South Korea Guided Tours: A 4-Day Captivating Journey Exploring Jeju Island

Highlights of the Trip

Jeju Island, located off the southern coast of the Korean Peninsula, is the largest island in South Korea. This island is an UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, bursting with magnificent natural beauty, encompassing beautiful beaches, majestic mountains, iconic volcanic landscapes, and lush green forests.

During this captivating tour – truly one of the best tours of South Korea – you can discover Yongduam Rock and Yongyeon Pond, admire a traditional marital arts and dance show, and wander at the natural beauty of the magnificent Cheonjeyeon Waterfall and Jusangjeolli Cliffs.

One of the island’s main attractions is its traditional food, so make sure to try that along with the exotic seafood catches. From culture and history to unique cuisine, there’s truly something for everyone in Jeju.

Destinations and the Landmarks / Sights to Visit

Jeju Island

• Yongduam Rock and Yongyeon Pond: Offer stunning natural beauty, while providing a glimpse into Korean culture and history.
• Cloud Bridge: This pedestrian bridge, stretching over the scenic Han River, connects the districts of Seongsan and Seogyo.
• Haenyeo Museum: This showcases the history, culture, and lifestyle of these remarkable women who have been diving for seafood on their island for centuries.
• Cheonjeyeon Waterfall: This three-tiered waterfall cascades down a rocky cliff into a crystal clear pool.
• Yakcheonsa Temple: Explore the main Buddhist shrine, ‘Gwangseongbo,’ which enshrines the portrait of Siddhartha and the ‘Buddhist Scripture Hall’.
• Aewol Cafe Street: A charming and bustling hub for coffee lovers and foodies alike.

Cultural Experiences & Activities of this Holiday

Taekwondo Martial Arts & Dance Show: What makes this show truly unique is its cultural and historical significance. Taekwondo has a rich history in South Korea, with its roots dating back to the ancient kingdom of Silla. The show pays homage to this heritage by incorporating traditional Korean music and costumes into the performance. The audience is not only entertained, but also educated about the origins and cultural significance of taekwondo.

Seongeup Folk Village: Dating back to the Joseon Dynasty, this village provides visitors with a glimpse into the rich culture and history of the region. The village is meticulously preserved and has retained its authentic charm and character.

O’sulloc Tea Museum: This showcases the traditional Korean tea culture and offers a unique and immersive experience for visitors. The main attraction of the museum is the vast tea plantation, where visitors can take a leisurely stroll and learn about different types of tea leaves and their cultivation.

Local Cuisine and Traditional Dishes to try while in South Korea

During this tour, numerous opportunities will arise for you to savour the authentic local cuisine, whether from the menus of included meals or from your own culinary exploration during your free time in the itinerary. While in South Korea, be sure to try Kimchi, a staple in Korean cuisine, commonly made with napa cabbages and Korean radishes and seasoned with chilli peppers, garlic, ginger, and various spices; Bibimbap, a colourful dish featuring mixed rice topped with seasoned vegetables, gochujang (red chilli paste), a fried egg and often thinly sliced beef; Banchan, side dishes served in small portions, providing a variety of flavours and textures; Samgyeopsal, grilled pork belly, typically enjoyed with garlic, green onions, and a dipping sauce, often wrapped in lettuce leaves; Japchae, a savoury and slightly sweet dish made with stir-fried glass noodles, vegetables, and sometimes beef or other proteins; Tteokbokki, spicy rice cakes cooked in a sweet and gochujang-based sauce, often with fish cakes and boiled eggs; Jajangmyeon, a Chinese Korean noodle dish with black bean sauce, vegetables, and often, diced pork or seafood; Kimbap, similar to sushi, consisting of rice and various ingredients like vegetables, pickled radish, and sometimes meat, rolled into sheets of seaweed; Bulgogi, thinly sliced marinated beef, grilled or stir-fried, often served with a side of lettuce or perilla leaves for wrapping; and Sundubu-jjigae, a hot and spicy stew featuring uncurdled tofu, vegetables, sometimes meat, and gochujang or gochugaru (chilli powder).

Water-based Activities and Cruises

Geumneung and Hyupjae Beaches: Two of the most beautiful beaches in South Korea.

Accommodation of this Tour

3 Nights’ accommodation (twin-sharing) and daily breakfast at Jeju 3* Hotel.

To discover more of our South Korea Guided Tours or South Korea Holiday Packages, explore our website or contact us at +01473356000 or enquiry@asiara-holidays.com.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive on Jeju Island – Explore Yongduam

Upon arrival at Seoul (Gimpo) Airport, take a domestic flight to Jeju Island. Once you land, you will be met by your English-speaking guide. Your first destination on the island will be Yongduam Rock and Yongyeon Pond. Enjoy looking over Yongyeon Valley as you cross the Cloud Bridge. Cloud Bridge is an architectural wonder that soars above the lush greenery of the island. The Cloud Bridge connects the two sides of the island, linking the ocean to the inland villages. The bridge is framed by a unique sky-pan that mirrors the vivid sunlight of the tropics. Afterwards, you will be able to head to your hotel and check-in.

Day 2: East Jeju – Watch a Unique Martial Arts and Dance Show

Start your day off early to catch a Taekwondo Martial Arts & Dance Show. Once the show has concluded, pay a visit to Seongeup Folk Village to gain insight on the culture and history of Jeju Island. When you’re finished there, make your way to Seongsan Sunrise Peak, a natural formation of hot lava and cold ocean water. To get an even deeper understanding of the island’s culture, head over to the Haenyeo Museum to gain a glimpse into the life of a haenyeo.

✓ Breakfast

Day 3: South and West Jeju

Admire the beauty of Jeju by exploring Cheonjeyeon Waterfall and Jusangjeolli Cliffs. This entrancing waterfall consists of three sections, which cascade down a sheer cliff side into the sea below. The upper section is the largest, with a powerful rush of water plunging down a sheer rock face. The middle and lower sections of the waterfall are quieter in comparison, and the sound of bubbling water echoes from the rocks. Jusangjeolli Cliffs are impressive scenic cliffs, standing 15m tall and extending 300m along the shore. The cliffs are made of naturally formed hexagonal columns of basalt.

After, journey to one of the largest temples in Asia – Yakcheonsa Temple. This is a beautiful Buddhist temple that sits on a peaceful lotus pond. The temple, founded in about 600 A.D., is a great place to visit for those interested in Buddhist arts and culture. Within its walls, visitors can explore the main Buddhist shrine, ‘Gwangseongbo,’ which enshrines the portrait of Siddhartha and the ‘Buddhist Scripture Hall’ which is the oldest in Korea.

Continue your sightseeing experience by exploring the O’sulloc Tea Museum. On the trip back to the hotel, make sure to take the time to visit Geumneung and Hyupjae Beaches, as well as Aewol Cafe Street – an enticing street lined with cafes and restaurants, as well as several unique stores selling souvenirs.

✓ Breakfast

Day 4: Departure

Transfer to Jeju Airport with a non-English speaking driver and take a flight to Seoul (Gimpo) Airport. Once there, you can transfer to either Seoul city or Incheon Airport.

✓ Breakfast

To discover more of our South Korea Guided Tours or South Korea Holiday Packages, explore our website or contact us at +01473356000 or enquiry@asiara-holidays.com.

Price

£2,077

– Price per person based on two-people group size.

– The price is subject to availability, based on twin or double room sharing.

– Peak season surcharges may apply during local public holidays.

Please note, this package is an example of our many exciting daily offers. We are happy to check up-to-date prices for the dates and times that suit you for your perfect package holiday, or to tailor or upgrade elements of any package. Please feel free to contact us at enquiry@asiara-holidays.com or call us on 01473 356 000.

Tour Summary

Day 1: Arrive on Jeju Island, explore Yongduam Rock and Yongyeon Pond.

Day 2: Watch a Taekwondo Martial Arts & Dance Show, visit Seongeup Folk Village, Seongsan Sunrise Peak, and Haenyeo Museum.

Day 3: Explore Cheonjeyeon Waterfall, Jusangjeolli Cliffs, Yakcheonsa Temple, O’sulloc Tea Museum, Geumneung and Hyupjae Beaches, and Aewol Cafe Street.

Day 4: Departure from Jeju Island, transfer to Jeju Airport for a flight to Seoul (Gimpo) Airport.

FAQs

1. How do I travel between Seoul (Gimpo) Airport and Jeju Island?
   • Upon arrival at Seoul (Gimpo) Airport, you’ll take a domestic flight to Jeju Island. Your English-speaking guide will assist you upon arrival.
2. Are meals included in the tour package?
   • Breakfast is typically included throughout the tour. Other meals are not included to allow flexibility for participants to explore local cuisine at their leisure.
3. What attractions are included in the tour itinerary?
   • The tour includes visits to attractions such as Yongduam Rock, Yongyeon Pond, Seongeup Folk Village, Seongsan Sunrise Peak, Cheonjeyeon Waterfall, Jusangjeolli Cliffs, Yakcheonsa Temple, O’sulloc Tea Museum, and various beaches and streets.
4. Is transportation provided for sightseeing?
   • Yes, transportation is provided for sightseeing activities as per the itinerary, including transfers between attractions and hotels.
5. How can I arrange airport transfers upon departure from Jeju Island?
   • Airport transfers from Jeju Island to Seoul (Gimpo) Airport are arranged with a non-English speaking driver as part of the tour package.

Tour Map