HIGHLIGHTS

~ Unique Stay and cultural experience at Gyeongwonjae Ambassador.
~ “Healing & Culture” tour on Ganghwa Island (native name “Ganghwado”).
~ Ganghwa Anglican Church, oldest Hanok-style cathedral in Korea.
~ Jeondeungsa Temple, oldest temple in South Korea.
~ Manisan Mountain Healing Forest, one of three sacred mountains in Korea, and the highest peak on the island.
~ Joyangbangjik Cafe and Museum, a former textile factory.
~ Ganghwa Seongmodo Mineral Hot Spring.
~ Visit Ginseng Centre or Traditional Ginseng Market to learn about Ganghwa ginseng health benefits.
~ Incheon Open Port and visit to Incheon Art Platform.

Included:

~ return private airport transfers;

~ 3 nights accommodation in Gyeongwonjae Ambassador, basing on twin sharing in choice of room;

~ 3 breakfasts, 2 Lunches;

~ admission fee(s) as required according to itinerary;

~ service on an English Speaking Driver-Guide;

~ private car transfers according to itinerary on day 2 and day 3.

Excluded:

~ air travel to Incheon, South Korea;

~ visa arrangement;

~ personal travel insurance;

~ expenditure of personal effects;

~ tipping for your Guide and Driver;

~ anything not specified in the itinerary.

ITINERARY

Day 01 Arrive Incheon

Welcome to Korea! Upon arrival into Incheon International Airport, meet your Driver-Guide at the arrival hall and transfer to the hotel.

Day 02 Ganghwa Island

Visit Ganghwa Island for a unique “Healing and Culture”’ nature experience. Experience nature’s power of healing and visit some of the island’s most impressive historic cultural buildings located amidst natural surroundings.

Ganghwa Anglican Church is a showcase of Korea’s architectural harmony of Orient and Western styles and is the oldest Hanok-style cathedral in Korea. It was previously a Catholic Church and the tile-roofed house building that resembles Noah’s Ark, one can admire the impressive basilica design. The master carpenter who built the church was also involved in the remodelling of Gyeongbokgung Palace and he had used traditional Korean techniques of carpentry so that no nails were used to construct the building.

Joyangbangsik is a trendy cafe complex that was originally a textile factory. Built in 1934, it is now the oldest surviving modern textile factory and it was transformed into a vintage-themed cafe. With its hidden rooms for two, high roof and eclectic collection of art pieces, antiques and furniture, the museum-gallery-cafe is the perfect setting for a photograph to commemorate your visit to Ganghwado which was historically known as a textile town.

Jeondeungsa Temple is the oldest temple in South Korea and its historical origin traces back to the legendary founder of Korea, Dangun. It is believed that his three sons built the temple on the grounds of Samnangseong fortress and has been designated as a temple of royal regime as many historical artifacts can be found here. Decorated with delicate carvings, it is a fine example of the architecture during the mid-Joseon Dynasty.

Manisan Mountain Healing Forest offers a tranquil respite as you enjoy a therapeutic walk through the pine tree forest. Walk up the trail with 918 stone steps and you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of both ocean landscapes and the forest.

Ganghwa Seongmodo Mineral Hot Spring has an open-air hot spring with a great view of the sea. The natural hot spring water is rich with many minerals which have natural healing properties. The outdoor hot spring proximity to the sea is a perfect spot for you to enjoy a moment of leisure and relaxation as you enjoy the amazing views.

Known for having optimal conditions for cultivating Ginseng, Ganghwa history of Ginseng harvesting dates back to the Goryeo Dynasty. Visit a Ginseng Centre or Traditional Ginseng Market to learn more about the root’s health benefits and how to identify good quality ginseng.

Optional: from January to May, you may pick your own Ganghwado ginseng (subject to availability and additional cost).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 03 Incheon Open Port Visit

This morning, visit Incheon Open Port Old Town and Incheon Art Platform.

Pick a touring course and hop onto an electric car to visit the streets of Incheon Open Port Old Town, reflecting a “bustling” time in Incheon during the late 19th Century. Opened in 1883 as the country’s first port, the area reflects the country’s history and culture from 130 years ago when foreigners arrived to the country. From Korea’s early days of modernization with the arrival of international traders, and till today, many of its buildings’ architecture retain influences from both the East and West. Modern architecture stands alongside unique Japanese style historical buildings that were used to house trading companies, financial institutions, hotels and even the former Japanese consulate. We will also visit Jjajangmyeon Museum, Chinatown, Fairytale Village and walk down the Three Kingdoms Mural Street.

Visit Incheon Art Platform too, a multiplex cultural and arts centre made up of thirteen buildings that used to be warehouses when the port first opened. Today, it is a “sea of inspiration” for artists, a popular filming location for K-dramas and its streets are full of surprises with art installations and artworks waiting to be discovered.

There is free time to explore Incheon at leisure or perhaps visit Hyundai Premium Outlet Mall for some shopping therapy.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 04 Depart Incheon

Simply rest and relax until it’s time for your onward journey or check out (1100 hours) and the tour concludes.

Meals: Breakfast

REMARKS

~ Full payment is required upon booking.

~ 1 person to go.

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

~ Our utmost priority is always the safety of the travellers. Therefore inclusion of the itinerary may be altered due to (not limited to) bad weather, local conditions, accommodation book out, the skill levels of the travellers and/or other unexpected circumstances beyond our control. We reserve the right to make changes necessary and there will be no refund should you decide to discontinue with the trip.

~ Option to extend your stay in Seoul or other parts of South Korea.

~ All travellers booked on this trip are strongly encouraged to purchase travel insurance with comprehensive coverage relating to CoVID-19 with minimum insured sum of USD 30,000. Click HERE to purchase.

~ Travel Wander’s booking terms & conditions apply. By making a 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.

~ To cover any amendment, postponement and/or cancellation fees, travellers are strongly encouraged to purchase travel insurance which includes extensive coverage on (not limited to) travel cancellation/interruption especially CoVID-19 related.

Travel Wander