A city of dramatic contrasts, Seoul combines ancient Oriental tradition with modern technology. Peeking out from mega-modern high-rises and scattered among the 12-lane highways are traces of its 5,000-year legacy: temples, palaces, city gates and pleasure gardens. Explore this vital and cosmopolitan city, and discover its centuries-old history.

Visit Deoksu Palace located at the corner of the busiest intersection of downtown Seoul, Deoksugung Palace is famous for its elegant stone-wall road. It is the only one that has western buildings beside it, and it adds to the uniqueness of the scenery.

Pass the Presidential Offices, known as the Blue House, and visit the impressive National Museum of Korea, with over 4,500 exhibits detailing Korea's historic and cultural heritage. The national Museum of Korea is the world's 6th largest museum and the premier institution of Korean National Culture exhibits.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and explore Insadong, in the heart of Seoul's antique and art district. Insadong represents Korean culture and a memorable attraction for those who visit Seoul. Here, you can find dozens of galleries and shops selling antiques and traditional crafts, as well as numerous tea and coffee shops.

Your final stop before heading back to the port is at the vibrant Namdaemun Market, one of the largest traditional markets in Seoul.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy an insider’s look at what is considered to be the grandest royal palace in Seoul and for contrast browse a museum that celebrates traditional Korean life. Built in 1395 during the Joseon Dynasty, the Gyeongbokgung Palace complex once contained more 300 buildings. Although Japanese colonialists set fire to the original, the 19th-century reconstruction that stands today is historically accurate and as you will discover absolutely magnificent. Within the complex, you will find the National Folk Museum, a collection of historical artifacts that will reveal much about everyday life from prehistoric times to the end of the Joseon Dynasty in the early 20th century. Other exhibits feature agricultural items such as tools and irrigation systems, while another area shows how Confucianism has affected Korea’s cultural beliefs. Lunch follows at a traditional restaurant after which you will transfer to the Incheon International Airport in plenty of time to catch your flight.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Tour Gyeongbokgung Palace, which dates to the 14th-century Joseon Dynasty.
• Gain an understanding of Korean life through the centuries at the National Folk Museum.
• Enjoy traditional beef bulgogi for lunch or a vegetarian meal if you prefer.
• Transfer to the Incheon International Airport for your flight at the end of the excursion.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Experience the highlights and cuisine of Seoul during this orientation tour of the city, and a traditional Korean lunch.

Depart the pier for the scenic, seventy minute drive to Seoul. Upon arrival, you will visit the Gyeongbok Palace to observe the changing of the Royal Guard (weather permitting), then proceed to the Palace of Shining Happiness, the most representative remaining structure from the Joseon Dynasty. From here, your tour continues on with an opportunity to explore life during past centuries at the National Folk Museum.

Enjoy a traditional Korean lunch at one of Seoul's finest restaurants before making your way to Insadong, in the heart of Seoul's antique and art district.

Insadong represents Korean culture and a memorable attraction for those who visit Seoul. Here, you can find dozens of galleries and shops selling antiques and traditional crafts, as well as numerous tea and coffee shops.

En route to the port, you’ll stop for photos at the Cheongyecheon Stream - the new symbol of Seoul.

Visit delightful Seoul, taking in landmarks such as the memorable Deoksugung Palace and National Museum. Then enjoy shopping in the eclectic Insadong shopping area.

A scenic seventy-minute drive takes you to Seoul, where you will find a diverse blend of modern skyscrapers and superhighways combined with majestic ancient palaces, temples, city gates and gardens.

Visit Deoksugung Palace, the smallest palace in South Korea, and noted for its elegant stone-walled road. Located at the corner of the busiest intersection in downtown Seoul, it is also the only South Korean palace standing alongside Western-styled buildings, which adds to the uniqueness of the scenery.

Make your way to the impressive National Museum of Korea. There are more than 4,500 exhibits housed here that detail Korea's historic and cultural heritage. It is the world's 6th largest museum, and a premiere venue for the nation's cultural exhibits.

You’ll also stop at Insadong, one of Seoul's premiere shopping districts and a virtual living museum. Insadong's narrow streets are lined with antique stores, art galleries, second-hand bookstores, calligraphy shops and quaint teahouses. Enjoy some free time here to browse through the many shops, grab a bite to eat or simply people watch.

Enjoy this introduction to Incheon, a major seaport and the location where U.N. troops landed in 1950, outflanking the invading North Korean troops.

Visit the Incheon Landing Memorial Hall, built in honor of the successful landing operation led by U.N. Commander in Chief, General Douglas MacArthur. The museum contains military armaments used by the South and North Korean military, as well as photos showing what life was like in Korea at that time.

You will also enjoy stops at the Yeonan Pier Fish Market, one of Korea's largest fresh fish markets where you can see all types of seafood, including blue crabs and mussels and Jayu Park (Freedom Park), the first Western-style park in Korea. The park contains numerous sculptures and monuments, including the famous General MacArthur statue, his right hand grasping a pair of binoculars and gazing confidently out to sea.

A final stop is made at the Sinpo conventional market, which offers a wide variety of goods for purchase. You’ll have some free time to explore the market before the return to the pier.

This self-guided tour is ideal for guests who have visited Seoul before, or feel independent enough to explore it without the assistance of a local guide.

Depart the pier for the seventy minute drive to Seoul. En route, your escort will provide you with a map and an orientation of the area. Upon arrival at the scheduled drop-off point at Deoksugung Palace, you’ll have over 3-hours for independent exploration of the city.

You will return to the pre-designated pick-up point at Deoksugung Palace, where your coach will be waiting to transfer you back to the pier in Inchon. Your escort will provide the meeting time; please be punctual.