Ama pearl diver , Toba , Japan
ASIA
Todaiji Temple , Nara , Japan Gyeongbokgung Palace , Seoul , South Korea
ITINERARY
DAY 1 • Depart U . S . Depart today on an overnight flight from the U . S . to Seoul , South Korea .
DAY 2 • Arrive in Seoul , South Korea Arrive in Seoul , where you ’ ll meet your fellow travelers , including those who took our Mongolia : Ulaanbaatar & the Gobi Desert or Vietnam : Hanoi & Halong Bay Cruise pre-trip extension .
Pacific Hotel or similar
DAY 3 • Gyeongbok Palace • National Museum of Korea
Visit the 14th-century palace of Gyeongbokgung , also known as the Northern Palace . Later , we ’ ll visit the National Museum of Korea to witness centuries of Korean art . This evening , enjoy a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant .
Meals : B , L , D | Pacific Hotel or similar
DAY 4 • Seoul • Grand Circle Foundation visit : The Baby Box Center • Home-Hosted Lunch
Visit the Baby Box Center — supported in part by Grand Circle Foundation . During our visit , we ’ ll learn about the “ baby box ” program , where mothers can safely leave their children with no questions asked . Then , visit a local family for a Home- Hosted Lunch in Seoul .
Meals : B , L | Pacific Hotel or similar
DAY 5 • Seoul • A Day in the Life of Oeam Folk village
Today , experience our A Day in the Life experience of Oeam Folk village , where we ’ ll visit ancient family homes and help locals prepare a traditional lunch . After returning to Seoul , enjoy dinner at a local restaurant .
Meals : B , L , D | Pacific Hotel or similar
DAY 6 • Seoul • Visit the DMZ • Controversial Topic : Life in North Korea and the second-class status of defectors
Drive into the Demilitarized Zone ( or “ DMZ ”) between North and South Korea , and visit an exhibition hall detailing the Korean War . Then , meet a North Korean defector who will discuss the Controversial Topic of what life was like in one of the world ’ s most isolated and repressive regimes , and the challenges they faced when they escaped .
Meals : B , L | Pacific Hotel or similar
DAY 7 • Seoul • Fly to Haneda , Japan • Transfer to Tokyo
Fly to Haneda , Japan . Then transfer to Tokyo , and enjoy time on your own to get acquainted with the city .
Meals : B | Lotte City Hotel Kinshicho or similar
DAY 8 • Meet a former sumo wrestler • Learn from a Bonsai master
Today , we ’ ll meet with a former sumo wrestler and learn about this unique sport . Then , we set off for a local Bonsai garden , where a Bonsai master will talk to us about about this Japanese cultivation technique .
Meals : B , L , D | Lotte City Hotel Kinshicho or similar
DAY 9 • Tokyo • Taiko drumming experience • Explore Asakusa
Visit a taiko ( traditional Japanese drums ) studio , and learn about these instruments with a drum master . Then , explore the Asakusa area , and stroll down streets lined with shops , as well as visit the oldest temple in Tokyo .
Meals : B , L | Lotte City Hotel Kinshicho or similar
ADVENTURE HIGHLIGHT
On Day 5 , experience A Day in the Life of the UNESCO-listed Oeam folk village , a historic community in rural South Korea .
Information & Reservations 1-800-955-1925 www . oattravel . com / jko 79