15 Day Spectacular South Korea & Taiwan

Welcome to South Korea! Upon arrival at Incheon International Airport, you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel in Seoul, the vibrant capital city. The rest of the day is at your leisure, giving you time to settle in and begin exploring your surroundings.If you are arriving early, Seoul offers plenty to discover at your own pace. Take a gentle stroll through the nearby streets to get your bearings, or simply relax at the hotel after your flight. Special Information Arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel. If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed. If you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel.

This morning after breakfast, you will be collected from your hotel for a full day of sightseeing in Seoul. Begin with a visit to Jogyesa Temple, the chief temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city. Continue to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest and most iconic of Seoul's five grand palaces, where you will have the chance to watch the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony, a colourful re-enactment of the Joseon Dynasty tradition. Next, visit the National Folk Museum of Korea, located within the palace grounds, which offers a fascinating look at Korean daily life through the ages. This afternoon, travel outside of Seoul to the Korean Folk Village. This open-air museum features around 260 traditional houses representing each province and brings to life the culture and customs of the late Joseon Dynasty through live performances and demonstrations. After your visit, return to Seoul for the evening at your leisure. Inspiring Highlights Jogyesa Temple visit Gyeongbokgung Palace and Royal Guard Changing Ceremony National Folk Museum of Korea Korean Folk Village Special Information Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed on Tuesdays and replaced by Deoksu Palace.

This morning after breakfast, you will meet your guide for the remainder of the trip in the hotel lobby. You'll depart Seoul and travel south to the historic city of Gongju, once the capital of the ancient Baekje Kingdom. Visit the Tomb of King Muryeong, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that revealed remarkable treasures when it was discovered in 1971, offering a rare glimpse into the splendour of the Baekje Dynasty. Nearby, explore Gongsanseong Fortress, another UNESCO-listed site and a mountain fortress dating back to the Baekje Period. Continue on to Jeonju, famous for its beautifully preserved Jeonju Hanok Village. Wander through the narrow lanes lined with around 700 traditional Korean houses, known as hanok, and soak in the atmosphere of one of Korea's most charming heritage districts. After your visit, check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure. Inspiring Highlights Tomb of King Muryeong (UNESCO) Gongsanseong Fortress (UNESCO) Jeonju Hanok Village Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours

This morning after breakfast, depart Jeonju and travel to Gwangju, the leading city of the Honam region and a city with deep significance in Korea's modern history. Visit the May 18th National Cemetery, a memorial dedicated to those who lost their lives during the 1980 Gwangju Democratisation Movement, a pivotal moment in Korea's journey to democracy. Continue south to Suncheon, where you will visit the Suncheon Bay National Garden, a beautifully landscaped ecological garden and wetland reserve. From Suncheon, make your way to the coastal city of Yeosu. Take in the sights around Yi Sun-shin Plaza, named after the legendary Korean naval commander, before checking in to your hotel. Tonight is at your leisure. Inspiring Highlights May 18th National Cemetery, Gwangju Suncheon Bay National Garden Yi Sun-shin Plaza, Yeosu Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours. On the last Monday of every month, Suncheon Bay National Garden is closed and will be replaced by Nagan Eupseong Folk Village or Suncheon Drama Filming Set.

This morning after breakfast, depart Yeosu and travel to Jinju, where you will visit Jinjuseong Fortress. This historic fortress played a significant role during the Japanese invasion of 1592 and sits above the Nam River, offering a window into Korea's military past. Continue to Busan, South Korea's second-largest city and a lively port town. Visit Jagalchi Market, one of the largest seafood markets in the country, and stroll through BIFF Square in Busan's old downtown. Take in the famous Haeundae Beach and the scenic walking paths of Dongbaek Park, which juts out into the sea. This afternoon, transfer to the ancient city of Gyeongju, often referred to as the 'museum without walls' for its wealth of historical relics. Check in to your hotel and enjoy the evening at your leisure. Inspiring Highlights Jinjuseong Fortress, Jinju Jagalchi Market and BIFF Square, Busan Haeundae Beach and Dongbaek Park, Busan Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours. Today, more travellers will join your group for the remainder of the tour

This morning after breakfast, begin the day with a visit to Seokguram Grotto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This remarkable stone temple, carved into the mountainside during the Silla Kingdom era, houses a serene granite Buddha overlooking the East Sea. Nearby, explore Bulguksa Buddhist Temple, another UNESCO treasure renowned for its stone pagodas and beautiful temple grounds. Travel north to Andong, a city known for preserving Korea's Confucian heritage. Visit Andong Hahoe Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where traditional thatched and tiled-roof homes sit along the banks of the Nakdong River. This is a living village, still home to descendants of the families who settled here centuries ago. From Andong, continue on to Pyeongchang, the host city of the 2018 Winter Olympic Games. Check in to your hotel and enjoy a restful evening after a full day of sightseeing. Inspiring Highlights Seokguram Grotto (UNESCO) Bulguksa Buddhist Temple (UNESCO) Andong Hahoe Village (UNESCO) Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.

This morning after breakfast, take a drive around the venues of the 2018 Winter Olympic Games before departing Pyeongchang and heading to the coastal town of Sokcho. Here, visit Seoraksan National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and one of Korea's most celebrated natural landscapes. The dramatic peaks, forested valleys, and clear streams make this park a highlight of any visit to South Korea. You will then have the option to take the cable car up to Gwongeumseong Fortress for panoramic views over the national park and surrounding mountains. (Approximately USD $20 per person, payable locally) After your visit, travel back to Seoul where you will have the evening at your leisure. You may wish to explore Seoul's dining scene or take a walk through one of the city's lively neighbourhoods. Inspiring Highlights 2018 Winter Olympic venues, Pyeongchang Seoraksan National Park (UNESCO Biosphere Zone) Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours. During the peak season in October, Seoraksan National Park may restrict vehicle access. In these instances, an extended walk of approximately 3.6km may be required to reach the park entrance. In some cases, the visit to Seoraksan National Park may not be possible. Your tour guide will advise on the day.

At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport for your included flight to Taipei. Upon arrival at Taoyuan International Airport following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be transferred to your accommodation. Special Information Departure transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight. Arrival transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from the airport and transferred to your hotel.

At your leisure, use your 1 Day Taipei Double-Decker Sightseeing Bus ticket to explore Taipei! The Red Route takes in Taipei 101, Huashan 1914 Creative Park, etc. The Blue Route takes in the Shilin Official Residence, National Palace Museum, etc. There is onboard English audio-guide information. Inspiring Highlights Taipei Double-Decker Sightseeing Bus

After breakfast, drive to Sun Moon Lake via the picturesque Central Cross-Island Highway and Wuling on Mt. Hehuan , the highest spot (3275m above sea level) of the highway and the best place to have a panoramic view over the Central Mountain Ranges. Continue to Sun Moon Lake, a designated National Scenic Area, and drive along the lake to indulge yourself in the natural beauty all around. Here, you will have the opportunity to visit a Holy Monk Shrine, see the Tse En Pagoda and experience the Ita Thao Village. Inspiring Highlights Sun Moon Lake Holy Monk Shrine Tse En Pagoda Ita Thao Village Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours

Start your morning with a scenic journey to Lukang, a captivating town in Changhua steeped in centuries of history and culture. Stroll through the atmospheric Lukang Old Street and its historic district, visiting the iconic Mazu Temple and the enchanting Osmanthus Alley Artist Village, where traditional architecture meets creative artistry. From there, head south to Chiayi to explore the Alishan Forest Railway Garage Park and the tranquil Hinoki Village — a beautifully preserved enclave of Japanese-era cypress buildings that tell the story of a bygone era. As the day winds down, settle into your Chiayi hotel and recharge for the adventures ahead. Inspiring Highlights Wen Wu Temple Alishan Forest Railway Garage Park Hinoki Village Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours

After breakfast, we will drive to Alishan National Scenic Area.Sunrise, sea of clouds, railway, forest and sunset are the images of the five wonders that always come to mind when Alishan is mentioned. As soon as dawn arrives in the early morning, a glimpse of sunlight slowly makes its appearance above the mountain, and a new day begins. At dusk, the orange red sunset is another breathtaking scene. On the other hand, Alishan's sea of clouds, one of the top 8 scenes in Taiwan, are usually seen during sunrise and sunset on a sunny autumn day. Here, you will visit the YUYUPAS Cultural Park, the Brother Tree, Sister Pond and the Three Generation Tree. Next, take a ride on one of the three remaining mountain railways in the world. It was built to transport wood in the past, but nowadays it has transformed to a tourism train, and shuttles tourists throughout the forest. Visitors who don't want to take the train can take a walk on the trails and enjoy the nature and fresh air. You will discover the charming side of an alpine forest. For the afternoon, we will enjoy a trip from the beautiful Alishan to the ancient capital of Tainan. For over 200 years, Tainan was the capital of Taiwan. To this day, it retains a traditional vibe, with some of the country's most important historical attractions and temples. Many locals also consider it the food capital of Taiwan. Inspiring Highlights Alishan Forest Park YUYUPAS Cultural Park Brother Tree Sister Pond Three Genereation Tree Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours

After breakfast, we head to Kaohsiung to visit the Chihkan Tower and the first Confucian Temple to be built in Taiwan to get an insight into the ancient Confucian ceremonies and rituals. We will then visit Anping Old Fort, formerly known as Fort Zeelandia. A historical site in Tainan, it was originally built by the Dutch East India Company over a ten-year period from 1624 to 1662. The fort served as the administrative center for the Dutch regime in Taiwan and was a hub for trade. This evening you are free to explore this cultural city. Afterwards, enjoy a light vegetarian lunch at the Fonguanshan Monastery with a tour through the main shrine and Buddhist museum as well as a tour through downtown Kaohsiung City. Tonight, stroll through the Liu He Night Market where you can try a variety of delicious seafood on offer. Bring your appetite and enjoy the downtown energy! Inspiring Highlights Anping Old Fort Chihkan Tower Fonguanshan Monastery Liu He Night Market Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours

After breakfast, visit the colourful Dragon and Tiger Pagoda located on Lotus Lake. Afterwards, visit the Spring and Autumn Pavilions to capture the beautiful reflection of this unique building over the lake. Then, visit Lukang which is famous for the Longshan Temple and markets. Follow the winding Lukang Old Market Street to traditional Taiwanese styled houses, the narrow alleyways and the array of seafood and traditional foods. After this, your tour guide will take you back to Taipei city where the rest of the evening is at leisure. Inspiring Highlights Dragon and Tiger Pagoda Longshan Temple and markets Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours

Today marks the end of your incredible tour through South Korea and Taiwan. At the appropriate time, join your transfer to Taipei Airport for your onward journey. Special Information Departure transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight. Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience.