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21 Days Exploring South Korea's Cultural and Natural Wonders

21 Days Exploring South Korea's Cultural and Natural Wonders Itinerary

Last updated: 2024 Jun 28

Discovering Seoul's Historic Heart

Morning
Start your journey in Seoul with a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace. This grand palace, built in 1395, is a stunning example of traditional Korean architecture and offers a glimpse into the country's royal history. The changing of the guard ceremony is a must-see. After exploring the palace grounds, head over to National Folk Museum of Korea, located within the palace complex, to learn more about Korean culture and history.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, take part in Seoul: Gyeongbok Palace and Bukchon Hanok Walking Tour. This tour will guide you through the picturesque Bukchon Hanok Village, where you can admire traditional Korean houses (hanoks) and experience the charm of historic Seoul. The tour also includes visits to other significant sites around Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Evening
End your day with a leisurely stroll along Cheonggyecheon Stream. This urban renewal project transformed an old highway into a beautiful streamside park that runs through downtown Seoul. Enjoy the serene atmosphere as you walk along the water, passing under charming bridges and alongside modern art installations. For dinner, head to Mingles, one of Seoul's top-rated restaurants offering contemporary Korean cuisine.
Bedtime
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Gyeongbokgung Palace

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National Folk Museum of Korea

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Cultural Immersion in Seoul

Morning
Begin your second day with a visit to Changdeokgung Palace, another UNESCO World Heritage site known for its beautiful gardens and well-preserved buildings. Make sure to explore the Secret Garden (Huwon), which offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.
Afternoon
Join Seoul: Changdeokgung Palace & Namsangol Hanok Village Tour for an immersive cultural experience. This tour includes visits to both Changdeokgung Palace and Namsangol Hanok Village, where you can see traditional Korean houses and participate in cultural activities such as tea ceremonies or trying on hanbok (traditional Korean clothing).
Evening
Spend your evening at Myeongdong Shopping Street, one of Seoul's most famous shopping districts. Here you can find everything from high-end fashion brands to quirky street food stalls. Don't miss out on trying some local delicacies like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) or hotteok (sweet pancakes). For dinner, dine at Jungsik, known for its innovative take on traditional Korean dishes.
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Changdeokgung Palace

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Seoul: Changdeokgung Palace & Namsangol Hanok Village Tour

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Modern Meets Traditional in Seoul

Morning
Kick off your third day with a visit to Namsan Tower (N Seoul Tower). Take the cable car up Namsan Mountain for panoramic views of Seoul from the observation deck. The tower is also home to several restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy breakfast with a view.
Afternoon
After descending from Namsan Tower, head over to Insadong, a vibrant neighborhood known for its antique shops, art galleries, and traditional tea houses. Spend some time exploring the area before joining Seoul: Guided Foodie Walking Tour with Tastings. This tour will take you through Insadong's best food spots, allowing you to sample various traditional Korean dishes.
Evening
Conclude your day with an evening visit to Han River (Hangang). Join Seoul: Han River Guided Night Cruise and Hangang Park Picnic for a relaxing boat ride along the river while enjoying stunning night views of Seoul's skyline. Afterward, have dinner at Tosokchon Samgyetang, famous for its delicious ginseng chicken soup.
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Namsan Tower (N Seoul Tower)

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Insadong

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Exploring Seoul's Artistic Side

Morning
Start your day with a visit to Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art. This museum, located in the Itaewon district, showcases a stunning collection of traditional and contemporary Korean art. The architecture of the museum itself is also worth admiring.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, join Seoul: City Highlights Morning eBike Tour. This tour will take you through some of Seoul's most iconic landmarks, including Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Insadong. Riding an eBike allows you to cover more ground while enjoying the fresh air and scenic views.
Evening
End your day with a visit to Hongdae, a vibrant neighborhood known for its youthful energy and artistic vibe. Explore the area's street art, indie music scene, and quirky shops. For dinner, head to Maangchi, a popular restaurant offering delicious Korean BBQ.
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Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art

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Day Trip to DMZ

Morning
Embark on an early morning trip to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) with From Seoul: South Korea Demilitarized Zone Guided Tour. This tour provides a unique opportunity to learn about the history and significance of the DMZ while visiting key sites such as the Third Tunnel and Dora Observatory.
Afternoon
Continue your DMZ exploration with visits to Imjingak Park and Freedom Bridge. These sites offer further insights into Korea's divided history and hopes for reunification. The tour also includes lunch at a local restaurant where you can try traditional Korean dishes.
Evening
Return to Seoul in the evening and unwind at Gangnam, one of Seoul's trendiest districts. Explore its upscale shops, chic cafes, and vibrant nightlife. For dinner, dine at Sikdang, known for its modern take on traditional Korean cuisine.
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Seoul's Hidden Gems

Morning
Begin your day with a hike in Bukhansan National Park. This beautiful park offers various trails suitable for all levels of hikers. Enjoy breathtaking views of Seoul from the mountain peaks and explore ancient temples along the way.
Afternoon
After your hike, join Seoul: Nighttime Hidden Gems Walking Tour. Although this is an evening tour, you'll start exploring some hidden gems in central Seoul during daylight hours before transitioning into nighttime activities.
Evening
Conclude your day with a visit to Namsangol Hanok Village. This village features restored traditional Korean houses where you can experience cultural activities such as calligraphy or hanbok wearing. For dinner, head to Baekje Samgyetang, famous for its nourishing ginseng chicken soup.
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Bukhansan National Park

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Seoul: Nighttime Hidden Gems Walking Tour

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Seoul's Markets and Modern Marvels

Morning
Start your day with a visit to Gwangjang Market. This bustling market is one of the oldest in Seoul and offers a wide variety of street food, traditional Korean dishes, and unique souvenirs. Be sure to try bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and mayak gimbap (mini seaweed rice rolls).
Afternoon
In the afternoon, join Seoul: Full-Day Royal Palace and Shopping Tour. This tour includes visits to several royal palaces, such as Deoksugung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace, as well as shopping stops at popular districts like Myeongdong and Insadong.
Evening
End your day with a visit to COEX Aquarium, located in the COEX Mall. This impressive aquarium features a wide range of marine life from around the world. After exploring the aquarium, have dinner at The Place Dining, known for its delicious Italian cuisine.
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Gwangjang Market

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Seoul: Full-Day Royal Palace and Shopping Tour

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Journey to Busan

Morning
Take an early morning KTX train from Seoul to Busan. Upon arrival, start your exploration with a visit to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. This beautiful seaside temple offers stunning views of the ocean and is one of the few Buddhist temples in Korea located by the sea.
Afternoon
Busan: Customizable Private Guided Tour by Van will take you around Busan's top attractions based on your interests. You can choose to visit places like Gamcheon Culture Village, Jagalchi Fish Market, or Haeundae Beach. The flexibility of this tour allows you to make the most out of your time in Busan.
Evening
Conclude your first day in Busan with a visit to Gwangan Bridge (Gwangandaegyo). The bridge is beautifully illuminated at night and offers spectacular views of the city skyline. For dinner, head to Millak Raw Fish Town, where you can enjoy fresh seafood while overlooking Gwangan Beach.
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Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

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Busan: Customizable Private Guided Tour by Van

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Cultural Gems of Busan

Morning
Busan: Gyeongju UNESCO World Heritage Guided Day Tour will take you on a journey through Gyeongju's rich history. Visit ancient sites such as Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites that showcase Korea's cultural heritage.
Afternoon
Continue exploring Gyeongju with visits to other historical landmarks like Anapji Pond and Cheomseongdae Observatory. These sites offer insights into Korea's Silla Dynasty era.
Evening
Return to Busan in the evening and unwind at Nampodong Street (Theater District). This lively area is known for its theaters, shops, and street food stalls. For dinner, dine at Ssiat Hotteok, famous for its sweet Korean pancakes filled with seeds.
Bedtime
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Busan: Gyeongju UNESCO World Heritage Guided Day Tour

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Nampodong Street (Theater District)

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Exploring Busan's Coastal Beauty

Morning
Start your day with a visit to Taejongdae Resort Park. This scenic park is located on the southernmost tip of Yeongdo-gu and offers stunning coastal views, lush forests, and rocky cliffs. You can take a leisurely walk along the trails or hop on the Danubi Train for a guided tour of the park's highlights.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, join Busan: Hidden Beach and Coastal Village with coffee. This tour will take you to some of Busan's lesser-known beaches and charming coastal villages. Enjoy a relaxing time by the sea and savor a cup of coffee at a local café while taking in the serene surroundings.
Evening
End your day with a visit to Busan Tower in Yongdusan Park. The tower offers panoramic views of Busan's skyline, especially beautiful at sunset. Afterward, head to The Bay 101, a popular dining spot near Haeundae Beach where you can enjoy delicious seafood dishes while overlooking the marina.
Bedtime
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Taejongdae Resort Park

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Busan: Hidden Beach and Coastal Village with coffee

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Cultural Immersion in Jeju Island

Morning
Transfer in between Busan airport and anywhere in Busan will ensure you have a smooth transfer from your accommodation to Gimhae Airport for your flight to Jeju Island. Upon arrival, start your exploration with a visit to Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak). This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its stunning sunrise views and unique volcanic crater.
Afternoon
Jeju: UNESCO Day Tour - East Course will take you on an immersive journey through some of Jeju Island's most iconic sites. Visit Seongeup Folk Village, where you can experience traditional Jeju culture, and Manjanggul Cave, one of the longest lava tubes in the world.
Evening
Conclude your first day on Jeju Island with a visit to Jeju Kimnyoung Maze Park. Have fun navigating through this intricate maze before heading to Black Pork Street, where you can savor Jeju's famous black pork BBQ for dinner.
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Transfer in between Busan airport and anywhere in Busan

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Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak)

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Natural Wonders of Jeju Island

Morning
Hallasan National Park (Hallasan Mountain) is your destination this morning. Hallasan Mountain is South Korea's highest peak and offers various hiking trails suitable for all levels. Enjoy breathtaking views of the island from different vantage points as you explore this natural wonder.
Afternoon
Jeju: South Course UNESCO Day Tour will guide you through more of Jeju's natural beauty. Visit Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, known for its picturesque scenery, and Jusangjeolli Cliff, famous for its impressive hexagonal rock formations formed by volcanic activity.
Evening
End your day with a relaxing stroll along Hyeopjae Beach, one of Jeju's most beautiful beaches known for its white sand and clear blue waters. For dinner, dine at Myeongjin Jeonbok, renowned for its delicious abalone dishes.
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Hallasan National Park (Hallasan Mountain)

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Hyeopjae Beach

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Cultural Treasures of Jeju Island

Morning
Begin your day with a visit to Hanwha Aqua Planet Jeju. This impressive aquarium is one of the largest in Asia and features a wide variety of marine life from around the world. It's a great place to learn about ocean ecosystems and enjoy interactive exhibits.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, join Jeju: West Course UNESCO Day Tour. This tour will take you to some of Jeju's most iconic sites, including Hallim Park, known for its beautiful gardens and lava caves, and Hyeopjae Beach, where you can relax and enjoy the stunning coastal views.
Evening
Conclude your day with a visit to Jeju Folk Village Museum. This open-air museum offers a glimpse into traditional Jeju life with its well-preserved thatched-roof houses and cultural artifacts. For dinner, head to Donsadon, famous for its mouthwatering grilled pork dishes.
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Hanwha Aqua Planet Jeju

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Jeju Folk Village Museum

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Journey to Gyeongju

Morning
Take an early morning flight from Jeju Island to Busan, followed by a transfer to Gyeongju. Upon arrival, start your exploration with a visit to Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning architecture and serene surroundings.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, join Gyeongju: Full-Day UNESCO Heritage Sites Tour. This tour will take you through some of Gyeongju's most significant historical sites, including Seokguram Grotto, Anapji Pond, and Cheomseongdae Observatory. Learn about the rich history of the Silla Dynasty as you explore these ancient landmarks.
Evening
End your day with a visit to Gyeongju National Museum, which houses an extensive collection of artifacts from the Silla period. For dinner, dine at Hwangnam Bread, known for its delicious traditional Korean pastries.
Bedtime
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Bulguksa Temple

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Gyeongju National Museum

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Exploring Gyeongju's Historical Wonders

Morning
Start your day with a visit to Tumuli Park (Daereungwon Tomb Complex). This park is home to several large burial mounds from the Silla Dynasty. Explore the tombs and learn about the ancient burial practices of Korean royalty.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, join Gyeongju: Yangdong Village & Oksanseowon Confucian Academy Tour. Visit Yangdong Village, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved traditional Korean houses (hanoks), and Oksanseowon Confucian Academy, which offers insights into Korea's educational history.
Evening
Conclude your day with a relaxing stroll along Gyerim Forest, believed to be one of Korea's oldest forests. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before heading to Siwon Traditional Korean Restaurant for dinner, where you can savor authentic Korean dishes made with fresh local ingredients.
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Visit Constitution Square (Plaza de la Constitución) in Gyeongju
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Tumuli Park (Daereungwon Tomb Complex)

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Gyerim Forest

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Gyeongju's Ancient Marvels

Morning
Begin your day with a visit to Gyeonggijeon Shrine. This historical site is dedicated to the portrait of King Taejo, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty. The shrine's architecture and serene surroundings provide a glimpse into Korea's royal past.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, join Gyeongju: Full-Day Historical Sites Tour. This tour will take you through some of Gyeongju's most significant historical landmarks, including Cheomseongdae Observatory, Anapji Pond, and the Royal Tombs. Learn about the rich history of the Silla Dynasty as you explore these ancient sites.
Evening
End your day with a visit to Bunhwangsa Temple, one of Gyeongju's oldest temples. The temple is known for its unique stone pagoda and tranquil atmosphere. For dinner, head to Siwon Traditional Korean Restaurant, where you can enjoy authentic Korean cuisine in a traditional setting.
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Gyeonggijeon Shrine

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Exploring Jeonju

Morning
Transfer from Gyeongju to Jeonju will ensure a smooth transfer from your accommodation in Gyeongju to Jeonju. Upon arrival, start your exploration with a visit to Jeonju Hanok Village. This village is home to over 800 traditional Korean houses (hanoks) and offers various cultural experiences such as hanbok wearing and traditional tea ceremonies.
Afternoon
Jeonju: Full-Day Cultural Experience Tour will guide you through some of Jeonju's most iconic sites. Visit Gyeonggijeon Shrine, Omokdae Pavilion, and Jeondong Catholic Church while learning about Jeonju's rich cultural heritage.
Evening
Conclude your day with a visit to Jeonjuhyanggyo Confucian School. This historical site offers insights into Korea's educational history and Confucian traditions. For dinner, dine at Hanguk Jip, known for its delicious bibimbap (mixed rice with vegetables).
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Transfer from Gyeongju to Jeonju

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Jeonju Hanok Village

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Nature and Culture in Jeollanam-do

Morning
Transfer from Jeonju to Suncheon will ensure a smooth transfer from your accommodation in Jeonju to Suncheon in Jeollanam-do. Upon arrival, start your exploration with a visit to Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve. This beautiful wetland area is home to diverse wildlife and offers scenic walking trails.
Afternoon
Suncheon: Full-Day Nature Tour will take you through some of Suncheon's most stunning natural sites. Visit Suncheonman Bay National Garden, Naganeupseong Folk Village, and Seonamsa Temple while enjoying the picturesque landscapes.
Evening
Suncheon Open Film Set is your destination for the evening. This film set recreates scenes from Korea's past and has been used in numerous movies and TV dramas. For dinner, head to Suncheon Bay Garden Restaurant, where you can enjoy fresh local ingredients prepared in traditional Korean dishes.
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Transfer from Jeonju to Suncheon

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Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve

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Jeollanam-do's Coastal Wonders

Morning
Start your day with a visit to Boseong Green Tea Plantation. This lush plantation is famous for its rolling green tea fields and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Take a leisurely walk through the fields and learn about the tea production process.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, join Yeosu: Full-Day Coastal Tour. This tour will take you along Jeollanam-do's beautiful coastline, visiting sites such as Hyangiram Hermitage, Odongdo Island, and Yeosu Maritime Cable Car. Enjoy breathtaking ocean views and explore charming coastal villages.
Evening
Conclude your day with a visit to Yeosu Expo Park. This park was the site of the 2012 World Expo and features various attractions, including an aquarium and a digital gallery. For dinner, dine at Haenyeo's Kitchen, known for its fresh seafood dishes prepared by local female divers.
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Boseong Green Tea Plantation

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Cultural Exploration in Jeonju

Morning
Begin your day with a visit to Jeonju Hanok Village. This village is home to over 800 traditional Korean houses (hanoks) and offers various cultural experiences such as hanbok wearing and traditional tea ceremonies.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, join Jeonju: Full-Day Cultural Experience Tour. This tour will guide you through some of Jeonju's most iconic sites, including Gyeonggijeon Shrine, Omokdae Pavilion, and Jeondong Catholic Church. Learn about Jeonju's rich cultural heritage as you explore these historical landmarks.
Evening
End your day with a visit to Jeonjuhyanggyo Confucian School. This historical site offers insights into Korea's educational history and Confucian traditions. For dinner, head to Hanguk Jip, known for its delicious bibimbap (mixed rice with vegetables).
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Jeonju Hanok Village

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Jeonjuhyanggyo Confucian School

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Final Day in Seoul

Morning
Take an early morning transfer back to Seoul from Jeonju. Upon arrival, start your exploration with a visit to National Museum of Korea. This museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts from Korea's history and culture.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, join Seoul: City Highlights Private Tour with Pickup and Drop-off. This tour will take you through some of Seoul's most iconic landmarks based on your interests. You can choose to visit places like Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, or Insadong.
Evening
Conclude your trip with a relaxing evening at Han River (Hangang). Join Seoul: Han River Guided Night Cruise and Hangang Park Picnic for a scenic boat ride along the river while enjoying stunning night views of Seoul's skyline. For dinner, dine at Tosokchon Samgyetang, famous for its delicious ginseng chicken soup.
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National Museum of Korea

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Seoul: City Highlights Private Tour with Pickup and Drop-off

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