Korea at a Glance

📍 Incheon International Airport – Seoul (approx. 58 km): +/- 1hr

Upon your arrival at Incheon International Airport, you will be welcomed by a local English-speaking guide then transfer into Seoul. 

Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is a harmonious blend of ancient tradition and cutting-edge innovation. As a sprawling metropolis, it boasts historic palaces, bustling markets, futuristic architecture and a vibrant arts scene, making it a cultural, technological and historical hub in East Asia.

Depending on your flight time, check in to your hotel for a chance to freshen up.

Begin your exploration of Seoul with a visit to Gwangjang Market, one of the country’s oldest and largest traditional markets. Previously known as Dongdaemun Market, it is famous for selling beautiful fabrics, especially those used for making traditional Korean dress, called hanbok. The market also features busy, colourful stalls where you can try new and exciting Korean dishes. 

Next, take the subway to Hanyangdoseong. Also known as Seoul City Wall, the defensive wall was built more than 600 years ago and is standing strong as one of Korea’s major historical monuments. Take a walk along the wall, enjoying the surrounding views.

Return to the hotel. The rest of the day is free at leisure. 

Normal hotel check-in time is 15:00; a surcharge will be applied for early check-in.

Overnight in Seoul
 

Inclusions:

🍗 Dinner

After breakfast at your hotel, set off for a full day exploring Seoul by public transport.

This morning, visit Gyeongbokgung (Gyongbok) Palace, the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. Originally built in 1395, it was expanded in 1867 to become the largest, and arguably most beautiful of Seoul’s five palaces, with 330 buildings in total. 

During your visit to the palace, you may wish to see The National Folk Museum. Located within the palace grounds, the museum contains interesting exhibits about the history of Korean people and their culture. 

If time allows, witness the ceremonial changing of the guard, which takes place at 10:00 and 14:00 at Gwanghwamun Gate. (Note: Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed on Tuesdays)

Continue your morning tour with a walk to Gwanghwamun Square, a popular public square that often has outdoor performances and art exhibitions. Then, visit the National Museum of Contemporary Korean History for insights into how Korea propelled itself from being an agricultural society to the modern economic powerhouse that it is today.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Next, stop by Changdeokgung Palace, another palace from the Joseon dynasty.  In addition to being one of the best preserved palaces, this UNESCO site is known for its Secret Garden, where man-made structures were built in harmony with the natural surroundings. 

Then visit Dongmyo Flea Market, a bustling marketplace where Koreans come to buy and sell vintage goods, dating back to the Korean War Era.

Return to your hotel to freshen up and head out for dinner on your own. You may wish to stroll through Insadong District, an area known for its art galleries, traditional tearooms, and souvenir shops.

Overnight in Seoul
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel.

You will be picked up for a half day tour of the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).  This border barrier between South and North Korea is steeped in history and intrigue. Spend time exploring the various sites and exhibitions at the DMZ including Freedom Bridge, 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, Imjingak Park, the DMZ Museum and the Dora Observatory.

After touring the DMZ, return to the city centre.

This evening, head to Namdaemun Market which is the largest, oldest, and most popular traditional market in Seoul. The market opened in 1414, during the Joseon era. You will find vendors selling  Korean food and drink, as well as handicrafts and other items.

Return to the hotel. 

Overnight in Seoul
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Seoul – Gyeongju by KTX (approx. 276 km): +/- 2:45 hr

After an early breakfast at the hotel, travel to Gyeongju by KTX Train. After disembarking, continue by private car to Gyeongju City.

Gyeongju, once the capital of the 8th-century Silla Kingdom, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Revered as an open-air museum, it is a veritable treasure trove of history, brimming with palaces, temples, and tombs.

Your tour of Gyeongju begins at the religious architectural complex of Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple. Built during the time of the Silla Kingdom, the site highlights the mastery of the architects and artists of that era. Admire the Buddhist carvings and statues of Seokguram and Bulguksa’s wooden buildings and stone terraces. 

Then continue to Gyeongju National Museum. With its vast collections of artefacts, relics, and royal treasures, the museum offers a comprehensive insight into the art, culture, and history of the Silla dynasty.

The final stop today is Daereungwon Tomb complex. Also known as Tumuli Park, the area has more than 20 tombs from the Silla period. Take a closer look at the Cheonmachong Tomb, a typical upper class tomb of the Silla era, with a wooden coffin placed inside an underground chamber covered with a mound of boulders and earth. 

Then, bid farewell to the guide and transfer back to the hotel.

If you wish to explore this evening, we suggest an independent evening walk to the Woljeong Bridge, an historical gateway connecting the royal palaces of Silla to the south. End the walk at the Woljie Pond, an artificial pond that was part of the palace complex of the ancient Silla.

Overnight in Gyeongju
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

Take a morning excursion out of Gyeongju.  Travel by private car along the Hyeongsan River for 16 km northeast to visit Yangdong Folk Village, a traditional yangban (Korean Aristocracy) village from the Joseon dynasty.

Yangdong is home to more than 160 traditional style houses (called ‘hanok’), with either tile or thatched roofs, as well as other buildings from the Joseon era. With a backdrop of beautiful natural scenery, visit the village shrine, Confucius school, and the noble house of the village head. Before returning back, stroll along the village trail to admire the well-preserved traditional hanoks.

Transfer back to Gyeongju and take a short break before hiking in the afternoon.

Take a half-day hike at Namsan Mountain, home to over 100 temples, 80 stone Buddha statues and 60 stone pagodas. The 3-hour hiking route follows a well-maintained trail. Take short breaks along the way to admire some of the cultural relics and scenic views. After watching the sunset from the top of Namsan Mountain, return to the base and transfer back to the hotel. NOTE: Hiking is optional, depending on your energy and fitness level.

Overnight in Gyeongju

Tour duration (guided tour): 09:00-13:00
Hiking difficulty: Medium, hiking shoes and gears recommended
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Gyeongju– Busan (approx. 100 km): +/- 1:30 hr

After breakfast at the hotel, travel to Busan by bus.

Upon arrival, check in to your hotel to drop off your luggage. Normal hotel check-in time is 15:00; a surcharge will be applied for early check-in.

Set out for an introduction to Busan. First, visit the Modern History Museum, a sombre but important look at the tumultuous history of Busan. Then take a closer look at sights related to the Korean War with visits to the Provisional Capital Government Office, Memorial Hall and the United Nations Memorial Cemetery before visiting an observation deck for scenic views over the city. Then, walk around Gukje Market, Busan’s largest market, which was a hub for refugees during and after the  Korean War. 

Continue to Gamcheon Village, an area of Busan where refugees settled during the Korean War and cultivated the mountainous land to make a living. These days, the area has been reborn thanks to the Village Art Project. Walk around the winding streets, admiring the colourful houses, art installations, retail shops and galleries.

After exploring Gamcheon Village, return to the hotel for a chance to rest and refresh.

Later this afternoon, continue exploring Busan with a visit to Haeundae, a white sandy beach beloved by Koreans. After a walk along the beach, join your guide for a fun, food-focused walking tour through the vibrant city streets. The guide will also show you a couple of bars that are popular with local residents, should you wish to stay out and explore the city’s nightlife independently. 

After the food tour, bid farewell to the guide and return to the hotel or continue exploring on your own.

Return to your hotel.

Overnight in Busan
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, join your guide for a visit to Seongbulsa Temple, a Buddhist temple at the foot of Jangsan Mountain. A short hike takes you to the temple, which is notable for its golden Buddha statue and serene atmosphere. Spend time exploring the temple and its surroundings before returning on foot to the car.

Continue to a cooking class, where you will learn more about authentic local specialities. The course includes English instructions and demonstrations, as well as an opportunity to taste local rice wine. 

After having lunch, collect the recipe to take home and proceed to Jagalchi Market. This is South Korea’s largest seafood market to observe the array of products on sale and to experience the hive of activity where storekeepers are keen to sell the day’s catch.

Before the day comes to a close, take a cable car ride across the sea. During the 15-20 minute journey, enjoy spectacular views across the ocean, Songdo Beach, Yeongdodaegyo Bridge, Namhangdaegyo Bridge, Songdo Coastal Dullegil Road and rock cliffs. Before the return journey, stop at Sky Harbor Observatory to observe the natural beauty of Busan coastal area.

Overnight in Busan
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

After your breakfast at the hotel, transfer to KTX station for the return journey to Seoul.

Upon arrival in Seoul, enjoy time at leisure before transferring to the airport for your onward departure flight. 
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast