15 Day Spectacular South Korea & Taiwan

Welcome to South Korea! Upon arrival at Incheon International Airport, you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel in Seoul, the vibrant capital city. The rest of the day is at your leisure, giving you time to settle in and begin exploring your surroundings.If you are arriving early, Seoul offers plenty to discover at your own pace. Take a gentle stroll through the nearby streets to get your bearings, or simply relax at the hotel after your flight. Special Information Arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel. If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed. If you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel.

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel for a full day sightseeing in Seoul and surrounds. Our first stop is at the Jogyesa Temple, which is the centre of Korean Buddhism. We then continue to Gyeongbokgung Palace to witness the changing of the guard ceremony before a visit to the National Folk Museum. After lunch, we travel to the Korean Folk Village on the outskirts of Seoul. Here, you will experience the culture of the late Joseon Dynasty as we wander through the village of over 260 different types of historical houses and buildings. Inspiring Highlights Jogyesa Temple Gyeongbokgung Palace National Folk Museum Korean Folk Village

After breakfast we leave Seoul to travel to Gongju. Here we visit the UNESCO listed Tomb of King Muryeong and the Royal Tombs. Dating back to 500AD, the tomb complex was only re-discovered in 1927 and gives an insight into the Ungjin Period. We then visit the impressive Gongsanseong Fortress before continuing to Buyeo, an ancient capital of the Baekje Dynasty. We continue to Jeonju where we spend the night at leisure. Inspiring Highlights Tomb of King Muryeong and the Royal Tombs Gongsanseong Fortress Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours

After breakfast at our hotel we continue our journey to Gwangju, the leading city of Honam, the region and birthplace of a modern democratic movement in Korea. Here we visit May 18th National Cemetery dedicated to those who participated in the Gwangju Uprising in 1980. Our journey continues to Suncheon where we will visit Suncheon Bay Garden. Afterwards, we travel to Yeosu, where we tour the modern port city before checking in to our hotel. Inspiring Highlights May 18th National Cemetery Suncheon Bay Garden Special Information Suncheon Bay Garden will be closed on the last Monday of every month staring from April and will be replaced to Suncheon Nakaneupseong Folk Village. Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours

Our first stop today is the Jinjuseong Fortress, historically linked to Japanese invasion in 1592. We then continue to Busan and visit the Jagalchi-Fishery Market, Busan's largest seafood market, before seeing Haeundae Beach and Dongbaek Park. Our tour continues to the historic coastal city of Gyeongju where we check in to our hotel before an evening at leisure. Inspiring Highlights Jinjuseong Fortress Jagalchi-Fishery Market Haeundae Beach Dongbaek Park Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours

Today is a real highlight and our first destination is the Unesco World Heritage-listed Seokguram Grotto. The religious site was constructed between 742 and 765 AD and still serves as a significant site for Korean and international Buddhists for its ceremonial and artistic value. We then visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bulguksa Temple before continuing to Andong Hahoe Folk Village, which has preserved the housing architecture and the village structure of the Joseon Dynasty. Moreover, the Village was naturally formed with people who actually live there. It has become world-famous for the visit of Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain. Afterwards we continue to the scenic city of Pyeongchang, renowned for its breathtaking scenery and for being the host city of the 2018 Winter Olympics. Pyeongchang boasts a wealth of attractions, from world-class ski resorts to enchanting natural wonders. Inspiring Highlights Seokguram Grotto Bulguksa Temple Andong Hahoe Folk Village Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours

Today we visit the venue of 2018 Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang. We then proceed to Mt. Seorak National Park. The peaks of the Seoraksan Mountains break through the clouds while jade-like water flows through the valleys, creating breathtaking views and making this Korea's most famous national park. Due to the many rare species found here, UNESCO designated this national park a Biosphere Preservation District in 1982. You have the opportunity to take a cable car to the summit (additional expense) before we transfer back to Seoul for our final evening in South Korea. Inspiring Highlights Mt. Seorak National Park Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours

At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport for your included flight to Taipei. Upon arrival at Taoyuan International Airport following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be transferred to your accommodation. Special Information Departure transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight. Arrival transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from the airport and transferred to your hotel.

At your leisure, use your 1 Day Taipei Double-Decker Sightseeing Bus ticket to explore Taipei! The Red Route takes in Taipei 101, Huashan 1914 Creative Park, etc. The Blue Route takes in the Shilin Official Residence, National Palace Museum, etc. There is onboard English audio-guide information. Inspiring Highlights Taipei Double-Decker Sightseeing Bus

After breakfast, drive to Sun Moon Lake via the picturesque Central Cross-Island Highway and Wuling on Mt. Hehuan , the highest spot (3275m above sea level) of the highway and the best place to have a panoramic view over the Central Mountain Ranges. Continue to Sun Moon Lake, a designated National Scenic Area, and drive along the lake to indulge yourself in the natural beauty all around. Here, you will have the opportunity to visit a Holy Monk Shrine, see the Tse En Pagoda and experience the Ita Thao Village. Inspiring Highlights Sun Moon Lake Holy Monk Shrine Tse En Pagoda Ita Thao Village Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours

Start your morning with a scenic journey to Lukang, a captivating town in Changhua steeped in centuries of history and culture. Stroll through the atmospheric Lukang Old Street and its historic district, visiting the iconic Mazu Temple and the enchanting Osmanthus Alley Artist Village, where traditional architecture meets creative artistry. From there, head south to Chiayi to explore the Alishan Forest Railway Garage Park and the tranquil Hinoki Village — a beautifully preserved enclave of Japanese-era cypress buildings that tell the story of a bygone era. As the day winds down, settle into your Chiayi hotel and recharge for the adventures ahead. Inspiring Highlights Wen Wu Temple Alishan Forest Railway Garage Park Hinoki Village Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours

After breakfast, we will drive to Alishan National Scenic Area.Sunrise, sea of clouds, railway, forest and sunset are the images of the five wonders that always come to mind when Alishan is mentioned. As soon as dawn arrives in the early morning, a glimpse of sunlight slowly makes its appearance above the mountain, and a new day begins. At dusk, the orange red sunset is another breathtaking scene. On the other hand, Alishan's sea of clouds, one of the top 8 scenes in Taiwan, are usually seen during sunrise and sunset on a sunny autumn day. Here, you will visit the YUYUPAS Cultural Park, the Brother Tree, Sister Pond and the Three Generation Tree. Next, take a ride on one of the three remaining mountain railways in the world. It was built to transport wood in the past, but nowadays it has transformed to a tourism train, and shuttles tourists throughout the forest. Visitors who don't want to take the train can take a walk on the trails and enjoy the nature and fresh air. You will discover the charming side of an alpine forest. For the afternoon, we will enjoy a trip from the beautiful Alishan to the ancient capital of Tainan. For over 200 years, Tainan was the capital of Taiwan. To this day, it retains a traditional vibe, with some of the country's most important historical attractions and temples. Many locals also consider it the food capital of Taiwan. Inspiring Highlights Alishan Forest Park YUYUPAS Cultural Park Brother Tree Sister Pond Three Genereation Tree Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours

After breakfast, we head to Kaohsiung to visit the Chihkan Tower and the first Confucian Temple to be built in Taiwan to get an insight into the ancient Confucian ceremonies and rituals. We will then visit Anping Old Fort, formerly known as Fort Zeelandia. A historical site in Tainan, it was originally built by the Dutch East India Company over a ten-year period from 1624 to 1662. The fort served as the administrative center for the Dutch regime in Taiwan and was a hub for trade. This evening you are free to explore this cultural city. Afterwards, enjoy a light vegetarian lunch at the Fonguanshan Monastery with a tour through the main shrine and Buddhist museum as well as a tour through downtown Kaohsiung City. Tonight, stroll through the Liu He Night Market where you can try a variety of delicious seafood on offer. Bring your appetite and enjoy the downtown energy! Inspiring Highlights Anping Old Fort Chihkan Tower Fonguanshan Monastery Liu He Night Market Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours

After breakfast, visit the colourful Dragon and Tiger Pagoda located on Lotus Lake. Afterwards, visit the Spring and Autumn Pavilions to capture the beautiful reflection of this unique building over the lake. Then, visit Lukang which is famous for the Longshan Temple and markets. Follow the winding Lukang Old Market Street to traditional Taiwanese styled houses, the narrow alleyways and the array of seafood and traditional foods. After this, your tour guide will take you back to Taipei city where the rest of the evening is at leisure. Inspiring Highlights Dragon and Tiger Pagoda Longshan Temple and markets Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours

Today marks the end of your incredible tour through South Korea and Taiwan. At the appropriate time, join your transfer to Taipei Airport for your onward journey. Special Information Departure transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight. Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience.