Seoul is the capital and by far, South Korea's largest city and one of East Asia's financial and cultural centres. It contains a fascinating blend of ancient traditions such as street food vendors, serene Buddhist temples, extraordinary architecture and contemporary lifestyles with its cutting-edge technology and modern character. Seoul is a city filled with stark contrasts which make it all the more interesting.
Start with a full day getting to know the traditional highlights which include the Gyeongbokgung Palace the seat of power for Centuries with its National Folk Museum, the Presidential Blue House, the Jogyesa Temple and the Changdeok Palace with its Secret Garden built in 1405. Then head to Insadong Alley, a narrow street featuring a number of antique shops and the South Gate Open Market with its plethora of merchandise.
The following day travel to the Demilitarized Zone, known as DMZ just outside Seoul where there will be visits to Gaesong City, the old capital of the Goryeo Kingdom and the Exhibition Hall to view the lifestyle of North Korea. You will also be able to see North Korean territory from here. The day ends with a return to the city where time is set aside for shopping in the Itaewon District.
Continue your in depth stay with a visit to Hwaseong Fortress and a Korean folk village to experience the lifestyles and architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries with artisans and others working in the tradition of those times. This is followed by a visit to Nami Island which is famous for its beautiful tree lined roads. You'll finish with a visit to Petite France on the island which appears to most to be a village that belongs on the Mediterranean coast or in a pastoral area of the Piedmont Alps
