Hafen
Incheon (Seoul)

Experience the highlights and cuisine of Seoul during this orientation tour of the city, and a traditional Korean lunch.

Depart the pier for the scenic, seventy minute drive to Seoul. Upon arrival, you will visit the Gyeongbok Palace to observe the changing of the Royal Guard (weather permitting), then proceed to the Palace of Shining Happiness, the most representative remaining structure from the Joseon Dynasty. From here, your tour continues on with an opportunity to explore life during past centuries at the National Folk Museum.

Enjoy a traditional Korean lunch at one of Seoul's finest restaurants before making your way to Insadong, in the heart of Seoul's antique and art district.

Insadong represents Korean culture and a memorable attraction for those who visit Seoul. Here, you can find dozens of galleries and shops selling antiques and traditional crafts, as well as numerous tea and coffee shops.

En route to the port, you’ll stop for photos at the Cheongyecheon Stream - the new symbol of Seoul.

A city of dramatic contrasts, Seoul combines ancient Oriental tradition with modern technology. Peeking out from mega-modern high-rises and scattered among the 12-lane highways are traces of its 5,000-year legacy: temples, palaces, city gates and pleasure gardens. Explore this vital and cosmopolitan city, and discover its centuries-old history.

Visit Deoksu Palace located at the corner of the busiest intersection of downtown Seoul, Deoksugung Palace is famous for its elegant stone-wall road. It is the only one that has western buildings beside it, and it adds to the uniqueness of the scenery.

Pass the Presidential Offices, known as the Blue House, and visit the impressive National Museum of Korea, with over 4,500 exhibits detailing Korea's historic and cultural heritage. The national Museum of Korea is the world's 6th largest museum and the premier institution of Korean National Culture exhibits.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and explore Insadong, in the heart of Seoul's antique and art district. Insadong represents Korean culture and a memorable attraction for those who visit Seoul. Here, you can find dozens of galleries and shops selling antiques and traditional crafts, as well as numerous tea and coffee shops.

Your final stop before heading back to the port is at the vibrant Namdaemun Market, one of the largest traditional markets in Seoul.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy an insider’s look at what is considered to be the grandest royal palace in Seoul and for contrast browse a museum that celebrates traditional Korean life. Built in 1395 during the Joseon Dynasty, the Gyeongbokgung Palace complex once contained more 300 buildings. Although Japanese colonialists set fire to the original, the 19th-century reconstruction that stands today is historically accurate and as you will discover absolutely magnificent. Within the complex, you will find the National Folk Museum, a collection of historical artifacts that will reveal much about everyday life from prehistoric times to the end of the Joseon Dynasty in the early 20th century. Other exhibits feature agricultural items such as tools and irrigation systems, while another area shows how Confucianism has affected Korea’s cultural beliefs. Lunch follows at a traditional restaurant after which you will transfer to the Incheon International Airport in plenty of time to catch your flight.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Tour Gyeongbokgung Palace, which dates to the 14th-century Joseon Dynasty.
• Gain an understanding of Korean life through the centuries at the National Folk Museum.
• Enjoy traditional beef bulgogi for lunch or a vegetarian meal if you prefer.
• Transfer to the Incheon International Airport for your flight at the end of the excursion.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Enjoy this introduction to Incheon, a major seaport and the location where U.N. troops landed in 1950, outflanking the invading North Korean troops.

Visit the Incheon Landing Memorial Hall, built in honor of the successful landing operation led by U.N. Commander in Chief, General Douglas MacArthur. The museum contains military armaments used by the South and North Korean military, as well as photos showing what life was like in Korea at that time.

You will also enjoy stops at the Yeonan Pier Fish Market, one of Korea's largest fresh fish markets where you can see all types of seafood, including blue crabs and mussels and Jayu Park (Freedom Park), the first Western-style park in Korea. The park contains numerous sculptures and monuments, including the famous General MacArthur statue, his right hand grasping a pair of binoculars and gazing confidently out to sea.

A final stop is made at the Sinpo conventional market, which offers a wide variety of goods for purchase. You’ll have some free time to explore the market before the return to the pier.

Visit delightful Seoul, taking in landmarks such as the memorable Deoksugung Palace and National Museum. Then enjoy shopping in the eclectic Insadong shopping area.

A scenic seventy-minute drive takes you to Seoul, where you will find a diverse blend of modern skyscrapers and superhighways combined with majestic ancient palaces, temples, city gates and gardens.

Visit Deoksugung Palace, the smallest palace in South Korea, and noted for its elegant stone-walled road. Located at the corner of the busiest intersection in downtown Seoul, it is also the only South Korean palace standing alongside Western-styled buildings, which adds to the uniqueness of the scenery.

Make your way to the impressive National Museum of Korea. There are more than 4,500 exhibits housed here that detail Korea's historic and cultural heritage. It is the world's 6th largest museum, and a premiere venue for the nation's cultural exhibits.

You’ll also stop at Insadong, one of Seoul's premiere shopping districts and a virtual living museum. Insadong's narrow streets are lined with antique stores, art galleries, second-hand bookstores, calligraphy shops and quaint teahouses. Enjoy some free time here to browse through the many shops, grab a bite to eat or simply people watch.

This self-guided tour is ideal for guests who have visited Seoul before, or feel independent enough to explore it without the assistance of a local guide.

Depart the pier for the seventy minute drive to Seoul. En route, your escort will provide you with a map and an orientation of the area. Upon arrival at the scheduled drop-off point at Deoksugung Palace, you’ll have over 3-hours for independent exploration of the city.

You will return to the pre-designated pick-up point at Deoksugung Palace, where your coach will be waiting to transfer you back to the pier in Inchon. Your escort will provide the meeting time; please be punctual.

Depart from Incheon Port for approximately 75-minute drive to Seoul, the capital city.  

Gyeongbokgung Palace & Folklore Museum

Start your day by visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace which was built in 1395, and  is also commonly referred to as the Northern Palace because its location is furthest north when compared to the neighboring palaces of Changdeokgung (Eastern Palace) and Gyeonghuigung (Western Palace) Palace. Gyeongbokgung Palace is arguably the most beautiful, and remains the largest of all five palaces. The premises were once destroyed by fire during the Imjin War (Japanese Invasions, 1592-1598). However, all of the palace buildings were later restored under the leadership of Heungseondaewongun during the reign of King Gojong (1852-1919). Remarkably, the most representative edifices of the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeonghoeru Pavilion and Hyangwonjeong Pond have remained relatively intact.

Then visit the folklore museum which is ocated inside Gyeongbokgung Palace. The museum presents historical artifacts that were used in the daily lives of Korean people in the past. Through the displays, visitors can learn about the domestic and agricultural lifestyles, as well as Korea's cultural beliefs.

Bukchon Hanok Village & Korean Style Lunch

Go on and visit Bukchon Hanok Village which is home to hundreds of traditional houses, called hanok, that date back to the Joseon Dynasty. The name Bukchon, which literally translates to "northern village," came about as the neighborhood lies north of two significant Seoul landmarks, Cheonggyecheon Stream and Jongno. Today, many of these hanoks operate as cultural centers, guesthouses, restaurants and tea houses, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience, learn and immerse themselves in traditional Korean culture. As Bukchon Hanok Village is an actual neighborhood with people's homes, visitors are advised to be respectful at all times while looking around. Top off your visit at the village with a delicious Korean Style lunch at a local restaurant.

Insadong Street

End the tour with the visit of Insadong, located in the heart of the city, is an important place where old but precious and traditional goods are on display. There is one main road in Insa-dong with alleys on each side. Within these alleys are galleries and traditional restaurants, teahouses, and cafes. The galleries are the heartbeat of Insa-dong. There are about 100 galleries in the area and you can see every example of traditional Korean fine art from paintings to sculptures. The most famous galleries are Hakgojae Gallery, which functions as the center of folk art, Gana Art Gallery, which promotes many promising artists, and Gana Art Center.

The teahouses and restaurants are the perfect complement to the galleries. At first they might be hard to find, but if you take the time to stroll around the twisting alleyways, the window shopping in itself can be very entertaining. The shops in Insa-dong are very popular among all age groups, because each one is unique. Your tour concludes with approximately 75-minute drive back to the port of Incheon.

Depart from Incheon Port for approximately 90-minute drive to Ganghwa Island.

Ganghwa Peace Observatory

Start your tour by visiting Ganghwa Peace Observatory after approx. 90-mins. ride from the ship. Ganghwa Peace Observatory is located at the northern tip of Ganghwa Island. At the Observatory, take a peek at the life of North Korean residents in the disguised village for propagation.  

Next, enjoy a classic Korean dish called Bulgogi. Bulgogi is Korean-style barbecued meat, which is cut into thin slices and marinated in a savory sauce.

Yongheunggung Palace

After lunch, continue to Yongheunggung Palace which was built in 1800s according to the tradition of dwelling houses. King Cheoljong (r. 1849-1863) used to live before his ascension to throne. The chief of Ganghwa County, Jeong Gi-se, enlarged the original residence and named it Yongheunggung (meaning palace of the rising dragon) in the 4th year of King Cheoljong's reign. Its architectural features include a paljak (Korean traditional half-hipped roof) and supporting columns rendered in Jusimpo style, the column brackets placed only on top of the columns.

Ganghwa Anglican Church

Then, take a look at Ganghwa Anglican Church, Joseon's first Hanok-style Catholic Church. The Anglican church was first introduced to Ganghwado in 1890 and English Father Wangrando commenced preaching of the gospel right after he procured a house of residential church in Gapgotni in 1893.

The Church building is a true masterpiece created based on the deep understanding of Korean culture; careful planning and design; and the master carpenter's expertise and skills. The Anglican Church boasts harmony between Korean and western cultures.

Joyangbanggik Gallery & Café and Pungmul Market:

Next, relax with a cup of tea or coffee at Joyangbanggik Gallery & Café. Before the building was renovated into a trendy cafe, it used to be a textile manufacturing factory that was well known in Ganghwa until it was closed in 1990. End the tour at Ganghwa Pungmul Market where local specialties can be found at the traditional market. The Folk Flea Market was built in 2007, being converted from Ganghwa Folk Market as part of the County's project of creating numerous tourist attractions. Nearby the market is a Ginseng Center for those interested in traditional medicine. The tour ends with an approx. hour ride back to the ship.

Depart from Incheon Port for approximately 90-minute drive to Seoul, the capital city.  

Changdeok Palace

Start your day by visiting Changdeok Palace, which was the second royal villa built following the construction of Gyeongbukgung Palace in 1405. It was the principal palace for many kings of the Joseon dynasty, and is the most well-preserved of the five remaining royal Joseon palaces. The palace grounds are comprised of a public palace area, a royal family residence building, and the rear garden. Known as a place of rest for the kings, the rear garden boasts a gigantic tree that is over 300 years old, a small pond and a pavilion. The palace gained importance starting from the time of Seongjong, the 9th king of Joseon, when a number of kings began using it as a place of residence. Unfortunately, the palace was burned down by angry citizens in 1592 when the royal family fled their abode during the Japanese invasion of Korea. Thanks to Gwanghaegun, the palace was restored in 1611. Even today, it houses a number of cultural treasures, such as Injeongjeon Hall, Daejojeon Hall, Seonjeongjeon Hall, and Nakseonjae. Though it has been treasured by Koreans for centuries, Changdeokgung Palace was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site by the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Committee in December of 1997 during the committee meeting in Naples, Italy.

Cooking Experience & Lunch

Then steep yourself in the Korean culture with a cooking experience of the most culinary specialties of South Korea, Bulgogi - Korean marinated beef. It is said, you must first experience its food to have a better understanding of the country's culture. If you want to learn more about Korea's traditional foods, there is no better method than to try your hand at making the food yourself. You will also get the chance to eat what you've made and have a taste of South Korean traditional food.

Insadong Street & Gwnagjang Market

After your lunch wander in the streets of Insadong, located in the heart of the city, is an important place where old but precious and traditional goods are on display. There is one main road in Insa-dong with alleys on each side. Within these alleys are galleries and traditional restaurants, teahouses, and cafes.

The galleries are the heartbeat of Insa-dong. There are about 100 galleries in the area and you can see every example of traditional Korean fine art from paintings to sculptures. The most famous galleries are Hakgojae Gallery, which functions as the center of folk art, Gana Art Gallery, which promotes many promising artists, and Gana Art Center. The teahouses and restaurants are the perfect complement to the galleries. At first they might be hard to find, but if you take the time to stroll around the twisting alleyways, the window shopping in itself can be very entertaining. The shops in Insa-dong are very popular among all age groups, because each one is unique.

Transfer to Gwnagjang Market and try to taste Korean street food some may not familiar, but it will be a great opportunity to taste awesome Korean street food.   

Gwangjang Market is one of Korea's largest traditional markets and is renowned for its quality silk goods, linen bedding and hand-made goods. The origin of the market can be traced back to the establishment of the Gwangjang Corporation in 1905 which was created with the purpose of reclaiming Korean sovereignty during the period of Japanese occupation. At that time, traditional Korean markets were only temporary marketplaces that were periodically held every few days. Gwangjang Market was the first permanently established market that was open everyday. Your tour concludes with approximately 90-minute drive back to the port of Incheon.

Experience the local lifestyle, landmarks and culture of Incheon during a scenic, half-day sightseeing excursion to this historic city and its environs.

Landing Memorial Hall

Depart the pier for the brief transfer to Incheon's Landing Memorial Hall, built to commemorate the centennial anniversary of the opening of Incheon Port in 1984.The museum's theme centres on the successful Incheon Landing Operation led by General Douglas MacArthur in 1950. Inside, see some of the military equipment used by the North and South Korean military during the war, and photos depicting daily life at the time. Outside, there is a 59-foot-long (18- metre-long) Memorial Tower and the national flags of 16 countries that participated in the Korean War.

Wolmido Traditional Garden

One of the most popular tourist spots near metropolitan Seoul, Wolmido is home to a 1,000-yard (one-kilometre) Wolmido Street of Culture. After Wolmido Island was zoned for development as a tourist attraction in 1918, seawater baths, beaches, entertainment centres, botanical gardens, and other facilities were built to attract visitors from all over during the summer months. A visit is made to the beautiful Wolmido Traditional Garden, which depicts the history of Wolmido Island.

Sinpo Market

Your tour concludes with a visit to the Sinop Market, a traditional market selling food, handicrafts, shoes, clothing, fruit, vegetables, consumer products, and a wide array of other goods. Some time is made available to browse the shops before commencing the brief drive back to the pier.

National Museum of World Writing Systems

Your tour begins from the National Museum of World Writing Systems, the third of its kind in the world, newely opened in Incheon in 2023. The museum is the nation's first and world's third of its kind in the world, following the Champollion Museum in France and National Museum of Chinese Writing in China. You will see various artifacts and digital images of 55 sorts of different scripts ranging from cuneiform, the earliest known script of humanity, to Egyptian hieroglyphs, Chinese characters and Korea's Hangeul, known for being one of the most well-designed scripts.

Songdo Central Park & Water Taxi: 

Next, go to Songdo Central Park to ride a water taxi for about 20 min. During the ride, you can enjoy the scenery of Central Park and the Songdo area surrounding the park. Songdo Central Park is a green paradise found among the crowded skyscrapers in the city. It was designed to reuse rainwater effectively and reduce the heat island effect as much as possible. It is also the first city in Korea to make a lakeside park using seawater.

G-Tower Observatory: 

Lastly, head to G-Tower, located at the northwest edge of the park. Songdo G-Tower is at the heart of Incheon Free Economic Zone and where UN and international organizations are located. This 150m-tall Songdo landmark has sensational 360º views from its IFEZ Observatory on the 33rd floor.

The tour ends with an approx. 20-min drive back to the ship.

Depart from Incheon Port for approximately 90-minute drive to Seoul, the capital city.  

Gwangjang Market

Start your evening tour by visiting Gwangjang Market which is one of Korea's largest traditional markets and is renowned for its quality silk goods, linen bedding and hand-made goods. These days, the vintage clothing arcade in the market has become a very popular attraction among young people and wholesalers searching for unique vintage fashion. Gwangjang Market has over 100 years of history. The origin of the market can be traced back to the establishment of the Gwangjang Corporation in 1905 which was created with the purpose of reclaiming Korean sovereignty during the period of Japanese occupation.

Stoll around for and look for various local goods to take home as souvenir.

Korean Table d'Hôte

Then proceed to your local restaurnt and enjoy a Korean table d'hôte called "Hanjeongsik". In Korean, is a Korean-style full-course meal characterized by the array of small banchan plates in varied colors.

Deoksu Palace

Top off your evening with a 45 minutes guided tour of Deoksu Palace with traditional Korean Lanterns. Deoksu Palace is the only palace that embraces Korean traditional and Western modern style architecture. Deoksu Palace is a walled compound of palaces in Seoul that was inhabited by members of Korea's royal family during the Joseon monarchy until the annexation of Korea by Japan in 1910. It is one of the Five Grand Palaces built by the kings of the Joseon Dynasty.

The tour ends with with approximately 90-minute drive back to the ship.

Experience the local landmarks and culture of Seoul during a memorable, full-day sightseeing excursion.

Changdeok Palace & Korean Lunch

Start your day by visiting Changdeok Palace after approximately 60-minute drive. The palace was the second royal villa built following the construction of Gyeongbukgung Palace in 1405. It was the principal palace for many kings of the Joseon dynasty, and is the most well-preserved of the five remaining royal Joseon palaces. The palace grounds are comprised of a public palace area, a royal family residence building, and the rear garden. Known as a place of rest for the kings, the rear garden boasts a gigantic tree that is over 300 years old, a small pond and a pavilion. The palace gained importance starting from the time of Seongjong, the 9th king of Joseon, when a number of kings began using it as a place of residence. Unfortunately, the palace was burned down by angry citizens in 1592 when the royal family fled their abode during the Japanese invasion of Korea. Thanks to Gwanghaegun, the palace was restored in 1611. Even today, it houses a number of cultural treasures, such as Injeongjeon Hall, Daejojeon Hall, Seonjeongjeon Hall, and Nakseonjae. Though it has been treasured by Koreans for centuries, Changdeokgung Palace was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site by the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Committee in December of 1997 during the committee meeting in Naples, Italy.

The Fortress Wall of Seoul and Korean Lunch

After enjoying a Korean meal for lunch, walk on the Fortress Wall of Seoul, or literally the Seoul City Wall for approx. 2 and a half hours.

The Fortress Wall of Seoul has been reconstructed and repaired several times since its initial construction in 1396. It served as a city wall to safeguard the capital for over 500 years throughout Joseon Dynasty. The wall preserves a succession of building techniques and structure developed by Korean people from ancient times. Mt. Naskan Trail runs through Naksan (124m), the lowest mountain of Seoul's four inner mountains.

The tour ends with approximately 60-minute driver back to the ship in Incheon port.

The tour offers you the opportunity to explore Seoul on your own! The guide will give you general information about Seoul while transferring to Seoul and answers to your questions. Home to sleek skyscrapers and shopping malls, as well as well-preserved royal palaces and Buddist temples you will find plenty to do in your free time.

The coach will drop you off at City Hall where nearby Deoksu Palace a walled compound of palaces in Seoul that was inhabited by members of Korea's Royal Family during the Joseon monarchy until the annexation of Korea by Japan in 1910. The buildings are of varying styles. With easy access to the subway where notable landmarks are usually a few stops from each other you will have six hours of free time to enjoy Seoul. Some of the highlights of the city are the National Museum with over 13,000 artefacts on display, including sculptures, weapons and paintings. Changdeokgung and the Secret Garden is another suggestion, a UNESCO World Heritage site which consists of a 15^th century palace and a stunning garden. The royal palace was the residence of the Joseon dynasty for 520 years until King Sunjong passed away in 1926. Alternately, there is the War Memorial of Korea. This museum explores Korea's long history with war. There is also an exhibition on the Korean War (1950-1953). Don't forget to try Korea's famous Chi-maek (Chicken & Beer) and various kinds of street foods at Gwangjang market.

After 6 hours of free time, reboard the coach at the drop-off point (City Hall) and return to the ship.

Explore Incheon at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

This tour does not visit Seoul. For guests wishing to visit Seoul a surcharge of USD 150 total will be applied.

Explore Incheon at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

This tour does not visit Seoul. Guests wishing to visit Seoul should book the full-day Silver Shore Privato INC-W option to which will be applied a surcharge of USD 150 total.

Explore Incheon at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

This tour does not visit Seoul. For guests wishing to visit Seoul a surcharge of USD 200 total will be applied.

Explore Incheon at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

This tour does not visit Seoul. Guests wishing to visit Seoul should book the full-day Silver Shore Privato INC-Y option to which will be applied a surcharge of USD 200 total.