We had zero intention of leaving Vietnam after only a few weeks in country but when Becky’s aunt told us about a decent deal to Korea, our interest was piqued. Vietravel was offering a 6 day/5 night special to Jeju Island for 9.59 Million Dong (USD $422). The price included a special direct charter flight from Saigon to Jeju and return, 3 star hotel, tour guide, and all food, activities and entrance fees. We normally avoid tour groups (especially large Asian tour groups), but this sounded like a great way to extend our full immersion Vietnamese language studies outside of the classroom. Sign us up! Vietnamese citizens normally require a rather difficult and pricey visa to visit Korea, but Jeju Island is a visa-free zone. No wonder this tour was fully booked within days of being published.
Our Vietravel Itinerary:
Day 1: Saigon to Jeju via Jetstar
Day 2: Pick up from airport and meet local guide. After breakfast, visit Yongduam Rock, Jeju Minsok Natural History Museum and Sumokwon Theme Park (ice sculptures and 3D art included). Korean hot pot for lunch, followed by a visit to Mysterious Road, Loveland sex themed park. Check in to Amoureux Resort Hotel. Korea hot pot dinner.
Day 3: Breakfast buffet at hotel. 7:30 am departure for Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, Oedolgae Rock, and Yakcheonsa Temple. Lunch at Supseom Fish Restaurant. Afternoon visit to the Play Kpop Museum, Joanne Teddy Bear Museum, and O’Sulloc Tea Museum. Before dinner, learn how to make kimchi and dried seaweed. Have opportunity to try on traditional Korean dress (Hanbok). Dinner at a restaurant near Doduhang Harbor.
Day 4: Breakfast buffet at hotel. 7:30 am departure for Ginseng Center, Herbal Medicine Center, and a Cosmetics Store. Lunch followed by a visit to Jusangjeolli Rock Pillars. Visit Jeju JTO Duty Free (photocopies of passports will be provided). Afternoon free time at Jungmun Beach, Jeju Island’s most popular beach. Seafood hotpot (Haemul Jeongol) for dinner.
Day 5: Breakfast buffet at hotel. 7 am departure for Seongeup Folk Village, followed by a visit to Seopjikoji, the eastern coast of Jeju Island. Seopjikoji has been the set for numerous Korean TV dramas such as “One Thousand and One Nights”, “Gingko Bed” and “The Uprising”. Free time to hike to the lighthouse or eat seafood. Visit to a chocolate store for free sampling of Jeju’s best chocolates. Lunch at a Korean BBQ restaurant. Afternoon visit to UNESCO world heritage site Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak. Free time to hike up to the peak. Duty free shopping opportunities in the late afternoon before dinner.
Day 6: Early (4 am) wake up call followed by 4:30 am departure for the airport. Breakfast served on board Jetstar flight back to Saigon.
Thanks for the journey.
We enjoyed the short visit. Jeju had lots to offer for our whirlwind tour.