Soon to be EXO’s eleventh destination, Korea, is a country of fascinating juxtapositions. Here are our recommendations for making the most of a Korea holiday, whether it’s three days or three weeks.
Korea in 3-4 days
Although Korea is a relatively small country, each region is packed with enough experiences to fill at least three days of touring. Therefore, if travellers only have 3-4 days in Korea we suggest focusing on one region to minimise travel time and dive deeper into the soul of the destination.
A three-day stay in Seoul, the arrival point of most international flights, could include a culinary excursion, tour of the city’s highlights and hidden places and an excursion to the DMZ. For nature lovers, Jeju Island boasts volcanic wonders, hiking trails and hot springs as well as being the home of the haenyo divers, who dive deep to harvest seafood. A visit to the haenyo museum and villages are worth adding to a three-night stay in Jeju Island.
Another alternative for a short stopover is Gyeongju, a historic city that is just two-hours from Seoul by train. A historic city, a full day is needed to cover the remarkable cultural heritage sites in the area: Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Caves, Daereungwon Tomb Complex and a traditional village. Alternatively, for more niche interests, Gyeongju has plenty of kid-friendly parks and museums and a Buddhist temple where guests can experience the daily practices of monks.
Korea in 7-9 days
With 7-9 days in Korea, travellers can cover three or four destinations in a journey that is insightful but not rushed. A classic routing would include Seoul, Gyeongju and Busan, three cities that offer a mix of experiences and are connected by short, convenient train journeys.
Building on the Seoul and Geyongju experiences described above, the next stop on a week-long Korea itinerary would be Busan. And while one could spend weeks in Busan and not see it all, we recommend at least two full days to visit the cultural village, fish market, war memorial and have time for sampling plenty of Busan’s delicious culinary delights.
Of course there are alternatives and extensions that can fit within a 7-9 day itinerary. Jeju Island, as mentioned above, is a great destination for nature lovers with its volcanic wonders, hiking trails and hot springs. Jeonju makes for a great stopover between Seoul and Busan and offers plenty of sites for culture buffs, including Namhansanseong Fortress, a UNESCO Heritage site. And for ski enthusiasts, a week-long ski holiday in the winter (November to March) would provide time enough to mix a touch of sightseeing with a few days on the slopes.
Korea in 10 or more days
Spending ten or more days in Korea gives plenty of time to cover the aforementioned highlights as well as some hidden gems or niche destinations.
One stop we highly recommend is Andong, a town often referred to as ‘The Capital of Korean Spirit’. The beautiful rural area has well-preserved folk practices such as the Hahoe mask dance and is home to traditional villages where guests can stay and experience Korea’s deep-rooted cultural ties.
Alternatively, nature lovers may wish to extend their stay with a visit to Sokcho. Sokcho is home to some of Korea’s most beautiful natural scenery, including lakes, the sea and the limestone mountains of neighbouring Seoraksan National Park. And Mokpo, in the south, is an interesting place for a stopover en route to Jeju Island. The port city has an informative maritime museum and an urban hike up Yudol Mountain rewards with fabulous views over the city and the sea.
Interested in Korea? We are gearing up to launch in early November, just ahead of WTM 2023. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our team below.
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