July 16, 2004 -- An Asian vacation to many often means choosing between either China or Japan, relegating the other countries to also-rans. We think that's unfortunate, indeed. The birthplace of tae kwon do (literally, "the way of the foot and fist"), the Korean Peninsula has plenty to offer. Today we look at some current offers that include air, hotel, three meals a day, cultural outings and even martial arts lessons.
Walkerhill Worldwide Travel, a Korean firm with a New York office, is sponsoring four different tae kwon do Tours this year, ranging in price from $1,599 to $1,799, based on departures out of NYC into Seoul's Incheon International Airport. The ten-day/eight-night tours include a revolving mix of different cities, and each takes visitors to the Kukkiwon Headquarters of tae kwon do in Seoul allowing time for training with masters of the martial art. Among the cities and towns that could be visited are Incheon, Andong, Gyeongju, Seoul, Jeju Island, Buyeo and Jeonju.
- The Schedule 1 trip, base-priced from $1,699, lets you see some industrial sites such as the Hyundai manufacturing plant and shipyards, with free time in Seoul for shopping.
- Schedule 2, starting from $1,799, puts you on Jeju Island, which is a built-up semi-tropical "paradise" south of the peninsula popular with Koreans and Japanese tourists. You'll stay here for four nights before you heading to Seoul. There are three "city tours" of the island and free time for shopping also.
- Schedule 3 begins at $1,699 and takes you to Buyeo, the old capital of the Baekje Dynasty, before you transfer to Jeonju, where you spend two nights, after which it's off to Busan for two nights. All three itineraries pay a visit to the folklore museum in Seoul.)
The most appealing of the lot is also the least expensive -- a six-night temple stay at Naksana priced from $1,599. You'll take part in a whole lotta tae kwon do training, rising early each morning for worship in this Buddhist temple before proceeding on to lessons. Walks on the beach, as well, should get you into the right state of mind for your lessons. When you're ready, it's on to Seoul to visit Headquarters (no time for the Folklore Museum or shopping this time around), though after one night in the capital city, you do have a free morning before departure for the States in early evening.
Note that departures from Los Angeles are $100 less than the listed price, which is from New York City. In the low season that begins September 1, you can deduct an additional $100. Trips are scheduled indefinitely "as long as there are five or six people ready to go on each one," says Mike Lee of the firm.
You can contact Walkerhill at 212/221-1234, fax 212/221-0277, or via e-mail at walkerhillny@hotmail.com. The firm does not currently have a website.
Other tours of Korea are sold by such well-known companies as:
- Asian Adventure (866/238-8388; www.asianadventureusa.com) or Asian Affair Holidays (800/742-3133; www.asianaffairholidays.com) on the West Coast
- General Tours TBI (800/221-2216; www.generaltours.com) on the East Coast
- United Vacations (888/854-3899; www.unitedvacations.com) in the Midwest
For more information on Korea in general, contact the Korean National Tourist Office (888/854-3899; www.kntoamerica.com) or visit our Korea Message Boards at www.frommers.com/cgi-bin/WebX?13@@.ee93caf)to talk with fellow travelers.