2D Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Marathon Express

HIGHLIGHTS

~ participate in Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival

~ visit Gyeongju Observation Tower

~ see Cheomseongdae, an astronomical observatory in Gyeongju

~ take part in Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Marathon

~ enjoy a local jimjilbang experience after the marathon 

~ visit Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Include:

~ return group transfer from/to Busan train station at scheduled timing;

~ 1 night stay in Commodore Gyeongju Hotel or similar;

~ 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner;

~ Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Marathon race registration (21 KM, 10 KM, 5 KM);

~ event race pack;

~ sightseeing and transportation as per itinerary;

~ service of a local English-speaking guide.

Exclude:

~ flights to Busan, South Korea;

~ tourist visa (if required);

~ travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage;

~ any expenses of personal nature;

~ beverages during meals.

ITINERARY

Day 1    Busan Train Station – Jinhae – Gyeongju

Meet your local English-speaking guide at Busan train station, 8.00 AM. Visit the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival, Korea’s biggest Spring festival! Get ready to enjoy one of the most spectacular events in Korea surrounded by unbelievably stunning cherry blossoms!

After lunch, visit Gyeongju Tower, a unique observation tower standing at almost 30-stories high. Next, travel back in time to visit Cheomseongdae, said to be the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia, and possibly even the world.

Enjoy a hearty Korean dinner to load up for your run tomorrow.

Meal: Lunch, Dinner

Stay: Commodore Gyeongju Hotel or similar

Day 2    Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Marathon – Busan Train Station

Today’s the day of the Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Marathon! Run amongst pretty rows of cherry blossoms whilst admiring the local sights along the way. Take a delightful walk if you can’t run; it is a thrilling experience to run or walk miles under the cherry blossom trees!

After the run, take a shower and soak your tired muscles in a local jimjilbang before your celebratory lunch.

Stretch your legs with a visit to Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was constructed in the year 751 and completed 24 years later in year 774. It was said that King Kim Dae-Seong had Bulguksa Temple built for his parents in his current life, and Seokguram Grotto for the parents of his former life.

Return to Busan train station by 5.00 PM (estimate).

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

Stay: Nil

note: Jimjilbang is a local Korean public bathhouse segregated by gender. It usually contains both hot and cold pools as well as dry heated rooms (saunas). You will be required to keep all your clothing in a locker before entering the bath compound.

REMARKS

~ A non-refundable deposit of 30% of the tour value is required at the time of booking. Balance payment will be collected 60 days prior to departure.

~ Minimum of 6 runners to depart.

~ Every effort is made to ensure the trip takes place during the proposed blooming period of the cherry blossoms, however the specific blooming dates are subject to weather conditions and seasonal variation which is not within the control of Travel Wander. Although you may get to see the cherry blossoms in bloom, we cannot guarantee the sightings.

~ Should you require a visa to enter South Korea, it is your responsibility to obtain such a document before departure. Check your entry requirement and apply for your visa HERE if you require it.

~ Please only book your air ticket to Busan, South Korea when you have been informed to do so.

~ Our utmost priority is always the safety of the runners. Therefore, the route and inclusion may be altered by the local guide due to (not limited to) bad weather, accommodation book out, local conditions, and/or other unexpected circumstances beyond control. Travel Wander and its Operator reserve the right to make changes necessary and there will be no refund should you decide to discontinue the trip or event.

~ There is no refund should you wish not to take part in any of the included experiences as illustrated in the itinerary.

~ Because running requires certain levels of cardio and stamina exertion, it is not suitable for participants with chronic and/or acute diseases. Please consider your physical condition before booking. Hikers must ensure they are medically and physically able to run.

~ Travel Wander recommends that all members booked on this trip purchase comprehensive travel or personal insurance. You may purchase it HERE.

~ Travel Wander’s booking terms & conditions apply. By making payment to Travel Wander LLP, you (and on behalf of the rest of travelling companions) acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to the booking terms & conditions, privacy policy, and acceptance of risk as set out on our website. For more details, click HERE to access.

~ In the event of cancellation, the following will apply unless otherwise stated:

• cancellation received 60 days or more before departure of trip and/or experience: loss of deposit.
• cancellation received 59 – 30 days before departure of trip and/or experience: 50% of the cost of the trip and/or experience.
• cancellation received 29 – 14 days before departure of trip and/or experience: 75% of the cost of the trip and/or experience.
• cancellation less than 14 days before departure of trip and/or experience: 100% cancellation.

~ In the event of amendment, the following will apply unless otherwise stated:

• after trip booking/travel arrangement is confirmed, SGD50 amendment fee per person per change.
• less than 30 days prior to departure, it will be considered as cancellation and cancellation fees will apply.

~ Cancellation/Amendment pertaining to flight booking arranged through Travel Wander:

• any amendment or cancellation to flight booking after ticket issuance, subject strictly to Airlines’ conditions and cancellation fee, in addition to the service fee levied by Travel Wander.

~ Payment modes are electronic bank transfer, PayNow, cheque, cash or cash deposit through automated machine only.