See landmarks that define Seoul’s past and present and come away with an understanding of how Korea’s capital city has evolved over the centuries. The historical architecture ranges from the 14th-century Gyeongbokgung Palace to the blue-roofed Cheong Wa Dae, the presidential residence until recently. You will enjoy aerial views of the urban sprawl while riding in a cable car gondola and from the 123rd-floor Seoul Sky observation deck. Near the infamous DMZ, you will visit Imjingak Park, a symbol of hope for the reunification of North and South Korea.
DAY 1
Upon arrival at the Incheon International Airport, you will meet the guide and transfer to the Grand Hyatt Seoul, where you will spend the evening. Following check in, the remainder of the day will be at your leisure to relax or explore Seoul at your own pace.
Arrive at the Incheon International Airport (Terminal 1 or Terminal 2)
Meeting point at Terminal1: Gate #13, Inside the Terminal
Meeting point at Terminal2: Gate # 1, Inside the Terminal
Transfer to Grand Hyatt Seoul and check in.
Overnight at the Grand Hyatt Seoul Hotel or similar.
DAY 2
Following a full English breakfast at the hotel, you will depart for Imjingak Nuri Peace Park, a symbolic site near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). A passport is mandatory for entry.
Upon arrival, you will settle in for a scenic gondola ride that will offer a unique perspective of the area, followed by visits to Dokgae Bridge and Freedom Bridge, both significant landmarks representing Korea’s history and hopes for reunification.
A delightful lunch in Paju will follow, after which you will. Make a brief stop near Cheongwadae (Blue House) for a photo opportunity with its iconic blue-tiled roof and the stunning Bugaksan mountain backdrop. While public access to the interior is now restricted, this scenic spot still offers a meaningful glimpse into Korea’s modern political history, before continuing on to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of Seoul’s five grand palaces.
You will then head to Myeongdong Street, a bustling shopping and dining district where you can experience the city's vibrant energy. After dining on the Korean dish bibimbob at Myeongdong, you will return to the hotel for the evening.
Overnight at the Grand Hyatt Seoul Hotel or similar.
DAY 3
After a full English breakfast at the hotel, you will depart for Gangnam to visit Bongeunsa Temple, a tranquil Buddhist sanctuary amid the city’s modern downtown.
Then, head to Seoul Sky for stunning panoramic views of Seoul from the observation deck of one of the city’s tallest skyscrapers. After a lunch of Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) near Seokchon Lake, you will stroll through Insa-dong, a vibrant area known for its antique shops, traditional crafts and teahouses.
You will then continue to Namsangol Hanok Village to explore its beautifully preserved traditional Korean houses.
In the evening, you will watch a lively and comedic Nanta performance at Myeongdong Theater before concluding the day with a Hanjeongsik multi-course dinner in Myeongdong. Afterwards, you will return to the hotel for the evening.
Overnight at the Grand Hyatt Seoul Hotel or similar.
DAY 4
After a hearty breakfast at the hotel and check out, you will visit Songdo Central Park, a scenic urban park surrounded by futuristic architecture and take in panoramic views from the G Tower Observatory.
Following lunch in Incheon, you will transfer to the port to embark the cruise ship.
Land Program Step by Step
The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. Program times are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Itineraries with the up-to-date details will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. You will then receive a final itinerary from our ground operator with a Welcome Letter upon arrival or at your hotel. Please review the letter and your final itinerary carefully for further amendments.
The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date. Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space may be released.
Meet and Greet & Transfer Information
• Final cruise documents will be sent via email 21 days prior to departure. These documents will include the local ground operator’s contact number on page 1, which can be used if you’re unable to locate the meet-and-greet representative upon arrival. Please note that the representative may be assisting other guests and might not be immediately visible when you exit Customs, and the baggage claim area.
• Upon arrival, look for a representative holding a sign with the cruise line’s logo, and possibly your name. If you’re uncertain or unable to locate them, airport staff can assist by directing you to the designated meeting point for cruise transfers or by paging the representative.
• Meet and greeting services and transfers are arranged for guests arriving on Day 1 of the land program, or for those who have booked pre-cruise accommodations through the cruise line. These arrangements are based on flight details provided at least 14 days prior to sailing.
• Guests arriving independently or before the official start date of the land program will not have transfers included. If we have not received your flight information—or if your flight details change and the Destination Services Land Team has not been informed, a transfer cannot be guaranteed. In such cases, guests will need to arrange and cover their own transportation to the land program hotel.
• For any flight updates or changes, please contact our Reservations Department as soon as possible, prior to departure.
DAY 1
Timing Itinerary & Points of Interest
Upon arrival at the Incheon International Airport, you will meet the guide and transfer to the Grand Hyatt Seoul, where you will spend the evening
Check in at the hotel is 3:00 pm. Although every effort will be made to have rooms available sooner, this cannot be guaranteed
Following check in, the remainder of the day is at your leisure to relax or explore Seoul at your own pace
Overnight at the Grand Hyatt Seoul Hotel or similar
DAY 2
Timing Itinerary & Points of Interest
8:30am Full English breakfast, meet guide in the hotel lobby
9:00am Drive to Imjingak Nuri Peace Park. Passport is mandatory
10:00am Gondola tour at Imjingak Nuri Peace Park (DMZ area)
Visit Dokgae Bridge and Freedom Bridge
1:00pm Lunch at Green Sense, an Italian restaurant (or similar Italian restaurant)
2:00pm Visit the former presidential residence (photo stop) and Gyeongbokgung Palace
5:00pm Drive to Myeongdong Street
6:00pm Bibimbob dinner at Mokmyeoksanbang (or similar Bibimbob restaurant)
7:30pm Return to the hotel
Overnight at the Grand Hyatt Seoul Hotel or similar
DAY 3
Timing Itinerary & Points of Interest
8:30am Full English breakfast, meet your guide in the hotel lobby
9:00am Drive to Gangnam
9:30am Visit Bongeunsa Temple
11:00am Visit Seoul Sky Observatory
12:30pm Lunch at Goryeo Samgyetang (or similar Samgyetang restaurant)
2:00pm Visit Insa-dong antique street
4:00pm Drive to Namsangol Hanok Village
5:00pm Watch a Nanta performance at Myeongdong Theater
7:00pm Dinner at Myeongdongjeong (or similar Hanjeongsik restaurant)
8:30pm Return to the hotel
Overnight at the Grand Hyatt Seoul Hotel or similar
DAY 4
Timing Itinerary & Points of Interest
8:00am Full English breakfast, meet guide at the hotel lobby
8:45am Check out of the hotel
9:00am Drive to Incheon
10:10am Visit Songdo Central Park, G Tower observatory
12:00pm Lunch – Galbitang (Korean beef short rib soup) at Gyeongbok gung restaurant Songdo branch (or similar Galbitang restaurant)
1:30pm Transfer to the ship
2:30pm Approximate arrival at the ship for embarkation
General Information
Electricity:
220V. The power outlets use Type C and Type F plugs. Because the hotel is not guaranteed to provide adapters, please bring your own adapter for convenience.
Expected Weather:
23°F and -5°C
What to Bring:
Casual attire, Non-slip shoes, Sunglasses, Weather-appropriate attire
Currency:
The local currency is the South Korean won (KRW), often symbolized as ?. The currency code for the South Korean won is KRW. Coins are available in denominations of 10, 50, 100 and 500 won, while banknotes are available in denominations of 1,000, 5,000, 10,000 and 50,000 won. Credit cards are generally accepted. No foreign currencies are accepted.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
A passport is mandatory for the gondola tour at Imjingak Nuri Peace Park (DMZ area). A passport that is valid at least 6 months after travel is required for this program. Please check with your local embassy for any visa requirements for your nationality.
Vaccination & Health Regulations:
Guests are responsible for confirming up-to-date vaccination requirements directly with their local embassy or health authority. Please note that visa and vaccination costs are not included in the price of this program.
Hotel Address & Contact:
Grand Hyatt Seoul
South Korea, Seoul, 322 Sowol-ro, Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, 04347
Telephone: +82 2-797-1234
Please Note: In the event of unforeseen circumstances, an alternative hotel may be arranged. Any substitute accommodation will match the original in both rating and quality. You will be informed of any changes prior to your departure. If no such notification is provided, your stay will proceed at the hotel specified in this program.
Program Includes:
?3 nights at the Grand Hyatt Seoul – Standard Twin / King room
?Professional English-speaking guide and transfers
?All meals per the itinerary, with one local beer or soda per person per meal
?Entrance fee to all sites visited
Program Excludes:
?Personal expenses
?Optional activities
?Gratuities for drivers and guides
?Personal expenses and hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service
?Accommodation upgrades
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated arrival information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Hints & Restrictions:
?Please be aware that Korean food and alcoholic beverages may cause dizziness, allergic reactions, or discomfort depending on individual tolerance. If you have any allergies or health concerns, please consume them responsibly and at your discretion.
?Please bring passport for day 2 as it is mandatory for DMZ.
Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include: inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. This program is not recommended for guests who require the use of a wheelchair or mobility scooters. Guests with mobility concerns are advised to carefully assess their personal physical capabilities and stamina. Participants must be able to independently board and disembark from transportation, including motor coaches, and should be accompanied by an able-bodied companion if assistance is needed. Guests who choose to use independent transportation or wheelchair services provided by third-party companies may do so at their own risk and responsibility. We encourage guests to contact the cruise line in advance to discuss any specific mobility-related questions or concerns before booking this program. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
Booking, Pricing & Cancelation:
All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. No refunds or partial refunds will be issued for any unused portion of the program. This includes, but is not limited to, missed transfers, accommodations, guided tours, meals, or activities. All venues, hotel stays, tour guides, and logistical services are secured and pre-paid well in advance to ensure a seamless experience for all participants.
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and subject to availability.
