Excursion Highlights of seoul & culinary experience tour at Seoul

Depart from Incheon Port for approximately 90-minute drive to Seoul, the capital city.  

Changdeok Palace

Start your day by visiting Changdeok Palace, which was the second royal villa built following the construction of Gyeongbukgung Palace in 1405. It was the principal palace for many kings of the Joseon dynasty, and is the most well-preserved of the five remaining royal Joseon palaces. The palace grounds are comprised of a public palace area, a royal family residence building, and the rear garden. Known as a place of rest for the kings, the rear garden boasts a gigantic tree that is over 300 years old, a small pond and a pavilion. The palace gained importance starting from the time of Seongjong, the 9th king of Joseon, when a number of kings began using it as a place of residence. Unfortunately, the palace was burned down by angry citizens in 1592 when the royal family fled their abode during the Japanese invasion of Korea. Thanks to Gwanghaegun, the palace was restored in 1611. Even today, it houses a number of cultural treasures, such as Injeongjeon Hall, Daejojeon Hall, Seonjeongjeon Hall, and Nakseonjae. Though it has been treasured by Koreans for centuries, Changdeokgung Palace was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site by the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Committee in December of 1997 during the committee meeting in Naples, Italy.

Cooking Experience & Lunch

Then steep yourself in the Korean culture with a cooking experience of the most culinary specialties of South Korea, Bulgogi - Korean marinated beef. It is said, you must first experience its food to have a better understanding of the country's culture. If you want to learn more about Korea's traditional foods, there is no better method than to try your hand at making the food yourself. You will also get the chance to eat what you've made and have a taste of South Korean traditional food.

Insadong Street & Gwnagjang Market

After your lunch wander in the streets of Insadong, located in the heart of the city, is an important place where old but precious and traditional goods are on display. There is one main road in Insa-dong with alleys on each side. Within these alleys are galleries and traditional restaurants, teahouses, and cafes.

The galleries are the heartbeat of Insa-dong. There are about 100 galleries in the area and you can see every example of traditional Korean fine art from paintings to sculptures. The most famous galleries are Hakgojae Gallery, which functions as the center of folk art, Gana Art Gallery, which promotes many promising artists, and Gana Art Center. The teahouses and restaurants are the perfect complement to the galleries. At first they might be hard to find, but if you take the time to stroll around the twisting alleyways, the window shopping in itself can be very entertaining. The shops in Insa-dong are very popular among all age groups, because each one is unique.

Transfer to Gwnagjang Market and try to taste Korean street food some may not familiar, but it will be a great opportunity to taste awesome Korean street food.   

Gwangjang Market is one of Korea's largest traditional markets and is renowned for its quality silk goods, linen bedding and hand-made goods. The origin of the market can be traced back to the establishment of the Gwangjang Corporation in 1905 which was created with the purpose of reclaiming Korean sovereignty during the period of Japanese occupation. At that time, traditional Korean markets were only temporary marketplaces that were periodically held every few days. Gwangjang Market was the first permanently established market that was open everyday. Your tour concludes with approximately 90-minute drive back to the port of Incheon.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion may include: Seoul, Changdeok Palace (UNESCO), Korean Cooking Experience - Bulgogi - Korean marinated beef, Insadong Street, Gwangjang Market, Street Food

Note

Please Note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking of approximately 1.5 miles (2.5 km) in total, at times over unpaved and uneven surfaces and a few steps to negotiate at visited sites and to get on/off the coach. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses from the ship. The tour sequence may vary. On Mondays the Changdeok Palace is closed and will be replaced by the visit of the Gyeongbok Palace.