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South Korea

Long thought of as simply a layover stop, in the last 5 years, South Korea has become a destination in its own right. The explosion of K-Pop, K-Drama, and movies has piqued the interest of many, but it's the history, stunning nature, and incredible cuisine that people fall in love with. There is also so much more to the country than Seoul, and those who travel outside of the capital are rewarded with authentic cultural experiences, charming towns, and a perfect amalgamation of traditional and modern architecture.

Rick Lunt
Scenset travel curator

Korea is open! This Asian Tiger may have taken a conservative approach to the pandemic, but it's also performed incredibly well for such a large population. Slowly visitors are being welcomed back, and once more the charms of South Korea are available for all to see. The country has been long overlooked in the past but is truly ready to be a destination in its own right, fueled by the growing popularity of Korean food, music, film, and so much more.

The booming metropolis of Seoul
The booming metropolis of Seoul
Entry Requirements
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K-ETA Application
Due to the COVID-19 situation, Korea has temporarily suspended the visa-free and visa-waiver program and has officially implemented the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) system. You can apply for the K-ETA here.

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Pre-departure Test
All travelers must provide a Negative COVID-19 PCR Test Result Certificate from a PCR test taken within 48 hours prior to departure date. Travelers without a negative COVID-19 PCR test result cannot get on the plane.

A supervised Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) taken at a clinic or hospital within 24 hours of your departure is also sufficient.

Travelers under the age of 6 are exempt from testing.

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Q-code Website Registration

  • Registering traveler’s information on the Q-code website before getting on the plane will make the entry process in Korea quicker by using a QR code.
  • Q-code registration is not a requirement, but travelers who were fully vaccinated overseas must register their certificate online to be exempt from quarantine.
  • Expedited entry via Q-code is currently only available at Incheon International Airport; there are plans to be expanded to other airports and seaports in the future.
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Testing in-country
Note that under current rules, you must take a PCR test within three days of arriving in Seoul. We do not currently have any tests booked for your family. We can assist, and it's also possible that the Four Seasons can arrange this on your behalf.

Your Guide
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Your guide for touring will be a guide.

Hello, My name is [Guide's Name] and I've been working in this business as a tour guide for many years.

I'm based in Busan city, but also travel out of the city to farther places.

I love to show my city Busan, but my favorite is Gyeongju city because it's full of historic remains and beautiful in nature.

I'm very pleased to show you Korea, and I'm sure you'll have a wonderful visit.

Note: Please only contact the guide as needed during your trip. The guide is currently guiding other clients. If you have any questions before the start of your trip, please direct them to the scenset team.

Emergency Contact
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For any urgent questions or emergencies whilst traveling, you can contact a representative.

During normal office hours: will be provided
After hours: will be provided

The representative is based in Seoul, and speaks fluent English, Korean, and French.

Gratuities
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Tipping is at your discretion, but if you feel you have been provided good service by your guide, then a daily tip would be appreciated. For your driver, a daily tip is sufficient.

In general, there is a no-tip culture in South Korea, and it's not expected in restaurants, or when taking taxis.

Weather
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The weather forecast is quite mixed for your trip to Korea. In Seoul, daily temperatures will range between 80-90Β°F, and you can expect sun, rain, clouds, and some thunderstorms.

Temperatures may be slightly cooler in Busan, and scattered showers may be expected.

Tuesday, 21 June, 2022
Flying to Seoul

The following are flights that have been booked.

Wednesday, 22 June, 2022
Arrive into Seoul
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Upon arrival you will proceed through immigration and customs independently. Please review the entry requirements, as detailed above.

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Arrival Transfer
Once you have collected your bags, you will be met by your driver in the arrivals hall. Look for a sign with your name on it, along with the scenset logo. They will escort you to the vehicle, before transferring you to Four Seasons, located in the district of Gwanghwamun. Note that the drive takes around 1 hour, depending on traffic.

Note: For this transfer, you will have a Korean speaking driver only. There will be no guide.

Note also that for the airport transfers in Seoul, children's car seats are unavailable.

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Your Hotel
Four Seasons, Palace View Executive Suite - booked directly by clients

The Four Seasons is just a short walk from Gyeongbokgung Palace
The Four Seasons is just a short walk from Gyeongbokgung Palace
Thursday, 23 – Sunday, 26 June, 2022 Β· 3 nights
Leisure Time in Seoul

No services have been arranged for your time in Seoul. It's noted that dinner reservations will be made through the hotel concierge. The hotel can also assist with arranging babysitters upon request.

Gwangjang is one of many markets in Seoul
Gwangjang is one of many markets in Seoul
Monday, 27 June, 2022
Heading to Daejeon

Today you will independently transfer from Seoul to Daejeon, located in the central region of South Korea.

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There are multiple KTX bullet trains between Seoul-Daejeon, and the journey takes about an hour. The Four Seasons would be able to assist in purchasing tickets.

The KTX in Korea
The KTX in Korea
Expo Bridge in Daejeon
Expo Bridge in Daejeon
Tuesday, 28 June, 2022
A Spiritual Life in Gyeongju
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Please advise on the address where you will be staying in Daejeon, so we can coordinate your transfer accordingly.

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This morning you will transfer approximately 3 hours to Golgulsa Temple, which is located close to the city of Gyeongju.

Child car seats will be provided from today, up to and including all touring in Busan.

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Your Accommodation
Golgulsa Temple, Ondol Beds
All meals included

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Your temple stay program starts in the afternoon. The exact program will be confirmed on arrival, but an approximate guide would be:

Afternoon: Orientation followed by Sunmudo Training

Late afternoon: 108 Prostrations

Evening: Dinner

Evening: Free time

Night: Bedtime

A Buddhist Monk in Korea
A Buddhist Monk in Korea
A Monk in action at Golgulsa
A Monk in action at Golgulsa
Wednesday, 29 June, 2022
Gyeongju & Busan
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There's an early start this morning, as you complete the temple stay program.

Early Morning: Get up

Early Morning: Morning Chanting Service & Meditation

Early Morning: Breakfast

Late Morning: Sunmudo Training

Late Morning: Ringing the Big Dharma Bell

Late Morning: Lunch

Afternoon: Check Out

Before heading to Busan, there will be an opportunity for some quick touring in & around Gyeongju.

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Visit Anapji Pond, a beautiful ancient pleasure garden and lotus pond.

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Enjoy a hands-on lesson in making a traditional Korean dessert such as Juak, which dates back to the Silla dynasty.

The impressive Anapji Pond in Gyeongju
The impressive Anapji Pond in Gyeongju
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After touring you will transfer to Busan, which takes about an hour.

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Your Hotel
Signiel Busan, Deluxe Suite Mipo Harbor View - booked directly by clients

The Signiel is Busan's newest luxury hotel
The Signiel is Busan's newest luxury hotel
Thursday, 30 June, 2022
Exploring Busan

Today, with a private driver and guide, you will embark on a full-day tour of Busan.

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Touring will be for most of the day.

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Haedong Yonggunsa Temple is dramatically situated on a cliff, overlooking the sea. It's one of the most picturesque Buddhist temples in Korea.

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Busan is famous for food, and the markets of Jagalchi & Gukje allow you to see fishermen selling the catch of the day, as well as local specialties, household items, and anything else you could possibly wish for!

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A visit to Busan is not complete without a ride in the Songdo Cable Car, which affords guests amazing views of the coast, and Songdo area of the city.

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Finish your day in the city by exploring Gamcheon Cultural Village, a quirky neighborhood full of coffee shops, street murals, and interesting architecture. Many of the buildings here are painted in vibrant colors, and the bohemian atmosphere is quite different when compared to the rest of the city.

Friday, 01 July, 2022
Another Day in Busan

This morning you can enjoy a hands-on cooking class, followed by a visit to the Sealife Busan Aquarium, located in Haeundae Beach.

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Touring will be from morning to afternoon

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This morning you will enjoy a family-friendly cooking class, creating some classic Korean dishes. Enjoy the fruits of your labor for lunch.

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Make friends with over 10,000 sea creatures at the Sealife Busan Aquarium. It's located just a short walk from your hotel.

After touring today, you will have time to relax, independently explore, or make use of the facilities at your hotel.

Haeundae Beach in Busan
Haeundae Beach in Busan
Saturday, 02 July, 2022
Independently Return to Seoul

There are no scenset services arranged for you today. Independently make your way back to Seoul via the KTX bullet train.

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Many trains connect Korea's two largest cities each day, and so there will be a departure time convenient for you. The concierge at Signiel Busan would be able to assist with the purchase of tickets.

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Your Hotel
A hotel, Grand King Corner Suite - booked directly by clients

Conrad Seoul, located on the Han River
Conrad Seoul, located on the Han River
Sunday, 03 – Wednesday, 06 July, 2022 Β· 3 nights
Leisure Time in Seoul

No services have been arranged for your time in Seoul. We've noted that you will be making any necessary dinner reservations through the hotel concierge at the Conrad.

Lotte World is a great day out for kids.
Lotte World is a great day out for kids.
Thursday, 07 July, 2022
Heading Home
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Proceed by private transfer to Incheon airport in time for your international departure.

Pick Up Time: Around 1:30pm. You can reconfirm in-country

Note: For this transfer, a driver will be provided. There will be no guide.

Note also that for the airport transfers in Seoul, children's car seats are unavailable.

Seoul at sunset
Seoul at sunset