Explore one of Asia’s most vibrant cities
Welcome to a trip planned by Arrival! We are interested in taking you on the most unique trip on the market today. Your vacation time is precious, so why compromise on a vacation that doesn’t meet all of your requirements? Our trip to Seoul is a delicious balance of organized day trips and outings, free time, and exploring one of the most vibrant cosmopolitan centers in Asia. This pre-planned trip lets you take advantage of all of Arrival’s knowledge and experience of the best Seoul has to offer. Every item on our itinerary has been visited and approved by one of Arival’s own agents for quality and enjoyment. We think people want a balance on their vacations—people want to see the major, can’t-miss sights, but also experience something unique that makes their trip special. Also, don’t forget some precious time to kick back and relax, whether it’s in the home where you’re staying or wandering around.
let’s go
One important tool on your trip is the Arrival app. It houses all your important information--flight times and boarding passes, your itinerary times and where to go, and a GPS that helps you find your way around. Most importantly, you have live support any time you need it, so the fear of exploring a foreign country is mitigated as much as possible.
Culture ....................................... 5 What is life like in Seoul? And why is everyone in such a hurry all the time... Lodging ...................................... 7 Where will you be staying? We think where you stay can be just as crucial as your plans to make the trip perfect! Food & Drink.............................. 9 One of our favorites--what can you eat and drink here? Itinerary ..................................... 11 We have a few special events planned for you...but lots of free time too! When to Go ................................ 13 Learn when the perfect time is to see Seoul at its best.
The Korean peninsula is unique because of its position in Asia; Korea has been colonized throughout its history by both the Chinese and Japanese, making Koreans staunchly proud of their heritage. Festivals around the country dot the calendar to celebrate different events, from ice fishing to the strawber ry harvest. You can connect with these traditions both in the capital, Seoul, and by visiting more rural areas. Seoul itself is incredibly urban and fast-paced, with a nightlife that never seems to end.
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Things to Do
In Seoul there are many activities to enjoy. Noraebang, or private room karaoke, is very popular, and can be found all over the city. Cat cafes have become more common, as well as cafes featuring more exotic animals, such as meerkats. The city’s cultural offerings are extensive as well. Seoul Grand Park has a combination of activities for the whole family, including a zoo, an aquarium, and a modern art museum.
Outside the city, Korea has many mountains and also a robust hiking culture. Cheap, comfortable buses or trains will take you all over the country in a matter of hours, making exploring the country easy and accessible. Busan is know for its beach scene, including surfing. The East Sea also has beautiful beaches, as well as great skiing and
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In Seoul, you will stay in a traditional hanok in the Bukcheon hanok village. Known for its beautiful, winding streets lined with traditional Korean houses, this neighborhood is in central Seoul and has easy access to the downtown areas in Insadong and Samcheongdong. Here you can find traditional Korean souvenirs and food, as well as trendy coffee shops and restaurants. The Bukchon hanok village has grown in popularity over the past several years as popular TV series and movies have been filmed there, so you’ll see tourists wandering around during the day, and signs posted requesting quiet to respect the local residents.
home away from home
Your oasis is a two-bedroom home in the traditional Korean style, but with updated features like a modernized bathroom and state-of-the-art kitchen. The kitchen comes stocked with pots and pans and dishes so you can stay in and cook, or make tea or coffee in the morning. There’s a beautiful courtyard in the middle of the house with a table, chairs, and hammock, filled with plants to create your own peaceful escape in the bustling city.
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Drinking Culture
Drinking in Korea is huge, driven in part by the workplace custom of drinking together after work. Korean beer is uniquitous, as is the cheapest option of soju, which is sort of like a rice vodka. You can find small bottles of soju in any convenience store, or enjoy with a festive meal of Korean barbecue. You’ll find the most unique flavor in makgeolli, or a fermented rice drink that looks like milk.
Coffee Culture
Just like alcohol, Koreans love their coffee shops. You’ll see many familiar chains like Starbucks, but also many chains unique to Korea, such as Angel-in-us, Caffe Bene, A Twosome Place, and more. Standalone coffee shops are often beautifully decorated and are a wonderful way to take a break and step out of the hustle of the streets. Combination bakeries and coffee shops are also common, and reveal Koreans’ love for French baked goods with delicate tarts, pastries, and bread.
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Korean Barbecue
Probably one of the more popular Korean dishes outside the country, at a Korean barbecue you can expect to be the grillmaster at your own tabletop grill. A waiter will come by and bring you pre-cut pieces of meat, but they will let you put them on the grill and cook them yourself unless you ask otherwise. You’ll also get a wide variety of pancheon, or side dishes, including kimchi and other vegetables, and rice. Some types of barbecue come with sesame leaves that you use to make small wrap. One of the most popular types is called samgyupsal, or grilled pork belly.
Street Food
Don’t forget to taste any of the amazing street food options you’ll find at street vendors all over the city. Tteokkbokki is a spicy dish of rice cakes in a red sauce that you can find with a variety of vegetables, fish cakes, or boiled eggs. Street stands have meat on a stick, gyros, and a wide variety of fried vege-
Day 1: Arrival
Take it slow today. Hang out around the hanok, eat some good food, and explore this new country.
9:30 AM Arrive in Seoul.
12:30 PM Lunch
2 PM Explore Insadong
4 PM Afternoon Tea
7 PM Dinner
Day 2: Hahoe Folk Village
Today we experience traditional Korean culture with the Hahoe Folk Village’s Joseon period-style architecture and folk traditions.
9:30 AM
5 PM
7 PM
Leave for Hahoe
Folk Village Return to Seoul Dinner
Day 3: Temple Visit
We visit a Buddhist temple in the mountains and participate in a Buddhist ceremony.
9:30 AM Leave for Temple
5 PM Return to Seoul
7 PM Dinner
Day 4: Seoul
See all that Seoul has to offer.
9:30 AM Gyeonggbokgong Palace
5 PM Gwangjang Market
7 PM National Museum of Korea
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On a trip with Arrival, we want the perfect combination of unique experiences and room for spontaneity. We haven’t planned out every second so you have downtime, or you can fill your free time with whatever you like--this booklet and our app have plenty of suggestions! Most importantly, we want this trip to work for you--so if there’s an item on our itinerary that you’re not digging, we can change it! Your itinerary will be on our app during your trip, with live support from us to fine-tune your plans at any time. Also, we encourage going off the beaten path--once you’re in Seoul, your time is your own! Follow our plans or not, it’s time for your perfect vacation.
Korea has very distinct seasons, so you can choose when to go based on what experience you’d like. Winter is cold, and there you can expect snow and enjoy lots of winter sports outside Seoul, from snowboarding to ice fishing. Korea’s spring is famous for its cherry blossoms, which dot the city. The summer is hot and humid, but the fall features beeautiful foliage for the great hiking throughout the country.
