observatory
- Detailed explanation by the tour guide about the daily life in the village of Kijongdong across the river
Note: The site visits may change depending on availability and capacity of some visited sites.
Transfer back to the hotel in the afternoon.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 8
Seoul - Canada
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight to Canada.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Accommodations
Where you'll stay
Superior Accommodation
Location
Hotel
Room details
Type of bed(s): 1 double bed or 2 twin beds
Room occupancy: Maximum 2 people (2 adults, or 1 adults and 1 child)
Unless otherwise specified, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.
Best for
Guided tours
Let us show you around. Tour packages include (varies by tour):
- Round-trip flight with Air Canada
- Private airport transfers
- Hotel accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- Train transportation
- Motorcoach transportation
- Hotel-to-hotel luggage service
- Experienced guide throughout
- Aeroplan® points
Urban tours
Trips that make you feel like you live there. Tour packages include:
- Round-trip flight with Air Canada
- Airport transfers
- Hotel accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- More Moments activities or excursions (select packages)
- Aeroplan® points
Aeroplan
In addition to accumulating points on the flight portion of your trip, you’ll earn up to 4,000 extra Aeroplan points on select tour packages.
- Members ages 2 to 12 will receive extra points equivalent to 50% of the points granted to members ages 13 and up.
- Travel completion by December 31, 2026.
Important Information
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Tour operates on Wednesday ONLY, except for April 26, 2024
- January 1, 2024 – December 8, 2024
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Not included:
- Meals outside of the ones mentioned within the itinerary above
- Transfers for the optional activities, and any other transfer services required outside of the itinerary above
- Entrance to other landmarks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Additional activities and excursions
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The More Moments activities/excursions mentioned in the itinerary are all included in the package but may be rescheduled to take place on an earlier or later day, depending on availability and operational day, or cancelled due to weather related conditions.
Suggested itineraries:
- Optional DMZ half-day tour
- Paju half-day tour
These itineraries are suggestions for activities that are not included in your package, but they are great tips for places to visit and things to do.
Optional tours are to be booked at destination and are to be paid in cash only in U.S. dollars and these are based on availability.
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- From/to airports and intercity transfers: Shared service on air-conditioned vehicle.
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The itinerary above is subject to change without prior notice. The order in which destinations are visited or day excursions occur may change due to operational restrictions, such as weather and accommodation availability.