> Tour Programme > Optional Tours
Several tour programs will offer participants a great opportunity to feel the beauty and wonder of Korea. Although dramatic modernity swirls all around Seoul, timeless patches of ancient architecture and cultural vestiges are well kept and preserved.
Notice
1. All tours include entry fees and the services of an English-speaking guide.
2. Each tour program can operate only if the minimum number of required persons is reached.
3. If the minimum number is not reached, tour may be cancelled, substituted by another tour program with notice to participants, or provided at an altered rate with the consent from all participants.
4. OP-01 Jeju Island' rate does not include the round trip ticket between Gimpo International Airport and Jeju International Airport. If you have further inquires, please contact the Registration & Housing Office (safety_htl@intercom.co.kr).
5. Any change or cancellation, please contact the Registration & Housing Office (safety_htl@intercom.co.kr) before May 31, 2008.
 
Daily Tours
OD-01 Full Day Seoul City Tour
Hours & Date : 09:00 - 16:00, Sunday, June 29, 2008
Tour Fee : KRW 70,000 (US$ 78)
Itinerary : Gyeongbokgung Palace & The National Folk Museum of Korea - Jogyesa Temple - Insadong streets- Namdaemun Market
Gyeongbokgung Palace was built in the late 14th century by the founder of the Joseon Dynasty. The majestic edifice, "Geunjeongjeon" and the spacious 2-story pavilion, "Gyeonghe-oru" and "Hyangwonjeong," a secluded pavilion "Gyeongheoru" are nestled in the middle of lotus pond "Hyangwonjeong".
The National Folk Museum of Korea is also situated in the palace compound. It displays the religious rituals, dwelling customs, household tools, food, traditional costumes and the social dynamics of traditional Korean life.
Jogyesa Temple is the center of Zen Buddhism in Korea and is famous for being located in the city. Along the street around Jogyesa Temple, there are many specialty shops selling Buddhism- related stuff such as prayer beads, Buddhist writings and incense as well as so-uvenirs including dolls and key holders.
Insadong streets are lined with curio shops, antique furniture and handicrafts shops, calli-graphy brush and mask shops, galleries, traditional Korean restaurants, tearooms, and many more intriguing places. Insadong full of local and foreign visitors all year around is the best renowned for Korean antiques and fine art and is also an excellent place to get a glimpse of the old and new aspects of Korea.
Namdaemun Market is such a good place to compare the lowest prices for all sorts of goods, while being a barometer of Seoul's economic situation. It is also a world-famous shopping paradise and a visitor attraction.
OD-02 Demilitarized Zone Tour
Hours & Date : 08:00 - 15:30, Sunday, June 29, 2008
Tour Fee : KRW 71,000 (US$ 79)
Itinerary : Imjingak Park - Freedom Bridge - Dora Observatory - The 3rd tunnel
Demilitarized Zone is now the only cold war area in the world after the collapse of the Berlin wall. Ongoing peace negotiations are still held at the truce village periodically.
At Imjingak Park, there is a joint memorial service to comfort the 10 million South Koreans separated from their families in North Korea on every Lunar New Years Day. From the Imjin-Gak Observatory, one can get a view of North Korea. The exhibition hall displays actual jet aircraft and tanks from the Korean War.
Freedom Bridge is the only bridge crossing the Imjin River, which connects South and North Korea. History says that about 13,000 war captives have crossed the bridge crying hurray for freedom, and today, we remember it as the "Bridge of Freedom".
Dora Observatory is the nearest point to North Korea from South Korea. You can view a part of North Korean life from this observation platform.
The 3rd Tunnel was discovered in October 1978. Almost identical in structure to Tunnel II, the 1.635 kilometer-long tunnel, 1.95 meters high and 2.1 meters wide, penetrates 435 meters south of the Military Demarcation Line at a point only 4 kilometers south of the Truce Village of Panmunjom. It runs through bedrock at a depth of about 73 meters below ground.
OD-03 Korean Folk Village Tour
Hours & Date : 14:00 - 18:00, Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Tour Fee : KRW 58,000 (US$ 64)
Itinerary : Korean Folk Village
Korean Folk Village offers a unique glimpse into Korea's past. Here in a reconstructed farmhouse, residences of the nobility and other buildings of several centuries ago, a flourishing community of potters, millers, blacksmiths, pipe-makers and other craftsmen continue to work as Korean ancestors did.
OD-04 Icheon Ceramics Village
Hours & Date : 09:00 - 17:00, Tuesday July 1, 2008
Tour Fee : KRW 95,000 (US$ 106)
Itinerary : Icheon Ceramics Village (Self-making Pottery Course) - Haegang Ceramics Museum
Icheon Ceramics Village produces traditional Korean ceramics, which are of high quality. The village became the center of traditional pottery during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) for about 500 years due to the easily obtainable materials in the areas. Icheon Ceramics Village was also the center of Joseon Baekja ceramics. Presently, about 80 pottery factories are congregated at the village, and about 300 pottery kilns are in use.
Haegang Ceramics Museum where is devoted entirely to the ceramic arts. You can visit showrooms to watch master potters at work and purchase handicrafts as well. Haegang Ceramics Museum was first opened in 1990. On the first floor, there is a Ceramic Culture Room which helps visitors understand the history of ceramic art in Korea. Historical documents and visual aids demonstrate the various processes used to create the various types of porcelain.
OD-05 UNESCO World Heritage
Hours & Date : 09:00 - 16:00, Sunday, June 29, 2008
Tour Fee : KRW 80,000 (US$ 89)
Itinerary : Suwon Hwasung Fortress - Insadong Antique Shop Alley - Changdeokgung Palace
Suwon Hwasung Fortress designated and managed as Historical Site No.3 was initiated in January 1794 and completed in September 1796 during the reign of the 22nd King Jeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty. There were originally 48 facilities along the perimeter. Seven facilities have been proposed as a World Cultural Heritage. It underwent on-site inspection by UNESCO in April 1997. It was registered by the UNESCO Assembly held in December of 1997.
Changdeokgung Palace is surrounded by trees and abuts a wooded hillside on the northern fringe of Seoul. By almost everyone's estimation, Changdeok is the most beautiful and best preserved among Seoul's half dozen palaces. Indeed, the historical significance of the palace and the adjacent "Secret Garden" were underestimated until designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
OD-06 Nami Island
Hours & Date : 09:00 - 18:00, Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Tour Fee : KRW 90,000 (US$ 100)
Itinerary : Nami Island -Chuncheon
Covered with more than 300 species of trees, the island had long been frequented by those who appreciate its serene and idyllic setting, but when the drama "Winter Sonata" became a mega-hit in Japan, Japanese tourists flocked there to walk amid the same scenes as the drama's stars Bae Yong-joon and Choi Ji-woo. Although the drama's fame has subsided, Nami Island is still a popular spot. The island is not as big as one might expect, but cozy and versatile.
OD-07 Seoul Night Tour
Hours & Date : 19:00 - 22:30, Monday, June 30, 2008
Tour Fee : KRW 90,000 (US$ 100)
Itinerary : The Han River Cruise (63 Sea aquarium at Rainy Day) - N Seoul Tower
The Han River, a symbol of Seoul runs through Seoul from east to west with an average width of 175 m.
N Seoul Tower rises 237m above the summit of Mt. Namsan in the heart of Seoul. You can take a look at the entire Seoul city here. It is equipped with observation windows and a revolving restaurant with a full circle view and offers a romantic night scene of Seoul.
OD-08 Seoul Night Market Shopping
Hours & Date : 19:00 - 22:00, Monday, June 30, 2008
Tour Fee : KRW 60,000 (US$ 67)
Itinerary : Yongsan Electronics Market - Dongdaemun Market
Yongsan Electronics Market This huge wholesale electronics complex specializes in electronic components, computers, and all other types of electronic goods. Around 3,000 stores can be found in the numerous shopping buildings such as Jeonja Land, Najin Sangga Shoppers will find anything they need at prices 15 to 30% cheaper than retail.
Dongdaemun Market Ever since its opening in 1905, Dongdaemun market has been one of the major markets in Korea. Specializing in wholesale clothing, the market has grown large, having more than 20 shopping malls. A full range of fashion items that cover from head to toe, are found in Dongdaemun market at inexpensive prices.
OD-09 Sheraton Walkerhill Night Show
Hours & Date : 18:30 - 22:00, Monday, June 30, 2008
Tour Fee : S seat: KRW 125,000 (US$ 139) / A seat: KRW 110,000 (US$ 122 )
Itinerary : Walkerhill Show & Dinner

Gayageum Theater Restaurant in Sheraton Grande Walkerhill Hotel is a good place to spend a relaxing and entertaining evening. It offers both Korean folk music and dancing and exciting magic performances with western-styled dinner. You may enjoy betting at Casino Paradise in Sheraton Walkerhill Hotel.
OD-10 Daejanggeum Theme Park
Hours & Date : 14:00 - 18:00, Monday, June 30, 2008
Tour Fee : KRW 55,000 (US$ 61)
Itinerary : MBC Yangjoo Culture Valley (Daejanggeum Theme Park)

Daejanggeum Theme Park is the first drama theme park to open in Korea. This attraction is located within the MBC Yangjoo Culture Valley, the main filming location of Daejanggeum. Filled with adventures, events and fun programs you can get an inside look at the sets or be immersed in the reproduced drama scenes. Explore the drama props, royal dishes and costumes created for the scenes.