Tours

The FIP Tours Programme consists of half day tours, full day tours, and night tours.

Please check the FIP tour reservation page for more information or to book a tour.

The 77th FIP World Congress 2017 Half Day Tour Programs

T–1 Royal Relics Tour

Presidential Blue House

The symbol of Cheongwadae (known to westerners as the Blue House or the presidential residence), is the blue tiles. The first thing that catches your eye when you arrive at Cheongwadae is the blue tiles of the main building. The blue tiles and the smooth roof are in beautiful harmony with Mt. Bugaksan behind it. As the Blue House represents Korea, the blue tiles and the smooth curve of the roof represents the beauty of Korea.

Gyeongbok Palace

Gyeongbokgung, also known as Gyeongbokgung Palace or Gyeongbok Palace, is a royal palace located in northern Seoul, South Korea. First constructed in 1394 and reconstructed in 1867, it was the main and largest palace of the Five Grand Palaces built by the Joseon Dynasty. The name of the palace,Gyeongbokgung, translates in English as "Palace of Shining Happiness. "Nearly destroyed by the Japanese government in the early 20th century, the palace complex is slowly being restored to its original form prior the destruction. As of 2009, roughly 40 percent of the original number of palace buildings still stand or are being reconstructed.

Jogyesa

Jogyesa is the chief temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, becoming so in 1936. It thus plays a leading role in the current state of Seon Buddhism in South Korea. The temple was first established in 1395, at the dawn of the Joseon Dynasty; the modern temple was founded in 1910 and initially called "Hwanggaksa." The name was changed to "Taegosa" during the period of Japanese rule, and then to the present name in 1954. Jogyesa is located in Gyeonjidong, Jongno-gu, in central Seoul. Natural monument 9, an ancient white pine tree, is located within the temple grounds. Jogyesa came to the attention of the international news media in December 1998 due to several monks occupying the temple in a power struggle between factions of the Jogye Order. In the end, riot police were called in to take control of the temple and oust the protestors after they had occupied the building for more than 40 days.

Changdeok Palace

Changdeokgung, also known as Changdeokgung Palace or Changdeok Palace, is set within a large park in Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea. It is one of the "Five Grand Palaces" built by the kings of the Joseon Dynasty. Because of its location east of Gyeongbok Palace, Changdeokgung, is also referred to as the East Palace. The literal meaning of Changdeokgungis "Palace of Prospering Virtue". Changdeokgung was the most favored palace of many princes of the Joseon Dynasty and retained many elements dating from the Three Kingdoms of Korea period that were not incorporated in the more contemporary Gyeongbokgung.
One such element is the fact that the buildings of Changdeokgung blend with the topography of the site instead of imposing upon nature.

N Seoul Tower

Seoul Tower was remodelled in 2005 and it opened to the public again on the 9th of December 2005, with the name of N Seoul Tower (N stands for new). The new tower has a new lighting system that makes the tower spectacular at night; new facilities such as restaurants, shops, cafés; a lobby with a media zone where films and music videos are shown for free; two pavilions, one for exhibitions and the other for performances; two observatories, the new digital observatory with new state of the art digital telescopes and the classic analogue observatory; a new revolving western style restaurant called N Grill on the top floor.

Insadong

Insa-dong Street is one of the most memorable attractions in Seoul and represents the focal point of Korean traditional culture and crafts.
Stores in Insadong specialize in a wide variety of goods that can only be purchased or appreciated in Korea: hanbok (traditional clothing), hanji (traditional paper), traditional teas, pottery, and folk crafts.

T-3 Temple Life Experience

Bongeunsa Temple

Once known as Gyeonseongsa Temple, Bongeunsa Temple is located to the north of COEX building, and was constructed in the 10th year of Shilla King Weongseong’s reign (794). In 1498, Queen Jeonghyeon refurbished Gyeonseongsa Temple at the east of King Seongjong’s royal mausoleum and renamed the temple as Bongeunsa. Originally located near the royal maulsoleum (1km southwest), the temple was transferred to its current location during Joseon King Myeongjong’s reign. 3,479 Buddhist scriptures of 13 types, including the works of Kim Jeong-hee, are stored here.

Tea Ceremony

In the tradition of tea drinking, it is said that making and appreciating tea has the same taste as meditation practice. The expression ‘Tea and Seon have the same taste’ comes from this attitude. When you prepare tea, if you do not concentrate with the right mind, you do not get the proper color and fragrance of tea. The ancient Seon Master used to say that drinking tea with appreciation of the fragrance, color and taste, and pacifying your mind to allow your spirit to mature, by the pursuit of truth you will be led to enlightenment.

Making Lotus Flowers

The offering of a lantern has long been as cherished as that of incense. It takes a lot of dedication and sincerity to make a lantern, which is the equivalent of lighting a lantern for the Buddha. Therefore making lanterns is also regarded as planting the seeds of wisdom. Why not try making a lotus lantern for your family and those around you. As a bonus you also have a chance to appreciate the beauty of Korean traditional paper.

T–4 Korean Folk Village Tour

Korean Folk Village

Set in a natural environment occupying approximately 243 acres, visitors can experience the natural atmosphere with over 260 traditional houses reminiscent of the late Joseon Dynasty, including various household goods from different regions. All these features have been relocated and restored to provide visitors with a broad understanding of Korean food, clothing, and housing style of the past. About twenty workshops, various handicrafts such as pottery, baskets, winnows, bamboo wares, wooden wares, paper, brass wares, knots, fans, musical instruments, iron wares and embroidery are practiced. In the Korean Folk Village, where the customs and lifestyles of the past generations have been carefully preserved, various lifestyles prevalent during the Joseon Dynasty can be seen.

The 77th FIP World Congress 2017 Full Day Tour Programs

T–5 The way of living for ancient Korea tour

Jogyesa

Jogyesa is the chief temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, becoming so in 1936. It thus plays a leading role in the current state of Seon Buddhism in South Korea. The temple was first established in 1395, at the dawn of the Joseon Dynasty; the modern temple was founded in 1910 and initially called "Hwanggaksa." The name was changed to "Taegosa" during the period of Japanese rule, and then to the present name in 1954. Jogyesa is located in Gyeonjidong, Jongno-gu, in central Seoul. Natural monument 9, an ancient white pine tree, is located within the temple grounds. Jogyesa came to the attention of the international news media in December 1998 due to several monks occupying the temple in a power struggle between factions of the Jogye Order. In the end, riot police were called in to take control of the temple and oust the protestors after they had occupied the building for more than 40 days.

Presidential Blue House

The symbol of Cheongwadae (known to westerners as the Blue House or the presidential residence), is the blue tiles.
The first thing that catches your eye when you arrive at Cheongwadae is the blue tiles of the main building. The blue tiles and the smooth roof are in beautiful harmony with Mt. Bugaksan behind it.
As the Blue House represents Korea, the blue tiles and the smooth curve of the roof represents the beauty of Korea

Gyeongbok Palace

Gyeongbokgung, also known as Gyeongbokgung Palace or Gyeongbok Palace, is a royal palace located in northern Seoul, South Korea. First constructed in 1394 and reconstructed in 1867, it was the main and largest palace of the Five Grand Palaces built by the Joseon Dynasty. The name of the palace, Gyeongbokgung, translates in English as "Palace of Shining Happiness. "Nearly destroyed by the Japanese government in the early 20th century, the palace complex is slowly being restored to its original form prior the destruction. As of 2009, roughly 40 percent of the original number of palace buildings still stand or are being reconstructed.

National Folk Museum

Located inside Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Folk Museum of Korea presents over 4,000 historical artifacts that were used in the daily lives of ordinary Korean people.
Here you can fully immerse yourselves in previous domestic and agricultural lifestyles, and learn about Korea’s cultural beliefs.
The National Folk Museum of Korea has three permanent and two special exhibitions as well as a library, souvenir shop, and other subsidiary facilities.

Korean Folk Village

Set in a natural environment occupying approximately 243 acres, visitors can experience the natural atmosphere with over 260 traditional houses reminiscent of the late Joseon Dynasty, including various household goods from different regions. All these features have been relocated and restored to provide visitors with a broad understanding of Korean food, clothing, and housing style of the past. About twenty workshops, various handicrafts such as pottery, baskets, winnows, bamboo wares, wooden wares, paper, brass wares, knots, fans, musical instruments, iron wares and embroidery are practiced. In the Korean Folk Village, where the customs and lifestyles of the past generations have been carefully preserved, various lifestyles prevalent during the Joseon Dynasty can be seen.

T–6 DMZ tour

Imjingak

Imjingak located 7 km from the Military Demarcation Line, is now at the forefront of tourism related to the Korean Conflict. It was built in 1972 with the hope that someday unification would be possible. Threestoried Imjingak is surrounded by several Monuments, Unification Park and North Korea Center. 400 kinds of photos and documents showing the stark reality of North Korea are displayed in the North Korea Center of Unification Board. Outside Imjingak, there are 12 kinds of tanks and crafts on display that were used during the Korean Conflict. Mangbaedan, which stands opposite of Imjingak, is famous for the place where people from North Korea visit and perform ancestral rites by bowing toward their hometown every New Years Day and Chuseok. The Bridge of the Freedom, South Koreans crossed when they came back to their mother country from North Korea, stands behind Mangbaedan.

The 3rd Infiltration Tunnel

The 3rd tunnel was discovered on October 17, 1978.
It is located 52km from Seoul. Approximately 10,000 soldiers can move through this tunnel in 1 hour.
When this tunnel was discovered, North Koreans insisted steadfastly that it was made by South Koreans to invade North Korea, but this proved to be false.


 

Dora Observatory

You can view a part of North Korean life from this observation platform, the nearest point to North Korea from South Korea. This 304 sq. ft., 500 capacity observation platform was constructed following the closing of Mt. songak OP. It is located at Mt. Tora in Kunne-myun. Paju-si.

 

Night Tour Programs

T–7 Night Scene from Cruise

63Building

With 63 floors measuring a height of 264m, the 63 Building is Korea’s tallest and most recognized building. The 63 Building boasts spectacular views of the Hangang River and the surrounding mountains of Bugaksan Namsan and Gwanaksan. 63 Building has undergone considerable renovation and the basement floor boasts convenient facilities including 63 Sea World, 63 Sky Deck, 63 IMAX theater, Korea’s greatest buffet restaurant “Buffet Pavilion,” and a host of other restaurants.

Han river cruise

A boat cruise along the Han River is one of the best ways to view Seoul's river front areas.
Several boats ply the waters of the Han, making 1-way and round-trip tours.
in addition to the regularly scheduled tours, the boats can be chartered for special occassions and parties.

 

T–8 Night View & Shopping

N Seoul Tower

Seoul Tower was remodelled in 2005 and it opened to the public again on the 9th of December 2005, with the name of N Seoul Tower (N stands for new). The new tower has a new lighting system that makes the tower spectacular at night; new facilities such as restaurants, shops, cafés; a lobby with a media zone where films and music videos are shown for free; two pavilions, one for exhibitions and the other for performances; two observatories, the new digital observatory with new state of the art digital telescopes and the classic analogue observatory; a new revolving western style restaurant called N Grill on the top floor.

Dongdaemun market

Korea's largest wholesale and retail shopping district has 26 shopping malls, 30,000 specialty shops, and 50,000 manufacturers.

Within the ten blocks of the market area, you can find silks, clothes, shoes, sporting goods, plumbing and electrical supplies, electronics, office supplies, toys and just about everything else imaginable.
 
 

The 77th FIP World Congress 2017 Pre-Post Tour Programs

T-9 East Coast & National Beauty of Mt. Seorak – 1N2D

Seoraksan

Seoraksan is the highest mountain in the Taebaek mountain range in the Gangwon province in eastern South Korea. It is located in a national park near the city of Sokcho. After the Hallasan volcano on Jeju Island and Jirisan in the south, Seoraksan is the third highest mountain in South Korea. The Taebaek mountain chain is often considered the backbone of the Korean peninsula.The national park attracts many national and international tourists all year round, but the main season for Seoraksan national park is autumn. The autumn colours in the area are considered amongst the most beautiful in Korea. The red and yellow forest is interrupted by rocks and small mountain streams flow amidst this. During the rainy season in summer - especially after a typhoon - these streams can swell. Perhaps the most visited part of the mountain is the main entrance valley to the National Park, a fifteen minute drive from Sokcho city. The valley runs west to east with a paved road leading up to the park's entrance gate.

Naksansa Temple

Naksansa Temple is located 4km north of Naksan Beach, and boasts a 1,300-year history.

It is a temple built by Ui-Sang, the ambassador of the 30th King of Silla Period (57 BC~AD 935), and inside there is the Seven Floor Stone Tower, Dongjong, Hongyaemun, together with several other cultural assets.


 

T-10 Legendary Shilla Dynasty Gyeongju Tour – 1N2D

Seokguram Grotto

Seokguram, located on Mt.Tohamsan, is the representative stone temple of Korea. The official name of Seokguram, National Treasure No. 24, is Seokguram Seokgul. Designated as World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995, it is an artificial stone temple made of granites. The construction started with Kim Dae-Seong (700~774) in 751 during the reign of King Gyeong-Deok (742~765) of the Silla Dynasty (57 B.C.~A.D. 935) and it was finished in 774, after 24 years, during the reign of King Hye-Gong (765~780). Seokguram is known to have been built with Bulguksa Temple. According to the history book Samgukyusa of the Goryeo Dynasty (the country that unified the Korean peninsula at the end of the Silla Dynasty, 918~1392), Kim DaeSeong had built Bulguksa for the parents who were alive, and Seokguram for the parents of his former life. Seokguram is an artificial stone temple made of granites, and is located on the eastern peak of Mt. Toham (745m sea level). Inside the round-shaped main hall, there are the Bonjon Statue, Bodhi-sattva and his disciples. Seokguram was built to preserve these statues. The Bonjon figure wearing a generous smile is seated on the stage engraved with lotus flower design. The rounded ceiling looks like a half-moon or a bow and has a lotus flower decorated cover on it. As the sunrise from this spot is so beautiful, many people climb the mountain at daybreak

Bulguksa Temple

Bulguksa Temple is the representative relic of Gyeongju and was designated as a World Cultural Asset by UNESCO in 1995. The beauty of the temple itself and the artistic touch of the stone relics are known throughout the world. Bulguksa Temple was built in 528 during the Silla Dynasty, in the 15th year of King Beop-Heung's reign (514~540). It was called Hwaeom Bulguksa Temple or Beopryusa Temple back then. In 751, under King Gyeong-Deok (reign 742∼765), Kim Dae-Seong (700~774) started rebuilding the temple and finished in 774, under King Hye-Gong (reign 765~780). After 17 years of construction, the name 'Bulguksa' was finally given to the temple. The name 'Bulguksa' was kept through numerous renovations of the temple from the Goryeo Dynasty (918~1392) to the Joseon Dynasty (1392~1910). But during the Imjinwaeran War (the war provoked by Japan's invasion, 1592~1598) the wooden building was burned, 819 years after first being established.

Anapji pond

As said in the historical book of Samguk-sagi, during the 14th year of King Munmu’s reign (AD 661~681) in the Silla period (57 BC ~ AD 935), a large pond was dug and small mountains were built all within the palace walls. Additionally, beautiful flowers were planted and rare animals were brought in to create an exquisite garden environment. It is at Wolseung (fortress erected in AD 101 during the Silla period) that we can find Anapji pond. In 1974, an excavation revealed large spherical shapes (measuring 200 meters in diameter and 180 meters in height) indicating that 3 islands were located in the pond. Anapji pond can presently be viewed in its near original splendor, thanks to restoration efforts. Imhae jeonji As one of the detached palaces, of the Silla royal family’s main palace, this structure was used as the crowned prince’s palace. Imhaejeon is historically the most important building on the property and historical books often refer to the surrounding area as a whole simply as Imhaejin. An excavation resulted in the discovery of several site . While some sites have been restored others have been left in the natural form, only leaving the corner stones in sight.

Cheomseongdae Observatory

Cheomseongdae is the oldest existing astronomical observatory in Asia. Constructed during the reign of Queen Seon-deok (632-647), it was used for observing the stars in order to forecast the weather. This stone structure is a beautiful combination of straight lines and curves, and was designated as National Treasure No.31 on December 20th, 1962.
Cheomseongdae was built in a cylinder shape with stones 30cm in diameter. 362 stones were piled up to make 27 levels. 4.16m up from the bottom there is a 1 ㎡ square entrance and a space to hang a ladder under it. The inside is filled with soil up to the 12th level, and the 19th, 20th, 25th, and 26th levels all have long rocks hanging on two areas, shaped as the Chinese letter '井' (jeong). It stands 9.17m high and the base stone on each side measures 5.35m. The Vernal Equinox, Autumnal Equinox, Winter Solstice, Summer Solstice and the 24 solar terms (also known as the astronomical solar year) were determined by the observation of stars. The pavilion stone is believed to have been used as a standard of deciding directions, north, south, east and west. The 362 stones used to build Cheomseongdae represented the 362 days in a lunar year.

T-11 Jeju Island Tour – 2N3D

Yongdu Park

At the western end of Jeju City, where the Hanch'on stream runs into the ocean, is a large rock formation shaped like a dragon's head. A short trail has been carved out going down the cliffs to give several views of the rock. Legend states that the Dragon King's messenger was sent to Halla Mountain to gather bulloch'o (a herb reputed to give eternal life). The messenger was killed by an arrow from an angry mountain god. Part of the messenger's body sank into the water while the head remained above the water, trying to return to the sky. On windy days, the waves crashing against the rocks suggest the fury of the dragon.

O’sulloc Green Tea Museum

The o'sulloc Museum teaches visitors about Korea's traditional tea culture. The "o" in "o'sulloc", means to appreciate and enjoy, and it also stands for the origin of sulloc, only sulloc, and of sulloc tea. The museum, which first opened in September 2001, is widely known in Korea. The entire building takes the shape of a green tea cup. It seeks to harmonize the cultures of the West and East, and past traditions with the modern world. At the O'sulloc Museum, not only can visitors enjoy unique o'sulloc teas, but they can relax next to the lotus pond in the indoor garden. The second floor of the building has an observatory, so visitors can enjoy the views of the nearby green tea fields and the surrounding landscape.

Spirited Garden

A garden starts from a farmer's small thoughts. Since 1968, Spirited Garden director, Seong Bum-Young, has cut rocks, made his own oreum, searched for trees all over the country and planted them here. It is now the world's largest botanical garden with a total landscape of approximately 39,700m². This garden is rich with maple trees, wisterias and pine trees that are between 30 to 300 years old. Roughly 100 rare species of trees can also be found in the garden. You will be able to see what a long way one man's tenacity and effort can go.

Yakcheonsa Temple

The architectural style of Yakcheonsa Temple is reminiscent of that of Buddhist temples of the early Joseon Dynasty. Measuring an impressive 30m high and spanning a total area of 3,305 meters squared, it is the largest temple in the East. Upon entering Yakcheonsa Temple, guests will be greeted by a 5m-tall statue of Vairocana, the tallest of such statues in Korea, on a 4m high pedestal. The walls on both the right and left have been sculpted into large altar portraits of Buddha and in front of the Dharma Hall is a giant Buddhist temple bell, weighing 18 tons. Beloved for its size and grandeur, the temple consists of a main temple (2,652 meters squared) and a 3-story residential structure for the Buddhist monks.

Jusangjeolli Cliff

The Jusangjeolli are stone pillars piled up along the coast and is a designated cultural monument of Jejudo Island. The Jusangjeolli was formed when the lava from Mt.Hallasan flew to the sea of Jungmun. They are rock pillars shaped like cubes or hexagons of various sizes. The administration of the district named them 'Jisatgae Rocks' from their old name 'Jisatgae'. It is also famous for its 20m cliff with the high tides and sea angling.

Cheonjeyeon Waterfall

Cheonjeyeon is named as a legend says that fairies who supported the Heaven God came down to have a swim and then went up to the sky. Under Bridge Cheonjae across a river, there is three-points waterfall. There is a pond in the every point where the waterfall drops. Bridge 'SunImGyo' is an iron archi-shaped bridge which is connected from east to west across the river between two points waterfall and three points waterfall. Tourists can see Cheonjeyeon valley and a luxuriant forest on the bridge. This bridge connects the waterfall to Jungmun resort complex.

Soesokkak Estuary

This is the mouth of the Hyodoncheon stream. As the fresh water meets the ocean, it broadens into wide slow flowing river. ‘Soe; means an ox, ‘so’ means a ‘pool of water’ and ‘Kkak means ‘the end’. Soesokkak Estuary is lined with cliffs of curious lava formations, which are overhung with pine trees. Here the water takes on the deep blue of the ocean, and the scenery is very picturesque. Soesokkak is also well-known for its small, flat wooden boats called “Teu” that have been used for hundreds of years to ferry people across the estuary. The boat is pulled across the estuary by a long rope that is strung between the two banks. Taking a leisurely ride on a Teu across the clear water of the estuary is a great way to enjoy the area’s magnificent scenery.

Jeju Folk Village Museum

With a total of 117 houses and facilities, Jeju Folk Village Museum has restored the scenes of the village to that of the 1890’s. Among them are Mountain Village, Hill-Country Village, Fishing Village and Shamanism Village. On land of more than 40 acres it has been reconstructed following long-term research and analysis of experts. Some of the extensive ranges of folk items on display are 1,627 woodenware, 1,046 bamboo ware, 1,699 earthenware, 1,544 porcelain ware, 765 wax candles, 921 ironware and 579 other items. The Jeju Folk Village Museum is the island’s main tourist attraction where customs of the old days can be explored.

Man Jang Cave

Manjanggul Cave (만장굴) is one of the finest lava tunnels in the world, and is a designated natural monument. A lava tunnel is formed when the lava that was deep in the ground spouts from the peak and flows to the surface. Manjanggul Cave has a variety of interesting structures inside including 70cm lava stalagmites and the lava tube tunnels. Only 1km of the 13,422m Manjanggul Cave is open to the tourists. The inside of the tunnel sustains at a temperature of 11~21℃, creating a comfortable atmosphere. There are rare animals such as bats living in the tunnel, which makes this tunnel valuable for researchers as well. The stone pillars and stalactites are widely spread and the tunnels shows off the cave's topographical features. The Stone Turtle is especially eye-catching because it is shaped like Jeju-do Island.

Seongsan Sunrise

Near the eastern town of Songsan-ri, a volcanic crater with vertical cliffs rises up from the shore. As the easternmost tip of Jeju Island, this area is the first to greet each day's new sun, thus earning the name of "Sunrise Peak." A hefty climb brings visitors to the top of the peak. Visitors are prevented from entering the crater by barbed wire, but they can still enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding area. Jagged rocks stick up like teeth along the crater's perimeter. It is definitely worth the view, even if you do not make it in time for the sunrise.