July 1: Nonstop flight UA #893 from San Francisco (SFO) to Seoul, South Korea (ICN) departing at 10:35am

Overnight in the air! Traveling to the future.

South Korea is 17 hours ahead of Pacific Time

July 2: Arrive at Incheon International Airport (scheduled 2:45pm) and meet your tour leaders in international arrivals. After a quick stretch and snack, we will travel by private motor coach to Gangneung (~3hrs).

Welcome to the coastal city of Gangneung! 

Get some rest this evening and dream of the exciting week of competition ahead!

July 3-6: World Choir Games – Gangneung 2023

Monday (July 3) This morning after breakfast, fight off the jet lag with an easy hike and lunch at a local coffee shop.

Light sightseeing, beach time and back to hotel to get ready for the Opening Ceremony.

Tuesday (July 4)

Competition Schedule (TBD)

Wednesday (July 5)

Competition Schedule (TBD)

Thursday (July 6)

Competition Schedule (TBD)

Browse festival website.

July 7: Final award ceremony in the morning.

Pack you bags and say goodbye to Gangneung.

Travel through the countryside to Gyeongju where you will have the unique opportunity to experience a stay in a local temple. You will learn temple etiquette, experience the daily prayer ritual and enjoy a temple style dinner.

July 8: In the early morning after a temple meal you will join the morning meditation. The day will continue with teatime with a Monk and some free time, before it is time to head back on the road.

It is time to explore Gyeongju, the capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla (57 BC – 935 AD).Y You will experience Cheomseongdae, the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in East Asia. You will see the Daereungwon Tomb complex with the tombs of kings and nobles of the Silla Dynasty. Walk across the wooden Woljeonggyo Bridge, a stunning architectonic example of the Silla civilization.

Back on the road. Arrive in the seaside city of Busan. Dinner at Haeundae Market, a popular traditional market. After dinner witness Busan light up at night from different vantage points throughout the city on an evening photo tour.

July 9: This morning, explore the alleyways of Gamcheon Culture Village, the picturesque and vibrant neighborhood with colorful houses, painted murals, shops & cafes.

Expand your senses with a walk through the stalls of Jagalchi Fish Market the largest seafood market in South Korea. The market is full of unusual seafood, every species you can imagine. Your tastebuds can explore fish soup, fish on stick, fried fish, and pretty much any kind of fish you can think of.

Road to Seoul. Dinner & evening walk along the Cheonggyecheon Stream, a popular hangout spot with many street performers, umbrella-covered walkways, candlelit fountains, and a festive atmosphere. 

July 10: Today dive into the “Special City of Seoul”, the capital and largest metropolis in South Korea, where modern skyscrapers, high-tech subways and pop culture meet Buddhist temples, palaces and street markets. Commute like a local on the best subway system in the world.

Try on a colorful hanbok, the traditional Korean dress, and visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. Attend the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

Continue the Korean food tasting journey at Gwangjang Market, one of the best places for authentic Korean street food.

Walk off the lunch in Myeongdong, Seoul’s famous shopping and fashion district. This pedestrian-friendly zone is packed with stylish clothes and homegrown cosmetics shops.

Finish the day with the Nanta Show, an award-winning non-verbal show about the comically-charged efforts of four cooks who are tasked with preparing an entire wedding banquet in just one hour.

July 11: This morning hike up Namsan Mountain for sweeping views of Seoul from the top of the N-Seoul Tower, an iconic landmark. Padlocks, known as locks of love, fill the fences symbolizing eternal love. Take the cable car down.

Find another taste of the Korean culinary world at Namdaemun Market, the city’s largest and oldest traditional market.

The day continues in the narrow and hidden alleys of Insadong Street, the famous artsy district with clusters of traditional houses. Possible exchange with local choir to explore the area like a local.

Free time for souvenir shopping.  

In the evening you will learn the hottest K-Pop dance from a professional instructor.

July 12: Pick up last souvenirs and a bite to eat at Time Square, one of Seoul’s largest shopping malls.

Early afternoon transfer to the airport and departure at 4:35pm on UA #892 (scheduled arrival on July 12th at SFO by 11:35am local time).