Korea at a Glance

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

Upon arrival at Incheon International Airport, you will be welcomed by Upon your arrival at Incheon International Airport, you will be welcomed by your driver (no guide) and then head to Seoul City.

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.

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

The remainder of the day at leisure.

Optional Activity: Seochon Evening Tour with Pedicab (2h)

Embark on a two-hour pedicab journey through Seochon’s charming alleyways at sunset. Glide past hanok houses, historic landmarks, and hidden cultural gems, with insightful commentary from your rider. Experience the district’s timeless allure, from ancient palace gates to Tongin markets, for an unforgettable glimpse into Seoul’s rich heritage.

Note:
-2 hour pedicab ride with a pedicab driver only.
-Transportation to the meeting point with a pedicab driver is your own arrangement.
-Transportion back to the hotel after the pedicab tour is your own arrangement.
-Guide service is not included.
-Weight limit is 150kg per rickshaw.

Overnight in Seoul

Note:
- The standard for the check-in time is 15:00 o’clock.
- Should you arrive earlier, baggage may be stored at the hotel. An early check-in depends on availability and may be subject to additional charges.
- Lunch and Dinner on your own account.

Inclusions:

Tour duration: 09:00-17:00

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel. Meet the guide in the lobby of your hotel at 9:00 and begin the urban exploration by visiting Gwanghwamun Square, a lively public space that showcases the stories of Korea’s national heroes.

The square is home to the iconic statues of King Sejong, the creator of the Korean alphabet, and Admiral Yi Sun-Sin, a national hero famed for his victories during the Japanese invasions. These statues serve as symbols of Korea’s rich history and offer a fitting introduction to the nation's past.

From the square, proceed to Gwanghwamun Gate, the main entrance to Gyeongbokgung Palace. This majestic gate once served as the passageway for the kings of the Joseon Dynasty. 

The Changing of the Guard Ceremony can be witnessed at Gwanghwamun Gate(10:00 or 14:00), a centuries-old tradition that continues to be performed. The ceremony provides a beautiful insight into Korea's royal heritage and offers a fascinating glimpse into the nation’s culture and history.

Next, explore Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of Seoul’s five grand palaces. Time can be spent exploring the palace’s stunning architecture and tranquil gardens. During your visit to the palace, you may wish to see The National Folk Museum. Located next to the palace grounds, the museum contains interesting exhibits about the history of Korean people and their culture. 

From here, continue your walk to Insadong, a renowned street famous for its traditional Korean crafts, tea houses, and art galleries. The area provides an excellent opportunity to discover unique souvenirs and immerse in Seoul’s cultural scene. 

Enjoy a delicious lunch, trying some local Korean specialties.

Afterwards, make a stop at Jogyesa Temple, the main temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. This serene Buddhist temple, with its striking architecture and peaceful atmosphere, offers a tranquil break in the heart of the city. It’s a wonderful spot to relax, reflect, and take in the calm surroundings.

Finish the city tour at Bukchon Hanok Village, a charming neighborhood filled with traditional Korean houses (hanok). Wander its narrow lanes lined with tiled roofs and wooden frames, where history meets everyday life. This picturesque area offers a glimpse into Seoul’s past and is perfect for soaking in authentic architecture, snapping photos, and appreciating Korean heritage.

Overnight in Seoul

Note:
- Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed every Tuesday.
- Bukchon Hanok Village is closed every Sunday. 
- Dinner on your own account.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

Around 7:00, be picked up by a join-in bus tour and meet the DMZ specialist guide for transfer to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), an area rich in history and intrigue.

Upon arrival at the border barrier between South and North Korea, spend time exploring the various sites and exhibitions at the DMZ with the group and guide. Highlights include Freedom Bridge, 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, Imjingak Park and the Dora Observatory. 

Return to Seoul, where you will be dropped at City Hall. Your DMZ guide can provide instructions or directions for returning to your hotel. 

There is time to relax or explore on your own before your evening tour. 

The remainder of the day is free to relax or explore on your own.

Experience Taekwondo: Korea’s Iconic Martial Art
Duration: up to 3 hours
Inclusion: 1-hour Taekwondo class + Uniform (dobok) + Certificate + Car & driver service

Discover the energy, discipline, and philosophy of Korea’s national martial art with a hands-on Taekwondo session led by a certified black belt master. Learn basic techniques including stances, punches, kicks, and blocks, and practice a simple poomsae (pattern) that reflects the art’s precision and rhythm. The experience concludes with a group photo session. Participants receive a Taekwondo completion certificate as a meaningful memento.

Seoul Evening Market Exploration
Duration: up to 5 hours
Inclusion:  English speaking guide + Food tasting + Dinner & soju + Admission fees + Car & driver service

Experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of Seoul on a vibrant evening tour of the city’s markets. Explore Dongmyo Flea Market for vintage treasures, browse Gwangjang Market for traditional fabrics and local snacks, and wander through Myeongdong Night Market, sampling an array of Korean street food. Conclude with a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, paired with soju, while soaking up the city’s lively night atmosphere.

Seoul Touch: Aromatic Body Therapy JourneyDuration: up to 3.5 hours
Inclusion: 90min Luxurious body therapy + Car & driver service 
Escape to a luxurious wellness retreat in central Seoul. Enjoy a personalised 90-minute body therapy with a choice of traditional and modern massage techniques to release tension and restore balance. Begin with a calming foot bath and aromatic oils, then end with a relaxing tea for complete renewal. 

Overnight in Seoul

Note:
- Lunch and Dinner on your own account.
- DMZ is a Join-in tour, a shared experience with 30-44 pax per each SIC bus, accompanied by a designated guide.
- DMZ closes on Mondays & public holidays.
IMPORTANT: Each traveller is required to bring their passport for today’s visit.
- Pick-up time and meeting point for this join-in tour will be confirmed by your guide one day in advance.
- Lunch is not included, feel free to buy your own food during the break or bring it with you in your bag.
- During peak season, travellers may experience longer waiting lines when entering the DMZ zone.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

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

After breakfast, check out and transfer to the train station and board a KTX high-speed train to Gyeongju.

Recommended train: KTX 019 - Seoul 09:28 to Gyeongju 11:41

Upon arrival at Gyeongju Station, meet your guide and be picked up by private car to transfer to Seokguram Grotto.

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(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, Transfer to the hotel.

Our recommendation: If you wish to explore this evening, we suggest an independent walk to Woljeong Bridge, a historic gateway that once connected the royal palaces of Silla to the south. Conclude the walk at Wolji Pond, an artificial pond that formed part of the palace complex of ancient Silla.

Overnight in Gyeongju

Note:
- Lunch and dinner on your own account.
- If you wish to stay longer in the evening in Gyeongju city centre, you will need to return to the hotel independently.
- Woljeong Bridge and Wolji Pond entrance fees are at personal expense if you wish to visit them during your evening at leisure.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel. Meet with your guide and set off for a morning excursion out of Gyeongju.

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, then transfer to the restaurant for a well-deserved lunch. 

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant featuring regional specialities.

This afternoon, 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. 

Stroll through Yangdong Folk Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that beautifully preserves Korea’s Joseon-era heritage. Wander along peaceful lanes lined with traditional tiled and thatched houses, and admire the village’s natural harmony with its surrounding hills and fields, a living reflection of Confucian ideals, family lineage, and timeless rural life.

Arrive at Manho Gotaek, a 500-year-old hanok renowned for preserving traditional drink-making culture.

Under the guidance of local masters, take part in an engaging Cheongju (Korean rice wine) brewing workshop, where you’ll learn the process of fermenting, filtering, and ageing the elegant clear rice wine.

Afterward, taste freshly made Cheongju and artisanal soju, paired with light local bites and seasonal fruits, as the host shares insights into regional customs and brewing lore passed down through generations.

Transfer back to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.

Overnight in Gyeongju

Note: 
- Hiking is optional, depending on your energy and fitness level.
- Cheongju brewing workshop is available on request, usually on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Children under 9 may join only when accompanied by their parents. Alcohol tasting is not permitted for participants under 19.
- Dinner on your own account.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

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

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide in the lobby at 9:00 am and transfer to Busan. 

The drive will take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Today’s tour will be provided by a private, air-conditioned vehicle with a dedicated driver.

Busan, South Korea’s vibrant second-largest city, is a dynamic blend of modernity and tradition. Nestled between mountains and sea, it boasts bustling beaches, colorful markets, and tranquil temples.

Commence your introduction to Busan with a visit to the Modern History Museum, which provides a sobering yet insightful overview of the city’s turbulent past. 

Proceed to Gukje Market, Busan’s largest and most historically significant marketplace, which served as a major hub for refugees during and after the Korean War.

Enjoy a hearty bowl of gukbap, a traditional rice soup and one of Busan’s signature local dishes. 

After the meal, continue on foot to BIFF Street, a lively district named after the Busan International Film Festival, known for its celebrity handprints, bustling food stalls, and independent shops. 

Then, make a brief visit to Jagalchi Market, the country’s largest seafood market, offering a fascinating look at Busan’s maritime traditions and daily coastal life. 

In the afternoon, visit Gamcheon Culture Village, a hillside community originally formed by war refugees. Thanks to the Village Art Project, the area has been revitalized and transformed into a vibrant neighborhood adorned with colorful homes, art installations, boutique shops, and galleries. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through its picturesque alleys.

Transfer to Haeundae Beach and the final visit of the day will be X the Sky, an observation deck located in Haeundae’s tallest skyscraper. From this vantage point, enjoy panoramic views of the city and the coastline. 

Capture memorable photos and soak in the incredible sights from one of the highest points in Busan.

Transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.

Overnight in Busan

Note:
- Dinner on your own account.
- The Modern History Museum is closed on Mondays.
- Gukje Market is closed every Sunday. 
- Jagalchi Market is closed every 1st, 3rd and 5th Tuesday of every month. 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

After breakfast at the hotel, meet the guide at 9:00am  to start the tour. Today’s tour includes transfers by private, air-conditioned vehicles.

Transfer to a Join-in cooking class and learn how to make one of Korea’s most popular dishes, bibimbap, during a cooking class and demonstration. Follow the instructor to learn the techniques and process of making this fresh, delicious dish. Once ready, sit down to enjoy the freshly prepared bibimbap for lunch.

After eating, collect the recipe to take home and continue to Beomeosa Temple, one of Busan’s most important Buddhist sites, nestled on the slopes of Geumjeongsan Mountain. Explore the peaceful temple grounds, admire intricate architecture, and soak in the serene atmosphere that has drawn visitors for centuries.

Afterwards, transfer to Ahopsan Bamboo Forest, a tranquil grove filled with towering bamboo that has been carefully preserved for over 400 years. Enjoy a leisurely walk along shaded trails, surrounded by rustling bamboo and soft mountain breezes.
At the end of the day, return to the hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Overnight in Busan 

Note:
- Dinner on your own account.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Busan – Seoul (approx. 400 km): +/- 2:30 hr

After your breakfast at the hotel, transfer to KTX station for the return journey to Seoul (without a guide).

Upon arrival in Seoul, transfer to the airport for your onward departure flight. 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast