World Heritage in Korea

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

Upon your arrival at Incheon International Airport, you will be welcomed and then transferred with a private, air-conditioned vehicle to Seoul (no guide).

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.

Check in to your hotel to leave your luggage.

Take some time to relax and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

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.         
- Dinner on your own account.

Inclusions:

Time: 09:00 - 18:00

After breakfast at the hotel, meet the guide at 09:00 in the hotel lobby to begin the day’s exploration.

Begin the day with a visit to Changdeokgung Palace, one of the most refined palaces of the Joseon Dynasty and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Designed to harmonise with its natural surroundings, the palace is celebrated for its elegant layout and restrained beauty.

Then, proceed to Bukchon, home to traditional hanok residences that once housed aristocrats. While not UNESCO-listed, the area provides essential context for daily life during the Joseon Dynasty and complements the palace narrative.

Enjoy a traditional Korean meal. 

Afterwards, travel to Gwanghwamun Gate for a guided exploration of Gyeongbokgung Palace, the principal royal residence of the Joseon Dynasty. 

Originally constructed in 1395 and later expanded in 1867, the palace once comprised 330 buildings and remains one of Seoul’s most impressive historic sites. 

Witness the ceremonial Changing of the Guard at 14:00, a centuries-old tradition honouring royal protocol. A short visit to the National Folk Museum, located within the palace grounds, provides additional insight into Korea’s cultural heritage.

Conclude the day in Insadong, a historic district long associated with scholars, artists, and antique dealers. Lined with traditional teahouses, galleries, and craft shops, the area offers a glimpse into Korea’s artistic heritage and continues to serve as a cultural hub where traditional practices meet contemporary creativity.

Returning to the hotel to enjoy the evening at leisure.  

Overnight in Seoul    

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

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Seoul – Suwon (approx. 45 km): 1 hr Suwon – Yongin (approx. 30 km): 40 min Yongin – Jeonju (approx. 200 km): 2.5–3 hrs

Time: 07:30 – 18:00

Check out after breakfast and depart Seoul by private car.

The first stop is Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Constructed during the late Joseon period (1777–1800), the fortress symbolises the King’s filial piety towards his father and his ambition to develop a self-sufficient city. Unique among Korea’s fortifications, it features a range of military structures and architectural innovations.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. 

Then, visit Yongin Korean Folk Village, where traditional hanok-style houses have been relocated and preserved to showcase life during the Joseon Dynasty. The village offers an immersive look into Korea’s past, complete with workshops, performances, and folk artefacts.

Following the visit, travel onwards to Jeonju for approximately 2.5 hours. 

Jeonju, renowned as the birthplace of bibimbap, is a vibrant city rich in history and tradition. With its well-preserved Hanok Village, lively culinary scene, and deep-rooted cultural legacy, Jeonju offers an inviting glimpse into Korea’s past and present.

Arrive in Jeonju in the late afternoon. The remainder of the evening is at leisure to relax or explore independently. There are many charming restaurants and cafés located within walking distance of the hotel.

Overnight in Jeonju.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

Time: 09:00 - 18:00

Transfer to the cooking studio, located in a peaceful garden setting surrounded by lush greenery.

Begin the morning with a hands-on cooking class (120 mins) led by a local chef. Learn the secrets of authentic Jeonju-style cuisine, famous for its balance of colours, textures and flavours.

Prepare bibimbap using fresh, local ingredients, and enjoy the meal at a beautifully arranged table in the garden’s serene atmosphere.

After lunch, continue to a local Hanbok rental shop. Choose a favourite from the array of traditional attire and get ready to explore Jeonju’s old town in true Korean style.

Stroll through the cobblestone lanes of Jeonju Hanok Village, home to over 700 traditional houses. Discover artisan workshops, teahouses and cultural boutiques while soaking in the timeless charm of Korea’s best-preserved heritage village.

Visit Gyeonggijeon Shrine, built in 1410 to honour King Tae-jo, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty. This peaceful complex features ancient trees, traditional architecture and royal artifacts that tell the story of Korea’s origins.

Take a break at a charming local café, beloved for its quiet courtyard and artisanal desserts. Enjoy a cup of coffee or traditional tea while unwinding in the calm atmosphere framed by Hanok rooftops.

After returning the Hanbok, head to the National Intangible Heritage Center, a modern cultural complex dedicated to preserving Korea’s living traditions, from folk music and crafts to performing arts. Experience exhibits and short demonstrations that showcase the artistry passed down through generations.

Wrap up the day by returning to the hotel.

Overnight in Jeonju.

Note:
- The National Intangible Heritage Centre is closed every Monday.
- The cooking class requires a minimum of 2 pax and accommodates up to 20 pax per session.
- Children aged 8 and under must be accompanied by a guardian.
- Dinner on your own account.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Jeonju – Damyang Bamboo Forest (approx. 55 km): 1 hr Damyang Bamboo Forest – Meta-Sequoia Road (approx. 3 km): 10 min| Damyang – Gwangju (approx. 25 km): 40 min

Time: 09:00 - 18:00

After checking out of the hotel in Jeonju, meet with the local guide and depart by private, air-conditioned vehicle with a driver. 

Embark on a scenic drive to Damyang Bamboo Forest (Juknokwon), a tranquil haven of towering bamboo groves spanning over 30,000 square metres. Enjoy a leisurely walk along its well-maintained pathways, ideal for gentle strolling and photography.

Then, indulge in lunch at a local restaurant featuring regional specialities that reflect Damyang’s culinary heritage. Dishes are prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients, offering an authentic taste of Korean cuisine.

Afterwards, take a short 10-minute drive to the Meta-Sequoia Road, a picturesque tree-lined avenue known for its towering sequoias and serene atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing stroll.

Continue the journey to Gwangju, where the afternoon begins with a visit to the Sajik Tower observatory, offering panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.

Explore the historic district of Yangnim-dong, home to well-preserved missionary houses that showcase early 20th-century architecture influenced by foreign residents. These buildings reflect a unique blend of local and Western styles, highlighting Gwangju’s multicultural past.

Then, visit the Lee Lee Nam Studio Gallery and Coffee Shop, where contemporary digital art inspired by traditional Korean motifs is on display in a warm, inviting space.

Conclude the day at the Gwangju Asia Culture Centre, a hub for traditional arts and performances. The centre offers visitors a deeper understanding of regional heritage through exhibitions, craft demonstrations, and cultural activities, celebrating the city's creative spirit and historical legacy.

Transfer to the hotel in Gwangju for check-in. 

Overnight in Gwangju. 

Note:
- Asia Culture Center is closed every Monday
- Dinner on your own account.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Gwangju – Boseong Green Tea Plantation (approx. 70 km): 1 hr 30 min Boseong – Naganeupseong Folk Village (approx. 35 km): 50 min Naganeupseong – Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve (approx. 20 km): 30 min Suncheon Bay – Yeosu (approx.37km): 45min

Time: 09:00 – 19:00

After checking out of the hotel in Gwangju, meet the local guide and depart by private, air-conditioned vehicle with a driver.

Begin the day with a scenic journey to Boseong Green Tea Plantation, Korea’s most famous tea-growing region. The lush, terraced fields of vibrant green stretch across gentle hills, offering picturesque views and fresh mountain air. 

Walk along the plantation paths and learn about Korea’s centuries-old tea cultivation practices. The plantation has also served as a backdrop for numerous films and dramas thanks to its striking natural beauty.

Continue to Naganeupseong Folk Village, a rare and exceptionally well-preserved walled village dating back to the Joseon Dynasty. Recognised as a major Historic Site, this living village is still inhabited today. It offers a glimpse into traditional Korean rural life, with thatched-roof houses, stone walls, and historical government buildings set against a peaceful countryside backdrop.

After lunch at a local restaurant featuring regional delicacies, head to Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve, one of Korea’s most important ecological sites. This vast coastal wetland is home to tidal flats, salt marshes, and extensive reed fields, attracting migratory birds and offering stunning natural scenery. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site , it is both a haven for biodiversity and a place of serene beauty. Walk along the wooden boardwalks and enjoy panoramic views of the bay and its rich ecosystem.

Transfer to the hotel in Yeosu for check-in.

Overnight in Yeosu.

Note:
- Comfortable walking shoes recommended due to uneven paths at the folk village and reed fields.
- Dinner on your own account.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Yeosu – Busan (approx. 210 km): 2 hr 30 min Jagalchi Fish Market – BIFF Square (on foot): 5 min BIFF Square – Gamcheon Culture Village (approx. 3.5 km): 15 min Gamcheon Culture Village – Songdo Cable Car (approx. 4.5 km): 15 min

Time: 09:00 – 18:00

After checking out of the hotel in Yeosu, depart for Busan by private, air-conditioned vehicle with a driver. The drive offers scenic glimpses of southern Korea’s coastal and rural landscapes.

Upon arrival in Busan, meet with the local guide and begin with a visit to the city’s iconic Jagalchi Fish Market, Korea’s largest seafood market. Soak in the lively atmosphere as you browse stalls brimming with freshly caught fish and shellfish, then enjoy a seafood lunch at one of the market’s bustling upstairs restaurants.

After lunch, take a short walk to BIFF Square, the cultural heart of Busan’s film industry. The square buzzes with energy, lined with street food stalls, shops, and handprints of famous international film stars commemorating the Busan International Film Festival.

Next, continue to the colourful and artistic Gamcheon Culture Village, often referred to as the "Machu Picchu of Busan." Perched on the hillside, this former refuge for war evacuees has been transformed into a vibrant maze of murals, art installations, and brightly painted houses. Stroll through its winding alleyways and enjoy panoramic views over the sea.

Conclude the day with a scenic ride on the Songdo Cable car, offering sweeping views of Songdo Beach and the dramatic coastline. Disembark and take a short walk to the Songdo Cloud Walk and Yonggung Suspension Bridge, which stretch out over the ocean for a unique seaside perspective.

After the visit, transfer to the hotel for check-in and enjoy a restful evening.

Overnight in Busan.

Note:
- Songdo Yonggung Suspension Bridge is closed every 1st and 3rd Monday of each month.
- Jagalchi Market is closed every 1st, 3rd and 5th Tuesday of each month. 
- Dinner on your own account.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Busan – Gyeongju (approx. 100 km): 1.5 hours by private vehicle Seokguram Grotto to Gyeongju National Museum (approx. 15 km): 30 minutes Gyeongju National Museum to Daereungwon Tomb Complex (approx. 3 km): 10 minutes Daereungwon Tomb Complex to Woljeong Bridge / Wolji Pond (approx. 4 km): 10 minutes

Time: 09:00 – 20:00

After breakfast, check out and depart by private, air-conditioned vehicle for Gyeongju, a journey of approximately 1.5 hours.

Once the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom, Gyeongju is often referred to as an open-air museum. The city boasts a remarkable concentration of heritage sites, including several recognised by UNESCO, such as historic palaces, temples, pagodas, and royal tombs that bear witness to over a thousand years of Korean civilisation.

Begin the exploration at the UNESCO-listed religious complex of Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple. Perched on the slopes of Mount Toham, Seokguram is renowned for its exquisite granite Buddha statue and intricate bas-reliefs, while Bulguksa Temple impresses with its elegant wooden halls and finely crafted stone terraces. Together, they reflect the artistic and spiritual achievements of the Silla period.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant featuring traditional cuisine from the region.

In the afternoon, visit the Gyeongju National Museum, home to a vast collection of Silla artefacts including golden crowns, pottery, and Buddhist relics. The exhibits offer an in-depth look at the cultural and technological sophistication of this ancient kingdom.

Next, explore the Daereungwon Tomb Complex, also known as Tumuli Park, where grassy burial mounds dot the landscape. Step inside the Cheonmachong Tomb, a typical aristocratic tomb from the Silla era, to observe the wooden chamber construction and artefacts discovered within, including the famed "Heavenly Horse" painting.

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in the city center. 

Continue the day with a walk to Woljeong Bridge, a reconstructed wooden bridge that once formed part of the southern approach to the royal palace. 

Finish at Wolji Pond, an artificial pond created in the 7th century as part of a royal garden. Surrounded by reconstructed pavilions and beautifully landscaped grounds, the site evokes the refined aesthetics of the Silla court.

Transfer to the hotel in Gyeongju for check-in.

Overnight in Gyeongju.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

Time: 08:00 – 18:00

After an early breakfast, depart south of Gyeongju for a half-day hike on Mount Namsan, part of Gyeongju National Park. Revered as a sacred site during the Silla Dynasty, Namsan is dotted with over 100 temple sites, 80 stone Buddha statues, and 60 stone pagodas nestled along its forested slopes. The well-maintained hiking route takes approximately three hours, offering a moderately challenging trail with opportunities to pause and admire cultural relics and panoramic views along the way. 

Following the descent, continue by vehicle to Golgulsa Temple for an immersive overnight temple stay experience. Situated at the base of Mount Hamwol, Golgulsa is Korea’s only temple built within natural stone caves.

The stay offers a rare insight into monastic life, with activities such as seated meditation, archery, and Sunmudo, a dynamic martial art rooted in Zen practice, aimed at cultivating mindfulness through motion. 

Conclude the day with a wholesome vegetarian dinner, prepared in the style of traditional temple cuisine. 

Overnight at Golgulsa Temple, near Gyeongju.

Note: 
-  Namsan Mountain Hiking difficulty: Medium. Appropriate footwear and gear recommended.
- Sunmudo demonstrations are not available on Mondays and Tuesdays.
- The content and schedule of the temple stay experience may vary depending on the temple’s programme.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Gyeongju – Andong (approx. 130 km): 1.5 hr) Andong - Seoul by KTX (approx. 200 km): 2.5 hr)

After the temple stay concludes, depart by private vehicle for Hahoe Folk Village, located near Andong. 

The drive takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. Nestled between the Nakdong River and wooded hills, this UNESCO-listed village is one of Korea’s best-preserved examples of a traditional clan-based settlement.

Founded in the 16th century, Hahoe retains its historical layout and features a number of well-preserved hanok residences belonging to the Ryu clan of the Joseon dynasty. 

Explore the village’s narrow pathways, Confucian schools, aristocratic homes, and take in the tranquil scenery that surrounds this cultural gem.

After the visit, transfer to Andong Station to board the KTX express train to Seoul.

Upon arrival in Seoul, meet the driver at the station for a private transfer to the hotel and check-in.

Overnight in Seoul.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

Time:   07:00 -16:00

Around 7:00, be picked up by a shared transfer vehicle and drive to the meeting point. Meet the DMZ specialist guide at the meeting point for a join-in tour to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).

The DMZ, the 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 and the Dora Observatory. 

Transfer back to Seoul by bus, disembarking at City Hall Station and meet EXO local guide to continue with a short visit to Sungnyemun Gate (also known as Namdaemun Gate), one of the Four Great Gates that once protected the capital during the Joseon Dynasty. 

Originally constructed in the 14th century, it is designated as National Treasure No. 1 and stands as a powerful symbol of Seoul’s resilience and heritage.

Then stroll through Namdaemun Market, a lively and sprawling traditional market established in the early 15th century. With hundreds of vendors selling everything from street food and textiles to kitchenware and souvenirs, the market offers an authentic glimpse into the daily life and flavours of Seoul.

Transfer to the hotel to check-in and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. 

Overnight in Seoul. 

Note: 
- DMZ is a Join-in tour, a shared experience in a bus tour (approx. 30-40 pax per coach).
- 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 - Incheon International Airport (approx. 58 km): +/- 1hr

Enjoy a leisurely morning at the hotel before transferring (car and driver only, no guide) to the airport for your onward departure flight.

Note:
- Normal hotel check-out time is 11:00; a surcharge will be applied for late check-out.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast