South Korea & Taiwan

Tour members from across Canada begin our journey with overnight flights to South Korea.

Upon arrival in Seoul, we shall be met and transfer directly to our hotel. Take some time to freshen up and rest this afternoon before we gather for our dinner. 

Lotte City Myeongdong Hotel (5 nights) 

Our first morning in Seoul starts at Changdeokgung Palace and its famous Rear Garden, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, built in 1405 during the Joseon Dynasty, as the second royal palace. Bukchon Hanok Village is the only place in Seoul where hundreds of hanoks (traditional houses) are clustered together; strolling the streets gives the feeling of going back in time. Tucked away on a side street we visit the Kum Bak Yeon studio to make a traditional gold leaf imprinted card. The royal Jongmyo Shrine (UNESCO) is dedicated to the performance of ancestral rites for the deceased kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty. The simple and elegant buildings have faithfully kept their original forms since the 16th century, and the main hall is an outstanding example of traditional Korean architecture. Next is Namdaemun Market, the largest traditional market in Korea. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant. 

Dongdaemun Design Plaza has become one of the cities more iconic locations since it was completed in 2014. The bold architectural design encompasses delicate curves, modern lighting, and an attention to the crafting of space; often giving visitors the feeling of standing in a futuristic space station. The Seoul Sky Observatory is located at the top of the Lotte World Tower, the world’s fifth tallest building at 123 stories high, and the only place where you can take in a gorgeous 360-degree view of Seoul. Drive through the COEX Mall to see the large screen digital signage and feel the modern city vibes. Bongeunsa Temple is a Buddhist temple just south of the COEX Mall. Before the 1960s, the temple grounds were surrounded only by the countryside with farms and orchards.  Since then, the area has become the center of one of the wealthiest and busiest places in Seoul, making the temple a rather interesting mix of traditional and modern Seoul. 

This morning, visit the Korean Folk Village for glimpses of Korean lifestyles of centuries past. There are over 260 traditional houses plus a small amphitheater. After lunch, visit another UNESCO site, Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, a well preserved 1794 structure from the Joseon Dynasty built of stone and oven baked bricks. We will also visit the Hwaseong Hanggung, the temporary palace where King Jeongjo stayed while visiting his father’s nearby tomb.  

After the Korean War (June 1950 through July 1953), South and North Korea moved in opposite directions, establishing a border that cut the Korean Peninsula in half. Stretching for 2 km on either side of this line, the DMZ is the most heavily armed border in the world. Today the DMZ is completely safe and provides us glimpses into the enigmatic state of North Korea. Highlights of our visit will include Imjingak Park, the DMZ film presentation, the Freedom Bridge, Exhibition Hall, the 3rd infiltration tunnel (almost one mile in length), Dora Observatory, and Dorasan Station. Enjoy the artworks display along the streets in harmony with nature’s beauty at Heyri Art Village.

Enjoy the varied countryside as we roll, very quickly, on our KTX bullet train to Busan. On arrival we meet our guide and coach to visit the Jagalchi Fish Market, Korea’s largest seafood market selling both live and dried fish. BIFF Square was recently remade into a cultural tourist attraction promoting the advancement of Korea’s film industry. The 428-meter-long street stretching from the Buyeong Theater in Nampo-dong to the overpass in chungmu-dong was divided into “Star Street” and “Festival Street”. Busan Tower is a symbol of Busan that stands proudly at 69 meters above sea level at a height of 120 meters. Loved by locals and tourists alike, the tower offers a stunning view.

Crown Harbor Hotel (2 nights)

Busan is South Korea’s second city. Located on the south eastern coast this port city boasts the second largest population in the country and known for its beautiful beaches, temples, shopping, and seafood. The Buddhist Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is one of the few temples located along the coast. Just down the shoreline is the rather large and beautiful Haeundae Beach. Adjacent to the beach is the Nurimaru APEC House, once host to an APEC summit meeting and surrounded by beautiful dense camellia and pine trees. Next we move into the city to visit the only memorial cemetery dedicated to UN Soldiers. The National Memorial Museum of Forced Mobilization under Japanese Occupation, serves as a memorial for the victims and the bereaved families, a site for history education on the forced mobilization, and as a cultural space for locals. 

This morning we travel to Gyeongju, capital of the Shilla Dynasty that ruled Korea for nearly one thousand years, until 927 AD. On arrival we join a cooking class to learn about Jang (fermented bean paste) while making traditional Bulgogi. After enjoying our creation we visit Bulguksa Temple, which is a testimony to both the skill of Shilla architects and the depth of the Buddhist faith at the time. The temple now holds seven national treasures, a number of additional important heritages, and was designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site along with the nearby Seokguram Grotto. Within the Daereungwon Tomb Complex is Cheonmachong Tomb, a typical upper-class tomb of the Silla period. Gyeongju Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond was a secondary palace used by the crown prince of the Silla Kingdom, as well as a banquet site for important  events and visitors. 

Lahan Hotel Gyeongju (2 nights) 

Visit the UNESCO Heritage Village of Andong Hahoe. Founded around 1 BC, the current village dates from the 16th Century and retains much of the architecture and arts of the Joseon (or Chosen) dynasty. Along with its dramatic setting and original structures, the village is also noted for its food. The 387-meter-long Woryeonggyo Bridge runs across the Andong Dam and is the longest pedestrian overpass made of wood. The Andong Hahoe Mask Museum consists of five permanent exhibition halls and one special exhibition hall, housing a wide range of masks from all over the world along with Hahoe masks. 

Say farewell to Korea as we fly to the former capital of Taiwan. Tainan is the island's oldest city, and the heart of traditional Taiwanese culture. Balance of the day is at leisure.

Fushin Hotel Tainan (2 nights)

Today’s historical visits include the Dutch Fort, built in 1634 during the Dutch rule on the island of Formosa; Chikan Lou, also known as Chikan Tower or Fort Provintia, is among the most important historic sites in Tainan City as well as all of Taiwan; Koxinga Shrine, built in memory of the work and achievement of Cheng Cheng Kung. Later we view Taijiang National Park by boat. 

Visit the expansive Chimei Museum that displays a wide array of art, ancient arms and armour, and one of the finest collections of classical musical instruments in the world. This afternoon we take a bullet train the full length of the island to the capital city Taipei. Dihua Street is a lively cultural hub and expresses the cities thriving artistic side.

Riviera Hotel (4 nights)

Our full day Taipei city tour begins at the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, a local landmark which mimics Beijing’s Tiantan. See the changing of the guards and Taichi movement. Next is the National Palace Museum which hosts a permanent collection of nearly 700,000 pieces of Chinese art and artifacts. Take a stroll in the trendy  Ximending District, before our evening at the Raohe Night Market. Taiwan is known for its lively night markets, where vendors sell various kinds of merchandise but where the real excitement comes from is the delicious food.   

Enjoy the magical natural beauty of the Yangmingshan National Park, the only park in Taiwan with volcanic geography. Stroll through an area with fumaroles (steam vents), sulfur deposits, and natural hot springs. Next visit Pingxi, a town rich in culture and history, before we experience releasing traditional Chinese sky lanterns. Last we visit the forty meter tall Shifen Waterfall.  

Drive to Yilan, a beautiful county situated in Northeastern Taiwan, surrounded by both the sea and mountains. Visit the National Center for Traditional Arts, the largest exhibition and performance site for traditional arts with rich collection of cultural antiques in Taiwan. We will have an opportunity to experience indigo dyeing. Next we visit Taipei 101, the most iconic building in the city. On the 89th floor we have a panoramic view of the city. 

Enjoy a day a leisure to rest, shop, and experience the capital at your own pace. In the afternoon we gather for our return to Canada.