Colors of SEOUL & BUSAN March 16 th -24 th, nts/8days fr: $2595 dbl/tpl $2995 single from Maui Reserve by September 1 st -Save $50 per person

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1 Colors of SEOUL & BUSAN March 16 th -24 th, nts/8days fr: $2595 dbl/tpl $2995 single from Maui Reserve by September 1 st -Save $50 per person Seoul- Whatever you want, at any time of day or night, Seoul can provide. An early morning temple visit can lead to a palace tour followed by tea sipping in Bukchon and gallery-hopping in Samcheong-dong. Snacks in a street tent bar will fuel you for shopping at the buzzing Dongdaemun or Namdaemun night markets. By the time you look at your watch, it will be dawn again. Busan- Bursting with mountains and beaches, hot springs and seafood, South Korea s second-largest city is a rollicking port town with much to offer. From casual tent bars and chic designer cafes to fish markets teeming with every species imaginable, Busan has something for all tastes. On this unique spring break tour enjoy not only history and culture, but experience the KTX bullet train, not once, but twice. We have included fun stops, the Trick Museum, the Ice Museum, a tour of KBS Studios and two performances, Nanta as well as a traditional at art performance. Just when you think you have done it all, there is still more, one of the most fascinating day tours possible, traveling to the DMZ with the experience of meeting a North Korean defector and listening to their story. Itinerary/Details Day 1 March 16 th, 2019 Saturday Depart from Maui Hawaiian Airlines #215 Departs Maui 11:30 am Arrive Honolulu 12:08 pm +1 Hawaiian Airlines #459 Departs Honolulu 1:30 pm Arrive Incheon 8:00 pm +1 Meet up with your Panda Travel representative at the departure gate area in Honolulu. Your bags will be checked in to Seoul once your check-in in Maui. It is not necessary to come out of the secure area on arrival in Honolulu. Day 2 March 17 th, 2019 Sunday Incheon-Seoul (D)

2 On arrival at the Incheon, please make your way to the baggage claim area as we need to clear immigration and customs. On exiting our local English speaking guide will be there to meet us. The drive into the city is approximately 1 hour, but first we will give you time to exchange currency. Accommodations for six of our nights on tour is at the Days Hotel Myeongdong, ideally located in the heart of Myeong-dong, the epicenter of fashion and culture. Famous Namdaemun Market and Seoul City Hall are within a 15-minute walk. Every room at Myeongdong Days Hotel features city views, flat-screen satellite TV, refrigerator, and sofa to make for a pleasant stay. The remainder of the evening is. A dinner bento box with bottled water will be provided on arrival at the hotel. Days Hotel Myeongdong Day 3 March 18 th, 2019 Monday Seoul (B/D) After breakfast, please meet your guide in the lobby as we are off on a full day of touring. The day begins with a visit to the Korean Folk Village for an introduction on traditional culture from the late Joseon period. Opened in 1974 as an open-air folk museum, it remains one of the best-known of Korea's folk villages. The village is home to Korean heritage and many features of Korean culture that have been collected and preserved for future generations. A traditional marketplace offers exotic flavors of Korean food from various regions, and numerous shops sell a variety of traditional handicrafts and souvenirs, many of which were made on the premises. Enjoy time to experience an authentic atmosphere with over 260 traditional houses. Also included are various household goods from the different regions. All these features have been relocated and restored to provide visitors with a general view of Korean food, clothing, and housing styles from the past. In over a dozen workshops, visitors can see artisans practice their handicraft skills in pottery, basket and bamboo weaving, paper making, and many other traditional arts. Watch as these master craftsmen (and women) create beautiful designs in brass, embroidery, iron, and clay. Lunch today is on your own at Jangteo, the marketplace area of the village

3 Korean Folk Village Souvenirs Farmer s dance This afternoon we are off to visit Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, an impressive structure from the latter part of the Joseon Dynasty and the official fortress of Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do. The fortress (constructed from 1794 to 1796) was built as a show of the King s filial piety towards his father Jangheonseja and to build a new pioneer city with its own economic power. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is more than just a fortress. It is a massive wall in the middle of the city of Suwon that features guard posts, statues, bells, lookout points and temples. There are four main gates on the walk round the walls, 3.5 miles of wall. The most famous gate is the South Gate which is surrounded by a large market as well as several other businesses. The fortress has ongoing reconstruction since the 1970 s. Suwon Hwaseong Fortress From here we are off to tour the KBS Studio, located within the KBS broadcasting station. Dedicated to the history and evolution of the Korean broadcasting industry, you can experience radio and television broadcasting production firsthand. The tour starts from the main hall on the second floor and continues onto the fourth and fifth floors. In addition to the small museum, radio drama studio, sound effect instruments, 9 o'clock news corner, hologram corner, stereoscopic media experience hall and chroma key corner, visitors have the chance to observe TV production and radio programming process through a window that looks out into the broadcasting studio. If you are a fan of Korean drama, the visit here will make for a truly unique experience, especially knowing that there is the possibility of meeting one or more celebrities. The Drama Gallery consists of drama posters and cut-outs of popular dramas including many favorite actors. Enjoy taking a picture besides a cardboard cutout from dramas like Boys Over Flowers, Dream High and Baker King Kim Tak Goo. Another fun part of the tour is the Blue Screen Room where you will have the opportunity to become a weather forecaster. Point out to various imaginary locations to indicate the shifting of the rain clouds and predict the weather s next move. You will also be visiting the special effects department to see many mannequins and props used in thriller or horror dramas. They have real like features that can be a bit scary. The last part of the tour is the outdoor shooting sets, houses and streets that look so real. You will feel as though you are walking along an olden day Korean street.

4 Our afternoon of touring ends with the popular Nanta show. Enjoy a feast of comic mishaps during a performance of the hit show Nanta, popular in Korea for almost two decades. This comedy of errors shows four cooks under pressure to concoct a wedding feast in too little time. By drumming with kitchen implements such as cutting boards and knives, the performers create a modern twist on traditional Korean percussion music known as samul nori. It s a hilarious 90-minute show. Now back to our hotel and the remainder of the evening is. Days Hotel Myeongdong Day 4 March 19 th, 2019 Tuesday Seoul (B/L) After breakfast, please meet your guide in the lobby. The morning begins with a drive by Blue House, named for the blue tiles that cover the roof. It serves as the presidential home, much like the White House in Washington, D.C. Set in an old Joseon Dynasty royal garden, the Blue House sits with Mount Bugaksan as its backdrop in a spot deemed auspicious. Built in the traditional Korean architectural style, the Blue House has more than 150,000 tiles on its roof, each formed and baked individually and thought to be strong enough to last for centuries. From here we will be visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace, nearby to Blue House and probably Korea s most famous royal palace. Like a phoenix, Seoul s premier palace has risen several times from the ashes of destruction. Tourists have replaced the thousands of government officials, scholars, eunuchs, concubines, soldiers, and servants who once lived there. Originally built by King Taejo, the founder of the Joseon dynasty, Gyeongbokgung served as the principal palace until 1592, when it was burnt down during the Japanese invasions. It lay in ruins for nearly 300 years until Heungseon Daewongun, regent and father of King Gojong, started to rebuild it in King Gojong moved in during 1868, but the expensive rebuilding project virtually bankrupted the government. Altogether the palace consisted of 330 buildings and had up to 3000 staff, including 140 eunuchs, all serving the royal family. During Japanese colonial rule, most of the palace was again destroyed much of what you see today are accurate recent reconstructions. While here, enjoy viewing the changing of guard ceremony, an elaborate event with several dozen men in Joseon Dynasty-era costume. The effect of the event, even with all the onlookers, is stunning. Since 1469 these royal guards have performed the task of guarding the Gwanghwamun Gate, at the entrance of Gyeongbokgung Palace, where the king ruled over Korea. Blue House Gyeongbokgung Palace Lunch is included in today s itinerary and will be at a local restaurant.

5 This afternoon s touring begins with a visit to two museums, and what a treat they will be. First, we are off to the Trick Eye Museum, a 3D interactive museum located in the heart of the student district Hongdae, Seoul. The museum offers a unique experience using a technique called trompe-l'oeil (trick of the eye). The purpose of this art is to intentionally confuse the audience by making flat 2D paintings into 3D images. Enjoy time to walk around and ly touch, take photos, and interact with the art. The Ice Museum, located inside of the Trick Eye Museum, is the biggest ice sculpture experience museum in Seoul. From famous cartoon characters to ice slides, you can see all types of ice sculptures as soon as you enter the museum. We will visit here next. Optical Illusion at Trick Eye Museum Ice Museum From here a stop at Jungbu Market, where you can find a wide assortment of dried food such as laver, seaweed, anchovies, yellow corbinas, squid, pollack, and dried filefish fillets are available at low prices. Known for both wholesale and retail sales, prices are considered the best. Each store only sells one or two types of seafood products, allowing for easy price comparison and topquality goods. Popular products include dried filefish fillets, laver, and pollack. Last on today s touring, a traditional art performance at Jeongdong Theatre. Opened in 1995, Jeongdong Theater is historically significant in that it represents the restored Wongaksa, the first modern theater in Korea. From here we return to our hotel and the remainder of the evening is. Dinner is on your own this evening. Days Hotel Myeongdong Day 5 March 20 th, 2019 Wednesday Seoul-Busan (B/D)

6 After breakfast, please meet your guide as we are off to Busan via the KTX bullet train. This new high-speed train has been designed to reach speeds of 305 km per hour. Thanks to KTX, the travel time from Seoul to Busan is reduced to less than three hours, cutting the original travel time almost in half. Please bring along a small overnight bag as we will be leaving our large bag at the Days Hotel for when we return the following day. The train is not able to accommodate the large suitcases. Once in Busan, take some time for lunch on your own at the Busan Station. We have a fun afternoon of tour planned for you by chartered bus. Our first stop will be at Gamcheon Culture Village. The village is formed by houses built in staircase-fashion on the foothills of a coastal mountain, earning this village the nickname of "Machu Picchu of Busan." The many alleys cutting through this community are vibrantly decorated with murals and sculptures created by the residents. The quaint facades and works of modern art signal merely the tip of the fascinating story behind this littleknown hillside labyrinth in Busan. It offers a stark contrast from the glitzy skyscrapers of "new Busan" or even the bustling markets of "old Busan." This quiet village is a destination for a different type of traveler -- those with an interest in art and history. The art-themed makeover began in 2009, when it hosted a public art project and invited art students and artists to "decorate" the village. While the villagers had for decades painted their own homes in pastel hues, artists added dozens of colorful touches throughout town, attaching nicknames such as "Korea's Machu Picchu and "Korea's Santorini". While the view is best from a high vantage point called "Sky Garden, the real delight lies in getting lost in the village's maze of alleyways. Each alley leads to a different surprise, from bird sculptures on roofs to Murakami-like playful installations in abandoned houses. Next, we are off to Busan Tower, located inside Yongdusan Park. It remains one of the best spots to see the whole city water and land in a sweeping 360-degree view. While not as tall as the Seoul Tower it is Busan s most obvious and well-known landmark. Last on the agenda for today is a visit to Gukje Market and BIFF Street. Gukje Market is the largest traditional market in Busan, steeped in history. The market began during the Korean War in 1950 as a place for war refugees to try to eke out a living, soon growing into a large, busy market. Even today, the area is bursting with the old-fashioned marketplace spirit, like that of Namdaemun Market in Seoul. Shops here sell an assortment of new and used items. Our last stop is at BIFF Square, a bustling street full of movie theaters, shops, restaurants, and food stalls. This movie district was originally little more than a pair of cinemas that were built following Korea s liberation from Japanese colonial rule over half a century ago. However, major renovations took place ahead of the first Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), and the newly transformed district was named BIFF Square in August of Enjoy time to explore the area on your own. From here we are off to our hotel for the evening, Ibis Ambassador Busan, located in the central business and entertainment area of the city. The hotel is within 5 minutes from the metro station. A large market, underground shopping mall and many restaurants are just steps away Busan is known for great food. Even if you re not a big fan of the spicy food that is often associated with Korean dishes, Busan has much to offer. Here you will find a variety of fresh and reasonably-priced seafood.

7 Among many other dishes, it is known for its fishcake called eomook, noodles and pork-based stew. Be sure to try it! Dinner is included in today s itinerary and will be at a local restaurant. Ibis Ambassador Busan Hotel Day 6 March 21 th, 2019 Thursday Busan-Seoul (B) After breakfast, please meet your guide for half day tour before making our way back to Seoul. Our morning begins with a visit to Nurimaru APEC House, on Dongbaekseom Island, which is known for its beautiful, natural landscape accented by dense camellia and pine trees. The name Nurimaru APEC House is created by combining the Korean words nuri ( world ) and maru ( summit ), and APEC House, which refers to an APEC conference hall. Collectively, it means a house where the world summits gather together for an APEC meeting. The terrace, which has a Korean wooden floor concept, towers over Oryukdo Island, Gwangan Bridge and Dallmaji Hill. Located near Haeundae Beach, it offers a spectacular view of the beach. From here, off to enjoy shopping time at Busan Shinsegae Department Store, registered in the Guinness World Records as the largest shopping complex in the world. The department store has a countless number of items all under one roof. After shopping and lunch on your own, meet up with your guide as we make our way back to Seoul via KTX bullet train. Once back at our hotel, the remainder of the evening is. Days Hotel Myeongdong Day 7 March 22 nd, 2019 Friday Seoul (B/L) After breakfast, meet your guide as we are off on a very special touring day to the DMZ area. This recently added tour was created to give foreign visitors a more accurate understanding of the North Korean regime and the implications of its policies and philosophy on the surrounding countries, as well as the rest of the world. A question and answer session is included. We guarantee that this days experience will be long remembered. During the tour, enjoy hearing the views of a North Korean defector on life and the political scene in North Korea. In addition, during the visit to the West front area along the Demilitarized Zone the tour includes the 3 rd Infiltration Tunnel, Dora Observatory, Dorasan Station and Imjingak. With the assistance of a professional guide we expect you will leave with a better understanding of the current situation between North and South Korea as well the history of how and why the two countries were divided. Imjingak Park, sometime referred to as Imjingak Resort is located 7 km from the Military Demarcation Line, is now at the forefront of tourism related to the Korean War. Imjingak was built in 1972 with the hope

8 that someday unification would be possible. The three-storied Imjingak is surrounded by several monuments, Unification Park, and North Korea Center. Over 400 photos and documents showing the stark reality of North Korea are displayed in the North Korea Center of Unification Board. Outside Imjingak, there are 12 unique tanks and warcrafts on display that were used during the war. Mangbaedan Alter, which stands opposite Imjingak, is famous as the place where Korean's separated from their families in the North visit to perform ancestral rites by bowing toward their hometowns every New Year's Day and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving). The Bridge of Freedom, which South Koreans crossed when they came back to their mother country from North Korea after the signing of the Armistice Agreement, stands behind Mangbaedan Alter. In front of Imjingak is the Gyeongui Train Line which was destroyed during the Korean War in It has been under reconstruction since Every year many events for unification are held at Imjingak. It is now one of the more famous DMZ tourist spots for foreigners because it is possible to visit without going through any security check points. Located in Panmunjom, the JSA (Joint Security Area) is the closest point a tourist can get to North Korea. At this spot, you ll have a chance to physically stand in North Korea itself and take a photo as proof (more on that below). The South Korean and US military occupies this area and is complete with a gift shop selling original items from North Korea, including stamps, money, and wine. 3 rd Infiltration Tunnel, not known until 1975 after a North Korean defector named Kim Bu-seong claimed that the north had built the secret passageway across the demilitarized zone for the main purpose of invading the south. Photographs are not permitted in the tunnel walk and a hardhat is mandatory. Dorasan Station, a rail station connecting North and South Korea. The station is only used by those who work or visit the station and head south from it. You cannot get a train north out of Dorasan Station, at least not for the present. Dora Observatory, located at the top of Mount Dora, has one of the best views of reclusive North Korea as viewed from the south. Binoculars here allow visitors to look down into North Korea and the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). This is one of the closest places visitors will be from North Korea on a tour of the DMZ. From here you can see the Kijong-dong Propaganda Village and the city of Kaesong on a clear day. Tracks can also be seen that which will hopefully one day link Dorasan Station nearby in the south with Pyongyang in the north. Lunch is included in today s tour and will be at a local restaurant. Once back in Seoul at our hotel, the remainder of the afternoon and evening is. 3 rd Infiltration Tunnel Odusan Observatory Dorasan Station

9 Days Hotel Myeongdong Day 8 March 23 rd, 2019 Saturday Seoul (B) After breakfast, a complete day to get out and enjoy the Myeongdong area of Seoul and all that it has to offer. Though Myeongdong is best known for its shopping, nightlife, and eating, it does have the Myeongdong Cathedral, one attraction that should not be missed. The cathedral, built in Gothic style, is one of the most important Catholic churches in Korea. As you have come to see during your stay here, Myeongdong is a destination in itself. The area offers many types of restaurants as well as tasty and unique street foods. The best part about street food here is that you can walk from stall to stall finding whatever looks and smell the best. Street food is inexpensive and tastes great. If your love is shopping, you can find an almost unlimited number of mid to high-end retail stores such as the Lotte Department Store and Shinsegae Department Store and as well street carts and small boutiques. Here, you can find just about anything related to clothes and the latest fashion trends. Great bargains are to be had if you are willing to hunt for them. To find great deals, look past the large department stores and most major brands towards the street carts and smaller shops found tucked away in smaller alleys. One of the best times to experience Myeongdong is after the sun goes down when the streets are packed, the neon lights are brightly lit up and the smells of street food make your mouth water. With an estimated two million people visiting this area on a typical day, people watching can be a fun experience all in itself. Days Hotel Myeongdong Day 9 March 24 th, 2019 Sunday Seoul-Incheon (B/L) It is our last full day here in Korea. After breakfast, enjoy some time this morning for last minute shipping. Please remember check-out from your room is by 12:00pm. The hotel will store your bags. Please meet your guide by 2:30pm as we make our way back to the Incheon area, but first a visit to Insadong Antique Street. Insadong-gil is well known as a traditional street to both locals and foreigners and represents the culture of the past and the present. It contains a mixture of historical and modern atmosphere and is a unique area of Seoul that truly represents the cultural history of the nation. Most the traditional buildings originally belonged to merchants and bureaucrats. Some larger residences, built for retired government officials during the Joseon period, can also be seen. Most of these older buildings are now used as restaurants or shops. Lunch is included in today s itinerary and will be at a local restaurant. The face of Insadong changes three times a day. In the early morning, it is a quiet and peaceful street, in the afternoon it becomes busy with tourists and at night Insadong is a place where people, Korean and foreigners alike enjoy taking a stroll and simply hanging out.

10 Insadong Antique Street Now, off to Incheon Airport to begin our check in for our flight home. Our arrival will be by 7:00pm. Hawaiian Airlines #460 Departs Incheon 10:00 pm Arrival Honolulu 11:05 am On arrival in Honolulu, you must first clear passport control, then claim your bags and clear customs. Do not exit outside, remain inside this secure area and re-check your bags with the special Hawaiian Airlines counter. From there you will proceed to your neighbor island flight without having to go through TSA. Hawaiian Airlines #296 Departs Honolulu 1:02 pm Arrival Maui 1:45 pm