Wednesday, June 17th, 2026

• 16:00 – Welcome greetings and hotel check-in in Seoul
• 19:00 – Welcome dinner

Thursday, June 18th, 2026

• 08:30 – Breakfast at the hotel
• 09:00 – 12:00 – Practice session
• 12:45 – Lunch
• 14:00 – 19:00 – Seoul sightseeing: Old city center and Insadong Culture Street. This is one of Seoul’s most famous cultural streets, filled with traditional shops, art galleries, teahouses, and craft stores. Highlights include shopping for souvenirs, trying traditional tea, and enjoying street snacks like hotteok (sweet pancakes).

Friday, June 19th, 2026

• 08:30 – Breakfast at the hotel
• 09:00 – 12:30 – Grand Prix Competition
• 13:00 – Lunch
• 14:00 – 19:00 – Grand Prix Competition / Free time at COEX Mall or Lotte Mall Jamsil for guests who finish their GP Round

Saturday, June 20th, 2026

• 08:30 – Breakfast at the hotel
• 09:00 – 13:00 – Free time: Shopping at Goto Mall (Underground Shopping Mall) or an optional tour of the Seoul old city center
• 13:00 – Lunch
• 15:00 – 20:00 – Grand Prix Competition continuation (Korean participants) / Practice time (US participants)
• 20:00 – Grand Prix Gala Concert

Sunday, June 21st, 2026

• 08:30 – Breakfast at the hotel
• 09:00 – 12:45 – Seoul Sightseeing Tour
  • Gyeongbokgung Palace: Built in 1395, this is the largest and most significant palace of the Joseon Dynasty. Key highlights include the Gwanghwamun Gate (main entrance), the Geunjeongjeon Throne Hall, the royal living quarters, and the beautiful traditional gardens.
  • National Folk Museum of Korea: Located directly inside the palace grounds, this museum showcases historic artifacts, life-size village displays, and exhibits on traditional daily rituals, clothing, and farming.
  • Bukchon Hanok Village: A historic neighborhood nestled between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung Palaces, featuring hundreds of preserved hanok (traditional Korean houses), scenic viewpoints over tiled rooftops, and small craft workshops.
• 13:00 – Lunch
• 14:00 – 16:00 – Free time and preparation for the performance
• 17:00 – 18:00 – Dress rehearsal and photos
• 18:00 – 21:00 – Concert

Monday, June 22nd, 2026

• 08:30 – Breakfast at the hotel
• 09:00 – 13:00 – Orchestra Rehearsal (Concerto performers only)
• 13:00 – Lunch
• All Day – Solo Recital Rehearsals
• All Day (Option for non-concerto members) – Optional Seoul Sightseeing Tour:
  • Deoksugung Palace & Stone Wall Road: A smaller, uniquely elegant palace blending traditional Korean and Western-style architecture. The adjoining stone wall walkway is famous as one of Seoul’s most romantic and scenic streets.
  • Itaewon & Haebangchon (HBC): Trendy, multicultural neighborhoods widely celebrated for their international cuisine, vibrant cafés, and nightlife.
  • Gwangjang Market: One of Seoul’s oldest continuous traditional markets, world-famous for local street food like bindaetteok (crispy mung bean pancakes) and tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes).
  • National Museum of Korea: The largest museum in South Korea, housing an incredible, extensive collection of the country’s fascinating history, ancient artifacts, and fine arts.

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2026

• 08:30 – Breakfast at the hotel
• 09:00 – 13:00 – Seoul Sightseeing Tour (Gangnam District)
  • Bongeunsa Temple: Founded in 794 AD, this peaceful Buddhist temple sits directly across from the bustling COEX complex. Key highlights include a magnificent 23-meter-tall statue of the Buddha, beautiful wooden temple architecture, and vibrant traditional lantern decorations.
  • COEX Mall & Starfield Library: A massive underground shopping and entertainment hub. The centerpiece is the world-famous Starfield Library, featuring breathtaking, 13-meter-high floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. Visitors can browse thousands of books, explore hundreds of shops and food options, or visit the indoor aquarium (requires separate ticket).
• 13:00 – Lunch
• 15:00 – 19:00 – Rehearsal and concert preparation
• 19:00 – Performance

Wednesday, June 24th, 2026

• 08:30 – Breakfast at the hotel
• 09:00 – 12:45 – Seoul Morning Sightseeing Tour
  • N Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower): Perched high atop Namsan Mountain, this iconic communication tower offers the absolute best panoramic views over the entire city. Guests can explore the scenic terrace, check out the famous “Love Locks” area, or take an elevator to the indoor observation deck (requires a separate paid ticket).
  • Myeongdong Shopping District: One of Seoul’s busiest and most energetic commercial hubs. It is the ultimate spot for sample-testing famous Korean skincare products, browsing fashion boutiques, hunting down K-pop merchandise, and sampling massive arrays of local street food.
• 13:00 – Lunch
• 14:00 – 19:00 – Seoul Afternoon Sightseeing Tour
  • Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP): A stunning, futuristic cultural landmark designed by world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid. The complex features fluid, metallic curved architecture, design museum shops, rotating exhibitions, and striking outdoor LED light tunnels.
  • Cheonggyecheon Stream: A beautifully restored 11 km urban stream flowing quietly right through the heart of central Seoul. It offers a peaceful, sunken riverside walk decorated with small waterfalls, stepping-stone bridges, art sculptures, and atmospheric evening lighting.

Thursday, June 25th, 2026

• 08:00 – Breakfast at the hotel and check-out
• 09:00 – Group departure for Incheon International Airport (ICN)

The Venue: Banpo Simsan Art Hall

Located inside the vibrant Simsan Cultural Center in Seoul’s upscale Seocho-gu district, Banpo Simsan Art Hall is an exceptional, modern performance space highly regarded for its intimate yet professional atmosphere. Equipped with advanced theatrical and acoustic systems—including high-end, dynamic stage lighting and professional audio controls—the hall is designed to deliver crystal-clear acoustics perfectly suited for classical ensembles, concerto performances, and solo recitals alike. Situated just minutes from the lush Banpo Hangang Park and the bustling shopping hubs of Gangnam, the venue beautifully bridges the gap between focused artistic excellence and convenient city exploration. Its clean sightlines, comfortable seating, and rich community ties make it an inviting and inspiring stage for both international performers and local audiences.

The Orchestra: Seocho Philharmonia

Serving as the resident artistic backbone of the Seocho Cultural Foundation, the Seocho Philharmonia is a premier, forward-thinking orchestra celebrated for its exceptional technical mastery and vibrant musicality. Operating out of South Korea’s first designated “Music Culture Special Zone,” this elite ensemble is deeply committed to both historical preservation and modern artistic innovation—notably distinguishing itself as the first orchestra in Asia to undertake the monumental task of performing and recording all 107 of Joseph Haydn’s symphonies. Known for their electrifying stage energy and flawless ensemble precision under the guidance of founding music director Jong Hoon Bae, the Seocho Philharmonia brings world-class depth and a highly collaborative spirit to the stage, ensuring an unforgettable, deeply supportive, and seamless partnership for your concerto performers.

The Hotel: Shilla Stay Yeoksa

Perfectly tailored for business and leisure travelers who prioritize streamlined comfort, Shilla Stay Yeoksam is a stylish premium business hotel operated by South Korea’s prestigious The Shilla hospitality group. Strategically situated in the energetic heart of Gangnam along the Teheran-ro business corridor, the hotel features beautifully minimalist rooms crafted by renowned Italian architect Piero Lissoni. Guests can look forward to upscale amenities including premium down bedding, free high-speed Wi-Fi, a modern fitness center, and a chic lounge bar perfect for relaxing after a long day of touring or performing. Its exceptional location places your group within a 10-minute walk of both Yeoksam and Seolleung Subway Stations (Line 2), granting effortless transit to major landmarks like the COEX Mall, Bongeunsa Temple, and the scenic Seonjeongneung Royal Tombs just minutes away.