Discover Korea

Join President Pollard and Friends

Explore Korea with President & Mrs. Chip Pollard, Dr. & Mrs. Jim Krall and Dr. Ted Song.

Itinerary

 

 

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 11

Depart from the U.S.

Our journey begins! We pray that God will give us a wonderful time together as we learn more about Korea’s history and culture and His work in this nation.

SK-airport

THURSDAY, SEPT. 12

Arrival in Seoul

We will arrive at Seoul-Incheon International Airport, one of the largest and busiest airports in the world. We will go through immigration and customs and board a charter bus for transportation to the four-star Hotel Koreana in downtown Seoul. Hotel Koreana will be our home for four nights. (Depending on your arrival time you may need to arrange for your own airport transfer.)

After we check in to our hotel, we will have a welcome dinner. Enjoy the meal and fellowship as we prepare for the journey!

Overnight: Hotel Koreana

cemetery

war-memorial

FRIDAY, SEPT. 13

Seoul Full Day Tour: Yangwhajin, The War Memorial of Korea, Seoul Arts Center Concert

We will start the morning by visiting the Yangwhajin Cemetery. In 1890, Yangwhajin was designated for foreign missionaries. Previously, many missionaries never returned to their home countries and spent their whole life sharing the gospel in Korea. We will learn about their mission work in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The War Memorial of Korea tells the story of Korea's military history and the hope for the reunification of North and South Korea. You will also learn more about the influence of the U.S. on Korean history.

We will attend a concert by The National Chorus of Korea at the Seoul Arts Center in the evening.

DMZ

SATURDAY, SEPT. 14

DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) & JSA

We will visit the border between North and South Korea and learn about the history and legacy of the Korean War. The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is a border barrier (2.4 miles) between the two nations, and the Joint Security Area (JSA) is the portion of the DMZ designated for face-to-face meetings. This is where Donald Trump and Kim Jong-Un met in 2019. (Our visit to JSA is subject to local authorities.)

Overnight: Hotel Koreana

Gyeongbokgung-Palace

presidential-residence

Namsan-Seoul-Tower

tower-night

SUNDAY, SEPT. 15

SaRang Church, Geyongbokgung Palace, Cheongwadae, Namsan Seoul Tower

We will worship at SaRang Church, one of the largest churches in the world.

Gyeongbokgung Palace was built in the 14th century by the Joseon dynasty and is one of the most iconic places in Korea. We will also learn about the complex relationships that developed throughout the centuries between Korea, Japan, and China.

Cheongwadae served as the presidential residence from 1948 to 2022. The current president promised to give back this 62-acre property to Koreans during his presidential campaign, and that is what he did. He moved to a more modest place, and now Cheongwadae is open to the public.

We will wrap up the day from a mountain top! Namsan Seoul Tower will give us a unique and beautiful view of the Seoul metropolitan area.

Overnight: Hotel Koreana

national-museum

insadong

river-night

MONDAY, SEPT. 16

National Museum of Korea, Insadong, Hangang River Cruise

The National Museum of Korea is the place to go to see many national treasures. You will enjoy the richness and beauty of Korean history and culture.

Insadong, located in the heart of the city, is a vibrant area showcasing traditional goods and restaurants along its main road and surrounding alleys. This is a great place for purchasing souvenirs.

We will wrap up this day by viewing Seoul’s beautiful night scene. Seeing Seoul on a Han River cruise will give you a different perspective!

Overnight: Hotel Koreana

Bulguksa-Temple

TUESDAY, SEPT. 17

Gyeongju Half Day Tour, Daereungwon Ancient Tomb Complex, Cheomseongdae Observatory, Woljeonggyo Bridge

Gyeongju, the capital of the Silla dynasty (57 B.C. – 935 A.D.), has shaped Korean culture in many ways. It is also a place of many UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Daereungwon Ancient Tomb Complex in Gyeongju is a historical site featuring large, grassy burial mounds of Silla royalty and nobility, offering a glimpse into Korea's ancient past.

One of the oldest surviving astronomical observatories in the world, Cheomseongdae Observatory was built during the 7th century by the Silla dynasty.

Spanning the Nakdong River, the Woljeonggyo Bridge is a beautifully restored wooden bridge originally built during the Unified Silla period, showcasing traditional Korean architecture.

Overnight: Benikea Swiss Rosen Hotel

Bulguksa-Temple

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 18

Gyeongju Full Day Tour: Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, Gyeongju National Museum, Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, Hwangnidan Street

We will visit Bulguksa, one of Korea's most historic Buddhist temples, and many other areas that will take you back over 1,500 years!

Gyeongju National Museum is Korea’s leading museum for exploring the cultural heritage of the Silla Dynasty.

Hwangnidan Street is home to numerous restaurants, cafes, photo studios, and shops housed in traditional hanok buildings.

Overnight: Benikea Swiss Rosen Hotel

market

THURSDAY, SEPT. 19

Handong Global University, Jukdo Market, Yongildae Beach

We will visit, Handong Global University (HGU) which is a wonderful partner Christian school in Korea. HGU and JBU established an exchange program for students and faculty in 2016, and we now have quite a few students who participated in this program. HGU is also one of the world's 10 UNAI (United Nations Academic Impact) institutions, seeking to help developing nations increase their capacity for higher education. We will hear from Dr. Dosoung Choi, HGU president, and Dr. Pollard will speak in chapel.

Explore Jukdo Market, one of the largest traditional seafood markets in Korea. It may not be as fancy as the markets in Seoul, but you will enjoy seeing all kinds of seafood freshly caught from the ocean!

Overnight: Lahan Hotel Pohang

troops

Samsung-Museum

Wonchon-Baptist-Church

FRIDAY, SEPT. 20

Camp Humphreys, Samsung Digital City and Wonchon Baptist Church

Camp Humphreys (Approximately 2.5 hrs from Seoul) - More than 28,000 U.S. troops are stationed in Korea at 14 U.S. military bases. Camp Humphreys is the largest overseas U.S. military installation in the world, and we will have a chance to learn about the U.S. military’s current role in the Korean peninsula.

We will visit the Samsung Innovation Museum and headquarters. Samsung’s success is often mentioned in the Miracle on the Han River story, which is about Korea's economic growth from the 1950s to the 90s.

We'll join the Friday evening worship of Wochon Baptist Church, which offers a new and unique church model to Korean Christianity.

Overnight: Novotel Ambassador Suwon

folk-village

Hwaseong-Fortress

SATURDAY, SEPT. 21

Korean Folk Village, Hwaseong Fortress

Korean Folk Village will give us an insight into the culture of ordinary Koreans. We will have a chance to experience traditional Korean music and dance. We also encourage you to try wearing Korean Hanbok!

Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site, shows how Koreans defended attacks from other countries. The similarities and differences between this fortress and fortresses in Europe are fascinating.

Overnight: Novotel Ambassador Suwon

insadong

SUNDAY, SEPT. 22

Insadong, Travel Home

Insadong is a great place to do some shopping for souvenirs and gifts. One of the most popular shopping districts in Seoul, this will be our last place to visit before returning to the U.S.

Depart for home

We hope you had a great time and fellowship in Korea. May the Lord use what we learned to bring more people closer to Him!

 

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