SOS South Korea Trip
July 15 - July 23, 2024
Monday, July 15, 2024 San Antonio to Seoul
Morning : Depart from San Antonio to Seoul.
Tuesday, July 16, 2024 Seoul
Morning : Arrival in Seoul. Welcome to South Korea! Your journey into the southern half of the Korean Peninsula. During the bus transfer to your hotel, you immerse yourself in the city with your first glimpses of Seoul.
Evening : Spend your first evening enjoying a meal from a local restaurant.
Wednesday, July 17, 2024 Seoul
Morning : Wake up to an exciting international breakfast buffet experience. Embark on a full day of cultural touring around Seoul, including visiting South Korea's Presidential residence, the Blue House. Observe the royal guard changing ceremony at Gyeongbokgung, the largest palace among the Five Grand Palaces built in Joseon Dynasty.
Afternoon : Visit the National Folklore Museum and learn about the daily life of local citizens in the past and present. Experience and immerse yourself in traditional Korean culture at Bukchon Hanok Village. Bukchon Hanok Village is home to hundreds of traditional houses, called hanbok, that date back to the Joseon Dynasty. Today, many of these Hanoks operate as cultural centers, guesthouses, restaurants, and tea houses.
Evening : Enjoy a Korean BBQ dinner.
Thursday, July 18, 2024 Seoul to Gwangju
Morning : Breakfast at the hotel. Pack a light hand carry to Gwangju and leave your luggage to be stored in Seoul during the duration of this excursion. Visit demilitarized zone (DMZ) and the Third Tunnel. The DMZ is a border barrier that divides the Korean Peninsula roughly in half. It served as a buffer zone between North and South Korea after the war in 1953. You will have a glimpse of North Korea from the observatory deck.
Afternoon : Transfer to the high-speed rail station to Gwangju, the sister city of San Antonio. Gwangju is the 6th largest city in South Korea.
Evening : Dinner then check in at the hotel.
Friday, July 19, 2024 Gwangju
Morning : International buffet breakfast at the hotel.
Full-day School exchange program with cultural learning and understanding of the education system in Gwangju.
Evening : Dinner at a local restaurant.
Saturday, July 20, 2024 Gwangju
Morning : International buffet breakfast at the hotel.
Cultural tour of Gwangju. Visit the city hall, an exhibit of the 518 Gwangju Incident, and Mugaksa Temple. Visit the largest 1913 Songjeongyeok Market.
Afternoon : Attend a service learning program with a local NGO.
Evening : Dinner at a local restaurant.
Sunday, July 21, 2024 Gwangju to Damyang to Gwangju
International buffet breakfast at the hotel. Today, depart Gwangju. Visit Damyang, located North of Jeollanamdo, its main attraction is its bamboo forest since it’s one of the most northern places the plant can grow in Korea. Tour Soswaewon Garden, walking along the Metasequoia Road. Of course, enjoy the famous Bamboo ice cream.
Monday, July 22, 2024 Gwangju to Seoul
Morning : Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Return to Seoul by train. Explore the Gangnam district, a high-end area of Seoul. Begin with Bongeunsa Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in Gangnam located at the city center. Visit the famous K Star Road, the best picture spot.
Afternoon : You can have lunch at COEX mall, another great photo spot at Byeolmaang Library. Visit the popular University district, Hongdae. Here you will find many cafes, and shopping all cater to young people.
Evening : Enjoy the popular Bamdokkaebi Night market where you will experience many local creative local cuisine. Followed by viewing the night view of the Rainbow Falls. You can find many creative foods and snacks at the market.
Tuesday, July 23, 2024 Seoul to San Antonio
Morning : Breakfast at the hotel. Depart from Seoul to San Antonio.