San Diego-based Advantage Tours & Travel has recently introduced Discover Korea, a 12-day program, which includes three days of sightseeing at North Korea’s beautiful Geumgangsan Diamond Mountains. The Geumgangsan Mountains, located well within North Korea’s otherwise off-limits borders, are considered by many to be the most beautiful mountains on the Korean peninsula. The inter-country program first opened to international visitors some four years ago when Hyundai Cruises began sailing there from South Korea’s Sokcho City. The cruises have now been canceled due to a new overland bus tour program that gives passengers a more in-depth look at North Korean territory. Because of the popularity of these bus tours, it is very difficult for international visitors to reserve seats, making the Advantage Tours program an excellent opportunity to visit this mysterious country.

In addition to the North Korea program, Discover Korea, also provides a unique look at Korea’s rural culture, including visits to Sokcho City; Andong City, hailed as the heart of Korea’s Confucian culture; Gyeongju, which has been listed by UNESCO as one of the world’s top ten most historically significant citys; and Busan, Korea’s largest port and home of the famous Jagalchi Fish Market. Among the highlights of the tour program are an overnight stay with a Korean family, providing an personal look at Korean culture, as well as a ride on Korea’s new KTX, high-speed rail service.

The Discover Korea program is $3,895 per person with a minimum of four passengers. Departures are from October 2-13, 2004; June 4-15, 2005; and October 1-12, 2005. For more information about this and other tour programs to Korea, contact the KNTO at 800/TOUR-KOREA or online at www.tour2korea.com.