Best of Seoul

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

South Korea is a stunning surprise and this full-day guided tour brings it all to life. Behind the walls of the 'Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven,' you'll find wing-roofed pavilions that once housed the Imperial family creating the 'Crown Jewel of Old Korea.'

Gyeongbok Palace has surmounted one disaster after rising like a phoenix to take its place among the world's pantheon of cultural treasures. Imagine wandering through this oasis of serenity and calm to marvel at one lavish curved-roof structure after another; each one intricately decorated with vibrant, hand-painted designs. You'll learn about palace history and get a glimpse of what life was like for the Imperial Family as it went about the business of ruling the country from its royal seat. It's a story that inspires flights of fancy as you journey through six tumultuous centuries with your knowledgeable, English-speaking guide leading the way.

Founded in 1394 by King Taejo, the complex succumbed to fiery devastation, both at the hand of nature and as a result of military aggression. Peaceful periods allowed the complex to grow to 330 buildings and 5,792 rooms spread across over 4 million square feet of land. Tragedy struck again in 1895 when Empress Myeongseon was assassinated. Later, the Japanese invaded and only 10 of the original buildings were left standing. All that turned around when, in 1989, the South Korean government started a 40-year initiative to restore Gyeongbokgung in all its former glory. Today, visitors also have the National Folk Museum to enjoy. Here, you'll experience a deeply engaging immersion into all things South Korean. Browse the three main exhibition halls for a broad perspective of the traditional Korean lifestyle with an emphasis on the nation's cuisine, crafts, architecture and more.

Leaving the palace behind, your adventure continues highlighting a wide array of delights. A traditional Korean BBQ lunch will provide tantalizing tastes prepared on a charcoal grill built into the center of your table or on a portable grill. A popular way of eating BBQ is to wrap the freshly grilled meats with lettuce and add condiments of spicy pastes and flavorful vegetable accompaniments.

Hanok Village offers another chance to get up close and personal with Korean culture. As you tour the five restored houses, you'll see how the people of the Joseon Dynasty lived and how their homes and material possessions revealed their social status from peasant to king. And no visit to Seoul would be complete without shopping at the famed South Gate Market. You can wander through dozens of small alleyways that are crowded with shops brimming with local food and wares. Bargain for ceramics, kitchen utensils, clothes and accessories. Although almost everyone speaks English, the Korean phrase "Tsa gae chusay yoh" generally cements a 25% discount.

The roundtrip motorcoach drive between Incheon and Seoul also features a photo stop at the Pavilion of Blue Tiles. The official residence of the President of the Republic of Korea adds the perfect finishing touch to your South Korean adventure.

Special Notes:

Every Tuesday, theGyeongbok palace is replaced by CHANG DEOK PALACE.

Passport Requirements:

China homeport voyages only - Passengers traveling under a Chinese passport may go ashore on a tour without a Korean visa; tours must be pre-reserved prior to the cruise to allow time for Princess to make immigration arrangements.

Child Price:

12 years and under only