Elegant South Korea Tour - with Qatar Airways
Day 1 ISTANBUL – DOHA
We meet at the international departure terminal of Istanbul New Airport three hours before the flight. After completing our luggage, ticket, and boarding procedures, we begin our flight to Doha with Qatar Airways.
Day 2 SEOUL – GANGNAM SQUARE – SEOUL
Following our arrival in Doha, we start our flight to Seoul with a transfer via Qatar Airways. We spend the night on the plane. Upon our arrival in Seoul, we transfer to our private bus waiting at the airport. Then, we proceed to Gangnam Square. Meaning "the South of the Han River," Gangnam is the third largest district in Seoul. Famous for gaining popularity after PSY’s song Gangnam Style, the area features panoramic views of places such as Cheongdam Fashion Street, Gangnam Station, Bonguensa Temple, and Starfield Library. After a break for shopping, dining, and photography, we transfer to our hotel in Seoul and have some free time to rest. Accommodation will be at our hotel.
Day 3 SEOUL
After breakfast at the hotel, we set off for our tour to Nami Island, a crescent-shaped island located on the Han River. Named after General Nami, who lived during the Joseon Dynasty, the island is known for its natural beauty and cultural events, offering a different charm with each season. In spring, cherry blossoms; in summer, lush greenery; in autumn, colorful leaves; and in winter, snow-covered landscapes create unique experiences for visitors. The island is particularly famous for its tree-lined paths such as Metasequoia Road and Ginkgo Tree Road. Then, we head to the “Morning Calm Garden” Arboretum, established in 1996 by Professor Han Sang-kyung. Spanning approximately 330,000 square meters, this garden hosts over 5,000 plant species and is named after Rabindranath Tagore, who described Korea as "the Land of Morning Calm." After taking a photo break at N-Seoul Tower, we transfer back to our hotel in Seoul and have some free time to rest. Accommodation will be at our hotel.
Day 4 SEOUL – BUSAN
After breakfast at the hotel, we take the high-speed train to Busan, Korea's second largest city. Upon arrival, we visit the UN Korean Memorial Cemetery, built in honor of the soldiers from 16 countries who died during the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. The cemetery hosts the graves of 2,319 soldiers from 11 countries and is the only United Nations cemetery in the world. Notably, the Turkish Martyrs' Cemetery, with the graves of 462 Turkish soldiers, is one of the greatest symbols of Turkey-Korea friendship. Next, we head to the Ahopsan Bamboo Forest, famous for its dense bamboo groves of the Maengjongjuk species and its appearances in many Korean films and dramas. Carefully preserved for about 400 years by the Nampyeong Moon family, this natural wonder opened to the public in 2016, offering visitors a unique experience with its rich plant life and peaceful atmosphere. Continuing our tour, we visit Yonggungsa Temple. This unique temple, rebuilt in 1970 using traditional colors, features a three-story pagoda adorned with four lion statues that symbolize joy, anger, sadness, and happiness, all while boasting a stunning sea view. Then, we transfer to Mipo Station for our Blue Line Park Sky Capsule tour. The capsules, which travel automatically at a height of 7 to 10 meters on a 2-kilometer route from Mipo Station to Cheongsapo Station, provide a unique tourist experience with magnificent views of the Haeundae beach. The average speed of the Sky Capsule is 4 km per hour and boasts vibrant colors such as red, yellow, green, and blue. During the journey, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Haeundae Beach and take unforgettable photos. At the end of the tour, we transfer to our hotel in Busan and have some free time to rest. Accommodation will be at our hotel.
Note: The trip from Seoul to Busan will be by high-speed train, and we will return to Seoul the same way. We suggest that guests bring two days’ worth of clothing on the day of travel to Busan. Large luggage will be left at the hotel in Seoul.
Day 5 BUSAN – GYEONGJU – BUSAN
After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer to Gamcheon Culture Village, known as "Busan's Santorini" or "Lego Village," famous for its narrow streets, colorful houses, and wall arts. Built by refugees during the Korean War in the 1950s, Gamcheon offers an unforgettable experience with its vibrant atmosphere and artistic touch. In 2009, as part of the "Imagining Machu Picchu in Busan" art project, artists and students painted the village's walls and houses in vibrant colors, adorning them with various art pieces and sculptures. This project has made Gamcheon a popular tourist destination. Next, we proceed to Gyeongju, known for its rich historical heritage and often referred to as the "Museum Without Walls," which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Our first stop in the city is Bulguksa Temple. Built in the 8th century during the Silla Kingdom, this temple is considered one of Korea's most valuable cultural heritages. In 1995, it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List along with the nearby Seokguram Grotto. Bulguksa Temple is noted for its architectural elegance and artistic details, with seven important treasures recognized as National Treasures of Korea. Next, we move to Cheomseongdae Observatory, a 17-meter tall cylindrical structure composed of 365 stone blocks, representing the days of the year. The square window in the middle divides the structure into two sections each with 12 stones, symbolizing the 12 months. We then proceed to Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond. The palace was used as the residence of the crown prince and for important state ceremonies during the Silla period, while Wolji Pond, also known as the "Moon-reflecting Pond," is an artificial pond surrounded by stone walls. Today, Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond offer enchanting views, especially when illuminated at night. After taking photos, we transfer back to our hotel in Busan and have some free time to rest. Accommodation will be at our hotel.
Day 6 BUSAN – SUWON – SEOUL
After breakfast at the hotel, we return to Seoul by high-speed train. Upon arrival, we take a short walk along the walls of Hwaseong Fortress, built by King Jeongjo in honor of Prince Sado, in Suwon. After this, we visit Korean Folk Village, an open-air museum where you can experience traditional Korean life and culture from the Joseon Dynasty. After observing daily life, traditional houses, and handicrafts from the Joseon era, we transfer to Namdaemun Market, one of the largest traditional markets in the country, which opened in 1964. The market offers more than 10,000 shops and stalls, featuring a wide range of products from clothing, cosmetics, accessories, kitchenware, toys, stationery, flowers, ginseng, and imported goods. The market is lively at all hours, allowing you to taste delicious street food from Korean cuisine and closely observe the local culture. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel in Seoul and have some free time to rest. Accommodation will be at our hotel.
Day 7 SEOUL – DOHA
After breakfast at the hotel, we check out of our rooms. Then, we set off for our full-day city tour of Seoul. During the tour, we will visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Folk Museum of Korea, Bukchon Hanok Village, Myeongdong Street, and N Seoul Tower. Our first stop, Gyeongbokgung Palace, built in 1395, is often referred to as the North Palace due to its position being furthest north compared to the neighboring palaces, Changdeokgung (East Palace) and Gyeonghuigung (West Palace). After that, we visit the National Folk Museum of Korea, which provides insights into the lives, art, and cultural developments of the South Korean people across various periods. Next, we conduct our tour of Bukchon Hanok Village, meaning "North Village." Hanok refers to Korea’s traditional houses, and there are around 700 Hanoks in this village. Following that, we transfer to Myeongdong, home to shopping and cosmetic stores as well as numerous restaurants, where you can shop to your heart's content and taste local delicacies. At the end of the tour, we transfer to Seoul Airport for our flight to Istanbul with a transfer in Doha.
Day 8 DOHA – ISTANBUL
After completing our luggage, passport, and ticket procedures, we take our flight to Doha with Qatar Airways. We spend the night on the plane. After our arrival in Doha, we commence our flight to Istanbul following our transfer. With our arrival at Istanbul New Airport, our tour and services conclude.
125€ per person
***To be paid to our guide during the tour***
• The journey from Seoul to Busan will be made by high-speed train and back. We recommend our guests to bring 2 days of clothing for the day they will go to Busan. Large luggage will be left at the hotel in Seoul.
• Guests traveling to Korea must apply for and obtain approval through the website (www.k-eta.go.kr) or the mobile application (K-ETA) at least 1 month before boarding the plane. Additionally, the Consulate cannot assist you with the K-ETA application process. It is advised to make applications 40 days before the tour departure date for the healthy tracking of K-ETA processes.
For those whose K-ETA applications are rejected, the visa application link and steps to be followed are as follows:
https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/tr-istanbul-tr/brd/m_8764/view.do?seq=761645&page=1
QR 246 16JAN ISTDOH 2010 0010*
QR 858 17JAN DOHICN 0230 1715
QR 859 23JAN ICNDOH 0020 0450
QR 239 23JAN DOHIST 0745 1220
QR 240 18MAR ISTDOH 1350 1750
QR 858 19MAR DOHICN 0230 1715
QR 859 25MAR ICNDOH 0020 0450
QR 239 25MAR DOHIST 0745 1220
QR 246 26MAY ISTDOH 2005 0030*
QR 858 27MAY DOHICN 0220 1705
QR 859 02JUN ICNDOH 0120 0530
QR 239 02JUN DOHIST 0740 1155
QR 246 16JUN ISTDOH 2005 0030*
QR 858 17JUN DOHICN 0220 1705
QR 859 23JUN ICNDOH 0120 0530
QR 239 23JUN DOHIST 0740 1155
QR 246 14JUL ISTDOH 2005 0030*
QR 858 15JUL DOHICN 0220 1705
QR 859 21JUL ICNDOH 0120 0530
QR 239 21JUL DOHIST 0740 1155
QR 246 11AUG ISTDOH 2005 0030*
QR 858 12AUG DOHICN 0220 1705
QR 859 18AUG ICNDOH 0120 0530
QR 239 18AUG DOHIST 0740 1155
IMPORTANT NOTES
• The transfer from Kyoto to Tokyo will be done by train for easier and faster transportation. During these transfers, to ensure that guests can travel comfortably and do not have to carry their luggage, it is required for them to bring a small bag for 1 day's clothing before leaving the hotel on the day specified in the tour program. Remaining items will be transferred from Kyoto to the hotel in Tokyo.
• The Korean border region is a military zone. There is a possibility of it being closed without prior notice on the day of the tour. Guests who have purchased our tour acknowledge this.
• The Fuji Mountain fifth station tour will be conducted depending on weather conditions.
• Hotel rooms in Japan are mostly in Twin (two separate single beds) format. Guests who purchase our tour accept this rule.
• Due to the small size of hotel rooms, there is no possibility of Triple (3 adults) accommodations.
• Guests traveling to Korea must apply for and obtain approval through the website (www.k-eta.go.kr) or the mobile application (K-ETA) at least 1 month before boarding the plane. Additionally, the Consulate cannot assist you with the K-ETA application process. It is advised to make applications 40 days before the tour departure date for healthy tracking of K-ETA processes.
For those whose K-ETA applications are rejected, the visa application link and steps to be followed are as follows:
https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/tr-istanbul-tr/brd/m_8764/view.do?seq=761645&page=1
• Our tour program is organized with a minimum participation requirement of 40 people. If sufficient participation is not achieved for the trip, the agency will notify of the cancellation at least 21 days before the tour departure. Tours canceled due to insufficient participation will be communicated to you through your agency.
• In cases where only category information is provided without specifying names in the tour program and/or there are options for the same destination, the hotel(s) will be communicated to you by your agency 48 hours before the trip.
• During periods such as fairs, congresses, concerts, events, sports tournaments, etc., hotels may be located further away than the specified kilometers or in different cities. In such cases, you will be informed by your agency 48 hours before the trip.
• Panoramic city tours included in the tour package are organized for the general introduction of the cities and are only conducted as panoramic tours with guidance from the vehicle for a maximum of 2-3 hours, excluding museum and historical site entrances. The agency is not responsible for the failure to conduct the aforementioned tours if they are interrupted due to local authority restrictions on access or for any events, closed roads, or due to weather conditions making the tours impossible. Some tours may be conducted using public transport or on foot within the capabilities specified for areas where access is restricted by closed roads.
• Triple rooms may be provided depending on hotel availability, and in these types of rooms, the bed designated for the 3rd person is smaller than standard beds. Triple rooms consist of 1 large bed + 1 extra bed. As extra beds are typically foldable or couch beds, participants acknowledge that they accept potential cramped conditions and bed size in reservations for the 3rd person and/or children. Child discounts apply only for a single child meeting the age criteria staying with 2 adults. No bed guarantees are given for children aged 0-2 at hotels.
• Breakfasts at the hotels are served according to the breakfast culture of the country and generally consist of a limited menu that includes butter, jam, bread, tea, or coffee, and may be served in a separate room allocated for the group.
• Due to the group nature of the tour flights, the flight times may change. You can confirm the current flight details with your agency. Up-to-date times will be communicated to you by your agency with the tour information.
• Without domestic flights, the tour flight times must be confirmed. If a guest has purchased the domestic connecting flight independently from the agency, in case the tour is canceled by the agency or there is a schedule change, they cannot claim any refund from the agency for any expenses relating to new flights needed to participate in the tour or transfers in the destination. Guests accept all potential financial and emotional losses due to the tour's cancellation or changes when they purchase the tour. The agency cannot be held responsible for this situation.
• According to airline regulations, if a round-trip ticket purchased as a round-trip is not used for the outbound flight, the return flight will be canceled by the airline.
• Guests included in the tour without flights must make their own arrangements to be ready at the tour starting point without any delay. Otherwise, they will have to arrange all their own transfers.
• Participants who do not arrive on time at the specified airport for check-in and boarding as indicated by the airline regulations, or who complete check-in and boarding on time but miss their flight, are not covered by the agency's responsibility for failing to board the flight. Guests who miss the flight will be responsible for obtaining new round-trip tickets needed to participate in the tour and for any transfers in the destination.
• Participants in the tour are responsible for their personal belongings, bags, suitcases, passports/identification cards, and the agency is not responsible for any forgotten/lost/stolen items. If forgotten items are found, there is no obligation to deliver them to the country and/or individual; any expenses incurred during the process of delivering found items are borne by the owner.
• In cases of illness, loss, or theft, the guide cannot provide individual assistance to guests due to the importance of the group's integrity and continuity.
• When purchasing the tour, it is mandatory to provide correct information regarding names, date of birth, and passport numbers as per the passport. Plane tickets are issued based on this information. Any cancellation and change penalty fees resulting from incorrect information will be charged to you.
• Some airlines may charge fees for dining and online check-in services.
• During the tour, seat numbers on the bus cannot be guaranteed.
• The hours communicated by our guide during our tours refer to the time of the vehicle's wheel starting to turn. Our guide, who is responsible for ensuring that all guests are treated equally, will move the vehicle without waiting for any late arrivals at the meeting times. In a situation where a guest is late, they will have to find their own means of transportation to the next destination.
• Extra tours are organized with a minimum participation condition of 20 people by the local agency from which we receive service. If sufficient numbers are not reached, the tours cannot be conducted, or the extra tour prices, content, and the vehicle used may change according to the number of participants. Additionally, the days and times of the tours may be altered at the guide's discretion based on the open/closed status of museums or historical sites and weather conditions. Different guides may accompany guests during extra tours.
• In classic packages where extra tours are not included, participation in additional tours is voluntary and not mandatory. Passengers who do not wish to participate in the extra tours are deemed to accept waiting at a suitable rest area along the route. These passengers will be dropped off at a rest area before the start of the extra tour and picked up from the point they were left afterward.
• In programs that include extra tours, it is mandatory to pay for museum and historical site entrance fees during the reservation process to your agency or to the guide during the tour.
• The participant acknowledges and accepts in advance that they will pay any costs incurred for local guides, museum & historical site entrance fees, city taxes, if applicable, and any other expenses based on the information provided in the tour program regarding these expenditures. The participant has been fully and accurately informed about this matter.
• The agency acts as an intermediary between the airline and the passenger and is subject to the Hague Protocol of 28.09.1955. There is a risk of flight delays on scheduled and charter flights, and the tour and flight times may change before the current trip. The agency is obliged to inform you of these changes as soon as possible. Our passengers have purchased the tour knowing and accepting that flight details may change.
What's Included
Airport taxes
5 nights accommodation with breakfast in 3-star hotels
Airport-hotel-airport transfers
All city transfers with our private buses
Round-trip high-speed train tickets between Seoul and Busan
Gangnam Square Tour
Nami Island Tour
Morning Calm Arboretum Tour
N-Seoul Tower photo stop
Korean War Memorial visit
Ahopsan Bamboo Forest Tour
Yonggungsa Temple Tour
Blue Line Park Sky Capsule Tour
Gamcheon Culture Village Tour
Bulguksa Temple Tour
Cheomseongdae Observatory
Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond Tour
Hwaseong Fortress Tour
Korean Folk Village Tour
Namdaemun Market Tour
Seoul City Tour
Professional Turkish guiding and assistant services
TURSAB professional liability insurance
Not Included
