Ancient and Modern in the Land of the Morning Calm
South Korea
November 6 – 18, 2025
Commonwealth Club Travel
Discover South Korea: where tranquil villages and vibrant cities coexist, where complex history illuminates modern life, and where autumn paints a stunning backdrop to your immersive journey through both ancient traditions and contemporary Korean culture.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Two in-depth lectures on Korean culture and Buddhism.
- At the Demilitarized Zone, explore the complex North-South relationship while glimpsing North Korean villages through high-powered telescopes.
- Experience autumn colors in Changdeok Palace’s Secret Garden, home to 56,000 plant species and centuries of royal history.
- Connect with locals and master Korean cuisine in hands-on cooking classes.
- Discover Jeju Island’s dramatic landscapes: volcanic lava formations and striking waterfalls
- Visit rural villages and meet the remarkable Haenyeo women free-divers and learn about their unique traditions.
- Savor diverse dining experiences ranging from vibrant street markets to Royal Cuisine; Jeju’s renowned seafood and seasonal specialties.
Make the most of your journey with a choice of one or two additional nights in Seoul.
- Itinerary Summary
- Seoul, 3 nights at Nine Tree Insadong
Train to Gyeongju, 2 nights at Lahan Select
Busan, 2 nights at Shilla Stay Haeundae Beach
Fly to Jeju Island, 3 nights at Maison Glad Jeju
Fly to Seoul, 1 night at Nine Tree Insadong - Optional Additions to This Trip
- OPTION 1: 1 Extra Night Seoul, November 6 – 7
$472 per person sharing a double room; $694 single rate
Fly a day early to Seoul, with time to relax and recover from the long flight and time zone change. Spend a morning strolling in the Garden of the Morning Calm.
NOV 6, SEOUL: Arrivals at Incheon International Airport (ICN). Meet & Greet and private transfer to the hotel in Seoul. (No meals included).
NOV 7, SEOUL: Experience the magnificent Garden of the Morning Calm, featuring dramatic mountain scenery and vibrant seasonal floral displays along peaceful walkways. Your day includes transportation outside Seoul with a privately guided tour, and lunch en route back to Seoul. The remainder of the afternoon in Seoul is at leisure, before the main trip begins with dinner. (This excursion is included; however, you may opt for a full day at leisure in Seoul if preferred.) Breakfast and Lunch included.
OPTION 2: Two Extra Nights Seoul, November 5 – 7
$579 per person sharing a double room; $825 single rate
Fly two days early to Seoul, with time to relax and recover from the long flight and time zone change. Enjoy a day at leisure to relax. Then, enjoy a stroll in the Garden of the Morning Calm.
NOV 5, SEOUL: Arrivals at Incheon International Airport (ICN). Meet & Greet and private transfer to the hotel in Seoul. (No meals included).
NOV 6, SEOUL: Day at leisure. Breakfast included.
NOV 7, SEOUL: Drive outside of Seoul to the magnificent Garden of the Morning Calm, to enjoy the dramatic scenery of the surrounding mountains, the vivid flower displays and walkways. Lunch en route back to Seoul. Free afternoon. Join the main tour group for dinner. Breakfast and Lunch included. - What to Expect
- MODERATE / ACTIVE JOURNEY
- Walk 3-6 miles per day, often on uneven terrain
- Korea is seventy percent mountains, therefore walking up and down hill during visits is unavoidable
- Many stairs at temples
- May need to take shoes off to enter various temples and sites
- Embarkation/disembarkation of one train and two airplanes with hand baggage - Per Person Double Price
- $6,992
- Single Price
- $8,223
- Deposit
- $900
- Final Payment Due Date
- July 29, 2025
- Inclusions
- - 11 nights’ accommodations
- 26 Meals: 11 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 7 dinners
- Private motorcoach transportation throughout the journey
- 1 high-speed train transfer
- 2 internal domestic flights Busan/Jeju/Seoul
- Luggage handling for one bag per person
- Enrichment by expert speakers to build foundational knowledge of the destination
- In-depth country exploration as described; heritage sites, history and local culture, including all entrance fees
- Gratuities for local guides, restaurant servers, airport and hotel porters, and all drivers
- Services of local Conservancy Travel Trip Leader - Exclusions
- International airfare and baggage fees; Passport and entry fees (if applicable), Excess baggage fees, activities other than those specified as included, items of a personal nature, beverages, laundry, communication fees, etc.; Meals not specified in the itinerary as included, Any other services not specified above; Travel Insurance; Early check-in / Late Check-out; Gratuity to Trip Leader
- Travel Insurance
- Please contact Commonwealth Club Travel for information
- Cancellation Schedule
- Cancellation is effective upon receipt of written notification.
• Deposit to 99 days prior to departure: $900
• 98-60 days: 50% of tour price
• 59-0 days: No refund - Terms and Conditions
- https://conservancytravel.org/terms-and-conditions/
Commonwealth Club Travel
Kristina Nemeth, Travel Director
Phone: (415) 597-6720
Fax: (415) 597-6729
travel@commonwealthclub.org
For Registration Assistance
contact@conservancytravel.org
Tel: 334-770-1700
Monday – Friday 9-5 (CST)